Scars of a Soul

by Lunar Cipher

Rating: mature
Tags: Sad, Princess Luna, Original Character, Rainbow Dash, Suicide / Self Harm, Tragedy, Profanity, Violence, Princess Celestia, Sex, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Death
Length: 855306

Happiness is hard to achieve, especially when stripped from you while so young. One pony must face this and find the truth in what it takes to overcome the darkness that grows around her and find what that darkness may yet yield. What it can create.

Soul Serenity is a young filly within Cloudsdale. A gifted Pegasus with a knack for pushing herself in the most important aspect of any Pegasus: flying. Young and talented, her ability is already beyond what to be expected, and with a goal that only the most hot-headed of pegasi can claim. But most ponies see her as only that, a talented filly. Yet the exterior only hides the truth within them.

Held back by her fear, she is left to watch all the other ponies who enjoy a life without worry or paranoia over what horrors could happen to them again. For how can any pony quickly escape the past? Soul seeks what they have and seeks a bright life, something that all ponies only achieve with the help of another. One of joy, of hope, of friendship. With fading hope as her only companion, Soul will do anything it takes to protect the dream she has and the dreams of others. To lead to a future for all ponies involved. A future so bright, that can be born from the light of life or even one born from the dark within.

Published 2018-07-31 13:30:01 UTC
Last updated 2019-07-23 02:23:04 UTC

Part 1 Illusion - Act 2

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Part 1 Illusion - Act 4

4.1
Where was Rainbow Dash? Soul hadn’t seen her for a whole day and this is what she got to come back to. She had been waiting far longer for her flight buddy to arrive, so much so that most of the other kids had already arrived and departed from their own parents. No sign of Aurora, thank Celestia. That was certainly not something she wanted to come back to. Alongside that, she was more than happy to see none of the other kids even bothered with her. Nothing had happened. Just more of the evading eyes and lonesome frowns that told her that someponies were obviously not wanting to deal with her. That is what left her antsy. If Dash wasn’t here, who would I get to fly with? Who would stand by my side?

Soul held her hoof close, rubbing gingerly against her chest, sure to calm the tingles that still pressured on. Yet that hoof remained freed to the morning air with her fur clearly overlapping where the long cut had been. I just know I’ve kept her worried all this time. She hadn’t seen any way that Dash could know how she was doing, on top of being forbidden from flying all of yesterday. She couldn’t meet her. Let her know how she was. What she really wanted to do today. Get rid of that scary moment from Dash’s mind. Soul looked off when she heard the sounds of more wings, only to find another of the colts landing with his parents. Goodbye hugs and giving away of a lunch. All the more of what she was used to. Not so much like the group hug of three ponies who looked so similar to one another when Amber and Breezy joined in a hug with their mom right by the entrance to the camp wall. Both fillies stepping off upon the clouds and running with such laughter off to the lockers. Soul watched them go and listened for the sound of their mother’s wings to fall off into the sky to let her know to ignore it.

Every second made her frown grow longer. Sulking even. As long as nopony bothered her, which looked to be the case, she was fine. Fine for as well a word she could put being worried for how her flight buddy was and if they would get to play today. More and more wings flying in, more ponies for Soul to watch wander off to join with others, their own flight buddies and groups to talk and play. What little they could do before the morning activities started.

4.2
Until… there she was! Soul’s frown pretty much transformed right there when she saw the familiar rainbow tail met with the sound of wings coming in. That cyan filly dropping in right behind the others with Windy by her side. The larger mare towering tall over the filly yet they both looked so sweet together, just like being able to see Dash again. Soul was starting to get worried if she really would not be here today. Looked like Dash had been the same way. Soul was the first one she spotted. Both eye to eye from across the clouds.

That dumbstruck filly over there with her mom, paused and bewildered, but her smile came back. Baring her grin to Soul. She almost forgot to do one thing. Soul felt her own heart melt when Dash went back to hug Windy for such a long time, much longer than normal. Amid their very happy faces, so much stronger than what Soul was used to. Before they parted. Windy waving off to the filly who ran to Soul. “Have a good day, you two!” the mare called out and flew off. You two? She’s actually wishing that to me too? Soul didn’t know why, but she waved off to the mare who went into the sky. Leaving her with her flight buddy once more when Soul stood up and almost fell back. Back with widened eyes and the warmth so familiar to her when hooves went around her. Rainbow hugged her so tightly. Throwing her own mane into Soul’s face, laughing so joyously, just like Soul who returned the hug.

It took time to do just that, to realize she was actually getting a greeting hug from her flight buddy. Wow, we’re doing this? She wasn’t complaining though. She felt so much better just having the pony there to join her in the thing they shared before under worse conditions. Worse, but still so sweet. Enough for Soul to indulge in it, not caring if any other could see. Think what they want, Dash and I are flight buddies who look out for one another. Just like she did for me. I never forgot that, Dash. “Thank you, for staying with me” Soul muttered into Dash’s mane.

“What do you mean, you dork? Think I wouldn’t come?” Oh no, she didn’t understand. Or did she? A little joke in her voice. She said it anyways. “Thanks for staying with me when I got hurt. It meant a lot.” Rainbow loosened her grip, pushing away so she could look Soul in the face. “You think I would just go? After how epic you made this week? No way I’d leave my flight buddy hurt.” A lot more than I would expect. Soul admitted it, she would not have expected it from the Dash she met from the start. Now, I feel more confident with her. Not many ponies would stay with me. At least you stayed.

I’m just glad I finally got to thank her and let her know that everything was going to be okay.

4.3
Dash practically led Soul off back to the lockers, looking back so often… just to make sure I’m behind her. She’s so sweet. Though the eyes did follow and Soul felt them. Just for a moment, no need to pay attention to them. The eyes that did matter where the ones she payed attention to from the cyan filly she followed. Sticking with her to put lunches away, Dash slammed her locker shut. Almost jumping with joy. “I… am…” she turned to Soul in a start. “So glad you made it back!” So high that her raspy voice broke in a pitch Soul had never heard from her before. It made her wince.

“You gotta tell me, what did you do yesterday? Any intense training or trips you made? You and your parents do anything cool?” Haha, what does she think happened? I was injured. It was amusing to Soul. Flattered that she was so interested though her answer would likely not be what Dash wanted to hear. “Well… I tried to train but… mom yelled at me and I had to stay in bed the whole time.”

Soul giggled. Embarrassingly rubbing her hoof behind her head. “I didn’t really get to do anything except read.” “Reading?” Dash said. Raising one brow for a moment. She shrugged and went on past Soul, sliding a hoof across the filly just to tell Soul to come on with her. “Yeah… I guess it was nastier than I thought” she said and stopped Soul at the doorway. Both of them alone in here. Dash lowered her voice. “You really scared me back there, …you have no idea how cool it is that you’re okay. It uh…” the filly looked over her shoulder. “Hasn’t been the same without you.”

“Really?” Soul rubbed her cheek. Damn, Dash, why are you being so nice to me today? She must have really been worried. Another kid worried about me, this was something else. “This place is pretty sucky without you, and where’s a pony without her flight buddy?” Dash punched a hoof into Soul’s chest. Rough though Soul still smiled. I don’t think it’s much different without me, but thank you so much for thinking that way of me. Soul couldn’t express it in words. Glad that this day went like this. So happy to come back to Dash.

4.4
“How is your wing… and your leg?” Dash said, looking over Soul’s body. “My wing?” Soul flashed both of them out. Feeling as good as when she first let them both loose once more earlier this morning, so great to have them both back. Carrying her back into the sky whenever. Doing that alone made Dash shake in excitement. “It’s A-okay” Soul said.

She held her hoof up too. No way to tell thanks to her fur, but she showed it off anyways. “Cut is still there, but my leg is fine. It still hurts just a bit.” Dash was extremely happy. Bobbing her head off to the side, staring upon Soul. She stepped forward.

“As long as your wings are good, I don’t want to see you lose that dream of yours. Such awesome news!” The pony skidded over to Soul’s side, feeling her prying eyes upon her, Soul stepped over a little but didn’t lower her wings. She let Dash look over them. Shadowed in their massive feathered spans like no eagle could compare with. Feeling her satisfaction with seeing her wings both in top shape again. Soul kind of liked Dash looking at them so closely. See how well she tended to them and how strong she had made them over the years. For another Pegasus to appreciate them, she could tell. Dash was enthralled back there.

“Neither of us want these puppies hurt. I’ll be honest” Dash said. “I was so scared for you when I saw you fall. I was happy you were still okay, but… when I saw your wing, I sort of panicked.” “I understand” Soul said.

Our wings mean a lot to us. Nimbus had been right in the end, and Soul had accepted it. She needed to rest, take time off training, and focus on getting her wings back up. I’ve worked so hard on them to let them falter because I wanted to be stubborn. Even more ashamed… that I did falter all because of something so stupid in the first place. I should have never crashed. “Am… I allowed to touch them?” Dash whispered back there. What? Soul glanced back. She found Rainbow swaying left to right in a hover over Soul’s wing with her forelegs up, like she was begging or something. Her smile was so big. Cute, but… Soul shook her head. “Only pony who can touch my wings are mom.” Like how well she always tended to them when I got hurt. More than once. She only wished… wished that nopony else had ever ran a hoof over them. Maybe then… then nothing would have happened… and this tingle would go away forever. That sort of dampened Dash’s spirits. “Oh, that’s alright.” “It’s not you” Soul clarified.

Should I tell her? Sort of the truth… or… I don’t know. Rainbow Dash, should she know? I’m frightened to tell her the truth, but embarrassed to tell her the other truth. Which was better to make her feel better? “My wings have always been sensitive since I was a foal. They… really hurt when they’re touched.” Soul squeaked. Yes, I know, I’m a wimp.

4.5
“Why didn’t you say so?” Dash said. The filly lowered herself. Joining with Soul at her side. “Nothing to be ashamed of. Let me tell you, anypony that touches my wings is a dead pony.” Dash let one of her wings out, hanging it over towards Soul. For her to look upon her bright blue feathers and strong span so small compared to Soul’s. “So don’t feel bad about it, my wings hurt too when they’re touched.”

“Really?” Soul asked. Dash nodded. Bringing her wing back. Soul also lowered her wings. Staring at her flight buddy. We both have sensitive wings? Not something I normally talk about to other ponies but… I feel so comfortable talking with her. “Sorry I tried to touch them the other day…” Dash said longingly. When I fell? That was okay, I caught her just in time to keep it from happening. Didn’t need more pain than I already had. “It’s no problem. Just ask next time” Soul told her. Though the answer would likely stay no. Rainbow groaned.

“If only our wings were made of steel” she trotted back off to the doorway. “We wouldn’t have to worry about hurting them and missing out on playing together. It can happen to either of us. …Either that or…” Soul step back when Dash turned back to her with such a grin. Kind of weird to it. “Be like those pegasi whose wings feel much better when they’re touched… or stroked. If you know what I mean.” What? Soul took a moment to figure out what she was talking about and that made her gasp. Whoa, Dash was definitely different today. “You’re really gonna talk like that here? Get your mind out of the gutter. Really, what ponies do you hang out with?” Soul said. “Just one” Dash cocked her head to Soul and went off on her way. Really, she’s such a kid today. That was what Soul was loving, enjoying how happy her flight buddy now was. She followed on after her. Ready to go about with the day.

4.6
“Did you all do anything interesting yesterday?” Soul asked. Looking around the camp and the normal routine it was with so many adults floating about to push the clouds into place and form new obstacles and paths for fillies and colts alike to take. With the many kids of their group and even others she did not recognize milling about just waiting to start. Looked like more groups had joined the camp.

“Well… bet you can see the advanced activities have started up here. It was such a drag having to watch them do cool maneuvers and these intense looking speeds they flew at… while we just did some more trials and low altitude maneuvers.” Dash sounded bored explaining it. Not at all happy over it. “Probably will be the same thing today.” No doubt.

We are ‘beginners’ apparently. Dash had some problems with flying but she was no amateur. Soul had gotten that the other day. I hope she sees me as no amateur as well considering what I did the other day as well. It never should have happened.

“I got an idea” Soul said, remembering that day. “Can we go do more flying after camp today, do that sauna trip we missed out on?” Dash brightened up immediately. Really enthralled now. She almost jumped in place. “Can we? No need to ask me. I’d love to go. Need to ask your folks?” Soul shook her head. “Probably not, honestly, mom and dad said something weird on the way here.” “Huh, my mom also said something weird on the way as well” Dash chimed in. “Was it something like… telling you to…” “Have fun after camp?” Dash finished for Soul. That was it. Soul and Dash both came together with joy in their hearts. Patting a hoof to one another’s hoof. Windy did it too? What the hell? How did Nimbus and Starry have the same idea as Windy? We get to play after camp! Like a little reward for me for being cooped up in my house all day.

4.7
As happy as it was to know they would be able to do that, Soul still dreaded the sight ahead of all the other kids gathered about. The same ones she knew to not like her and, among them were ponies who really did fight so hard against everything Dash made her feel. It never left her mind, it only sat there and she knew that ponies knew what she did. If I didn’t have Dash here, this place would be a nightmare. Unlike how it is for others. Like none of those ponies had any worries. None of them had to deal with being afraid of the others and seeing the hurtful words that ponies had to say about them. Because none of them made mistakes. Mistakes so different from simply flying like a novice. Unlike me.

Soul was really stunned to see how much different this place had turned. Where I felt only fear… now I feel like I truly am alone, crushed under all the weight of this place. Oh, she could not express how happy she was that Dash had made it. This was going to be another day, as long as we stick together then nothing can go bad. Just to know you’re there with me. Soul was quite surprised to see how very different this place really was becoming to her. Forget the sight of it all, it was the ponies in particular that made her stop in stunned silence for she had no words.

“Junior Speedsters are our lives, sky-bound soars and daring dives!” Is that Amber and… Breezy? Dash stood there with her, Soul hearing her snickering at the twins who were out and about singing whatever that was aside from the other kids. Like nopony watched them. Going about doing a series of swoops and tricks that had no rhyme or reason to Soul’s eyes. Though both sisters did them in tandem. Like one pony… and so glad to do it. “Junior Speedsters, it’s our quest, to someday be the very best!” The twins cheered and found time between their dance of tricks to give one another a hug.

I have no idea what it is that just was. Soul staying quiet, she looked to Dash when she started giggling.

4.8
“Isn’t that quite a chant?” Dash said. “Apparently it’s this camp’s traditional song. Not sure why, but those two took up a habit for it yesterday.” “Looks like it makes them happier” Soul said. Admiring just how enthused the twins were even after doing such a silly dance and song. Something to it. She kind of liked that bond they were displaying. No matter what this place made Soul feel, she still saw the happiness in the eyes of those ponies who did enjoy it. From the very two who talked to her first. I remember just how nervous Amber had been, now look at her. She’s changed far faster than I have. Even got to be flight buddies with her sister and do that little dance with her of spins and loops while singing. Not one pony seemed to bother. A real display of cooperation between two flyers.

Soul glanced to Dash. The pony was more concerned with watching the twins. Didn’t look like she noticed Soul. Since Soul was a little intrigued. “Can you see us doing that?” Soul threw out there… then she blushed. I just asked that? Oh shit. Soul flipped her mane to the side and looked away from Dash. I didn’t even think right there. She bet that sounded a little weird to Dash. She didn’t seem the type of pony to do it. “Us chanting? Or dancing?” Dash asked.

Soul had no answer. Keeping her mouth shut this time. Though she tried to imagine what it would be like, what type of routine she and Dash could have. Should it be something like what the twins did or something simple. Different? Her mind raced with ideas. “I… um… don’t… am not into dancing and stuff like that…” Dash said. Really? That’s a shame. I kind of like dancing. Something about perfect moves and motions of two ponies together, it made her mind swim every time she watched it. Sometimes even flying felt like a dance to her. Like what we do in the sky together. Except for what the twins did, she wasn’t sure what kind of dance that was supposed to be. But that wasn’t the point.

“I was just asking because those two looked very… bonded in their flying.” No remark for that. Soul wasn’t sure what Dash was up to. How she reacted. Hidden behind her bangs. Is that what can happen to ponies who love flying together? Such beauty and bond in their flying that… that it makes me wonder what is truth when I fly together with Dash. How should I see that? I enjoy it so much and look forward to it all the time. This pony, admittedly less skilled than Soul was, was still the one pony she wanted to fly with. For what she did for me. How wonderful it is to fly with another pony that I feel can get me. Does she feel the same?

4.9
“I got an idea” Dash said. “What’s that?” Soul asked and answered right there when Dash waved her hoof to the twins in a move she had not seen the cyan filly do before. She called them over. “Amber! Breezy! You two wanna come join us?!” Even both of them looked just as confused as Soul was that Dash was waving them over, yet they both came over anyways. Much to Soul’s surprise. No need to run off or ignore them. They both looked to be quite alright with coming over despite the strange circumstances.

“Hi, Rainbow…” Amber said. “Hi” Breezy said from behind her older sister. Both of them didn’t do a good job at hiding that they were not so thrilled to talk with Rainbow. Soul never went at them or anything, just remembering what they said before. But are they justified? Soul didn’t think so. From what she had seen, Dash had been a good pony to be around despite the rocky start. They should have seen how her and Dash were when Soul crashed. Maybe then they would see her to not be as bad as they spun. Still unconvinced though, but they both were more uplifted to speak with Soul after quite a while.

“Soul! It’s great to see you came back” Amber said. Breezy ran past her sister. Wanting to be the one who came closest to Soul. Eager to ask. “What happened? We were worrying when we didn’t see you yesterday.” Soul laughed a little. Just to play it off as she admitted it. Holding her hoof up. “I had an accident after camp the other day. Hurt my wing and my leg. But I’m better now.” “Oh no!” Both sisters said in unison. Amber coming up to join as well. “How did you hurt yourself?” “I’d… rather not say” Soul told them. I made a lot of mistakes by allowing what happened the first day to happen, no need to let anypony else know that I crashed. No telling what they may think. Dash had taken it very well. She was the one to comfort her during it.

“I’m sorry, guess that’s personal” Amber said. “Well it’s still good to see you back. It was kind of different not being able to look forward to seeing you fly.”

4.10
“Different?” Soul asked. “Soul…” Amber stepped closer. Something about her smile. It was so warm to her, and her voice like something gentle to touch against her ears. It quieted Soul up, wanting to hear what she had to say.

“Don’t listen to what the others say. After what we saw the first day, you are something else to watch fly. Let’s say that you really did help Breezy and I feel more hopeful about ourselves. …Especially her” Amber nudged back to her little sister who was quick to show her dissatisfaction at that. “I can’t wait to see you fly again today.” Amber closed her eyes and smiled. Soul was without words. But her heart kind of trembled a little. Why are they all being so nice to me?

Did they all really miss me that much? Even after what went on every day here. I didn’t even expect me flying to do that for them, I wasn’t flying for real… except for before the end of my flight. Not even thinking anything special of it. None of these days had been anything special. Only when I got to fly with my flight buddy. I just did what I always do… save for the one time. Amber strolled away with her sister on her tail, leaving Soul to run a hoof over her blushing cheeks. Where Rainbow was in the corner of her eyes, staring at her. Sorry, I just feel so right. Like that was something I needed to hear. Not even trying to do my best, just what I feel when I fly. Escape for a little bit from the fear and worry that this place gives me every time I have to remember. See the problems I caused. Yet it’s enough to make those two feel… feel inspired. Feel hopeful. They like seeing me fly?

4.11
“Think I should ask them?” Dash whispered. “Huh?” Soul broke out of her stupor. “They like to see you fly, I think those two would be down with it.” Dash winked. That’s what she meant. Those two were the only other ponies here who made me feel more comfortable, I only regret not being around them more often. Here I thought they were like all the others. Maybe I was wrong. Soul nodded.

“Hey, guys!” Dash called after the twins before they got too far. Getting their attentions again. “Soul and I plan to hang out after camp. Do some flying and relaxing. Wanna join us?” “Really?” Amber turned around with a smile. “You want us to join you?” Soul did nothing to turn her off. She nodded with Dash, letting them both know that they were welcomed. Better ponies than she expected even after all that has changed since then. Gladly join us.

“Breezy and I need some good relaxing” Amber turned to her sister. Wanting her word for it. They would get it. All of them together at the sauna. I would love to see how well they can fly when no restrictions were in place too.

“Count us in” Breezy said. “This day can’t go fast enough.” The filly walked to go join with the group. Amber stayed behind. Just to say “We’ll meet you both at the steps when we’re all done.” She went off to join her sister. Soul more than pleased to hear their responses. That they were going to have company with them. Their own little group and with fillies so enthused for flying at that, enough to do their own chant. This should be fun. Soul didn’t need to say anything, she and Dash looked to one another and laughed. Telling one another how enthused they were for this afternoon.

4.12
“Everypony come join us. Lessons are starting!” Nimbus cried out to get every kids’ attention, all so eager to get the day started too, just like Soul. “Hope we get to do something different today” Dash commented. No telling. Nimbus didn’t even say anything to Soul about what they would be doing, she never did.

At first, Soul wanted them to sit with the twins until she saw both of them go right into the group. Beyond what she could see past yet hear them so happy to get started. Soul settled with the fact. She wouldn’t be sitting with them. They probably didn’t know. Know that she still could see it, that ponies did not like her after what had happened. Practically feeling the air go cold just by her and Dash coming to join the group. That and seeing that someponies glanced to them and were quick to look away. Almost falling silent when they had been busy chattering moments before. No way to tell them that they are all wrong about me. As long as I have some ponies to rely on, who cares?

She was used to it by now. As was Dash. Willing to sit with Soul at the back of the group. Away from everypony else. All she needed. Waiting and watching for everypony to quiet down before listening to whatever it was Nimbus had in store for them. Much to Soul’s discontent on what it turned out to be as she listened to Nimbus’ instructions to everypony. Joined by Dash in her frown.

4.13
A time trial? Individual time trial!? Soul looked with disbelief up to all the clouds hovering over the group. Hundreds of them if she could tell by how tightly packed and vast the swarm of clouds was. With so many more hanging in the back just waiting to join the rest. They had to try and bust as many as they could within a whole minute. Nothing more or less, though Soul already started seeing through it. This was some sort of trial to teach creativity. The same thing Nimbus had taught her on her own long ago. Creativity when flying in order to get out of jams. The most creative would be able to overcome most challenges from flying through foggy mountain ranges, as she recalled, or just busting clouds. Whoever did it the best.

But that wasn’t the problem. It was meant to see how each pony did it. Plain and simple, as Nimbus had said, that they were to do this solo. Making Dash and her look to one another so longingly. Saddened that this was not what they wanted, but… Soul liked that her flight buddy had the same feelings as her. She really did want to fly with me. Damn it, maybe we can do something together later in camp or… at the very least, after camp. Definitely. Though they had both been looking forward to more than that. Something to make up for the mess up that occurred the other day and ruining their chances to play together. Not a sentiment the other kids felt. They all were more than eager to get at it. Probably from the thought of destroying clouds for a lesson. Dash sighed. “Oh well…” she said unconvincingly. Clearly unhappy. “We got a whole day” Soul pointed out. “I’m not going anywhere.”

4.14
Soul didn’t really pay attention as each individual whistle blow went off and sent another little Pegasus up into the air to have at it. The cheers every now and then told her no reason to look, just thinking over it all. Still not shaking that she herself had lied about trying to be cheerful about it. She hated that she couldn’t fly with Dash for this. Oh wow… I don’t remember that.

Soul scratched her head. I used to not even think about flying with other ponies before. Now I really want to. What have you done to me, Dash? Off and off they went with nothing happening to draw Soul’s attention. Something else did.

“Not sure how well I’ll do at this, I’ll try to kick some ass” Dash said. Pretty confidently. Write herself off a little, though she let out this pride in herself. “Have you ever done anything like this before?” Soul asked. “Not often but mom makes me do time trials all the time, she always tells me how proud she is but… I don’t know. It still feels good afterwards, I always get better every time I try. …But those were always obstacle courses and timed races. Never cloud busting.” “You have any idea on how you’re gonna do this?” Soul asked.

“A little. Dad showed me a lot of cloud busting and taught me… never in a timed trial though. That was never part of being a weather pony. Kind of different from being a stunt pony too.” You want to be a Wonderbolt and a weather pony at the same time, Dash, probably should get used to these things. Find ways to combine them. I personally have no idea on how pegasi like her dad do cloud busting or any form of technique to it. Kick the cloud? At high speed and or power. That was it. Probably not as hard as me flying face first into the cloudy super-structure of Cloudsdale’s streets. No… these clouds looked a bit weaker than those. Ones she just now got glimpses of falling to pieces from each Pegasus who flew up to them. Practically assaulting them and tearing them apart. …I don’t need to be a weather Pegasus for this.

I already can see things I can do. She could only hope Dash did too, so she wouldn’t feel down, because Nimbus called out “Rainbow Dash!”

4.15
That was her cue. Soul’s flight buddy slowly got to her hooves. Hesitant to do so… Soul so sorry to see her have to go without her at her side. There to reassure her that they can do whatever it was together and pull it off. She was on her own. Just like the obstacle course. You may not be perfect, but that’s alright. I won’t see you any differently. Try your best. I’ll be right behind you.

“Kick some ass” Soul assured her. Dash nodded. Letting both her wings out and stepping forward. Away from Soul, into a clear area of the crowd where she stood center attention, waiting for the moment she needed to make her move. Tear them apart. Let’s get this day done so we can have fun together. You and me, and now, we have other ponies with us.

The fact Dash wanted to take the initiative to invite others to come, other ponies that Soul felt comfortable with, told a lot. She was certainly different. Not different enough to tell Soul she may not be nervous behind that mane of hers right now, but she didn’t shy away from it. Taking action when and only when the perfect moment came. Doing it with grace, right as the last kid landed… his wings closing, that was when Dash flapped her own wings. Perfectly. Tossing up the puffs of cloud sheared away by the force of her wings, enough to send her shooting up. Joining in the same sky that the other kids had been among, and soon, Soul would be up there too. With whatever it was she could do.

Thinking over it all, just hoping herself to pull it off well enough to be seen as good by the others. To make Dash proud. I just know I’ll be proud of her too. That pony up there who became a blur of blue light disappearing into the midst of the clouds, leaving only the sound of her flapping wings for Soul to listen for and the shadow of her path zipping across the maze that told Soul where she was. Something Nimbus was also relying on at the head of the group. That pony, holding her stopwatch in her hoof, craning her neck up to watch as well.

No doubt her perfect eyes could track everything Dash was doing up there. The eyes that only Soul could learn from. Making her smile every time she saw a cloud fall to pieces. Caught in the shredding blue light of the Pegasus who claimed the sky now and soared across it in only a way that made Soul feel happy to see and feel that same light flying next to her. The way she spiraled across the sky and dove down deep into the heart of the clouds, using only her hooves to punch right into each of them, then she did it. More than her hooves. Dash plummeted her entire body right into the clouds, changing and shifting her tactics. From front kicks, to rear bucks. Moving on with each cloud that she got rid of. That was it though, nothing more, which made Soul frown.

4.16
Something didn’t feel right watching her. Was it anything that any of the other ponies could catch on to? Even Nimbus? Maybe just Soul since she was the one who had been there every time with Dash when they flew. Enough to sense something from her, the way she flew.

Is that… Soul cocked her head. Spinning about to keep track of her flight buddy soaring fast and high and tunneling through the clouds with swift precision. Doing her utmost best to take down as many as she could. Though no cheers were thrown for her. Soul forgot to. Fixated on her. Curious as to what it was she was seeing in her flying. It was certainly different. Precise… accurate… robotic even. Like she had the entire flight set in her head and went about doing it. No obstacles or tight turns to make, no reason to worry, no need to make mistakes. Taking all her time to take down as many clouds as she could and perform this dance in the clouds that flying was all about to Soul. For it was always a dance to her, a majestic motion that she saw so capable inside of Dash. The other day.

Soul finally grunted. I am proud of her, she’s doing a good job at pulling this off and keeping herself cool, nothing flashy or intense, but there’s something she was seeing. Maybe she was just seeing things, nagging at her head. She couldn’t shake it out. Not after seeing how Dash flew with her the day before, and before she had crashed. All that joy we had doing that. Is that what it is? You really do want to fly with me. Because… this is the Rainbow Dash I remember from the first day, not the one who flew with me. You’re cold and driven in your flying. Pulling it off, unlike when we’re together.

You’re so free and open. Like a true child playing with her toy. A toy being made out of the sky. Every second that went by told her more and more that the pony up there, who did all she could to take down as many clouds as possible, was not at all satisfied with this. Oh Dash, you really do like flying with me. How happy you are when you do it, I guess it’s not an act. I’m so sorry I made you wait. But it was worth it just to see you fly like you did the other day, and to hug with you. Our own hugs… we’ve done it more… more than once. Soul shivered. Tingling down her spine.

It made her smile. Smile just as Dash went right through the patches of clouds just overhead. Taking them all down… and Soul saw her frown. In that flash of a moment. She saw it. Telling her right there. You enjoy me with you. …To think, it may have never happened if that line had not been redrawn to put us together. You really do want to be with me? I only wish we didn’t have to put up with this too. Rather it just be us together. As I learn everything about you and how you fly, and you do the same to me. Maybe I’ll be content with sharing it with you.

4.17
Soul accepted that she too would need to fly on her own, without Dash. Back to what she was used to. A sky to herself. Not sure how to feel on it. I like it, but don’t now that I have somepony else with me. Rainbow Dash landed amidst the clouds right when the whistle blew again and a number was called out.

“One hundred and forty-eight” Nimbus said. In one minute, not bad. Soul smiled… hearing some of the other ponies let out their admiration of such a number. No cheers. Nothing immense.

Soul wondered how good that was. Sounded good, no way to compare. Kind of regretting not listening to anything else, only having herself to compare to now. Though she was curious to see if she could. Who could beat the other. It made her smirk. Maybe that can make it more bearable. Don’t think on anything else. Just the goal. Like I will be flying with purpose again. It would be so when her name was called out.

Making her rise to her hooves. Spreading her own massive wings out. Both of them rearing to go after too long of bed rest. To end this gruesome time at this place and go to a better moment when she and ponies she felt truly liked being around her would be able to leave this behind for the day. Get through this. It’s just another flight on my own. I’m used to it. Didn’t mean it had no purpose to it. Something she saw in Dash’s flying just past. Show her what it’s like to fly… like I meant to do beforehand. With no need to be upset when we will be at it again soon.

“Great job” Soul made sure to say to the panting cyan filly who walked past her to take her place at the back again. Met with a nod. Sweating and tired, Dash made out a little voice. “Best of luck.” I won’t mess up. No reason to this time. Prepping her mighty wings once more for another flight. A nice return to the air after a whole day without it. This time, no holding back. She waited for that whistle. It came.

4.18
Take a breath and ignore it. That she was being watched once more as she flew. See it as nothing more than another trial to get through. That was what let her wings take her up in such a hail of power, one she felt and could tell was enough to send anypony near her in a frenzy to escape the force of her wings.

So much, she had barely any time to think. Though it was more than enough. As the clouds all shot in at her and the wind coursed around her body. Not at all able to stop her. Flying straight up into the sky, she steadied herself. Holding her forelegs out. Letting only her wings do all the work while her legs held out to guide her. More than that. Use them for the very purpose of this activity.

The wind was already howling in her ears. Piercing at her eyes and sending her mane whipping back down to earth. Not stopping her determination to home in on the target, a large set of clouds she had spotted since the start. Nopony had surprisingly gone for them. Probably because they weren’t sure what to do. Soul did. Those clouds were uneven in their stacking. Rising up to the heights of the sky and joining with the sea of clouds above, put together like some tower with plenty of space between them all. Enough room for her to fly up between them all, which is what she did. One. Two. Three strong flaps. Giving her the power she felt necessary to clear those clouds while doing this.

She kept her wings still. Held out as far they could stretch, and she felt the satisfying sensation of soft clouds warping around her wings. Her spans cleaved through them. Spotting each cloud split in two and fall to pieces in a spiral in her wake. The tips of her wings held firm. Keeping their pace and position to keep up the constant motion required to split them all. No speed lost. Nothing those clouds could do. Soul’s smile turned to laughter. Just knowing that she was doing it already. The power in her wings and the precision in her flight, nothing could stop her now. Now that she was in the air once more.

4.19
However many fell, she didn’t know. Didn’t care. She told herself that she did it perfectly. Clearing out from the fallen stack of clouds collapsed by her wings and plunging head long into the sky, past the fields of clouds and into open air so welcoming she had to do a little spin in the air. Soaring higher up. The air spinning about her. Until she held herself still, reeling her body back. High enough to do it.

She leaned back and twisted her body and wings back down, forelegs facing down at the sea of clouds she had passed, now far below. Not a problem. Under the gaze of the warm Sun and inside a sky with no hint of threat or worry. Nothing could stop her from feeling the truth in her flight. Even down there, she bet nopony could see her. Nimbus could. For sure. Maybe Dash. Whoever else, she bet it was few. As long as the ones who counted could. See the air ripple around her in that roar of the wind bursting apart behind her tail from a clap of her wings and a tear in the sky. Following behind her and she plunged back down at the clouds. Hooves held out. Going forth to spin again.

With nopony here for her to worry about, it was just her and her solo dance with the sky. Made true when the first cloud burst apart against her hooves and she went on into the field below. Into that shroud of white and blue so dense. No way anypony else could see through this maze. If they weren’t a Pegasus, that was. One who could hear her way through it. May as well close her eyes. Listen for the wind. Go forth with it. To churn the sky in her spiral. Rearing back up and down.

She cut across the swathes of clouds. She turned out of it. Headed left and shot off from the devastation behind her. So many puffs of white sent flying and mixing to fall apart again. Blasted away in a hail of wind from her wings when the filly shot off. One. Five. Ten. However many more. She felt the clouds stamp against her hooves. Till there was no more of them. Pulling back out of it. Do it with more grace. Not just a kick of her hooves, which she was sure to give to a pair of clouds she passed by and then went on to leave the swarm of clouds behind. Clearing out of them and passing below them all, into the open sky once more and free of that maze. For a moment. Just to pick up speed again with a downward dive and reel back up, her wings outstretched again and held up to cut across the bellies of the clouds and give them the same fate as the first ones.

Concentrate on the goal and pull this off without a hitch. She had no reason to rush or feel pressured. The only goal was to do this the way she always flew. To all, it would look like she was merely busting the clouds, to her, it was more of what she was used to. Simply flying. Every move she made like a quick brush across the sky even if clouds were there. Like none were there to her. None for her to feel. To care for. Letting her own flight do as it wanted of her. Pushing herself back up into the clouds, ripping through them with one fell ascent. Tiny puffs. Turned to smaller ones. None of the clouds that got in the way of her hooves could keep themselves anymore and then crushed by the waking gusts of wind following her. So many more fell. So many more for her to overcome and be nothing more than bumps in the air for her. Soul spiraled across them. Spinning in a wide arc around the funnel of clouds. Never losing sight of the open sky ahead of her. Flying towards it and maintaining a perfect spin. Her hooves kicking at every cloud she passed. Front hooves. Flipping her rear legs forward to crush them into clouds ahead of her. Chopping down at ones she passed by. She finally opened her eyes.

4.20
Wow, I really am going fast. Seeing the wind shooting past her. Like she flew through a cone invisible to all except for the pony to fly fast enough to catch it. That pathway in the sky that pegasi could see and lead them on like a road to everywhere they sought to go. For her, it went everywhere. Turning and coiling with every move she made. Those clouds were a mere after thought. Like her body did it on its own. While the filly was more focused on the here and now. Flying like she was alone. Though not alone. For she did this to impress the one pony she wanted to fly together with. To show the other ponies who she felt really did want to fly with her that she was more than welcoming to give her joyous love of the sky to any and all. A scripted and set goal for this activity to others. To her, it was another wonderful chance to spread her wings. Doubtful any other pegasi here felt the same way. Dash sure didn’t look to.

Everypony else cheered and swooned over this like some fun activity that children like them would see as playtime. This was no playtime. This was life. The life of any Pegasus. The very thing Nimbus spent years teaching her. All to see this. The sky that spun around her and reached out for infinity in its blue space. A big, open area for her to do any trick she wanted. Fly at any speed. Even more so now that she had nothing up here to worry about keeping track of. Just her and the wind. Carrying her forward. Getting rid of anything that may be in that path. Not at all certain if she was taking them down anymore, though she felt the bumps against her wings and pummeling her hooves made, shaking her body.

I can’t wait to fly like this with Dash later. Out of this camp and away from all these other ponies. They may all be watching me now, not at all sure what it is I feel about this. Not caring, as far as she could guess of them all. Because she was Soul Serenity, the pony who fooled them all and treated them like idiots. Who does whatever to get what she wants, even if it isn’t the truth. Even if it was also the truth, and those things she did backfired so badly. It really was a shame. I fly up here right now, like any other time. But I can’t be honest when I say I really enjoy it. Not until I can be free of this place and fly the way I want to, with another pony alongside me. That is when I can truly enjoy it. But every second here just reminds me of the mistakes I made and the results that hurt me so badly. They even made me crash. Enough to make her smile fade out even when flying like this.

Counting the seconds in her head and guessing the time was coming. Get it done and then sit through the rest of the group take their turns, eat lunch, do whatever else that was planned all the while worried that something may happen. Aurora was gone, but he did his job. Simply because of my mistake. I wish I could take it back and prove to all of them that I’m not a garbage flyer. That I do my best to fly and not try to trick others. I only did it the once to avoid… this very situation. Right now, …do they think I’m a bad flyer. Soul steadied her wings. Swooping back down to the thick clouds below to rejoin the others. Just in time when the whistle blew. Signaling her to come back. Come back down to all the ponies down there who had watched her. Wondered about her. Wondering about them. If they liked how I performed. If it was enough to tell them I am truthful to the flight we are given. They have their pride, but so do I.

I just can’t get it out of my head. I want to show Dash what it’s like to fly like you mean it, but I also can’t help but want to do the same for others, even if they don’t like me. The eyes watching her told otherwise. No cheers for her. None at all like the first day, the only day when they did like me. How much things have changed. Here I thought that… I did good. Soul slumped. Bowing her head and lowering herself down. …Much too fast!

4.21
Shit!

Soul couldn’t even blink. Not until the pain seared back up and one thought ran through her. She did it again. Her mind… blank. Soul closed her eyes, tumbling atop her hooves and slamming her head down against the sturdy clouds, flipping down along them. Once, twice. Before she fell on to her back with a sharp sting along the top of her head. A bump she could feel. She opened her eyes. Finding her hind legs above her. Hanging over her and her butt up to the sky, with her body curved up.

She lay there on the top of her back. Still feeling her wings flapping softly against the clouds under her. Then it stung, sending the filly to throw her legs back down and lay on her back. Gripping her leg. The same one that had been so troublesome before. Damn it, I crashed agai… Agh!

Soul held it close. Clenching her teeth. Hearing her name called out. Nimbus was out there. Soul struggled to regain herself, turning onto her side. Falling right down onto her leg again and that made her yelp. Crying out like a wounded critter. Forget it… I don’t need it. Soul used her wings to give a quick flap and got herself up that way. Kicking the wind so she could sit upright on her hind legs. Holding her foreleg close. Looking down upon it, she had opened it up again. Blood trickling down. Oh no, Nimbus will be mad. Thinking over it, sadly looking down at her leg. Hating herself for messing up right there. I should have been paying attention, come on, Soul. What is wrong with you. You never crash this often. You never… Soul’s ear drooped.

Hearing the chant rise up around her. A sound so bad. It had been such a long time, but there was a time when she last heard it. A bad time. In another place. Ponies laughing. Turning, seeing it was all the other kids. Hysterically laughing and pointing at none other than her. At the lone filly out there who held her bleeding leg, and her wings fell weak. As did her spirits.

4.22
Soul looked across all of them. Lines of all the ponies she had been grouped with since day one laughing. Mocking her with such terrible disdain on their faces. Like they really didn’t care. Laughing, some holding back. Fillies snickering under their hooves. Soul… she spotted so few who deviated from it. Seeing only the ones who did. All of them. Like her entire group was making fun of her. Singling her out, and her embarrassment hit so hard.

To crash in front of all of them. They praised me last time this happened, now I get this. This reminder… that… that I really am not liked by any of them. “Quiet down, kids!” Nimbus shouted. The mare held hoof and then rushed over to her. Soul didn’t care. Not when they kept laughing. Making her feel so small, her cheeks blushing and her eyes shimmering.

Like all the laughter came from around her. Walling her in and all the eyes that encased her. Inside this dark and sad place that just told her more and more that nopony liked her. None of them did. Enough that others hurt me… didn’t want me to fly any more. Simply because I was too good. Then I’m not good enough and it gets me laughed at. What? What is it they want? Soul held her hooves to her ears. Block it out. Ignore it. Ignore all the reminders of what happened so many times before, that made me want to leave ponies behind. Always made me cry. Soul could not stop herself from crying again. Sliding her hooves down from her ears, wiping her face. She hid herself behind them. Clenching her wings up. Shielding herself inside their feathers. But the laughter kept going. The insults and the hate that she remembered. So this is what it all leads to. I made one mistake, and now… now I have nopony here that likes me. I was foolish for thinking they all would be any different. In all her years, as far back as she could see, all there was was the ponies who didn’t like her. …Even her own mother. Please… help me, Nimbus.

4.23
A hoof touched her. Touched her shoulder and another slid under her chest. Soul lowered her hooves, seeing the cyan furred leg holding her. Cyan!

Soul looked up. Even with her teary eyes, crying so much, she still showed herself to the only pony who held her. Rubbing a hoof along her back. Who shared the same sadness as her. Rainbow Dash. Standing there as a wall between Soul and the others. The others who died down their laughter. Silent. Watching the cyan filly pull Soul up. Using her own legs to cradle Soul’s bleeding hoof. Her own strength to keep Soul up. Side to side.

Rainbow did not let go. Soul did not leave her side. Soul wanted to say her name. Held tight. Her tongue could not utter the name she wanted to say. Struggling to believe this was happening. That somepony had come for her. Other than Nimbus. She could see it in everypony else. Nimbus, who stood with both fillies, her eyes glowing in amazement down at them but she held strong and walked to them. The others who stayed quiet, their glares and shock. That another pony came to her. Amber and Breezy, both twins stepped out from the group. Coming forward… they stopped. Holding one another. Soul could see… they were so sad as well. Turning their heads away. They lowered them, unable to look Soul in the eyes with any pride. Only Dash did.

“I’m here, don’t worry, Soul” the filly said. Soul did not speak. She only cried. “You did wonderful up there.” “Of course it would be Crash that helps her” she heard a filly yell out. Soul payed attention only to Dash. Holding her closer when her flight buddy shuddered after hearing that name. But Dash did not let go of her. She said nothing. Just kept with Soul and Nimbus. “Let’s get you to the nurse” Nimbus whispered down to Soul. She didn’t fight back. “I’ll help you” Dash offered. Guiding Soul off. Away from the others. Away from all of them. Silence filled the air. Nimbus was the one pony to break it. Whispering behind Soul, like she spoke it to both fillies. “I’m sorry.” Soul wiped her tears. I’m used to it.

Two hundred and eighty-five. Congratulations, Soul.

4.24
At least the day went by fast, sitting in the bed all day. Getting herself patched up and waiting all with the sounds of laughter ringing in her head. Glad the nurse comforted her when she cried. Nimbus checking in on her and giving her food, though the mare spoke nothing of what happened. Choosing to sit across from her bed and talk to Soul about dinner plans and what to do for the weekend. Soul had nothing to say, not with her mind so filled with thought.

She barely spoke to Dash. Yet the filly still accompanied her as both of them went on their way together through the front gate. Together only, with everypony else leaving or gone. Good. Soul kept silent and away from them all. Just get out of here and do something that she could do to take her mind off things… that is if I don’t crash again.

Damn. I just can’t… Soul shook her head. Looking down at her stupid leg bandaged up again and limping on it. At least she could still walk… and still fly. Thankful she didn’t hurt her wings in her crash. Enough that she was still allowed to go play with Dash. As long as that can be done. I wonder why she isn’t saying anything. The cyan filly holding her own head down next to her. Not breaking in her steadily paced walk. I guess what happened really hurt her too. To see me do that again. I just… hope she doesn’t think I did it on purpose this time. No, she wouldn’t have helped me. But why even help me? I’m a wreck. Why even bother? She just got made fun of too. They’re so mean. You helped me, and that gets you called that horrible name. I’m the one who crashes. On purpose and by accident. Because I really am something else. Aren’t I?

Funny, I say all these things but so afraid to actually say them to her. Her silence was terrifying. Everything was. I just want to leave it behind. Fix it all. At least… Soul looked up… at least she saw the two fillies there at the steps just below the gate as they passed outside the wall to the camp. The twins sitting there atop the steps, kicking their legs. Neither of them speaking to one another. A shocker to see. I guess I will need to explain to them what happened. To all of them. But I’m so afraid to. Never mind that, the chance was there for the fillies to still have a cool time together after this debacle. Another one on this long list of crap that this camp was becoming for her. Just what she does to keep them happy, for those few moments of happiness where she didn’t need to think about how much pain she was in.

“Hi, you two” Soul muttered out. Kicking herself into gear with sounding so sad. She made her best attempt to make a smile. “We’re here.” The twins turned around. Wow, they did look pretty bummed out. Guess that was the first they got to see of what she had to go through. What her mistakes cost her. Not a bother right now. Let’s brighten things up. “How’s your leg, Soul?” Amber said with the smallest smile she could make. No way to play it out. “I’ll live. …But, hey, I can still fly. I’m raring to go. Need a good workout.” Alongside something to occupy her thoughts. Amber’s smile disappeared. She stood up. Followed closely by her sister. Breezy hug close to Amber, and Soul felt the wind rush between them all. A little howl. It sent chills down her spine. “Soul…” Amber said.

4.25
Soul stepped forward. Leaving a longing Rainbow Dash in her wake. All the tension in the air so thick. Soul could feel it. The harsh reality of what happened. “Yes?” “Soul… we, umm…” Amber fidgeted in place. Rubbing her hoof along her leg. Eyes to the clouds. Joined by her little sister. Rubbing off on Soul. She too felt saddened.

“We’re… not going with you guys.” …Is that right? Dash shook a little. Soul held her tongue. Nothing for her to feel from that. Except for one thing. “It’s… not you… it’s us” Amber and Breezy backed away. “After our last camp… we don’t want to be bullied too. We’re sorry.”

Her voice shook. The curly maned filly so distraught at saying that. So much so that a tear went down her cheek, making her run. The twins flew off. Amber’s sobs piercing the sky. Leaving them behind. With… with those words ringing in her head. Not because of me. I know… that’s a lie. So that’s what happens? Dash walked up to her. Stopping by her side. Soul didn’t bother to look. She could tell the filly was staring at her and exactly what she would say.

“I’m sorry, I’ll still go with you. Let’s have some fun.” Soul gulped. I know now. It is all a joke. That is what led to what happened to both of us. We were both made fun of. I’m so bad that other ponies are afraid to be with me. …Forget it. “No…” Soul muttered.

She had enough. Accepting that she can be made fun of. It didn’t mean others had to. If it was just so painful to be around her. To help her against this all. I’d rather not make you do anything that can hurt you to. It was right. Felt right to do, but it… it hurt so much. To see them fly away and to know that Dash was only hurt by being around her. You did tell me to watch my back. My own back. Damn it, Dash, I’m sorry. “I’m so sorry…” Soul wailed. Spreading her wings before her flight buddy even knew what happened. Casting her in the wind. Soul flew off. Getting away from it all. Going back into her sky. With tears flying off her face. “Soul!” she heard cried out behind her. Echoing away. I’m sorry. If it’s too much for you all, you don’t need to bother with me. I’ll just deal with it. It’s the right thing to do for all of you. Doesn’t make it any easier to stop crying. She could not stop it. Leaving a streak of tears behind her. Shimmering and wetting the sky. Falling to the clouds below like rain.

4.26
Soul sat there atop the sofa. Reading the same book, the same pages that her eyes skimmed over. Waiting for somepony to come home, which should be very soon. Break up this monotony. Give her something. These past few hours leaving her so reflective on what had happened. So much so that she pretty much could not remember what it was she read over. Holding the book in her hooves yet ignoring it. A monstrum that she liked to read over. This time, the words lost her. Going into her eyes and then escaping immediately as she forgot what it was she read. Not with her mind so conflicted.

She’d much rather forget all those horrible things that she had to hear and lose herself. Try to forget the words that Amber had said, and that look on Dash’s face. That I made her so upset. She probably doesn’t even want to talk to me right now. Much rather join with Amber and Breezy. Just leave her so she wouldn’t need to deal with any more of this because Soul sure didn’t expect it to get that bad. Nimbus even told them to stop. They didn’t listen. Much like another time when the mare was ignored and the pain that came to Soul could not be stopped. Endless pain.

She let out the breath she had been holding only when her ears caught wind of the wings flapping outside. She set the book back down. Perching herself atop the sofa, trying her best to look like she had composed herself with her chest pumped out and wings held strong to her sides. Though she could not fool herself that she had been crying for too long and her mind wandered so far. They couldn’t tell, when Nimbus came in through the door followed by Starry. Both stopping, staring at the filly who waited for them. Surprised to see her.

“Welcome home” Soul greeted them. Trying hard to keep her raspy throat from breaking when she spoke. Red raw from her sobbing. Confident she did a good job at cleaning herself up so she didn’t look like a wreck. “Soul?” Nimbus said. Handing her belongings over to Starry so he could put them away. She came over to Soul. “I thought you were going somewhere today.”

4.27
“I was…” Soul said. She gulped. Having to lie. Having to know everything had been ruined because of what she had done. “Dash… needed to cancel. Something came up.” Soul sold her smile. Smiling but her entire insides ached. Pounding against her. She couldn’t believe herself. Just how bad she had gotten. From making everypony hate her for her stupid decisions, they kept on going. It was too late now. No doubt, Dash doesn’t like me now. She seemed such a volatile pony with so much mystery behind everything she did. Trying to do something. She involved me in it and I proved to be a horrible pony for it. Dragging her into being made fun of and forcing her to hang out with me. Running away from her.

Why do I regret doing that? I’m such an idiot. Stop it, Soul. I can’t do this. She could already feel the tears coming back. Can’t let them run out. Not in front of Nimbus. Both of them. So much concern they both had. She saw they wanted to get to the bottom of it. Nimbus taking her seat next to Soul. Starry coming over to join. Oh no. Soul got up. Jumping from the sofa. The deck. That was it.

“I feel like doing some training” she claimed. “I can wait outside till you’re ready.” Soul did her best. Don’t concern them in this stupidity. They already sacrificed so much and did a lot to help her. If they knew… it’ll all be for nothing. I will suffer for nothing and they will too. After today, they got to see. “Soul. We want to talk with you” Starry said. The filly planted her hooves. Shaking. But I don’t want to. If they know just how much this means, they will know the truth. Then what? Everything I tried to make happen and suffer for will be for nothing.

“Soul, we are very worried about what happened back there. We want you to tell us what is going on.” Nimbus was so concerned in her voice. Soul was shaken. I just don’t know what to do anymore. I messed things up for Dash. I messed us both up. I don’t want to mess Nimbus and Starry up too. She knew exactly what would happen if they knew. Because it happened the last time a camp had gotten out of hoof.

4.28
“W-what do you mean?” Soul whispered. Her eyes shaking and voice cracked. Her mind running wild with how bad she had made things. How terrible it can all get. She felt trapped. With nothing she could do to get out of it. Rainbow liked me and I ruined it. They all liked me and I ruined it. There’s only two ponies left. The ones who gave up everything for me. Just to see me succeed with everything. The whole point of camp… was to make friends. How… how can I do that? When I messed it up? “Come here, Soul” a sweet voice whispered over her. Taking her back in those long, golden legs that crossed over her chest and pulled the filly off her hooves, back into Nimbus’ hug where she held her in her wings.

Soul lowered her head. Calmed by the soothing hushes of the pony over her. She held her tight. So tight that Soul wanted to just rest her head and fall asleep. She couldn’t. “I’m so sorry what happened back there. Just know that we are here for you. We will always be here for you.”

Soul shivered. I once had another pony there for me, but then I put her on the spot and messed it up for her. She was made fun of and suffered too. I want her to be the last. “It’s fine…” Soul said. “I’m… a tougher pony than you think. Trust me, I’m used to ponies laughing at me.” “They had no right to laugh at you. It was wrong” Nimbus pointed out. “You did nothing to deserve it.” Too bad I did.

“Come on, Nimbus. They’re kids like me. They laugh at that sort of stuff. It’s only… natural. …Can we go train?” Soul budged her way out of her hug. Going back on her way to the door. End it now. Please. “They made you cry!” Nimbus said after her. The mare got up. In a voice that she rarely used. Strong. Strong and weak at the same time. “Tell us what is going on, if something is wrong, we can help you.” I know you can, but this is not what you’re used to. This is something I am, it’s the same as last camp. Something that can not be dealt with. I feel like I’m against the world, because I am. “Of course, I hurt my leg” Soul dangled her bandaged leg up for them to see. “Sorry that it hurt so much. Sorry for crashing. Maybe if I train more I won’t crash as often.”

Soul walked off. “I want to keep training with that technique. I think I’m ready to make you proud.” Soul opened the door for herself. Happy they didn’t say any more about it. Just readying her wings for it. Thinking over how to work towards this skill Nimbus was working so hard to help her with. “You already have made us proud” the mare whispered behind her. Soul didn’t stop, but she shook inside. I know I have. I do so much to make you proud. Maybe for once, I can own up to my mistakes and not have to worry you so much like I did to Dash. I got what I deserved. I got laughed at over it. They always make fun of me… except for one. Rainbow Dash. And I ran off from her. From the one pony that I was starting to like. She’s a good pony. Too bad I’m not. So much that all those ponies abandoned her. Dash… she would not be too far off.

4.29
“I’ll help you train” Nimbus said as she stepped out behind Soul. “For a little bit, but afterwards… you should rest. I can give you a bath if you want.” Soul kept her mouth shut. Not denying it. She liked that very much. At least they could train. Her wings had been ready all day for serious flying. Something about how Nimbus walked was off though, she just went by with such disregard in her walk. Like she was bored. Her mind set on something else. Probably something Soul was well aware of. Never mind that, come on, Nimbus. Soul would prove to her that she was still that strong little Pegasus who would do all she could to improve herself. It’s simple. Really. Soul just took to the air. Hovering over the deck while Nimbus took a seat below her.

“You need to concentrate on your surroundings while not relying on your own senses. Rely on the air, its motions to tell you what things are coming. You know you need to stay focused until you can naturally tell what it is you are looking for.” I know. Just like the first time.

Soul closed her eyes. Holding her body still while only her wings slowed down to a soft pace that barely even swayed the air. So much that it all felt so still to her. Deeply breathing the air and resting her eyes. Imagine that she would be there flying in the air with the wind flowing through her feathers and gently caressing her body. Guiding her on like it always did towards a better place on that path to the one goal she sought out for, and prove to all that she was better than what she had been placed to be. When that comes, I will fly better than anypony before me and get rid of all the things that have made me feel so bad for so long. So that I know I am no failure. Not a nuisance on others. Even with… a friend by my side. Somepony who can fly alongside me in that wonderful wind so calm and gentle. That was the goal that Nimbus had put for me and it honestly sounded like a wonderful one. To fly with somepony else. Never alone. So I never needed to go through what she went through. To think that up. To see it. Soul saw her right next to her with her rainbow mane flowing in the wind and her smile piercing her soul. Her wings flittering so much that the wind grazed along Soul and rocked her. She could smile too… while her heart fell to pieces. Till Soul opened her eyes. Only after she felt the touch to her back. Knowing… she couldn’t stop it. Stop Nimbus from looking up at her with a frown.

Soul knew as well as she did that she couldn’t pull it off. Not even close. Soul was so ashamed. I did it the first time, why can’t I do it anymore? “Are you okay, Soul?” Nimbus asked. “Want to try again?” Soul quivered her lip. Shaking inside, just seeing that smile in her mind once more. Thinking of her by her side. Everything that happened. Nothing I can do. “…No… my leg hurts” Soul lied. “Come on” Nimbus whispered. She got up and took to the sky herself. Hovering next to Soul and offering her hoof for her to take.

“We can go do some mid altitude aerials instead. Something a little more calming. Then we can go give you that bath.” Soul nodded. Taking her hoof. Guided off to fly into the sky high above their house. Solemn and saddened that she was so lost on what to do. Backed into a corner. For the terrible things she brought onto herself and others. I don’t want to hurt Nimbus, not after all she has done. …Because only one thing was left that would ruin all the work they were doing. …Taking me out of camp. Like last time. Never see Dash again, because that filly would not be there for her after what she did to her. Soul’s leg did hurt, but she felt it against her chest. Rubbing her free hoof over it. My heart also hurts.

4.30
Soul had been quite unusual lately. The filly wasn’t often this open with her until lately. Asking for Nimbus to do this for her all weekend long since that Friday. End of the weekend already, the coming of another week of hard work, and Nimbus was getting to spend it giving the filly her nightly bath. Not that she had anything against it, it just really told her something was up. But that filly had been so distant from talking about it. All training. Mixed with these few moments that just came off as odd for Soul. For her to ask for them instead of the other way around.

She really did wish that Soul would just talk to her. But every time she tried, she saw the vacancy in her eyes. That something made the filly just so displaced. It was gut wrenching to watch for her. To watch her become so closed in. Certainly wasn’t helping her. Only able to look forward to watching Soul practically fall asleep like she did last night when washing her mane. The one moment of peace she could get from her. I can only hope for a better week for her. Anything to let her know that I am here for her and she can trust me with anything. So much like how stubborn she was when we first got her. Hard to watch, yet she could never shake those feelings that left her so sad all the time.

“You sure you don’t want to clean yourself?” Nimbus asked her. Soul looked up at her when she pushed the door to the bathroom open. Pausing in that threshold to the ceramic tiled room beyond. Another smile. So strong in her voice “I don’t mind. It’s really alright with me.” Nimbus accepted it. Not like she was a baby who didn’t know how to clean herself. But I’m not stupid. The way she acts when I do this for her, its calming. …I can relate. Calming for whatever was on her mind yet so scared to share.

4.31
“Alright, run the water and I’ll go get your towel” Nimbus said. Leaving Soul to go on her own. Nimbus turned back to Starry, who had been behind them. With that same look on his face, just knowing alongside Nimbus about it. That made them both stare in disbelief at this whole situation. For they both got to witness what Soul went through and both got to lay in bed together with no words to say and all the worry in the world. Yet he still did what he did before. Setting his hoof upon Nimbus’ cheek just to tell her it will all be okay. She held that hoof tight to her cheek. Nodding. Whatever it took to try and find a way to make that filly happy. They parted. Letting go of one another, and Nimbus went off to the steps once more, glancing back at him. Then her leg stopped.

Shaken, she almost tripped. Stamping out another hoof to catch herself with a loud thud. Startling her just as much as that feeling once more of falling that came over her, like her own wings had given up. Both of them outstretched as far as they could go that they touched the walls of the hallway. Damn. Nimbus grimaced… looking down at her legs and the trembles ringing through her body. Shaking her and sending the one leg that buckled into a quick spasm. Beyond that… was the stairs. That was what made her heart race. Just a couple more steps and… she didn’t even want to think about it even if her wings could have stopped it. Ugh, I just can’t predict when they’re gonna happen anymore. I got enough to worry about.

“Nimbus! Are you okay?” Starry slipped in beside her, sliding his head right under her wing and pushing himself into her. She allowed herself to lay against his side and let him help her back up. Finally, that sensation stopped running along her side. Like a flick of a wing ending it just as fast. Then Nimbus realized just how heavy she was breathing and how much… that had scared her. She felt so ashamed of that. “Let me help you down the stairs” Starry offered. Nimbus heard that clear. No. No. She freed herself out from his grasp just when she could settle her hoof back down on the ground with no problem. “It’s fine, I can…” Nimbus said as she turned to him… and saw her in the corner of her eyes.

Soul standing there in the doorway… watching. Her ears flicked down… and the filly gently slid back behind the door and out of sight. I can’t keep looking so weak in front of her… she always was supposed to be the strong one but, all this stuff that had been going on lately, Nimbus felt like the filly. Helpless and without anything to say. More and more making things so much harder on them all. “I can do it myself. Please…” Nimbus pushed Starry away to let him know she was fine.

“Can you get dinner started?” He didn’t move. Still so worried. “It’s fine” Nimbus took a hint from her still readied wings and just one flap brought her up to hover above him and gently sway her off. No need for her legs right now, just… “I’m fine.” But she sure needed to angle those wings well to keep them from constantly beating against the walls. Starry stepped under her, going down the steps and off to the kitchen while she went on to fly down the stairs.

4.32
Landing in front of the closet, pulling out a pair of towels. Fresh and warm from this humid day. She heard the water begin to run upstairs. Though she took a moment. Looking down at her legs. Holding the one up in front of her. Sadly unable to accept that it was getting so bad. Even more so, she looked back along her side. To where her wing held itself against her fur and covered her side up. It had been starting to hurt again. Picking up recently. Guess that was another thing on the list to do. Regretting she could not find time to do much of anything, now… getting time to get it checked again.

She had to smack herself to ignore it. Right now, give Soul a bath. Get her mind off of things. Just keeping that little filly relaxed, there was something relaxing to watching it. I think Starry would be fine with giving me a leg massage later. That stallion has been very giving with them lately. He has gotten good at relaxing me. Very good. Whenever Soul went to bed, then.

That was when she heard that knock at the door. Just behind her. Startling her for a moment with how loud it was and so sudden. She faced it. A visitor at this time? The Sun was going down outside the windows. “I got it!” she called out. Setting the towels down and trotting on over to the door. Hurried before another loud knock would ring out. Didn’t want to keep Soul waiting either. She opened the door up with a soft click and felt the warm air rush in and the sounds of a silent night soothing her ears.

4.33
…My, my… what is she doing here? Missing her for a moment, expecting to find somepony right in front of her on the other side of that door. Instead, it was under her. Little Rainbow Dash standing so small in her shadow. Nimbus widened her eyes. Speechless for a moment.

“Rainbow Dash? What are you doing here?” More importantly, Nimbus looked up and around. She was alone. Where are her parents? “You shouldn’t be out here this late.” Dash giggled a little under her lowered eyes. The filly swiping a hoof along the cloudy surface she stood upon. Like she too was confused for a moment. Curious. Was she expecting somepony else?

“It’s alright, Mrs. Nimbus. My mom said I could stay out till bed time.” Is that so? Nimbus wasn’t sure what to believe except that Dash was certainly here for somepony and she bet she knew who. After how well those two have been with one another, now she’s coming by for house visits. Kind of cute. Nimbus wished she could know what this was like, yet… that’s just how young fillies are. Even if Dash was lying, I’m not mad. Then again, Windy and I seemed to have the same idea when it came to these two. But… Nimbus grinned. “Oh come on now, you don’t need to be so formal. Just call me Nimbus. Is there something I can help you with?” “Actually I wanted… to see if Soul was available” Dash said.

Not at all shocking. But… it struck Nimbus. Surprising her. That maybe it would have been something else, but this late? Rainbow Dash… I really wish you could have come to visit earlier. She never said a word, but all weekend long she expected the filly to arrive and want to play with Soul. Just making her worry even more. Until now. Relieved, actually. So nothing is wrong, right? But… I hate to be the one to make her feel bad.

4.34
“Well… um, Soul is taking a bath right now… and we have dinner getting made…” “Is she alright?” Dash interrupted. Breaking Nimbus from her rambling and finding a filly before her whose stare pierced right through those rainbow hairs that draped down her face and glowing in the dying light of the Sun. Deep. Troubling. Just looking at them, Nimbus was struck by it. “I just want to know if she’s doing okay” Dash said softly. Freezing the air with her chilling sentiment in the coldest of voice she uttered, so longing in its rasp. Like she was so afraid to ask it. Because… she is worried for her. Why? “She’s been alright” Nimbus said. “We’ve been flying a lot and just getting ready for the week.”

“That’s good…” Dash said so hushed. Lowering her head, …then she walked away. Nimbus was taken aback. Right as the filly let her wings out, she was leaving… but… “Wait a minute” Nimbus stopped her. “Did you… want to play with her? I’m sure she’d like to after dinner. Or maybe you can…” Nimbus put a hoof to her lip.

Would it be alright to invite her? I just don’t know how her parents would react. Eating over at another pony’s house. Would I allow Soul to do such a thing? They were both flight buddies. Close enough that Dash had come to see her… just to know how she was doing? I doubt that very much. “Soul actually has a few more hours before bed time, I can see if you two can…” “It’s alright” Dash said.

The filly looked back over her shoulder. Even saying that, she cracked a smile and a laugh. “I was just passing by and wanted to see if everything was alright. I gotta go get some things before it gets too dark anyways. Food and all.” Food, huh? Nimbus slackened her shoulders. Craning her neck to the sky and she sighed. Breathing out loudly to the warm breeze guiding over her with such a taste in the air that made her feel so uneasy. The feeling of unease indeed. It couldn’t be hidden. Right when I thought these two would always jump on the chance to hang out with one another.

4.35
“Before you go” Nimbus said right as Dash was about to take off. Stilling the air between the two of them. So much so, Nimbus could swear she could cut the air like butter. But she couldn’t allow it. If Dash wanted to go, fine, but she needs to help me. To end this.

“Soul said you had something to do on Friday that made you have to cancel. What did you have to do?” Dash held her place. Her back arched up. Got you. Neither of you can hide anything from me. I can practically feel the vibrations running down your back as you shiver. As Nimbus closed herself off from everything. With just her and Dash alone. I am not playing around anymore, and she knew it. Because we both want the same thing, and I can sense it in your voice as you speak.

“I… I… didn’t do anything” Dash said. Thought so… but it didn’t help to prevent Nimbus from lowering her ears in sadness. Being told right there… that things were not as they seemed. Soul, why would you lie to me? When we are all trying to help you. I vowed to myself that you would not go through the same things I went through. I failed last time, when I was too late to save you from that pain that made both of us cry as I was reminded of the pain to my own body. That makes me shelter myself in my wings at night. Unable to go a single night without a pony who loves me there to hold me and for me to hold as I feel so weak and defenseless. I don’t want the same fear to be with you too. I’ll do anything to help you. To keep you from it. “I see…” Nimbus muttered.

“Can you tell your daughter something for me?” Dash said. Perking Nimbus’ ears up for a moment when she said that, but she listened. “Tell her… she’s an awesome flight buddy.”

Nimbus wanted to say something when she saw that filly wipe her face behind her mane before she took off with a gust of wind billowing out behind her wings and she soared off. Leaving Nimbus with that last sound she made of a little filly crying. Just like a sound… she was so used to. Soul…

4.36
Nimbus set the towels down. Tossing them aside. More concerned with something else. Something that needed to be said. Through that door that separated her from the running water behind it. She brought her hoof down to it.

“Was somepony at the door?” the little voice said on the other side before Nimbus could even knock. Not surprised at all. I’ve had enough surprises tonight. “Rainbow Dash was here…” Nimbus said. Placing her hoof back down. She stood tall along the door. Taking all her strength just to keep herself from crying out. That long pause was dreadful to wait through. Soul… she was so silent. Right when the water stopped running, and she heard the patter of dripping water on the other side. The one sound to break out from that silence. As she waited for her to say something, because Soul needed to be the one. Does she even realize what is going on? I don’t think she does, and I can’t believe I need to be the one to let her know.

“What did she want?” Soul asked curiously. Nimbus set her hoof against the door. “Soul, why did you lie to me? Rainbow said she didn’t have anything to do on Friday. Why did you lie?” Drip. Then the sound of something moving through the water and plopping down in a splash. Do you have anything to say for yourself? Please answer me. Because I am trying my best to help you, but it’s not any easier when I don’t know what it is that is wrong. “I’m not mad at you… but… why did you decide to not play with her?” “She didn’t want to play with me in the end” Soul spoke out. “That’s not true” Nimbus stopped her. There was no point in saying that. Not after I saw the filly with my own eyes. Didn’t want to play with Soul. I can’t believe that, not when I can tell it is wrong. Not when I can see… the eyes so familiar to me of another filly so close to my heart who had the same longing to play with somepony else… when I looked in the mirror.

4.37
“I really hope you don’t think that… because it’s not true at all. You two work so well together and stick to one another. How is it possible that she doesn’t want to be with you?” Silence. Not even the sound of water. That only made Nimbus push her hoof even harder into the door, so much so that she thought she may burst it right through that wooden surface.

“Answer me, Soul.” “…I’m sorry I lied.” The filly made a noise that made Nimbus’ heart sink. She sniffled. Soul, if it hurts you so much, why? Why keep it from me, hide things from me? It is all meant to help you. Because I don’t want you to be that filly with no friends in the end. Because… “I know you’ve had it hard. But… I don’t want it to be any harder for you. Not when you have so much set before you, all you need to do is fly to it. Fly just like you always do. Towards that better place. Where you don’t have to worry about anything else that happened before. Soul, …I know it hurts…” the sound of screaming still echoing in her mind. Of her own sobs so loud that they drowned out the crying filly she held in her legs. “The past hurts, but you can’t let it hold you back. Not when you have so much you can look forward to.” So you don’t end up like I did. Like I am now, crying against a damn door remembering what it was like to go on without anypony else to rely on. You have it so lucky. Because I am here for you. “It’s why I chose you two to be flight buddies.” When I saw that same look… shared in the eyes of two very different fillies who both had… very similar problems. Ones that neither of you can see. “So you two can rely on one another. And you’ll both make it through. So what if it’ll be hard? At least you got each other.

More than what can be said for other ponies.”

4.38
Soul had nothing to say. Leaving Nimbus there to dry her eyes. Picking herself up from off the door and turning away from it. I don’t know what happened to you two and what is going through your mind, Soul. If it has anything to do with what happened on Friday. But I won’t leave you like this. I won’t let it happen.

“Rainbow Dash came by… because she wanted to play with you. But… it was too late… so she had to go.” Let that sink in, Soul. “She also wanted me to tell you something. Want to know what it was?” Soul had nothing to say in there. Nothing but more little cries muffled. I just hope you see that I’m doing this to help you.

“She said you are an awesome flight buddy.” That made Soul squeak in there. Shrouded under a light cry and splashing water. “I hope you see that… it’s not as bad as you think. You don’t need to tell me what it is that’s bothering you, but… you still have your flight buddy there for you. I don’t want you to think you are alone and that there’s no pony out there that wants to help you. Trust me, you got it good. At least you got ponies there to let you know there is more to life than being alone with yourself. You will always have a pony there for you… even if you least expect it of them.” “I just…” Soul muttered out in a soft cry that disappeared so quickly. Gone as she started up again in there, paining Nimbus’ heart to hear her let out her sadness.

This must be so hard for you. I understand. Nimbus didn’t leave her. Instead, she sat herself right down against the cloudy wall. Banging her head up against it and taking her place at the bathroom door’s side. For as long as it takes. I already know the answer to this. “Did you still want me to give you a bath?” Soul sniffed. Crying out even louder in there. Echoing in the confines of the room. She managed to speak out between it all. “I need time alone…” I know. But I’ll still be here. Nimbus would not go anywhere. You have another week ahead of you. Make the best of it. Despite anything else.

4.39
Maybe I really have been stupid, but it doesn’t make me any less afraid. Nimbus, I know you mean the best for me. You want the best for me. For Soul to not feel alone anymore. Just like on nights like this as she lay alone in her bed. Listening to the soft rustle of wind outside her window. Trying its best to drift her off to sleep. It could try its best, but just knowing that tomorrow was coming… it didn’t shake her of that feeling of being backed into that corner with no way out. Not one moment went by this weekend when she felt like she had done all this before. Having to face off against everything. Feeling so afraid while having nothing to rely on.

I can’t go to Nimbus for this. I can’t ruin her efforts. She wants me to have a friend. I want to make her proud. But I always feel like I’m alone. Left to venture out into this endless maze on her own. Always going between now… and the painful things she remembered. Back in another time when she was all alone and cornered. Fearful for herself. She had done this before. Laughed at by everypony, it was all too real for her. Quick to show that nothing had changed. That she was always meant to make other ponies upset with her and make it harder and harder for them to like her. Nothing had fixed it before. In the dark of the room, she stared out from her pillow to the corner. Seeing the flicker of shadow dancing in the moonlight cast off by her own head. The look of a pony all alone in that corner. One that looked just like her. Alone. Afraid. Even when she did nothing wrong to them, it still ended up the same. But for this one time. Soul replayed what Nimbus had said to her. For it to be true. To prove that she had indeed been so stupid. Seeing herself as that same pony she saw in the corner. There was one difference though. They were both afraid, both had no idea on what to do, both worried.

Except… that pony from before… she didn’t have something that Soul did have now. Since there was a pony out there… who really did think that she was awesome? She thinks that? I don’t know what to say except… thank you. Though I don’t think it will last long. Amber and Breezy… they both left me behind to avoid what I’m going through.

Rainbow, you hug me and tell me nice things like that. You do nice things for me. Really my only reason to look forward to every day. Yet I can’t help but feel so alone when I’m at camp. Like Dash was not really there… only afterwards. While she dealt with all these terrible things. She couldn’t help but wonder why… until she saw it. On that very day when they all laughed at her. The same reason why Amber and Breezy left, which was why she couldn’t be upset. Accepting that things were just going to be like this. With her always afraid of what was to come with nothing to look forward to until after it was all over. I’m trapped. No idea on what to do. But that’s the one thing I have different than what I’m used to. A pony with me.

I just really wish you could hold me more often like you did before. Tell Soul that all was okay. Too much to ask of her, after what she went through, Soul couldn’t ask any more of Dash. …Though, she really did want to. Anything to get rid of the terrors. Left with one small comfort. She held it tighter to her. Clasping her hooves around her other pillow. Holding its soft surface to her cheek. She sighed pleasantly. Imagining herself to not be alone. Like the one moment they shared together. Cast out in a sea of pain. One she loathed. I’m just not ready yet, but I hope you would be willing to accept my apology when I am ready. To hug you again. To keep you from leaving me too, just like Amber and Breezy did. Soul smiled.

“Dash…” she whispered. She brought all her hooves around to hug the pillow… just like we hugged except… I don’t know why I’m like this but… I can’t help it. Soul wrapped her wings around the pillow as well. Holding it tight to her chest. Keeping it warm like it did for her. “I miss your hugs.” I promise to be a stronger pony for you. I’ll keep taking it… if it means we can have each other at the end of the day. Keep taking it… a tear went down Soul’s cheek and wetted the pillow she hugged. But I really wish things were different. Even if I still… feel so lonely in the end.

Please keep me strong.

4.40
The training wasn’t getting any easier. Went about as well as expected, considering how every single day had been lately when trying to just figure this out. Holding her breath and just letting it all go for a moment exactly as she had done the first time and exactly how Nimbus taught her to do it. Just like how one flies. You need to pay attention to everything and know your surroundings. Feel the flow of wind around you and use it to your advantage. Soul never could imagine it still being this fussy with her. Unwilling to bend to her. Like it was alive. This was ridiculous.

She exhaled sharply. Opening her eyes back up and staring out at the bright and sunny day that shone over the deck. Ridiculous and weird. She now noticed her wings were still flapping, just like normal when she tried. Every time sort of like they weren’t even there until she stopped paying attention. Their noise and motion coming back to her when she opened her eyes. Weird because it was going much like the same way it did before. Ridiculous that… that was the extent of it. Gone with that ability to just be able to feel it all again. Nimbus was right, this is tough. Either that or she just wasn’t good enough. Not something she liked to imagine being true but every attempt made her feel so low.

Over and over today. No breakthrough. Leaving just a filly there to shake her head in disbelief. Nimbus entrusted this training to me because she believes I am capable of it. I know I am, I did it once. “How can I master it if I can’t do it again?!”

No answer for her. No pony with her to comment on better ways to do it or comforting words to reassure her. Only the fading words she heard each attempt before today of Nimbus doing her best for her. I am just a kid, I have plenty of years left to learn it. But I want to make her proud now. When everypony can see that she can do something so incredible to help her achieve that level of flying that so few can imagine or even work towards. More importantly, she wanted to make herself proud. Prove everypony wrong about her. Shame Nimbus wasn’t here to give her some advice. Soul scratched a hoof over her bandaged leg.

4.41
Yet does it always come down to that? Me always needing help. I hate how helpless I always am. She told me how to do it. Just do it! Soul groaned. Smacking both her hooves over her face. Fed up with it all. For now. No way she’d give up but… “I need a drink.”

Apple juice this morning would not cut it. She sure needed more of it. Settling back down to ground and trotting back through the open deck doors and into the much cooler space of her house. It still hadn’t warmed up. That’s what happens when they leave the windows open all night. Despite this rather warm day. Warming her good, though thirsty not from that. Not even thirsty, though she poured her glass to the tip and gulped it down furiously. Surprising herself that she downed half the glass at once.

Putting everything back where she found it. She looked out beyond the kitchen counters and across the empty and silent rooms of her house. Motionless. Nopony around her, so unlike what she was used to. Funny… she was so used to being alone. Not so anymore. So much has changed. To consider this weird. But this was my choice. More training in her near future. A long, long time of it just to get to that goal. I can’t give up, she couldn’t even tell if today may be the big moment she needed to realize that amazing talent. A talent so cool all thanks to Nimbus, …she bet it would lead to something amazing. Like a certain cutie mark on her flanks. She never thought of that! What if it would be something related to flying like Nimbus? When I figure out this skill? No telling what wonderful and beautiful mark may appear upon her flanks to show just what it was she was best at to all the other ponies. Return with a cutie mark… hehe. Soul rubbed her jaw, grinning. That would be cool or… maybe I’m just overthinking. Crazy even.

Besides… she bet her mark would be something even cooler than mastering this skill. Cooler than something related to flying. Whatever that could be. Very much looking forward to when she would achieve this skill and go on from there. High level training.

4.42
Soul jumped when such a loud knock rang out across her house, followed by several more. All from the door. Which took her a moment to figure out.

She stared across the room, over to where the door stood. For a moment. Another delivery? Nimbus hadn’t had one in a while. Always leaving Soul here to bring them in and always wonder what it would be until Nimbus would gladly open it up in front of her later. Last time had been a new set of torches for the deck. Of course, Soul was to be the one to get it. She moved over right when more knocks struck at it. Lighter than last time.

“Coming!” She went to a gallop. Taking to the air when she reached it, to do the normal thing. Looking outside the windows at the top of the door. Expecting to see the delivery pony. Or his daughter in training even. …Nopony floated there. Finding herself staring out at an empty porch. Nothing even there to move. Save for the few pegasi who flew across the cloudy streets beyond and the hundreds more crowding the skies further beyond. What? Soul landed. They normally stay. Maybe they had to get going. Soul reached her bandaged hoof up to the knob, pulling the door right open. Feeling the warm air once more coming in to strike her face. Alongside something else striking her ears.

4.43
“Morning, Soul!” said somepony she did not expect to find here. Somepony she couldn’t believe for a moment was in front of her. Seemed like it had been ages. Though… that wasn’t even the strangest thing about it to her. So many strange things.

Rainbow Dash smiled at her. The tiny filly leaning in across the threshold to the door just edging in to get closer to the surprised Soul. She… must have been hiding behind the door. If she is… wait? “R-Rainbow Dash?” “Surprised to see me, I bet” Dash giggled. “Well aren’t we both full of surprises. Didn’t know you had healing powers.” Dash pointed a hoof to the one that Soul used to hold onto the knob of the door. Turning it slightly, Soul let go. Hiding the hoof behind herself. No amount of fake laughs or smiles could convince the smirking rainbow maned filly otherwise of what she had seen. Guess the jig is up.

“What are you doing here?” Soul asked. “I should be the one asking questions” Dash said. “But…” she rolled her eyes. Stepping forward a little, close enough to push her hoof into Soul’s chest. “It’s good to see you. May I come in?” Huh? Soul looked over her shoulder. Dash wants to come into my house. Oh no, she didn’t know if that was allowed. Nimbus always taught her not to let other ponies in without permission… strangers. This was… Dash. The same filly she remembered from before… the one she flew off from. Who had come to her house last night. Am I even allowed to invite other ponies in? Or… well… maybe for a little bit. This was Rainbow Dash after all, I don’t think Nimbus would say no to her. Not after how well they got along. Didn’t make it any less awkward when Soul stepped aside and showed Dash in.

Watching the filly trot past her and into her very house, this same filly from before. It took a lot just to keep Soul from bowing her head. She did not meet Dash’s eyes. Closing the door behind her, turning and wondering what it was the filly wanted. Except that Dash had… she was rushing off into the kitchen. Head turning left and right with glee in her stride. “Hey, wait up!” Soul said. Flapping her wings and taking off after her. Quick to catch her. Finding that Dash had really gotten worked up. Her hooves were doing something she didn’t think possible on the filly. Dash giddily bounced in place. Excited to look all around.

4.44
“Wow, I’m in your house. This place is awesome. You even got a bar counter” the filly pointed over to the kitchen counters. “Now I need that in my future house.” Going back to looking all around. At all the décor of clouds and hanging rainbow shingles with countless little droplets of water running down the walls that made this place always have a touch of the sky with it. All split up by the Wonderbolts and Speedsters posters and portraits lined all around the house that Dash rushed off to look over. Moving faster than Soul expected a guest. Indeed, confusing her.

“Dash, wait a minute.” “Oh my gosh!” Dash slinked her hoof around the series of little pictures Nimbus had set up on one of the tables. “You have pictures of all of last year’s Equestrian flight champions. And…” she gasped. Running right over to the wall overlooking the doors to the deck where the vast portrait hung high over it. “A portrait of the last Best Flyers’ Competition.”

Rainbow took to the air, floating up to hover by it. Soul came to join her. Not to look, hoping for something else. “You even got it with Princess Celestia in it” Dash pointed out the large, white alicorn sitting atop the very tallest of stands in the crowd that overlooked the expansive stadium where it had all taken place. “How much did your parents need to pay for this stuff?” “Dash. What are you doing here?”

“Oh… sorry.” Both fillies settled back down. Dash rubbing the side of her head in embarrassment. “I got a little carried away. This is all stuff that my parents tell me stories about. I’ve never seen it before. Not what I came here for… I know.” Dash looked back down at Soul’s hoof. The one she did not attempt to hide anymore. “Guess you’re all better, right?” Soul heard it in her voice. She was joking. Well aware of what was going on here. Soul sighed. “Here I was worrying that you were still hurt” Dash said. “Nimbus told me that you stayed behind to rest your leg.” No point in hiding it now. Why Soul was home and not at camp.

4.45
“It’s… been fine for a couple days now. I just…” Soul said but Dash shrugged her shoulders. Turning tail and walking off towards the living room. Slowly this time, not running around anymore though she still looked around. “Don’t need to say” Dash said. “I know why you didn’t come in. …Friday still on your mind?” She didn’t know the half of it. Soul didn’t answer. I am still so frightened to go back, I just… I just need time. Not after what I had to go through last time. More so… Soul was even more ashamed. Ashamed that the other reason she didn’t go in today was right here in her house. The same pony she ran off from. Yet here she was. Venturing around Soul’s house.

“Awww….” Dash laughed over in the living room. Staring down at something on one of the tables. What is she… oh shit. Soul flew off after her. No! Dash was there laughing over the very thing she knew it to be. “You look so adorable as a foal” Dash laughed even harder. Still having the time of her life when Soul pushed her away with such force to throw her on her back. She stood in front of the picture of the little magenta foal… with all that damn food smothered all over her cheeks and a mess of her plate.

“Shut up” Soul said. “Bet you did the same.” “Oh come on now” Dash stood back up, calming herself down. Why did they need to put up a picture of that moment, of all the lousy moments? “I came because I wanted to make sure you were doing alright. I tried to come see you yesterday, but it was a bad time.” Soul stayed quiet.

Letting Dash say what she needed and Soul actually felt a little tingle inside. Because… was it true what Nimbus had said yesterday? It had been on her mind for so long now if it was right. Dash did come yesterday. Did she say those words though? Soul wanted to ask. Ask her if she called me awesome… Soul curled her lips. I… I gotta admit I am a little amazed she came out to see me. Just to see if I was okay.

4.46
“Even after what I did on Friday?” Soul needed to point out. “I… I’ve been regretting running off ever since. I really wish I had stayed and played with you.” You came to me yesterday, so… do you feel bad over it too? Coming today as well. This was not at all what she would have guessed to happen today. She needed to admit, she was kind of happy to see her come over. “It’s not your fault” Dash said. “I was also… pretty upset with those two for ditching us. After that day, I understand that you may have been upset” Dash said. She stepped closer and offered her hoof once more to Soul. “But I’m still here, flight buddy.”

You are. But why? After I got you made fun of and made things harder for you. After I left you. I… I was the one who ditched you. Would you not be upset with me? I don’t know why it is she is here, but I am glad she is. Even if I feel so uncomfortable with her being around and not just for seeing my foal pictures. Please… do not go into Nimbus’ room. Please, I don’t want to talk about camp or Friday. Anything about that day. I’d rather not remember that now.

I really just want to get back to training and forget that I made a total mess of that day. She didn’t know why it was she accepted Dash’s hoof in the end. Was it the feeling of it? Or just the offering of Soul’s continued commitment? “Would you like a drink?” Soul offered. Going back to finish off what was left of her juice. “Nah, I’d rather hang out if you don’t mind” Dash said. The filly turned away and continued on to look around the house under Soul’s watchful eye until she finished off her juice. Almost spitting it up when something hit her head. “Wait! How are you even here? Shouldn’t you be at camp?”

4.47
“Shouldn’t you be at camp?” Dash said. “Seriously, leaving me to fly by myself there.” “I’m sorry” Soul admitted. Having decided she was just too afraid. Let alone that Dash would make this move and come here out of the blue. “I wasn’t gonna leave you alone any longer. So… as far as everypony else knows, I came down with a cold last minute. Mom took me home and went off to work. I got till the evening before I need to get home or…”

“You’ll get in trouble?” Soul said. Met with a nod and quite a mischievous smile. Really? She’s taking quite a risk. Is she really willing to take that chance… just to hang out with me? I still don’t know why she wants to be with me right now. “Maybe you should go home, I don’t want you to get in trouble.” “No way” Dash refused. Flying up and over to the stairs. “I’m having too much fun here. Would you want to show me around a little?”

She hung by the stairs as if asking Soul if they could go up there. Soul accepted her answer. No way to convince her. As long as we remember, I’ll do my best to keep her from getting in trouble. Sure to keep an eye on the time today. “Okay, I can show you my room if you want.” “Sounds good” Dash said, following after Soul when she flew up the flight of stairs and into the long hallway above. “Just my room, mom will get mad if somepony goes into her room” Soul said. A lie. Nimbus would not get mad at all over that. Soul sure would for other reasons. Both of them getting to their hooves once more in front of Soul’s room.

“I can show you around but… afterwards, I think I need to get back to training” Soul said. “I took an off day, but don’t want to get rusty.” Thinking it over in her head while Dash widened her eyes. “Training! Seriously? Okay, I got to watch you.”

Training, yeah, but what? I suck enough at the technique, even more so with a guest here. One she was getting more and more worried about when it came to being around Soul. Hoping that Dash would have decided to leave since Soul wanted to train. The filly just so excited to be here now more than ever. Why? Not even sure what she had to gain from watching. Something Dash seemed to pick up on. “I would love to see how you fly when you’re outside of camp. Better techniques and stunts. Don’t worry, I’ll watch and you can do whatever it is you want to do. No worries.” I won’t turn her away. Not after Friday. If she wanted to watch, fine. At least I don’t need to worry. But what to train in? “Alright” Soul agreed. Pushing the door to her room open.

4.48
Letting Dash in first, the filly was eager to go around and see what she could find while Soul was more or less worried she may break something or be less careful than she would want. She found just more of the wonderfully ordained walls and décor that the rest of the house had save for that lighter shade of blue Soul liked the clouds of her room to have compared to the rest of the house, and no raindrops or streams flowing out from the walls. Many more of the beautiful portraits and paintings Nimbus and Starry had been sure to give to Soul to liven her room up. Those seemed to be the things Dash liked seeing the most before she spotted the bookshelves stacked all around the room and the many, many books set within.

“I saw these from out your window but… sheesh Soul, do you think you have enough books?” The filly ran her hoof across each of the ones that were aligned in one of the shelves. Skimming and looking so unimpressed. Much like she sounded. “I thought you may like them. They’re mostly about Cloudsdale history and flying techniques” Soul informed her. Among many other things that told Soul so much about the world outside of this mighty floating city.

Dash did end up pulling out one of them, opening it up and looking through some of it very quickly. Not at all sounding like she was dissatisfied though she put it back rather quick. “So that’s my room, probably should get going” Soul told her. Wanting to get an end to this tour. “Oh damn!” Dash rushed past her. Leaping up and making Soul shudder when she landed hard down onto her bed. So hard that she thought she may break it, instead not even making a sound. The filly sinking right into it, stretching her hooves out like she was making herself at home. Even closing her eyes, resting her head on a pillow.

“Wow, Soul” she muttered. “You got a huge bed. Damn, I love this.” Dash turned over and scurried on under the blankets. Out of sight. Oh she was making herself at home.

4.49
It was a big bed meant for two full grown ponies, as was its original use. Till it was given to her. Soul was sort of glad she had something nice to say about it. Rainbow really did seem to enjoy it. Popping her head out from under the blankets, running her mane wild. “Yeah…” Soul said. Signaling back to the door. “I think we should get going. Don’t have all day to mess around, you know?” “Please” Dash waved her hoof. “We got hours.” “Yeah, but I’m still worried they may come home and find you here… and know that… that I was lying.” “Well I’m supposed to be sick” Dash commented. “Be a dear and get me some soup.” She held her hoof up to her mouth, coughing into it. “Please…” she spoke even raspier than normal. “Before I pass out.”

“Alright, stop it” Soul said and made Dash laugh. The filly spun under the blankets back onto her belly and crawled out from under them. Laying back up on top of them. “Relax. I’ll keep an eye on the time.” “I hope so.” Soul turned away and went back to the door. Wanting Dash to follow her. No more of this time wasting. Dash could stay but they couldn’t just goof around. I took off today to train and… other reasons, but I don’t have anything against letting her stay here. “I need to get back to my training. Since my hoof is… hurt, don’t think I’ll be allowed to train later tonight.”

She heard the rustle of blankets behind her and the excited voice of a filly who came after her. “Can I still watch? I promise not to get in the way.” Soul closed the door behind them, walking off with Dash at her side, a filly with such a wide smile on her. Such enthusiasm in it. It kind of weirded Soul out. Dash was being unusually weird today. Still not even sure why she wanted to watch Soul. That sounded kind of boring. Wouldn’t she be better off doing something else instead of watching Soul fly? “I still don’t know why you want to watch me” Soul said. “Why not just go do something on your own? I bet that’ll be more fun.”

4.50
Dash set a hoof before Soul, stopping both of them at the top of the stairs. Bringing both of them to look over at one another. Dash so serious in her face. As were her words, no longer tinged in that sound of a fun-loving filly.

“All we do is fly those same boring courses at camp. Stuff you’re better than, both of us are. But… I’ll be honest.” Dash looked down, taking a deep breath. Perking Soul’s ears back up. The pause in her voice. So down. But she kept talking. “I know you need to hold back to let me keep up with you when we fly. You got lucky by having a master flyer teach you. I… I only want to get the chance to see how you fly for real when nothing is there to hold you back. Maybe…” she pressed her hoof into Soul’s fur. “It’ll inspire me.” She knew all of that?

Now Soul was truly surprised. Dash understood it all. She knows I’ve been holding back. Now she wants to see what it’s like when I don’t. I’m not even sure what it is she expects to gain from it… save for what she said. Saying it just for me? But it sounded so nice. It’s the entire reason I do all this. To inspire others. To show them what they dream for can be achieved no matter what stands against them. What stood against me, and how far I have gotten from it. What I had to overcome. Prove wrong. But it sounded too good to be true. Does Dash really want me to fly like that? I just feel like… it may not be the way she wants. That it may be something else than what I want. All my life, I’ve been disproven. Fly for her.

Soul gulped. Nodding her head. She didn’t know what to truly do, though she spoke out like it was instinct. To the one pony who, for the first time, wanted to see her skill. “Okay.”

Soul led her down the stairs. Taking her out onto the very deck where she did all her training. Out to overlook the gigantic field of clouds spanning out in every direction that made up this vast wilderness of Cloudsdale’s outer districts. A natural training ground for pegasi. Though Nimbus, Starry, and her, they were the only ponies who ever seemed to take this place just for the purpose of training. Changing today with a new pony to see something so few got to see here.

4.51
Dash gasped in amazement from the top of the deck. Walking up and leaning on the railings to look out at it all. “You guys are so lucky. You got a killer view here, and… well, it’s pretty much all yours.” It doesn’t belong to us, but we are allowed to use it for whatever we want. Expansive and empty with a constantly clear day hanging over it. So few clouds up there. With an autumn breeze coming over for the first time today. Breaking the warmth of the Sun.

“You get to train out here all the time?” Dash asked, looking back from her perch at the railing. The filly climbing up and settling in on top of it. Like she did ready herself for a show. My show. Something Soul had to run through her head ever since she agreed to do this. Whatever training she could do. But what would be enough? How much is too much? It made her so afraid. “Yeah. It’s always so lovely.” Soul stretched her wings back out. Stepping forward on her hooves and stretching her legs as far as could go till her back popped. It felt so good, readied herself for whatever it was she was supposed to do. She sighed out pleasantly. Flapping her wings a few times for good measure.

Pretend like I’m with Nimbus. But it was hard, doing the same readying routine as she did with her. Looking out at the same location they always trained in. Just one thing made this all different. Keeping her back. As her entire mind became a storm seeing the one pony she was afraid of disappointing in the same ways I have with so many others, let alone the pony I hurt so recently. Am I letting her stay just to inspire her, or is it to not abandon her like I did last time? Why did you come back? Why do you want this? “I’m not exactly sure what it is I should do. I don’t want to bother you” Soul said. “Bother me with what? …Are you still worried?” Soul nodded. Ashamed to admit it.

That settled both of them. Neither one talking. Soul staring down at the deck floor feeling Dash watching over her from across the expanse with such a cool and soft breeze flowing in over them. Soul grabbed hold of her mane, holding it in place just as the wind made it start to move. Also to hide just how much she was scared. For it was not something that Dash would understand. Not after last time I flew perfectly for anypony else. Just how badly… it hurt me. Why want it from me?

4.52
“What is wrong, Soul. Tell me. I’m your flight buddy.” Soul clenched her teeth hard. Almost grinding them. She hasn’t seen it yet. Oh, I’ll just tell her. “I’m afraid I’ll make you feel bad. I… I don’t like showing off. It… it hasn’t worked out for me before.” “It hasn’t worked out for you… huh?” Dash whispered. So soft as she said it, it made Soul lock eyes with her. Her vacant and lost eyes shimmering of magenta light. Before Dash finally blinked. “I don’t know why you think that… you fly so amazingly when you’re with me. All this time, it’s been obvious you’re better than that all. Hell, you even told me. I know you are a better flyer… yet I’m still here. I’m still wanting to see how you do fly. Is that not proof enough that I’ll be okay with seeing you perform to the best of your ability?” Yes… it does make sense, but… I just can’t shake this feeling off me. As much as I want to fly for you. Deep inside, I do. Though the pain is great along my wings. Along my fur. Practically stinging her mind. Remembering the laughs and the words spoken to her. Though not once did they come from this pony here. More than what she could ask for from this pony. Though she wished for more. So much more. Too much for her to say, too much for it to be real.

Yet she asks something of me, sincerely. She wants to see. None of the great flyers I know of have ever refused the chance. A chance to show others the greatness they can achieve. Soul nodded. “Show me some moves, Soul.” Soul let her wings rise. As did her stare. Up into the sky. So few clouds to work with. Not that she needed many. Settle on one thing. Now!

“I’ll do some mid-tier aerials and speed tests for you then” Soul conceded. “I was working with them last night so it’ll be smart to continue them.” “Blow my mind, Soul” Dash said. Giving her a grin of approval. I just hope you don’t feel that I’ve blown you away from me. Soul bent her legs. Stretching her hind legs out as far as could go to hold her tail high to the sky with both her wings split out. Flapping once and then twice. Always the third. Soul took a deep breath. Opening her eyes finally only when she felt her wings come up once more.

4.53
Hard to say she ever performed training for another’s viewing pleasure. Kind of weird to know somepony was here to watch her. Soul still managed to take off. Leaving the deck behind in a mighty flurry of wind and force set out by the final flap of her wings that sent her back up into the sky over the cloud fields. I can’t think of this as an aerial display for her. Even now, it was starting to creep in that she was essentially performing when she should be training.

Okay, none of that. Just need to imagine this was like any other night with Nimbus. Soul went over the routine last night. It was a simple and mandatory procedure that they had gone over many time before. Always changing in how she was supposed to do it but the outcome was to be the same. Just to get her comfortable with higher level flying and doing tricks and maneuvers in those settings. Also getting used to the speed that was involved in it. There as a primer for the harder stuff that would come after years of practice at this level. She didn’t have Nimbus here to guide her on what way she should do it today. That was fine. She didn’t need her here to think of how to do a procedure she was used to practicing. Just forget Dash for right now. Just forget.

Soul took a breath. Peering down at the fields under her for a brief second. Just to get a sense of the height she was getting at. She was making good time, ascending quickly to where the fields below looked to be getting smaller and her lone house on the edge of it all fell off in the background of it. So high up, she got the same view as before. Taking a moment to look out at the landscape. Looking all about at the city that went on for so far in every direction. Amazed how different things looked. At night, the massive towers and domes of the city center looming high and far in the distance were always so gorgeous to view at such high altitude. Shrouded in the light of the stars and the endlessly beaming colors of the giant rainbow that arced over the city and shone those towers in such series of reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, and violets.

It’s been a very long time since last she flew this high at day. When the towers below and the coursing streets and cluttered cityscapes of Cloudsdale all cast out their whites and blues amid the flowing rivers and churning thunderclouds pouring out from the city.

So high, she saw those very clouds get left behind. In the wake of Cloudsdale itself. Left behind by the city. Left to roam and venture across the land. So beautiful. Like normal, she had no time to fawn over it. She didn’t have all day. I need to see this as another training routine. Stop worrying about everything else. Just imagine Nimbus was here with her. Flying at her side like she did last night. Giving her instructions and reminders to keep her comfortable and confident. What would she say?

4.54
Level out those wings and don’t lose any rhythm to your flaps. You need to keep your wings in tandem with the wind. Fight resistance and let go when the wind let up. Keep her wings low. Soul held them down. Flapping hard but never letting them get too high less they catch the wind. Wind that came down at her even harder the higher she got. Normal stuff. She flew up against it. Reaching the height she needed to. Where she could tuck her hind legs in and reach out her forelegs.

The air shifted. That was good. Soul knew herself to be at quite a high level. Mid altitude over the city itself. Where all the rolling hills of green grassy fields and the massive lines of mountains could be seen as far as she could look. Where all of Equestria’s beautiful landscape was hers for the viewing. Wait for the air to get to where it’s at its least calm. Keep that level. I won’t show you where it is, you need to make that judgement yourself. First time she got to this level, Nimbus was harsh. She did not play around and left Soul to deal with lots of the conditions on her own. Not out of cruelty. Though Soul was hurt by her brash nature during their first time doing this, she understood it as time went on. I can’t rely on others all the time. Flying is something you need to work on and its meant to develop under your own skills. She was lucky to have her there to teach her anyways. Otherwise, Soul had no idea how she would be at this point. Where she was now to know that right… here was where she needed to be. This was perfect.

Soul leveled out her wings and turned off to keep her distance from the horizon where the wind would get at its most brutal. Just short of it. Enough wind here to give her somewhat of a challenge, her mighty wings kept her aloft and her nimble adjustments made sure none of the changing conditions blew her off course.

4.55
The higher you go, the worse the wind and weather gets. The harder it gets for you to stay calm. It puts a lot of force and pressure on your wings. You need to know your limits and be comfortable with it. Fighting the wind will not work. But you can’t let it control you. Use it to your advantage and use your body to adjust it to your liking. Your wings let you shift the course of the airflow around you. That was what was needed to pull off those fancy moves. Wings weren’t everything when it came to this, and Soul had done this enough now to see that the wind up here was blowing diagonal across from her and churning in a way that could let her do some stellar aerials as long as she did them at the right time. As much as it was tempting, she needed to do this the way Nimbus taught her. Stay comfortable with it. Test the wind and warp it to your own speed, only then does it change to do what you want. Where you can get to the speeds you need to fly at this level.

Gotcha. Soul banked off to the right. Falling down for just a moment, letting her wings hang out motionless, waiting to catch hold of the current she needed. Then she felt it as she fell further down. To where she could stop. Straighten her flight out. One kick of her hooves and a mighty lash of her wings, she rocketed off. Holding her wings out along the course. This was it. The wind struck against her face, fighting her but helping at the same time. Like running into a wall while a fan blew against her rear.

Carried on by her wings. So few flaps she needed to do. Alright, this was it. Soul held her hooves in front of her. Looking down their lengths and onwards to what lie ahead. The open sky and the spiraling cyclone of wind that guided her. Oh boy, this was going to feel intense. She didn’t know if she hated this feeling or not, always making her stomach lurch for a moment. Yet the resulting speed… it was something else. Something she never got to do at camp… or in front of Dash. Don’t think about her. Count the bumps in the air. Wait for a break. Even her wings waited for it. Flapping gently but their push was hard. Let the air guide you. Wait for its flow to stop and then pounce on it.

I know what to do, Nimbus. I’ve done it plenty of times. Though… when will I get used to this feeling. Soul shook her head when her stomach started to reel when she arced her body down and angled herself for a small descent. Worst was yet to come and then the best. It broke. Soul kicked her wings into high gear. Making her want to gag on the force of her power. Sometimes forgetting how strong her wings were. Strong enough to do this.

4.56
Soul’s head almost split when her ears rang from the sound of thunder cracking out across the sky. A near cloudless day up here. Not from any storm. It was her. Rippling out behind her in a sound so familiar to her. Where her wings cut the air away from them and churned it out on their own. The sky is mine now. Soul flew off. Striking her wings hard. Sent off in a blaze of air that near boiled around her from the force of her strikes and then calming into true bliss with the power of the thunderous shock she sent out being left in her dust. Leaving everything in her dust. At a speed none of the other kids had reached or seen from her.

Soul shot down through the sky.

How fast? How far have I travelled? Three seconds. I need to bank up soon. Cloudsdale came up at her quickly. Reaching up to that streaking light she left behind her to cut a swathe across the sky and paint it anew. Before that light died away from her. Dying with the last sounds of thunder echoing across the sky. Soul pulled up. A hard hit of her wings catching the wind once more and sending her back on course with such incredible speed, her mane blew out from her face and that same feeling that her tail may be ripped off behind her. Gliding into the wind once more. Far, far faster than usual. Shame there were no clouds around to really work with. One over there. One down there. Maybe I can use them. Not like those ones that saturated this sky for her to use as obstacles or proof of her control in this situation. She could still do it. Let’s just imagine it.

Soul closed her eyes for a moment. Try to make Nimbus proud. Like she is here. I’m going pretty damn fast. Pull some stuff off that would be so… so hard for others to do like this. Get a feel for it. Let it become natural.

4.57
Camp maneuvers? Pathetic. How about this?

Soul curved her body left. Falling off from her straight path into a dazzling sideways dive where her wings reached out to the ground below and the sky above. The stuff Nimbus would not train any of them at camp. Only me. For me to feel comfortable doing it. Keep falling. Soul did not let up at this speed and this sideways dive. Falling so far. Keep a hold on it. Her wings did not let up. Gliding her downwards. Pushing her forwards. One bump in the air. A second.

Soul kicked her wings back into it. Sending out another thunderous crack, pushing her forward even faster and then down she went. Spinning into a backflip that spiraled her down into a plummet. Another fall towards the ground. That was what made her heart race. Yes, I’m starting to feel it.

Soul smiled so wide. Glaring down at the ground. Confident in herself to do this. Every bursting sound of rippling air she let out kept telling her just what she could do when nopony was there. I’ll make you proud, Nimbus. Her descent coupled with a quick spin and a kick of her wings. Such a hard kick. So much that all that speed made Soul’s head whip. Not even her tail had time to flip forward with the impact of her sudden stop. Her speed keeping her up, letting Soul turn off back up to where she came… with her belly to the ground. It all spinning around her. Soul circled back up, recovering so fast from her stop. Sometimes, I even forget that I stop. The transition so clean. Going so fast one second, stopping and then shooting back off at the same speed. Like it never happened.

Can they do that? Those ponies that make fun of me. Have they trained all their lives to achieve this? Soul circled up and spun around the air. Looping up and over and falling back out into her descent to the ground once more. Soul laughed. More! She did it again. Another massive loop she made in the sky. Turning up in that loop and waiting till she faced the sky. Pulling out. She flew off. Straight ahead. Leveled once more with the wind in such a violent and dangerous force of impact her wings made that it scared her so much the first time she shot out from a loop like that. This is just the beginning. This is not what I want. Soul spun her body in a cyclone, never leaving her straight path shooting across the sky. Eyeing that first cloud. One day… Soul arced herself up. Her wings screaming in the wind. Howling. Like her body was the one that made all the breeze in the world. One day I’ll prove all the ponies wrong. That I can pull it all off. Achieve skills so few can get.

This is… Soul flew past the cloud. Looking past. Waiting. In the echo of the rippling sky, she watched that cloud get blown away in a quick swoop of wind behind her.

This is the start.

4.58
Soul looked forward once more. She did it, there was the next cloud right ahead. I’ve been taught control so many times. I can master it. I feel so confident. To when I can achieve the highest skills and pull off any maneuver. Even the Wonderbolts will be put to shame when they see what a pony who had nothing can do after doing all she can to achieve that for the ones she wants to make happy. Every other Pegasus out there who feels like they aren’t good enough. Look at me.

Soul leaned her belly at the oncoming cloud. Holding all four of her hooves to it. I’m no weather Pegasus, but I know how to use my wings, and I can use them like this. Soul beat them harder than ever before. Blasting out immense gusts of wind. You just need to control your environment. I can’t wait for when I can read it too. Every skill that I am taught will be used to achieve what I want. No matter how many months it takes. Years even. It took me four months for this. Soul didn’t even close her eyes when the cloud came in at her. So close to slamming into her coming hooves.

She did not relent. Her wings kept going. Pushing against the wind. Slowing her down just enough for, when her hooves touched the cloud, she did not even go through. Like she stood on solid ground. Her head hanging down. Her tail flipped back and dangling down her back as the filly stood on the side of the cloud. For less than a second. Soul kicked off it. One burst of her wings, the cloud served as nothing but a springboard for her to backflip off it. Pushing herself back, falling into the sky once more.

4.59
Soul fell through the sky. Eyes set on her target. It came at her so quickly. I was so high above the city, I can’t believe how fast I’m going. To think there are levels beyond this. It took all her concentration to pull out from her dive and fly at the level she wanted. Falling so fast, now… now her belly was just a mere leg’s reach from the cloudy surface of the fields that surrounded her house. Closer and closer, Soul looked all around at the clouds. Reaching up at her. Like little pillars that tried to stand in her way. She dodged and weaved around them. Keeping to the open spaces, flying straight over them. Wings like a chorus. Never letting up.

Are you watching me, Nimbus? Are you? It’s like nothing can stop me. This is what you want from me. Clear the sky for me and watch your little champ pull this off without flaw. For all the years it’s taken you to get me comfortable with this speed. I love it so much! Soul blinked. In that instant, the house barreled in on her. Coming in at its side. At the deck itself.

Oh I never tried this before. It should be no different than dodging through clouds. I can see them. The legs of the deck and the little spaces in between them. Alright… and… now! Soul turned onto her side. Flying sideways once more so she was at her thinnest. So her wings did not clip anything, and she passed by the first leg that held the deck up. Another passing behind her, and Soul careened through the underside of the deck so fast that it wailed violently down in that narrow space from the power of her speed. Another set of legs cleared and then… Soul flew out from the darkness of the deck’s underside. Back out into the sky once more.

She soared high into it. Carried on by her momentum. It pushed her on. Like she no longer needed her wings. She did not relent. I bet I can pull of so many more moves. Such speed like this. I want more. Soul sent herself flying up. Kicking up the rate her wings beat the air, and back up into the wind once more.

4.60
No need to be careful not with how fast she was now. Now… now she was the one who cleaved a path through the sky. Rising without any alteration in her speed. The ground below her. She closed her eyes and laughed. Cheering with glee. Overcome by the roaring wind and billowing cries of a violent sky that could not stop her. So short of flying through a storm. Soul did not give up. She kept going. Enthralled. Like this was her true calling. I can say it… I really do hope my cutie mark involves flying. This is my passion. This is what I’m good at. How far I have gotten. It all flashing before her like it did so often. Dreaming about doing this when all I had left were the words that made me cry. Crying tears that got lost in the rain while left all alone. That I could never come to something that was worth anything. That I was a failure. I hate feeling that way. I hate remembering it. But times like this, they make me spit at those words.

No matter how long it takes, I will get to something that few can dream of. Wherever it takes me. To the Wonderbolts, to Canterlot, to the heavens. Wherever. She had no clue on what it was. Just that it was true euphoria. Running through her body. Soul opened her eyes. Looking out upon a darkened sky and a loose grip upon her wings. The wings that flapped gently as she flipped back softly and looked out at the world below. That disc of Cloudsdale, a ring of clouds, so tiny down there. Amidst the mountains and the grasslands. From where she saw that gleaming white and yellow castle city looming out from the side of those mountains so far away. A land split by a massive river churning through towns and forests. One that was nothing compared to her now. For she was above it all. How high… even am I? She did not care. …It felt great to be this free in the sky. And I want it to last. For when I go beyond what I’m used to. Indeed, Soul was not used to this. Though she did it anyways. Soul looked down upon it all, reaching her forelegs back down to it. Ready to return to it all. Leave this sky of violet where the wind chilled her fur. So high up. I love it.

4.61
Soul… Serenity. Dash blinked. I still can’t believe what I’m seeing. There you were claiming to be at something more than what I claimed. I cannot believe… you are better than even that. So much… I can’t even feel bad. I can only feel like you are worth being showered in that love you don’t get at camp. Because none of them have ever seen you like this. Neither have I.

As she hung up there. That dot that was the magenta filly that streaked down from the sky so high, where the clouds flew away from her in a blast of power that sent shockwaves across the sky. Silent. No sound of thunder. As I watch you, I can’t help but think… how far you are ahead. Your technique and skill. Your control.

So… this is how you fly when nothing is bothering you. When you are truly free. Rainbow had seen her, when she flew past. There was a look on her face so much different than when she had taken off. Like she was alone. Confident. Not gripped by anything that held her back. To where she even cleared the deck at that speed. Dash was actually kind of scared for a moment, how fast can she get when… when she’s an adult? How skilled will she get? She makes mistakes now, even now… she’s not perfect. But Dash had to be in awe of her. Astonished. Scary how she could turn out to be. Though that didn’t stop Dash from smiling. From praising Soul under her breath. So happy to see her coming down from the sky at such speeds. Churning the sky behind her.

She had to admit it… more than once… she felt something from that flying. Like this was the flying of somepony who wanted to achieve everything when it came to the gift pegasi have been granted. To where she thought… she may perform a move out of legend. Can she do it? Why do I want her to? Her technique… it’s perfect. Perfect enough to go even further beyond to something that somepony else had her eyes set on. M-maybe… I should ask her. See just for sure what it is… that I can expect from her. If she is different from all the rest. To where I don’t feel any pain. Just relief for when they both would fly together.

4.62
Okay. Okay! I’m going a bit too fast. Soul held out her wings as far as could stretch. Careening in on the deck far below. This was going to take a lot of effort and surely it was starting to feel strong on her wings. All the wind pushing against them, trying so hard to stop her in her descent. Never even realizing just how fast she had truly been going. So very fast. Unlike anything before.

I got way too into it but… it was so worth it. Soul could not lose that smile on her face, her lips flapping from the force slamming against her face. That wind going all over her. Slicking her mane all the way back, her ears could not stay up no matter how hard she tried. Yet her wings were the only things that kept themselves composed. Fighting hard. Clenching her muscles and feeling that exhilaration of flying… this… fast!

Haha, this is just like when Nimbus first let me do mid-level flying. This adrenaline. This speed. Celestia, it feels wonderful. Like a shock going all along her body. Numbing her to the threat that barreled in at her in the form of the wooden flooring of the deck. Such a short stretch of landing to work with. But I can do it. This is no different than last time, except I’m going way faster than before. Proof that she had gotten too carried away. Too gripped by all this. This had turned from training into something else. Something so wonderful she did not want the feeling to stop. Stop blinding her from the reality that she was doing something for the first time. She was going faster than ever before, and that alone let her know that… that she truly was achieving more than what was expected of her. More than she could care to be worried over.

I crashed the first time I did mid-level. But that was long ago. Soul knew she was far more experienced now. Far more stronger. Her wings did not even dare to buckle from the attempt to slow herself down. Closer and closer she got, she held true. Confident in herself. The speed rushing over her. So fantastic. So invigorating. This is what it’s like to fly for real.

4.63
I know I can do this. Perfect it. Fly with grace and with strength. Unlike what they all see me for. I am better than what has been set for me. This is all I need to see that. This feeling. One that made her laugh. Laugh at the incoming deck. It came in at her too fast. I got this. Soul reeled her hind legs forward. Angling her body, ready to land on her hooves. Curling her wings up even further. Cupping the wind. All that wind slipping out from the cracks in her wings, sending her feathers to flip and fly wildly in their sockets. Not a single magenta feather came off. Not a single shred of determination left her. I pulled this all off so wonderfully, I can finish it. I can do it.

Do you see, Nimbus? I can do anything just like you want. Someday… I will achieve everything you want me to do. Become that masterful flyer I want to be. Hold those wings. Wait for it. This kind of speed was nothing to joke about, she bet none of the other kids could do this. None of them. None of them to know to do this.

Soul flapped her wings forward. Kicking back against the wind that came in to stop her. Blowing against it with all her strength. Right when the browns of her deck filled her vision. …Then they stopped. Soul breathed. Hard. Strong inhale, strong exhale set out in near harmony with the paced flaps of her wings to her sides. Eyes wide at seeing just how much power she had behind her. How dust and dirt flew off in a blizzard across the deck. Smacking up against the wall of the house… with furniture alike. Chairs and the table itself. The umbrellas sent off to hit the wall. Caught in the wind that came in behind her. Roaring like an angry animal. The wind left to twirl about the deck… making the dust dance and the deck door rustle. Till all went quiet and still. Till only Soul’s heavy breathing filled the air. Then a thud. As Soul let go, and fell onto the deck. Face first.

Ow, that kind of hurt. Soul lifted her face off the floor, rubbing her hoof over it… amazed that she just now started to feel even a little stress over her body. A little pain on her face. Feeling her wings trembling at her sides. She looked over at them. Wow, no wonder they couldn’t hold her up anymore. They were sent into a spasm. Slight tremors and she felt the jerky motion under her skin of her muscles freaking out. She really did push her wings to the limit.

A pretty bad landing. Soul knew that, all the while stepping back up onto all four hooves. Brushing herself off. Looking over the mess she had made. The mess her power had made. This is the speed I can do?! Forget the bad landing… that didn’t matter. Soul was thrilled. Her smile still had not even left her, even after falling on her face. It made her laugh. Laugh with such joy. No way! I did that. I flew so great. I did it for you, Nimbus… and for myself. Soul looked down at her trembling wings laying out over the floor. Holy crap, I don’t care what the result was… this feels amazing. Like a tingle running all down her spine. Electrifying her tail and making her shiver. Making her laugh.

4.64
“Soul…” a voice broke her from her laughter. Turning to see that cyan filly gripping the edge of the post she sat atop with such vigor and so much splendor in her eyes baring down on Soul. Dash? Oh… crap. I… I completely forgot. She… Soul lifted a hoof. Just as her smile began to shrink. That’s right. She was here to watch me. She saw all I just did. But that means… “That was… so… freakin awesome!” Dash yelled out. Not how loud she yelled that, it was what she yelled that surprised Soul and made her leap from the shock. The idea that she must have heard that wrong. No way… Dash liked it.

Soul felt that electricity running through her body once more. It made her shake again. Let out a spastic sigh from it. Sheesh… wait… I still haven’t recovered yet. She had to take a minute to breath. Figure this out. Dash saw me fly like that and now… “Soul, where the hell have you been hiding this?!” Dash said, she leapt down from her perch. Running back to join with Soul. Soul tried to back away. Shrieking when she saw Dash’s hooves go in to try and pick up the very wings that had flown her moments ago. Reminding Dash not to do what she wanted to, just marvel at them instead. Standing so close to Soul, starry eyed.

“I knew you were good, but this good… I don’t know many fillies who can fly like this already. Or even close.” Soul backed away. Giggling a little, more amused that Dash was actually freaking out. She was legitimately freaking out in front of her. No. She… she’s gushing over me. The glimmer in Dash’s eyes as she stared at Soul. This is the biggest she’s smiled. Why? I only flew… like that… “Th-thanks…” Soul muttered. “It was nothing special.”

“That’s crap. You were all like this, and then that and that.” Dash flung her hooves around, leaping into the sky and flying about her. Twirling and spinning all about the deck. Going on and on about what Soul had just done. While one thing sparked in Soul at seeing her like this. This was not the usual reception she got. This was something else. This… this was a Pegasus who loved her flying. It was her flight buddy, of all ponies. She likes it?

4.65
“I’m not kidding” Dash zipped back into Soul’s face. “You flew just as high as your mom did the other day.” Wait. Soul craned her neck. Looking up at the sky. As high as… she did? On that day when I stood up for this pony. I… there’s no way. I didn’t even know how high up I got. Until… I was so cold up there. I barely felt it. Barely noticed it but it was there. Looking down at a land so tiny.

Is she exaggerating? Is this real? Soul could not recount what she did. She flew so fast, so high. It had been scary and, at the same time, a blast. She had flown like that. “I… did…” Soul said. Looking back down at Dash. Her mouth wanted to fall to the floor. Shutting herself up with another shock of energy going down her spine.

“Alright, now I’m glad I came over. It’s not often I get to see another kid pull off that sort of stuff. Really… is this the stuff your mom teaches you all the time?” Dash was really determined to know. Soul didn’t feel threatened. There was no threat. Just a very enthralled Pegasus who was admiring her. Somepony admiring me. Soul had to laugh a little. “More or less” Soul admitted. “It can be kind of stressful and hard though.” “And you still do it, you’re like a prodigy!”

That was uncomfortable to hear that. Dash was mistaken. No, she can’t let her think that. “No, no. I’m no prodigy. It took a ton of training to get this stuff down.” A whole ton. Dash had no idea just where I was years ago. I was not the Pegasus I am now. Though she didn’t need to know. “Either way…” Dash said in a tone that grew softer. She settled herself down, landing back on the floor. “You sure can do a lot. I’m surprised you don’t fly like that often. …I would love to see you fly like that all the time.”

4.66
You really do want to? Soul felt her heart skip a beat. She likes how I fly. By how Dash looked, it was no joke. Her eyes glued to Soul under lowered lashes. A look she never got when she flew. Like… like there was a pony who was completely… in love with her ability. That was the sense she got from this. Dash liked how she flew. The same flying that hurt me so much in the past. This is a pony who got to see it first hoof. Something none of the other campers would get. “You really want to?” Soul whispered. She hated it. She was blushing. I… I don’t hear compliments like that. Damn, I must look so stupid now. Dash had no idea just how much that meant.

“I gotta say something” Dash said. “Stop me if it’s too much. Seeing how you fly all the time, I’m… kind of hoping to be like that someday. It’s been rough for me, learning how to fly and all. Seeing that you can do stuff like this. It’s inspiring.” Inspiring? “I want to be as good as you because… shit… wanna know a secret?” Soul did not dare interrupt her. Her ears so perked at listening to everything she was saying and she did feel her cheeks get hotter. Making her pull her mane straight down over her face. Whispering out from behind her bangs. “Yes?” “I want both of us to become something amazing so we can both do what we dream of. I want us to make that dream happen together. …Do… do you want that too?”

Soul peered out from under her mane, finding the filly shuffling her hooves across the floor. Not even able to look Soul in the eye when she said that, staring down at the ground. Smiling so hard. I can read her too… Soul noticed her little wings fluttering at her sides. She’s nervous. Why be nervous when I’m the one who should be? Dash just admitted to her, of all ponies else, that she wants to be there with her. To reach a dream that sounded too good to be true. Even after I ditched her. After all they had to go through. Their rough start. They have gotten to this. Soul didn’t know what to say. Except see that she felt true sincerity out of her flight buddy. She wants to be the best too. She wants Soul at her side. To reach a goal so far away but so sweet to taste. Soul could see it in her. She wanted it so much too. Both of them wanted it.

I… I have an idea. But… Soul looked up. “Dash, can I ask you something?” “Sure.” They both had a hard time looking at one another. Much time passed. Neither could stop smiling. Neither gave up to get the courage to look at one another as Soul spoke the words she wanted. “Did you say something to my mom last night when you visited?” Soul asked. I need to know now. Was it a lie? Dash’s smile grew wider. “I said you’re an awesome flight buddy.” Those were the words. Nimbus was not lying. You do think that. You proved it to me. Things may be hard between us but… I feel like I can do this for you. “I have an idea…” Soul said. “Wanna head out to the sauna?” Didn’t need to be asked twice. Dash nodded. “Do I? Let’s go!” “After…” Soul spat out and stopped the filly from running off with her wings all ready to take off. Dash looked back to find Soul was presenting the deck to her. “Could you help me clean this all up first?”

4.67
Looked like the sauna just always had this relaxing feel to it with how warm it always was. Soul stepped through the cloudy embrace of the doorway once more and stepped out into that beautiful scene from before. Greeted by the sound of running water roaring so loud from the many waterfalls dotting the ceiling and pummeling the shallow lake. Billowing of steam and lukewarm water droplets coming down to soak her. Not even stepped into the lake yet and she was already having to squeeze her mane out and flip it over her head. Shaking her body down just to keep it from getting too damp, much like her feathers were getting. Her poor wings felt pretty heavy. No matter.

Soul still loved this place. A huge refresher from the slight chill that was coming over the land outside. Rainbow also loved it. The filly rushing on ahead, not hesitating to leap into the lake. Landing in it at belly height and off to run about in the water. Thrilled to be here. Soul loved it. Like a huge weight was coming off them. Even more, she was excited.

Dash was not even close to as excited as Soul was. Her cyan flight buddy came here, the whole trip going on about the fun times they would have relaxing and playing in the water. Soul kept it all a secret from her. Should I tell her? Soul giggled into her hoof. She’s going to be so surprised. But after coming to me out of the blue and turning this dull day into something… more magical with words that Soul had never thought she’d hear from her flight buddy. Forget what she felt about Dash, anything that happened before.

Right now, she saw something so reminiscent in the eyes of that playful pony who said she wanted something that sounded… admittedly beautiful to Soul.

4.68
Soul looked about the vast and empty space of the cloud room. Loving the large areas they had to work with and… she sniffed the air. Smells and feels so nice. Literally everything about this place. Like something magical was to it. A little sanctuary that Dash had no idea about what Soul truly was thinking about it. “You gonna come in the water?” Dash called for her. Soul didn’t answer. Just excited. This is going to be fun. Soul unfolded her wings. Testing the air. Oh yes, this feels nice. A good shot of warm air running under her wings and doing nothing to her to say that she couldn’t do this here. She took off. Over to the lake. Where Dash ran off once more. Does she think I plan to jump on her or something? No way. I got something more special in mind.

“I’m not swimming, Dash” Soul told her from above. The filly down in the water just as perplexed as what Soul was saying. “You’re not?” “Not what I came here for” Soul said. A little harsh to say. Dash must feel weird for going along with this and not knowing what this was all about. All part of the surprise that she deserved. We may not see eye to eye that often and I know we have had a rough time since we first met. Hell, when we first did, I didn’t think we’d ever get to this point. You were interesting. You had this charm to you. Rough and so closed in. Yet Dash opened up to her. Slowly. Even if things still hurt, Soul needed to see this for what it was.

There was a pony here that she could honestly say wanted the same thing as Soul. Who was working so hard at it. She wants to be just like Soul just from watching her fly. Soul couldn’t help it. She felt her to be admirable in her goals. Just as she thought. This filly, Rainbow Dash, she can be a great flyer. She can be something and… she has blown me away. Better than what I would expect of another pony. Soul needed to fawn over her ambition. Her genuine determination to be that wonderful flyer.

I’m not sure if that’s why she’s sticking with me, but it was sweet of her to come visit me. Even if it was mostly spent watching Soul fly. As a good flight buddy, I can’t leave her alone in what she wants.

4.69
“There’s something else I wanted to do with you. After what you said… it got me thinking.” “Thinking about what?” Dash whispered. She stepped through the water. Coming closer to where Soul hovered. Eager to hear. Confused. “Dash, I know you want to fly even better than what we got to do at camp and that… you want to be this amazing flyer. Truth is… I think you can do it.” “You really think so?” Dash said, her spirits lifted. “I know so, in fact… I can tell you’ll become something great. I have no doubt in my mind that you will become the Wonderbolt you dream of.” “That… means a lot coming from you” Dash said. “After what I saw from you, you remind me of… of what it is I want.” “Tell me though” Soul said. “You really want to become a Wonderbolt?”

Dash sighed. She let her wings fall out from her sides and she fell back. Closing her eyes. She looked so serene right now. Happy and sitting in the warm water looking into the darkness of her eyes. Something that made her smile. I wonder what she sees.

“When I was six, my mom took me to my first Wonderbolts showing. At that same arena we both went to. The same one you got in that picture over your door. I was there! And… it was a moment that changed my life. Before… I had no idea what to do with myself. My flying was bad, and all I wanted to do was play. Honestly, I was a troublemaker back then.” You saying you still aren’t? “But then I saw them. The best flyers in all of Equestria. At that very showing. Wearing their bright blue uniforms and pulling off some of the most amazing moves I’ve ever seen without even trying. Stuff I could only dream of. Like I could never do them… until then. When I saw them all pull off their speeds and daring stunts, I told myself… why can’t I do that? Because I wasn’t like them. I wasn’t trying my hardest. Now look at me… no matter how hard it is on them, my parents stuck with me and now… now I can fly better than I ever could before. All because of the Wonderbolts. That’s when I knew it. I wanted to be like them. And nothing will stop me. I’ve been at it for three years, should tell you that it’s something I want.” Three years!? No way.

“You’re nine years old?” Soul asked. To which the filly proudly nodded.

4.70
Soul had to smile. “Rainbow, you’re the same age I am.” “You’re…” Dash paused. Slapping a hoof to her cheek. “Oh wow, I didn’t even know. And here I thought you were older than me.” “Nope, same age” Soul smiled.

Rainbow groaned. Slumping her head. Confusing Soul with how quick she was to change. “You’re the same age as me. Yet you’re far better than me.” “Hey now…” Soul tried to stop her. Stop her from thinking it was that bad. It wasn’t what she had been trying to get at.

“I don’t get it” Dash said. “Why are you so much better than me and…” Dash raised her forelegs. Holding her hooves up to her chest. Saddened. She whimpered a little behind those hooves. Rainbow Dash? “Why even bother flying with me… if I’m so much worse than you? I take it… you’ll want to leave me now that you know how bad I am at flying.” She got this way wrong. But, Soul hung speechless, she’s saying stuff like this. Rainbow, I’ve never heard her so down before. Just because she found out my age. After all we went through, no way she would leave her just because of that. I’m not like those jerk ponies. I’m not one to judge another on their ability. So long as they genuinely have the will to reach a goal. Just like Dash does. If you had told me a week ago that I would feel this way for you, I would have smacked you. But now, I can’t help it.

I do think you need me there for you. For me to offer that hoof to you. A hoof that Soul held out for her. For her to look up at and find the magenta Pegasus still there. Throwing out those stupid claims she had made.

4.71
“If you really want to get better, I’m the girl for you.” “What?” Dash said. Looking between Soul and her hoof. “I’m offering you something” Soul said. “Something super special that I think you can use to reach your goal. Because I want to be there for ponies who want to prove that they are more.” Just like how I will prove to all others. Wherever she is out there. Watching to see me pull off what she thought I couldn’t. “How well you fly is up to your parents, they’ve been there to teach you all this time and they will be there to support you. Just like mine.” “Yeah” Dash said. Crossing her forelegs together. “They’ve been wonderful to me. I just wish I could keep up with what they teach me.” “You’ll get there, but it doesn’t mean you need to do it alone.”

Soul let her hoof come closer to Dash. Confident when she saw Dash’s hoof shake and slowly come out. Edging for Soul’s. All she needed to see the determination she had. That she can trust me. “I can teach you something… something that can help you be the very best you can be.” Both their hooves touched. Soul joined by Dash who flew up with her, never letting go. “What… do you mean?” Soul smiled. “Think about it. I came here with you to a nice and secluded place where you can relax and not have to worry about anything outside.” “You mean… you’re going to show me…” “I’ll teach you a move” Soul said, and silence feel between them.

4.72
“My mom says this is something that separates the pegasi from the masters. Something that even the Wonderbolts themselves don’t use” Soul said to Dash, both of them sitting face to face at the edge of the lake. Looking upon the wide-eyed filly who listened. Nothing to even say. She could see in Dash’s face that she was astonished. As amazed as she was when she first heard of this. “We rely on our ears, noses, and eyes to keep aware of everything when we fly. But sometimes… that stuff doesn’t work. Remember when we were flying together for the first time and we had all those clouds coming in at us?” Dash nodded. “I was having a hard time keeping track of all of those. Not something we can deal with when we fly for real. There’s so many things that happen in the sky and around us when we fly that it’s hard to keep up with it all and be able to work around them.”

“Reading the air?” Dash whispered what it was that Soul had spoke to her of. Soul nodded. “How can that be possible? Sounds just like magic.” “You sound just like me when I first heard of it” Soul said. “But trust me, it’s real. You can tell what will happen in the air around you before it happens, you can judge the conditions without even thinking on it, see everything around you and learn anything you need to know to keep up your flight.” “I’ve never even heard of it” Dash said. “Yup, it’s rare. My mom can fly as well as she does because of it, but it took her years to master. As far as I know, the only other Pegasus who knew it was her father, one of the greatest Wonderbolts of all time.”

Soul reached her hoof out, holding it to sway through the very air that kept them warm. Feeling the density in it and how humid it was touching against her fur. Like her hoof swatted the water out the air and drenched her fur. But there was more to it. Something she learned all thanks to Nimbus. Something she knew was real.

4.73
“The air around us is always moving and changes when anything touches it. Even the slightest movement sends out a signal in it, and a Pegasus like us can sense it and know where it is we need to look. To where it is we can use to tell what is about to happen. It’s so hard that even I am having such a hard time figuring it out.” “You mean you haven’t even pulled it off?” Dash said. “I came close once on the first go. But it didn’t work out. I’ve been trying and trying since, it’s not easy… but I know it can be done. The very first time I did it… I felt something so strange. Like the entire world was still around me. Like the air was actually there as something I can touch. This weird sensation. Even thinking about it… I get chills.”

Even her feathers were starting to shiver in response. That creeping feeling. Something that told her there was more to it than a rare ability that sounded so close to being impossible. I remember how it felt. How it played out.

“I came so close, but I didn’t pull it off.” Dash asked the big question with that one. “How can you teach me it then?” No mockery or insult in her voice. The filly looked concerned. Understandable. But… “I know what you need to do to reach it. But it’s very hard and… it takes so much practice. My mom said you need to stay entirely focused on your flying and then it becomes natural to you.” “That sounds a little easy” Dash commented. “But it will take many years of practice before you get to that point when you can use it without even thinking. To where you will be beyond other pegasi who rely on their ears and eyes.” “How long did it take her to master it?” “She was taught when she was a kid too, it wasn’t till she was a mare before it was with her” Soul said. “And now she’s passing it on to me.”

“And you want to pass it to me too?” Dash said. Soul nodded her approval.

4.74
“Oh, I don’t think I should” Dash leaned back. “I mean, you haven’t known me for that long and… and you don’t need to teach me of all ponies.” Dash giggled under her breath though she frowned. “You should be the only one who has your mom’s gift.”

Nimbus never said what I could do with it, and I feel it’s the right thing to do. Rainbow Dash is the first pony to take me serious. The first pony my age, one that I can truly see myself being able to play with all the time just like those kids on the streets and the first time we splashed around together in here. You’re not perfect, but you are more than what I can expect. You’ve made me smile among the endless sadness.

Besides that, “Deep down… I can see you are a lot like me” Soul said. “You do?” “Yes, you and I have such great goals for ourselves. Goals that make us so happy inside and drive us. A goal you shared to me. To me! You actually want me to be a part of it and I want you to be a part of my goal too. It’s been very hard for us, but we can still be there to help one another out. I want to help you with this. Because I want to see if you can become that Wonderbolt.”

Rainbow Dash gulped. Flicker in her eyes so shiny that it almost blistered out in its own shine of radiant light. Amazed and moved, astonished she was. No doubt something she didn’t think to hear from Soul. It made her nod and accept it. “No matter how long it takes, I’ll learn what you want to teach me. And don’t you ever doubt that I will become that Wonderbolt.” All Soul needed to hear.

“I’ll show you, the rest will be up to you.” Soul waved her hoof up to the air above them and Dash did as she was told. Flying up there and, joined by Soul, set in a low hover above the lake. She was ready. She wants to do this.

4.75
Rainbow took her spot right where she was supposed to, in front of Soul. A steady hover and her hooves held up like some timid animal not sure what to expect. She had to show her exactly as Nimbus had. The only problem would be if she actually is worried or even intimidated by this. That won’t do.

“Calm down, I’m not gonna make it hard on you. It’s kind of easy to figure out what you need to do. Just… it’s all about how well you can control yourself.” “Right…” Dash said. “But what you’re doing is right” Soul said. “The best way to practice this is to stay completely still and the only way to read the air is when you’re entirely surrounded by it. When you’re flying. No way you can do it when your hooves are on the ground.”

Soul flew in closer to Dash. Looking over her. Left and right. Soul skimmed along her, Dash seemed to get that she was supposed to stay still. Not even turning, though she did look with a curious eye at Soul. Dash looks a bit tensed. Her wing muscles stiff on her softly swaying spans and a slight kick in her hooves… and her wagging tail. Ha, she reminds me a lot of myself. Trusting me just like I trusted Nimbus when she first taught me this. I am giving her this after all, the least she could do is cooperate as she did.

Soul flew around Dash’s back and took her position again to her right. “As the air goes around your body, it touches every bit of you and sends a sensation across your skin.” Soul did her best to explain how it felt to her. “Like somepony touching your fur and feathers and you react to it. Lets you know where things are that make motion in the air alongside you. Even things that aren’t even moving, things that block the air. You can sense it all. What I’m gonna do is position myself near you and you need to find me.” “Sounds easy enough” Dash said. “Eyes closed and no listening, only rely on feeling the air to find me.” That was enough to make Dash’s already risen confidence fall flat. Her face drooped. I think I can reenact what Nimbus did with me. A simple change in how you move your wings. Soul already started practicing it right on the spot and listened to find her very wings started to sound so much like they weren’t even moving anymore. “What you need to do… is simply to concentrate on the air around you. Don’t focus on anything else and only the motion that moves over your body. It will shift and change with every motion that happens and that’s what you need to look out for.” “How will I know what it feels like?” Dash asked.

That… was super hard to explain for Soul, even she couldn’t describe it. How it was when it first happened. Something magnificent. Something that made her heart soar and chills run all over her. Like something was trying to seep into her very body from the outside. “It’s when you know that you can sense something is different with you. I found it weird and… and exhilarating. As if it was pulling me to where it was I needed to go. Trust me, you’ll know it when it happens.”

4.76
Dash didn’t say anymore. She took a deep breath. Sighing softly, she opened her eyes up and peered at Soul under lowered lashes. Nodding her approval. Soul came in one last time. Dash did not fight back when Soul set her hoof upon Dash’s raised hooves. Doing as she did, Soul pushed down and Dash lowered them.

“Relax yourself” Soul advised. Pushing her hooves down to her sides. A quick tap to her spread hind legs to close them and, as if in repeat, she gave Dash’s long rainbow tail a tug. “Keep yourself still.” Dash stopped her tail from moving anymore. Alright, she looks ready. On the outside that is. It’s all up to her on the inside. Soul backed off once more. Giving her a wink. Letting Dash know she was ready. That was what made the cyan filly close her eyes once more, and she held them like that. This must be what it was like when Nimbus did this with me. Staring at a silent and attentive filly ready to learn what it was she had to offer. Another offering, but it felt right to do. Soul kept going with it. She wants to be an amazing flyer like me. She tries so hard. I have to pity her for all she does to do it, all her effort. Even if I never feel the same. I hope you appreciate this. I’ll do what I can for you.

Soul noticed it. “No ears either, stop relying on your hearing.” Dash groaned. “Come on now, not like I was using them.” “Don’t care” Soul said as she started to softly shift her position. Swaying sideways across from Dash. Finding a good spot to stay at and see if Rainbow could find her. Speaking to her as she went over there. “The point is to rely on your feelings. Like a sixth sense sort of thing. My wings make a motion in the air that changes it and your body can sense it if you just pay close attention to everything around you. Ignore everything else, only your environment.”

Soul found her spot. Just as Dash made another deep breath. I’ll let her try this, …I feel like… some part of me believes she will get this. I wonder how I will feel if she gets it. Would I be upset? I don’t know… I’m not upset right now. Anticipating her pulling it off. Because she’s not like me… always like this. Always messing up and afraid. I keep trying but I just can’t do it. I bet you can, Dash, since you’re perfect with nothing to keep you down.

4.77
Indeed, she started. Soul listened and knew her wings were silent. Oh yes, I’m a ghost now. Even if Dash relied on her ears, it’ll likely be the same result as when Soul attempted this for the first time. Like nothing was even there. All she had was the soft motions Soul made with her wings in the air. Gentle enough to make no noise yet enough to keep her aloft. She might have a harder time hearing anyways. Soul’s wings were not as big as Nimbus’… yet. So she has to rely on her feelings. Whatever it was… Soul was wondrous over the filly across from her with so much space between them. Enough space for a filly to shoot across and try to grab her once Soul had been found. If she will be found, but she needed to be patient. No idea how long it took her to locate Nimbus the first time. Felt like seconds, could have been minutes. Or even… hours? I hope not. Soul was a little discomforted at that thought. She got herself into this. Got to see it through at least until it was time to go.

But Rainbow did nothing to show something may be happening. Surprisingly… nothing at all. She didn’t even make a move. Only her wings did. Wow. So this is what it’s like to look at somepony who is concentrating. Was this how I was too? Soul had expected her to try and take a peek but Dash’s lids kept still and shut over her eyes. Sealed tight with no motion at all. Her ears left drooping on the sides of her head and no shift or turn of them to search for anything worth listening to. No part of her moved. That’s the way, Dash. Keep focused on your surroundings. Soul lowered her breaths. Slow and to a crawl. Nothing to disturb the sounds or motions of this place. Only the roaring sounds of waterfalls and dripping water to fill the air. Soul may as well fall asleep in here with how peaceful it had become. How serene and silent everything seemed to be. How gentle Dash looked over there no matter how much time passed.

4.78
I hope this is going okay for her. Dash still was pretty quiet and motionless. Long enough for Soul to watch the water dripping from her mane and in front of her eyes hundreds of times now. Glancing to it and then back to Dash. The cyan filly was getting really damn soaked under that perpetual rainfall. Though she still didn’t move. Not even when her wet mane fell down against her face and its hairs slithered across. Dampening her feathers. Nothing broke her concentration.

Amazing! She really is determined. Perhaps she was taking this serious. Serious with her claims too. Only a pony who did want to be something amazing would put in this much effort without pause. This much unceasing focus on her goal. This is just like Nimbus, isn’t it? Teaching me? You bring back a lot of memories, Dash. Of happier times when I could train without much worry or fear on my mind. Seeing your face now, I really was quite the calm and determined Pegasus. I’m still determined. I still am. Though even with you, I don’t feel like I can be like how you are. Not at all. Which is why you will get this. You will dart across the room and find me. Grab hold of me with a laugh as you become victorious. Victorious in overcoming my ability. As I get left behind with all my worries.

Strange. …I don’t usually get this way. Soul looked down at her hooves. Left dripping in water. Held tight to her chest. She looked back at Dash. What is wrong with me? Jealous of Dash, worried that I may be left behind. Maybe because she had not pulled this off. She could not get it. Not with how very much it hurt her to endure everything. Endure it while I watch you succeed. After all my efforts. No… Dash put in as much work as I have. She’s trying too. But it still hurt. To see how far behind she was getting all because of what had to start this fall. When she went to camp and now… now hanging out with this filly.

Who’s to say… she won’t be like all the rest. Even if she did like Soul’s flying. What is keeping her from running away too? Turning on her. Soul could not believe the thoughts going through her head. When she should be staying calm. She should be. I hate that I can’t stay calm. Don’t be mad at yourself.

4.79
Hard not to. I used to be so much better. Seeing Dash like this, it reminds me so much of how I used to be. How ambitious I was. Now look at me, hiding away and afraid so much that it keeps me back. Keeps me up at night. Makes me shake when around others. So much that… it made her wing tingle. Over the span where she could still hear that sickening sound from so long ago. Rainbow Dash has it easy. I was mean to her. It wouldn’t surprise me if she did leave eventually. Leave like all the others. Or maybe… maybe I’m just too nice. Too much for my own good. Soul forfeited herself to it. She made the decision. As she stared upon a filly so much like her. Reminding her truly of a pony who wanted to do her very best, she needed to sympathize. With a perfectly content pony. So unlike her.

Dash’s eyelids wrinkled. What? Soul watched. Waiting. Did she…? Her eyes widened, anticipating something. Anything that may show her that her expectations were true. A shout of victory. It was a shout. Rainbow shouted and gasped. Making Soul’s heart waver and writhe hearing it. She flew still like a stump.

Dash backed off, broken from her concentration. Completely broken. Holding herself with her hooves and her wings flapping harder. Then she coughed. That was what made Soul fly back over to her, getting Dash’s attention again. Watching her wide magenta eyes and mouth gasping for breath, though Dash had no idea how it was Soul felt right now. She hid it. Asking “what’s wrong? Did you feel it?” Dash coughed again. Looking down upon her hooves and… she shook her head. Short of breath. Soul just watched. Waited.

4.80
“I… I don’t know” Dash said with a bit of spit flying out. “It was like my entire body was being stung or something. It gave me so many chills.” The filly even ran her hooves up and down her body and shivered. Either warming herself or checking, her eyes going along her fur. Sounds… like something familiar. Soul rose a brow.

“I don’t know what it was but… it was intense. I couldn’t keep it up any longer.” So looks like you couldn’t get it on the first go. Strangely, I feel like I want to keep teaching you. Keep letting you try. Good. Maybe because I feel a little better. Even if you are fine, with nothing to worry about. Reassuring Soul. Thank goodness. That must mean this technique is much harder than I thought. I’m not the only one who has trouble with it. Soul smiled, laying her hoof upon Dash’s shoulder to calm her. At least you won’t leave me now. “Told you it wasn’t easy. Takes lots of practice.”

Dash nodded. Coughing once more. But she accepted the truth. This was going to be something that will take a lot of time to get down perfectly. A lot of time we have. I just hope it will last long. To prevent tomorrow from coming any sooner. As Soul felt the tingle going over her injured hoof. What it told her about tomorrow. When I get to deal with it again. When I do. As everypony leaves me. Save for Dash. Only if she wants though. Only if she wants.

“We can try again if you want” Soul offered. “I’ll find a new position and give you some more advice based off what I learned.” Wow, no pause. Dash nodded again. Ready to give it a try. Kicking herself back into form. Not giving up from that. Great! She does remind me of somepony. Soul backed off from her. We can keep going till it was time to go. Maybe I’ll learn something from her. Something to help me figure this out. Something to keep tomorrow from coming any sooner. But… “Hey Dash” Soul said as she looked back at her. Meeting her eyes. Though Soul hid everything. Hid how she felt and how much it was starting to hurt her just to think the words she wanted to say. “Yes?” “I’m still sorry for what happened on Friday. It was wrong of me to leave you. I hope you do forgive me” Soul said. Anything to make sure Dash knew. The cyan filly seemed surprised at first, quick to wave a hoof at her and write it off. “Oh Soul, I’m not upset.” “You aren’t?” “Of course not, we are flight buddies after all. Damn good ones” Dash said. “One little thing like that won’t change it. Especially with how awesome you have been to me. Always helping me out and... and now! Now you’re my teacher!”

Soul smirked, looking away from Dash and… she looked down at the ground below. Not at all happy inside after hearing the thing Dash had said… before that. “Thank you” she muttered. “It was a hard day and I know what Amber did upset you. It… it was a scary day” Dash said from behind her. “I understand why you left. Trust me. But… I won’t let that drive us apart. You can be sure of that.” She sounded so confident in that. Determined. Like it meant something. Soul was glad she wasn’t going to leave, truly she was. She had to thank her again. “Thanks, I’ll still love to be your flight buddy.” Flying off to a new position. I’ll be your flight buddy… but…

I wish you would be mine and do more to help… me.

Part 1 Illusion - Act 5

5.1
It was nice while it lasted, yet Soul still could not believe that every time she saw this place, all it did was serve as just an example of why it is she was so sad. The first time she came here over a week ago. No way to tell this was how she would be now, feeling as she was now so quickly. Standing in the same spot. Looking up at the same archway overlooking the entrance to Junior Speedsters. Not even faking her hoof being injured again worked. Not this time.

It was good that Nimbus didn’t seem to realize that she lied yesterday or she may have gotten in trouble. Seeing right through Soul’s ploy this morning. Soul looked to the mare who was with her. Content and not at all showing that she may be troubled. Like she was ready to get back at it with Soul here to join her. Soul, more or less, ready as well… physically. No bandage on her this time. Nothing wrong with her leg. Surprised to find it had healed rather quickly which is what gave it away to Nimbus. That was the only part of her that was ready. Deep inside, she wanted to back away. Hide, for on the other side she did not know what it was to expect. She just needed to keep telling herself the same thing again. Just get through it. Fly through the exercises and get a good workout in. Keep to herself. For the most part. Of course, there was only one pony here now that she could truly say would be up for hanging out with her.

She hoped there to be more cooperative flying of some sort today. We didn’t really get to do any flying together yesterday. So much training and so much that made Soul sit there and realize just how much she was hurting inside. Being here again, it only hurt more. Much more. So strange, I used to look forward to things. Even if the days would be tough, there was always some sort of bright side that helped me. Today, I just feel like total crap. Like she had gotten little sleep. Her head aching and her eyes plagued by heavy lids. Even if she did sleep peacefully last night. Nimbus walked on ahead, eager to get inside and start the day. Just another day for her. I wish it were as easy for me.

5.2
“Psst” a whisper came out from beside her. From Starry, who kept up with Soul in her slow trudge towards the door. “You doing alright, Soul?” He spoke at a level head with her. Kneeling his neck down. Soul did her best to give a little smile and nod to him. But just wanted to keep going. So drained already. I’m not alright. I just want to lay down into a nice and warm bed and sleep. Get away from all this. Really the only thing peaceful she had any more. Already missing holding onto her pillow tightly. Burying her face in its softness and not letting go inside of her own little semblance of comfort. To hell with whatever was going on at the camp today. She didn’t care unless it was some sort of relaxing flight that could just let her get away with being alone with Dash. Or maybe just be alone. At this point, she didn’t know.

“Here’s your lunch, champ” Starry said. Pulling out the bag he had been carrying for Soul, giving it over to her. Soul accepted it into her mouth. “I packed something special in there for you…” Starry whispered. He edged in closer, close enough to whisper into her curious ear. “Don’t tell Nimbus, …I got you some chocolate.” Huh, but I thought no dessert for a month. Soul did want to ask him what was up… but she held her tongue. Understanding with his mischievous face. With quite a smile on it too. So Nimbus doesn’t know?

Soul looked over to the mare. She held the doors open for both of them to follow her in. Glancing to them. Then going back to what it was she was looking over inside her saddlebags. Soul held the bag tighter in her mouth. That… is nice of him. Starry rushed ahead on longer legs to join with Nimbus. Inviting Soul in. So this is a secret, huh? I’ll be sure to thank him later. Honestly, she needed that. A little something to look forward to. Missing so much the sweet taste of candies and chocolates. A month felt like it would be so long. Even just this bit right now would be like heaven for her. A little bit of something sweet inside this place. Soul passed in through the doors. Standing back inside of the large and open cloud fields of the camp once more. All so familiar. Like I’ve done this a thousand times now.

Another day here. Looked like she was among the first ones here. So few of the others kids were here spread out among the camp. Ones she recognized from her group. But there were many more she saw further off. Lots of ponies. Fillies and colts flying and diving. Swooping in alongside older pegasi who instructed them. The other groups. This place was starting to get more lively with the hustle of happy pegasi more than ready to get to flying. Learning all they could and heading towards their goals. So much that none of them even noticed her. I would rather keep it that way. After all, not like many ponies here even care to like me.

5.3
Soul was blinded when something came over her head and covered her eyes. Like her head was being cupped. So suddenly. She lifted it off her face. Running her hoof over it in her frantic effort to get it off her until she found out what it was she was feeling. Feeling the rim of it over the top of her face and the embroidered emblem over it. Along with another hoof lifting off it, belonging to Nimbus. The mare giggled. Standing with her husband and looking over her handiwork. Soul didn’t do anything to get rid of it. Keeping her hoof on it. She contemplated getting rid of it. But… no. This was the hat they gave me. Just like my first day on the first week. Like a total repeat. Confusing her. She looked to them for reason why. “Lookin’ snazzy, Soul” Nimbus winked. “Just thought you may want to wear it.”

Soul still didn’t remove it. In fact, she lowered her hoof from it. Leaving it atop her mane. “I… guess I can” she submitted. “Probably not when I fly, of course.” “Yeah” Nimbus said. “You just look cool with it on. Like our own little Wonderbolt.” Both of the pegasi laughed to one another, except for Soul. She blushed a little. Come on now, it’s not that big a deal.

“I’m not nearly as good as the Wonderbolts” Soul wrote it off. “Not yet…” Nimbus said. Confident in her claim. A claim that made Soul feel a little better about it. As long as I keep training, pretty sure I will be like a Wonderbolt. Better. Just like I want. “Just give it time” Nimbus said. The mare trotting past her, head held high in pride as she went off towards the courses. “After all…” she stopped suddenly. Looking down from under her wing. “You did pretty well yesterday.” That made a shock go down Soul’s spine. Silent. Watching Nimbus walk off. Leaving it at that. “What…? But I…”

5.4
“Don’t be afraid, Soul” Starry said next to her. “She’s not mad. Both of us were pretty surprised you flew as well as you did yesterday. We could hear you from all the way over here.”

Was I really that loud? Soul did not notice just how powerful her wings had been yesterday with all that noise she was making. And they knew it was me? That’s amazing and… frightening. A huge relief came over her though. Just when she thought she would be in trouble again. When neither of them knew her reasoning for not wanting to come here in the first place. “We’re proud of you, but… don’t do that again or you will get in trouble. Understand?” Soul nodded. “Yes. …I won’t.” That means… no more lying to get out of this. Those two were good. No wonder they didn’t fall for it this morning.

“Alright, you should go put your lunch away” Starry suggested. Pointing her over to the locker building. Right. Guess this is it. When she would have to part with them. Off into dealing with all this again. “And Soul” Starry stopped her before she left him. “You don’t need to wear the hat, Nimbus and I just wanted to let you know that we’re here for you. Always. And that both of us are very proud of you.” That was what made Soul’s wings fall a little. She did not meet his eyes. So he could not see how that was the thing that made her lower her head and meekly stare upon the ground. As she heard that thing that made her heart hurt. Starry leaving her with that.

She waited to hear his hoofsteps upon the clouds dim to a distant canter. Taking a deep breath. I don’t think you two can help me at this point. Really, the only thing left would be to disappoint both of you… and leave the camp forever. Ruin all the hard work you two have done and all the trust you have in me. It’s not that easy. Not at all. Even if I do want to leave. I don’t want you both to feel the same way I’ve made many others feel. As the ponies I can see there for me just go away. Slowly, they left her. Like she was now, alone. She decided not to stand there any longer. Heading off to do as she was told.

5.5
She was not alone. Not inside. As she stepped into the locker room. Where the benches split the two sides of the locker room apart, she saw another pony in there close her own locker with a loud slam. Rainbow Dash. That surprised Soul. She’s already here. Every day, Soul noticed her always got here just in time. Never early.

“Dash?” Rainbow’s ears perked up. She got her attention from Dash’s dead stare into her locker door. Startling her it looked like. “Soul, oh wow, I didn’t expect to see you here so early.” “That’s what I should be telling you” Soul laughed a little. She stepped down from the stairs, coming to join her flight buddy at her locker. Even if it’s just been a night, Soul still had to admit that she missed seeing her flight buddy. The one pony here she was sure wanted to actually see her. Dash must have figured out what it was Soul was getting on about. “Hehe, oh yeah.” Running her hoof through her mane. She jumbled a little in place. Looked like she was pretty excited. That’s good, guess she’s been having a good day.

“I got up a bit earlier this morning and did some more training while my parents were still asleep. So we were able to get here early.” Some more training? Oh, just like me. But… Soul didn’t even think that Dash would be one for getting up super early just to train too. Not in that chilly morning air that would make Soul’s fur stand up. That was still pretty cool of her to be that devoted. “Nice, what training did you do?” “Your awesome technique” Dash admitted happily.

Happy, except Soul… she was the one who no longer felt happy. Not inside. “Oh, really?” Rainbow is training in the morning for it? But… it’s better to do it with a partner, she’s doing it on her own. “Yup, I got as much time in as I could. Even did a little last night after my daily training with mom.” “Did you train with her for it?” Soul asked. “Nope, I want it to be a surprise for my parents when I figure out how to do this move. I can see it already, they’re gonna be so proud of me. And I got you to thank for it, Soul. You’re an awesome teacher.”

But I thought it would be something we do together. I… I want to figure out how to do the move too. I thought… that we could learn from one another. Though… I never did say that to her. I just thought it would be obvious, our own special thing to do. Rainbow went ahead and worked on it so much without her. “Well… I’m glad you got so into it” Soul lied. “I wasn’t able to do any training last night to keep up the whole injured leg thing.” But… I guess I can do some tonight. With my teacher. It pained her to think that. A kick in her gut.

5.6
“By the way, did we get found out?” Dash asked. For the most part “No, mom and dad don’t know what happened.” “That’s a relief” Dash said with a little shake of her hind legs. “My mom was surprised with my speedy recovery. Thanks a ton for letting me hang out with you yesterday. I think it was a ton of fun. We need to do it again.” “S-sure” Soul said. “Next time should probably be when my mom allows it.” Especially when she now knew Nimbus was not as easy to fool. Dash agreed. Hastily, she nodded and stamped her hooves a bit. That drew Soul’s attention.

“Look uh… you caught me at a bad time” Dash said. Kicking her hind legs again. Oh. “I need to pee, been holding it in all morning… so, please wait for me. I’ll be right back!” Turning tail and rushing off towards the hallways beyond the locker room. “Okay…” Soul called after her. Left with so much on her mind that she wanted to say to the rainbow tailed filly who flew off down the halls and out of sight. So much to say.

It left Soul disheartened when she replayed all she had heard. “I can’t believe she went on without me” she whispered to herself. Although… I never told her not to… just, I wish she would have waited for me. Because it’s what I wanted to do. Something special alongside her flight buddy. So we both can achieve our goals together. Soul didn’t like it, but she was disappointed. In herself more than Dash. Stupid to think it would be otherwise. She opened up her own locker. Placing her lunch inside. Longingly looking down at it inside that dark locker. Rainbow wants to become a better flyer, of course she would move on and try her best to achieve that goal. Except… she hated this sense of being left behind inside of her. What if… if she finds out how to do it before me?

Would she even need me anymore?

It wasn’t hard to imagine that Pegasus quick to leave her behind once it was all finished, so she would be far away from the pony who caused so much trouble for others. Because so many ponies leave me. It wouldn’t surprise me… if she didn’t want to hang out with me once I have nothing left to give her. Then I’d be all on my own again. I really have been an awful pony to her and… I don’t blame her. I don’t blame her for not being there for me too. Soul pulled the hat off her head. Letting her mane fall back down against her face. Covering up her eye once more. Staring down at it with her free one. Pushing it into the locker with her lunch. Setting it in and then… she didn’t let go. Hmm… Nimbus and Starry. The only two ponies I can rely on. But also… can’t rely on. Because they can’t rely on me to do what I need to do. I could ruin everything they’ve done for me and yet… they still stand with me now. With that threat looming. This little hint of a happy pair of pegasi who did like her. Didn’t leave her behind. When they took me in when nopony else did. I can honestly say that I appreciate all their efforts. I just don’t want to let them down too. I won’t. Soul brought the hat back to her. Holding it against her chest. You two had faith in me. So much that you train me to be a better flyer. Patient and diligent. Those two were proving to be the only ones she could rely on. They made her put that hat back on her head. Wear it with pride. Their little Wonderbolt. Their champ. Anything to keep her smiling. I’ll keep going. Soul closed the locker.

5.7
“Wow, Soul.” Soul shot her head up. Oh no. She pressed her hoof hard against the door to her locker, leaning back to peer around it. To where the stairs rose high over the lockers and where Aurora was standing at the top of them. The colt frowned. Curling his brows up in disbelief. As both of them looked upon one another. Soul’s yellow eyes cracked in tiny bits of red meeting with his bright green eyes, upon a pony she had forgotten about. For just a moment, yet he is back.

Here I was afraid of everypony else. Now here I am, alone… with him. Soul realized that. She was all alone with Aurora.

After a week without him. Without having to deal with him and having to deal with the crap he started. I can’t believe he’s back. She did not speak. Did not dare to respond to him with anything. Just hiding her face in her locker. Maybe I should just look like I’m busy, maybe he’ll leave. Or… did I look terrified when I saw him? I feel so terrified. She wished nothing had happened to make this go on. After what she had to deal with. But his hoofsteps sounded from the stairs. Walking down them, she knew he was coming towards her.

“I really don’t get you” his voice came out from the other side of the locker door. Stepping loudly over his voice, every miserable rotation of his hooves. Coming closer to her. Telling her that this was happening. That things were back to normal here. The norm when it came to camps for her. Just go away. Soul shifted her hoof along the bag that held her lunch. Roaming around on it and then pulling her hat further down her face. “Is that why you weren’t here yesterday?” Soul didn’t answer. Frozen when his hooves reached the bottom of the steps… and no more. Feeling, hearing him over there. Across the room. Watching her. Only her tail poking out from behind the open door.

5.8
“You two really do get along” he said. Soul edging her ears over towards him. Holding her breath. More wondrous as to why he said that. “So you both fly together when you’re not here? I get it… this place does suck when it comes to teaching more talented pegasi new things. I can’t wait for spring, so I can get in to the more advanced classes.”

Soul backed herself up a little. Fully awake now with her eyes open to their max, staring into the dark space of her locker with such confusion that came over her. Because of how he’s talking. What is going on? Like he’s saying that stuff like he thinks I’ll care about his feelings or plans. “What do you want?” Soul whispered. “So what if we hang out after camp?” “Except you both train together, right?” Aurora said. “That’s what I heard. Sounds like you both got some move you two are trying to learn.”

So he overheard us. Soul lowered her hoof off her hat. Scowling… she didn’t know why it was he was talking to her like this, but the question still stood. What did he want? “My dad teaches me a lot of moves too after camp” he went on. “It’s a lot of fun, because I want to be an awesome flyer to make my parents proud. Pushing yourself to be better, that’s something that pegasi are better at than other ponies. You may not be a good flyer, but… at least you’re making an effort to get better.” “I am a good flyer…” Soul protested from behind the door. “But why are you hiding it? You really like to waste your ability, and that’s not something I like about you.”

Hoofsteps resumed and the colt came closer. Echoing loudly across the room and she saw that he was coming closer from the shadows that flickered under her locker door. From the colt on the other side. Going on and on but she just wanted him to leave.

“As far as I see, you’re not a good flyer. And you never will be.” Liar, I am a wonderful flyer and nopony here is better than me. So what if I don’t show it, I’ve only been shown that nothing I do works. If it were up to me, I would leave this camp forever and pursue what I want without it. But that’s if there weren’t ponies that I need to keep faithful to. “Why don’t you just leave me alone?” Soul whispered to the pony on the other side of the locker door. “I think you should be more worried about other ponies, and that’s why I just don’t get you. A great flyer is supposed to be strong and proud enough of themselves to beat out any pony else who tries to stand in their way. But you let others step all over you, like that pony…”

5.9
Soul glanced over to the door. Where she knew the colt was on the other side. His steps having been so loud in his sudden stop. He was right there with her. There to tell her that. Where she held her mouth open for so long and finally licked her lips when she started to shake. Shake from hearing that there were words out there that did make her truly tremble inside. Being stepped on. I don’t know where it was he got that idea about flying but… I know I already am a great flyer. And I will become even better. There are none who step on me. Nothing holds me back from my goal. I’ll make sure of that.

“Just leave me alone. I got flying I need to do today” Soul said and she set her hoof back on the locker door. Ready to close it and leave. “You’re not the first pony” Aurora said. Stopping her in her tracks. “Even if I don’t like you, I feel so sorry for you that she’s messing with you like that. Looks like not even your own flight buddy is somepony you can rely on now.” What… did you… just say? “Didn’t Amber talk to you about Crash?” “Dash.” Soul corrected him. “Whatever, doesn’t change how she used to be. She’s playing you just like she always did with everypony else who had to deal with her.”

“Rainbow Dash doesn’t play me” Soul said. “She’s my flight buddy and we are wonderful teammates.” “Aren’t teams supposed to look out for one another? I’m just saying she’s gonna end up hurting you. Like she did to another pony before.” Soul perked her ears up. Why did those words sound like something that, …with a heavy heart, she admitted sounded like something so familiar to her. Deep inside… how she felt for a while now.

She couldn’t believe it made her actually listen to him.

5.10
“I went to the same camp as Dash did and I tell you that she sure did hurt a lot of ponies back then. She was a total showoff but man did her flying suck. Didn’t get much better no matter how hard we all trained. She didn’t get many friends cuz of it except for one. Another filly that always gave and gave and gave to Dash while Dash didn’t do anything for her even when her friend needed her help the most. Word was that Dash didn’t want anything more to do with that pony when she needed her help and even yelled at her. If you think I’m lying, you can ask the pony who caught her yelling at her old friend. She’s in this camp now, her old flight buddy, Amber. From what I heard, Dash really made that pony cry.”

“Stop talking about her that way” Soul said. “You don’t believe me, so you’re just gonna keep getting walked over. The moment you ask something from her, she’ll do nothing. Has she done anything to make you feel better?” Aurora asked. “Please… stop talking about her…” Soul muttered. Finding it a little harder to hold herself in. Because it all… all of it sounded so familiar to her. Because I wanted to ask her for… for something too. Something more than usual. Just to be my flight buddy. A true flight buddy. But he’s full of it. Rainbow likes hanging out with me and always wants to be near me. “She’s been the only one who has talked with me and played with me… you’re lying.” “You really aren’t gonna get anywhere” Aurora said. “I’m trying to help you, but… looks like you’re a weak flyer again. Dash will just keep taking from you and when the time comes, she won’t need you. Nopony here needs you anyways. After all, you are just an idiot and she knows it too. The time will come when she leaves you as well.” She won’t leave me. Shut up. Soul pushed her hoof deep into the locker door. Making it tremble along with her leg. “She’s not going to leave me.”

Then she heard him walking behind her. Feeling him behind her. Though she hid herself. Hid her emotions. As hard as it was not to start because of his words. Him walking off, she wanted to put her head into the locker and hide. Let it out in there. Rainbow Dash has been with me since the start and she always takes any opportunity to play with me. We both have the same goals. I want her to become something amazing. I want to see her be comfortable and happy with her flying and to feel like she has something to be proud of. I don’t want her alone. And I’ll do anything to keep her happy. Rainbow Dash would not do that to me. She would not hurt me. Even if her heart was already hurting. “She knows you’re not good enough and she’ll leave you when you can’t do anything more for her. Maybe, she’ll even yell at you.”

I don’t want her to, I’ve given her no reason to. I’m there for her to teach her and make her happier. Soul looked up. At that looming shadow of a filly inside the dark recesses of her locker. Standing there across from her. A shadow she wanted to reach out towards, and her hoof hovered to it. I want to give her so much. All I want is to make the ponies important to me happy and see that I am there for them. All I ask for… is the same back. So I don’t need to feel that way again. I don’t want it again. Where Soul could see it. The shadow that walked away from her in a dark and rainy alley. Leaving her alone. Growing dimmer and smaller. Please don’t go. I need you. I want to do anything for you… all I want is your care. So I don’t feel alone. Please don’t leave.

Don’t leave me, mommy.

5.11
“Rainbow Dash is no better than before.” “Shut up!”

Soul slammed her locker door hard. Closing it in on the disappearing shadow. Gone. Left with a loud clang echoing across the building and ringing in her ears. Her entire body trembling. Don’t leave me. Don’t leave me. All I want is your care. I’ll give you all… just don’t leave me. The room fell silent. With the two ponies left in the dead of it all. Aurora’s eyes peering back at her. She felt him there wrapped in silence… and shock. With just the rustle of his mane as he shook his head. As much as Soul wanted to slam her hoof into that very head. The hoof that shook violently against the door to her locker. She stared at it. Nothing more except the sight of that shadow leaving her.

“As long as you let her step on you, you won’t get any stronger. You’re only giving her all she wants. She doesn’t do anything for you. She never will. Maybe you should move on and never come back.” He stepped away. His hooves leaving from the room and out into the camp beyond. With just Soul left there on her own. Never come back. Soul sighed. A haggard breath. So hard to think. So hard to do anything, not with it still there. There to be seen, all alone. As every pony leaves her behind. Because she knew that there was not much use she had to give to them. Maybe that was why… she never got anything from another pony to let her know that everything will be alright. As she gave up everything for them. Everything gone. She would give them all… yet they always left in the end. Is that why… you never do anything to make me feel better?

A tear went down Soul’s cheek.

5.12
Soul ran her hoof over her cheeks once more… and again she was so unhappy with herself for crying so much. So much that nothing she did could keep the tears from stopping. Nopony had entered or left. None to see her crying like this. Keeping to herself with only her own fur to hold. Only her own words to let her know everything will be okay. She won’t leave me. She does like me. I’ve given her so much and she has no reason to abandon me. I really do wish I had somepony to hold. Something more than what I’m always left with. Maybe the one thing that she did have left to give her some sense of comfort. Her hat. She scrunched it up in her legs. Holding it close from where she sat. Rubbing her cheek along it, no matter how rough the thing was. She didn’t care. There are ponies who like me. There are ponies who are proud of me. Who wouldn’t leave me… as long as I keep being the wonderful Pegasus I am.

I can never give up on my dreams. Never give up on myself when others do. When others leave me or choose to hurt me. I still have this. This reminder. Like the emblem on the hat itself. One she looked upon with teary eyes. That of something so much better. Better than wallowing around in misery. She just needed to remind herself that she still had her drive, still had her ability. As she was always left with. The one thing that always got her home. Always loved her. She loved it too. Always. She heard the hoofsteps. Oh no, the one reason she did not run to the bathroom to cry. Damn. Soul wiped her cheeks again. Putting the hat back on her head and hoping for the best. Just wanting to get this day over with.

Rainbow Dash was the one who stepped out from behind the corner with such glee in her smiling face. The total opposite of Soul. “Now that’s what I needed” she commented. Rushing across the room. She got closer and that was when she slowed down and stopped. Together with Soul and Soul edged away from her. Slinking away with her sulking face. Hide it. She doesn’t need to see it. See any more of it, that was. “Soul! Are you okay?” “I’m fine.”

Soul snapped her mane back down against her face. She doesn’t need to concern herself in any of it. All that mattered was getting this day over with. Soul was eager to do just that, hoping Dash was too. Get done with another day. “Something got in my eyes. It really stung” Soul said. “Did something happen? You know you can tell me” Dash said. Tell you? Tell you what it was that Aurora said about you. That he said what happened at the last camp you were at. I’m sorry, but I just can’t. Soul saw it now, words like those enough to make Dash angry with her. That was the last thing she wanted. Preferring to just go on with how it was now. For as long as it would last. Days being just like this. As she did whatever it took to keep what few ponies were left for her close. Prove that she was a strong Pegasus. One who would not disappoint or let anypony else down.

“I’m fine. Let’s just go join the others” Soul said. Already pointing her nose to the doorway. Waiting, until Rainbow finally stepped forward and off to the door. “Okay…” With that rainbow tail venturing off into the beaming sunlight shining in through that door and out into the world beyond. Soul hesitated, but she followed along with it. Like she always did. Always did… with the same tears that came down her face.

5.13
The night sky was still so beautiful, as perfect as always for training. Now that she was alone and her mom had gone in to read. Rainbow could get to it. No wind or even a breeze out tonight, not even a cloud. Just her and the Moon… and her thoughts left behind from the day. She just wished that Soul could be here too. The one pony out there she wanted to be with her. For this would be another momentous night. For tonight, Dash was ready to figure out that move that Soul taught her. No matter what it took, or how long it took. Well… until her mom called her in for bed. It left her pumped. Smacking her forehooves together.

“Let’s do this.” A silent and wonderful night for her to fly up into, hovering over her spot high above the cloudy yard around her house. Inside of a darkness that did not move. Yet it did. For she knew that there was always air around her that always moved. She had felt it. She had heard it. Someday, she would get as good as Soul was with it. Because that… that was a pony worth training for. Soul Serenity, so strong and so skilled. With wings unlike any other she had seen before and such kindness in her heart. Enough to give me a chance. It really does make her shine for me. Her heart is as beautiful as she is.

Maybe one day… one day I will show her that I am a pony that tries so hard. As hard as she does. Soul may feel that there are no ponies around that bother with her or see her ability but Rainbow will be the one who will always be there with her. She will be the one to prove herself worthy of flying alongside Soul. Dash closed her eyes and settled herself. Ready to slip into that moment once more. No matter how intense it may be, she will do it. For Soul. Soul is a pony who may actually care for me. For that, Dash would make her proud. She would prove herself to be a pony that Soul can stand proudly alongside and that Rainbow Dash was a pony who was worth flying with alongside. She took a deep breath and smiled.

5.14
Another silent night. Yet it was not calm. No way for it to calm her. Soul could not even try to keep herself calm for anything. More than glad that she was alone with nopony out here to see here like this. Though she tried so hard. Hovering high over the deck in the light of the Moon. Looking out upon it with closed eyes that shed so many tears that fell to the land below, shimmering in the moonlight.

She just wanted to concentrate. Just pay attention to the air. This is my peace. This was the best place for her to be, yet it wasn’t. Not tonight. As she flew within it all alone. All alone. With nopony else who wanted to fly with her. She was glad, because none of them would want to. Aurora put it right. She was a weak pony. A weak pony who tried so hard to be strong and that is why they left her. That is why she was left behind in that box long ago.

“I always fail… just like this. I just can’t get anypony to like me.” No, I can’t talk. Not when I’m trying to concentrate. She had to focus. Focus only on the goal. The end point when she could be that amazing flyer that all ponies looked up to and saw her for what she was worth. That she was not a pony who hurt others or stood in their ways. That she was a kind and sweet Pegasus who only wanted the best for others, and she only asked for their kindness in return. That’s all I wanted from you, mom. It’s all. I did so much for you… and for everypony. But I never could do enough to make you proud. To make anypony proud of me. So much so that it always led to the same result. To where she was now… alone, a solo Pegasus floating in the still sky under the orb that told her so much how it was to be alone. I feel it will end the same.

Nopony likes me… not enough to care about my feelings. And it hurts me so much. So much that her heart ached. Pounded against her. Fought against anything she tried to do just to prove she could pull off anything. So many don’t like me… what if… what if Dash was among them? Like all the others who would hurt her, as she did now. I gave you me, and… what’s to stop you from being like her or Amber? Afraid of being with me because there’s nothing more I can offer. When something will happen to get rid of Dash too. I don’t want that. I only want friends who care for me. Please. But there was always too much that drove ponies away from her. Far too much.

5.15
Dash broke from her concentration. So much sweat. So much of a rush going down her body. She looked down upon her hoof, out of breath. And I couldn’t do it anyways. This is not easy at all. You were right, Soul. But I just can’t shake it. I want you here with me. Give us both something to be happy about. Under this night sky, for both pegasi to train together. To reach that goal together. As hard as it is. Rainbow just wished for Soul to be happy too. As happy as Dash would be when they got there. But every time she tried to imagine it, …all she saw was that filly’s crying face.

She looked up to the Moon. Sweeping her bangs out from her face. Letting the cool air come over her. Somewhere out there, you are training to reach that goal. I hope you don’t leave me behind or think little of me. Because I want to love flying the same way you do. Soul Serenity. Dash smiled.

Soul huddled up on the clouds far below the night sky, hidden in her wings, she cried. “Please don’t leave.”

5.16
The autumn air was getting crisper. A lot more chilly with every passing day. Something that really did serve as a nice wakeup call that winter was coming. Fast approaching as the days went on. But each day sure did feel like it was nothing different from any other to Soul. They went by fast while they also felt like they lasted forever. She did not know how that worked. None of these days was something to look forward to. Only eyes set on the end goal. Times like now, they were the best part of any day. Perfectly content with these conditions. Really, so what if it was a little chilly? The other pegasi who complained about it did not know just how magnificent it was to fly through air like this where the chilly breeze went through the smallest cracks in her thick bundles of feathers and lit up her wings in an icy touch. When both of them were spread out and she soared across the sky, forgetting for a moment that she was so tired this morning. A brief respite. Good.

She hated this morning, crawling out of bed and slinking down the stairs for breakfast while yawning ceaselessly. She’d much rather lay in bed for a few more hours than have to go anywhere. But duty called. A duty she wanted to reject. Save for the times like this. She loved flying like this. Swooping in with the strong wind that sent the clouds flurrying along on their paths. One of her two favorite seasons for flying, the other being spring. Because there was some charm to it. Flying amidst a strong yet calm and steady breeze that whistled softly with each pass. Even more beautiful when she would fly over the lands below. Seeing the vast forests with their swaying branches and the crystal blue streams with small waves splashing over to shore. No matter what she needed to deal with, she went on with the fact she always had this to do. Her flying was always by her side. Letting her see and do things other ponies could not. Even things other pegasi could not, for did they see the beauty of the world the same way she did when in flight?

5.17
Up here there were no problems she had to anticipate or any bit of reminder of anything else. Simply the drive she had to perfect herself and join with the air in a dance she always did see herself in every time she flew. The best things to stand beside her. The air and her two wings that always stuck with her. Flapping strong and proud in the breeze. Sending gusts of cold air up into her face that chilled her and cooled. Making her smile. Relief and then warmth when her mane fell back down on her face with every dive.

She didn’t care how many weeks would pass by with this same scenario, as long as she had the chance to fly, it was worth it. For up here was the beauty of the world. Almost like it wanted to approve of that by sending a stray leaf flying by with her, caught in the wind. Carried off from somewhere far off. Pretty beautiful. She bet the autumn leaves were coming over the land below with how red that leaf was. Not so dense the last time she looked out past Cloudsdale and to the world that surrounded it. She bet now the forests were thick with these leaves.

“Hey Soul, will you hurry up! Some of us still need to go!” Soul shook her head. Snapped back out of it. That’s right… for moments like this don’t last forever. She hated to see that she had been lingering up here so long, high above the cloudy fields of Junior Speedsters, where all the kids mingled about far below as little dots yet somepony’s voice rang out. One of the kids. She guessed she did must of lost track of what it was she was doing. Too caught up in the moment she had to fly without worry. Brought right back to the thing she hated to worry about. Whatever.

5.18
Just like that, she felt her entire mood dampen. “Right” she whispered to herself. Content with just finishing off the course and getting back to ground so the others could go. “Sorry.” Nopony would hear her anyways. Though none would care. As days went by, it became more or less the same. Do what she needed and then venture back off into the shadows so nopony would bother her, or she wouldn’t bother them. Anything to keep away from it all. Can’t give them any more incentive.

Soul put her wings back into gear and glided in at the last few remaining cloud hoops. A few quick clearances through them and then a pass by a series of clouds from where she spotted her target long ago hidden inside the formations. Grabbing hold of the flag embedded into a cloud deep inside the cluster and keeping it in her mouth as she descended back to join the rest. Prove she had done her task. Soul settled down with a hard smack to the cloudy ground. Lowering her head and out came the dozens of flags she had picked up. The tiny things falling spread out before her and she left them behind. Fifty flags as needed. She had recounted them all in her head and saw she had done it. Nimbus saw it too. Giving her a quick nod and smile. Soul glanced to her.

Alright, so that’s done. Guess since I did it, I can go off to lunch. She walked away from the start up. Passing by the rest of the kids who were getting ready. Ones who still needed to take the course while others frolicked off to enjoy their free time since they had finished up. “Took your sweet time. Some of us are trying to get to lunch too” a filly commented as she passed by. Soul didn’t look. Just seeing her in the corner of her eyes along with a couple others who looked just as dissatisfied as the first one sounded. Whatever. Like I care what it is you all want. I don’t at all.

Soul’s cheek flinched replaying the harsh tone in her head. That of a pony very upset with her. Much of the same tones she was used to. So used to. Funny though, wasn’t there a brief period when you all thought I was something great? How easy is it to change your minds? Camps and asshole kids all around. Really, it always proved to be much of the same no matter which direction she went. The same thing to deal with. At least I’m strong enough to do it. I bet none of you could handle feeling this down and this defeated all because of the stupid decisions you made.

5.19
Another strong gust of wind came in along with the sound of rustling feathers that told her another pony had landed. She bet she knew who it was. She looked. Rainbow Dash folding her wings back up and dropping off her set of fifty flags right next to where Soul had placed her own. She did take her time. But that was okay. Dash had taken off before Soul did but she still managed to almost finish at the same time as Soul. Getting her approval for a job well done for completing the course and she was right off to trot after Soul. The same carefree smile on her face. Soul tried to mimic it. Maybe I can actually be happy after camp when we get to hang out together. In the time I have to be with you.

Soul waited for her. Letting her catch up. Indulging in her frantic joy over her flying. “Nice! We finished together!” Dash said. “Yeah we did” Soul agreed, not at all mentioning a little fact that would shoot this all down if Dash was trying to brag about her skill compared to Soul. It was fine. Soul didn’t want her head to get too big, but a little playful banter about flying was really something she had to enjoy sometimes from Dash. Maybe I’m thinking too hard on it. Dash only mentioned them finishing together. Not like she’s bragging or trying to make me feel down. I got plenty who do that for me.

“I don’t know about you but I love how cool it is today. Fall air, so tons of wind and tons of clouds… I can’t wait to get to busting them at some point” Dash said in her stride alongside Soul. “You know winter is around the corner” Soul pointed out. “Do you look forward to that wind?” That was what made Dash hold her tongue and laugh like a dork for a moment. Clearly not anticipating any joy in flying through that.

“I hope there’s not another snowstorm this year. Those things suck to fly through. Almost clipped my wing during the last one” Dash said. “But let’s enjoy fall while we can.” “Let’s” Soul agreed. Leading Dash on back to the lockers and leaving all the others behind. I’ll try to enjoy it as best I can. Would be better if I could spend all my time flying and ever have to come back down to deal with any of this.

5.20
“You seemed relieved up there” Dash said. “Haven’t seen you so in your element lately.” “Oh, you know, lots of training these past few weeks and… and its always tiring but I’m getting there.” Soul looked back off. Laughing to herself. Holding in her need to just yell out, bottling it up with so much force that it made her almost croak. “Is it that?” Dash asked.

Soul stamped her hooves down. Stopping the pony behind her. “I did hear what that filly said. Don’t let her get to you. You flew pretty good and it was a relaxing flight. I think we both deserved it.”

“The autumn air is always so nice to feel when I fly” Soul whispered to herself. “Sometimes I just forget what it is I’m doing when I’m so relaxed in flight. No demands or anything. Just the wind and me. It’s lovely, isn’t it?” “Y-yeah…” Dash said. Soul looked back to her with a smile. “Then nothing to worry about. Not like they get to me.”

Soul continued on. Prompting Dash to follow if she wanted to. The sound of hooves on clouds let her know she kept up with her. Let’s just go eat lunch. I’d rather have a break and enjoy some peace until afternoon activities and then… then I get to do something actually fun when I leave here. Maybe someday I’ll leave her and not come back and just enjoy that free flying as long as I desire. The only thing I’ll have left when I fail everypony. When I show that I just am not strong enough.

“I hope they don’t get to you” Dash said. Making Soul groan inside. I don’t care. “You know, you’re pretty strong for still being so happy and relaxed. That’s pretty cool of you, Soul. Maybe I can learn a thing or two from you.” Why even say that? The way Dash said that. Kind of sounded like she was longing for something or even… reflective? Soul looked back at her. In time to catch Dash looking off in the distance. Quick to look back to Soul. Really stupid of her to say.

5.22
“I’d rather you not have to learn anything from it. I’ve got my flying and fun times to look forward to.” “I’m still having a hard time believing it” Dash said. “Why do you put up with it? You know I’m here for you and so are your parents. Can you really do this on your own? I just think it’s been a bit long now.”

Everything you just said… like it melted away. Telling Soul more and more that nopony would understand. Because you’ve never experienced the loss I deal with. Seeing how everypony turns against me. I still don’t know why it is you’re still with me. Look at me, I’m a loser. A pony like Rainbow Dash should not be with me, at least for as long as I’m still useful. “It’s fine…” Soul said. Glancing off to the ponies they passed by. All of them running by with such joy in their happy laughs. Playing together with nothing to worry about. One pony did stop as she passed. Leaning away, though Soul caught her worried gaze. Something that told Soul more and more that that pony was still afraid of her. I don’t know why you’re afraid to be near me, Amber. The curly maned filly stood there and watched Soul trudge off, while Soul forgot about her. The same things she needed to accept. Ponies don’t want to deal with me. Probably worried I’ll make bad things happen to them too.

“I’m just used to it” Soul admitted. “Once you know what to expect, you can just brace for it.” Soul grinned back to Dash. Finding the cyan filly sitting back with a long face and eyes glued to the ground. The filly let out a deep breath. “Soul…” she muttered. “Let’s go eat lunch” Soul said. She rushed off to the locker building. Expecting Dash to follow her, she did when she heard her distinct hoofsteps running up behind her. “I got strawberries in my lunch today and I’m dying for them” Soul said.

A long pause but… “I got chocolate today!” Dash said.

5.23
“So did you hear?” Rainbow asked the magenta filly who wandered off to the fountains across from the lockers. Rainbow rummaged through her locker. Finding her lunch plopped where she left it under the scarf and leggings her mom had given her… yet she didn’t need them. Eager to tell Soul. She held a happy grin on her face waiting for Soul to ask what it was. Oh she just couldn’t wait. Not since her mom had told her last night. This was the perfect time to tell Soul. All day long, the filly had been so down. She bet she knew what it is that would cheer her up. Only the best thing ever. “Hear what?” Soul asked over there.

“So there’s something special that’s gonna be happening in the winter. I think both of us can look forward to it…” Dash led her on. “What?” Soul asked again. “Okay…” Dash stepped down from her locker. Turning to face Soul. The filly busy taking a drink from the fountain.

“My mom told me there’s going to be a showing of the Wonderbolts on the day after Hearth’s Warming! All admissions allowed. She’s gonna reserve tickets. Don’t you think that would be an awesome way to finish off the camp semester? I was thinking you should come with your parents. Have a cool hangout with all of us!” “A Wonderbolts showing, huh?” Soul asked, stepping down from the fountain and licking her lips. “Yup, and it’s gonna be in Canterlot this time.”

If Dash didn’t know better, she would say the whole reason Cloudsdale was going to be hanging around the Canterlot valleys next season was just so the Wonderbolts could perform for the area. But that was only because the area was due for quite a snowing this season, according to her dad. Still though, she wanted to think it was only for the Wonderbolts. A group like that could cancel everything in Equestria just because of a showing. They really were just so awesome. “Well I hope they want to take me along. It would be my first showing” Soul said.

5.24
“Your first one? As in your first ever?” Dash asked. She had to have heard that wrong. “Yeah… I just never made it a point to really ask them all the time about it” Soul said. “Maybe I am too caught up in training.” “You’ve got to go!” Dash would not take any excuses. A flyer as great and wonderful as Soul, she expected her to have already watched the Wonderbolts. Seen just what it was amazing pegasi could become. But… to have never seen them. Dash would not allow it. She would be sure to insist it to Soul.

“Trust me, the stuff those ponies pull off is fantastic. When I watched you flying at your house, it reminded me a lot of them. I just know seeing them would inspire you to pull off some new moves. Or just be left in total awe for how awesome they are!” Dash flew over to Soul. Hovering over her. “You need to go. This December, Hearth’s Warming.” “I got it” Soul said. The filly smiled and waved Dash off. Good.

She watched her go back over to her locker. She didn’t sound impressed but… Dash wouldn’t be fooled. Soul looked eager. Like she did want to do it. Her parents would be cool and let her go for sure. Then all of their families could be together for a great event. Now that was something to look forward to. Deep down, Rainbow knew it was something Soul surely needed. These weeks had been pretty hard for her and so hard for Dash to watch… even though Soul fought back against her… she would still give her a good time. Such a showing, I bet you’ll get the same reaction I did when I first saw them. You’re going to be like a foal. Already seeing Soul squealing and cheering at the spectacle that it would be. Those very moves that Dash wanted to perform with that group someday. Just what Soul needed.

5.25
Rainbow flew back over to her locker. Setting her hoof upon the open door and… just staring in at the scarf that lay in there. Nothing special to any pony else… save for the emblem that was on it. An emblem very similar to that of something a certain other filly wore. The same Wonderbolts winged lightning bolt stitched into its fabric. The symbol of a wonderful flyer. Someday… I know both of us will be able to have that title. I want it to happen when I can fly in those same displays they pull off… however long it takes. Inspiring ponies just like they inspired me. Someday I will and… she looked over her shoulder to the filly who was with her. Not even noticing Dash staring at her. Smiling at her. I think you can pull it off too. Wherever you decide to go… I hope you can be there with me when I wear that blue uniform. If not there for me to thank you for all your help, …then… oh wow… Dash widened her eyes. Not believing she just saw that. Seeing Soul in that same uniform.

Oh man. That actually made her chuckle a little into her hoof. Now that was a cool thought. Maybe both of us being given the medal together. Soul was an awesome flyer, she can definitely be Wonderbolt material. Oh yeah, that settled it.

Dash had to get Soul to come see the Wonderbolts.

If she got to see them, what if that encouraged her to want to be one too? Another amazing goal to look forward to. I just know I would be worthy enough to be there with you. Rainbow smiled so widely. Opening her eyes and… shocked to find herself now hugging her scarf. When did I… she tossed it back in the locker. Soul opened up her locker at the other side of the room.

“Maybe ponies won’t be mean to me when December comes around.” How sad she sounded… like poison. Dash could not believe how quick her own spirits fell when she heard Soul say that over there.

5.26
I knew you were lying. Rainbow grabbed a hold of her lunch. Clutching it in her hooves. Slinking her head down between her shoulders. Hurt by what Soul had said. I just don’t understand, why is it you put up with all that? I really wish I could help you but… I… Dash shook her head.

Soul, she really has changed. From that Pegasus who spoke such mysterious things on that first day. When she saw Soul as that pony who really did have a light in her eyes for something more than any normal flying. With a goal that was beyond anything Dash had heard of for most pegasi. Any Pegasus. How grim she has gotten. How much things have changed, and through all of it… you’ve stuck with me. Would Soul be alright if I showed her? Dash glanced back at the pony, her silver tipped tail sticking out from the locker and facing back to Dash. She was nervous. So nervous. If the time would come or not. I’m just so nervous to show her. But… I have no idea if it would make her feel better. Enough that… I feel so highly about her to show her. That she may be the only pony I trust. I don’t know. I just want her to smile.

She did want Soul to come along for the showing and… her mom seemed to like Soul. Maybe… she thought for a moment. She would definitely need to ask her parents about this. Last time didn’t work out so well but maybe a second time would. She would certainly need to ask for a raise on her allowance then. That made her smile. Yes, she would love if I did that for her. Giggling to herself under hushed tones. Something to cheer up that filly standing over there… clearly sulking at her locker.

I want to make her smile again. It’s just so hard, like she didn’t even want to try and make things better. Standing there, staring into her locker, Soul was so much unlike the Soul she first met. I really wish she would just take my advice. It’s the best way for her to watch out for herself. There was nothing wrong with it. “I think you need to tell your parents about all this stuff you’re going through. I’m sure they will help you. They’re pretty cool, you know?” Dash grabbed hold of her lunch bag and shut her locker tight. “There’s nothing wrong with asking them for help.”

5.27
As much as the same, Soul was remaining silent. Unsettling Dash with how cold she was being. There is nothing wrong with it, it helps. But she’s just so stubborn lately. Watching her be like this, just a sad and sulking pony stuffed away into the corner with this eerie look upon her that made it like she was just always tired and lost, it hurt Dash to see her like this every day it went on.

Oh Soul, I really miss how carefree you were the day we first laid eyes upon one another. You were so beautiful back then. Such an awesome filly to be around. I should share some of my chocolate with her for lunch. Something to lift this bad mood that befell upon them. Rainbow did come over to join with Soul. Still stick with her just to know she would be there to keep trying. I will keep trying.

“I bet they can help you! It’ll all stop and we can go back to normal.” Dash smiled to her, standing side by side with the filly. Seeing Soul’s vacant eyes staring deep into her locker. Just seeing her, it was even more unnerving to see her so blank in her sight. So much so that she even looked to be ignoring Dash. Quick to make Dash’s wide smile disappear. Lowering her own ears as she got her answer that Soul was just going to keep this up. Guessing they could just go on to eat lunch and put up with more of that sad sight of a filly so wrapped up in sadness. I wish she would do something. She’s got it easier than… than most ponies.

“What is normal anymore?” Soul whispered. Freaking Dash out with how sudden it was. How direct she was in asking that. Eyes fixated on the darkness in her locker, not even bothering to turn to Dash to address her. Maybe even sounding like she wasn’t even asking Dash that question. Something to just throw out there. A scary tone to it. Rainbow wasn’t even sure why it was she couldn’t answer her.

What is normal? Why am I too afraid to say something about it? The harshness in Soul… it was so vocal in that question. So dim, something had changed in her.

5.28
“Here I thought it was already normal” Soul said. “Isn’t it? Where it’s always so hard for me and I can’t rely on anypony no matter what. As life has always been.” “What are you saying?” Dash whispered. It’s really not that bad, Soul… she was never this down. Never this defeated in her voice. Even her massive wings drooped down to hang on the floor. As did her ears fall too.

“You can rely on me. And you got your parents too” Dash had to tell her. We’ve been here for you. After how great you’ve been, you know you can count on me always. Dash could not wait for more awesome time they could spend together until they could get to those goals that had set out. She saw it clearly. Soul was the one she wanted to do them with. You and me. “No I can’t…” Soul spat. “Because… you have no idea… what it is I’ve had to deal with and… and all the bad things that will happen if I tell my parents. If I try…”

Soul gulped. Her cheeks flinching for a moment in her gasp for air. Shocking Dash… even more when she stepped aside, Soul showing what it was that was inside that locker. “My parents were the only ponies I had…”

Soul’s hat… Dash widened her eyes. Torn to shreds. So many scraps tossed aside and about within the locker like somepony had sent a tornado through it… but Dash knew what it was that had happened. “I can’t…” Dash couldn’t finish her sentence. Couldn’t even think with how shocked she was at what the other kids would do to Soul. Something like this. I’ve never seen ponies be this mean to another.

Soul… I’m so sorry. That hat… Dash looked to the filly cringing before it. Clenching her eyes shut, not able to look upon her hat there with that beautiful emblem left alone amidst the shreds and scraps. It meant… a lot to you. “Soul… I’m so…”

The locker door slammed hard. Pressed against by the magenta hoof that Soul held up before her shaking body. Closing away that sight. But it was there… right there in Soul’s face, she was furious. Under her gritting teeth. Soul…

5.29
“You think it’s so damn easy for me!?” Soul spoke, finally opening her eyes only to do something that made Dash want to back away. Never seeing this side of her. Soul shooting her a glare so wracked in the pain that Soul was under for so long. I didn’t know it was this bad. Soul Serenity. Dash backed away from her.

“I…” Dash tried to mutter out something. Anything to let her know that she understood. She did understand. That’s just what Soul wasn’t getting. She was there to look out for Soul and was sure it would work. It wasn’t a big issue for her. Not with her parents being how they were. They’re here with us. She can… I can’t even talk. Not with how scared she was of the pony in front of her. “Why don’t you try dealing with it then!” Soul yelled. Kicking another hoof against her locker. Reeling back and bucking at it once more. The filly stamped away from it. I… Soul… “Of course you won’t, because you’re always too busy just sitting back and watching it happen to me! You never do anything to help me and think I can handle it on my own. You’re so selfish, Dash. You’re the most selfish pony I’ve ever met.” “Soul I’m not…”

“Shut up! You don’t want to help me, but I do everything for you. I do so much to make things fun and happy for you and you don’t want to do the same for me. I thought we were supposed to be flight buddies.”

Soul was so loud, she may attract everypony else, though Dash didn’t care. Shriveling up behind her lunch bag. Closing her legs together and feeling once more the pain of fear. Fear of another pony. So familiar, and I thought I escaped it. Soul… what happened to you? Why are you being so mean to me? “Flight buddies are supposed to watch out for one another, yet you don’t do it for me. You just ignore my problems and focus on yourself” Soul whimpered. So sad yet her anger was true, while tears fell from her eyes. Dash sat there, watching her flight buddy fall apart before her. It was enough to make her eyes feel so heavy. So much pressure on them. That she thinks so badly of me. “I thought I could rely on you to protect me” Soul said. “But no… you just act like everything is good and don’t even care about my feelings. How hard it is for me. I can’t go to my parents. I can’t! But I thought I had you instead. I’m fed up with you ignoring my problems.” “I don’t…” Dash squeaked out. Shaking on her hooves.

Soul… please don’t be mad at me. Please. I didn’t want this. She couldn’t even blink. There like a stump listening to the filly yelling at her. While the shame fell over her. The fear coming back once more. That she had lost it all. “I think you just don’t care about me at all. Rainbow, …if you don’t care then…” Soul closed her eyes. Clenching her teeth amidst her tears. “Just leave me!”

Leave me. Leave me. Staring into those angry, yellow eyes. So like what she would expect. It made her want to… Dash felt it. A single tear coming down her cheek. She doesn’t trust me… Rainbow dropped her lunch. She doesn’t. Leave it, leave her… Dash turned tail. Going off to the one place she knew she could feel safe. She spread her wings.

5.30
Cyan feathers flew and left the last image of that pony in Soul’s head. The filly flying off. Leaving her. Left to quiver and shake so violently she… she needed to let go. Soul collapsed onto the floor. Spreading her wings out. Not caring anymore. For it was all over. She saw what it was that happened. She felt it all flowing through her. Just how mad she had been. Rainbow really thinks it’s so easy. Stupid. Soul cried onto the floor. So easy.

She doesn’t know what it’s like to be abandoned. To fear it. I don’t want ponies to hate me. I need ponies in my life. I have so few left. I just can’t disappoint them. I can’t expose… how weak I am. I’m just not strong enough to deal with it. Yet Dash thought it was so easy. All you have to worry about is what your next time would be to hang out with me. Watch me suffer and be upset all the time. Try my life for once, maybe you’ll see how hard it is.

Soul smacked her hoof against the floor. It stung to do that. She didn’t care. Not at all, about anything else. Only the ache in her heart. Looking back up… at the lunch bag left in front of her. Left alone with her. The last bit of Dash left behind. I don’t… want to disappoint Nimbus and Starry. I don’t want them to leave me… just like that hat… the hat that told me they were with me. Taken from me. I have them… and I have you, Dash. Yet I feel like it’s so close to being gone.

Those lunches we shared together, every day. All the time we got to be together and how much more I want. We barely knew each other not long ago, yet now… now you’re the one pony who has made me laugh more than any other in my life. I did all I could to please you. Yet I still feel you will leave me. Just like another time.

5.31
Deep in those shadows. Of that time… the moment I fear the most. Of a pony upset with me because I am not who I was supposed to be. Flickering and fading in the light. Disappearing and shifting back. Like it took little hoofsteps away from her. Leaving but a tail to face back to her. Leaving her behind. So many times, so many times I lost ponies. But this… this hurts the most. You left me because I wasn’t good enough for you. …And now, now I did it again.

Soul’s hoof tapped the bag. Running it up and down. Like a small bit of a pony left behind for her to remember what it was like to be able to reach out to another. Gone. Fading. You left me behind in that alley… now I get to deal with it again. I made it happen again. Rainbow Dash, I drove her away. Like with everypony else. Gone. Because she was too stupid to handle it on her own and too caught up in her own personal problems… that I hurt the only pony who was truly with me. I hate myself. So much. Hate how I keep doing this.

Dash is gone. The tears that came out, like so many other times. Like they never stopped, there from years long passed. Returned for the same reason. She couldn’t look at the bag anymore. Turning away, pulling herself back up against her locker door. Streaking it in her tears. Unable to stop crying. I still hear you. Those wings of yours as you fly from me. Leaving me behind. Like I’m meant to be. To always be alone.

I hate crying so much. I hate always being sad. I hate it. I hate it. Soul smacked her hoof hard against her face. Ringing loudly inside. But she deserved it. Her punishment. One for driving another pony away. As much as she would let it. No. I can’t. I can’t let her leave me too. Sending her back down on all four of her hooves. Turning to face the open doorway beyond. I can’t let it happen again. Never. Rainbow Dash! I won’t be that foal again. The foal sitting in her box with no idea what to do, crying for her mommy. I won’t cry for you. Because… I won’t let you get away. Ever!

Not another will leave me. Soul galloped past the lunch bag. Blasting through the door and back out into the cool and open world beyond. You’re not getting away. I’m not going to let it happen. Let that filly she saw flying away so far off get away from her. I’ll take to the air once more with you.

5.32
Soul sent her wings out and that was all she needed to leave it all behind in a gust of wind so strong she could feel her own power kicking back against her tail. Scattering the clouds behind her and clearing from the camp. Soaring high over the walls and high into the blue and welcoming sky once more. Unlike any other time, not for pleasure… no more.

I fly for you, Dash, and this sky is my road. Leading a path on to the filly that flew away. A mere dot in the sky that Soul could still hear. Her distinct wing flaps. Anything, I’ll do anything for you. Not caring if she may have frightened the other kids back there with her sudden take off. Her massive burst of speed carried on by the wind inside of a gale so strong that hummed alongside the beautiful strokes her wings took. Sending her across the sky with one fell shot of her wings being all it took before that same wind struck her face and the world below blew past her. As hard as she could fly. Soul wiped her tears away. No more crying. No more sadness. I’ll get rid of it all. This is the sky you and I are meant to fly together in.

The way we spoke about our dreams to one another and our goals in life, I want to be there with you every step of the way. We will overcome it all and fly together in this with no more fear holding us down. As long as I have you. But she will not let her get away without letting her know that. All those words she had said were not true, caught up in her own anger and so many weeks of pain.

So wrong to lash out at her. So wrong to blame her. I could have just asked her. But I blew up on her. I was wrong, so I will be the one to make it right.

Soul flapped her wings harder. Cleaving the wind around her. Billowing it all into an endless swirl about her feathers with a speed that felt familiar to her. Coming back to her with it once more. This is what I’ll do to fix us. Even if it hurts. The wind lashing at her face and tearing at her wings, like her own feathers may rip off. So be it.

5.33
Soul glided over the peaks and rooftops so high above it all with the last rocking and thunderous blast to echo across the sky from such a strong whip of her wings. Dash may not hear me. She didn’t care. “Rainbow!” she yelled out to the figure ahead of her. Wrapped inside of the churning maelstrom of wind circling about. Tearing through the chilly and strong autumn winds just to get to her. “Come back!” Nothing.

The cyan filly flying a clear path across the sky ahead, Soul kept up. Kicking her wings back into gear and shooting straight forward at her. I got to stop her, I got to let her know. I can’t let her leave me. No more ponies. I’ll fight for the ponies I need in my life. Anything it takes. Even starting to hurt her wings. They never stopped flapping. Those beautiful wings of hers knew as well as she did that this was too important, they would do any distance for this. Just to make her happy. For us all to have wonderful days together. More of those wonderful moments you and I share.

We can go to the Wonderbolts for sure, whatever you want. We can go to things I want to do too, together. Because we are a team and we will figure out what needs to be done to makes things work. Together. No skill or anything involved, she shot at her flight buddy. Closer and closer till that rainbow tail was flapping in the wind within her vision.

“Rainbow!” Soul came in with her. Holding her wings back to slow down, skidding to such a violent slowdown that she almost threw her neck out from the force. Finally back with Dash. Back with the pony she hurt. “Get away from me!” Dash yelled out. Not stopping at all. Keeping up on her flight, Soul would not let up. She stayed with her. Even when she saw the filly turn her head and… and she saw the tears streaming out from Dash’s eyes. Left behind in the wind. Just like that last tear I saw from her. I made her cry. So I won’t let her go on feeling like I meant all that stuff. “Dash, I didn’t mean that stuff! Please, can we just talk… I just…”

“Leave me alone!” Dash yelled once more. “You hate me! So why don’t you just go off leave me to be by myself. Isn’t that what you wanted all along!?”

5.34
Leave you to be by yourself? Dash, what are you saying. I wouldn’t leave you. I want to be there with you. Please.

“Dash I’m so sorry about what I said” Soul leveled herself out next to the filly, wanting to get closer. Close enough to touch her. Wipe her tears and let her know all will be fine. That is what she wanted them to be again. The last time they touched, when she held me. I will do the same for you. Because that’s what flight buddies do. They look out for one another. Not just in their flying… but for them entirely. “It was wrong of me, but I just want us to be strong again. It’s all my fault… I shouldn’t have let things get so bad between us.”

Soul reached for her. “Take my hoof, let’s go back to how we were. You don’t need to be scared of me.” Rainbow Dash looked to her with teary eyes. Flowing endlessly. Her wings did not slow down. Quite the opposite and Soul had to keep changing her speed too. Just to stay alongside her. “You never trusted me… everypony always wants me gone…” Dash said. “That’s not true. You can rely on me. I’m here for you.” “That’s what they always say.”

Dash, what? I’ve never seen her this upset. This is my doing? I must have really hurt her. Whatever it is, I can be there to calm her. I want to be. So Soul never let her hoof drop, keeping it out for Dash. Waiting to take hold together. “You want me gone…” Dash said. Her wings flapping faster… and Soul did feel it. The wind shaking around her. Amidst the churning sound of rippling air cast out, not by her wings, but by another pair. So strong. So powerful. That Dash… Soul’s hoof left from her side. When the pony slipped away. “So just leave me!” Dash yelled in one last cry.

Soul blinked. Before it hit her.

5.35
Rainbow Dash was there and then… she wasn’t. Like light that zipped across her eyes and as quick as the wind striking her face, it dawned on her that the pony she was flying alongside had disappeared so quick within that brilliant flash of light and echo of thunder.

Faster than she could blink. But she saw it happen before her very eyes just as her lashes dropped. So many wonderful colors zipping across the sky. A path ahead of her going on forever and painting the sky in such radiance that Soul swore Cloudsdale had grown a new rainbow.

Billowing and shaking the world around her. All in the time it took for her to see that this rainbow trailed off from the pony with the tail to match it. Off into the sunny sky like a swooping angel so elegant and powerful to rock the sky itself in a hail of thunderous cracks. It sounded so scary and so empowering to all who may hear it, sounding within her the thing that made her cringe. Made her scared more than anything else that was happening.

Just leave me. Just leave me. Soul was not the one leaving her, she was the one leaving Soul. Leaving her behind in a trail of rainbow dust and the coming force she didn’t even know until it was too late. Soul screamed when the blast of wind came over her even stronger than any before it. Tearing across her with the sound of another crackling sound bursting out from Rainbow Dash’s path.

The filly was gone, out of sight. No longer able to see where she went as Soul tumbled through the sky. It all going through her. That Dash was leaving her. She’s going. And here I am, stuck like a rock. Locked in an endless loop at the amazing thing she had just seen. Just heard. Unlike anything she thought possible from the very filly who had been her flight buddy. That she may not be it anymore. Rainbow Dash was flying away, faster than ever before. Faster than Soul didn’t think she could even go. Is she really this determined to leave me? Leave her entire world spinning around. Plummeting down to the clouds below. A deadly spiral leaving behind only her own trail of tears that she no longer cared to hide. Only fixed on that rainbow that streaked the sky high above her.

Rainbow Dash, you really don’t want me near you. Pull off something like this… to get away from me. I had no idea it hurt that much.

But… Soul flapped her great wings up. Shining brightly down upon her in the Sun. All she needed. Glaring off into the sky with her teary eyes. I won’t let it hurt any longer. You are my flight buddy. We are both flight buddies. Together as one in the sky. No matter our problems. You were the first to stick with me. Soul caught the wind. The world stopped. Blazing the clouds below in such a great gust of wind beneath her wings. You’re my buddy. I won’t let you get away from me. Even if you try to run. All Soul had to do was follow that tail that always led her to better moments. A streak in the sky. Off into the distant cloudy horizon. Soul flew off after it.

5.36
She had only been to this place a few times, yet it still felt so weird to come here alone for once. Setting hoof upon the cloudy stairs leading deep down into the depths of the sauna she had always come here with alongside Dash. Relaxation or training, not today. Soul had to wipe away the last of her tears. Be strong, after what she did, she needed to. Seeing just how badly her feelings could affect another so dear to her. No way she would leave that very pony here alone. Down there thinking that Soul hated her, thinking that she meant the worst for her and never wanting to be together again. That is what Soul expected. For it would be such an appropriate punishment to feel that may be.

In all her years of running away from her problems. This was one she would not run from. No, she stepped to it.

Going down the steps and deeper into where the Sun barely came in through the small breaks in the clouds. Shimmering in the rain drops that soaked her. Like she did not walk at all, only the rain could be heard and no hooves dared to sound out over it. Like she truly was alone. Stuck with the echoing words of all she had said. I never had any idea on what to do to help myself. I never was the best pony for any others, I never have been a good pony. Doing stuff like this. So used to it. But not anymore. Rainbow, I’m here for you. No matter how fast you fly or where you go, I won’t let you get away while thinking I truly don’t like you. There is no way I would hate you. I only ask for you to not hate me. But that had always been her problem. She always expected it to be different. She never took those steps she made now.

Approaching that cloud doorway below, it had been so far. So close now. She set hoof upon the bottom of the steps with just a short walk between her and that cloud wall.

5.37
She knew she was on the other side. Rainbow Dash was in there. My one and only flight buddy. Wracked with everything Soul had said. Soul couldn’t even begin to think of what she should do. How hard it would be. Terrified that Dash may truly leave her. That she lost the only pony she could call her buddy. All from another mistake, I can’t make any more. No more today. No more after. Soul gulped.

“Rainbow…” she whispered. Not expecting any answer. Only her own small plea to herself to see it through for that pony. She made me laugh, she made me smile and played with me. The only pony who wants to fly with me. Here I thought she was only my equal in goals.

Rainbow Dash, unbelievable how fast you can go. If only to get away from me. For the first time, a pony that she was truly excited to call her flight buddy. Now more than ever, I understand why you are afraid of me. But it won’t stop me. Soul would not be afraid. She would be the bigger pony now. For the first time.

Soul’s hooves stepped forward. Pushing her onwards into that wall of clouds. Stepping deep into the steamy room within. Where the air hung heavy. So strong, it was hard to breathe at first. Not until she could truly take a deep breath of the humid air and embrace the cascading downpour of rain and thundering waterfalls. Piling down into the same pool she had swam in with Dash. Running in together, side by side. Two fillies splashing about and being able to laugh. So many weeks have passed since then. So much has changed.

I can’t believe how fast I changed. How badly I have gotten. That Soul felt uneasy just stepping into what used to be the most peaceful place for the two. Where she could say she had bonded with Dash. We’re not in this together. Now, we are separate. Something Soul did not want.

5.38
Soul standing at the wall while the other filly sat in the water. Deep in the middle of that shallow lake, where Dash was, back towards Soul. Though she saw the cyan filly splash water into her face. Her little wings left plopped into the water. Rainbow tail floating in it. As bright as the trail she had left with those wings.

Good thing Dash had not left. It was just Soul and her. Alone with nothing to stand between them. Weeks since we played in the water together. So long. Too long. A time with few worries. Can it even be like it now? Soul wanted to go back to it, go into the water with her flight buddy. Sit with her and soak in the warm water. An occasional splash before she would use her wings to pile water on to Dash. Those were things she wanted. Jumping on to her and laughing. Just like the kids in the streets. Torn away by all that has happened.

Soul couldn’t believe she let it get so bad. Let it get to her. Here we are now. Me hesitant, while I hear you cry over there. So much did Soul want to help her stop crying for nopony deserved this. None at all. Soul could not cry anymore. Only shame. Shame did not stop her.

Her hooves kept her going. Creeping along the cloudy embankment around the lake. Warm water swishing around her hooves. Though Soul did not go in. She stood there overlooking the pony out there. We’re so close to one another but you feel so far away. Not drawn like last time. Soul still did the scary thing. She set a hoof into the water. Rippling around it. Then another. Soul’s hooves fell into the water, looking out at the filly’s back. Soul let it go with no thought.

“Rainbow…” One name to travel and echo inside of the peaceful place. Like it were louder than the waterfalls, itself but a mere whisper. I’m here and I won’t let you go. They stood in this water together. One that once warmed them, now only cold between them. Soul just wanting to reach out through the silence. But Dash did not turn.

5.39
“Why did you follow me?” Dash’s raspy voice whispered. “You should have left me.” “I still came, I won’t let you fly away from me” Soul said. “No matter how fast you fly.” Just a little tremble that Dash made with her back still to Soul. Lowering her head. Dash’s hooves slinked along her sides, holding herself. “And I’ll keep flying away from you. Because you were right, I am a horrible flight buddy. Always have been. Didn’t even change with you. So you should just leave or I’ll leave.” “I’m not going anywhere” Soul plopped her butt down into the water. Sitting well behind Dash. Facing her back. Not letting her eyes leave her. As long as it takes. Soul will sit there and do anything to stop it. If you try to leave, I’ll do anything I can to stop you. No matter how much she didn’t know about this filly’s flying ability. Soul’s wings still shook with anticipation. If you run, I’ll keep after you. As far as Dash knew, she didn’t know how skilled Soul could be.

Until you calm down, until we both can be calm and talk to one another like we usually do. Soul would not leave. Not leave this spot. Even if she wanted to be closer. Sit right behind Dash and hold her. Lock her down so she couldn’t leave even if she struggled. But Rainbow Dash’s wings never moved. Quiet she stayed. “I came after you because I don’t want you to leave” Soul told her. Trust me, Dash.

If Soul wanted to leave then it would have happened. Like every other time. Soul ran from her fears. Rainbow Dash would not be another one of those fears. We will stay like this. “I’m so sorry for what I said to you, Dash.” Silence filling the air.

5.40
Like her apology kept sounding off inside this room. Soul heard echoes she never heard before. Like this place was always so silent. So calm just for these two to talk. “You’re sorry?” Dash asked. Her voice growing more and more shaky. “For what? I was terrible to you so you can be a total jerk to me. I’m… completely alright with it.”

Poor Dash, it sounded so hard for her to say those words. She doesn’t mean it at all. Soul saw the pony wipe her tears away behind her mane. Does she really believe that? Soul hated to think she had put these ideas into Dash. After she came off as such a strong pony, I’m supposed to be the weak one. After all, I was the one who let this happen. I shouldn’t have.

“Dash… I should never have said those things to you. You’re my flight buddy after all. But… I let my anger get the better of me.” “You have every right to be pissed” Dash said. “No, I don’t. I shouldn’t take it out on you. It’s just…” “Then why take it out on me?” Soul gulped.

I hate to answer her. Just… everything. It’s been so hard for me. Everything is too much. She had to put her face in her hooves. Groaning inside them silently. But she spoke through her hooves. “I’ve been so scared and so sad for too long. I hate being bullied… I couldn’t take it anymore. And then… then Aurora told me terrible things about you. That you were mean to other kids at your last camp and that you didn’t like me. I fell for it… I’m so sorry. It all got to my head. So much that I’m scared I ruined it for us. I want us to keep going as flight buddies… but it’s so hard for me to be happy.”

Soul smacked her hoof back down into the water, splashing her face. Water dripped down alongside her tears. Did she say the right thing? Rainbow Dash… she was silent. She really, really must not like me now. I must look so pathetic to her now, falling for that stuff to let it ruin us. I ruined our relationship. To where now both ponies were separated. Split between such a vast water that filled in Soul’s tears. Not able to shake her fears.

5.41
“I remember how well we worked together. We were perfect… like we were meant to be flight buddies. Each other’s wingpony, even. Doesn’t that sound cool? Wingponies?” Soul lowered her head. “All the fun we had together and all the time we spent. I threw it all away for nothing and now I’m so terrified it’ll all be over. I don’t want it over. I want us to keep going… remember our dreams? How both of us want to be there for one another to help. Seeing the Wonderbolts together. I want to do it all with you. I don’t want it to stop. Dash… please answer me.”

Stop being so silent. Stop ignoring me. I want us again. I’m so sorry. “It’s all a stupid idea now. After all…” Dash’s magenta eye glanced out from under her rainbow mane. Warped in the water of rain and tears to shine so eerily. “We’re messed up now.” “No we’re not!” Soul screamed out. Feeling her own heart plummet hearing Dash say that. No telling how painful it was for Dash to say it as she turned away with a cringe in her face so harsh that her body shook.

“Please don’t think that!” Soul said. “I can fix it. Because I’m so sorry. I will always be sorry. But I won’t give up on us.” There was just too much for both of them. Too much to give up on. Soul saw that they both had a great path to follow together. That same road into the sky that she always took every day. One that this other Pegasus had shared. Never knowing that those roads would cross. Change both of them. For the worst… or for the better?

5.42
“You and me, Dash. We always took to the sky together. M-mom put us together for a reason. I don’t care what it is because I also think we were meant to be flight buddies. Because… look at us.” Soul spread her wings out wide. Dripping water down in droves from her feathers. Hoping Dash would see.

“Do you know what we can do together? With you, I feel like we can be something awesome. Rainbow… we can be the best flyers Equestria has ever seen!” It can be so. All they had to do was not give up. After all, Soul had seen that it was possible. “Please don’t give up on it. I want you with me when it happens and we can’t let this ruin it.” Soul lowered her head once more along with her wings. Silenced from Dash’s silence. Only able to whisper. “I made a mistake… and I’m so sorry. Please, Dash… don’t leave me. I want to fly with you again.”

No answer. Nothing more. Just a cyan filly sitting ahead of her. Not even her wings moved. For all Soul knew, she may have just fallen asleep or ignored her entirely. Something that made it harder for Soul to bare this. It hurt so much, so much that she may lose this pony. They could be the best of all. Together. However long it took. When it happens, for both of them to do it together. Because they could. Soul saw it as fact now. All she needed was the strength to pull Dash back to her. There is a reason for us to be together and I think it’s something important. Maybe it has something to do with what happened earlier in the sky. Soul needed to ask her now. The burning question. “Dash, why… why did you hide your flying abilities from me?” Whatever it was, it was too much for Dash that she shook for a moment.

Soul heard her gasp. Just a little thing… but she was quiet. You can try to hide but I won’t let this go. Something told Soul this was meant to be. She could not let it slip. “I’ve never seen any other filly fly as fast as you did. I can’t help but wonder why you hid it. But I won’t let you hide it any more. I’ll be here until you talk to me. I’m not going anywhere.” They will be here together in this calm and soothing place torn by the pain of all that had happened. Soul would not abandon her, ever. Stay here with her. Even if it hurt to do so. Soul watched her. Keeping that frightened, little filly in her sight. Hoping she would turn around and finally talk to her. Anything to make this beautiful place peaceful again. Truly. All was silent. Soul waited. As long as it took.

Soul Serenity. Never give up. You both need one another.

5.43
We both need one another. Soul opened her eyes. Such warmth and comfort but her neck hurt. Leaning forward, she shot back up. Looking back out across the lake. Startled. Except… wait. Dash! She was gone. An empty lake. Oh no, I fell asleep.

Soul frantically jumped back onto her hooves, splashing about in the water in a hurry with both wings out and ready to take her off. No Dash over there, nowhere. She gasped… turning… finding Dash across the room. The filly walking away with her hooves just about to step through the entrance to this place. She’s leaving me!? No! I won’t let you leave me. Soul’s wings flapped hard. Sending the water behind her into a wave rumbling along the walls and the zipping of her feathers splicing through the air before the cyan fully knew what happened. Soul stopped herself. Quicker even for her own concentration, she found herself before Dash and the wall. Just short of her leaving. Soul held her wings out. Refusing to get out of the way of the stunned Pegasus.

I can’t believe you, Dash. Soul had been the one wanting to fix this. How can she just leave like that? After all the pain it was causing just to try to fix this, Soul could barely keep herself from crying at knowing her flight buddy just tried to leave her. Once more. “I won’t let you, Dash.” Flight buddies stick together. Forget the fight, now… now it was about them. Soul held her ground. Determined to do anything, whatever Dash tried to do. If she tried to run or fly off. Dash knew this too. So terrible when Soul finally saw her flight buddy scowl at her.

5.44
“I don’t want to talk to you!” she yelled at Soul. Trying to step aside but Soul still managed to slide over and stop her. Again from the other side. Soul kept her wings out. Hating herself for having to do this, but it needed to be done. For us. Even if Dash doesn’t want to talk… “Well I want to” Soul said. “Shut up” Dash yelled. “You’re no different from any other pony.” That was when Soul became afraid when Dash’s wings unfolded. “I was stupid to trust you.”

You don’t trust me. I understand. But… I can’t let that stop us. Even if you are fast, I will be faster. Though Soul’s legs shook in fear that Dash would try to fly off. After how fast she had been. I could lose her. No. Rainbow Dash always seemed too brash when it came to her decisions, but this was the most heartless thing she was doing. Soul would not take it. This pony did not deserve to say such things to her. Even if Soul had done something bad to her, forget that. Rainbow Dash, this is about you. You will not leave me as long as I stand, and you can’t think that way.

“Well how the hell can I trust you when you are the one always hiding your feelings from me!” Soul yelled at her. Like a hammer to steel, it sounded out loud. Ringing in her ears. As all fell silent once more. Soul stood there, glaring upon the cyan pony. Both their wings unfolded. Either of them ready to take off. One pair stayed open even as they fell. Rainbow Dash sat down. Only her mane faced up to Soul. Such a long and dreary pause. Soul did her best to do it. To stay strong. Facing down with her flight buddy. The one true moment. She could not be weak. She felt weak. Never show it. Never give in to her. Even if I have to yell. She’s my flight buddy and I will do anything for her. As long as it helps both of us. As long as we can talk. “I want to talk to you” Soul said. Able to calm down. Not letting up in standing before the bowing filly. Not sure if Dash was angry or not. But… the filly whispered beneath her bangs.

“You have every right to not trust me. Soul, I’m sorry…” Dash’s wings finally folded, and Soul joined her to sit before one another.

5.45
“I spent the last three years training very hard with my mom” Dash spoke out in a tone so calm and reflective. With such a gaze in her face as she told that which Soul had known. “She showed me everything from aerials to wing control and flight patterns. Pacing and senses. Even proper use of speed. I was always struggling with it all but she never gave up on me, even now… cuz I still am not so good. Anything to teach me to be the flyer I dreamed of when I admitted it to my mom. So she spent so many months teaching me. Every night usually. Even if we didn’t get much sleep. I did use to be a bad flyer but mom and even dad were there for me. Always there to make me feel better about myself whenever I failed their practices and taught me all they know. It’s because of them that I’m as good as I am now. And I won’t stop till I am better than everypony else. It’s the least I can do for all the long nights and frustration I put them through.”

“I can’t believe I didn’t see it before…” Soul muttered. Thinking over all the time she spent with Dash. Never had she seen any proof that this could be true. Yet, that speed she pulled off, it must be true. “Why did you hide it from me? We both have been so good this whole time, we could have flown however we wanted.” “You’re really gonna ask me that?” Dash said. She looked up from under her mane. Staring with disbelief. No clue though what it was she meant. Soul was her flight buddy, they should not hide their abilities.

5.46
“You did the same thing on your first day” Dash said. Leaving Soul silent. Admitting to herself she too had hid her ability. From everypony, even Dash. For the longest time. All for one reason.

“My flying always got me picked on before” Dash said the truth. The same words the resounded inside of Soul. It made her eyes widen. Astonished to hear the thing that made her feel so much more that Dash was no different. When she thought the opposite. Dash was picked on. This pony here, she suffered the same thing. “It was really bad… back at my old camp.” So hard for the filly to say. She had to look back down. Only to hide the tears that Soul had seen welling up under her eyes. “They made fun of me so much because I always made mistakes when I flew. I was a terrible flyer. Even when I started getting better… it didn’t stop. I kept trying and trying to make them stop making fun of me. To stop calling me names that… really hurt. But it kept going. They called me a show off whenever… whenever I tried to show them how good I was getting at flying. I felt like nothing I could do would stop it. That my flying was gonna get me in trouble. I couldn’t win. For the first time in my life, I felt…” Dash looked back up. Squinting tears away, wiping a hoof over her face. “Like a loser. Nopony liked me. They all left me just because of what I felt was right to do. So… I didn’t want to show my ability off to any pony ever again.”

“Dash…” Soul whispered. “I love flying… but nopony wanted me to show it. So much work my parents put me through and all the long hours I spent. But I couldn’t feel proud of myself. I couldn’t show it. …Soul… it always hurt.” “It hurt to hide it…” Soul said. She had no idea what it was that stopped her from reaching out and hugging this crying filly. This, the most that she had ever seen Dash so sad. She was not making this up. As she started sobbing into her hooves. Tears that sounded like they were much closer to heart for Soul. The same ones she uttered so many times. Coming from another pony. Rainbow Dash, I never knew.

5.47
“I lost all my friends…” Dash wailed into her hooves. “Nopony wanted to be near me. I had to deal with it on my own… and I didn’t have my parents there to protect me. Everypony was mean to me, even your buddy Aurora did it too… so… I’m so sorry for hiding it.” She looked up from over her hooves. Yelling now. “Because I didn’t want to be bullied at a new camp! Not again!”

“But Dash… we’re flight buddies… and you saw that I was being bullied for my flying too” Soul shook her head. Amazed by it all. Just wanting to stop all this and hug her flight buddy for as long as possible just to show they were still connected. Not so different. Not split like she felt between them. “And you know that I have the same goals as you! Why did you hide it from me?! Of all ponies. I am there for you.” “Because I learned never to trust anypony else!” Dash smacked both her hooves down on the clouds between them. Rustling her feathers, just her voice echoing in the room. “You don’t trust me?” Soul whispered.

“I learned to watch out for myself. That I didn’t need others and you proved that today. I told myself not to ever feel hurt like that again so I never wanted to trust anypony again. I don’t need them. I don’t need friends! They always turn on me… just like you did.” “You… saw me as your friend?” Soul whispered.

Dash turned away. Soul left to look at her back. She saw me as that? Soul never had another pony think that way of her before. She realized it there, how badly she had messed it up. Rainbow saw her as a friend this whole time. Something so much more than what Soul thought them to be. Something that made her heart writhe. Even more with how she had turned that very pony into this. Rainbow Dash was no longer the Rainbow Dash she had known. This was a new pony. Somepony she never could expect to call equal to her. In everything. Rainbow Dash relied on me and I turned on her. How bad it was. Soul could not let it go on.

5.48
“Dash…” she whispered to her back. “I’m not going to hurt you. You have no idea how much… it means to me that you wanted to be my friend. I… I never had a friend before. None that I could play with or be together with. I can’t forgive myself for yelling at you. After all we did together. It was wrong of me. I won’t be like the ponies who hurt you. I won’t turn my back on you. Can you look at me?” Dash did not. Not even to the sweetest voice Soul gave to her to let her know all was going to be okay.

“I only wanted you to help me more. Because I was always there to help you. I did so much for you all because I wanted us to be there together. You were the only pony I truly felt comfortable with. But… I never thought you may have felt the same way about me. You always hid your feelings from me. I just didn’t know.” “I didn’t know either” Dash said. “Because it’s not like I have ponies around who know what it’s like to look out for me. They all left me long ago. I feel you will do the same too. You just don’t understand.”

Rainbow… Soul looked down to the clouds. Sifting her hooves around their fluffy surfaces. Without the stomach to realize just how saddening it was to see her flight buddy talk this way and show her that things never had been what they looked like. She fooled me. Never looking to be nearly this sad. This alone. So afraid of Soul leaving. She just wanted to trust me. Same as me, I wanted to trust her too. I should start trusting her. “You really don’t want friends?” Soul asked. “Why would you not want that? A friend is something I want. Haven’t you ever been happy with another pony?”

5.49
“Not since I learned to fight for myself and myself alone.” You say that like it’s been a long time. Just how much pain are we both under? “There was a filly at my last camp…” Dash paused. Looking up to the waterfalls around them. Her shoulders lowered. “We used to talk and play together, not as good at flying as I was but… that didn’t stop us. That wasn’t what stopped us. We stopped seeing each other when I started getting bullied. Wanna know why?” Dash looked over her shoulder back to Soul. Goading her on. Soul obliged. Nodding her head.

“She didn’t want to be bullied too. Too afraid to be around me since she was picked on just for being with me. She was so pathetic. Only time she had any guts was when she told me… that she didn’t want to play with me anymore.”

That made Dash look away as her voice went to a whisper. “I yelled at her for leaving me… because she hurt me. I never want to see her or those ponies again. Nopony can ever understand me enough to help me. They don’t want to be my friend.”

You really think nopony understands? Soul held her breath. Looking across all the waterfalls and letting the soaking and soothing rain water be the one thing to keep her from breaking down as she remembered everything that she had to go through too. Shaking with chills at the thoughts. Dash doesn’t know at all. Dash never trusted me. I didn’t trust her. But neither of us told the truth. I can’t go on like this. Dash, I want you to trust me. “I’m so sorry that happened to you. I know it must have really hurt for ponies to leave you and… for ponies to be so mean to you for who you are.” “What do you know?” Dash said. Soul took a deep breath.

5.50
“Rainbow… I need to tell you. I can’t hide it anymore. Please just listen to me. There’s a reason why I don’t go to Nimbus or Starry… something I’m sure would happen since… since it happened before when I failed.”

Soul closed her eyes. Not able to keep in how hard it was to say this. The tears came out freely. Chilling her cheeks in the breeze. “I’m so terrified that they’ll leave me. That all ponies don’t want anything to do with me. And there’s nothing I can do to stop it. Like nothing I can do is worth it. Because it never mattered before. It didn’t matter when I was left in a box in… in a dark alley in the rain. I could barely even fly, couldn’t do anything to stop her from leaving me. The only memory I have of her is the shadow. She didn’t even say goodbye to me. I cried for her to come back… I didn’t want her to leave. But she ignored me. I was only a baby… but she didn’t care…” “Soul…”

“Nimbus and Starry… they aren’t my parents. I lied to you the entire time but I didn’t know if I could trust you. I never knew my real parents. I never knew if they loved me. If they saw me as anything other than a failure. They were never proud of me. That’s all I was left with. That I failed to be what I was supposed to be to them. All I had left were Nimbus and Starry. They took me in, taught me everything. Fed me and gave me a place to call home. They were the only ponies I had in my life so I didn’t want to disappoint them. I never want to. Not after all the things they did to keep me happy.

Rainbow, you think you’re any better than I was. That I don’t understand? It’s like life loved to just mess with me. Keep me miserable. Junior Speedsters wasn’t the first… but it’s so easy now compared to what I had to go through. Dash… they hurt me at my other camp. I loved showing my growing flying skills to the others and… and they hated me for it.” Soul held her wing tightly. No matter how much it hurt to do so, she squeezed it. Making her squeal. Never letting go. Hold it and care for it. Just having to say it. It hurt so much to do so. To see it happen once more. “The other ponies… they broke my wing. Hated me so much that they wanted to take away my one true love. The only thing I lived for. I had no friends or family. Nothing else but my wings and they stamped their damn hooves on it.”

5.51
Soul went out crying. Breaking all the words she had left to say, beaten out by her cries. Never letting go of her wing. Never letting go of her fear, and dash thinks Soul is the better pony. It all rushing back into her, Soul cried so hard. Burying her face into her wing. Soaking it over the rain water. “I was so afraid of showing off at a new camp… I was crushed when it didn’t work. But you were there. You were the only pony I could be with. We were flight buddies and now… I ruined it…!” Soul gasped. Blinking out her tears when her eyes opened once more, looking down the back of a cyan filly who held her close. Soul dropped her wing. Dropped her hooves. Dropping her head down onto the filly’s shoulder. Crying into it. Doing nothing to stop it. For she knew what it was and never wanted it to end. To get these moments back. The one pony she felt comfortable with doing this with. Rainbow Dash hugging her. Holding her against her soft and warm self with tightened hooves around her. Soul kept gasping. Pleading for breath. Not able to stop her tears. Her sobbing. It hurt so much to remember it. Like her heart will explode. Scarred so deep. She couldn’t bare it anymore. Choosing to be the weak and defenseless pony she was. Succumbing to Dash’s hug. She embraced it. Crying and laying her cheek down against Dash’s mane. Looking up to the sky.

“And I lost you. I drove you away. I don’t want to lose you too. I don’t want to lose anypony else.” Dash hushed her. “I… I… I want to be there with you, Dash. Please don’t leave me too. Don’t leave me like my mommy did. I don’t want to fail you too.” “Soul…” Dash whispered into her ear. “I understand what you’re going through, please don’t think I don’t” Soul said.

5.52
“I don’t” Dash whispered. “I’m so sorry, Soul. I never knew you needed me that much.” “I… I want to be there for you. But I want you to be there for me too…” Soul cried on into her mane. “Soul… I wish you had told me.” “I just didn’t know if I should. I was so afraid of everypony” Soul said. “I shouldn’t have doubted you. It’s just… I hate losing others.” “You’re not going to lose me. Stop being so hard headed… and I’ll stop too.” “It’s too hard… I hate having to deal with this all the time. So scared of everypony” Soul slid her own hooves up and she returned the hug that Dash gave her. “Not even my parents liked me. I was not the pony they needed me to be.”

“I think your parents were the ones who failed you. They weren’t the ponies you needed them to be. You don’t deserve what they did to you.” “Please don’t leave me” Soul pleaded her.

Forget her parents, whoever they were, they didn’t matter. Not now. Not when she needed the one pony who held her. This was the one she always wanted in her life. Somepony who understood her and hugged her when she felt bad. Told her things that sounded so lovely and made her spirits rise. Something beautiful. Anything to have ponies like that. Please keep hugging me. Be there for me and I’ll do the same for you.

“I’m not gonna let it go on any longer. You can rely on me, Soul. We’re gonna stop it.” Soul felt herself being pushed back. Letting Dash move her, holding her in her hooves. Both fillies looked to one another. Seeing that Dash was also crying with her. Placing a cyan hoof upon her chest. “We’ll stop it.” “How…?” Soul couldn’t understand what could even be done to stop any of it. She just wanted Dash to be there for her. Nothing about stopping the bullying. There was nothing she could do. “I only make things worse… I can’t stop it.”

5.53
“Soul…” Dash wiped her tears and then… Soul flinched when her hoof touched her cheek. Dash wiped the tears off of her. “There’s something we can do. You can do.” “I don’t want to tell Nimbus and Starry. Please. They’ll be so mad at me. They gave up so much just to bring me to this camp and then…” Soul squirmed at this thought. “They’ll take me out of camp and… we can’t be together. I don’t want them to take me away. I don’t want them to be mad. Please… I can’t ask them.” Not now, after we finally got to hug again. I don’t want to lose you for even a single day.

Soul put her head into Dash’s chest. Hoping she would understand. For them to be separated would break her heart. For her to betray Nimbus and Starry in their trust of her, it would destroy her. Not after her parents. Not after that. Please. “Soul, you need to… stand up for yourself.”

Soul looked up into her eyes. She was serious. “I can be there with you, but you need to take a stand. You… you need to do what I didn’t do. Stand up to everypony and prove to them you are strong. That… that is what makes a Pegasus.” “How am I even supposed to do that? I’m too afraid.” It’s me against everypony else. I did too much to make them all not like me. Rainbow, she did not stick up for herself, how can she tell Soul to do it? Like it was just so easy. If only it was. She needs to understand. So many weeks. So many years. I can’t just turn around like that. “Soul, you’re an amazing flyer” Dash said, placing a hoof to Soul’s chin. Lifting her head up.

“You have an awesome teacher and an amazing goal. I’m the only pony who knows that. You’re going to be a kick ass flyer someday and not many others will be able to stand with you… hell, I’m hoping I get to. After what I saw when we hung out at your house, you are the real deal. You need to show them.”

“What?” Dash’s smile went away. Looking deep into her eyes. Her voice dropped. Uttering that name. “Aurora… he was at my last camp when something bad happened to him. He is a jerk but… you can make him stop. He doesn’t like you because of why he didn’t like me. You’re choosing to be bad at flying. He is mean cuz you… I’m sorry Soul, you’re taking your flying for granted by hiding it. He knows you are a good flyer just like I could tell.” “Why would he be mean to me because of that?”

5.54
Dash’s voice grew even softer. Like the air went still. Silent. A calm and dead world. Soul felt the chill along her back. “Aurora’s mom got into an accident back when we were in our last camp. …She lost her wings.” Soul couldn’t breathe. A Pegasus without their wings. No way. It’s what makes us special and… Soul didn’t want to imagine what it was like. “I know this because we used to be neighbors” Dash uttered. “It made him decide to love flying. He went from not really caring about it to such an arrogant jerk over it so quick. But… I heard him one time. When he was talking to his mom. He said that… that he will fly for both of them and love it. All because she couldn’t.”

He’s mean to me because… I failed to be what he wanted. Soul couldn’t help but feel so sorry for his mom. Somewhere out there, a Pegasus without her wings. Yet she had a son who wanted to fly for her. She would call it sweet if she wasn’t so afraid. But she knew what she needed to do. Something so terrifying. After all the pains and agonizing moments of the past. All the failures and ponies who left her. Now… now she was the one who had to be strong and stick up for herself. Soul hated to admit it, she hated it. But she wasn’t sure she could. Yet it came anyways.

“You need to show him how good you are. You need to beat him at his own game” Dash said. …Prove everypony wrong. Even when it didn’t matter before how much she tried. Show all the ponies that she was a great flyer who loved her ability. Reach out for the final goal she had. Though so far away and so blurred. So much pain between her and it. It held her back. I failed so many times before. I ruined so much and almost destroyed what I had with Dash. For me to do something like this… I’m too afraid. Too afraid to lose. I don’t want to know what it’s like to lose. Lose it all. Her against everypony else. With only her wings at her back. Only her pride left to keep herself strong. Strong against the sadness. Strong enough to endure it for so long.

Rainbow Dash, how can you expect me to stick up for myself when even you were too afraid to do the same for yourself? You really think I am strong enough to do it on my own? Dash, you were always tougher than me. It’s not like being strong ever helped me in the end. It wouldn’t here. If I fail. No, I’d rather not. I’d rather… Soul let go of Dash. Parting from her. Standing on her own four hooves now. Leaving Dash there with open forelegs to her and sinking eyes. But she didn’t stop her. She didn’t do anything more as Soul wiped the last of her tears away and did her best to give the smallest smile. It will be okay.

5.55
“I… I think Nimbus is waiting for me at home now…” Soul said. “Mom… is probably waiting for me too” Dash said. Her tone so down. “D-do you still want to play with me and… be flight buddies with me?” Soul asked. After all that happened today. Soul hoped for her to still be okay with her. Now that she knew just how messed up she was. But… the feeling of her hug still warmed her. That they got to hug again. It meant so much to her. So much that she could smile. Even if they had to part. Dash hesitated but “Yes… let’s keep flying together. I want us to be there for one another. I promise.” Soul nodded.

“I’ll be there for you too.” If you accept me for who I am just like I accept you. So much so that it was so hard to leave. Not with all the pain on her mind and the desire to stay with the only pony who made her feel happy. But she needed to. Too hard to manage it all. Too hard to think when all was cloudy. Soul took a step away. “Will you think about what I said” Dash asked. Stopping Soul.

She looked to her. About what you said. I’ll try. But… right now, I’m just too scared. Soul would not admit it to her. Just another one of her own problems that she needed to figure out. To hide or not. Take the risk. Too much. Soul nodded. “Thank you” Dash whispered. “I’ll be there for you.” Dash stayed there. So hard to part with her though… they both could smile. Both could rest assured that the other was there. That they will be there the next day. Whatever that day met them with. Soul said to her “Goodbye, Dash. I’ll see you tomorrow.” “I’ll see you then” Dash said. “Please be strong.” Echoing in Soul’s head. She stepped away. Be strong. Be strong.

5.56
Soul set the tip of her hoof into the water. It was steaming, felt so good to her hoof and told her that the water was ready. A little ripple going across the entirety of the water from her touch and she saw her face staring back up at her. Morphed and shaking from the ripples. Gone when she swiped her hoof over it. Casting it away, she got off the edge of the bathtub. Rather not see herself like this.

She looked out across the wide tub filled near to the top with steaming water just how she liked it. Alone with herself amidst the bathroom so shrouded in the misty embrace of hot steam rising all the way up and along the walls. Making the tiles she stood on shine a vibrant blue sheen. Even being her bathroom, she could not see the difference. Cloudy walls on all ends with so much steam set out from a wonderfully soaking hot bath and only the sounds of running water. Wading through such shallow puddles that flowed off and got lost into the clouds.

Peace and warmth. No different from before. Like this place was just like the sauna. Except without another pony here with her. Such a shame though. She had wished to be able to get a chance to soak in the lake. Enjoy herself before dusk, though dusk came so quick. This was the best she could do. I wonder what Dash is up to right now. She hoped she made it home without a problem after such a long and hard day for both of them. She was probably training. That filly sure did know how to push herself. So much that she was such a wonderful flyer. Devout to her skills. Or was she like Soul?

She looked around her lonesome bathroom. Torn between now and then. As if she never did leave the sauna and was still here with Dash, wrapped in the memory of such a day and such words. She could hardly accept it all happened, yet it did. Rainbow Dash, how things have changed. Hopefully, the cyan Pegasus could rest easy tonight. Soul would try to as well. A good and hot bath would work wonders to help her just relax and think.

5.57
“Soul…” a knock struck the door. Turning her around back to where it came from. “Are you done running the water?” Nimbus asked on the other side. “Yes.” Soul slinked back over to the tub, sliding her forehooves up its height and perching them atop the edge once more. Ready to get in, just in case. How odd if Nimbus would come in and just find the filly standing here.

“Alrighty, I’ll go get your towel.” She listened close for the hoofsteps to walk away. A little relieved, a little annoyed that she interrupted her. Soul looked back out across the bath. So warm to her hooves. She couldn’t wait. She slid in over the edge. Loving every second that the sweltering hot water came over her and then she was in. Shaking with electricity running across her spine. She had to sigh her pleasure. Now that is good. Much hotter than the sauna could hope to be, and the steam already soaked her mane.

She didn’t know how long she wanted to stay in here. Anything went. She had a long time before bed and just wanted to relax for a bit. Best way to do that, she sifted through the neck deep water over to the edge of the tub, turning and she let herself fall back against the tub. Sitting down, she sighed even deeper. Laying back against the wall and that wonderful feeling of piping hot water soaking her fur and warming the skin beneath came over her. Now this is so much better.

5.58
Soul wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to skip on training tonight so she could relax, but now… now she could say it was a good idea. She could do this for hours if she pleased. Hehe, but she could see her skin being some raisin later. Did Dash take baths? If she did, did she take them like this? Maybe she was at home relaxing the same way, Soul sure could tell they both would need something like this. The only time today where Soul could say for sure that she was alright.

Strange how she wasn’t at all upset. She surprised herself. Looking down into the water at her hooves deep in the crystalline blue that surrounded them. None of them could shake. She didn’t have anything happen to her for the longest time as she told herself just how incredible today had been. Incredible. If only it was the type of incredible she looked forward to. What a mess.

She set her head back against the cloudy wall. Perking her ears up and closing her eyes. Listening to those lovely sounds of running water. All the tiny waterfalls streaming down the walls of the bathroom and flowing into the tub. The drips of a drizzle coming down from the ceiling and the single fall of water from the faucet. Like a roaring symphony of water much like where she and Dash had been. Today, yet it felt like ages ago. As if Dash had told her all that stuff long ago and just now went through her head. Because of how weird it was to hear the story of another Pegasus who felt the same way she did. Admitting to so much. Way too much. Soul still could not figure it all out. Dash had told her everything and it was such a big problem for her to understand. Understand how similar they were. Really, why did Nimbus put us together? Why were you the one that I got to know? When Dash had been such a mystery before. Such a strange pony unlike any other. Soul now saw why that was. Not such a mystery anymore. All the while… she had told Dash everything.

5.59
How did she take it? Learning Nimbus and Starry aren’t my parents. Does she think bad of me for being adopted? No telling. Rainbow Dash was the first pony to ever, ever learn that. And she hugged me. So warm, like the water that crept along her body. I lied to her and hid so much from her, she still wants to be there to hug me. Wants me to be strong.

Sheesh, Soul opened her eyes. Spotting the little things sitting along the edge of the tub and she smiled. Why not? She reached out, pulling her hoof over one of them and she pulled it in. A little, yellow rubber Pegasus with the tiniest wings and such a dorky smile on its face. Floating along the top of the water with her. Moving on its own. She let it. Soul watched it scoot along so slowly. Seriously, why did Nimbus buy this for me? Or any bath toys. How old even were they? It made her smile, watching the little Pegasus float along on its path. Bobbing and swaying in the water, turning to her and then back. Like it didn’t know where to go. It still went. Some goal in sight. Soul giggled. Flapping both her wings up out of the water, sending out a jet of water to splash against it. Watching it fly off across the tub and settle at the other end. Recovery and going back to its gentle trip along the water. Spinning and dunking under the water.

She kept her smile, putting her head back. Just not able to take her eyes off of it… or its eyes off of her. Its magenta eyes and its laughing smile.

5.60
What? Soul jumped up again. Sending water splashing out around her.

The little Pegasus kept going with its side to her. Beady, black eyes avoiding her. Did I just… Soul looked around her. No, she was alone. W-why did I just see her? Did I… Soul laughed.

She had to have been mistaken. Nothing in the steam and only her. She was the only one in the water. It’s just a little bath toy. No point in seeing it as anything else. But… why did she smile? Honestly admitting to herself that that had been a pleasant sight if only for a second. Seeing a cyan pony across from her. Laughing with her. Kind of like when we played in the sauna. When did I start imagining you?

Soul laid herself back once more. Taking a deep breath. Calm down. Dash is home, out there relaxing and recovering from a hard day like Soul was. One day that truly did wane on her mind. To think I almost lost her. So close. She didn’t see just how fragile they both were, how strained this had gotten. So stupid of her to have let it get to the point it got to today. Really, seems like as the weeks go on, it only gets harder. Close to where Soul could see that she had come close to losing the only pony she could dare to imagine being with right now. But it was just a toy, floating away from her. On its own path and leaving her to herself. Not the pony she hoped to see from now on. The one she came close to not seeing again. Who left her with one final request.

5.61
We both did a good job. Both pegasi did so good at hiding everything from one another and it almost ruined them. Almost tore them apart and Soul had only to blame herself for the events. But she at least got to be able to hang out again with Dash tomorrow. Let this blow over and go back to having fun together. We can keep going and flying together… oh wait! That was right, Dash showed her secret today. Soul giggled to herself. She’s just as good a flyer as me.

What if they could do some tricks together that Soul was afraid of trying with her before? Get done with another day and go together to fly across the sky with such intense purpose. Hours of it. Perfecting their craft… for months or even years. Go on together in this wonderful thing they shared. They could keep playing together. Keep… keep… Soul lost her smile. If only it were that easy.

Rainbow Dash being one to fly with her and be so open with her when she had been so afraid to admit to her for the longest time all because Dash didn’t trust her, and Soul didn’t trust Dash in the end. I know you want things to change, Dash, I want them too. But I don’t know how to do it. If I can even do it. Because one fact remained. Soul was still trapped. Trapped within so many walls that went on forever yet kept her inside this shadow that she… she couldn’t even tell anymore what to expect. If Dash would leave her again? No! She wouldn’t. She trusts me… right? I trust her. For how could Soul not trust a pony who gave her so much? Admitted so much.

Then again, I also lied to her for the longest. I wanted to hide everything. That… that has always been my problem. That is what hurt her. Trapped inside that darkness, yet only one hoof reached out to her to pull her out. One that gave her a choice. One she didn’t want to make. Not after all her decisions had made such bad things happen to her. How would this be any different? How could she know that it would be something worth doing? Rainbow Dash, you told me to stick up for myself. In my entire life, I just don’t think I can do it. Dash makes it sound so easy, but… she also ran away from her problems. Can I really be that pony who doesn’t? I feel like I can’t do it, that it will be a mistake. Soul to keep being that pony who hid in her room and hoped for the best. Without fear of what could happen if she just wasn’t the pony who could pull it off. If Dash was too weak and failed, how could she do it? How could she be strong enough to do it? I want to be strong. I want to…

5.62
“Soul!” The door swung open. Startling Soul to flail in the water. Almost falling in. She really did want to yell out something obscene but she stuck to peering through the steam at Nimbus, standing in the doorway proud of herself. Towels on her back. “Took your time getting the towel” Soul told her. “Get lost on the stairs?” She set herself back up. “Oh you’re funny” Nimbus said. “I can take your towel back if you want.”

Soul stayed quiet. More or less displeased that… that she didn’t even remember what it was she was thinking about. I’m so out of it. Dash, is your mom like this? Soul rubbed her eyes. Hearing the door close again. Kicked shut by Nimbus and the mare came across the room. Setting both towels down on the sink. Wading her way through the steam.

“Water warm enough for you?” she asked. “Yeah” Soul said. She smiled to Nimbus. The mare’s kind voice really was still pleasant to hear. Good to see she wasn’t mad about leaving camp earlier. Maybe she didn’t know what happened. Whatever it was, Soul kept her mouth shut. “Thanks for getting the towel, I think I’ll soak for a bit. Did… you and Starry have any plans for tonight?” “Nope, unless you want to train with one of us later.”

Nimbus sighed calmly. Breathing in the hot steam and looking very satisfied. “I’ll be sure to get dinner started when you’re done.” Soul just didn’t want to say yes to her. She had no drive in her to do any training tonight. Just kick back and enjoy a little time away from anything that reminded her of flying or work. Lay back and listen to the flow of water and even the gentle hum Nimbus was making. “I’ll be out later” Soul told her.

5.63
“That’s cool” Nimbus said. The mare standing by the sink, looking into the mirror and… she put a hoof up into her mane, doing something Soul had to raise an eyebrow at. A thin, red ribbon fell out and Nimbus’ spiky mane came down. Flipping it off of her face so it may go down her entire neck. Blue and orange hairs shining along her golden body and her red eyes peered over to Soul. Smiling like she was pleased with herself.

What is she doing? I… I didn’t even know she used mane ribbons. Soul had never seen her with her mane down. Always a short span of flaming hair sticking up over her head. She didn’t know it was actually long enough to settle over her shoulders and her wings.

“Mind if I stick around till you get out?” she asked Soul. But I was wanting to be by myself for a bit. But Nimbus still walked through the steam and stood tall over the tub. So close that she… oh wow, she looked beautiful with her mane down. Soul still had no idea why she did that. Let alone why she looked so thrilled. Staring at Soul with pleading in her eyes. Expecting something from her. Was she actually asking me if she’s allowed to be in here with me? Soul would want to say no to her, she couldn’t get her mouth to say anything. Geez, she always looked so boyish before, now… why is she looking like such a girly girl now?

Honestly, she did look cute like this. Unlike what it was she came to know from the Pegasus. She never saw her before in this light. Okay, so what is going on? “Why do you want to… stay here?” Soul managed to smile. Sinking her head down a little into the water. “I can wash myself tonight.”

5.64
“Don’t play dumb” Nimbus said. She put her hooves up onto the ledge of the tub. “Why do you think I brought two towels?” Two? Soul looked over at the sink. It was a stack of two. She didn’t even think of that. Especially with Nimbus tapping her hoof into the water and she showed just how satisfied she was with it.

“Ooooh, that feels nice.” “Are you actually wanting to…” “Yup” Nimbus said with no shame. “I’m getting in with you.” “Say what!?”

Soul couldn’t even blink before the Pegasus leapt high over the tub and then… a huge splash of water came over her. Soaking the walls and flowing out over on to the floor. Soul shielded her eyes. Coughing up a little water that got in her nose. But she recovered. Finding herself in the tub with Nimbus, the mare laughing in the water that barely came up to her stomach. Water dripping from her drenched feathers and mane. Having soaked Soul’s own mane too with that splash.

“W-what are you doing?” Soul asked. “Oh don’t be shy, Soul. We’re both girls after all. Not like you got anything to be afraid of with me.” A splash of water came in so quick. Soul yelped when it struck her. The mare proud of herself and using another wing to splash more at her. “Stop” Soul said. Holding her hooves up. “Okay, okay” Nimbus turned tail and waded on over to the other side of the tub. Her big legs making such big strides in the deep water that easily slowed Soul when she tried to walk through it. She couldn’t even understand what it was she was seeing to begin with. Why is Nimbus in the bath with me? And where does she get off splashing me?

Soul struck the water herself, sending a plume of water smacking against the mare’s tail. Shaking her for a moment. “Oh aren’t you sly?” Nimbus laughed. Giving her tail a quick flick and spraying a little bit of water back to Soul.

5.65
“Really, why are in here with me?” Soul asked her. “I want to take a bath with you, is that so bad?” No… it wasn’t bad, Soul had no real problem with it except for the fact that she was bathing with another pony who was also doing the same. Nimbus was the one who usually just sat at the outside of the tub and helped Soul wash her mane. She never was one who came in with her.

“I just wanted to relax for a bit, that’s all” Soul said. Admitting the least of it. Though, she was thinking to herself that she wasn’t that uncomfortable with the mare bathing with her. It was just a bit of a surprise. She didn’t expect it of her. “But… aren’t you a little old to take a bath with somepony else?” Soul asked her. “Who are you calling old?” Nimbus sat down in the water. Stretching her forelegs over her head. “Nothing wrong with doing this with somepony you’re comfortable with. You know… they got public baths in Canterlot where you can bathe with tons of strangers. Isn’t this better than that?” A bunch of strangers. Wow, those ponies must be crazy. Soul didn’t like the sound of that, but she did like the sound of what Nimbus had said before that.

“You’re comfortable taking a bath with me?” “Of course, so how’s about we relax together?” Nimbus said, she laid herself down and stretched her legs out. Sinking slowly into the water. Only her head and wings remained propped up over the water. Sighing so lovingly over it. “Now this feels good.”

5.66
Soul kept her mouth shut, more fascinated with keeping an eye on Nimbus. Watching her unwind like this. The mare closed her eyes. Leaning her head up and looked like she would fall asleep over there. Raising her huge, soaking wings out over the water. Placing them both down on the ledges of the bath. While wagging her tail under the water. Seriously, she looked like a kid now. It was amusing. Soul never did expect to share a bath with Nimbus, ever, not able to see it turning out like this. She couldn’t go back to laying herself down again. Not with another pony in here. Soul could curse herself for blushing over this. Why did it feel so different to have her in the tub with her instead of at the side? No privacy at all. Soul shifted on her hooves. Nervously looking about.

“You okay?” Nimbus asked, one eye open to Soul. “Do you want me to get out?” “No!” Soul said. She wouldn’t kick Nimbus out. Not when she looked so at ease over there. “I’m just not used to this.” Soul laughed a little. Hearing her own self play this off. It was more than that. She just never did see the mare like this before. “You’ve never taken a bath with me before.” “Strange, huh?” Nimbus said. “I probably should have long ago. Honestly, I did think about it before but I was always too worried to do it. Wasn’t sure if you would want me to. Are… you sure you’re okay with me taking one with you?”

Nimbus sat back up. Raising a hoof. “I can get out if you want.” “You can stay” Soul whispered. “I don’t mind.” That made Nimbus smile. “Even if I am older than you…” she laid back once more. “I still don’t mind doing stuff like this. There’s nothing wrong with two ponies who trust one another to do this, I trust you after all. Otherwise I’d be scared to get this way in front of you.” “I’ve never seen you with your mane down” Soul said. She looked out to the floor where the ribbon sat. “Why didn’t you tell me you used ribbons. Here I thought your hair naturally stood up.” Nimbus cocked a brow. “You really think I can keep my mane sticking up on its own? Nah, I just like to keep it cool in front of others, plus I don’t use crazy shampoo like others do, but… you can see how it really is now.” Sounded like she meant that like it was a special thing to see her like this. Really, it was too confusing for Soul. This was an entirely different pony. She trusts Soul with this?

“I’ll be sure not to tell anypony else” Soul said. “Better not” Nimbus stretched her wings and legs out with a quiet yawn. “Only you and Starry can know how I really am, tell anypony and I’ll put slugs in your dessert.” Soul would not dare anyways, she was surprised Nimbus had this secret. Really, she needed to keep something like this a secret. She looks adorable with her mane down. Such a self-conscious mare.

5.67
Soul and Nimbus could take the time to both lay back and relax. Enjoy the warm water together with silence between them. Rushing water getting louder like the waterfalls picked up speed and the slush of water spreading across the floor. Soul looked up into the night sky high over her through the small windows dotting the ceiling. Beautiful stars shimmering together that both of them laid under. Calm and warm. This was exactly what she needed. A nice and relaxing time to just clear her mind a little. Let alone doing it with Nimbus here too. The mare looked to be doing the same. But she giggled quietly.

“You know, I haven’t done something like this in years.” “Done what?” Soul asked. “Taken a bath with another pony.”

“You’ve done this before?” Soul said, intrigued at the reflective voice Nimbus spoke with. The mare staring up into the night sky. Lifting a hind leg up and down in the water, then she crossed her legs. Focused so much on the beauty above them.

“Yup, when I was not much older than you. I never took baths with anypony else, you’re lucky, I never even had any there to wash my mane and my back… such a pain. Never did want it, until my mother just came in all goofy and happy one night and wanted to come in with me. Said she wanted to spend time cleaning up her ‘little girl’” Nimbus put her hoof to her face and groaned. Still made Soul laugh a little at her. It must have been embarrassing. “Caught me by surprise but I didn’t say no to her. Not because she washed my mane for me… and it was something else with how good she could do a head massage. Maybe…” Nimbus grinned to Soul. “It’s for the same reason you let me come in?”

5.68
“I don’t know” Soul muttered. “I just saw no harm in it. But you did sort of jump in without saying anything.” “Oh…” Nimbus realized her mistake. Widened eyes and laughing at herself. Ashamed a little. “Well… uh, I’ll tell you what.” Nimbus sat back up. Opening her huge wings to curl around her sides and leaving a big space in front of her. “How about you let me wash your mane” she patted down in front of her with one hoof. “Come on… I don’t bite.” She said that with such a sinister sneer in her voice though it was obvious the menacing face she made was all a joke. “If you do, I’ll tell you why I let my mom do this for me.”

Soul waited for a moment. Eyeing the big and open space in front of Nimbus. Soul was more curious of why it was she wanted to do this all of a sudden. Really, this mare was such a loose cannon. She rarely had much incentive to her decisions and she changed so much. Yet she was still a happy Pegasus that Soul was not at all afraid of being around. She always washed Soul’s mane at the side of the tub, not much difference in doing this. Soul obliged. She stood up, wading over to where Nimbus sat. The mare shifted and gave her more room, where Soul stepped in between her wings and turned. Leaving her back to Nimbus as she sat in front of her. Nimbus giggled.

“I’ll try my best to recreate her head massage. Don’t be mad if I suck at it.” Soul felt her pouring shampoo in her mane up there and heard the water swash from the hooves that moved through it and came up to her head. Then… Soul tingled. All when those hooves buried into her mane and feeling them dig against her scalp. Slowly and gently rubbing along it. She… says she’s not good. This was surprisingly pleasant. No way to tell if this is how her mother did it. Whatever it was Nimbus was doing, it felt amazing nonetheless. Soaking her mane in foamy shampoo and softly scraping her hooves over her head. Soul could fall asleep like this. Forget the normal scrubbing she did, Soul wanted Nimbus to do this massage from now on when she washed her mane. It made her purr for a moment. Closing her eyes. Just as long strands of her silver mane fell against her face. She couldn’t stop smiling.

“Hope I’m doing well” Nimbus said. “Ye-yeah…” Soul groaned. Her hooves started to shake.

5.69
“I was pretty scared at first to do this with my mom, just for a moment, I never did anything like this with another pony but… I figured it was okay with her. Otherwise, I would have hid my body from any other pony. I was always so shy back then… just the thought of anypony else seeing me in a bath would kill me. But with mom, I felt I had no reason to hide from her since she was a pony I trusted dearly. And it was a good decision. I made my mom so happy when I showed I wasn’t afraid around her and… she admitted she was a bit nervous at doing this with me too.” “Really?” “Yeah, she was a scaredy pony just like me. But she still got over it and wanted to spend that time with me in a way we… certainly found to be unique for a change. I really did trust her because of that. I learned that if a pony is willing to share their secrets to you, then you have no reason to hide from them. That you can trust them. The ones who trust you will support you, that’s why I wanted to take a bath with you too.”

Soul lowered her ears. A pony who trusts you. Nimbus’ mom was actually afraid to bathe with her own daughter. It must have taken a lot of courage for them to get over their fears and learn to trust one another. Like… a certain pony Soul knew. It must have taken a lot of courage for Dash to admit those things to Soul. All bottled up, and… the tears she shed when she told those things. It hurt just as much for Soul. But they shared everything. I know Dash lied all this time and she suffered so much for her talent. She knows I am adopted and also suffered so much too for my talent. Could she really say that Dash was a pony she could trust now?

Does she trust me? And… Nimbus is bathing with me. Doing the same thing she was afraid of doing with her own mom. Soul didn’t know why it was she was all of a sudden so open to share these things with her.

5.70
“You trust me?” Soul asked. “Of course, I hope you trust me too. You know, you have nothing to hide from me. You can trust me and anypony else who works to comfort you. My mom did so much for me but it took a lot for me finally expose my body to another pony, one so close to me. After everything I went through, it takes a lot of strength for a pony to come out of their cage and show…” Nimbus’ wings came up and curled around Soul. Glistening in golden light as the water fell through their feathers. “Just how beautiful they are.”

Beautiful? Soul didn’t look upon her wings. Staring blankly across the tub. All the strength it takes for a pony to step up to something. Nimbus, why is it you’re doing this for me? Why… do I feel so close to Dash now? As Nimbus kept massaging her head, she felt only her confusion. Taking her away from what was going on. Soul held her wings close. I remember when I was afraid to show my wings off. How afraid I was to be myself. All because of what happened to me. Even with another pony there she could call her buddy, she was still too afraid to admit anything to her.

Dash, she was the one who admitted everything. She really is a strong pony and she wants me to be strong too. Does she really trust me?

“Is there anything you may be hiding from other ponies?” Nimbus asked, making Soul’s heart stop. Something I’m hiding. I… Soul had too many problems. Too many to count. Was this just Nimbus trying to get into her life once more? As ponies prodded her for the words that would lead to so much disappointment. “No…” Soul said. “You know, Soul. You have nothing to be afraid of. You have plenty of ponies who are there to support you. Rainbow Dash and I included. You can trust me. If there’s something you are hiding, I’m here to listen, and I won’t think any less of you. I’ll be there to help you.”

Nimbus’ words slithered like a snake through Soul’s head. Her whisper and calming voice. Speaking like she knew exactly what it was that plagued Soul. Why is she talking like this? This is not like her. Of all the ponies in the world to plead Soul for her secret so scary, Nimbus was not one to talk. Indeed, it made Soul lower her head. Not able to keep herself from scowling. She pulled her head away from Nimbus’ hooves. I can’t yell at her, but… why does she think she can know my problems? After all, she’s the one who will be affected by them. If I’m supposed to trust her, does she think this alone will let me know I can rely on her to be strong and… have to go through my pain again. Soul was not one to know and neither was Nimbus.

5.71
Soul’s words were calm and slow. But she had to say it. Even if it upset Nimbus.

“You expect me to trust you? But how can I trust you when you always hide things from me?” “What are talking about” Nimbus asked. She knows exactly what it is. All these months, years that Soul noticed. Treating the filly like she was stupid and that none of it was her concern. Believe it or not, Soul had some semblance of care for the mare, and seeing it happen to her all the time hurt her. Hurt her so much and Nimbus expects her to be able to trust her.

“I can’t trust you… because you don’t trust me with what it is you’re hiding” Soul said. “What I’m hiding?” Nimbus said shakily. Soul sighed. She stood back on all hooves, leaving Nimbus where she was. Preferring that since Nimbus was continuing to play stupid and treat her like she didn’t know a thing. It’d rather be where Soul did not want to be with her like she had been. Soul wanted to choose her words carefully, though… she couldn’t. Not when she bit her lip so hard that it hurt. Not as much as it hurt to be kept in the dark for so long. Lied to so much. Being told all was okay when Soul had seen something that told her it wasn’t. Long ago, when both of them swam together in water much like this. On a day where Soul learned she could not trust Nimbus since the mare was always so scared to tell her the truth. Soul turned to face her. Finally able to confront her with the questions she had for so long every time she saw this mare tell her all was okay.

5.72
“Why do you think I don’t want to know what it is that’s wrong with you? Do you think I’m not worth knowing? I bet Starry knows, but why can’t I? You always used to fall and hurt yourself. How much it’s been happening lately, I can’t believe you when you tell me you’re okay. It looks painful when it happens. Do you think I don’t care?”

“Soul, I…” “Trust me, it hurts whenever I see it happens to you. Maybe I want to know if you really are okay, if it’s something I can help with. Or at least why you keep falling and getting hurt. Why are you so afraid to tell me the truth?”

“Soul, I just don’t know if it’s something you should know about.” “So there is something wrong?” Soul caught her. Just as she always suspected. “I know you told me you were very scared about showing your body, but… it’s me. Soul. Your little champ. I look up to you and rely on you to take care of me and teach me. Maybe I want to know if you’re alright and try my best to comfort you. If it’s something, I’m sure you can rely on me to be there for you. Whatever it was that I saw when we went swimming long ago.”

That was what made Nimbus blush. Pomfing her wings up in embarrassment that Soul still remembered she had seen something back then. But it didn’t last. The mare lowered her head. Drooping her ears down hearing what it was Soul had to say. “You tell me to trust you, but you always lie to me about your problems. You’re the adult. If you can’t trust me with it, why should I trust you… especially if you’re trying to teach me to be the strong pony. Maybe it’s because it’s better to hide. …At least then… I don’t have to worry.” That must be the same with Nimbus. She didn’t need to worry about it at all. As long as she bottled it up and didn’t look to it again. Keep it her own problem. Because she didn’t want that burden to be on any other pony. Like I don’t want my burdens on Nimbus. Nimbus could tell what she went on about.

She was silent. She ran a hoof up from the water, looking down at it. Not daring to look at Soul. The filly took her place back at the end of the tub. Keeping to herself. As long as Nimbus wanted to play stupid, Soul could not dare. It was only right.

5.73
“You’re right…” Nimbus muttered. “I have been hiding from you. Ever since I was a kid, I was always afraid of showing my body to others. I stay very active and fit, I have beautiful wings and I love my fur. I love my eyes and have strong legs. I even think my cutie mark is awesome. But… I’m still afraid to show myself to others. I’m not really one to be self-conscious, right? Mom always did try to teach me to not be afraid of others and what they think. But it was always hard. I was unique. Starry calls me gorgeous, and I want to believe him. But I’m always held back.”

The mare quivered. Shaking. Running both her forelegs up her chest and holding herself. Taking a ragged breath. Soul could say the same about her too, she was gorgeous. Strong, too. A pure and powerful athlete that surpassed most pegasi. Why are you so afraid? “It was never easy at all. Because I wasn’t like the others. Lots of ponies didn’t like me for my problems and it taught me to stay away from them. Hide myself from them, and I never had a friend. I was always so afraid of them finding out. It was a miracle that Starry still loved me when he found out about my problem. From then, I knew I had found the stallion for me. The first pony outside of my family who did not think I was a freak. I loved him. He told me to love myself too. Spent so many years doing his best to teach me that, and I still have a hard time believing it. Not when I have a body like mine.”

“What’s wrong with your body?” Soul asked. “Is it really worth hiding from me? If it makes you feel better, I shouldn’t have wings like these at my age.” “And you were still afraid to show them” Nimbus added. True. She was. Soul understood. “Forgive me for being afraid of showing you. I just didn’t know how you may take it. But… you’re right. I should trust you. We’ve been together for years now and I’ve learned a lot about you. You’re that happy and ambitious filly with so much potential in her, so much that you often can’t recognize it. You let the world get to you so often, just like I did. But… you are not like the rest of the world to me.”

Nimbus sent water rippling from her, standing up on her tall legs and towering over Soul once more. Holding her massive wings out and down along her sides. So much pain in her eyes, yet she smiled. Shaking. Leaving Soul astonished at how she had gotten. “You are my little champ, Soul Serenity.” Nimbus gulped. One hind leg stepped forward so cautiously. Nimbus turned. Showing her wing to Soul, and she closed her eyes tightly. When she lifted her wing and bared her entire side.

5.74
Nimbus, …what happened to you? So much time had passed since she caught a glimpse of it. So short and she barely got a sight of it. Never knowing just what or why it was. Never being able to find out just what it was that plagued this mare. But for it to be this. Soul never could have imagined this mare having to suffer with this. No wonder she was afraid to show her. To show anypony. It must really take somepony so strong to show this. To have to endure it. To know their body had this.

Here Soul had been afraid of having abnormally large wings, Nimbus… she had this.

All along her side. From the base of her wing, to her flank. Never able to be seen when that massive wing covered it. Golden yellow was her fur, red was her side. It took so long for Soul to figure out what it was she was looking at. Nimbus had a huge scar running all across her side. Like… like she… she didn’t even know what it was that could make this. No fur at all over it, just a large patch of red flesh and torn tendons. Almost her entire side, never to be seen under those feathers. It hurt Soul to see it. To imagine herself having this. What it was Nimbus had to deal with. Rips in her flesh going down her side and even along to her neck. Coming so close to the arrow shooting through the wind that was her cutie mark. Having been there so long that the flesh around it had turned black. Pocked in small blisters all around. They looked so painful too. Like something of a pony in agony. Even Nimbus shook in fear with her eyes closed. Never lowering her wing. Keeping this massive scar that popped out from her fur visible. Could scars even get like this? Her skin had even turned green in a few small patches along it. Unlike any wound Soul had seen before, she couldn’t look away from it. No matter how unsightly it was, she could not. Sitting there seeing the pony who had to have this mark on her.

This rip in her skin. This terrible burden to have. Soul, she could not help but feel sorry. If she had this, she would want to hide it too. “Nimbus… what happened to you?”

5.75
“Oh…!” Nimbus squealed. Placing her other wing over her face. So ashamed to show herself. She didn’t cover the scar back up. “I’m sorry I hid it from you, please don’t think badly of me. I’m still me.”

Think badly? Soul looked away from the scar and to the cringing pony trying to hide behind her wing. Why would I think badly? Nimbus was the pony who gave her a home and cared for her even when she had such freakish wings. “Why would I do that?” Soul asked. Licking her lips and trying her best to calm herself. Never anticipating it being like this. Nimbus was so scared of this. “Please, are you hurt?” Soul asked. “Is there something I can do?” “No.”

Nimbus lowered that wing a little. She still stepped away. Keeping to the edge of the bath. At least she was able to look out from over her wing now. Looking at Soul with those lovely, red eyes once more. “So…” Nimbus lowered her other wing back over that massive scar. Done showing it off. “Now you know. Pretty ugly, right? Guess you don’t think I’m so pretty anymore.” “I don’t think that” Soul said.

The mare calmed herself. Able to relax her wings once more and stand in the water like a stump. Probably unable to accept she just showed Soul that. But Soul understood. A pony as beautiful as Nimbus with so much talent and kindness in her heart, held back by something as striking and terrifying as that. Yet she was able to move on, hiding it forever and going on with her goals in life. Still keep herself happy and vibrant. Entirely a different pony from the frightened one she had seen. “I don’t think you’re ugly at all” Soul said. One little thing like that would not change how it was Soul saw the mare. So many years together for them to get to know one another, Soul was just surprised she had kept this hidden for so long. Finally able to show her now. Years later.

“You take care of me and help me so much. I think you’re awesome for wanting to teach kids to fly, and doing everything you can to make me better. You’re very pretty inside, …and outside too.” Nimbus sniffed. “Really?” “Yeah” Soul said. “You actually look really cute with your mane down too. So what if you have whatever that was?” “Don’t expect me to start having my mane down all the time. I like my spiky hair.” “Okay…” Soul said. Happy to see the mare look at her and give her a little grin. “I’m… actually pretty to you?”

“Yeah, you are.”

5.76
“Aww… you cutie.” A jet of water went across the bath and struck Soul once more from the shaky mare. “Stop making me blush” Nimbus fawned.

Back to normal so quickly. Like nothing had happened. Nimbus really did like keeping this façade and pretending like there was nothing wrong with her. It must have been so hard to come out from that normal look she gave and show Soul what it was that was wrong with her. But she didn’t think any different of her. Nimbus settled down once more. Soul wanted to let her know. “You’re very strong for showing me. It must have been hard.”

“There’s not many ponies at all that I would be willing to show that to. Not after everything I had to go through with it. How much pain it put me through.” “Would you want to tell me about it?” Soul asked. “I’ll listen.”

Nimbus looked at her. Cocking a brow. She was surprised that she offered that. Soul sitting patiently at the end of the tub. Wondering what it was that Nimbus must be thinking, if this was something she was wanting to talk about with Soul. She sighed. “Can I sit with you?” the mare asked. Soul nodded. Scooching over for enough room for Nimbus to come over and plop herself down in the water next to Soul. Breathing heavy. The mare guided her eyes across the tub. Soul watched her curiously. The adult being the one very lost on what to do here. Stars in her eyes in such a glimmer. She held her mouth open for the longest time. Soul was patient. It took a lot of strength just to show it, Soul saw now that Nimbus was not one free from worry. Not one afraid to admit her problem.

5.77
What do you want to know?” Nimbus asked. Soul asked the burning question. “Where did you get that scar?” Nimbus gulped. “It’s not a scar. It’s… a disease.”

A disease! Soul shuddered. “You’re sick?!” “Not something like that” Nimbus said. “It’s not contagious, you won’t get it even if you touched it. It’s just something I was born with. Mom always told me it was a scar until she told me the truth that I had some sort of illness in my body. That was when I was almost a mare when she finally told me that it was going to be with me for the rest of my life. All the tests and treatments the doctors did to me, nothing got rid of it and I was left with it.” “Your entire life?” Soul asked. Nimbus nodded.

“There’s no treatment for it. Not even unicorn magic. Some unique disease. We couldn’t even find a name for it. It hit me so hard when mom told me all that. I went through my entire childhood hoping to be rid of it someday, so I didn’t need to hide it all the time. It broke my heart. I was so afraid that every pony I met would be sickened by me. Like all the kids at my flight camp were.”

Soul was shocked. Hearing that last part. She almost didn’t want to ask. Almost. It hung on the tip of her tongue. Nimbus was afraid of other ponies. Just like me. She didn’t need to ask. “One day, when I was a kid, the others found out about it and I became a laughing stock. Ponies thought I was disgusting, called me a plague pony. It destroyed me.” Even looking hard for the mare to keep herself from crying, but a tear went down Soul’s cheek. “I knew I would have to deal with it for the rest of my life. I didn’t want to be near anypony else because of it. And the thing just kept getting worse as I got older. I started getting spasms in my legs and it hurt a lot. I didn’t think it would get any worse. But it did. I kept trying to go to doctors to figure out what to do about it. So I wouldn’t need to be afraid anymore. Running tests on me. Anything to get rid of this horrible thing. But one test they did, …it… almost broke me.”

5.78
“What happened?” Soul asked. Sliding her hoof along the bottom of the tub. Wanting to hold the mare as she began to shake. Nimbus cringed and gritted her teeth, like she was angry for a moment. “This thing… getting me made fun of and losing control of my body was bad enough… but… Soul.”

She took a deep breath. Putting one hoof to her mouth. She sighed deep into it. Shocked when Soul wrapped her hoof around the mare’s back. Letting her know it was alright. She was here for her. Never seeing Nimbus so upset before. Soul had to cry for her. One tear welled from Nimbus’ eye… and then it fell.

“It left me infertile.”

Nimbus threw her face into her hooves. “I can’t have a baby…” That was when she sobbed loudly into her hooves. Soul didn’t care now, she slinked both her hooves around her. Placing her head against the mare’s wing. Listening to her hoarse cries and ragged breaths. Nimbus would not stop shaking. Soul could not either.

This thing did that much to you? Nimbus, I’m so sorry. No wonder you were afraid to show me. This thing that hurt you so much. “It was always my dream to have my own little foal. And it was taken away from me. I couldn’t even fight it. I was born with it. It’s not fair… I felt like the whole world was against me. I felt like my body was so ugly, useless. It couldn’t even make me happy. So I’m so sorry that I hid it from you. It’s my shame. You were right to not trust me, but please don’t think bad of me. Not after all I had to go through.” “It’s not so bad” Soul said. She tightened her hug around her as best she could. Barely able to hold her large body. Hating to hear Nimbus cry so much.

Oh Nimbus, you felt your dreams were crushed. You were hurt so much. I never even could tell. How did you walk away from it? You must be so strong to go through it all, and here I am not trusting you for being afraid to show me. Yet you did.

5.79
“You just told me more about yourself than you ever did before. But I don’t think you’re ugly. I don’t think anything is wrong with you. Nimbus, I’m so sorry I ever doubted you. I should have trusted you.”

“You were right to not trust me” Nimbus said. Soul would have none of it. “But you admitted it to me. I could never go through what you did, but you found a way and you’re still able to smile every day. Telling me about it. You’re the strongest pony I’ve ever known. I think you’re awesome. Even if you feel your dreams are crushed, don’t forget that you got Starry, and you have me too. I won’t think bad of you. You’re beautiful on the inside, and that’s what counts.” “I could never go a day…” Nimbus looked down to her. Her own hoof coming over and went around Soul. Pulling her closer into the soft feathers of her wings.

“Without either of you. I’m so glad that I have you, Soul.”

Soul buried her face into her wing. Wondering to herself just why it was that she was able to cry right now. Not tears that pained her, the tears of joy. For it to all lead to this, she could not guess what it was that would happen to her when this all began. She felt as though this mare was somepony she could truly call a friend. One that she really did look up to in all her strength. A magnificent flyer with a heart of gold and so much kindness to share to others. Never letting anything hold her back from her goal of helping all who needed her. She was so quick just to show Soul the one thing that had plagued her her entire life. That had caused her so much pain. For that, Soul envied her. She always envied her. She always should have. Frail and scared, shy and sad. None of that stopped this Pegasus from being so strong, like iron was her blood. I thought I was the one who had it worse. But… there are two ponies out there who I truly feel pity for. Pity and affection. Those were the ponies who were strongest for admitting to her what it was that ailed them.

For that, Soul knew exactly what to do.

5.80
All my life, I always thought I was weak. No more. I am a strong Pegasus. One that needed to fight for her happiness. She would destroy the things that held her back the most. Break from it and soar into the sky among freed wings. She would never be alone. Nimbus trusts me, I should trust her. I have nothing to be afraid of.

“Nimbus.” “What is it, my little champ?” Nimbus held her closer. Soul would not let go, she smiled into her golden feathers. Confident to ask her. Confident in herself to do what was right.

“Is it too much to ask you to delay tomorrow’s activities for a little bit?” She was so calm in her answer, not even any guilt. Nimbus was happy to tell her. Eager in her voice. “You got something special in mind before we start?”

Soul would not stop now. She had her goal and ponies there with her. Nothing could stop her now, now that she had her strength. “Yes, I do.”

Nimbus chuckled. Letting go of Soul, she looked to her. Patting a hoof down in front of her again. Soul did as she wanted. Moving over to sit in front of Nimbus. Letting her do what she wanted. More than pleased when her large hooves went up and down her back. The most lovely back massage she could ever hope for right now. Calming and soothing. Just like she was. Thank you so much, Nimbus. For everything. I promise that I won’t let you down. I’ll be so strong and prove to all that I am the best. Rainbow Dash. You. All of Cloudsdale, and that pony out there somewhere. Whose shadowy tail did leave Soul behind in that dark and rainy night long ago. Never able to see just who it was that Soul would become. She did fail me. I did not fail you, mom. Rainbow taught me that. Now, I see she was right. Tomorrow, Soul would show just how right she was.

“Give them a good show” Nimbus said. “You know I will.” Soul grinned.

5.81
She was sleeping peacefully. Nimbus was sure of it, that this was the calmest she had seen Soul been in her sleep for a while. Over there, snug in her bed, clutching her pillow with a big smile on her sleeping face. With the only light cast on her from the crack in the door Nimbus looked through. It made her so happy. Finally, knowing that Soul had come so far from that little filly she once knew. You are stronger than I was when I was your age.

“I’m so proud of you, Soul” she whispered. Closing the door gently. Letting herself see that sweet filly for as long as she could before she disappeared behind the door. Sleep tight. Nimbus set her hoof upon the door and smiled. Fluttering her wings. You really are my wonderful little filly. With so much there to help her become the best she could be. Whoever the mare was that left Soul, they were so foolish. So blind to not see who you would become. All you needed… was that little push.

Nimbus looked off to the wall. Somewhere out there, she knew another filly to be there. As hopeful as Nimbus was. Thank you, Rainbow Dash. I did choose right. No other pony would come to me so late tonight and beg me to help Soul. You gave me strength to open up to her.

You really are her friend.

Nimbus could sleep well tonight.

Part 1 Illusion - Act 6

6.1
It was the wait that was the hardest. Soul was already just too pumped and hated sitting here not sure if things will work out. But Nimbus had assured her last night she would have time today to do what she wanted, but something else was also needed. That was why Nimbus was over there with the rest of the adult instructors, keeping to themselves in their talks while Soul did her best to close her ears off to them. Just a courtesy. More wanting to keep it a surprise, whatever it was Nimbus would come back with.

Every instructor at Junior Speedsters for every group, dozens together in a mass with Nimbus and Starry amidst them all, taking their attention. It was an odd request. Which was why Soul was really wondering if it would happen. Nonetheless, she was more than happy to see their little scheme coming along nicely. Nimbus didn’t know. No others knew what it was exactly. It still didn’t stop it.

The other kids in her group really were happy to get their free time. Soul kept away from them. Letting them do what they wanted. A bit of enjoyment before activities started later. To them, it was just an early free time. To Soul, it was much more. All of the kids newly arriving and seeing that they could run off and be with their friends. Something that used to hurt Soul. Not today.

She didn’t care if they ignored her. If none of them wanted to be her friend. If they ran past without even batting an eye to her. Just what they portrayed of her being what kept them from her. That ended today. Because there was one thing, one thing that almost all pegasi prided themselves in more than anything else. Even more than flying. Something Soul was no exception to as she partook in it with Nimbus so often. Just as a way of training even if Soul wanted so desperately to succeed.

6.2
Soul looked to the sky. Observing it. Keeping track of it all morning since she left her house. Making sure it was well maintained for what she needed. Another autumn day. Such harsh winds coming in through the clouds and chilling her fur. Rumbling through the large assortments of clouds rolling in. Great masses of them rising high into the sky. Like monoliths that dotted it all. Spreading far and wide.

Truly it would be a bit of a challenge for more amateur flyers to try and tackle those things. Soul was not afraid.

She smiled. Could not stop smiling. Maybe that was why nopony even bothered to look at her. Could they sense her thrill? That she saw this was going to end. Nothing could keep her from being happy. Now that she had ponies she truly could trust. Soul will be sure to not let them down. She won’t. I am a magnificent flyer. I’ve spent so many years training and I am better than I ever hoped to be. None of the others here would understand that or even see that until today. No matter how harsh or cold the weather was getting. This was a sky she called her home. It would embrace her and be the thing she needed all along to be free. Go back to the one thing she always relied on.

Her huge wings stretched out far behind her. Arcing her back and she felt a pop. Loving the feeling. Bringing both those wings to her sides where she peered over them. Such strong and lovely wings. Bigger and better than any other. They were hers. Her pride and joy, even if others did not see them as special. They were prepared for what it was to come. Why she spent so long in the bathroom stretching them and fluffing her feathers to look as gorgeous as she could get them. Feeling so strong. To master that sky above. May her wish come, as Nimbus and Starry came back with all the other instructors breaking up behind them to go to where they were needed. Soul did not frown. Meeting their smiles with her own. She had no reason to be upset. She saw the glaring pride in their faces looking down at their little champ. She knew just from that that all had gone right.

6.3
“You have the entire camp to yourself, Soul. One hour only” Nimbus said. Good. Unrestricted access to the skies over the camp. All for her. All the courses and clouds she could use. Nothing could stop her.

She felt her joy rise up. Rise and kept in. Though a chill went along her. So the time was coming. “Thank you so much” Soul said.

She accepted the bag that Starry gave her. Her lunch for today. Bigger than normal. He packed it so much, it looked. She could already smell the scent of sweets among other things. Very unusual for her lunch. She knew what it meant. “Be careful” both pegasi rose a hoof up to her. Soul met them one at a time. Bumping her hoof into theirs. She took the bag in her mouth. Off to drop it off.

“Keep your eyes to the sky” Soul said back to them. Looking on to the locker building with such joy in her face. There were a couple fillies making their way down the steps. Stepping aside for Soul to pass between them and she caught their glances to her. Ones of confusion and disgust at her almost running into them. Left with only their hushed whispers behind her. Didn’t matter. She did not even listen.

Stepping into the room that held harsh memories. She looked across it. Where Rainbow Dash had stood before. She shook her head. Hard to believe that it happened just yesterday. Reminded once more when she opened her locker. Finding it all still laying there. Her precious hat. Tossed aside in pieces at the floor of her locker. How sad it had made her. Seeing ponies had done this to her. The only thing she thought she had to give her comfort. Now… now things had changed. She didn’t need the object that ponies gave her. She needed the ponies themselves. The one ponies who always were with her and supported her. How things have changed. I truly feel like I’m not alone. I can smile again. With them all at my side. Indeed, she wasn’t alone.

6.4
“Soul.” She looked over to the door. Shining in with the sunlight being the one pony silhouetted inside that shroud. The filly she needed. Rainbow Dash. Coming in to join her. Just how much she looked to be struck by seeing Soul here. A smile so beautiful. Such happiness in her heart. Soul wanted her to know just what it was she felt now. That all was going to be okay. Both fillies standing there face to face not able to take eyes off one another. The cyan filly lowered her head and smiled so wide to Soul. “Thank you for all you did yesterday… I needed it” Soul spoke softly to her. Not getting a response. Only her flight buddy’s bashful look. Amazing that Dash did not bother to try and hide just how flattered she was. That all that happened yesterday had been worth it. That they both had become strong after it all. To learn of one another. To know the other’s darkest secrets. Yet nothing changed. Dash was her normal self. Maybe even more happy.

“We still flight buddies?” Dash asked. Soul giggled. “Of course, always” Soul gave her hoof to her. Offering it just as Nimbus and Starry had done. A different response. Soul gasped when Dash’s hoof went around hers. Holding her tight. Not letting go. She looked up to her magenta eyes riddled in happiness unlike any before. Dash was truly happy to be with her. Soul felt the same. Because of her, she felt like this. Neither able to look away from the other, and Dash had to see it all. That Soul showed what she felt. So much pride and strength between them to see the pure fire inside of Soul’s sunset eyes. Billowing bright.

“Today’s the day, Dash” Soul said. “You mean…?” Soul nodded to her. Making her smile brighter. “Thank you so much for helping me figure out what I need to do. I won’t be a coward anymore. It’s better to try and make things better than to sit back and hope things will change.” “You know, Soul. I think you may be right.” Dash clenched her hoof tighter around Soul’s. “You are one helluva Pegasus. Maybe… I learned something from you too.” Soul nodded. I’m glad she did. For both of them to truly figure out what it was that needed to be done. Soul never wanted Dash to be the pony she displayed yesterday. Never again.

Rainbow, you are strong. Strong enough to kick my ass into gear. Quite a challenge that was. She would make the most of it. “Whip some tail, Soul.” Both of them packed up. Leaving behind every bad memory this place gave them before. Made only now into one of the most magical places they’ve had. For it all led to this.

6.5
“Looks like he just arrived” Dash said, pointing to the colt who ran off to join the others. Aurora Flash, the pony who had started this all. The one Soul could tell would not be able to resist. After all Dash had told her about him. Even if she pitied him for what he had to go through, this needed to end and there was only one way to do it. Standing over there with Spitfire among the other kids who frolicked and played. Like none were aware of the two fillies staring down at them from the top of the stairs.

Soul let out a deep breath. Looking to Dash for strength. The filly nudged her gently and smiled. Rainbow had her back. Staying close to her. Soul would not back down. Holding both wings out and arced down at her sides. Both ready to do what was needed, eager to do it. For this would end it all. All would see she is no coward. Even more so, they will see just who she was. Who she strived to become.

“Aurora!” Soul called out across the camp. Echoing and stirring. Like it rumbled from the clouds themselves. Shocking herself how loud and strong she could yell out that name. Harsh. But she kept smiling. Glaring down at him. When his eyes met hers and all of them turned to see the filly who outstretched her mighty wings.

“I challenge you to a race around the camp!”

6.6
Everypony gasped. All across the group. Eyes looking between her and Aurora. The colt backed a little with that. She could see it in his eyes. None expected her to do this. Not even him. The pony who always told her how weak she will be. That she will never rise to overcome the things that challenged her. Now… now she was the one who issued the challenge. One that he could not refuse. That no Pegasus could.

From the first day ponies could fly. Only in their blood to better themselves against others. For Soul, she will better herself. Prove that she was better than all that had been put against her. She was the strong one, and while all the other ponies could not even grasp that this was happening, she felt Dash beaming with pride next to her.

Funny. I would normally feel so afraid to be in this position. She felt so many eyes. Hundreds. Glancing across at all the ponies staring up at her and her mighty wings ready for a fight. Kids from her group. From others. Instructors in the sky and below. That a challenge was being issued here. By the mouth of this filly. She couldn’t even collapse. She was strong. She felt it. She loved the feeling. That she was filled with what she needed all along. That push. That drive. If she had not been with another pony, it may all collapse right now. Like Dash was the very one who gave her that strength. From the first day, I wanted to prove to her what it’s like to fly with freedom and passion. That takes concentration and determination. That takes power. That takes ambition. I will be the pony to have those. I will show her that I can be that pony. Rainbow Dash, never be afraid like I was to show who you truly are. That is what made her so happy.

6.7
“You want to race me?” Aurora asked over there. “Any other Aurora Flashes here? I’m challenging you!” Soul pointed her hoof to him. “My wings against yours. See just who is the better flyer.” “So you’re just doing this to stroke your ego” Aurora said. “I don’t think that’s the point of flying.” “No, it’s not.”

Soul knew what it was. All the teachings Nimbus gave her. All her readings. All the trials she had to go through. All to get to this point. “It’s to rise above any challenge that stands in your way. So nothing can be there to keep you down, and you can become free to choose what you want for yourself. That’s… exactly… what I’m doing.”

Soul glared at him. I will rise above my challenges. Aurora took it as such. Glaring at her too. The colt stepped forward. Center among all the others. “And you’ll fail just like you did before. Face it Soul, you’re a trash flyer. You’ll only mess up and prove yourself as a joke.” “Oh yeah!” Said, not Soul, …but the pony with her.

Rainbow Dash stepped up. “Well this ‘trash flyer’ is challenging you to a race. Maybe it can be an easy way to prove yourself right. Unless… you think you can’t.” “I know I can” Aurora said. “Well you’re weaseling your way out. What’s the matter Aurora Trash?! Afraid Soul will crush you? You should be afraid. Cuz Soul is a better flyer than you ever will be.” Rainbow.

Soul looked to her. Such fierce determination on Dash’s face. Staring down at the colt. She meant what she said. She’s here… with me. Soul felt her heart flutter. Yes. That’s… that’s what I wanted. Enough to make her want to cry. She couldn’t. “Come on, chicken!” Dash said. “What good are your wings if you aren’t gonna use them?” Dash held her wings out. Doing something that would really piss off any Pegasus. She mocked him with chicken noises. Able to just see the fury building up in the colt.

6.8
“Fine!” he said. “I’ll race her.” Soul grinned. Hiding her menacing smile from them all under her bangs. No matter what… I will beat him. He may have been good, but I know I’m better. Now the colt was right where she wanted him.

“But I get to decide the rules” Aurora said. Of course. Typical of racing challenges. Soul would take it on. “Bring it” Soul told him. She stepped down from the stairs. Coming down to join with all the other ponies. Holding her huge wings out with pride as they all stepped aside and let her pass. Pass to stand face to face with Aurora.

“Name your terms” she said. “No ordinary race” Aurora said. “I know another pony who’s been dying to get something back from you. A tag team race” he pushed his face into hers. “Spitfire and me. Standard rules. Teammate passes a flag to the other. First team to cross the finish line with their flag wins.”

A duo race?! Soul did not drop her determination. She showed no sign of her confusion and shock at hearing just what kind of race this would be. Even more when Spitfire walked up to join with Aurora. The golden coated filly with a mane of flames smirking with such anticipation to participate. It’s been so long. This pony who once complimented Soul, now here with malicious disregard for her. Though Soul understood. She did not fault her, and she will not back down. “Deal!” Soul said. “Find yourself a partner” Aurora said. “You’ll be racing me so you better find a pony who can keep up with Spitfire. She’s no joke.” Aurora pressed a hoof into her chest. Soul backed away from him. Offended he touched her. No matter how soft it was. The colt smirking with pride. He looked out upon all the others.

“Somepony get some flags, we’re having a race here!” Such a surprise that all the stunned ponies changed to cheering. All excited to see this happen. Soul was too. Though… she just needed one thing. “Who’ll be your partner?” Aurora asked.

6.9
Soul didn’t need prompting to look back behind her shoulder. To the pony whose hoofsteps sounded loud and strong. Stepping down from the top of the stairs. Rainbow Dash’s long mane flowed and went over the most impressive face she had ever made. One of courage. One of a pony who saw right in front of her what it was she needed to do. A pony Soul didn’t think would do this before. Until today. The pony she could trust. The only one here she could rely on to fly with her. Not for skill or strength. But for what it was she felt between them. She was here for her, and Soul stepped aside. Letting the filly step up next to her. Side to side. Both of them staring down at Aurora and Spitfire.

“I’ll be her partner!” Dash shouted with no hesitation.

“Flight buddies forever” Dash said to Soul and both of them touched hooves to one another’s. “You don’t stand a chance, Crash” Aurora said. “You’re no different from before. Hope you’re ready to be humiliated again.” Dash did not say a word. She didn’t even move. Not stopping in smiling alongside her flight buddy. Determinedly staring to the filly she would race with. The fire maned filly stared at her. Talented. Strong and skilled. Nothing mattered. Soul had the utmost confidence in this pony alongside her. All she showed her over the weeks that passed since she first laid eyes on her. This pony had transformed so fast. Into a pony Soul was happy to have with her. The one pony in this camp she trusted more than any other. Such joy in her heart that she was with her. At last. Flight buddies, pure and true.

“See you both in the sky” Spitfire said. Her and Aurora grinning and they both flew off. All the other kids cheering and flying off too. Leaving Soul with her flight buddy. Locking hooves together. Neither needed to look at the other. They both felt it. Soul was overjoyed. She was ready. They will end this together. “I’ll head to the start line” Dash said. Opening her wings. Letting go of Soul. “How long has it been since I raced another pony?” Dash asked herself.

Soul watched her walk off with fearless determination in her stride. “Tear the sky apart, Dash” Soul said after her, making her stop. “What?” she asked with surprise. “Don’t you be afraid to show them all just how talented you are” Soul said. “I won’t hold back. Neither of us will. No more. Today, we’re gonna leave it all behind.” “Soul…” “Don’t be afraid to be yourself” Soul told her. “Show them how a Wonderbolt flies.”

Dash held herself there. Her leg shook. But she smiled so wide. Flexing her wings at her sides. She turned away. Though Soul saw that face she made before. Confidence. “You taught me a lot” she said. “I won’t let you down. See you at the finish line… when you cross it first.”

Rainbow flew off. Soul sighed. She looked to her wings. I have these… and I have her. How can I fail? Today, everything has changed. She looked to the bright and loving sky. Her world up there. Joined now… with another at her side. Rainbow Dash.

6.10
A long time it had been. It never was like this. Surrounded by so many ponies all eager to see this go down. Ponies she didn’t recognize, from the other groups. From her group too. Sitting atop all the clouds spread out among the start line. That great, big banner stretching high above Rainbow Dash. Stood atop two big stakes pierced into the cloud she sat on. Every other pony had their own cloud to sit and watch. Dash shared the cloud that mattered with only one other.

The fiery filly standing away from her. Stretching her legs out over there. Flapping her wings. A head raised high. Such is what she would expect of a talented flyer. She must be fast. She must be talented. So few pegasi her age can have that look upon her like she already won. Rainbow didn’t bother to share the same face.

I never even saw this coming. Never thought I’d be the one up here with Soul. Helping her fight for her happiness. No way to ever think this would come about when she first met that pony. How far they would go. How much they would go through. It’s only been a hooffull of weeks and it already felt like years. Like she was doing this for a pony dearest to her for so long and not a pony like Soul. Strange how that felt. Strange how much she wanted to do it. Maybe it was just that Pegasus rubbing off on Dash.

She really was something else. Unlike any other Pegasus before. To find one like her in these camps, it’s a miracle on its own. One she truly felt like she was connected to. Proud to be with. When she felt so much pity for that pony not so long ago, and no desire at all to even want to get to know her. How foolish she was before. That pony was exactly who she needed.

6.11
No other time. None at all. None when Dash would be able to stand here on top of a cloud like this under the start line for a race course with the eyes of dozens watching her. Judging her. All of them saw her as just that alright flyer who performed alongside them all with nothing else to her flying. None of them knew. None of them could see what it was she had. Not even Soul did. I hid from everypony. I wanted to hide away forever and never come out. After all that I had to go through. But here she was now. Doing the impossible. Yet her legs did not shake. Her teeth did not chatter, and she felt no remorse or grief. Nothing like when she flew in front of them every other time. No fear in her heart. Just like Soul.

If Soul is not afraid, then I’m not. No more hiding. No more being that scared filly who kept to herself and wanted nothing to do with others.

Dash had reason in her life to be brave and she had reason to believe there were ponies out there who saw her for who she was. She’s teaming up with one of them after all.

Cheering ponies and excitement in the air, so much she could smell it. It was good. I may be flying against a great flyer in front of so many others but… Dash spread her thick wings. As far as they could go and stretched them with a loud pop and spread her legs. Raising both her wings to the air. Nothing will stop her from showing them all just who it was that was going to be racing and flying true for them all for the first time. No holding back. She expected the same from Soul with all that passion in the filly’s eyes for this.

Dash was so glad it worked out in the end. Soul had proven her wrong. She really did change. Yesterday was not in vain. Now that Soul knows my darkest secrets and I know hers. Didn’t stop Rainbow at all, while she looked off to one of the far-off clouds so behind all the others. Back where none of the other young flyers were around to watch her. But some ponies were there to watch. Sitting together on their cloud, with wings blanketing one another, Nimbus and Starry. They get to see us do this, and neither of them ever looked so proud before. Their eyes met and Nimbus waved to Dash. Like it was some way to convey what she wanted to say, and Dash felt it. She thanked her.

It was only the right thing to do. Dash was so happy that her efforts paid off, that Nimbus had convinced Soul to do this. She would never know how. She didn’t want to know. For Soul was out here with Dash doing something so incredible. Soul will do it for them. She was their student and, even if Soul did not see it as so, Dash still could tell she was their daughter. Make your parents proud, Soul. Dash’s eyes widened. Her heart skipped a beat only with how much joy she felt. And I’ll… do the same.

For the ponies out there.

6.12
She saw her mom… and her dad, both pegasi out there. Settling down next to Soul’s parents. What are they doing here? Dash watched them. Hugging with Soul’s parents, more than happy to welcome both of them. All here to watch their little fillies. I… I don’t know what to say. Dash was… she was so happy to see her parents here. She didn’t care how this came to be, they were here… to watch her, their little filly show all just how great she was.

Mom, her coat as blue as Dash’s, with a heart so pure and all her determination to guide Dash. All the techniques she showed Dash, all the years spent drilling it into her head. Yet I never got to show them to others. Mom will be here to see her little girl show off all the teachings they spent nights and nights training together for. I won’t let you down.

Dad, with his short rainbow mane and violet coat, and all the love she could ever want, so glad he could be here to cheer her on. To let her know she was a winner and never let her feel like she failed. You’re always there for me. Both of you were, and I let you both down by hiding. No more.

Dash grinned. Meeting their eyes all the way across the sky between them both. I won’t hide just how awesome I can be anymore, because that’s not who I am. You both spent so long trying to get me to feel better about myself, all I needed was one more kick. Guess I owe you one, Soul. That was a pony who proved she was stronger than what she thought herself to be. Rainbow truly did learn something from her. For that, she will gladly fly. Not for herself. Not this time. Dash had another purpose now.

6.13
“That’s my girl, Dash!” Rainbow shuddered. It was her father’s booming voice… like… just like when he cheered during training. “You can do it! Take no prisoners! Rainbow! Rainbow!” Wooting for her and flailing his hooves around over there like a madpony, certainly getting all the other ponies to stare over at him. Him being the only pony cheering for her. In his… unique way.

Oh Celestia. Dash pulled her mane down over her face, chuckling over what he said. Could he maybe do it a little quieter here? We’re not exactly alone at home now. Much more how all the other ponies seemed to take a lot of amusement out of it, including Soul’s parents giggling over there. A bit too much attention for me. Dash shook it off. Whatever, I’ll still do this. She was getting what she signed up for by agreeing to this. All the attention was on her. Not running scared from it this time. Not when she had something more important to do for it.

“Those your parents?” she heard Spitfire ask across from her. The fiery maned filly giving her… a compassionate smile? Funny how she looked that way. Dash would not deny it. “Yup” what, did she have something to say about it? “And I don’t care what you think. Ponies like them are the reason why I can do this stuff in the first place.”

I’ll be sure to make them both proud. When she would return to them, she wanted the biggest hug they could give. Even better when she won. Maybe later… she hoped mom would kiss her forehead. Let her see just how happy she was that Dash could finally do this. She would not care what the competition thought about it.

“I can tell they see something special in you” Spitfire said. “I should know, my parents do the same for me. Maybe you can show me if you have what it takes to prove them right.” Dash glanced at her. Curious over her. Spitfire gave her a warm smile. Nodding to her. “I won’t hold back against you, Dash. You better not hold back against me either.”

Dash gulped. She almost let her mouth hang loose from that. Spitfire walked ahead, taking up a position at the start line. Walking, she winked to Dash and looked away. There to wonder why it was she felt so much courage in the eyes of that filly in what it was she had to say to Dash. Almost like… I won’t hold back. Dash would assure her of this. Determined to keep her promise and be a strong pony alongside Soul. This will be a serious race. Even if Spitfire is skilled, she would be better. She will make it so. Dash flexed her wings as strong as she could. No reason to keep them waiting any longer. She stepped up too. Standing next to Spitfire at the start line. Taking one very deep breath.

6.14
One of the fillies came in, Cloudchaser was it, flying over both of them. She was the one holding two bright red flags in her hooves. Offering them both to the fillies. “Alright, you two. You get to use the advanced course for your race” she pointed a hoof over to the scene before them all. Where the clouds churned and roiled around in such vast clusters that rose high and steady to the tops of the sky. Spinning about and circling one another, yet there was a meaning to it. All the clouds and obstacles formed a path, one which Dash had observed. One that Spitfire must have too with how confident she looked. Where the other groups would use this for speed and agility training, now they got to use it.

“Just follow the pathways and don’t run into anything. Carry your flag the whole way, if you lose it then your team is out. Both your teammates will be at the top of the course where you will give your flags over to them. They take it from there.”

Somewhere, high above all these clouds, Soul was waiting for Dash. She had to be the one to get there. Soul relied on her. Just as she wanted. I was the one always relying on her. Time to repay the favors. That was what Dash vowed. She will be there for Soul. She won’t fail. Nothing intense or scary would stop it. All she had to do was fly through the clouds and do it faster than Spitfire. Get to the top. I swear, I’ll do all I can to reach you first, Soul. Spitfire will eat my dust.

“Racers!” Cloudchaser yelled out. “Take your marks.”

Dash and Spitfire stepped up. Stamping their hooves down into the cloud. Neck and neck. They both peered out over the edge and on into the open sky ahead. Far to where the clouds rumbled. Welcoming them both into their embrace. Their goal. I can’t believe this is happening. I’m actually going to race. A flag was presented to her. Looking upon it in Cloudchaser’s hoof. The thing I need to bring to Soul. What she’s relying on me for. This… and to see me. See me of all ponies be the one to help her. I really am honored. Honored to take this. Dash took it into her mouth. Clenching her teeth around the pole. Leaving the flag to flow along the side of her face. Spitfire did the same with her own flag.

“Get set!”

Dash didn’t hesitate. Taking a deep breath. She pointed her tail up, spreading her wings as far as could go. Keeping her chin low to the cloud. Legs all ready to push her forward and let her wings do the rest. Out into the clouds beyond. Down the path she spotted. I really am doing this. Under all the cheering and excited ponies around her. So many here to witness this. Just now realizing how much this meant. This will be the day when all of Cloudsdale will see just how good she was. All the effort she put in. Years and years. I’m not some average Pegasus. I don’t want any to think I am again. Even if I’m treated badly, even if I am made fun of, I’ll never regret this decision. Since there will be ponies out there who support me. Thank you… so much. Soul Serenity. Dash let out her breath.

“Go!”

Soul’s ears perked up. She did not open her eyes. Up there on top of the clouds. She heard it and it made her smile. The thunderous roar billowing across the sky sent out by the wings she recognized.

6.15
Rainbow shot in at the closest clouds.

No words on how it felt. This feeling on going this fast. In front of everypony else. The ringing in her ears. Shaking and roaring from the many bursts of wind sounding out all around her. She felt her body shake. She saw the entire world around her shake. Rumbling in such violence that only speeds like these could cause.

Check it out, everypony. This is how fast I can go.

Rainbow shot after the fiery tail zipping away into the clouds. It disappeared into it all, leaving that rainbow maned pony behind. Behind, yes. Dash grinned. Flying in right after her. Not too far at all. Just as… her wings struck the wind.

Another crack sounded out from her and Dash soared up into the spiraling chasm within the clouds. Her wings screaming loud. Louder when she had to snap herself up to shoot up into the clouds. Following right behind Spitfire. The pony ahead went into the clouds, turning herself a hard right and onwards towards the pathway that Dash caught in time.

Deep inside the clouds, it was hard to see. Dark and dreary with endless streams of clouds walling around them like a tunnel. So many clouds everywhere. Dash didn’t even blink. This place was a challenge, a real challenge to navigate. It didn’t deter her. All of this darkness lighting up. She rumbled on in a blast of light. Taking the first turn around walls of clouds right in her path and following where Spitfire went. She was already going pretty fast.

Dash looked over her shoulder for just a moment, only to see her wings nothing more than a blur of motion lit up by… that beautiful rainbow trail streaking the sky from her tail whipping in the wind. Ploughing through the chasms in the clouds. Like a lightning bolt of rainbow shooting through it. Oh yes, this is more of what she was talking about. The exertion and strain on her wings. The thrill running through her body. What she was used to. She loved flying this way with her mom. To do it here, it felt no different. She turned her head.

6.16
Oh shit! Dash spun herself about, going up and over the cloud she almost ran into. Feeling the vibrations left behind from her speed pulsing off that cloud. Hearing it fall to pieces behind her.

She groaned to herself. Keep your eyes ahead of you. Never lose focus. This place was no ordinary racecourse. So many clouds all arranged everywhere. Piles of them. Stacked and spinning about. Going in to join with the walls of the massive thunderhead they flew through and even more coming out to take their places. A course inside of a cloud. Soul better thank me later, this was a race of agility in here. Dash had that proven to her when she had to make the split-second dodges to avoid so many sets of clouds all set out in the path ahead of her. Up and down. Around. Never losing sight of the pony ahead of her.

Spitfire went through the same thing she went through. Dodging them all so perfectly. Her wings so precise in their turns and pacing, streaking the air behind her in a blaze of yellow light. Like her own fur color was coming off her. Yet she never lost track of the dodges she needed to do. Going right under one cloud and she came up to go head first up into the sky, up the path that led above. Leaving that cloud to spin about in front of Dash from her speed. Headlong into Dash. No time!

Dash reached out her hooves. Touching them down against the breadth of the cloud, spinning it around with her, never letting her wings falter in their pacing. Keep them up. Don’t let go of it. She had to maintain this speed. Manipulate the motion of the cloud. Just like the wind. It was no different, that is what her mom had shown her.

Her hooves clutched to it. Spinning her around and over before she kicked her hooves against it and blasted off from the perch she had. Flying straight up into the clouds after Spitfire. Another cloud in her way and then more. All such a daring challenge to go around at her speed. Really, no amateur pegasi here could pull this off. This really was meant for advanced flyers. How did we even get a hold of this for our race?

Dash blew her mane out from her face. Why did I get the hard part?

6.17
She banked herself around the next turn.

Spitfire was getting away. That Pegasus had an easy time controlling her speed for every turn. Going around the clouds and onwards into the next series of cloudy shafts they had to fly through like it was nothing. Dash wondered if it really was as easy as she was making it. It felt exhilarating to do this, and intense. Worrying. But Dash pulled it off. Taking everything her mom taught her. Like this.

A bunch of clouds ahead. I’m not losing any speed over it. Dash shot right at them. Hellbent on drilling her way right through them all. No point in dodging over them. That’s what any other pony would think seeing her fly so recklessly at them all. Until she shifted her wings. Angling her body to the left. Putting all her weight to the side.

She spiraled around the first cloud. Upside down over it, she turned herself around it’s top. Going back down and spiraling around the next clouds.

The chasm ahead of her spun and spun as she did her spiral. Never stopping to keep kicking her wings behind her. Only using her legs to change her turning. Finally able to clear it all and fly off down the wide and open break in the clouds where the Sun shone in bright through the darkness around them.

Rainbow kicked herself into gear. Another big burst from her wings and she could hear the screech of wind sounding inside her ears. Wailing and piercing. She ignored it. Something she was used to. The honest truth, she loved this. The wind smacking against her face and going through her feathers. Coursing over her body with such a chilling and welcoming touch. Openly letting her fly through it once more. As a free Pegasus. No more pretending. No more tricks or hiding. Dash smiled. Eyeing the next tunnel into the thunderhead up ahead. Seeing she had little time left to enjoy this break in the course. Even if Spitfire was ahead, it won’t last for long. I won’t fail. She is fast and nimble, but she’s not doing this for the same reason I am. Besides, I’m fast too.

6.18
Rainbow pushed herself to get closer to the pony ahead of her. Before they had to get back into the obstacle course again. Many kicks into the pacing of her wings. The wind was laxed here, I can get a bit closer. The tunnel went straight and… a quick turn back upwards. Damn it. Dash gave herself one final push forward and then curved her wings out right when she entered the cloud once more. In time for her to be able to spin around and go up into the upwards path.

She blinked. There was Spitfire! Right on her tail. “You’re pretty fast!” the filly called back to her. “When did you get so good?” “I always have been!”

Spitfire dodged around one of the clouds in the pathway, leaving it for Dash to spiral over. Back onto Spitfire’s tail. Dash weaved left. Spitfire did the same. Rainbow growled. Reaching forward and pushing her wings even harder.

You’re not gonna get away from me. I’ll pass you. Hoof to hoof. Dash came in closer. For so long, I trained to go fast. To overcome any obstacle. Today will be no different. I’ll make my mom proud. Spitfire spiraled up, leaving the cloud she dodged there for Dash. What!?

Dash had to screech to a halt and spin herself downwards just in time to go under it. Shaking her head and seeing Spitfire shoot off ahead of her. She did the spiral! Oh no she doesn’t. Dash spun about and shot off after her. Leaving behind one last blast of thunder sounding off from her jolt of rainbow light that lit up the thunderhead. Then Spitfire made her sharp turn and disappeared into the next sets of clouds. Leaving Dash behind.

I’m not giving up. Rainbow pushed herself to the limit. Feeling her wings begin to shake. They didn’t stop. I’m used to this pressure. Hours spent each night with commands barked to her and no time to rest. Pushing herself to be better. This was no different. Sweat still went down her forehead and flew off into the wind. Her lips flapping from the oncoming wind striking her.

6.19
Another set of clouds going upwards, she flew up into them. Flying right through the first one with such fury that it fell apart from her impact. Doing nothing to slow her down. But… her forehead stung from it. Not believing it when she saw the other filly so far ahead, spiraling around the clouds in her way and then shooting off without pause in her speed. Rainbow Dash replicated it. But her heart began to plummet.

She’s so fast and her coordination is spot on. I don’t fly courses like this. Only relying on all the agility training she had with her mom to pull this off. But this was a bit more than normal. Careening down a narrow corridor in the cloud with so many clouds in her path. Another filly surpassing them like it was nothing. She did all she could to pass them all. Every cloud dodged. She never let up on her speed. Happy she was doing it, but Spitfire was doing the same and kept well ahead of her. Until… Dash saw the next beaming rays of sunlight coming down on her and she flew out into the open plane where no clouds were.

Spitfire turned herself up and flew high into the sky. There were no pathways out here. This was a pathway. One to their rise upwards where the clouds roiled furiously overhead. Dark and shady. So few rays of Sun shining through them. Another big obstacle on their path to the ones who waited for them at the top of the cloud. Rainbow was just scared that she will be so late to meet with the one who waited for her.

6.20
No! I can’t do that. I need to get to her before Spitfire gets there. I made a promise to help her, and a promise to myself. To show all I am not some second-rate flyer. No more hiding. Never again let the teasing get to her. She was the best!

Dash flapped harder. I got to catch up now while I can. Spitfire may be more agile but Dash was faster. Just like when Soul flew for her long ago, out here in the open skies, there were no limits. Nothing to stop her. “I’m coming for you!”

Dash zipped off. Turning her wings sideways and kicking her legs behind her. Smaller flaps and then two big ones and she went faster than before. The Pegasus zooming fast up into the sky. Keeping sights square on the fiery tail flipping in the wind ahead of her. Ignoring her own mane getting in her face.

Pretend like it’s when she had to catch her mom. That mare was so quick and agile and Dash never gave up on trying to grab hold of her. Don’t think about how fast your opponent is. Concentrate on you. Dash squinted. Barreling in. With the entrance to the clouds right in sight. Another deep tunnel of spiraling clouds and threatening paths. Not this time, this time will be different. Dash tilted herself. Just in time, in time for Spitfire to pass under her. Behind her, and Dash flew past her. Leaving her to eat her rainbow trail. Lost back there in the roaring echo of her flight.

Dash smiled wider. I passed her! I knew I was fast. You may be fast, Spitfire, but you’re not nearly as fast as my mom. Which is why… Dash had been able to catch her tail and get that congratulatory kiss to her forehead. “See you, slowpoke!”

6.21
Dash flew right into the next entrance to the tunnels within the cloud. Now I have the lead. I got speed at my back. Dash spiraled around all the clouds in her path. Dodging. Bobbing and weaving, not letting any of them stop her. Just little bumps in her path. Even going right through some of them. Not caring if it hurt. She had to do this. She had to maintain her lead.

Spitfire was more agile than her. She could not let her get in front of her again. Not when she could tell they were getting so high into the clouds. No telling how much further they had left to go. Lots of clouds easy to dodge, more than others. Even if she clipped her wing against them. Shakily flew true through it all. She refused to let up on her speed, kept that flag right in her mouth. Wind blasting in from the sides and chilling her fur. Striking her rear and sending her flying faster. Almost missed the dodge she needed to do for a large set of clouds. Going through those dark storm clouds really would have hurt. More than what she needed now.

Her wings were starting to ache. Flying so fast and this much at such a straight angle into the sky. She kept flying upwards, never stopping on her dodges. Keep her lead. She could feel Spitfire was back there. So close. She couldn’t tell how close. Not wanting to keep her eyes off what she needed to focus on. She squinted harder.

The path was right in front of her but it was getting harder and harder. Predicting how many clouds were coming and adjusting herself appropriately. To where it really began to hurt. She had to keep up her dodges, no more running into them. But Soul was counting on her to get there and she sensed that presence behind her. I gotta stay ahead, come on wings. They kicked at the air harder.

All my life, I was made fun of for not being good enough. I was mocked and told I will not be good enough for anything. Not even having any ponies there to rely on me. For me to rely on. That I really would end up being the shame of my family. A Pegasus with her dream and never being able to reach it. I never wanted to give up even when it felt like I should. Where it would be easier to hide away and not have to deal with others. I came so close to doing that. To think, just yesterday, I wanted to give up all because of what was told to me. But the same pony who told me those things gave me the strength to do this. I won’t give up again. I just won’t.

6.22
Dash gasped. Screeching her wings forward and kicking at the air to stop. Oh shit, no! She missed it. Right there, she passed by it. The path she had to take and… there went Spitfire.

A flash of fire left behind. As Dash plummeted right into the wall. A ringing pain going off inside of her. Her face slammed right into it. I wasn’t… paying attention. Dash fell off from the wall. Holding her muzzle and doing all it took to hold in her tears. No. This isn’t the time to cry. Shaking her head to get rid of the pain, she had to keep going. But I never thought it would be so hard. Why did I have to go up against a pony so much better than me at this?

She moaned to herself. Going back down and then she flew off as fast as she could back down into the path she needed to take, where Spitfire was well ahead now. We’re so high up now. I can feel it. And I’m so behind. I’m gonna give Soul a late start, she’s gonna fail because of me. I told her she can rely on me and here I am being an idiot. Mom, you always told me I was an amazing flyer who had so much potential. Why do I always feel like I mess up more than I succeed? Right now, Dash felt defeated.

A far better flyer ahead of her and not much left to this race. She was so behind. So inadequate. When she thought her speed was all she needed, no… it wasn’t. Dash was ashamed of herself. I like to tell myself that I am a good flyer. That mom is right, but times like this always hit me right back in the face. Especially when I always mess up during training.

6.23
Maybe it’s true. Soul can’t rely on me. We can fly together but what is the point if I can’t be the pony she can call her true flight buddy? She wants me to look out for her. Now Dash couldn’t help but see that she had failed again. Not able to pay attention and never able to perform the way she was expected. Now, all the ponies will be here to see her fail. Mom and dad would get to see her be humiliated. No! I don’t want that. I don’t want to let them all down.

Soul was out there, and she would prove to not be a good enough flyer and buddy to her. She’ll yell at me again. She’ll keep being bullied and take it out on me. Because I let her down. Dash didn’t want that again. No more ponies yelling at her. Please. I don’t know why it is I always fail.

Dash went around the next series of clouds. Trying her best to speed up, seeing that she was faltering. Her speed failing with every dodge she made, and Spitfire went even further ahead. Disappearing into the deep and dark cloudy chasm ahead. On her way up the path to the top. I have speed… but it’s not enough. I am faster than her, but it’s not enough.

How? How am I supposed to pull this off when it’s just like every other attempt I make to be better? Dash sighed. Mom always keeps training me. She never lets up on making me better. Even when I fall, she’s right there to hug me and comfort me when I cry in her chest. She’s harsh to me and yells so much to help me be better. But is always there to give Dash her goodnight kiss every night. Tell her how proud she was. Sweet dreams, my little Wonderbolt. Her voice echoing in her head.

She wants me to fulfill my dream. She will never let me give up on it. She will never let me go back to giving up on myself. Because she is the pony I can rely on. Finally, Dash… she had another pony out there… who relied on her. I cannot give up on her just like mom never gave up on me.

Dash glared to the pathway ahead of her. I may not be agile, but I have my flight buddy with me. Even if we are separate, I still know you are there with me. I am there with you too. We may as well... be flying with one another. For you to whisper the words I need to hear right into my ear. That you are there for me. Yes, Soul was. Dash closed her eyes. No more pity. No more sadness. Sitting there by herself not wanting to be with others and not wanting to be there for them. No more. Not when there was another who proved to her just what it meant to be strong and to be free from her past. From now on… it was just her and the sky. Her with her best buddy, flying together in it. I rely on you and you rely on me. You can rely on me, like I said. Dash would do all it took to fly for that pony. A calm and gentle sky for them both. For any pony who needed her. She would fly for them all. To join her in that big and open sky to fly freely together. Up into this sky. She would never give up on being there for others. Because they are so proud of me, and I will be faithful to them all. Is there no better reason…

To love flying than to be there for others?

It feels… so soothing.

6.24
As if there was electricity going along her. Making her want to jump, and then that calming touch to her body once more.

Soft and gentle hooves massaging her. Touching her wings though they did not hurt. Running along her hooves though they did not tickle. Any sense of it being as gentle as she would ever like to feel. Echoing and bouncing all over her in an endless dance of a soothing and loving caress. Such was what she would hope for from a touch by the sky.

For this one moment. Unlike any other, she could say that she really was a part of this big and open sky that Soul had fought so hard to bring to her. Without terror or sadness. No anger to be heard in her voice. Only the gentle melody of the wind whispering in her ears. Going all over her and letting her join with it.

Dash opened her eyes. Like the entire world stood still. All she could ever hope to see and hear around her, a part of her. Standing still for her to know. The endless cyclone of the air rippling and distorting around her. So beautiful. It’s blues and whites. Coursing all around her and reaching on to infinity ahead of her. Shaping around and it became her very own sky. Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened.

I can feel it. I can see it.

Soul and I were always meant to fly together in a sky like this. With nothing there that can hope to stand before them. Anything that would try would fail. Because the sky was their ally, and at this moment, it was her own personal friend. Speaking in her ear and telling her all will be okay. She believed it. Everything it let her feel. The shaking echoes and tingling sensations all around her. She welcomed them all.

We all fly together like this. All pegasi flew like this. Amidst the air with only their wings there to guide them. But there were those who could surpass that to where the air itself was the guide. Just like the Wonderbolts. The pegasi of legend. Though Dash was sure none of them could ever feel it being like this. Guiding her through the sky. She now was the sky, and everything it held was hers to see. This… this is the sky you tried to show me, Soul. The one we both worked to achieve. I can feel it. Because of it… we can win. Dash grinned. Nothing can evade my eye, as the sky ripped apart ahead of her and fell in on her. Her body shook.

This is how a master flies.

6.25
Dash beckoned her wings forward. A hard reel and they shot her off. There was nothing that could stop her. Nothing out here that will keep her back. Anything to fulfill her duty to the ponies who needed her. She will fly as fast as she could with the confidence she now had. There with nothing to possibly keep her in fear. Keep her in doubt.

The sky was her lesser now.

Rainbow barreled through the tunnel in the clouds. Her skin crawled. Wow, that was making the entire cloud shake with how fast she was going. Feeling it all behind her. Shaking and tearing down from the force of her speed. I can feel it all. I see it all! Nothing to keep her back. Dash’s eyes darted. Drawn with every tingle along her spine. Rippling along her wings. I feel so free!

Dash spun under the clouds ahead. Going under the first and up and down. She dealt with them like they were nothing. Zipping around them and all the power in her flight smearing the dark clouds behind her. Wiping them out.

Spitfire turned off into the next set of tunnels. I got her. Dash’s ears perked up. Just ahead and then… she spiraled around a pair of clouds and turned off just in time to make the turn. Going right after where the other filly had disappeared in to. Getting that fiery tail in her sights again. Right when it shot up into the next break in the clouds. Dash did the same. Keeping right on her.

A quick kick of her hind legs against the air with a flash of her wings to stop her, and then another jolt of power from them to send her flying right into the next opening. Dodging the clouds right in her way. Every turn she made, every maneuver, Dash saw that she was not losing her speed at all. Like she could see through the entire path. With every flap her wings made, another cloud she could see hiding behind the next. Then the next. She just zigzagged around them all. Floating up and spiraling to keep her belly close to the top of the cloudy tunnel and her mane left to whip down to the clouds below. Flying right over them all, clearing and then leveling out. In time to dodge the next set.

6.26
But none of this kept her from seeing the pony she sought to catch. The promise she sought to make true on. Dash gritted her teeth around the flag pole. I got this for you, Soul.

None of the many twists and turns she had to make mattered anymore. Her eyes caught them all. A lovely sensation running all along her. Pulsing off, her eyes met where she sensed it all. Her ears heard all the breaks in the wind she needed… just to know where the clouds were. Where everything was. Even… Soul!

She was up ahead. Dash was getting close, and so was Spitfire. With Dash getting closer to her. Catching the yellow filly glancing back. Dash heard her gasp inside the howling maelstrom of wind rippling around her. That’s right. I’m coming. You may be fast. You may be nimble. But I’m Rainbow Dash. The daughter of Windy and the next greatest Wonderbolt.

You’re up against everything I’ve been taught just to reach that goal. That goal… which did not matter here.

Dash smiled. She was doing this for a better reason. Something she missed for so long and never thought she would have again. It took so much to realize it again. To feel she was close to it once more. As close as Dash’s hooves were to the filly ahead of her. Closing and closing. The gap was disappearing. Every dodge and weave that Spitfire made, Dash did the same. Before Spitfire even did it. I see the clouds ahead of us. I know what I need to do, where I need to go. Nothing was here to evade Dash’s senses. Much like the joy she felt. The electricity coursing across her wings and back. The break in the air popping so loud that it made her shake. All of this was for that thing she found new reason in.

For friendship.

Spitfire spiraled under the next cloud, right as she shot up and into the path above them. Rainbow took a breath. Her wings rotated, as did her entire body. Dash spun sideways, rotating her legs up to leave her back to skim the top of the cloud she dodged. Clearing over it. Nopony can beat me. None will stand in my way. Inside this quiet and soothing place. This wonderful sky. Where all her years of training were all she needed, or so she thought. Turned out… she needed something more. The friendship she needed to pull this off.

6.27
Dash pulled herself back. The cloud she dodged over still there, there for her hind legs to come down on to. Her hooves planted themselves on it. Seeing it all fall apart under her. The force of her wings striking hard against the cloud. Her flooring. Falling to pieces.

She stood proud on it, craning her neck high up into the opening above her.

I was going so fast. So very fast. Dash could sense it coming in.

She let her breath out, holding her wings out to catch it. The wind struck against her back. Howling deep and loud through the tunnel. Hitting her back, making her tail flail, and it all went up along her curved wings. Pushing them up. The boost she needed.

The air thundered loud when she flapped them once more. Spitfire filled her eyes. That flipping, yellow tail being the last she saw of the filly when Spitfire dodged around the next set of clouds and up into the bright sky above. The sky that came crashing down on Dash. She rotated once more and barrel rolled around that last cloud, feeling the filly next to her. Didn’t need to see her. As both of them dodged the same cloud, one left of it, one right of it. It’s black mass between them. The final obstacle in this tunnel in the clouds. Rainbow cheered when she flew out ahead of it all. “Yeah!” “No!” she heard a cry behind her. Too late. Left behind in the rippling howl of her rainbow trail.

Soul I’m coming for you!

6.28
Up here where the wind was at its harshest. Where the cloud rumbled and shook beneath her. High above the camp. Soul only felt calm. Down below, Rainbow soared. Down below, her time was coming. She did not need to see. Did not need to pay attention to anything else. She smiled so deeply. Her ears perked and listened. Rainbow, you did it. You pulled it off. The joy that the filly must be feeling. Soul could only imagine. Did it feel good? Was it nice to be one with the sky? It felt so good when I pulled it off even for a moment, and now you’ve done it. Flawless. That must be what Nimbus wanted from me. You know what’s funny? I’m not at all upset. I can’t stop smiling. Up here, with her neck craned high to the sky above and her sealed eyes giving her relief from the warming Sun. Where the wind came in and blew across her. Sending her long and flowing mane to sail across the side of her face. She felt only passion for what it was the two of them achieved here. Rainbow Dash, you are an amazing flyer. You have to be. I never doubted you after you showed me. Dash was truthful in all she had said. She was that flyer Soul wanted with her. Forget skill or passion. Dash had something more. She had love for the thing the two of them wanted. Maybe now, she loves it more than me. But that’s okay, I’m not jealous at all. I’m so happy for her. Because now, now comes my time to join her in that sky. Together, forever. She is the pony for me. She is my flight buddy.

6.29
Soul opened her eyes. Standing up on all fours. Atop the great thunderhead, where the dark clouds her hooves stood atop shook so violently. She was not afraid. Not regretting her decision. For she never felt so confident before. Finding that Dash could do this, she could do the same. It was what let her spread her massive wings once more. Raising them up to the sky. Curling over her head and the tips touching together when the wind soared through her feathers.

She finally let out her deep breath. Another sigh went off. Aurora stood up across from her. Just a wingspan apart from one another. The colt raised his own wings. Thick and muscular. As beautiful as his mane. As confident as she was. Finally speaking the first words he said to her up here, while he glanced to her.

“I’m not going to hold back, don’t hold back on me.” What was that in his voice? Soul paused. Where every word he ever spoke made her cringe and angry. She was peaceful now. Was it how strong his voice was in asking this of her? No arrogance or cruelty in his voice. Just a request unto her. To do the same thing asked of Rainbow Dash. His eyes looked away from her. She didn’t bother to look at him. Standing side by side with him, here atop the clouds. The wind blew and strummed through their manes. Soul lowered her wings slightly. Running her hoof across her mane to hold against the wind. Both ponies left to stare out into the great and vast beyond. The big sky where the Sun shone bright down upon the great city of Cloudsdale out there. Home of so many pegasi who didn’t know this was happening right now. None of them needed to. Soul had what she wanted.

6.30
She could not stop herself from being happy. She truly did help Rainbow. Would she be this confident now if yesterday had not happened? Would I? She didn’t think so. From day one, she could tell this was meant to happen. For it astonished her what could happen from such a chance encounter. How strong they both got. To be able to walk away from all the pain of the past and go forward to become something new. A dreary past. A bright future, like the sunny sky.

Dash got to prove to all she was no joke. She was something special. Soul will do the same. Here, with Nimbus and Starry there to watch her. Watch her become a big girl once and for all. Who can leave behind her troubles. I’m not that foal anymore begging for a pony to help me. I have the ponies there to help me and I’m there for them. They all get to see what it is I can do.

“I won’t hold back. You can count on it.” Soul flapped her wings in place. She wasn’t sure, but under that fierce look the colt had, she could swear she caught a small smile. Far below all of this was the finish line she had to cross first. Rejoin with the rest of the ponies. Let them all see her be the one to cross first. Surpass this challenge. Out there in the windy sky with so many clouds floating about and such a harsh breeze striking her. We couldn’t have chosen a better day to fly. Harsher weather… Soul bent her legs… meant more intense flying. She raised her butt to the sky. Joining with Aurora to prep together. Holding their wings out and ears perked. Soul rotated her ear. She had so much reason to be happy. To be amazed at the pony she could rely on.

Thank you so much, Dash.

6.31
The air broke behind them. One burst of thunderous air and then another right behind it. Soul felt the wings she recognized. That was it! Soul leapt into the sky. Curling herself up and over, turning and finding the rainbow maned filly across from her with the flag in her mouth. Shooting up from the clouds below. It took all of Rainbow’s strength to halt herself just short of running into Soul. Leaving the magenta filly with what she needed to do. Wasting no time as Spitfire shot out right behind her.

“Here!” Dash spat the flag out and tossed it to Soul. Accepting it in her teeth. Reeling her head back and then… her wings curled and rose high in the air. Whipping her tail back to the one who she left behind. “Win this thing!” Dash yelled. She caught Spitfire just as she flew in to Aurora with her flag. “I got it!” Soul flapped her wings.

She flew off.

6.32
Dash watched her flight buddy soar off. Turning her head when the wind smacked hard against her and… shivers went down her from the smack of a thunderclap roaring out when the magenta filly shot off. Sweet Celestia!

Soul disappeared into the sky… then another crack of thunder. Aurora flew off after her. Both ponies spiraling down into the sky below. Out of sight in an instant. Dash exhaled hard. Settling down on the top of the cloud. Just falling on to her back. She couldn’t do this anymore. Not with her wings aching and all the sweat falling from her. I… did it. Wow, they’re both fast. Guess I did it, huh Soul? Dash had pulled it off. Please win. I know you can.

Dash looked over to the filly who settled down next to her. Panting hard. No better than Dash was. Dash could laugh. But she didn’t. Spitfire really was quite a challenge. Their time was done, now it was up to their flight buddies. Prove me right, Soul. “I totally beat you, by the way” Dash said. Spitfire shot her a look. “Shut it.”

Part 1 Illusion - Act 7

7.1
Dash played her part, now it was Soul’s turn. As spectacular as she could have hoped. Here she was ready to prove herself the same to Dash. With determination in her face, Soul flew off. Spinning her way down the along the wall of the thunderhead and plummeting down to where it was she needed to go. Wind soaring, the skies roiling. She blitzed forth with all her might. Leveling out off towards the great and vast race course beyond.

Rows upon rows of arranged clouds all set out into a neat and tightly packed course that spanned all across most of the camp. Where all the more advanced groups would train, now it was her turn to use it. All of it like a maze built into the sky with so many checkpoints made out of circular clouds for pegasi to fly right through them. Set up to lead right back down the entire height of the thunderhead and then to the finish line beyond. Somewhere down there, Soul was eager to reach it. Under all these layers of clouds and harsh winds. Ripping off from the mighty thunderhead looming high over her. With only those checkpoints to guide her. Those little breaks in all the clouds beneath this beautiful day above her.

I won’t fail this. Soul was not intimidated at all. Obstacles like this were nothing. Gladly coming right in at the first checkpoint with so much speed that the wind broke into echoing blasts all around her that nearly split her ears. Could have even torn apart all the clouds surrounding the first checkpoint as she zipped right through it and into the world inside of it. Thank you, Dash, for giving me a head start.

Soul glanced back for not even a second and saw him filling her vision. Fierce and strong. His wings flapping so hard with his own flag tight in his teeth. I really do owe you and thank you for being the one to be my teammate in this.

7.2
The only thing about this was keeping track of all the checkpoints. Soul spotted the next one far below where the clouds barely broke under the rays of the Sun to expose it. She turned hard right, spinning down and going right at it. All the clouds filling her vision. Just like I practice all the time.

Soul dodged left and corkscrewed herself around the next sets of clouds. Spiraling with such power along their sides and letting them pass faster than she could blink. I wonder how Dash performed in these conditions. Hope they weren’t as bad as this. This being the blankets and blankets of clouds in her way along the path of the course. Coming in at her with such quick ferocity. Her speed was incredible. Almost too hard to control and, somehow, Aurora stayed on her tail.

He is quick. Well then.

Soul banked hard left and went around the first layers of clouds. Such a tough series of dodges and spins to get around all of them. She couldn’t blink at this point. Her eyes darting to keep track of all. Watch them all pass by her in an instant then having to quickly readjust for the next ones that came in. Such small breaks in these clouds and she took advantage of all of them. Only one thing stood out. Soul didn’t hear him. Those flaps of wings behind her. But… she took a quick look. Past all the many clouds she flew past. He was there.

Aurora plummeted down with her at the other side of all the clouds. Seeing his long mane flow behind him with every tiny break between the walls of clouds. Neck and neck. Oh no. Soul took to watching in front of her again. Gotta keep my speed up. Another big cloud came in. Just like I practiced. One!

Soul reeled her wings forward, reaching out with her hooves to land hard against the surface of the cloud. Listening close behind her. Here it comes. Two!

The cloud spun about under her weight, so big but it couldn’t resist. Not with all this power on it. Forcing it to rotate and then… three.

The wind came in. Carried in by all the speed Soul had put out and roaring to catch up with the one who made it.

7.3
Soul shot off from the cloud. Zipping right past where she saw Aurora. That’s more like it! Soul laughed. Her voice shrouded by the howl of wind coming over her. All of it soaring over her body, coursing through her wings. Like tender streams of cool water dripping between her feathers and feeling so very nice to enjoy once more. The wind along her ears and the air breaking before her. A blaze of bluish white opening before her.

She flew right through it all. Kicking her wings to flap hard once more and thunder ripped out from behind her. Breaking past the layers of clouds and she flew through the next checkpoint. Her wings came back up, turning and she spun herself upright. Flying off into the sky once more in time to avoid the clouds that were in her way.

Aurora came into sight. Flying off straight from the checkpoint and his fiery eyes came in at her. Joining with her. A mad dash along the straight and narrow path through the clouds. Where the rays of sunlight pierced through the top and warmed their backs. Wind rushing across and between all the clouds they both flew past. He is fast, but I’m not upset. Not upset at all. Soul passed by. Keeping her little lead ahead of him. Hearing the cheers of other ponies so quick before they both passed them in an instant. Soul couldn’t even take time to catch sight of them, though she grinned. Hope they enjoy this.

The next checkpoint was up ahead. Off where she saw many more kids floating about along the sides of the cloudy walls they both flew between. Peering down at both of them rocketing off so fast that Soul did not hear anything they said. Any noise they made. Only the sound of the wind in her ears. “You’re not holding back, I see!” Aurora yelled out behind her.

“Never will!” Soul said. She tilted her wings and arced herself so she flew sideways to dodge an incoming cloud. Aurora passing by the same way at the other side of it. His belly to hers. So close that their flapping wings could almost touch tips in their rotations. The checkpoint was coming in fast. Soul saw it, a sharp turn downwards after it. There was nothing but clouds after that checkpoint. “Glad to see you’re at least fast!” Aurora said. He leveled himself out next to her. Soul did the same. Spinning up to fly over him. Ready for the turn. Both ponies squinting eyes, not taking eyes off that tight turn. He’s gonna make a sharp turn downwards. From this angle… Soul smiled. I got this.

7.4
The turn came, both of them passing through the narrow checkpoint and into the tiny window they had before they would crash right into the clouds. Soul used them. She spun about. Putting her back to the earth below and angling her wings to face the oncoming clouds. Right when Aurora made his turn below her. Soul flapped hard. Sending all the wind she could use to gust out from her wings and strike the clouds she almost collided into. Such momentum. Pushing against her, Soul flew off from that turn. Perfectly. Faster than she expected. Though more speed was not bad. Not when she saw the colt pass behind her and getting her lead once more. Barely.

Sheesh, she didn’t know he was this good. Every chance she had to overtake him and it barely counted for much. The colt right on her tail. Really not liking how it was they kept going back and forth with their places. If this was just straight up speed, I would dominate him. But… this crap.

Soul dodged around the next sets of clouds in their way. Big groups of them she had to zigzag around just like Aurora did. But complaining won’t work. Soul would need to use all she had to do this. For Rainbow Dash and for the ponies who trained her. Another checkpoint straight forward between the clouds and then the next was another tight turn that Soul had to grit her teeth around her flag for just to prevent it from falling with how much it took for her to take that turn at such speeds. Almost threw her off when the wind came in and struck her during that turn. Bobbing from it and then leveling out. Kind of wishing that wind would have messed Aurora up. It didn’t. Too bad. But Soul would not let that get to her.

She didn’t even blink when she made the next turn and that colt flew in right next to her. I don’t know what it is you had to go through, Aurora, but you really do seem like you put a lot of effort into what it was you told your mother. I can tell it is true drive. Unfortunately, you’re up against me. Your goals give you power, but I have confidence in my goals. They are what let me fly this fast. Going from that pathetic and crying filly into something like this. A pony who soared high over the incoming layers of clouds that dotted the sky and barreled back down under them with a screeching plummet to the next cloud checkpoint. Falling headlong down the height of the thunderhead. Thunder cracked. Not from the cloud.

7.5
Aurora shot by in that mad dive down through the clouds. His tail whipping past and taking the next turn before Soul could. Damn it. You’re not getting away.

Soul made the turn. Rearing back up and shooting forward past a break in the walls of clouds. Soaring back up into the sunlight. Open sky once more. Aurora flew off ahead of her. The colt tilted his wings and flew off sideways. Falling down and flying off. Down to far below where the camp was. Soul did the same. Except. She did something first.

Nimbus taught me this. When you’re diving, it is hard to control your wings and you are more relying on gravity to carry you. But there is a way to use both to your advantage and gives you a ton of speed. That was what she did say. Soul carried it out.

Aurora plummeted. Soul curved herself downwards. Flying straight and down towards the clouds below… at an angle. Just enough for her to do a quick spin and readjust herself so she flew down in the same direction as Aurora, save for one little difference. Soul flapped her wings hard. Not falling straight down like he did, and Soul saw it. His wings held out still. Riding the wind. A good tactic. But… Soul didn’t ride it. She controlled it.

Flapping her wings with her angled fall down through the sky. Looking and seeing she may just do it. Fly right over Aurora. Towards the next checkpoint. Just don’t let up. But it was getting hard. Her angled dive fighting against her. So much wind striking her face like it was a whip. It almost hurt. A bump in the air hit her. There it is. The air was getting rougher. Choppy skies coming in the lower she got.

Soul tucked her hind legs in against her stomach. Holding her forelegs out. Flying right over Aurora. Before he could level out. She did it first. Thank you, Nimbus. Soul shot past him. Careening in past the checkpoint. An angled dive, that made it so much easier. Soul grinned with all this force behind her that she used to fly back up. Spotting the assortments of clouds far below the thunderhead they had left behind. Rising to the sky once more.

7.6
Up there, Soul could see more of the others. Peering out over their clouds in time to see Soul fly past them. Enter the next set of the course. “You’re not gonna win.” Aurora flew in. Sliding over her and keeping his position high above her. Sweat flicking off his face.

Soul glared. I will win. I fought so much for this chance. Had to put up with so much pain just to get this ability to feel this strong. I won’t lose it. A cloud broke up the two. Soul flew under it. Aurora over. Soul kicked her wings back into gear, putting as much pressure as she could to get herself flying back up to get around another one. Entering another huge field of them. Clustered so tight but it was in sight. Soul saw the next checkpoint. Hard to see behind all these clouds. Beneath the shadow of the thunderhead, both of them soared. Where no Sun touched them. Soul could still see it all. Dodging left and right. Spinning and weaving the same way that Aurora did. Like the colt did a mirrored move with her. Like they both danced together in the sky. Flying past one another and leveling out once more and then repeating.

Soul exerted her wings. They kept pumping. Flapping without pause. Fighting for the one they loved. No grievance or worry could stop them. Not with all she had to work with. All she had to fight for. It was worth fighting for. All these ponies will see how I truly am.

7.7
Both of them passed through the ring, circling upwards and off towards the next. Flying back up to where the thunderhead was. Fighting hard against the oncoming winds. Strongly hitting back at them. Barely slowing Soul down. She didn’t let it. All the power she could muster. Kicking her wings against it. She was used to flying in wind. This is nothing. She kept her eyes almost shut with how bad it was getting. Amazed she still heard Aurora next to her.

Dash, you had one hell of an opponent to race, but this guy is something else. It won’t deter her. It never would. Her wings buckled. Soul widened her eyes. Just as the stinging wind struck her face. She screeched a little. Skidding to a halt and holding her hooves before her. Right as the wind rushed hard against her. Coming in like somepony just ran into her. Not even her wings could flap against it. Taking so much just to keep herself aloft.

Thunder cracked from the massive, black cloud above. Oh no, looks like the storm is starting up. Pinning her down under that maelstrom of wind. She could only not panic just because Aurora sat there next to her. Shielding his eyes from the wind. Barely flapping his own wings to keep himself up. Not normal wind Soul was used to. This is stuff she’d expect full grown pegasi to deal with or pegasi more tuned with terrible weather. She couldn’t just sit here. She had a job to do.

The next ring was high above, rocking under the gale of wind. Inside of a big grouping of black clouds. Right underneath the foot of the mighty thunderhead. I came this far… Soul looked along it. All the rings placed along the bottom of the cloud. We get to fly under it. This was going to be something else. Flying with a thunderstorm. Soul will not back down. Grunting and keeping herself in place. All her strength needed so the wind didn’t send her flying away. She peered off. Looking along the sky. Forget this.

7.8
Soul spun about, finally making her wings flap and all her power sent her flying off across the sky. Hearing another flap of wings. Aurora followed off after her. Guess he’s getting the same idea. Forget flying against the force of the wind. We’re going around it. She flew straight along the width of the clouds above. Feeling the wind come down on her back. Trying to push her down. Right over all the layers of clouds they both had flown through before. High over the entire camp.

Soul kept herself fixed on the goal ahead. Getting out from the path of the wind. Her wings beat hard. Her breathing rapid. Finally getting her first bead of sweat coming off her face. Where is it? Where? Soul waited for the moment. Wait for the wind to let up and tell her where it was she needed to be. This was going to be hard. She needed to be precise. He was right there on her tail. I’ve never flown a race like this before. They are usually so uneventful and calm. Never this scary. But… it sure was thrilling. She loved it. This really was thrilling and to think she could do this now. At camp. In front of everypony else. They never get to see me fly like this.

The air rippled and another howl of thunder sounded off from the colt behind her, flying past her. Soul didn’t let off what she did. Her wings kept flapping. Harder. Even harder. A bump in the air, the feeling of wind going along her back. All this adrenaline that went through her. May as well be like she was at home training. This was the life. A crack went off behind her. Right as she turned upwards with Aurora. Right when the wind ceased, and both ponies flew straight up. Up towards the thunderhead. With a smile on her face. This was the life.

7.9
Soul leveled out with Aurora. Their straight rise into the sky. Side by side. Neck and neck. Nothing stopped the two in their dead tie with one another. Coming in at the sky of black clouds above them. The entire bulk of the thunderhead. How close can we go? I think Aurora knows as well as I do. The entire world was silent and still, Soul didn’t blink. Waiting for her opportunity. To get as close as possible. The first to pass this storm, they would win. Soul knew this to be true. With her wings starting to hurt and Aurora panting. This was coming close.

She couldn’t tell how much longer she could go, but it was a blast. She loved this so much! Soul spun back and straightened out once more. One last time. With Aurora next to her. Their last dash across the sky. The final go. How it was, she never could have seen herself being like this. Flying this fast to where she couldn’t even hear anything but the wind. Her back right to the foot of this thunderstorm where the darkness covered all she saw. A ceiling of black clouds as far as she could see. Like she could reach up and touch it with how close she was. But she wasn’t afraid. Light filled her sight. Shining bright over them. Lightning.

A bolt of blue coursing out from the cloud above them. Reaching out ahead of them and disappearing in an instant. Not afraid at all. This was not something worth being afraid of. Not at all. She clenched the flag. So tight, it may break under her teeth. Hard to control with how much she smiled. This. This is how I always saw flying. Surpassing any obstacle that presents itself and doing all I can to achieve that which is set before me. Where she needed to dodge and circle as lightning shot out around them. Never letting up on her speed. Because that is what is expected of you. You are expected to perform perfectly. To never let up on your ability. To always surpass everything that was in your way. As long as you get the thrill at the end. But it was not that thrill she wanted, for she had it now. That thrill was how she always saw flying. Before.

7.10
But that mare was wrong. She was always wrong. She was wrong in her expectations of me. She was wrong to leave me. Now, I leave her behind. Because I don’t need her. Everything was a lie. Soul could not see herself doing this if she was how she used to be. Skimming so close to thunderous skies. The wind so harsh and the sky frigid. Yet her wings went on. She did not give in, keeping with Aurora at her side. Both of them doing all they could to dodge the hail of lightning and wind. This is hard. So hard. So dangerous. I couldn’t expect anypony to see me go through this. They would see me as weak. Never able to do this. So many saw me as weak. That is how I was for so long. Now look at me.

Mom. Wherever you are.

I wish you could be here to see your little girl fly like this. Because she finally got the push she needed. How else could I fly like this in front of everypony? On into the horizon where she would be able to perform like this for everypony. All of Cloudsdale. Equestria. To know that nothing is out of reach. That a pony like her can become something amazing and overcome the real obstacles. The real storm clouds. Break through it all and find a much better place. I could only do it… because of the ponies who do care for me. Thank you so much Nimbus and Starry. Thank you for all the years. All your teachings. All your kindness.

Now, I do this for you… and for one more. I do this so she can see what it’s like to fly without fear. Without anything holding you back. The pony I can truly say has become the light of my life. None other could be there for her. Now Soul will do it for her. So nothing holds her back too. When Rainbow Dash will see what it is to feel this way. The rush in her body. The sensation running all along her. Like soft little touches that made her feel so soothed that she may just fall asleep.

7.11
“Soul!” A voice broke next to her. “How? How can you fly like this?” Aurora banked next to her. Doing all he could to pass her. Nothing stopped them from their tied flight. “How can you do this like it’s nothing?”

I can tell from the sweat on your face and the fear in your eyes. That reason why I can. It’s something he needs to learn. “Why did you hide it?” Soul smiled. Closing her eyes. Looking away from the world in front of her and joining only with that loving sensation over her.

Why? Same reason as it always was. Since day one. When she didn’t feel anything except for the one gnawing thing on her mind. Up until today. Right here and now. She felt even more. In the darkness that she saw, surrounded by the coursing wind and loving touch of the sky, she felt so much more. She was comfortable. After so long. Like the world was her own for just this split second. When the sky was the one who opened itself to her after all the pain that she felt. Yet it still loved her. Just like all the other ponies in her life. So few of them but she could not ask for anything better. The few she had, those were the ones that counted most. The ones she loved. Because of this, she could say it. That she truly felt that there was a pony out there who was her family.

Rainbow Dash, no other pony has done for me what you did. Not even my own mother. For that, I feel this way now. Free from that terrible feeling. “Because I was scared. Like I was for most of my life.” No more. How else could she fly like this over the camp with so many watching her? Like all of Cloudsdale could see her. Flying no different than she would with Nimbus. This is the way I dream of flying. This is the life. With a loving feeling over her and the air comforting her. She could calmly breathe and let loose a smile. As long as I have wings, I can be there to inspire other ponies. I truly can thanks to all that the ponies in my life did for me. Picking me up off the ground and helping me. I love them for that. I love you, Dash. That is why… “I love flying.”

The world fell still.

7.12
Soul opened her eyes. Tilting her wings and dodging. Feeling the trickle of a tingling sensation over her. She felt it. Felt it was coming. Running through the wind. Exactly what it was that she felt and she avoided it.

Lightning shot out. Separating her from Aurora.

The frightened colt yelping and left behind. Forced to stop before he would run into the bolt. One that Soul zipped away from. Rumbles in the sky. A ripple in the air. Soul did what she felt was right. It all came to her. Lightning shot out so quick. In front of her. More and more. Soul could not stop smiling. Nor could it stop her.

I feel it all. I can sense it all. Left. Right. None of them could get in her way. Soul dodged around them all. The last volley of bolts the sky had to offer and they were not the things that would stop her. Not with the sky like this. With the world like this. Where it all stood still for her to be the one to surpass it all. I feel so alive now. I love this feeling. I love flying. Holding her wings out. Letting that gust of wind roiling behind her catch up and slam right into her wings. Carrying her forward. No more need to be worried. Nothing left in her way. This is what it is that we were trying to reach. This sensation from before. The same one. Soul recognized it and knew for a fact what it was she had just accomplished.

I can feel it. I did it! Soul laughed. Curving her wings up. Right then when the great thunderhead above her was left behind and she flew straight up into the bright, blue sky. Up to the clouds and to where all were cheering. Cheering for the one pony who shot up in a hail of wind. Soul flew in. Watching all the clouds around her sway away from the power she let out. Her mighty wings holding firm. Skidding her to a halt. Only enough, that she could sense, to give her that last boost she needed to pass under that checkered banner.

Landing down on the cloud with a graceful tap of her hooves. Holding her wings out. She sighed. One last giggle.

I did it.

7.13
Cheering sounded out all around her. Like music to her ears. The most lovely sound. The thrill in the air and… they all chanted her name.

“Soul!” “Soul!” “Soul!” Enough to make her even want to shake in happiness. For once. Without fear. She felt she could cry right now with a tear in her eye. No point in it. She let it happen. Both tears falling down her cheeks. As she laughed. Her tears of joy. Listening to her name and all the kids around her. Perched atop all the clouds, from so many of the camp’s groups. Younger and older. Campers and instructors. Dozens or even a hundred. So many pegasi who flocked around her. Her, the winner of the race.

I’m the winner. I’m a winner. This… this was the happiest moment of her life. No more name calling. No more insults or cold shoulders. Everypony cheered her name and hovered around her. More than happy to be there with her. Landing on the cloud she proudly stood on. Kids she recognized and others she didn’t. None of that mattered, they all wanted to be there to see her. To make her feel so happy for what it was she had pulled off. Much like… the first day of camp. This is how it was. The same result. Now, it was better. Because all that pain that had been caused was now left behind. Lost in the wind and filling that void only with the happy smiles and joyful words given to her. All the ponies who gathered around her. “You did it, Soul!” “Wow, she’s so awesome!” “I wanna fly with her someday!” The fillies fawning over her wings. Even some colts blushing up on the clouds. Looking away from her.

This is far better than before. I can’t complain. I can’t be upset. Soul only congratulated herself. Loving what it was she pulled off. Going so far. So very far. From this morning. From yesterday. From all those weeks and all of autumn. I got past it all and came out stronger than before. So much so that she knew what it was she loved and who it was she had to thank for it.

7.14
Like something clicked, they all fell silent. All the ponies around her. Glancing off and getting the message. Something that went on along them all that left Soul curious of why the sudden silence and why they all started to part. Stepping aside. Giving her room. Just so Soul could see. She looked to her. The pony who stood across from them all. Who walked down across the cloud between all the other ponies. The only one here who could make her smile so deeply. Rainbow Dash.

“Dash.” Soul ran off. Running right into her. She couldn’t even stop it. Soul threw her hooves around the filly. Pressing her head into her chest. Holding her so tight. Dash closed her own hooves around Soul. Not afraid at all. Nothing stopping them both from hugging in front of everypony else. Soul didn’t care who saw them. Looked like Dash didn’t either. She set her own head on top of Soul’s shoulder. Whispering into her ear. “Soul, you did it. You won.”

“We won, Dash. We won.” Soul gripped her hard. Running her warm fur over her and crying into her chest. So very happy to do this with her. That they did this together. How far we both came. You were just that mysterious filly sitting atop a cloud with such a loving and longing gaze that left me so lost, and afraid when I had no idea if you were one to trust. If you were the one who would be that pony I needed. All that trouble we went through. All those moments we had. Some painful and some not so much. But it was all meant to lead to this. For us to succeed together. “We did it together.”

7.15
“You all hear that?” Dash said, lifting her head up. Gently putting a hoof around Soul’s chin and lifting her up to look upon them all side by side. Soul did not let go of her. Neither did Dash. “Soul and I are a team. You mess with one of us, you mess with both. Because she’s my flight buddy.” Dash. Soul smiled deeper. That’s so sweet of her. “You’re my flight buddy too” Soul said of her. “And nothing will stop us from being the best.”

They both got it now, all the ponies cheered for both of them. The two flyers who just beat everything that held them back. Even more than that. Soul did not care if they accomplished this. That wasn’t important. What was important was… they both could be there to reach that end together. The first pony in her life to cross that finish line with her. But the cheers were helpful too. Looked like Dash was loving it, glancing to all the ponies and smiling to herself. A big and toothy grin. So full of herself. She deserved it. Soul threw her hooves around her again. “Thank you so much for being there for me.” “Don’t thank me” Dash said. “It’s what I should have done in the first place. I should be thanking you.” She whispered under the loud cheers of everypony else, holding Soul and looking at her. Sincere in her voice.

“You taught me something today. I shouldn’t just fly for myself, I should do it for others too. Ponies like you. I’ll be that awesome flyer someday.” “I will too, I’ll keep training and we can do it together. We can be an awesome team” Soul said. Dash nodded. Her smile grew. “Promise me that, because I won’t stop till you and I are the greatest flyers in Equestria.” Soul widened her eyes. The greatest?! Together? That sounded like a tall order right there… but oh so sweet sounding. Even so, even if it was too hard to imagine right now, Soul had to admit. They did make a killer team. They were awesome together. Perhaps we really were meant to be flight buddies. More than that. Way more. “Only if you promise me one thing” Soul said. “Something a team like us should be.” “Name it” Dash said. “Can I be your wingpony?” Soul asked her. Forget flight buddies. No more of that nonsense. Dash and I are gonna be the greatest. So I’ll gladly be the pony at her side wherever it is the wind takes us.

“Only if you let me be yours.” Soul laughed. So happy to hear that. That wonderful offer. Of course! “Deal!” Soul and Dash struck hooves together. “We’ll be the best flyers in Equestria!”

7.16
“Alright, everypony” a voice came in over them all. The shadow of their great wings overcoming them all. Silencing all the many fillies and colts who had gathered. Calming it all. Nimbus settled down on the cloud. Her and Starry and… Dash’s parents? Windy and that must be her dad. Soul looked over both of them. Wow, they really do have such a likeness to her. Breaking up all the commotion but, none complained. Not with the care in Nimbus’ voice. How wide her smile was. She tried to put on a face of authority, didn’t work. Soul could see it and it made her happy.

Nimbus was proud. Holding her head up high, that joy in her voice. Trying to hide it. But she saw she had done a good job. They both did.

“Free time is over” Nimbus called out across the clouds. “I don’t want any of you to be late so let’s all clear out, okay.” She signaled them all to head off. But all four of the adults looked a bit impatient, looking around waiting. All the kids let out this displeasure. Groaning and complaining about having to go back to routine once again, though none of them fought it. Fillies and colts flew off in every direction. Going off to join with their groups. Guided away by the other instructors. Soul watched them all. Waiting and wondering if they should leave too. Lots of the kids looked back to her and Dash. So many smiles among them. A few waved back to her. Soul waved to them. Really feeling like… this was the change she wanted. They liked her now. They really did. All it took was to show I wasn’t a weak pony anymore. That and… she looked to the pony she didn’t let go of. To have one there for me. To stick up for me. We did this together.

“Soul!” That startled her. A familiar voice behind them. One pony did not leave. Hanging there in the air to hover over both of them. Really risking getting in trouble. Both of them were. Because she wasn’t alone.

7.17
Spitfire and Aurora. Both pegasi there. Taking a moment to land on the cloud with them. “Can we talk to them first?” Spitfire asked the adults. Nimbus nodded. “Only for a minute.” Spitfire smiled. The fiery maned Pegasus stepping forward to the two fillies who hugged one another. Shaking her head in amusement but she gave off that look. She was happy to see them like this. Nothing that made Soul feel at all like she had to run. No fear of this pony. After what happened before, it was good to stand with her right now. Face to face.

“Congratulations, Soul. You really blew my mind up there. You both did.” She turned to Dash. “Dash, expect a rematch sometime. I ain’t done with you yet.” “Bring it” Dash said with confidence. Warming Soul’s heart. Because both those fillies laughed with one another. Especially since Spitfire could say “Well done, you two. You both make an awesome team. Some of us can learn things from you.” “Thank you, Spitfire.”

Soul accepted her words and Spitfire did the same. Like nothing bad happened between them. Soul could say for sure… this was the Spitfire from before who liked her. Maybe I really did earn something here. I really did. Still, it hung on Soul’s mind. She had to be sure.

“I’m sorry for what happened before” Soul said. The yellow filly shook her head, quickly getting back into the air. Waving her off. “Ah, don’t worry about it. But maybe some other pony should apologize” she looked down to the colt with them. Aurora sighed. “You two really are something else, keep flyin’” Spitfire zipped off. That meant so much to Soul. A huge weight off her. Spitfire was happy. Happy for them. I thought she would be upset. Not at all, that filly congratulated her. She wasn’t so bad at all. Nothing to be afraid of. Soul hoped to be able to be there to see her and Dash race. It brightened both of them up. Only before they both had to look down to the colt standing before them with his head down and eyes to the cloud.

7.18
Aurora sifted a hoof along the cloud. Keeping his eyes beneath his bright mane, breathing harshly with what was left of how exhausted he must be. He put up a good fight but… too bad for him. Soul proved to be too much, and she hoped that got into his head. That she was no pushover. She was the real deal when it came to flying and no pain would stop her from reaching that final goal that she loved. The taste she got today. That she and the sky truly had become one. Something all young pegasi strived for. Something I know he does. After all, he promised that to another pony. But…

“I hope you see…” Soul said to him. “I won’t give up on reaching my dream. Nothing can stop me from it… because it’s what I love. I’m going to keep training and I won’t hold back ever again. I hope you can see that now and how wrong you were about me.” Soul looked down at him. “That’s why I beat you. It’s not just about the goal you feel is set out for you, it’s about doing what it is you love. Doing it how you want. I love flying, I’ll never give up on it. Now that I have somepony there for me.”

Soul looked to Dash. She did the same. This is what we both wanted from the start and we did it all for ourselves. Now, now Soul felt there was nothing that the two of them couldn’t do together. If they could come out this happy after all they went through, what could stop them? What could stop Soul from seeing Dash how she did now? More than just that rainbow maned filly. Much, much more.

Something moved in the corner of her eyes. The colt walked away, head low. Tail left to face both of them. Standing out at the edge of the cloud, he faced out to the sky. Grunting to himself. But not daring to look back at both of them. He couldn’t. Now that it was all over. But Soul heard him. His breathing. It calmed itself. “Soul, …keep flying. Don’t let anything take that from you.” His wings stretched out and Soul could only see him fly off, soaring down to the surface below and out of sight with one last line left to echo in the wind.

“I’m sorry.”

7.19
“Look what you just did” Dash said next to her. “You just got that guy to apologize. I’ve never seen him act like that before.” Not surprising. Guess nopony ever showed him that he was wrong. Soul was only glad she could get at least that out of him. But not just her. “We did it” Soul said. “If you hadn’t been there for me, I wouldn’t have been able to win.” “Oh… please…” Dash let go of her and put her hoof over her blushing face. “I didn’t do all the work. I just helped a little is all. Anypony could do it.” “Not anypony. Not all ponies are as nice and skilled as you are” Soul told her. She wouldn’t accept any write off of it. Dash was a monster flyer and she proved it today. All the ponies got to see it. Wait… “Everypony here got to see that for sure.” Dash shot a cold stare out to the sky. Mouth held agape. “Oh… yeah they did.” “And we’re all proud of you two” Nimbus said. Coming to join both of them. “You did it kiddo!” What?!

Soul couldn’t even react in time before two hooves shot out and grabbed hold of her. Pulling her deep into a hug… against Starry’s chest. The stallion ecstatic over her. So sudden at first. Soul wanted to pull away from it, only letting it happen when she got a second to breath. His wings coming over her. Sheesh, Starry rarely gets this way with me. He was always so reserved. Now here he was like some obsessed fanpony shrieking in amazement over her. “You’re even better than I was at your age. Maybe better than Nimbus too.” “Starry…” Nimbus said with annoyance.

Soul pushed herself up a little just to relieve the pressure on her from his tight hug. Not in front of… she looked. Finding that Dash was over there… smothered in hugs from her own father. The filly struggling to get free with all the “That’s my Dashie! Best flyer there is. I knew you could do it.” “Way to whip tail, honey!” Windy shouted over them both. “Mom! Dad!” Soul laughed at Dash. “I think you mean they’re both the best flyers” Starry chided in over Soul. Looking over to Dash’s father. “You know it! Our two girls are unstoppable!” Dash’s dad was so quick to go right back to squeezing Dash against him. I thought Starry was being rough. Soul did not want to be caught in that hug. Looked real bad with how much Dash was struggling to get out of it. Flailing her hooves around and yelling out “Dad!” Soul, she couldn’t care what they did. Right now… she accepted her hug. Loving that they were getting this from them. Really like they did earn something here. Starry doesn’t hug me that often. Soul liked it. Rubbing her nose into his chest. “Did I do good?” Soul asked him.

7.20
“Of course you did” Starry said down to her. Calming down so he could talk. “I’ve never seen you fly like that before. It was the best thing I’ve seen in a long time. You made me proud, Soul. Both of us are.” “We are so proud of you” Nimbus said with him. Joining them. Soul felt her put her nose against the back of Soul’s head and the mare laughed. Such joy in her voice. “Thank you so much for helping me” Soul told them. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Anything for Equestria’s future best flyers” Nimbus said. That sounded so beautiful. Dash and me. Future best flyers. I can just see us now, both of us being those amazing flyers that all can look up to and see what happens when you chase your dreams. Soul could say right now that it all started here. Today. This was the day. The day we joined together… she looked over to Dash who had now fallen into a warm and soft hug with Windy. No longer fighting. No longer worried. The filly happy inside her mother’s embrace. Like none were watching her. When we became wingponies.

“Soul…” Nimbus said next to her. Her voice soft and gentle. Like a switch was flicked. “You did it, didn’t you?” “Huh?” Soul cocked her brow. Making Nimbus smile. “It’s kind of hard to tell… but it became a part of you. I could feel it. When you flew. That last move you made. It was the same look in your eyes that I had when it first happened to me. You figured it out, Soul.”

Soul clenched on to Starry tighter. Looking away from her. Only thinking back over it all. That sensation that she had. It was just like the first time it happened. Something so intense in her. So strong and amazing. Where the world was just a little piece of the sky she was in, something she could reach out and touch. For only that moment, she saw it all. Felt it all. But it was there, she had sensed it.

7.21
“You mean…?” “I knew there something special about you” Nimbus said. “Even I couldn’t figure it out as fast as you did. I can’t even tell you how much you amaze me.” Nimbus looked up to Starry, then Soul was lowered. Pushed over to her. She accepted it, as Starry gave her up and Soul hugged Nimbus. Held deep in her warm and large wings where her legs held her tight and Nimbus put her head down atop Soul’s head. Whispering down to her. “Never, ever think you aren’t a good flyer. Never sell yourself short. Because you can even make a master like me proud of you. Someday, you’ll be better than me. And you don’t know how happy that makes me.”

Soul smiled. Burying her tearful face into Nimbus. Loving what she said. She loved it so much. To be told that. I really am special. After so many ponies made me feel I wasn’t. Soul could not be more thankful for this day.

“Keep on flying, champ. Keep on flying.” “I will” Soul said. Because I have ponies like these in my life now. Ones I can hug like this. A moment she wanted to last forever. “You really are lucky, Soul. Because you have another in your life who you can rely on. Don’t let her go” Nimbus whispered that to her and both of them glanced to Dash.

“You know, she did it too…” Soul told her. “Yeah…” Nimbus agreed. “Windy, Bow. You got a pretty amazing daughter right there” Nimbus said to Dash’s parents. All of them nodded to one another. Letting Soul and Dash go. Dropping from their hugs so both fillies could come join one another. Laugh to each other. Feel so proud of themselves. “You did it, Dash.” “We did it” Dash said. “Yes, you did” Nimbus said. Staring at Soul. “Guess training her my technique worked out in the end? Right?” Oh yeah… that’s right. Soul gulped. She didn’t sound too happy about it. But… it was to help her. We both want to be great flyers so… it just sounded right to teach her how to do it. Soul held her tongue. Both her and Dash looking at one another and then to Nimbus. “I didn’t know it was a secret” Dash whispered. “Neither did I.”

7.22
“I’m sorry” Soul said. “I didn’t know I couldn’t teach it to her.” “Oh Soul” Nimbus waved a hoof. Pleased with herself once more. “I never said that. I am a teacher after all so I shouldn’t be upset if you kids learn something.” “Wait, you’re not mad?” Dash asked. “Not at all, and I can think of no better pony to learn the technique than Soul’s very own wingpony.” “So we both get to keep practicing it?” Soul asked. Nimbus had no problem with it. Nodding her approval. That both of them could be the skilled wingponies they both sought to be for one another. Like a whole path was set forth for them. This was great! Dash and I both know how to do it!

“So does this mean we can both pull off daredevil stunts and do high speed flying?!” Dash blurted out. Windy laughed. Really loud. Confusing because all of the adults around them started laughing. What? Soul was also sure that they would be ready. Wasn’t that the point of this? All of the training for it? Nimbus walked up to both of them, calming herself down.

“You both have a lot of training to do before you both can tackle that type of flying. Strength training, speed tests and aerial controls. Plus you need to master the technique itself. You both know how to do it, but it takes a while before it becomes second nature. Masters aren’t made overnight.” She proudly arced her head high to the sky and walked past the two of them. Soul looked down to the cloud she sat on. At least the found out how to do it. Found just how wonderful that feeling was. She pulled off the first move of many. Soul’s ears flicked up. Right when something touched her back. Turning her around and finding Nimbus’ outstretched wing brushed against her back, and the mare grinning at her.

“You see, still haven’t mastered it yet.” That made Soul realize it. She still couldn’t sense when Nimbus would do that. How long will this take? Kind of depressing to think it wasn’t good enough.

7.23
“Don’t be so down, you figured it out. Faster than I did when I was your age. You really blew me away” Nimbus said. “I’m also very impressed Dash could figure it out too.” She looked to Windy. “You have a talented daughter.” Flattering, to all of them. Soul agreed. They both were pretty kickass. “Yay, more training” Dash said so low. Rolling her eyes and livening up her voice. “Well, at least we figured it out. Besides, I’m pretty sure being able to keep track of everything around me will come in handy someday.” Just how amazing that would be. They really could be the best flyers around. Soul couldn’t wait. Just how many years would she have to wait? It was frustrating. Just one small comfort, that they both got out of this together. Her and Dash. For them to give one another that final hoofbump right now.

Awesome flyers! Together. Soul loved it.

“Alright you two, we need to get activities started now” Nimbus said. “So time to join the others.” Something Soul had no problem with. But… “Nimbus, can Dash and I hang out after camp?” “I don’t see why not” Nimbus said as she trotted off. Taking to the air over all of them. “Be back home before dark though. I got a certain colt’s father to talk to after camp anyways.” Soul threw her hooves around Dash. Cheering in her joy. Loving it when Dash ran her hoof over her mane. Laughing with her. “Yeah, I think both of us need to get to work now” Dash’s parents walked past too. Taking to the air alongside Starry and Nimbus. Joining with them to look down at the fillies. It warmed Soul’s heart. To see all of them so happy for them. That she truly did make something right happen. She made the right choice.

“We are all proud of you” Nimbus said. “Never give up, you two. You’ll both be the best wingponies ever.”

7.24
They just made it. The Sun was almost set. Cutting it close with how much time they spent at the sauna but Dash and Soul made it, landing on the porch of Soul’s house together. Not even a bead of sweat with how fast they flew. How worried they were to not make it in time, except for Dash. Soul couldn’t understand why she was so calm. Offering to fly her home first. She didn’t have much time to get home herself. Yet she stood there, happy as could be. Coming up with Soul to the door. Letting off her sighs of exhaustion.

“Well… I made it” Soul laughed. “Yeah!” Dash looked up to her under her mane. Whipping it back up. Well relaxed from their hours and hours at the sauna. Even her mane was still damp. Their wings given such a good time to rest after a hard day at camp. Hard for all the right reasons for once. No more pain or fear from it. No more. Not one mean word. Not one harsh stare. Nothing bad. Like a new page had been turned. The drop of a feather. She actually felt respected and strong. Able to fly through everything with such ease and joy. Holding nothing back anymore. Like she planned to do. From now on, she had no reason to hide or pretend. Things that will go on until she finished this autumn at camp and go on to newer and brighter skies. In the end, whenever that will be.

But she didn’t need to do it alone, she finally had another pony with her for the rest of her time here… and maybe even longer as she was hoping. Barely able to keep herself from gushing inside over it. Just how great will it be?! Soul almost freaked out while relaxing in the lake. Really looking forward to doing more things with Dash. Maybe even hang out longer. Oh no… she couldn’t do that. Not this late.

7.25
“Well, I think you should be heading home. Your mom will kill you if you’re late” Soul advised her. “You really wanna get rid of me that fast?” Dash surprisingly said. Sifting her hoof over the wooden floor to the porch and smiling. Much deeper than she usually did. Actually a bit alarming to Soul. Confusing too. She’s definitely joking now. The Sun was almost down. “I’m only a few minutes’ flight away from home so… I have a little time” Dash said.

“Time for what?” Soul cocked her head. Right when Dash flashed her wing over Soul and… she tugged right when the cyan filly ran off. Pulling Soul with her. “Come on!” Soul planted her hooves, barely stopping Dash’s wing from pulling her along the porch. Both looked at one another. “Wait, where are we going?” Soul asked. “Come on!” Dash said, tugging her wing on Soul. “I wanna show you something. It won’t take long. Then I’ll head home, promise.”

You’re really pushing it, Dash. Soul shrugged her shoulders. Agreeing to it. Hesitantly. Just as long as Dash didn’t pull her. Soul walked with her. Then turning to a gallop, the fillies running off the porch and across it. Soul following Dash to the side. Past where the waterfalls plummeted in the yard and finding a place amidst the rain water gently dripping down the roof of the house. Like small pellets slowly dropping among them. Soul still followed her. Wondering what it was she wanted to show her over here. At a place under where the rainbows rose high above them and showered them both in that lovely light. “You really do have a beautiful yard” Dash commented about it. Looking around at all of it. Her entire cyan body shining the same colors as her mane now. As did Soul. Under that light they stood together with. Soul knew it was beautiful. Especially at night. “Is this what you wanted to show me?” Soul asked. Dash shook her head.

“Nope, just a quieter place.” “For…?” Soul asked. Pushing herself closer to Dash. The filly smiled.

7.26
“Soul, you and I did very well today…” “Yeah we did!” Soul said. A hoof rose to her muzzle. Dash whispered. “Please let me talk, just for a little bit. When I first saw you, I didn’t think much of you. Just kind of interested in that little idea you had about flying. And I was really worried when you didn’t live up to it. It was hard to watch you treated that way, I didn’t think much on it. I actually didn’t want to do anything to help you. Didn’t even think I should come visit you that night and take you to the stadium. But… I’m so glad I did. Because if I didn’t… I wouldn’t be able to do this.”

Soul fell silent. Still… when Dash’s hooves came over her once more. Wrapping around her back and holding Soul tight. As tight as she could. Soul felt all her strength leave… leave when that filly pulled her so snug against her warm fur. Like it was something new. Something different.

This… this hug… Soul looked over to the filly holding her head against Soul’s shoulder. Smiling deep into her mane. So soft. Such a warm and caring smile on her. Made Soul’s legs feel weak. But she did her best. So hard to raise her forelegs up to lock together along Dash’s back. Couldn’t even say a word before that sweet and loving, raspy voice whispered right into her ear.

“Thank you so much. Soul Serenity. You taught me to be happy again. Happy with myself. You were right from the start. There are ponies who accept me, just like you. I never thought you would be that pony for me.” A tear went down Soul’s cheek. “You were right all along. Thank you for being there. Thank you so much.” “Dash… it was no problem” Soul whispered. She tightened her own hug around the pony. “You helped me too. Helped me see I’m not weak. That I can do great things. I shouldn’t attack myself.”

7.27
“Soul, you don’t need to call me Dash anymore” Rainbow said. “Please, call me Dashie.”

Dashie?

Soul felt her heart leap. Something like that… but… “Wasn’t that what your mom calls you.” “It’s what I let the ponies closest to me call me. She calls me that, but… I think my friends should be allowed to call me that too.” Soul shuddered. Pushing Dash away from her. Holding the crying cyan filly in her hooves face to face. Their eyes locked. Soul couldn’t breathe. Looking at this sweet filly before her. Who just said something so strong. So great to her. The one word she wanted to hear from another. The one thing that she had sought out of all of this.

“Did you just call me…”

“My friend” Dash said. “You’re my best friend, Soul. Of all the ponies I’ve met, none are like you.”

Her best friend. Soul cried. Tears streaming down and littering the clouds they stood upon in shining puddles under the rainbow light. “I’m your best friend?” “Yes, …Soul… can I be yours?” Soul’s heart ached. Like it was hollow with how much she began to cry. But it didn’t hurt. Not that way. It felt so good. So lovely. She fell in love with this feeling, and the words she was told. There was no way she could say otherwise, except for the words she wanted to give to this pony.

“Of course, you are, Dashie. You’re my best friend.” Pulling her right back in, in to that long and loving hug they shared. Like so many more. Soul couldn’t stop smiling. In a world filled with ponies who tried to hurt her, she finally found the one to make her happy. One she can call her best friend. The pony to play with. The pony to fly with. Tell stories to and enjoy life together. Spend holidays together. Like all the ponies Soul had envied. She got her wish. Here and now. To do even more together.

7.28
“Dashie, I’ll gladly be your best friend. We can do anything together, anything… and we will both be the best flyers of all time. Together.” Making Dash cry even more as she put her head against Soul’s chest. Soul combed her hoof through that rainbow mane. Telling her all she wanted to say. “We’ll be there to help each other and be together. Be there when the other is down. I’ll always be there by your side. Just like you’ve done for me. I promise.” “I’ll… do the same for you. I promise too” Dash cried into her fur.

Then… it was set. A promise for their future. It took a long time for the filly to lift her head up and wipe away the tears. “I didn’t give you an answer before” Soul said. “But I’d love to go with you to the Wonderbolts in the winter.” “You’ll love it” Dash said softly. “The Wonderbolts are the best thing you can see.” “Really…?” Soul asked. Leaning closer to Dash. Liking what she heard. After all, she always loved listening about this. Even more so now, now that Dash was going to be one of them. Soul knew it. “I can’t wait to see you fly with them and…” I vow to be there with her for everything. It’s a promise I’ll make for myself, and… it doesn’t sound too bad. Especially with how awesome it would be to see it come true.

“I’ll be a Wonderbolt with you.”

That made Dash smile more. As Soul would hope. She wanted to. If Wonderbolts are meant to inspire, then that is what I should do. Now that I know I can do it. Now that I have another pony there with me. “We’ll be the best Wonderbolts. We already will be the best flyers.” Dash leaned back and offered her hoof. Met by Soul’s. “All the way!” Dash shouted. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we get our cutie marks in flying. It’ll be so awesome.” She has the same thought? Soul wanted to see if hers would be about flying too. How great it would be for them to realize their talents together. Maybe for it to be the same thing. “It will be awesome. You and me.” “Together!” Dash said.

7.29
They both fell quiet. Soul peeling herself away to look at the downing Sun. Calm in her voice. “Looks like it’s time to get going.” “I really don’t want to leave” Dash said. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Dashie.” Rainbow chuckled at that. “It’s so weird to hear you call me that. I think I like it.” “Then I’ll keep calling you it” Soul said. “You better, but you need to do something for me in exchange for being allowed to call me that.” Oh come on, we’re friends after all, I need to do more. Soul wasn’t complaining. Really lost on what it was she wanted. “Okay… what is it?”

“This weekend, I want you to do something with me. Now that we aren’t playing around with flying anymore. I think we can do a little thing together… like a race?” Dash cocked her brow to her. Giving her a toothy grin. Such an arrogant grin. She wants to race me? Wow, Soul never expected such a request from her but… oh… that sounded too good. Soul found it hard to resist. After what she had seen from Dash, such a talented flyer. Maybe it can be good training. Or maybe a chance to whoop her tail. Is it wrong to be so eager to do this? Soul didn’t think so. “You’re on” she said. “I’d love to see which of us is faster.”

“It’ll be me” Dash said. “Whatever! I’m so much faster, plus I have more experience.”

“Well, we’ll see this weekend” Dash said. Going back to her happy self once more. They both laughed at one another. So satisfied they could do this together. I didn’t even think of being able to race with a friend. Soul welcomed it. It sounded so fun for her. A little special thing for them to do. But when I win, hope it will keep Dash motivated to keep training. Dash stood up and slowly walked past her, giving her a little glance. Soul watched her off. Going after her, knowing it was time to leave. Really wishing this day didn’t have to end, for them to have time to race now or do something else. For it to go on forever. It couldn’t. So sad. But we can sleep happy tonight. Both of us. Yet Dash still stopped in front of her. Looking over her shoulder and… she was blushing.

“Erm… I have an idea and... you can stop me if it’s too crazy.”

7.30
“Lay it to me” Soul said. “You… remember that goofy posing that Amber and Breezy were doing?” Dash asked. Soul remembered. Back when things had yet to get as bad as they did. It really was an odd dance those two did. Part of a Junior Speedsters thing.

“Yeah…?” “Stop me if it’s too weird” Dash went on.

“So since you and I are now wingponies, I was wondering if you would want to… have some sort of…” Dash hunched her wings up and grinned a goofy smile. “Pose we could do?” Soul blinked. A pose, huh? Soul never thought too hard on it. Though it was surprising that Dash of all ponies wanted to do something like this. It just didn’t sound right to Soul. Yet Dash kept up her pleading face like she really wanted to do this. Something for them to do together? Like in front of other ponies. If this had been before today, Soul would say no. “What type of pose were you thinking?” Soul asked.

“Really?! Okay, I was thinking something that totally shows how awesome we are together with flying” Dash spat out. So excited now. “Start with something that shows we’re a team and then something that involves flying… I got it!” Rainbow came closer to the perplexed Soul, sitting down in front of her. “Sit down” she said. Soul did it anyways. Curious of what she had come up with. “Okay so how about we clap our hooves together… twice! And then we can turn and lock our wings together! Oh wait, we should also call it something. No Junior Speedsters stuff for us… something about us.” Dash paused, really making Soul laugh inside. She was serious about this. “I got it! We’re gonna be the best flyers of all, so how about we both shout out Cloudsdale Wingponies!”

Dash leaned forward. Eager to hear a response to what she had. She got one. “You had too much candy for lunch” Soul said. “Shut up, I think it’s a good idea.” As silly as it sounded, Soul had to admit it did sound a bit unique for them to do. Just like the twins had something… she didn’t see a reason her and Dash couldn’t. It sure sounded fun to her. Good for a laugh… as well as the thought of them being close enough to get to do this. She wanted to.

“Let’s do it.”

7.31
“Really?” “Yup, wanna start it off?” Soul offered. Dash chuckled. Sitting back up and raising her forehooves. Soul followed. Reaching out and a loud clap when they both hit together. “And one more” Dash said. Ok. Soul clapped her hooves to Dash’s again. “Do it with me now” Dash went on, turning herself sideways to Soul, looking over to her to follow, which she did. So this is where we… lock wings.

Dash said it like it was nothing, Soul couldn’t believe they were actually doing this.

Dash’s wings spread open. Soul didn’t hesitate to do the same with her massive ones. Spreading her thick spans of feathers over to where Dash held out her own wing. I can’t believe I’m doing this. Nopony ever locked wings with her before. So amazing she could do it with somepony. To show just how close these two pegasi had become. When their feathers wrapped together and magenta overlapped cyan. Clasping tight. It really made Soul happy and Dash looked to be the same too. Proudly saying “Cloudsdale Wingponies!” up to the sky. Why not? Soul yelled it too.

“Cloudsdale Wingponies!” Right when a hoof wrapped around her neck and pulled her in closer. Dash hugging her. “And a hug” she said. “To finish it off.” Soul did it. Quickly wrapping her own hoof around Dash’s neck and joining her in this hug where their wings still clasped together behind them both. A few seconds… Soul enjoyed it so much. Kind of hard to let go. They separated. “That was so crazy” Soul laughed.

“But I liked it.”

“No, I liked it too” Soul said. “It can be our own thing… we can even do it when we become Wonderbolts.” “You know we will. Both of us will wear those awesome uniforms” Dash proudly said. She stood back up. Until that day came, we will be together forever. She’s my wingpony and I’m hers. Together to cross that finish line and blow everypony away. They will all see how far these two would go. But before that… the time had come to say goodnight as the Sun lingered on its last heights in the horizon, shining bright red over the spires of the cloud city and the mountains beyond. Witnessing both fillies touching hooves together in one last moment before parting.

“Thank you for today” Soul told her. “Don’t, thank you… for teaching me. I know what I need to do” Dash said. So happy with herself. Though it looked kind of hard for her to let go of Soul’s hoof. Venture off towards that distance she needed to go before flying off. Yet she looked so bright. So happy under this coming night sky. “Goodnight, Soul. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow” Soul nodded. “You know it, goodnight, Dashie.” For tomorrow was another day. Another on a wonderful path forward.

Dash flew off.

7.32
I got to make this quick. Before the Sun was down. Not much time left, though she had to do this, as Dash flew fast over the rooftops of the neighborhoods below her. Zipping past all of them and heading to where she last remembered it to be.

Soul taught me right. So I need to do this before anything else. Now that I know I can trust ponies. Dash could not let it fester any longer. Happy with herself when she found it, and she landed upon the porch to the house so familiar to her. She hadn’t been here in a while. Not since… then. She could only hope it wasn’t too late. Not too late to fix things.

Dash knocked on the door. Patiently sitting before it. Come on. I need to tell you something. She looked off to the dying Sun in the distance. Mom is gonna kill me. But it’s worth it. So worth it… as that door slowly opened before her and the pony stepped forward. Out in the light cast off from inside. Dash saw her. Recognized her. Face to face, after so long.

But Soul taught me I can trust ponies and… I should give my old friends a second chance. I should be reliable to them. After all, this pony did help her a little. That counted a lot. Why she could sit here before her and speak to her for the first time in so long.

“Hi, …Fluttershy.”

Part 1 Illusion - Act 8

8.1
Yes!

It was a beautiful day after all. Surprisingly not too cold right now. A small chill getting through her fur, yet Soul was still happy with the weather she had to work with today. Cloudy skies with the Sun barely seeping through. Not bad enough to cancel today, she was worried it would be. At least she didn’t pack in vain, carrying her twin saddlebags atop her back. Spreading her wings out over them. It had been nice to have the entire week off to enjoy this weather, freed of camp activities. Now that the weekend came around, this meant that the adults would be able to come along. Because she had a surprise for Dash and, unfortunately, they needed somepony there with them. Though Soul did not expect this to be how it turned out.

“Alright, I’m leaving!” she called back through the doorway. “I’ll be home later.” “Have fun, champ! Say hello to everypony for us” Nimbus said, stepping out from behind the kitchen and waving her goodbye. “I will” Soul said. “And stay safe! Listen to what you’re told.” “I know!”

Soul rolled her eyes. We’ve been planning this for a while. Soul knew what to do. But Dashie sure wouldn’t know. Soul hoped she would have fun today. It was a little sad that Nimbus and Starry couldn’t come. Didn’t stop this from happening. Soul shut the door behind her, looking back out to the sky and taking a deep breath of the chilly morning air. Alright, she had her lunch and her towel. Some bits. Good to go.

8.2
Soul had the whole way memorized by now with how many times she got to come and get Dash for fun times and even getting to fly her home. Taking to the air and leaving her house behind, off to go to another house. Soaring high over the clusters of beautiful cloud homes far below with their lush gardens of thundering streams and cloudy décor. Spread far and wide. Where all the pegasi left them to fly off into the sky for another wonderful day.

Today was a special day so lots of these pegasi had to go about with their job to bring about that day. Not Soul though, but this was a special day for her too. More than what it was going to be to any other Pegasus. Another wonderful day she would get to spend with Dash, all the while they would get to enjoy the times that were coming.

All around Soul got to see all the pegasi flying with her in these skies. Carrying on in their duty, as this was once a year when this would happen. When all those factories in the distance went crazy during this time. Left off with all the pegasi flying overhead, ropes or clamps. Even hooves used to move clouds all along the sky. Across Cloudsdale and out into the open world beyond.

Soon enough, all of Equestria would be blanketed in snow for this winter season. Far more clouds than normal to make and far more ponies needed, especially on this day. She heard it from Dash’s dad, a major snowfall was due for this part of Equestria. But that didn’t mean Soul and Dash couldn’t have fun. Weather be damned. They were tough fillies and a little snow wouldn’t slow them down, they did endure worse together. Better than lightning striking down at her.

The excitement for today made the flight go quickly. That or it was because Dash literally did live just a few streets down through the rows of homes just outside of where Soul lived.

8.3
As beautiful as always, Soul landed down. Settling her wings and her hooves touched upon the soft clouds surrounding the house. Between two lovely homes where an even lovelier one stood before her. With its long and flowing rainbows cycling along the clouds that surrounded the house to light up its tall, blue walls and glimmer in the windows set under the shade of the cloudy outcroppings of the roof.

A humble house with nothing extraordinary about it. Soul didn’t care. It was an awesome home for the pony she was here for to live in. Scurrying off down the walkways upon the clouds and up to the door, lit up before her under the swathe of rainbow décor shining bright above the doorway. Hopeful that they were ready to go. She was too impatient to have to wait after having such a hard time falling asleep in excitement of today.

She banged on the door. Sitting down. Eagerly shifting side to side. I hope they managed to make this all work out. It would be such a bummer for it to not. Soul looked forward to this little trip for weeks now. Still, she looked back to where she had flown in from, she really wished that Nimbus and Starry could come. Nimbus too busy finalizing paperwork for the camp today while Starry had to work on the house.

The door creaked open. Bringing Soul’s head whipping back around. Brightening her smile when Dash came out through the doorway, just as happy to see her. That was a good sign. We get to hang out, looks like. So much training lately, they both needed this. “Morning, Dashie!” Soul happily said. “What took you! I was waiting so long” Dash shrieked out with giddy hooves excitedly bouncing up and down. “Were you? Or did you just wake up fifteen minutes ago again?” Soul asked. “Twenty…” Dash said proudly. Both of them laughed. “Good morning, Soul” Dash said. Exposing her side to Soul, where she had her own saddlebag slouched along her side. Raring to go.

8.4
Dash looked past her. “Where’s our instructors at?” “They’re busy” Soul sighed. “Lots of work to get done but they still are fine with me going with you all.” “About that…” Dash said. “Dad has to help with the weather today but…”

“Girls!” Windy shrieked when the mare slid into the doorway. Just the biggest smile on her face and even her wings fluttered at her sides. “I’m ready!” Windy stepped down and Soul had to brace when she gave her another one of those noogies she really was not able to get used to. Always messed up her mane.

“Oh Soul, thank you so much for this. I need some time out of the house and anything for my little Dashie to have some fun times with her best buddy.” “Mom!” Dash moaned behind her. Stepping in front and she rolled her eyes. Still, as she passed, Soul caught the filly smile. Oh she’s glad Windy is coming. The mare stepping out in her freshly worn orange sweater shining as bright as her mane. “So I’ll be joining you two, that okay?” she asked Soul. “Yeah!” Soul had no problem with it.

“Good, …because you two aren’t going out there alone” the mare shut the door behind her. Ready to leave with the two of them. “Your parents aren’t coming along?” she asked. She doesn’t need to keep calling them that, Soul settled that a long time ago. “No, they had things to do. But… thanks for letting us go” Soul said. “No problem! A nice off day for today but…” Windy turned her eyes towards Dash. Really changing, her eyes glimmering in a serious stare.

“We’ll be training twice as hard tonight to make up for it.” “Gotcha” Dash said, rushing off ahead of them with her wings spread out. “So let’s go, I’m wanting to see this place.” Soul rushed off after her, opening her wings back up and flapping to take flight behind the cyan filly. “Wait up, girls!” Windy zipped in with them, all of them joining together to fly as one.

8.5
Soul led the way. Flying high up into the clouds, well above where all the other pegasi flew on their tasks of carrying these clouds about. Looking back to make sure they were both still on her tail. Now she believed she remembered correctly where this place was around. But that was the thing. It was not in a very familiar area.

Cloudsdale was always on the move floating over the land and wasn’t often over this area. The place beyond the great Pegasus city, as all three of them soared off into the open sky high above the land of Equestria. Between where the vast and sprawling mountain ranges rose in the far distance both ways she looked. Off into this wonderful valley where the clouds hung low over it all and fresh blankets of white began to dot the land and all the lovely grasslands disappeared for the winter season that now came to the Canterlot valleys. This whole place was always beautiful.

Soul remembered the last time she ventured out into this place. Hasn’t changed much. As she hoped. The same beautiful horizon it had where vast hills rolled all across and broke between the great forest sprawls patched along every corner of these valleys where the trees barely held on to anything left of their greenery. With the lakes and rivers spanning everywhere on the last of their time before freezing with the coming winter. Over it all, Soul saw it. The very place where this land was named after to watch over it all atop its perch along the great mountains. Brimming in whites and golds shining along the rooftops and vast spires that reached high around the walls and gates. The castle city of Canterlot.

It didn’t look any different. Hadn’t even gotten larger than last time. Amazing to think that Soul was once again this close to a princess. For her to fly in the same sky that held over where that princess lived. The same one I wish to fly for someday. Her and… whenever the other princess would return. Come back to live in that same castle once more.

Soul looked forward to that day when she could enter the city with pride. However long that would be, she may be an adult by then. When she would be able to perform for them all, settling only with being able to watch others perform there. Soul couldn’t wait for the Wonderbolts show in that city. We all get to go then. Not too long.

8.6
Yet every day she got to spend with Rainbow was something awesome and this day would be no worse than seeing the Wonderbolts with her. Dash always was the one who had things for them to do. Always knew places to go and had all the fancy spots for them to relax or fly. Soul was glad she got the chance to find something for them to do. Before it would get too cold. Tomorrow was due to be when the winter weather will hit its hardest. So appropriate for what tomorrow was going to be. Wondering how her, Nimbus and Starry would spend the day.

Soul was so happy that these days had come. Really just so much fun she got to do and so much to look forward to. It made her fly faster. Zipping off over the high scaling hills and off towards the forests of the valleys. Right where she saw familiar scenes. This looked to be the right way. Many thick forests of sleeping trees that were so hard to see through even without their leaves all ringing around the grasslands and fields that spanned for so far.

She recognized this place because of the forests hanging far beyond these ones. The ones where the leaves were still standing atop their branches and covering all in a shroud of dark green and mist. Everfree. I’ll be sure to never have to go there. The sight of it always creeped her out. Of all the places in Equestria, the Canterlot valleys really did have their share of strange and unique scenery. Where else could you find such gorgeous beauty that surrounded her and yet have someplace so creepy standing out in it like a blemish? Thankfully not where they were going.

Soul banked right and led them both towards where the sleeping forests ringed around the fields further off. I haven’t been here in too long. I’m just glad to come back like this. Soul never could have guessed coming back to this place, not with Nimbus and Starry, but with friends. Her best friend. That still makes me smile.

8.7
They flew over the snow-covered fields. Soul looking around and turning off towards where the river coursed in towards the forest and split into two paths that went on to disappear into the forest. That’s the river I’m looking for. It was this river, where it split into two, that welcomed her with that wonderfully lovely little lake she would go to to swim. Plus it wasn’t even frozen over.

Yay, I found it. I remembered where it was. Looks like Nimbus had nothing to worry about after all. Soul could think of no better place to play than here. No other place that I know of. I really need to get out more. “Is that it?” Windy asked behind her. “Yeah, that’s the lake. Nimbus always takes me here.”

Soul lowered her wings and slowed down to a crawl before she hovered with both of them over the lake below. “But only when we’re in the area, still…” Soul smiled over it. “It’s as beautiful as always.” Glad to be able to share it with her new friends. “I didn’t expect us to come here” Dash said. “For a second, I thought you wanted us to go to the Everfree forest.” “Oh no, I hope this is alright” Soul said. “You kidding? Water and snow and a big open place, this is awesome. Believe it or not, Soul, I actually am alright with cold weather.”

Dash flew off down to the lake. That’s good to hear. Glad to see her only choice of location was not a bad one. The cold wasn’t an issue either. A little chilly. Not enough to shiver. Thank you, fur.

Soul went off to join Dash where the filly had landed down on the ground close to the lakeside. Where the snow had barely done much to cover up the soft grass. Rainbow was over there staring off at the water ahead of them and the walls of dead trees risen high above all of this. The face of the forest. Soul had never gone in there. Tried to once when she was younger. Nimbus got a bit mad at me. Never stopped her from taking Soul back here and even swimming with her. Water looked to be fine.

8.8
Soul dropped all her stuff and left it behind right as Windy landed with them. I hope it’ll be alright. Soul stepped up to where the water touched the lake’s edge. Crystal clear water softly skimming along the edge and coming close to where her hooves stood.

Ah, it is beautiful. The water was just as blue as ever. Like the sky. She could even see the entire sky shining along the surface of the water. Almost able to see the rocks at the bottom. Lovely. Summer to winter had no effect on this place.

Soul skidded a hoof forward and set it out to touch the water. Tapping at it. Oh! Soul brought her hoof back and slowly put it back in. Keeping it in the water this time. It was a bit cold. Seeping in through her fur and licking at the skin beneath with a chill. Alright it wasn’t too bad. This lake really was strange. As were all water in these valleys. More beautiful and warmer than anywhere else in Equestria. Like something magical was here in these valleys. A very special place. Shame she didn’t get to visit here more often.

“How’s the water?” Dash asked after her. Soul stepped her hooves into it. Just up to the tops of them and took a while before she could get herself together. A while before she started getting used to it. This is gonna be something when I get in. Never was a big fan of the cold. But, she had seen other ponies be just happy with swimming in cold weather. Something to it, she may as well try. “Um…” Soul thought for an answer.

“Let’s find out!”

8.9
The lake flashed forward at Soul right when she felt something rush against her back. Pushing her in and finding Dash’s hooves going around her and the filly giggling in her ear. No, wait!

The water came in at her. Wings flashed out. Too late to pick her up. They went under along with her body, and the lightning shooting all across her now. Like an explosion along her skin. Piercing right in and making her yelp in panic on top of her surprise of being pushed in. Soul struggled get herself back up, floating on top the water with her wings barely submerged and her entire body shivering. Oh Celestia’s sake!

Soul held herself. Shivering and kicking her hind legs and wings to keep her afloat. “Rainbow!” Soul struggled to yell out her name. The filly shot up from the water next to her, spitting some out and laughing. She’s so proud, huh?

Soul glared at her. The best she could but this damn water was pretty hard to get used to. Seriously, how is Dash so happy right now? The filly throwing herself back into the water and laughing at the top of her lungs. Half submerged in this water like it did nothing to her.

“Dashie…” Soul shivered and caught her tongue. Close to biting it. Right as she began to warm up a little. Letting herself swim with all four now, so great to use her thick wings to wrap herself up underwater. Keep herself a little warm. “Warn me next time” Soul said. “I’m not that great with cold.” “Then that would ruin the surprise” Rainbow swam over to her. “Do you need somepony to warm you up?” Dash opened her hooves up to her. Open and offering. Dash egged her on to come over and give her that hug. She’s as affectionate as usual. Quick to change herself to keep Soul happy. If it were real right now. Soul grinned.

8.10
Her big wings flashed forward along the water. Sending plumes of it right into Dash’s face and covering her up in a vast spray. Take that.

“Hey!” Dash called out from behind all that water. Soul quickly turning tail and a kick of her wings to skim away from her. Laughing at it. You surprise me and I surprise you. No complaining about it. This is great! It was so wonderful that Soul got the opportunity to be able to do this stuff with Dash. Really, two months ago, Soul will never forget it. What happened to allow them both to get to this. Every day to be like this. Where she could find opportunities to run away like this with so much laughter while Dash came after her with fierce determination to get her back for that. Yet Soul could see it, the same thing all the other kids got to do. She couldn’t be any more thankful to have somepony like this to share in things with. That I could bring her here. Finally able to bring a friend to go do something I want to do. Forget it being cold, this was alright. Alright enough to play in.

“Try and catch me, Dashie!” “I don’t need to try.” We’ll see. Soul swam off. Happily looking back at the pony right on her tail. …Also gaining right on her. Faster than she thought. Actually made her heart skip. But… Soul slid off to the side right as Dash jumped in to the water next to her. Coming back up and Soul flicked her wing. Splashing more water into her face. “You little…” Dash jumped on her. Pushing her back down against the water. Both fillies laughing as they got back up. Soul more or less so enjoying this little teasing they both got to share in so often. Dash was the master of it. “Slowpoke even in the water” she said about Soul. That was a lie. She could see it in her face. That was something she loved about this pony. Really did grow to enjoy playing with her like this.

“At least I’m faster in the air” Soul mentioned. “You have never proven that” Dash was the one who splashed water in her face. Soul held her hooves out to shield her eyes. Kicking her own wings out and sending water back at her. Waves and waves of them coming at one another and neither filly stopped. Nor did they stop enjoying it. Up until the water stopped flying.

8.11
What? Dash was gone… except… Soul saw it. The cyan filly jumped out from the water right in front of her with a roar. Landing on top of Soul and making her fall back down with her in the water. “Hey now, girls” Nimbus called out from the bank. Putting out their towels and storing away the bags. “Don’t be too rough out there.” Dash shot back up, wiping her mane out of her face. “Come on, mom! Jump in with us. Or are you too scared of the cold?” “What’s that, Dashie? Do I need to remind somepony who it is that likes me to hold her when it’s cold?” What…?

Soul giggled under her breath. Dash was so red from that now. Oh, but that sounded so awesome. No need to be embarrassed, Dashie. “I…I never do that!” Dash said. Hehe, honestly that does sound nice. Soul could see herself in that situation. Looking down at the water and her expectant face like she wanted that right now. Since winter was about to get to its worse. When the cold will really roll in. All thanks to the pegasi high above with their hauls of clouds. Up to where the vast cloud supercity hung high over it all and cast its shadow down upon the valleys.

“That actually doesn’t sound bad…” Soul whispered. Wondering if she should have said that. Dash’s ears did flick up when she said that. Then she scoffed to Windy. “I don’t do that!” “Yes you dooooo” Windy swooned over there. Really making Dash growl. Throwing her wings forward and that big splash of water flying across the sky. Not to Soul. Uh oh. Can she… it all came crashing down upon Windy. Do that?

The mare soaked in her sweater and leaving her mane slicked down on her face. Frowning. Forget that Dash was strong enough to send all that water that far, she really did something Soul would never dare to do like that. Is she gonna get in trouble? Soul looked nervously to her. Dash didn’t seem to care.

8.12
“Seriously?!” Windy said, pulling off her sweater and throwing the damp thing down. Having to push back her mane just to look back out at the two. Dash laughed. “Is it too cold?”

“Actually, it’s not that bad” Windy said. “So maybe I will join you… you little punk.”

Windy flashed her wings out. The mare took to the sky. Not at all what Soul thought her to do, let alone like this, when that smiling mare curved back down and soared in at… both of them. As fast as it took Soul just to blink. Before she shrieked when a flash of blue fur shot right in with them and all the blue blasted out all around. Plummeting right in, all the water splashed high and Soul backed up just a little. Her and Dash caught in it all. Not again. Seriously, I keep getting water in my nose. Dash was over there coughing. Hacking and still able to say “D-damn it, mom.” All the water settling once more.

She’s still underwater. Seeing the shape of the blue mare deep down there and swimming across. What do I have to do to be like these two, able to just jump right in to this water like it’s nothing. Really, they were brave. Even Nimbus was very picky when it came to how cold water could be. She would like the sauna. Maybe they could take her there sometime. Dash’s parents seem to like me, and Nimbus and Starry seem to like Dash. Really not any problem on us all being able to hang out. Windy rose back up. Rising between the two of them with a deep breath and her wings rushing out. “Boo!” Soul didn’t move. Letting Windy’s wing come in and… actually curve around her. Her and Dash. When the mare pulled them both in, that’s when Soul realized it. Right then as Windy held them both in tight against her soaked chest furs and her slick feathers of her big wings covering them both up. Dash, she didn’t even fight back. Neither did Soul.

In fact, all three of them laughed.

8.13
Windy leaned back, holding them both in her wings. Pleasantly sighing. Soul calmed down and seeing that… this was happening. Dash was right across from her, held in Windy’s other wing where she didn’t do anything but place a hoof against Windy’s chest and laying against her. They’re hugging. With Soul here, held in the same hug. I’m… Soul looked up to the mare. She kept her eyes closed, smiling so happily and like she loved being able to hold them both.

These two… they really are funny. Soul should be proud that they had gotten close enough to be able to do this. Windy’s hug was so nice. Dash seemed to be enjoying it, getting a little stare from Soul. Yeah, I can tell you love this. Dash rolled her eyes. Throwing herself against her mom’s chest and laying there.

Why do I get to be a part of this? It didn’t seem right. Somepony hugging me like this with… with my best friend. Something so new. So new in that it was Dash’s own mother who did this for her. The thing these two get to do all the time. I’m a part of it. Soul sort of liked it. Even if it was with Dash’s mother. She still set her head against her chest, staring face to face with Dash. Held above the water where only their tails could fall below the waves. “Oh you two… I’m so glad we could come out and spend some time together” Windy said. This is our first time doing something as a group. The first of many, Soul hoped for. Especially with how close they had all gotten. “So glad that you’re wanting to hug me?” Soul asked. Just curious still as to why they were doing this.

“Is it strange?” Windy asked.

“No… it’s just… you’ve never done this for me before.” “Oh… she’ll give you more” Dash said with such strain on her voice and a smirk. “Of course, I’d do this for you. Both of you. You’re Dashie’s wingpony and her best friend. You’re a part of the family now.”

The family? I’m… I’m a part of a family? Oh… she has no idea how much that makes my heart feel so weak. Don’t make me cry in front of Dashie.

8.14
“So mom, can I tell her the good news?” Dash asked. “About the event?” Windy asked and getting a nod in response. “Go for it.” So excited to give Dash permission. “Remember the Wonderbolts event I wanted you to come with us to?” Dash asked.

“Of course, how could I forget?” That was one of the best things to look forward to with the coming days. Three days left till it. After Hearth’s Warming Day. “You’re coming to it, for sure” Dash said over there in Windy’s wing.

“Yeah.” “It wasn’t a question, goof. I’m taking you” Dash said. “My parents and I.” That… that was great news. Soul was hoping to be sure it was happening. Her first ever Wonderbolts showing and she would get to do it with her newest friends, and with her wingpony by her side. She could see it now, both of them there to watch the same tricks and daring moves that they both aspired to do someday. At speeds they could only dream of reaching right now. I’ve always wanted to see it. Never did she think she would with a friend like Dash by her side.

“I… I’d love to go!” Soul said. “Not just you, Nimbus and Starry can come too. All of us.” Was Dash right? All of us could go? She was right. No joke to it. That was fantastic. I get to be with everypony. What a thrill. All of them able to go to Canterlot. Would they see the princess? Soul could not contain her excitement. Squirming in joy under Windy’s wing. “That sounds so awesome. I’ll tell them about it, I just know they would love to go. They actually have been wanting to take me to a showing for a long time now, but things keep getting in the way.” “They better come this time.”

8.15
Rainbow smiled proudly. Pushing her hoof out to press against Soul’s chest. “Because I’m paying for you and those two.” No, no that sounded like too much. Soul would not allow that. Pushing Dash’s hoof away.

“No, we can pay for ourselves, you don’t need to do that for us.” “How are you paying for it?” Windy asked Dash. Quite pleased with herself now, the filly insisted on putting her hoof back on Soul’s chest. “I spent a while getting the money just for it, so I’m paying. No question about it.”

“So that’s why you wanted to do more chores around the house” Windy said. “Aww… using your hard-earned money for your friend, you two are just so cute together.” Windy tightened her hug. Making Dash grunt. Soul didn’t care. More lost in what it was she was hearing.

Dash worked harder just to pay for me to be able to do this. Whatever chores they were, she did it for Soul. Not often she would hear such a thing. Actually not at all. Most ponies wouldn’t even bother. Rainbow, you really are something else. Such a lovely thing for her to do. “Dashie, …you didn’t have to. That’s so sweet” Soul said. “It was nothing, anything to help you out” Dash said.

Just look at how far you and I have gotten, Dashie. Now I need to do something for you. Hmm… Hearth’s Warming was just around the corner. Guess I have more reason to go get something. Something better than anything else. But what? But this was worth being happy about. How close they all have got over the months. Things really have changed for all of us. “Thank you, it’s gonna be awesome” Soul said. “You know it, Hearth’s Warming. Ah! It’s gonna be the best!” Yet they still had two days left before it. Felt like forever. “I only wish it would be sooner” Soul said. “It’s just two days” Dash said. “Yeah, but still… I wanna hang out.”

8.16
“How about this?” Windy started. “We got nothing going on tomorrow for Hearth’s Warming Eve, maybe you would like to come over and spend some of it with us. You’re always welcome to come be with us.” “Yeah! I like that” Dash said. “You can spend time with Nimbus and Starry, and then you can be with us too.”

Wow, I never did Hearth’s Warming celebrations with friends before. Soul actually being invited to them. So… I would be doing a party with new ponies?

Hearth’s Warming always was about togetherness and giving. Always being with Nimbus and Starry. They were wonderful ponies to do it with. Yet never came a time when another pony wanted to do it with her. Somepony different, even any of the holidays. Any celebration. Yet this has all changed and Soul could just sit there and be star struck at how lucky she truly was. How far things have come along. We get to do things like this now. Maybe this past camp semester truly was a blessing. The end of it now and the start of a new one later on. With so much she had to look forward to.

“I would love to join you all.” “Yay!” Dash cheered. “You get to come to my house tomorrow. We’re gonna have fun!” My first time in your house. First time doing a party with friends. I love the sound of all of this. After years of it being something else, Soul could not say no to being able to spend this time with her newly made best friend.

8.17
“I can stop by tomorrow afternoon and stay till I have to go back home.” That meant… oh wait! I have to get a gift tomorrow morning. That wasn’t a lot of time. What would Dashie want? She needed to show up with something to give because she bet they were wanting to give her something for coming over. That smiling filly over there who had been with her for so long now and always showed her to have a heart of gold. Always wanting to protect her and stick with her ever since that beautiful day. My wingpony who will be there with me when we become the best flyers of all. Maybe I do know what it is I want to get her. I’d need to talk to Nimbus first. Something that will make Dash the happiest.

“You’re welcome whenever you want, stay longer if you want to” Windy said. “I’ll make dinner for us all, got a nice feast planned out. A little something to celebrate my Dashie bringing home a friend for Hearth’s Warming!” Dash groaned.

“Alright, I’ll come. I think Nimbus will be alright with it.” “I know she will” Windy said. “Nimbus is so good to you. I think she’ll love her little champ being with friends for Hearth’s Warming.” She’s right, she will. Nimbus always was wanting me to have friends. So, sure, nothing stopped Soul from being excited about tomorrow.

A Cloudsdale Hearth’s Warming for her with the snow coming in. Today was going to be the last day before the snow would get heavy.

8.18
Windy finally let both of them go. “It’s settled, come by whenever you want” she said. Floating back and then laying herself out to float atop the water. Stretching her wings out and crossing her hooves. “I’m gonna relax for a little, …and Dashie… no splashing” she said while wagging her hoof in the air. That made Dash stop her wing just in time from splashing again. Disappointed that she couldn’t do it.

“How about you two go and play a while?”

Soul already thought of something they could do. Especially since the last time she was here. “I know what we can do. Windy” Soul said. “Can Dash and I go in the forest? There’s a bunch of paths in there that I want to show Dashie.” Windy looked up. Turning over to the forest that hung aside of the lake, where the rivers crossed in to and disappeared. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for you two to go in there. You fillies in a forest?” She understood her sentiment, but it really wasn’t that bad. Soul was older now and she would have a friend there with her. Both of them could watch over one another, plus she really had something she wanted to show Dash. “But there’s something super cool in there I want to show Dashie, and it’s totally safe. Ponies use those paths all the time.” That was what Nimbus had told her. Though always was no going in alone. Something she tried to do before.

“I’ll keep Dashie out of trouble” Soul said.

“Like hell I need you to watch over me in there.”

“Did Nimbus say you’re allowed to go in there?” Windy scrutinized her. Umm… “She said I’m not allowed to go in alone.” “And what’s this thing you want to show Dashie?” No, she couldn’t tell her right now. Soul only hoped they could see it. Those little things that drew her into going in the forest the last time. She bet Dash would like it. “It’s a secret.” Windy hummed, looking back over to the split trees marking where the forest faced them and all the wide-open areas in there that the big opening in the trees lead to. “Tell you what, you two can go in there but only if you stay in sight of me. No venturing off. I’m sure you two can take care of one another but that doesn’t mean you two can go out that far.” It wasn’t like they were going to the Everfree forest or something. “Promise me” Windy said.

8.19
“We promise” Soul said right as Dash also joined her in saying it. Very excited to say it. “Go on then, you two behave” Windy laid back down. Leaving the two of them free to do what they wanted. Something Soul was so grateful for. Giddily swimming back to land with Dash at her side. “You sure Nimbus would be alright with you going in there?” she asked. “She used to say I could when I’m older and not alone, no better time than now” Soul said.

Both of them scurrying onto land and… now it was cold. With all the chilly water dripping off of Soul and soaking the last of the ground left before snow would come over it soon, and that wind coming over her. Made her shiver. Dash rushed right off under her towel. As good an idea as any. Soul grabbed her own. Both of them dried off, rushing to get that done and just to get warm. No matter how bad their manes looked afterwards. Neither cared, preferring to rush off together. Leaving their towels and stuff behind and fizzy fur all over them.

“What do you wanna show me?” Dash asked after Soul, the magenta filly taking the lead heading right off to where the trees broke and left the entrance open to any. Like a doorway into the forest. Where all the other trees were twisted and folded together so that none could come in through them. Just this one area where there sat a dirt path that both of them stood before and looked off into the distant, dead shrubbery. “I already said, it’s a secret. Though I hope they’ll still be around.” Soul walked off, being the first to step hoof to cross through the tree wall and walk in to the thick forest beyond. “You hope?” Dash hesitated but her hooves were quick to follow after.

8.20
Wow, this place was really not like she remembered. So… lifeless now. Back when all the tree sported such lush and thick waves of greens and browns that rose high above her and covered the world above to where even the Sun could barely get through.

Inside a silent forest where only the trees gave her some idea of this place being something. Yet now, so dead. Soul could literally see through the trees and find just how far off this forest was going. Off and off, with rows of dead trees lined up and coursing around one another until it grew too dark to see that far. Back then, as she would walk down this pathway, nopony could even see past the trees to her sides with how thick the vines and leaves were. Where anypony could hide in them. No more. The Sun could shine down from above now and light up the path. Far off, past broken branches and felled logs. Where the vines would be, left only with bits of green bushes along the path and onwards. Soul never did find out where this path went.

She looked down, yeah it was right at that fallen log up ahead where Nimbus caught her. Not able to go far at all in here. It really was magnificent how quick this place could change over the seasons. She remembered when her hooves would walk over this same dirt path and hear leaves crunch under her and hard to watch her step with how much greenery covered the path. So much that the roots that she could see now and leap over used to be covered. It does change a lot, making her wonder if she could even show Dash.

The forest was very silent. So still. Like nothing was in here. Maybe she could find something in here.

8.21
Dash kept up with her, Soul looked back to make sure. The filly off on her own thing looking around left and right at all that surrounded them. Stepping forth until the silence was broken when their hooves stepped over the snow that had been left behind here from snowfalls days past. Didn’t look that deep at all, been melting lately. Now it was all going to come back to these valleys with Cloudsdale’s arrival for the coming snow flurries.

Soul bet this place looked beautiful when it was drenched in snow. Just a little bit left hanging on some branches and the tops of some of the last remaining bushes out here. Walking down this forest path, Soul did a quick check. Trying to be sure she wasn’t missing anything. Nothing.

“This place looks kinda nice” Dash said behind her. “It’s actually a lot creepier in the summer. This place gets real dark when the leaves are up” Soul told her. “No going too far!”

Both fillies stopped. Finding that Windy was back past the trees, sat up in the lake and watching them. Waving her hoof to them. Dash groaned, walking off ahead of Soul all of a sudden. Taking her own charge to start looking around. Soul went after her. Joining side by side. Dash looked to be a little down all of a sudden now that Soul caught her. Is she upset over something that was said? Or was she not enjoying this trip? “What’s the matter, did you not want to do this?” Soul asked. “No, that’s not it.”

Dash glanced her eyes over and looked around when she stood still. Stopping Soul. Holding her hoof out to do so, right as she whispered.

8.22
“Soul, thank you so much for bringing me. And thanks for wanting to join us tomorrow. I don’t often have guests over for Hearth’s Warming.” “It’s no problem, you and I are best friends after all” Soul said. “Then as your friend, can I ask you a favor?” “What is it?” Soul said. Dash lowered her hoof. But… she actually smiled a little. “So I guess you can tell my mom is kind of goofy and… well…” Dash put a hoof to her cheek. Looking away.

“She really does love me.”

That was not at all hard to see. I rarely see a mother so huggy with her daughter. “I Just… don’t want you to think I’m weird or anything with how she is. I think she’s gonna be… well, herself tomorrow while you’re around.” I see what she’s saying. Very hard to hide it from me, Dashie.

“You know…” Soul said. “I don’t mind how you two are together. She’s your mom and… a mom is supposed to love her kid. Always. I don’t think anything bad about you two with how close you both are.” “She just likes to do a lot of embarrassing things and… sorry, guess I’m just being stupid about it” Dash said. Laughing it off.

Oh, Dash, there’s no need to feel that way. Not around me. Rainbow is my best friend and she doesn’t need to worry. This will be my first time in her house with her family, it would be wrong for Dash to think things will be uncomfortable. What can I tell her to make her feel better?

Dash wandered off like nothing happened. “Come on, let’s go have some fun.”

8.23
“Dashie” Soul stopped her. “I really am jealous of you.”

That was what made Dash look back at her, so confused. Like she just heard that Earth ponies could fly now. That’s right, after all, I get to see how she is all the time with her mom and dad. It always makes me think about it. “I wish I had parents like yours…” Soul muttered down to the ground. Ones that didn’t leave me behind. “I love the idea of getting what they give you.”

Dash was silent. Looking back at her with hooves frozen in the air like she was ready to keep walking but frozen in time. Not even blinking. Only her mouth dropped a little then closed. Watching Soul sigh. I really do. Seeing how Dash is with them, I got unlucky. I really wonder what it’s like to have a mother that loves me. …To have a dad… that I can know. Should I even tell her that? …Or does she already know? Dash stepped up to her.

“I don’t think it’s weird of them to be that loving to you, I think it’s… sweet. Trust me, Dashie…” Soul looked up to her when she stood before her. “You’re lucky.” “I’m sorry” Dash said. “If you want, I can ask my folks to be that way with you, they both have grown to like you a lot. They trust you with me after all.” “You don’t need to do that” Soul said. “Either way, I’ll find some way for you to feel happy. …I know it was hard on you… what happened to you, Soul.”

Yes, it was. But… I got over it. I am over it. As long as I have my best friend with me, and… those small comforts she grew to love. “So… you won’t think weird of me over it?” Dash asked. Soul shook her head. No need to worry. Just focus on yourself. Doing what you all feel is right. I’m the guest after all.

“Oh come here…” Dash offered a hoof to her and opened a spot under her chin for Soul. Thank you. Soul walked in and felt that hoof wrap around her, pulling her in to Dash’s chest and the filly rested her head atop Soul’s mane. “I’ll make sure you have a great time tomorrow, promise” Dash whispered.

8.24
“Wanna know a dream I have, so you don’t feel like you have to worry about what I think?” Soul offered. Lost in her thoughts of all the time she spent in bed, holding tightly to that dream. Just imagining it and wondering what it could be like to feel that way. To be that close. “You don’t need to” Dash said.

I’ll tell her anyway. Nothing stopped Soul, because this was her best friend. The pony who always supported her. One she could trust. “I’ve always imagined being able to sleep with another pony. I never got to do that with my parents, and nopony ever has. I… sort of wish I could with Nimbus or Starry. But… I don’t think they would want to. Is it weird for me to want that?” Not that that could be any less embarrassing than whatever is Dash was worried about. Yet the cyan filly shuddered a little.

“Wow, really? I never took you to want that” Dash said. I don’t think it’s wrong to. It’s not wrong at all to be close to ponies you love. No need to be embarrassed. “I’ll let you in on a secret” Dash whispered into her ear up there. “Now, don’t you tell anypony. Okay?” “Okay.”

Dash cleared her throat. Pausing. “I like sleeping with my mom…”

Soul could swear she heard Dash’s heart jump when she said that. Even shivered a bit. It was astonishing because it also made Soul’s heart shudder. Just hearing her of all ponies say that. Dash let go of her, dropping down to face Soul once more and she flashed a hoof at her. “Tell none.” A clear demand. She shouldn’t be so embarrassed, but okay. Soul would keep that to herself. Yet it still made her see just how good Dash had it. Even if it was just to reassure her that there was nothing wrong with her desires. Maybe they will come true someday.

8.25
“I can’t wait to join you all tomorrow” Soul said. “I’ll be a model guest, no worries about me. “Thank you. We’ll make you feel at home, I think you’ll like being with us. We haven’t had a guest stay over in a long time. I’m glad it’s you” Dash said.

“By the way… I can’t help but wonder… have you ever asked Nimbus or Starry to sleep with you?” “No, I haven’t.”

Soul was just always so afraid to. Didn’t ever seem appropriate or right to do it. They wouldn’t want to. “Maybe you could try. They watch out for you and seem to really care for you. Don’t they call you their little champ?”

Soul flushed. A little giddy about hearing Dash say that line. The little champ. “Ye-yeah, they do.” “I bet they would love to sleep with their little champ” Dash said, really straining those last two words. “Really, how about you just go up to them some night and just ask them. They won’t think bad of you. Mine didn’t when I did.”

Trust her, Soul really wanted to try. Just… never doing it before. Kind of not knowing what it was to expect. But their hugs are so nice.

Soul always imagined being able to fall asleep in somepony’s wings. So she can feel like they loved her. Somepony that was proud of her and wanting to keep her safe. Soul hated to admit it to herself, but she was such a softy with this stuff. More perplexed in herself that she was now admitting all this to Dash. That Dash was listening and not even mocking her. No, the filly smiled at her. I know she only wants what’s best for me. I don’t know if I should try it. But… “Thanks, Dashie. I’ll… think about it. But thanks for not thinking I’m weird over it.” “Of course, I wouldn’t think it’s weird” Dash said. “Besides, I’m always glad to help. You helped me.”

The filly waved Soul on to follow her and they both went on into the forest. Passing by sickly twisted trees and leaping over their roots. Calmly listening to the sounds of this lovely place. The sounds of silence. Like the night itself.

8.26
“I wanted to let you know some good news I got the other day” Dash said. “All thanks to you.” “Thanks to me?” Soul wondered. She hadn’t done anything. But Dash sounded sincere. “I’ve been keeping it a secret from you but… I think now is a good time to surprise you. I talked to somepony a while back. It was for the first time in a long time.”

“Who was it?” Soul asked.

“You don’t know her but you know of her. She… kinda was the filly I… sorta yelled at at my first camp. But I decided to come and see her and I apologized to her.”

Wait, the same one that Aurora told me about? Dash’s old buddy. That was great news that she finally was able to go and speak with her. “How did that go?” Soul really wanted to know now. “She accepted my apology” Dash said with a big smile. “She was really happy to see me come back and she gave me some awesome news I want to tell you.” Dash giggled. Not able to contain herself.

“She’s gonna join us at Junior Speedsters in the spring!” “Really!? That’s great!” Soul said. “You’ll get to hang out with your old friend now.” “I know, and… I want you two to meet and we can all totally be friends. But she will be in the remedial group first so… we’ll only be able to hang out with her during free time.” That was no problem to Soul. In fact, she was more happy that Dash wanted them all to be friends. This pony sounded like a joy to be around with how she could forgive Dash and just by how excited the cyan filly was. “Two more weeks then!” Soul declared. “I know! Oh it’s going to be awesome.” Dash was so right. Now we get to do the harder courses and meet new friends.

8.27
“But when did you talk to her? What made you decide to see her?” Soul asked, which Rainbow Dash came up to her and pointed her hoof to who did it. “You are why.” “Me?”

“I talked to her the night we won that race together. After I left your house.” “How did I…”

Soul snapped her mouth shut when Dash placed her hoof to Soul’s lips. Hushing her. “Give yourself some credit” she whispered. “If you hadn’t shown me I could trust ponies again, I would never have tried to be your friend. I would never have tried to be hers again. So you did help me. Because of that, I’ll be there to protect both of you.”

Dash… Soul was teary eyed hearing her say that. It meant that much? Soul didn’t realize just how important it was for this pony. That she was able to convince Dash to make more friends. She didn’t know what to say. Just so proud she could do that and that Dash chose her to be her friend. Just giving off an amazed look. “That’s right, you can still rely on me. I promise to protect my friends, friends like you” Dash said, lowering her hoof and winking.

She sure knows how to make me happy. Perhaps I really do deserve some kindness from her, some help from her. If she really wants to, who was Soul to stop her? “Even if I have to kick their butts at racing, I’ll do it” Dash said, flaunting her strong wings. “By now, all ponies know just how awesome a flyer I am so they should know better than to mess with my friends.” Okay, Dash. Soul wanted to snicker. Really inflating her ego right there. Wasn’t bad at all. Soul liked that from her. Far better to see her this happy with herself. She was an awesome flyer. Always proved it. “I can’t wait to meet your friend” Soul said.

8.28
“Don’t worry” Dash said and led Soul on to follow her into the woods. “I’ll introduce you to her. Trust me, she is super nice. Just be careful not to scare her.” At this point, Soul should be the one afraid. Always so nervous to meet new ponies. But if Dash trusted her, she could give it a shot. “Let’s make these next two weeks the best ever” Dash said up ahead. Leaving Soul behind her to follow and nod. Grinning under her mane. They will be. Because… she loved how different the world has become to her. Where she could believe stuff like that. A bright day ahead. Every day.

It’s been so long since I was afraid. Since I was alone. I never want this to end. Broken when her ears flicked up to the sound of something breaking.

A snap in the trees. Turning her to look even when Dash continued on, unaware of anything. But Soul looked around. Knowing she did hear a noise out there in the trees. So close, like just there where the trees broke off from the path and formed the great and dense torrent of wood beyond. Soul was not stupid, they weren’t alone and that was what made her venture off from the path to go see. Such a tiny little sound, it had to be something and she bet it was what it was she was looking for. Hopeful to show Dash something beautiful out here. She did make sure to creep along so quietly on her hooves while she moved up to the wall of trees, past where the fallen branches and logs lay to coat the floor of the pathway and block off everything.

“Hey Soul?” Dash said from up ahead, looking back at her and making Soul come out with a loud hush to her. Confident that she had found something to show Dash. Something she would love. “Not too loud” Soul whispered. Waving her hoof for Dash to come back.

8.29
Rainbow walked over, loudly. “Slowly” Soul told her. Which she did. Rainbow grunted in annoyance but still slowed herself down and crept just like Soul was doing with her head low to the ground and legs bent. Wings tucked in tightly. Soul could sense her curiosity over all this, and Soul was curious too. Wondering what it could be. Certainly not what it was last time Soul was here. Unless it could hide behind the short logs that Soul barely stood tall over. The filly careful to peek around each one she passed and finding nothing. With Rainbow behind her.

“What are we doing?” she whispered. Soul wasn’t sure. Not wanting to ruin what this surprise for Dash may be. “Just stay quiet” she told her. Convincing her to keep following and then Dash joined her in looking around the logs Soul had just checked. Stopping when Soul heard another little crunch from up ahead that made shivers go down her spine, and she gave Dash a quick sign of her hoof to get her to stop with her. Silent and still. Because Soul was sure they weren’t alone now. Now she couldn’t startle it. But she couldn’t let it leave. Yet Soul was sure of herself that she could manage to make this surprise happen for her best friend. Give her something just to say thanks to her for all she was doing. However… “Stay here” Soul told her and really made Dash groan under her breath, but the filly didn’t move. Quick to chipper up again when Soul walked off slowly towards where she had heard it.

8.30
Over by the last bushes that still stood before the tree line. Keeping her wings tucked in so deep. Anything to show she meant no harm. “What is it?” Dash whispered after her. “Just stay there” Soul whispered back. She may spook it.

Stepping up to the bush and peering into it, not finding anything. But she didn’t give up. Slowly creeping along the side of it and keeping her eyes open, her legs bent so much that she almost crawled along it. Up until she did when she saw movement inside the bush. That was what made her drop and stay still, peering in. Some sort of little critter in there when she saw a shadow move. Turning its head. Something looking through the little leaves back at her. Yet Soul felt no reason to be afraid. Not like when she first came in here and saw that great creature walking through the woods. Tall with many firm antlers atop its head. It meant her no harm, no harm towards such a smaller filly back then. Only the sense of comfort at seeing how beautiful a deer could be. Her first time seeing one in person, up until Nimbus scared him off.

That was not what she saw. Something so much smaller in there with big ears raised and looking towards her. It didn’t run. Soul showed it no reason to be afraid. Little thing, so much braver than the deer from before. Soul was hoping to show Dash some deer but… this little guy was good enough. For she had never seen something like this up close before either.

I really am glad I was able to come out here again. Life in Cloudsdale did not allow for seeing little critters like these up there. Birds at best, making all those books she had seem so useless until she got to see the creatures they talked about and be able to share them with somepony else for the first time. Come on out little guy. I won’t hurt you. Soul made that so apparent, smiling at it. Slowly offering her hooves towards it. Patiently waiting for it to find the courage to come to her. I’m just so surprised there’s still something out here. Here Soul thought that she may not find anything, that they all would be off for the winter by now. Poor thing was probably late to joining in on the long sleep they all would go through while the ponies of Equestria were left to play in the snow they all slept away from. She was glad one stayed around for her. To be able to do this.

8.31
Soul smiled deeply when it came out. That’s right, no need to be afraid. Poor thing, all alone out here. Well we’re here for you. Little guy must be getting cold. Soul was sure to be gentle. Sure to be patient even with Dash left back there waiting. Seeing her trying to look over to see.

The little critter in its soft, brown fur and delicate paws that came up and touched down on Soul’s fur. Walking in, seeing Soul meant it no harm. The filly leaning in, doing one thing she would want done for her if she was afraid. Soul planted her nose gently against its head. The filly more than allowed to close her hooves slowly around it and pick the little bunny up. Held in her legs, she sat with it. Holding him close to her chest, gentle and careful. The bunny looking up to her, squirming for a moment and calming down. Soul loved how warm he was, small and frail.

She sat back with it, fully presenting the little guy to Dash, and Soul smiled to her. Letting her know it was okay to come over. Dash was over there with shock in her face. Probably not expecting me to be holding a rabbit. Well… “Surprise” Soul whispered to her. Looking back down at the bunny and nuzzling her nose along his head.

“A rabbit?” Dash asked. Taking it up to her to walk slowly over to join the two of them. Eyes glued to the little guy that Soul held. It was amusing. Dash looked to be intrigued with him and… also confused. So confused. “I can’t believe you’re… even able to hold him like that” she said to Soul. I can understand that. But…

8.32
“I don’t know, I was here a long time ago and the deer didn’t seem afraid of me either. Nimbus sure made them scared but, it did show me that… I do like seeing animals. I just wish I got the chance more often to see them.” “Is this what you wanted to show me?” Dash whispered, coming close enough to sit with Soul and look over her shoulder to watch the bunny rummaging around against her chest and finding a cozy spot to lay against Soul.

“I wanted to see if we could find something out here, I’m just glad we found this little guy. Looks like all the other animals are long gone for now” Soul said. Looking around to see it really was just the three of them with nothing else out there to make a sound. “He’s just so cute” Soul said, pushing her nose back down against his head. Happy to hear the little bunny mumble such tiny noises in his throat. Little things her ears picked up, looked like Dash heard them too. “Huh, you are pretty good with animals” she said. “Looks like he likes you.”

Dash leaned in to hover over him. Soul happy she was admiring him. Seeing that the filly had an adoring smile on her face. Watching the bunny curl up in Soul’s hooves, his ears twitching while he rested against her chest. Little guy looked so peaceful down there. Soul didn’t want to disturb him or let him feel uncomfortable. Like he could just fall asleep in her hooves. Like she could just take him home and snuggle with him all day long. Just like she dreamed of when she saw how cute the critters of Equestria were.

8.33
“I’m not that good with animals, this is actually my first time ever seeing a rabbit up close” Soul said. “So I’m glad I could see one with you.” Soul glanced over to Dash, the filly smiling up to her and then back to eyeing the little guy sleeping in Soul’s hooves. Such wonder and fascination in Dash’s eyes. But that didn’t hide that… Dash really did think he was cute. There was such a little glimmer of adoration in her face. Making Soul adore her a little. Wanting to be nice to her too.

“Would you want to hold him?” she asked. Making Dash reel back in surprise. “Me?” She pointed a hoof to herself. “Oh, I don’t know… I don’t think I’m fit for holding one and… I never got a chance to hold one before. I may mess up.” Grinning her teeth to Soul.

She was nervous, no need to. Soul would help her. “All you need to do is hold him firmly like I am, make sure he doesn’t fall out. But not too firm…” Soul looked down to him, presenting how she held him. So much space for the rabbit to move around in her hooves. Snug but not too tight. “Rabbits are very delicate so you need to be gentle with them. They don’t have much muscle to protect themselves so even one rough move can hurt them.”

Soul smiled to her… then realized that made Dash even more nervous. Oh no. “Just hold him enough to give him support and give him plenty of room. Don’t squeeze. He’ll snuggle against you if you do.” That was such a nice feeling too. One that Dash should know. It wasn’t fair for just Soul to enjoy this.

8.34
“You sure I can do this?” Dash asked hesitantly. “Yeah, just be gentle. He’s like a doll.” “A doll, huh?” Dash looked down to the rabbit. “You sure know a lot about rabbits, you really never seen one before?”

Oh, guess it did sound kind of strange. Soul should explain. “I spent a lot of time reading about animals, but I always wanted to see and do what those books said. Some silly journal on how this one pony raised a whole house filled with animals in Manehattan” Soul said. On top of many other books. “Published the thing, a journal about her animal farm.”

“You sure do read a lot. Never did take you for the type, but your room is like a library” Dash said and leaned back in. Staring down at the rabbit.

Looks like she wants to try. I bet she can do it. Dash just needs to believe in herself, which looked to be the case. The filly humming under her breath and getting that invigorated look in her like she was raring to try something new. We came out all this way, no problem in sharing this experience with her. It can be Dash’s first time holding a rabbit too. Though Soul really wanted to hold it for another minute or two. Or three. He’s just so soft! “I’ll try to hold him” Dash said.

She came in closer, sitting up like Soul was. Giving a big space for the rabbit. Soul decided to give him up, though she had better be able to hold him again when Dash was done.

8.35
“Remember to be gentle” Soul said as she gave him over to where Dash held her hooves out for him. Sliding the little guy through her hooves and down for Dash to gently put hers under his legs and another hoof wrapping around his back. Slowly taking him and holding him just like Soul had been doing. But she did look very nervous with her eyes glued to him and carefully readjusting her grip so often in just the time it took her to pull him in against her chest. She even looked to start shaking. Short on breath while she held him. Doing her best to hide it but Soul heard her.

Kind of cute how scared she is of hurting him… even more with how she held something so small and sweet against her. Like a mother holding her foal. More so when Dash calmed down and started to laugh softly seeing the little bunny she held squirming a little and laying against her where he finally stopped moving. Making himself comfortable. Finding Dash to be as welcoming as Soul had been to him.

She was doing a great job for her first time holding one. Then again, so did Soul. Just the look on Dash’s face told that she was loving this. She reached a hoof up from where she held him and actually gently stroked the tip of it along his head. “Hey little guy” she whispered down to him. Loving his tiny little twitches and how he closed his eyes with every stroke she made over his head.

8.36
Maybe I should let her hold him for a long time. Soul bet that Dash would be one for falling in love with little critters like this. Not something she took from her before, and how she was leaning down to him and smiling at him. Softly petting his head and cradling him. Dash may be such a softy. Though Soul didn’t dare to suggest it even as she laughed inside. Just enjoy it. Watching more and more how Dash pet him and didn’t move at all to let him get cozy in her grip.

“I think he likes me” she said. “I knew you had nothing to worry about” Soul said. “You just need to be gentle.” “Guess I never got a chance to do anything like this before so… I didn’t know how. Don’t judge me” Dash said. “But I think I like this. Mom never did give me the chance to be with animals like this before. I never thought much on it or cared.” “I’ve always wanted to hold one” Soul said. “I was always too busy with training and never could do much outside of Cloudsdale. Seriously…”

Dash looked over to her with a warm smile, never stopping her petting of the little bunny. “Soul, thank you for taking me out here.” That warmed up Soul’s heart. She sounded happy. Going back to give the rabbit some attention with little nuzzles of her nose against his head. So I did good. Soul was able to be the one to give Dash something cool to do for once. Quite a relief. Soul wasn’t sure what they could find out here with winter coming in, so lucky they found this little guy.

8.37
“Let me know when you’re done, I want to hold him again” Soul said. “Nah” Dash said.

The filly leaned over on to her side, keeping the rabbit firmly set in her hooves to lay down with her. Holding him to lay his belly against her chest. “I may just go to sleep with him, better not wake us up.” “Oh come on!” Soul dragged herself over. Seeing that smug filly pleased with herself. Not letting go of the bunny she let rest atop her. “Please give me a little more time” Dash said. “I never got to do this before.” Well neither had Soul prior to this.

Fine. Soul laid herself down next to them. Really wishing she could hold the bunny like this too. Just able to watch the two of them close their eyes next to her and Dash peacefully breathing like she may just go to bed after all. Just her silent breaths going off in the quiet of this forest where not even the wind could be heard. “I may want to take him back with us to the lake” Dash yawned. “I need some sleep.” “Shouldn’t stay up so late” Soul said. “Couldn’t help it, I was up late training with mom. No way I would sleep in and miss hanging with you. I would have missed this too. Thank you again for this” Dash rustled on her back and let her wings come up to go over the rabbit as best they could.

Aww… now that bunny could not be cold. Damn, Soul wished she had done that. The rabbit was certainly falling in love over there with how he started to fall asleep.

“I’ll take him back with us” Dash said. “We need to show mom.” “Is this before you sleep with him? Hope you’re not planning on taking him back to Cloudsdale” Soul said. “Maybe I plan to” Dash snickered.

8.38
“You can’t be serious.” “I’m joking” Dash admitted. Laughing down at the bunny. “We can’t take him up there. But I’ll take him to the lake and… he’s sleeping with me back there.” “Hey, you get to hold him so long out here, let me hold him too” Soul said.

She better not be expecting to have him all to herself back there. “Tell you what” Dash said with a sinister grin and a giggle. Leaning up to her with such confidence in her face. Soul so ready for whatever it was she had in mind. Seeing that look in her face, so familiar to her now. “We take him back to the lake so mom can watch over him…” Dash closed in. “While you and I have a race to see who gets to hold him.”

Not sure if that was fair. Soul thought that Dash wanted to hold him, and Soul was feeling confident in herself today. More so with how great this vacation from camp has been. She could tell that Dash was getting herself into a bad situation now, the time when Soul will show her just who it was that was better after all the goes they went at so many times now. “Just a race around the rivers, first one to get back to the lake wins” Dash said.

Sounded good to Soul. Her wings were aching for a good flight and Dash was always the best one to go to for a good workout. Much better than most of the stuff they went through at camp. Forget if it was for the honor of holding the bunny, Soul found herself more looking forward to just racing.

Always so blood pumping and always leaving her wanting more at the end.

8.39
“Deal” Soul agreed. “But get ready to give him up to me. I might be generous enough to let you hold him too.” “I might be as well” Dash said. Both fillies not fooling one another. They both knew the other would be willing to share in the end. Soul was just wanting to race.

“Alright!” Dash shouted right when she sat back up and… right when both fillies went into shocked silence when they heard the little patter of tiny paws atop dirt when the bunny slid off from Dash’s grip and… ran right off. Scurrying away with quick leaps towards the tree line and leaving Dash behind where Soul watched the filly jump to her hooves and run after him. “No, wait!”

She came up to those trees that the bunny jumped in to, jumped in and disappeared. Dash raising her hoof after it and then dropping it back down with her ears drooping. Sadly looking away. Oh man, Dash… the goof had scared him by yelling.

Soul came up to join her. Kind of sad that the little guy had fled from them. Lost now in those woods and no way for the two of them to find him in that thicket. Right when Soul was looking forward to being able to snuggle with him after kicking Dash’s butt in a race. “Ah man, what did I do wrong?” Dash pouted down to the ground. “Can’t yell out all of a sudden around rabbits. You probably scared him” Soul said. “Way to go, by the way.” “Shut it” Dash said. Sighing. Not at all pleased with herself. Probably frustrated. No, there was no need for that. “Hey now” Soul said, putting her hoof on her back between her wings. “I’m not mad, just be a little more careful next time. Little critters like that can get scared easy.” “Yeah… just wish I knew that before I yelled. Way to go loud mouth” Dash said about herself.

She looked back up to peer out into the deep and dense forest beyond.

8.40
“Come on now, it’s not that bad” Soul assured her. “Besides, we can still race. Right?”

Dash pursed her lips. Lighting up a fire in her eyes once more. So like her. The filly was always in the mood for racing and that was the best way to cheer her up over anything. Not like they needed a goal like a reward to race one another, as long as either of them got the chance to prove themselves to the other. That had been the glory in it ever since their first race and the feeling they both got when they won it together. The power they both felt in their wings and the confidence that soared from knowing just how skilled they both can be. To show all of Equestria just what both of them could do. Neither had anything against a little competition between wingponies.

“You still wanna race me?” Dash asked. “Of course. Around the rivers, right?”

That lit up Dash’s face for sure. The filly snapping back to attention and flexing her wings with pride. Really trying to show off to Soul with her strutting away. “Yup, first one back to the lake wins. I think you and I both know who it will be.” Rainbow was already setting up. Planting herself down and stretching those small but strong wings. Soul liked that about her. She loved the confident and strong Rainbow Dash. Really, these months have been the best for Soul. To see where things could go. For them to talk like this to one another. “You’ll see who that is when you get to the lake in dead last” Soul said. Stepping up to join with Dash side by side at this fake start line they had.

8.41
So much like it always was. No point in having an end reward like snuggling a rabbit. Not when Soul had this feeling. With her great wings held out to their maximum and stretching up to the heavens. The very sky that always welcomed her to fly through it to her heart’s content.

All these weeks have been so good to her and Dash. For them both to enjoy these moments together. As she saw in Dash’s face when they looked to one another. Confident in themselves, but Dash still smiled sweetly. Like she thanked Soul for this. So worth it. Soul would take any opportunity to fly with Dash, even if it meant racing her.

They were wingponies after all. Meant to be there for one another in the sky… and wherever they were needed. More so, that thing the two of them could do together, the one that brought them both together in the first place. Soul joined with Dash in stretching her legs and wings. Rearing her hind legs up. Stretching out and then feeling something touch the tip of her wing. Finding that Dash looked at her with her own wing out to clap against Soul’s. Soul gave it back.

“Thank you for wanting to race with me” Dash said. She took her position, ready to take off with Soul. “Really, I’m so glad I met you. No other pony is as fun as you and… I’m still very happy you want to come over tomorrow.” “What are friends for?” Soul asked. “I’ll always be glad to hang with you.”

As long as we are together, we will always be there to stand with one another. That is what Soul learned long ago from this pony. That is what she learned too. “Cloudsdale Wingponies?” Dash said. Her wings ready to get going and almost bouncing on her hooves in anticipation. No matter how small the flight, the pony was always happy to do this. Always happy to claim what it was both of them were. “Cloudsdale Wingponies” Soul said. You and I. Forever. Even after we both succeed at all we want to do. No matter what any outcome is, we will always be best friends. “Three” Dash said. Making both of them get back to staring out into the sky above them with their wings spread. “Two.” “One.” Soul smiled. No matter what.

“Go!”

8.42
Windy giggled to herself, right as the sound of rupturing wind broke across the sky and the entire forest itself rocked side to side with trees sent to scatter their branches about from the two streaks of brilliant light shooting out from within. Rising high over the forest canopy and seeing both fillies fly right past her. Past the lake and onwards along the river. Neck and neck.

Off on another of their races. The thing those two always partook in. Almost on a weekly basis now for almost any reason. Windy still found it cute why they did want to do this at first. Oh Dashie, you are my little sweetheart. You and Soul are so perfect for one another.

Never had Windy seen Dash so open about something like… like snuggling with an animal or even admitting to another pony what she got to do with Dash. That filly always was just so shy about it. Dash blushed so much when she first came to her and asked to sleep with Windy. Such a small thing back then. Yet she hadn’t grown up much since. Never did grow out of that habit of hiding just how much she loved this stuff. Soul, thank you so much. Windy watched the two of them circle back around at such incredible speeds that she felt the entire water she lay atop ripple and sway from the force of the wind that sent her mane flying.

Never has she been this open before.

8.43
It was not a bad thing. Dashie always was so afraid. Always was so timid. Never did believe anything I said about her being able to make friends or be accepted for who she was, and it was so sad to see her slowly lose her confidence. The one thing that kept her going towards the goal she wants. She always fought everything I told her… up until the day when you entered her life. Now look at her.

She actually wanted to hold a little bunny and told you everything. Nothing can escape these ears.

Her ears tracked to follow the path the two fillies took up there. Guiding themselves left and right while they followed the rivers coursing around the landscape surrounding this forest. Darting all across the sky so quick that any normal pony would never be able to spot them. Just the sound of thundering air coming from nowhere. Not able to see the two fillies flying together and laughing side by side. Exchanging their boasts. With Soul doing a quick spiral around Dash to get ahead right when Dash made a hard jump of her wings to send out a streak of so many of her colors behind through the air.

I really do wonder who will win this time. Maybe as surprising as when she first saw them race. The first time they met at the finish line and laughed to one another, before they hugged right in front of Windy despite the result. Letting her know way back then that everything had changed for her little girl.

8.44
Soul, you are a blessing and you will always be welcomed in our home.

After everything you did to bring back my little girl’s confidence. Bring back her love of flying and bettering herself. Bring back her heart. It makes me so happy to think you two will be together forever.

Perfect wingponies, no matter what you two do. Even as you compete with one another, weaving around the other in an endless dance at speeds that the wind could not match, Windy always saw them as those wonderful wingponies she remembered from the first day she got to see them become friends. I know you don’t feel like you have a mother to look up to, Soul, but I’ll try my best to provide for you tomorrow. Soul was as much a gem in her eyes as Dash was to her. Well… almost.

Dashie will always be my little baby and the one pony who will blow everypony else away. Get to that dream she gave me years ago. With somepony else at her side now. Oh it was enough to make her want to scream in joy and…

Windy screeched when she tumbled over on to her side. Flailing in the water with her wings from losing that balance she had and getting back up. Laughing at herself for spazzing out a little. Swimming back to land and stepping up onto the cold and firm ground with so much water dripping from her soaked fur. Another chilly breeze coming over her. But she didn’t bother to get her towel, only staring up in mesmerized silence to watch the two of them curve back in from far off and follow the river towards her. Just two little blurs dashing forth in the wind. Faster than she blinked. Until she spotted the spread of giant magenta wings come in.

Coming over Rainbow Dash, right as both fillies came in as fast as they could.

8.45
Then they slowed. Slowed when those giant wings caught the wind, making both fillies fall out from their low flight over the ground. Seeing that… Soul held Dash. Pulling her down with her to the ground with her big wings guiding them both.

Just watching her daughter tumble to the ground across from her. Held in the hooves of Soul and covered in her wings. While both of them reached the end together. Windy didn’t move. Waiting. But she smiled. Smiled when she saw both of them to be okay.

The fillies laying off from her, together. In the midst of the shallow snow. Covered in snow. But neither of them moved, not when Soul held Dash close to her, and she saw her daughter close her eyes and smile inside of that big hug that Soul gave her. Not caring Windy was right here. Neither of them cared. Enjoying the moment together when Soul also closed her eyes. Both peacefully left. Windy felt a tear come to her eye.

You two really are the best of friends. My little Dashie being hugged and held by another. Somepony she trusted. I was right in coming along with you two. I never would have seen this otherwise. Seen just how sweet you two are to one another and how far you both have come along. She still sighed. Amused at it all.

Neither of you can beat one another in a race.

Never have been able to. But that never got the fillies down. Because they always ended up with moments like these. That their friendship was bright and real. That my Dashie isn’t afraid of you anymore. Windy laid down atop her towel. Planting her head down in the grass with the little bits of snow down there to touch her nose. I just know you both will do great things. She couldn’t stop being happy for the two fillies sleeping over there, held inside those two magenta wings.

I’ll let them rest. You two have a big day tomorrow. A day for the two bestest of friends.

Part 1 Illusion - Act 10

10.1
“Off to bed now, we got a big day tomorrow.” Soul did as Nimbus asked with the fall of the Sun upon the last moments of Hearth’s Warming day. Only the moonlight lit up her room and Nimbus was kind enough to lead Soul in. Standing by her side. A whole day together with the ponies she lived with and it wasn’t going to end yet. As she hoped for.

Today was not nearly as enjoyable as yesterday, anything she did with Dash, but it was special to her. Any time she had to stay inside and be with Nimbus and Starry. A break from training just to eat and watch the snow fall outside. Soul still dreaded the day ending. As time went by so fast and the days of her going back to camp drew closer. Close to the end of the vacation. Only a few days left. Yet she was afraid she had not been able to spend as much time as she wanted with the ponies important to her. It was all that she had to work with in the closing days of a wonderful vacation and, with a heavy hoof, she stepped up onto her bed. Slowly getting in. Not wanting it to end even as her eyes fell heavy again. Looking down at her bed, only reminded it was not the same one she slept in last night.

Not the same situation. That it was something else she was missing here.

10.2
“Do I really need to go to bed?” Soul asked. “Yes… unless you want to be sleepy all day tomorrow. Remember, we got to be up bright and early to meet with Dash” Nimbus said. The mare stepped forth from her spot at the door and came up to where Soul stood atop her bed. “Oh you…” she said softly. “I’ll fluff your pillow for you and help you go to sleep. I know… you had a lot of fun and you must be excited.” That was a reason. Not the main reason why Soul didn’t want to go to bed.

There was something else. Waiting for Nimbus to walk around and grab hold of her pillow. Doing her work to smooth it out for Soul and she looked up. “Did you want another blanket, it’s supposed to be cold tonight. Don’t want you freezing.” “I should be good.” Soul had weathered so much cold in the past, and these past few days have not been a cake walk. She could handle another night, not any reason to burden Nimbus with going downstairs and getting a blanket. The mare had enough to deal with. Soul already had enough on her mind for the mare. But she kept her mouth shut. Listening to the howling wind outside even as the snow came down so slowly under the blazing moonlight shining in through the thin clouds. “Come on now, lay down” Nimbus offered Soul a big spot in the bed for her to lay herself down in. Atop the big pillow and under the covers. Should I ask her? Last night was still on Soul’s mind. Hard to tell if she should. So hard to.

10.3
“Um… I just can’t wait for tomorrow. I don’t know if I can sleep” she used what Nimbus had reminded her of. Her stomach did have butterflies. Tomorrow was the day, the big day. When all of us can be together and see something amazing. I just hope I get to sit next to Dash. Have our own little spot together to watch. She didn’t doubt they would. I finally get to see what it is about the Wonderbolts that all ponies seem so amazed by. With my own eyes. No stupid newspapers or posters or words from others. I want to see what I will become.

“I know, Soul. But you have to. Come on, lay down.” Soul did as she asked. Finding her place to lay her head upon the pillow and waiting as Nimbus pulled the blanket over her. Keeping her warm. Not the same warmth. Soul looked over, feeling herself all alone in this bed. Just remembering the touch of warm fur along her hooves and holding somepony so close to her. She missed it. Now she was alone once more. Another normal night.

“You okay?” Nimbus asked. “Yeah.” Soul made herself comfortable. Frowning. Rainbow, what have you done to me?

Soul’s own hooves trembled under the blanket. Recalling the feeling. No matter how quick it was. Without anything being given back to her, she still loved it. What I gave her, it must be what her mom gives her. Was Dash out there right now, getting ready for bed and excited for the day to come. When both of them can be together. Calmed down by her mother. Like she saw. Like she learned. Being held the same way I held her. By a pony who loved her. But Dashie… I wanted that too. I really do. “Get some rest, Soul.”

10.4
“Wait.”

Soul wouldn’t let her say goodnight. Keeping Nimbus here at her bedside. I don’t want the day to end. I’m tired of feeling so alone in here. Maybe for tonight, I want her to stay and talk. I don’t want her to leave me in the dark again. Please stay.

“I… wanted to talk a little bit” Soul said. “About yesterday.” “You got more to say? Why didn’t you say earlier? I’d love to know more about your time over there” Nimbus said. “Really?” “Just a few minutes” Nimbus told her.

The mare stepped up. Setting her forehooves upon the bedside and leaning against it, listening. Um… what to say? I only want her to stay a little longer with me. But this damn frog in her throat. It made her tremble a little. No matter how much she told herself not to be afraid, just looking into those red eyes. They made her nervous. Like no other time before. With how kind she looked, how happy she was. “Was Dash a good host for you?” “Yeah… she actually let me sleep in her room.” “Here I thought you had the couch” Nimbus said. “No way. They set out a bed for me in her room and I had plenty of blankets.” “Good” Nimbus nodded. “My little champ deserves nothing less.”

They really had been nice to her and Soul kind of regretted not telling her the full story. Should she? Tell her she had more than her own bed. That I slept with Dash. Under the same blanket. That I got to see what it was like. Hell, her face started to feel hot just thinking of telling that.

10.5
“Dash really is a good friend to you. It’s so nice of her to pay for us tomorrow, but I can’t let her do it all. Do you think she’d fight me if I tried to buy us all dinner after it?” So we are going out to eat tomorrow. More and more, the day was sounding so much better. Soul wanted something really nice. “Dash won’t let you, you’re gonna have to insist. She’s pretty hardcore with wanting to treat us. Don’t worry about paying for me, I still have some bits.”

“You should save it. Use the money for the birthday party in a couple months” Nimbus insisted. “I can cover us. You should focus on your own stuff.” She saw Nimbus look past her. Over at the head of the bed behind her. “You are gonna have to come up with something to bring for it. It’s only right for you to not show up empty-hooved.” Soul knew she was looking at none other than the Wonderbolts hat that she had left hanging atop her bed post. Just like Dash had done with her own hat. The hats we both will be wearing tomorrow. Hoping lots of ponies will be jealous of Dash with her one of a kind hat. She deserved it, she deserved all gifts that Soul would give to her. Just like last night. She deserved what Soul had given her in bed. All the gifts, seemed like they were good at giving one another the same thing… up until last night when they fell asleep, but still. That moment was long past.

No going back to it. Leaving Soul just to think that Dash probably didn’t want to give her one back. “I hope she’s not planning on getting me the same gift for my birthday” Soul said. “How did you two manage to get almost the same hat for one another? That must be a skill.” “I don’t know” Soul said and then she laughed. Joined by Nimbus with her small giggle. The mare smiling at her. “Oh you…”

10.6
Nimbus slid off the bed. Back down onto her hooves once more, Soul realizing what was going on and her spirits dropped fast. “I think it would be best for us to get some rest now, we gonna have a fun day tomorrow?” She cocked her head and closed her eyes, expecting an answer. Soul didn’t care. Only hearing what she didn’t want to hear.

Wait. “You know… I told Dash about the scrapbook you gave me. She actually has one herself.” Nimbus opened her eyes. She looked confused. A little hesitant in her voice. “Oh really?” “Yeah, it’s full of Wonderbolts stuff and pictures of her training. All the pictures her parents took for her too… just to show her…” Soul looked down at her blanket. Still comforted by the effort Dash’s parents went through to give their daughter that love. “How amazing she is. It was pretty cool.”

“Pictures of her training?” Nimbus said. Amazed. “That’s a cool idea.” It really was. As was the idea that Dash and she had come up with. “I had an idea. Maybe you would like to help with it.” “Of course, what was your idea?” “Dash and I want to use the scrapbook you gave me to show everything we do together. Something to show our progress towards becoming Wonderbolts together. Something for us to… to look back to when we’re both mares.” A long pause. Nimbus stood there. Just a little twitch in her wing and then she raised a hoof to her mouth. So happy right now that… oh wow. Soul didn’t expect that. She saw a little shimmer in her eye. Was that a tear?

“When you’re both mares. Soul, that sounds so sweet. Oh you two must really love each other.” Grumbling happily and shaking a little in place. Like the mare was about to explode. It was actually a little funny to watch. Soul didn’t answer her. Nothing to say. Nothing at all. Just happy that they could be here together.

10.7
“I would love to help you two with that. I got the perfect idea. We need to get a picture of all of us at the stadium tomorrow. Start the book off like that.” Exactly! Us at our first Wonderbolts show. What perfect way to start off us on our journey to be Wonderbolts together. But Soul ended up yawning again despite her excitement. Making Nimbus giggle at her. “But that’s something for tomorrow. Looks like you’re pretty tired. Alright now, champ” Nimbus stepped back up and she… she put the blanket back over Soul once more. But I’m not tired.

What should I do? I really want to… but I’m so afraid to.

“We’ll take lots of photos tomorrow and put them in the book. Your first Wonderbolts show. I can’t wait to be there with you.” Soul grumbled. Sighing slightly, but she still managed to settle her head down on the pillow. Looking off, ashamed of herself. To Nimbus, this just seemed like any other night. But it was more than that. There was so much on Soul’s mind tonight. So much she wanted, and to want this night to be different than the rest. “Sweet dreams, Soul. I’ll see you in the morning.” That was all that Nimbus had to say. Like normal.

Nothing like what Dash has.

I want that. I want that from a pony, and… and you are the only one that I can think of… for me to ask the question. You are the only pony I can dare ask. Listening to the faint hoofsteps Nimbus took away from her as she left. She’s leaving. No. This could be my only chance. The only time Soul felt confident to do it. She spent her entire life wishing for it. After all that has happened, is it really enough to convince her to ask her? She was told not to be afraid. That she could get it. Dash was not afraid. She even… she even asked it of me. Because she trusts me. That has to be enough. It is enough.

10.8
“Nimbus.” Soul shot up from her bed. Almost throwing the blanket off her. Seeing the mare in the doorway, with the door almost shut. Open enough for her to look back to Soul with her worried red eyes piercing the darkness.

“Don’t go.”

Soul held the blanket up against her chest. Hiding herself. I can’t let her go, I have to be strong. Then the door creaked back open. So happy to see her come back in. “Soul, what’s wrong? You’re not yourself right now.” She’s right. This wasn’t Soul. This was the new Soul. All thanks to Dash. Not at all wanting to go back to who she was. “Are you okay?” Nimbus stepped back up to the bedside. Soul shook her head. Making the mare lean back up against the bed. I shouldn’t be afraid anymore. Nimbus was here. She was listening. Face to face. She is the closest pony I have. The one I want to ask.

Rainbow Dash should not be the only one who deserves it. Not when Soul had the chance in front of her all along. “When I slept over… Rainbow told me something. It got me wondering.” “Was it something mean?” Soul shook her head. This was so hard to do. Dash, how did you do it? Your first time asking. It must have been hard. Like Soul’s chest would explode. There was one difference, you asked your mother. Can I… can I even consider her even close to that? Can I? But… I feel so comfortable around her. I feel like I can do anything. We’ve been together for years. Just now, she was able to finally ask. She wanted to ask, but it hurt. Her entire body shaking and Nimbus could see this. She knows that Soul was nervous. No way to hide it. Any of it. “Please don’t tell anypony” Soul whispered.

“Rainbow… she does something with her mom at night.” Nimbus cocked a brow. “Does something? What? You can tell me.” Soul sighed. I was taught to be brave. I am brave. Such a strong Pegasus. Only because of what Rainbow taught her. Everything she needed to be better. All she needed was that courage. The same one that drove her to get where she was today. Soul, she could not see herself doing this a few months ago. Even if it hurts and frightens her, she knew what to do. What she wanted. What she always wanted.

10.9
“I want to do the same with you” Soul admitted. Almost curling her tongue saying that. But it came out. “We’ve been together for so long now, and… I just wanted somepony I can see as close to me. All the time. You two never did give me that but… I want it now. Just to know… what it’s like. To know what I’m missing.” “What is it?”

Soul gulped. Dropping all her guards, as the blanket fell from her. Exposing her to the air once more. I know what I want. I want to know what it’s like. Maybe someday, she would get what she always wanted. But it would take one more step.

“Dash sleeps with her mom.”

That is what I want. To get to that point. With another pony I can call family. Forever. And for them to see me as the same. Soul never got that sense from the two she had spent most of her life with. Was it time to change that? “You really trust me… that much?” Nimbus asked.

“I do.”

10.10
“Honey, is everything okay?” Starry set his book down up on the bed. “Yup, we just got a guest tonight.” Nimbus showed Soul in. Stepping through the open door and finding herself inside the one room she rarely went in to. But always as she remembered. With the lit candles at the bedsides atop tables where so many photos sat upon them underneath the large window high above the bed. Where the snow could be seen coming down outside. Right there, the massive bed she got to sleep in tonight.

It’s hard to believe I get to do this. It must be okay. Nimbus let her in. Just her, no pillow or blanket, and she closed the door behind them. “Soul? Is everything alright?” Starry said again. So confused. As was Soul. But she loved it. Embraced it.

For Nimbus to allow her to do this. Nimbus laughed. “Our little champ wants to sleep with us tonight.” Soul felt his gaze upon her from up there. It is shocking but it’s what she wanted. It must be such a surprise for him too. Just like with Nimbus. They can think what they want about why, Soul only wanted what she desired. With the ponies close to her. No more being alone. No more thinking she is meant to be forgotten and left behind. After what Dash taught her. She had the courage to step in and look up at the bed covered in velvety red blankets with bands of gold stitched into them. “Can I?” Soul asked them both. Looking up to Starry’s blue eyes and then over to Nimbus. The mare smiled at her.

10.11
“Of course” Starry said. “Come on up, Soul.” Really?! She looked back up. Starry scooted over under the blanket over to the far side of the bed. “Is there a side you want?” Nimbus asked. “No, I’d be fine with whatever…” so shy to say it. That they actually had gotten to this point. Things have changed. So much. She really did have nothing to be afraid of. “How about you lay down in the middle. Starry, dear, put away your book. I’m sure Soul is ready for bed.”

Soul put her hoof down upon the side of the bed. Impressed with how tall it was to her. Impressed with how soft it was to her touch. That she was touching it. I actually can sleep on this? It made her smile. Spreading her wings to take the jump up over the bed. Landing right down on that soft blanket. She couldn’t help but giggle a little. Just so happy. Like she really was a kid. This is awesome. She looked over at the big space there was by Starry, where the stallion put his book on the table and offered the many pillows set out for her. He looked so confused. Me too. But… we get to sleep together. We do! Just so excited over it. She didn’t hesitate to run over to the pillows and practically throw her face into one. Just a moment where she forgot how tired she was. “Whoa, careful. You don’t want to break the bed now” Starry laughed next to her.

The stallion sat up against his pillow, looking down upon her, and he leant a hoof out. Just a touch on top of Soul’s head and a gentle rub that made her smile. Calmed her down. If not for how soft it was, by how… he was doing it. Sweetly smiling at her. Accepting her like Nimbus did. “Are you okay with me sleeping with you guys?” she asked Starry. He laughed. Sorry, I’m just… it’s too good to be true. This is what I’ve wanted. This feeling. In the same room as these two. In the same bed. With ponies she trusted.

10.12
“Do you want to sleep with us?” he asked. She nodded on the pillow. Laying down on her side next to him and making herself comfortable. “All you needed to do was ask. You’re always welcome” he said.

“He’s right” Nimbus said. The mare over by the dresser, just getting done with getting ready and coming over with her mane back down and flowing gently along her neck. “You only needed to ask. You don’t need to be worried. You’re our little champ after all.” Does it mean that much?

Soul snuggled up into the pillow. Kicking her hind legs under the blanket. The filly, more and more, feeling like she truly was welcome. She actually was. In bed… with both of them when Nimbus climbed up to join them both. Taking the pillow right behind Soul. Where she now found herself right here in between both of them with her heart beating so fast. Is this what Dash does? What she gets to have whenever she wants? Nimbus and Starry had said it. I can do this whenever I ask. So… does that mean… She looked over to Nimbus. Turning over so she could lay on her back between both of them with her wings outstretched. So relaxed. Her feathers brushing up against both of them.

I feel so calm like this. Like its natural to her. Like she did this all the time. Like it was meant for her.

10.13
Soul could do this from now on. That made her smile deeply. I really didn’t have anything to be afraid of. These ponies care for me. They trust me and do all this for me. Was that enough for her to trust them? She thought it was, and she accepted it. Maybe… someday, we can be more.

I want what Dash has. She still couldn’t believe how far she had come along. Not long ago, I was afraid of these two. Now look at me. Wouldn’t trade this for the world right now. Except to maybe hold Dash one more time. She yawned. Already feeling how tired she was. Was that from how long the day had been, or from how cozy this bed was. Seriously, it was criminal for them to keep her from these blankets she went under for so long. How she sank into the bed. It was wonderful.

“Are you comfortable?” Nimbus asked. The mare pulled up the blankets, fluffing her own pillow before she laid down next to Soul. On her side and looking over at the filly with her mane draping along the pillows. Almost entangling with Soul’s mane. “This bed is the best!” Soul told her. “I probably… will never want to leave it.” “You better, we got stuff to do tomorrow” Nimbus teased her. Reaching her hoof out and tapping it gently against Soul’s nose. Silence coming over both of them. Over all of them. Listening to the wind outside. Her gentle heartbeat. The slightest movements under the covers. But Nimbus never stopped staring.

10.14
“What?” Soul finally asked. The mare smiled. “Oh… just remembering.” “I think I know what” Starry commented back there. Making Nimbus sigh. “What?” Soul asked again. Curious over it all. “The last time we did this” Nimbus said.

Soul rose a brow. The last time? But… wait… Soul thought. We did this before? Nimbus must have been able to tell how lost she was. “You were still a foal. Not long after you came to us. Oh…” she reached her hoof out to touch Soul’s own hoof. “You were so sick one day. You couldn’t even sleep in your own bed, and it was hard watching you cry. I couldn’t leave you alone at night like that with tears and all that snot coming from your nose.” “Nimbus…” Soul groaned. I don’t need to be reminded of what it’s like when I’m sick.

“But it’s true” Nimbus said. “It made me decide to let you sleep with us for a night. You passed out in the same spot you’re in right now. Like you weren’t even sick anymore.” Soul blinked. Thinking over it. How long ago was that? “I don’t remember that.” “You were still a baby and really out of it. I don’t think it would have been that memorable for you. It was just one of those nights, not like you asked me to sleep with us.” Sounded like it. Wow, I don’t remember. You would think she would but… it was gone. Lost to her. Like it never happened. For something that major. But… it wasn’t… at all like this. Like right now.

Laying here side to side, looking at one another so closely while… while Nimbus’ hoof stroked along Soul’s foreleg. I don’t remember that, but Soul doubted she would forget this feeling. Being so close to another pony. Silence between them all. Just them in the young hours of the night, next to the flickering candles. With Soul’s eyes falling. But she didn’t want to fall asleep. Not yet. “You poor thing, so tired” Nimbus said. “We really should be getting to bed but… I don’t want you to forget this.”

“Forget what?”

10.15
“It’s okay…” Nimbus said and… she leaned over to Soul. Shrouding her in her hooves, Soul couldn’t move. Didn’t even panic. Confused about what she was doing. Wrapping her hooves around Soul and… she pulled her off the pillow she lay on. Taking her off the bed. “Don’t worry.”

What are you… Soul felt herself pulled up atop of Nimbus. Where she now was. Laying there on her chest where the mare looked at her with such a wide smile. Holding the filly in her hooves to rest on top of her.

Nimbus… she’s never done anything like this before. Soul could feel all of her. How soft and warm her golden fur was against her own. The rise and fall of her chest, the big pony able to hold her completely. Like she… she was her bed. Soul didn’t know if she should leave. If this was okay for Nimbus. If she was okay with it. I’ve never even heard of this. Never seen this. Not from this pony. Nimbus was cradling her. Soul arched her head up, staring up at her. Unsure what to say. Just feeling the mare running her hooves along Soul’s back. Holding her tight against her chest.

“Nimbus…?” “It’s okay… it was brave of you to ask to sleep with us. Maybe… you’d be alright like… this? Make it a little more memorable than last time.” Soul looked over to Starry. That stallion grinning and then keeping to himself. Just between her and Nimbus… and she… Soul liked it. Enough to… put her head down upon Nimbus’ chest. Right down to where her mane touched against her chin and Nimbus’ mane licked along her face. Listening to her breathe. So soft and calm. Like a beautiful melody that Nimbus’ heart made, and Soul could hear her own heartbeat. Just as soft. She was happy.

10.16
I’ve never been this close to her before. She had never cradled her before. Soul would have remembered something like this. Now… she had it. This was beautiful. A feeling she never had before. Enough to make her drift. Slinking her little hooves down and holding on to Nimbus. Running her hooves along her side. Not daring to move. Because Nimbus was more comfortable than the bed. Warmer. So much warmer when… she gasped as Nimbus’ wings came over her back.

Those huge things taking her in golden feathers. Just like how I held Dashie. This is what… I gave her. Is this what Dash got from her mom too? Or maybe Soul was lucky. To get it from this pony. One she felt she could ask anything now. One that she trusted. Tomorrow will be a great day. Soul blinked slowly. Her eyes feeling so heavy as Nimbus hushed her. Stroking a hoof over her back. “Go to sleep” she whispered. “We’ll have so much fun in the morning, but sleep now.” With such care in her soft voice. Soul just stared at the yellow fur she lay on. Listening to her soothing voice. The only voice she heard. Her mouth trembled but… only one thing came out with a tear running down her face.

“Thank you, Nimbus.” This is what I want. I want more of it. This is what she missed out on. No more. She didn’t want it left out from her anymore. Maybe… she can trust these ponies with anything. Even… her own desires. “Sweet dreams.”

Soul closed her eyes. Remembering that soft feeling.

10.17
Nimbus listened. She’s asleep. It made her smile, looking down at the filly she had nestled against her chest. It was too hard… too hard to not shed tears over it. She had to wipe them away and then look over to her husband. Over at his loving face seeing her like this. I must look like something else for you, huh?

I’ve never held a little pony like this before. Nimbus tightened her wings around the slumbering filly. Breathing gently against her chest. Such a small thing. So frail. Like… like I’m the one protecting her. I am. Just like… I always wanted with a pony. Soul, you never did get anything like this. Not like what Dash has. You actually want… me of all ponies to do this for you.

“You really do make a good one” she heard Starry whisper over there. Nimbus looked at him. Thinking she knew what he meant. Cocking her head at him. Never stopping her hoof from stroking along Soul’s back. “A mother” he said. Damn, it’s already hard to hold in the tears. She exhaled hard. “You… say that like I already am one.” Like I am. I am a mother. Just like one to this filly… right now. The girl I’ve cared for for years now. The closest I’ve ever felt to her. Is this what she wants? Is this what I want? “Maybe… you could reconsider what I suggested long ago” Starry said. I know. I know what you mean. I wasn’t ready then. I didn’t think she was ready either. A sad and lonely filly. She’s not that pony anymore. I’m not that frightened mare anymore. Soul deserves the best. For all she’s been through. She deserves it. I…

I want to be her mother.

10.18
“I want us to be her parents” she said. “I’ll support it” he said to her. “Then maybe…” Nimbus paused. Hating it when she felt it and could tell that Starry noticed. With the shuddering blankets covering her. So embarrassed over it, but it’s not something they weren’t used to. Just having to wait for her hind legs to stop shaking. Another moment. As Soul’s hoof touched that tainted flesh Nimbus’ wing no longer hid. Her only shame. But she wouldn’t let that pain get to her. Ignoring her spasm. Shaking her head. It’s not going to stop me. I finally can have my dream. Because of this filly. I’ll give her what she dreamt of.

“Starry.”

“Yes, honey?”

“In the morning, …let’s ask Soul if it’s something she wants.”

Listening to the wind howling outside.

10.19
It is a beautiful scene. I do believe. Holding my brush up to the canvas. Yet… something is missing. As I look upon the world before me. All these rolling hills upon the valley under that vast city floating in the sky. Covered in the white of this snow, yet not enough to keep me away. Not cold to the touch. For what better moment than now to capture it?

A scene under the moonlight in the harsh fall of winter. It’s taken me so long… so very long to find a moment like this.

Clenching the brush in my teeth, I wonder to myself, what can finish it? The colors are perfect. The scene, breathtaking to some. Not to me though. Glittering starlight over a calm land so quiet in the night. At the edge of the frozen rivers leading into the forests. I captured the lake quite well. Perfect place for young ponies to play in. Even looked tantalizing now in the cold. Took a while for me to get the perfect hues of blue and white in to it. Shining the reflection of the moonlight. But… this is all the same. Each portrait like the other. A scene of beauty. Captured in the land of this world.

The lake would make a fine place for young ponies to play, yet none are here at night. None are here in the cold. None to capture into this image. For that is what I always lacked. Through my hundreds of paintings, I never could get that scene of emotion that ponies do show. Any emotion. Yet some reign stronger than others. A week ago, I wondered if it was right to paint a pony warped in her sadness. A frail mare, sitting alone under this dark sky. I don’t think she noticed me. I could have painted her… but… I walked away. Now, once again I stand here looking at my art. With my reflection in the shining dabs of paint showing my golden fur. Me alone once more. For that was the key.

10.20
Loneliness is never a good thing to have for any pony. Especially if they don’t deserve it. I regret not coming up to that mare and comforting her. Lonely ponies work well together. For something wonderful can blossom between them. That is what my scene lacks. Something other than loneliness. A world without it. Captured by my brush.

Do I paint it? Something like that? It would need to be special. One last moment. One of love. True love. What would make it work? For me to capture that scene and lead to something more beautiful. Without loneliness for any pony. For it can be marred by pain. My scene could be ruined. One mistake. Like a wrong brush stroke. Or even worse. For that love to be broken. Tainted by pain.

I blink and see it upon the canvas already. Horrified by it. That of a mare… dying. Dying from her own ravenous body tainted in disease… and the stallion she leaves who rejoins her soon through his own will. But… the pain after. Should I paint that? I don’t want to. Because… they’d leave behind the one pony who needs them most. Yet that stroke was already painted. Atop a hill. Under the moonlight. But that poor little pony, she doesn’t deserve that. Not when there is something better.

There is always something better.

10.21
Together in the night, in the shine of the Moon. Two lovers entwined. One last passion between them. Free of the pain that I do not want to see upon my canvas. It can’t be avoided. It can’t be altered. Just like any brush stroke. But it can be changed into the perfect scene. Without what I fear. The fear of two colors lost and separate. To disappear alone and leave behind the third. In such a cruel manner.

Wouldn’t it be so much better if I made those colors mix and flow? That of gold and that of blue. To share in one last moment together and then… they can fade away together. Not without meaning as it would be if I did nothing to change what was set, but with purpose. New purpose for the one they leave behind no matter the result.

Do not worry, young one. For this is meant to be how it is painted. For a scene… without pain in the very end. Then… I need not to paint any more after this last stroke. As the brush goes across the canvas. Make it so. It leaves my lips. Held out under the moonlight. Under the gaze of those crimson and azure eyes staring back at me in the paint. I blink. They blink. As the brush snaps in two. I don’t need it anymore.

The wind howls.

The forest falls quiet.

“The rest… will paint itself… thanks to her. Hehehehehehehehe.”

10.22

Soul. Soul. Wake up.

Come on, get up.

Aww, but it was such a good sleep. Was it really already time to get up? Nice and comfy in Nimbus’ hooves and wings while listening to her breath. Soul could swear she had not slept that good in so long, then… she was quick to yawn and feel just how tired she still was, as well as the fact that… she was shivering.

Soul shot up. Sitting up on the bed within the scarlet blankets surrounding her. Just the blankets. So groggy and out of it, but she knew this wasn’t right. I was sleeping with Nimbus. Why am I…? Wait. As the filly warmed herself with her hooves and wings, she found why it was she was so cold. No blanket… and no wings around her. Nothing around her. Nopony. Soul was all alone in the bed. The blanket left tossed aside before her, and she looked all over. So confused. Even more when she found the pillows all shoved aside and… even the mattress was left with deep dents where ponies had lay. That was all that was left of Nimbus and Starry. Inside this dark room where only the moonlight cast a white glow over all around her.

“Nimbus? Starry?” Soul got up to stand on the bed. Seeing for sure that it was still night. Still hearing the wind howling outside and the snow coming down. Alone in the empty and silent room, with the door still closed and the only thing that moved was her shadow.

10.23
What the hell? What are they doing up? Who woke me up?

Soul looked all around. Really, there was no reason for them to be up. Unless they were playing a prank on her. Not cool at all. Come on now, they were having a wonderful sleep. Soul wanted them back, no time to play around. It made the little filly growl under her lips. “Nimbus, come on now!”

She leapt down from the bed, still feeling a little wobbly in her legs and shaking her head just to try and wake up. “Where are you guys!?” Soul didn’t say it angrily, but with worry. She looked around the room with her hoof raised. Hesitant to walk away. Just thinking that… she was alone in the dark with no idea what those two were doing. Where they were. “This isn’t funny.” She took the step. Her hoof setting down upon the floor and it creaked. Her ears went up, almost jumping back. Not from the creak, but from another sound it took her a few moments to figure out.

That was… the front door closing downstairs. She had heard it plenty of times before. Is there a… no, wait a minute. Soul heard it. No doubt what it was, her sharp ears catching it fast. Making her turn back to the window over the bed. Right out there. Her wings were at least awake, taking her back up on to the bed and running over. Leaning up against the wall to look out. Out at the dark city of clouds beyond under the glow of the massive Moon shining a blistering pale blue so low in the sky. So low to where the towers of Cloudsdale itself shone in silhouette before it. Like the entire sky was cast in that blue. Deep out there in the gently falling snow. Alongside what it was she had heard. It only made her more afraid.

10.24
It was wings. Two pairs of them. Belonging to the ponies that Soul saw fly away into the night. Leaving the house behind. “Nimbus! Starry!” She pushed her hooves against the glass. Watching none other than both of them soar side by side. Away from her.

No, where are they going? Soul almost panicked. Pushing the glass and then settling back down on all fours. Wanting to try and find what it was she could do. They’ve never done this before. They always told me when they would be leaving. What pony would leave for a flight this late at night? Why would they? One thing was for sure, Soul did not like it.

How can they just leave? More importantly, why was she even considering staying here and waiting? Those two are up to something. They have never pulled a stunt like this before. Besides, they needed to be at the show later. With her. I got to go get them. They can’t be out late. They can’t… just leave me here. Without saying anything. Just like… she did.

No! I got the power now. After all we went through, they’re not going to just ditch me like this. No matter the reason. Soul extended both her wings. Spread feathers proudly displayed on her mighty wings. She turned back to the window. Up to the two dots flying away in the deep Moon. Whatever they’re doing, she wanted to know. A stronger push than before was what it took to send the window flying open and Soul took off, deep into the chilly wind blasting over her as she left her house behind.

10.25
Soul was awake now. No way she’d be tired when flying through weather like this where the wind licked her fur and seeped between her feathers to chill her spans. All the snow coming down in her face from the darkness above. But the Moon guided her way and her eyes saw them both. Two ponies with wings flapping. Two dots in the Moon.

Soul shivered. Rubbing her legs over one another while her wings kept up the pace. Not letting the cold stop her. This is nothing. When she was so afraid and worried over what it was those two were doing. So much so that she flew off by herself into the darkness over Cloudsdale where nopony else flew in the skies with her and the two she chased. High over the silent city. No light flickering in any building. No movement on the streets. Nothing but her shadow going over the rooftops as the lone filly took flight over the neighborhoods with a gust of wind sounding out from a flap of her wings. Her eyes glued on the two ponies leaving her behind, because they were not going to.

Nopony else will leave her behind. Not after all we have and all that was going to happen, those two aren’t going to leave her. Not without a reason why. For leaving me cold on the bed. It almost made her want to grind her teeth, biting down on her lip. Driving her wings to flap harder and both of them sent her off so quick over the rooftops. So quick for her to even bother noticing anything around her. Her entire self focused on those two.

You’re not leaving me.

10.26
Come on now, Soul, they aren’t leaving you. They wouldn’t. Not after all they did with me.

Those two assured her how special she was to them and how much they cared for her. Nopony else would cradle her like Nimbus did. Not even her own mother. There were no other ponies more supportive of her and what she wanted than those two. Besides, Nimbus, you showed me I could trust you. You trust me.

So why in Equestria would they leave me like that? Not one word.

They better have a damn good reason. Because of this… Soul felt a tear coming down her cheek. With all the thoughts, she had to get them out of her head. Follow after them. A relaxing flight together and they didn’t want to wake me, yeah. Didn’t bother saying anything. I hope. Sure did choose a great time for it because Soul was not going to have a relaxing flight in this weather and at this speed where she zoomed past the towers of Cloudsdale and high into the sky where only the Moon filled her vision, so much larger than ever. Burning of churning white and blue all along it and over the black print of the pony within its berth. Far into the falling snow where only the wind was the one thing she could hear with her. Going beyond it all and her worry grew. Growing when she saw that they were leaving… leaving Cloudsdale.

Where are we going?

10.27
Soul followed after. Not letting those two out of her sight. So far ahead, didn’t matter. She saw them and felt so confident in herself to catch up. Catch them high over the valleys of Equestria. All three of them now above the snow-covered hills and grasslands of the Canterlot Valleys. The same way that seemed so familiar to Soul.

She recognized it all. She was heading off in the direction of it. The thick wipe of black spines rising from the earth ahead and shrouding the land in darkness. Made only by the slumbering trees that it all was. The forests. Oh, where are we going? Soul didn’t want to find out. Picking up the pace, her wings beat so hard. Harder and harder. The little filly didn’t give up. Never gave in. Never let another tear come out. Not until she caught them.

She never thought they would return like this. The last time they came to this place, a time of excitement and joy. When her, Nimbus, and Starry got to enjoy the beauty of a nice, warm day. Flying together over the same winding rivers all leading to the same scene ahead of her. Where she had been just days before. The forest looming over the lake. Now they were back here, completely different. In the dead of night under a hail of cold, frantically chasing after them. Fighting back that terrifying thought in the back of her mind.

The two ponies passed over the lake. Soul passed over. Feeling the wind ripple around her. Another big flap of her wings. Till she could see the two pairs of wings closer. The dark silhouettes of the two pegasi far ahead of her. Closing in. “Nimbus! Starry! Wait for me!”

10.28
“Where are you…” Soul slowed to a crawl. Her eyes widening. Both her wings gently going through the air. Cutting it, that soft and gentle air.

What… had happened? Soul didn’t even blink at what had happened. Like… it all changed so quick. Because… she held out a hoof in front of her.

No snow.

Nothing fell around her. Nothing… came down from the sky. Falling into this empty and still sky. Just a giant Moon above her. Casting white light all along the forest below. It all almost made Soul forget… forget what it was that was happening. Not when… she felt tingles running down the back of her head and to her spine. Staring up at the Moon.

Why… why is it so frightening? Like something heavy on her. Like the whole air stung though that air was still. Not even a gust of cold coming over her. No wind. No snow. Yet she looked behind her. Back to Cloudsdale. Nothing. The entire snowfall had ended. “Where… are you… going?” Soul whispered. Turning back to where it was she had been flying towards. So lost in the gaze of that massive Moon and the calm of a dead sky so dark to her no matter how much light the Moon let out.

10.29
Soul didn’t even move. Floating there like a stump and just watching the two dots fly off under this terrifying veil of the darkness so still and dead. What is even happening here? Where did everything go?

Where are the clouds?

The entire sky changing like this. The entire feeling she had changing. Is this even her sky anymore? Not now. Leaving her rubbing her hooves together so slowly and sifting left to right in place… just watching the two ponies… fly off into the forest. Landing somewhere down there.

Down there. Down in that dark embrace of trees under this moonlight. It was something different. This was not the land she remembered. Like something was out here. But Nimbus and Starry… The two of them left her alone up here with so much worry. All the things that can be happening. She didn’t want it to be bad. She wanted to find them and talk to them. For… for Nimbus… she wanted Nimbus to hold her again. Even out here. She needed a hug, having flown all this way just to catch them.

Oh man, Soul gulped. Still having her wings flapping behind her and keeping her aloft. Her only friends right now. No Rainbow Dash with her. I can’t get her. I have to do this on my own. Dash did not need to see just how terrified Soul was of Nimbus and Starry… being gone. Leaving her by herself.

10.30
I’ve got to go after them myself. Soul fidgeted for a moment. Gulping and staring down at the forest. Just… have to remember where it was they landed. She knew exactly where. Near the edge of the forest. Okay. Her muscles felt so tight, even her wings started to feel weighted. Just seeing now that she had to get out of this. Get away… from that Moon looming over her. Even if it meant going after Nimbus and Starry in that forest. She had to do it.

She whimpered when she took the first dash down to the treetops. Happy her wings still worked and flew so fast down on it. Over to the break in the trees where she had seen them fly in to. Down in through that hole in the dead trees where the white light shone all throughout the snowy ground below the trees. Covering the grass and dirt. Shining bright. So much brighter. All the snow like the Moon itself. Drawing her in. Slowly.

Soul lowered herself. Taking a moment before her hooves landed in the snow. Leaving her standing in the middle of such a thick forest. The same one as before. She even found herself on one of the paths it looked like. Standing before a huge split in the trees that led on down into the darkness. So much darkness. Like only the place she stood was lit up with nothing but an empty void beyond. The forest was so much different. It made her shiver. Not from the cold at all.

That was what was weird.

10.31
Everywhere she looked, she only felt herself kept down right now. Everything was still. Like there’s nothing out here. Not even a sound. No branches falling or sounds of animals. Nothing making a peep. She held her breath and… all was quiet. Am I the only pony here? Maybe even the only thing here. But she could have sworn she saw both of them land here. Yet her ears just flicked and found nothing.

All of it so creepy and eerie. Underneath the moonlight with the great city of Cloudsdale still hanging high up in the distance beyond the trees. I know they’re out here. I’m gonna take them home. More importantly, Soul wanted them to take her home. But that meant one thing.

The little filly stepped forward. Going right down the path. One that would seem so calm and welcome in the daylight. Not like now where her skin crawled and her body felt so hot. Her wings left to tremble at her sides. They’re afraid too. I really hope I find those two soon. Of all the things they could do together, hunting them down in a dark forest was not one of them. Soul just wanted to go back to bed inside of Nimbus’ hug. But everywhere she looked, she only grew more afraid of what it was she was getting in to. She looked off to the left and then the right. Just trying to spot something. Only seeing the expanse of darkness where nothing moved in every direction. Stepping along the snow-covered path. Just days ago, it had been so clear. Where we got to play with a little bunny and race. Maybe it would have been better to bring Dash with her. All of this was almost too much for her.

10.32
Inside the same forest she was told would make good for hide and seek. Now that is exactly what she did. Half expecting something to jump out at her while she did so. This whole forest really did serve a good place to hide. Soul could see nothing. Just small breaks in the tree lines along the path and sometimes spotting the sight of the hillsides outside the forest lit up under the gleaming white moonlight. That was it. Yet… she was drawn to it. Going down the path and her eyes glued over to the hills she could see outside. Not sure where they may have gone, but… she just wanted to go this way.

But really, she began to panic. Nimbus and Starry could have gone anywhere and she had to look around a few times hopeful to spot anything. Into the trees or either sides of the path. Deeper into the forest while she went the other way.

“I shouldn’t be so afraid, right?” Practically laughing at herself in a hushed whisper. Eyes darting all around. This place was harmless every other time. Welcoming to her. The same forest as always, just… a bit darker, and so uneasy to walk through. Feeling the skin crawl on the back of her head. Ears trying to find something and her wings flicked open and shut again. Ready to take to the air. But which way to fly? No way to tell. Better yet, they were far better to use to fly away with. If Nimbus and Starry weren’t here and she could leave this terrifying forest. Even more so when she grew more desperate. “Nimbus! Starry!” She heard her voice echo all across the trees. Like hundreds of voices screaming the same thing and making her reel back a little.

10.33
“Where are you?” she whispered. Shooting her head over to stare down the right side of the tree lines. Thinking she may see something. Hear anything. Nothing, and she turned herself around to watch the way she had come from. Backing up from it. Feeling her soft tail licking along her stomach, keeping it between her legs, with her wings outstretched. Come on, where are you guys? I want to go home. Right when they had been having a beautiful night. Why leave?

Did I do something wrong? No. No! That’s not it. They have to be up to something. No other reason for them to leave. Something big. But what she would do for them to all be back home, under the covers together again. The most magical feeling she had in a long time. I don’t want them gone. I hope they don’t want me gone. Why did you two have to leave?

Soul turned tail once more and picked up the pace. Holding her wings out and running along the path. Headed off towards where she saw the moonlight shining in through the trees and to the wide, open plains and hills beyond.

“Nimbus! Where are you? Starry?!” She skidded to a halt. Looking up at the large trees looming high above her and blocking out the Moon. Over to where she stood before the last tree line. Blocking her from the hills ahead. Hearing nothing. Nopony answered. “Guys?”

She felt her spirits drop. Just looking all around her. Fearing they may have gone off somewhere else. No. I don’t want you guys to leave. I don’t know where you are. Don’t leave me like this. Soul didn’t want to have to go back home by herself. Wait for them. Not knowing what they were doing. Which could be anything. Including the one thing she feared the most. Never wanting anypony else to do to her. I can’t be without them or the ponies I love. I want you to keep hugging me and never leave. “Nimbus!” Don’t be like her… don’t be like mom.

All across the trees and along the hills. She looked all over. Stepping over to the last tree. Peering out. Out into the open fields beyond where the snow lay thick along the ground. Draping the grass and rising along the hills. Where her eyes went wide.

10.34
Two ponies. Up there. She saw them. At the top of one of the hills. Shrouded in the moonlight.

Such dark figures but… Soul didn’t waste any time. Just seeing anypony out here. She had to force her way through the trees and rush out. Getting her hoof caught and having to yank it out before she stepped up out of the forest and out into the snowy field. Drenched in white. Shining bright of blue and silver. Scalded by the Moon. That massive orb high over the hills. Where the two ponies sat together within its blinding sphere. She didn’t care who they may be. Confident she knew, and the filly rushed off.

“Nimbus. Starry.” That better be you. I don’t want to be out here any longer. Not with it getting colder. Like all that warmth drained away and her body settled once more. Leaving her tears behind in the snow with her hoofprints. That has to be them. Thank Celestia, I found them.

Two ponies sitting side to side, so close to one another up there. Up on that hill she rushed at. Wanting to join them. If it’s them, I need them. Soul wanted to run up to them and give them a big hug because she was starting to cry now. Please be them. Please. Hug them again and go home together so they can all get sleep and be ready for a wonderful day together. That was what we should be looking forward to. For us to be together. Don’t leave me behind like that. Getting closer and closer. Ready to scream their names as the Moon shone over them all and its light shifted. Slowly turning. Casting upon the hill she came to. To stand at the bottom of it. Looking up at the two ponies whose shadows came down on to her under a blistering white light, and she stared. Silent. Up at the two ponies who held hooves together, not even seeing her. Where she saw that both of them looked away from her, up at the Moon.

10.35
But… it was them. In that light, she saw it. The fiery mane draped down the mare’s neck and along her back to between her big wings where golden feathers came over those silver feathers of the stallion who held her. The back of their heads to her up there, and she heard her giggle. Nimbus’ voice.

It was them. Oh… what are you two doing? Soul placed a hoof on to the hill. Stepping up to it. Wanting to come join them. Show them how far she would go to find them. But so happy that she did. Only stopping when she saw them move. A subtle motion in the dark as her flame colored tail came up and twirled together with his blue tail behind them.

Oh… Soul stepped back once. Staring at them. Only seeing from behind but… she could tell. Maybe… I should. Soul looked back. Not sure what to do. If she should run up to them. Hug them or… yell at them. Show them just how upset she was inside. How could they just leave me like that just to go be alone together? The least they could have done was told me. Shouldn’t they know how afraid I would be. It wasn’t nice of them. Seriously, I should. But… Soul just looked at them both. Watching every move they made until… she did feel entranced. Seeing how Nimbus ran her wing along Starry’s back and the stallion held her tight with a hoof along her back, and their tails so lusciously flowing together like they were meant for one another as the colors of their bright tails came together. When Nimbus settled her head against his.

10.36
You two. I sometimes forget how much they love each other.

Soul stepped back a little more, not stopping till she finally settled herself down and sat. Watching them. One little piece of her wanting to rush up there. But… I shouldn’t. They wanted to get away from me so they could be alone. Have a little moment together. Without me. Was that why they did this?

Did I… did I get in their way tonight?

Maybe they… they wanted to do this but I messed it up by wanting to sleep with them. I hope they aren’t mad at me. I hope… I’m not a burden. It really would have been nice to just tell her. Not sure if it would be best to just fly home as she listened to Nimbus giggling like some filly up there. Running her head along Starry’s cheek. Where only a small sliver of the moonlight shone through between them. Cast upon her in their shadows.

She sighed. I should be happy for them. They deserve it. They cared for me for so long and comforted me a lot, but why do I feel so lonely now. The filly in their shadow. Left to watch them from afar. So lost on what to think. Certain that they would yell at her if she even tried to come up there with them. This was meant to be their special moment together. Without her there. After all, she had gotten in the way of it. That left her so sad. Even more so when she saw it.

When Nimbus’ lips set upon Starry’s.

So quickly, she couldn’t even react except for her heart which leapt for a split second when she saw the mare push into him so suddenly. Leaning into Starry, to where could now see her red eyes staring into Starry’s blue eyes. Until both closed their eyes. Leaving Soul to watch it.

10.37
Feel a shudder go down her spine and she gulped. Soul could tell her heart was racing watching this. They’ve… never kissed so long before. Nothing like this. She had never seen them do this.

Both pegasi wrapped in one another’s wings, holding so tightly and not letting go. With their lips locked between them. They really do love one another. Soul put a hoof to her own lips. Cursing her racing heart. Feeling… herself blush.

Is that what it’s like? To know that another pony loves you? Why… why am I jealous? Why when they get to kiss and love one another. While I… I’m left behind by them. Soul left to feel like this. A kiss like that. Or even… one to her… to her forehead. To her cheek. Like… like I gave Dash. I’m so stupid. To think I could get something like that. They wouldn’t even tell me that they wanted me to be away for a bit or to tell me that they were leaving me. Now… now Soul felt like that whole hug was nothing more than to quiet her down.

Did Nimbus even want to do that for me? Did she… would she ever kiss my cheek? Would anypony? I want to know what it’s like. For there to be a pony out there I can say that I love. Maybe this was supposed to happen. To show Soul what it is like. At least I know they didn’t run away without me. Guess they will be home soon. Soul drooped her ears. Still looking up at them sharing their kiss. Until their lips left one another’s and she saw both of them staring at one another. The biggest smiles she could see. I shouldn’t stick around or else I’d interrupt them.

Soul sniffled. Standing back up on all fours. I’ll just go back to bed… in my bed and see them in the morning. I hope they would be okay with me asking why they did this? Maybe if… she would kiss me where I kissed Dashie. I love these ponies. Do they love me? Soul stepped away. Taking one last look back at the two on top of the hill. Nimbus with her beautifully flowing mane wrapped in sunlight and Starry in his icy pale mane and shiny coat. Together like always. Just seeing herself maybe to be a part of them someday. She turned away.

I’ll head home.

10.38
The first wind in a while right as she turned around and the first sound to break the silent night. Striking against her face so harsh. So cold to the touch like it all churned around her and made her shiver. Shielding her eyes from it and turning away. Back to where she saw Nimbus and Starry. Covered in that shroud of icy wind and a haze of black. That which made her ears perk up right when both of them… disappeared before her in a quick lash of black.

What was that?! “Nimbus!” Soul turned around. Ignoring the wind. Focused right up at that empty hilltop with her eyes shaking. I just… I know what I saw. That darkness. Soul… she wasted no time. Nothing as she ran up the hill. Shouting out the names of both ponies. I know what I saw. Oh no, something… something grabbed them, and the filly didn’t care what it was. She had to make sure. It happened so fast. There one moment and then… pulled over the hill. Like black claws had come over them both. Torn them away from her. Now her wings spread out. Caught in the icy wind coming in behind her and she took flight.

“Nimbus! Starry! I’m coming!” Shooting up at the hilltop. Maybe they just fell over. I got to be seeing things. That couldn’t have happened. But what if they’re hurt? I got to save them. Just like they would do for me. Yet… Soul reached the top. Peering out over it all from where she hovered right over the snow-capped hill. Over the two spots in the snow left behind from the ponies who had sat there.

They’re… they’re gone.

10.39
All the places Soul looked, scrambling over the hill and looking all around where the ground went back down to the fields below. But, there was nothing. Nothing? No. I saw them. I really did think I would find them laying there at the bottom of the hill. Just a large wipe of snow everywhere was all. Oh no. Oh no. Soul lowered herself close to the spot she had seen both of them. Disappeared so fast in a blast of darkness. But she could only stare down at the spots in the snow. Where both ponies had sat.

I wasn’t seeing things. They were right here. Now… they left. No, where are they? Soul fluttered around over the top of the hill. Trying to find something. Anything. This empty hill. Nothing even in the snow. Like nopony walked away. Did they fly away, that quick?!

“Nimbus, you jerk. Stop playing with me.” Soul so terrified to tell her that to her face but her anger boiled and her fears… they made her shiver. Rubbing her forehooves together. Staring back at the spot they had been and all around. “Where did you guys go?”

I don’t want them to leave. Please, I only want them with me. All we’ve been through. This isn’t right to just play around with me like this. Soul landed atop the hill. Right where the two ponies had been and she sniffed. Resorting to smelling the air with her eyes darting every which way. This isn’t right. This isn’t funny. I… I need you guys. Don’t leave me alone out here. Even if she were to wait, she couldn’t imagine sitting at home not knowing where it was they had gone. Not when they kept running from her.

10.40
If only I had Dashie with me. She would know what to do. Soul hated herself for doing this on her own. Nothing here to make her feel better. I finally have ponies in my life and I still am doing all I can to be alone. To feel alone. But I don’t want that anymore. I want them with me. I want them.

Soul rubbed a hoof along her face and caught the tear coming down. So desperate to find them and her ears never gave up. Her eyes would not stop going everywhere just to find one little trace of them. For her to find them and then… then she would go up to them. Beg them to come home. That did it. I want us to go home together. “Nimbus… Starry.” Soul sniffled. “Where did you go? I need you.”

Don’t leave me alone. Soul trembled and shook. Not from her fear, when another gust of wind came over her. Over the land. Like a roar sounding out all over the fields. Blowing snow along. Cast up off the ground. Soul followed it all. Watching the snow move on its own… towards the forest. Where her ears twitched. Like it was drawing her… was it? When she heard the sounds of branches breaking from the wind. Where she saw the trees buckling and swaying. Around the break in the tree line. Is that… is that right?

Soul looked to the sky. Holding her hoof out. Like she felt the touch of something against her hoof. Chiming around her ears and coursing all around.

This sky… it’s never let me down before. She always had felt so close to it. But now, now it was like it actually did reach out and touch her. Soothe her and comfort her. Making her stare down at the hoof she had felt that chilly touch to and then… back up to the tree line. Where all the wind blew in to. “Nimbus, you always taught me to trust the sky.” Soul stood up once more. Staring forth at the forest. While her wings spread. I always did trust it just like you told me. It never let me down before. I want to find you. “Are you in there?”

10.41
Back into this forest that I wanted to play with them in for so long now. Never did get our chance. Maybe one day. Or maybe tonight we all can see just how beautiful the night is together. Soul took her step and then her wings flapped. Riding into that wind that showed her the way. Flying off to the break in the trees. To hover before it. She stared down that dark path beyond. Lit up along the sides by blistering shades of the moonlight reflecting off the snow. What was it about this place? She had felt so scared earlier. Now… now she couldn’t look away. Drawn to it. Confident she would find the ponies she wanted to find. That there was nothing to be afraid of. Because the wind… the air was not afraid. She shouldn’t be too.

They weren’t grabbed. They must have flown off into the wind. Inside of the forest. Did they run off to have alone time together in there… or did they know she was here? Are they playing with me? Wanting me to follow.

She blinked. Funny. How soothing this was. She listened to the wind howling across the trees. Where the trees going down the path danced before her and split to open so many paths… but one. One she saw that made her go in. Back into the forest. With no fear, and the trees surrounded her once more.

“Nimbus? Are you there?” She whispered it. Entranced by the soft humming along the forest. Singing in the wind. Like music rang out within the gentle melody it made and she followed it. This feels so weird. Like there is somepony here. Like something is right behind me. But there was nothing when she looked back. Forced to keep listening to the soft sound within the treetops.

10.42
Something yet I’m not afraid. Not enough to keep her from reaching that break in the trees and seeing what it was that drew her. Over all the paths, only one. One where the wind blew down. She listened to its howl. Passing by her and stopping with a shudder along the trees. No matter how dark it was getting, the little filly didn’t stop her gentle flight down the path. Following that subtle shift in the air. Feeling it tingle along her back. Shaking all over her skin and her fur standing straight up.

There is something out here. Soul looked all around, floating backwards to look behind her and never stopping her flight down the path. She could feel it. Like there was somepony on top of her. “Nimbus? If that’s you… please stop. I just… wanna talk. I’m sorry for following. I just… am scared.”

Soul rubbed her legs together. Letting only her wings do all the work. “Come on, Nimbus. Starry. You guys. We got a big day… you know?” Soul grinned to herself. “We get to meet with Dashie and her family and all of us get to be together to watch the Wonderbolts. It’ll be my first show and I want to do it with you guys. Come on, please.”

Soul’s eyes flew left and right. Shaking from the wind. “Let’s go home. I promise… I’ll give you guys space.” Even if that’s not what she wanted. Convinced they left to have time to themselves. But she wanted them to hold her and hug her. She wanted Nimbus to kiss her cheek. For them to have fun together for many days to come. She hoped they weren’t mad at her. “I’m sorry.”

Soul.

10.43
She stopped. Feeling it. She did feel that. Such a terrible shock against her back. When the wind snapped out, and… and the forest fell quiet. Completely silent once more. The only thing that moved was her wings as the filly stayed still. Listening. Shaking. She had heard that. Somepony called her name. So loud. Booming in her head.

Really, who was out here? Who’s watching her? Please leave me alone. I only want to find them. Soul looked off to the left. Thinking she would find something. Looking all over and fearing she may see a pair of eyes staring back at her in the dark. That something will jump out at her. Cursing herself for doing this alone. I can’t do this. They taught me to be strong. I learned to be strong. But… I need them. I need somepony. Please… Nimbus. Starry. Where are you?

Mommy, where are you?

Soul held her breath. Not believing herself. To remember that. When she said that. So long ago. Yet… it all was fresh. When I was held in that stormy night wondering where my mom was. Held by a pony shrouded in the dark. Handing her over to them. She had seen them from whoever that was, when she opened her eyes and found herself in the hooves of a mare staring down at her with red eyes and the biggest smile ever. Her mane glittering in the shock of lightning shooting across the sky. And I never begged for my mommy again. Not when I had her. When I had them to be there for me and to… finally hold me. When she led me down the hallway and showed me my room. Spending so many days making it for me and finally proud to show it to me.

I remember it. As Soul landed back down on her hooves. Staring over at the trees. Like a wall. With a door on it. Where Nimbus had stood and turned the knob. Pulling the door open and Soul could see she actually had a room to herself. She followed the mare in there. Hesitant at the threshold. Looking down at it and then back up to her. To the mare standing there waiting for her. It’s okay to come in. This is your room.

My room. All thanks to her. A place I can feel safe. Where I can step into and be there to see ponies who do love me. They do. It’s only right for me to give back to them. For me to run into that room and give that golden mare a big hug. Over to where she lay there waiting for her. Laying on the bed and wanting Soul to jump in so she could hug her. Her own bed! Finally. And it’s all thanks to you. Nimbus. Soul ran to the mare. Running to her laying there. Smiling until… until Nimbus closed her eyes, and the room… disappeared.

10.44
The walls to trees. The carpet to snow crunching beneath her hooves as they took one last step for her to stand there. Looking out upon it. She was laying on my bed. That day. Offering her hooves to me. I jumped in and landed on her. I was just coming out of my foal years. Still so tiny. Tiny enough for her to hold me under her hooves and I couldn’t even reach far enough to hug her back. I looked at her beautiful eyes looking back at me. But now… they were gone.

That pony who had laid there. She did not offer her hooves to me. Not now. Because… Soul couldn’t bear to think of that. Those moments. As her hooves shook and her eyes widened.

Staring out past the trees and out in the break where the snow patches were thick and nothing hid her from it. Nimbus. She did not lay on her bed wanting Soul to hug her. Wanting her to experience having her own bed and to know that a pony did care for her. More than any other pony. That Nimbus was gone. Left. Like she left me tonight. That is why she could not step over that threshold. Could not enter her room. She wanted that Nimbus. She wanted the past memories. She did not want this. To see her there, laying still. With her eyes closed.

Motionless.

10.45
“Nimbus…” she whispered.

Soul held a hoof out but… she couldn’t. She couldn’t cross the threshold. I can’t hug her. I can’t be comforted by her and know that I am cared for. I can’t hold back my tears. Because… no. No, Nimbus. Starry. Soul trembled. Looking out at them. The two ponies out in the middle of the snow. Laying together. His hoof over her chest and both motionless in one another’s wings. Soul almost squeaked. Reeling back. Rushing away. Terrified of making a noise. All of it happening so fast. Like she may just break down right here. Scream in terror. But the darkness moved before her, and… and she had to be quiet. Because she was not alone.

I’m not alone. I’m not… Nimbus… I need you. Please.

Soul shriveled up behind the tree. Peering back out over it. Just a brief moment. In time to see the shadows move past. The darkness pass on with its blistering blue eyes shining in the night and it hissed. Not daring to look any more. Soul just curled up. Hiding. Terrified.

This can’t be happening. I’ve got to be seeing things. I’ve got to. Soul’s ears flicked and listened. Hearing it hissing. Hearing the steps in the snow and the creaks in the trees. Then the silence. Complete silence when the sounds passed and Soul was left there alone. Trembling by herself. She didn’t want to move. Closing her eyes and feeling her fur getting soaked from tears. So hard to hold her sniffles in. But she had to stay quiet. Believe that none of this was happening. That she was not alone in a dark forest with something out here. Curled up and crying quietly to herself behind a tree while knowing that… that they’re right there.

No. No! No! Soul clenched her hooves over her mane. Pulling her hairs. Not caring if it hurt to the point where she may rip them out. That didn’t happen. This is a nightmare. Just a nightmare. I’ll wake up in Nimbus’ wings. Forget all of this. Yet her fur stood up and chills ran down her spine. Like it had been. Making her shake both from cold and from fear. Fear that the worst may be happening.

No. Soul didn’t want to look. Listening and making sure. Unable to keep her tears back. But I need to. I need to look. Because I don’t want to believe. I don’t want it to hurt. But it would hurt no matter what when Soul put her hoof back against the tree and she peered around it once more. Out into the open snow between the forest. Where nothing did move. No sound was made. Only seeing the two ponies out there.

Please.

10.46
Soul stood up. To cross that threshold now. Not feeling like it was before. To enter her room to Nimbus so happy. Both of them so happy. Leading to so many nights when she would come into her room and wish her good night.

We came so close. So close. But Soul didn’t feel it would happen anymore. For them to get to that point she wanted for so long. Not with this feeling as she stepped closer. Her eyes so wide. Her fiery eyes shaking. I’ll see you in the morning, Soul. But I won’t. Will I? Will I see you when I wake up? Will you both be there for me? Will you?

“Nimbus. Starry.” Soul’s hooves stepped upon the snow. The filly trudging through it. Her, alone, in the middle of this break in the forest. Over to where they were. Not caring anymore about anything else. Only focused on them. The two ponies she wanted to see. Wanted to find. To hug. Will they hug me back? Please.

Why aren’t you two moving?

“You guys.” Why won’t you answer me? They’re just laying there. Nimbus laying on her back with the silver wings of Starry draped over her. The stallion laying behind her with… with his face in the snow. What’s wrong? “Talk to me. Please.”

She kept whispering to them. Wanting them to respond. This is a joke, right? Stop making me think… please, answer me. This is just another one of their pranks. Soul was just thinking badly. This was another stupid joke, they’re going to spring it on her soon.

10.47
Yeah, they’ll pop out and scare her like they did before when she was younger. Remember, you two? I came home from the store with the milk and found the house empty. I looked all over for you two and got so scared. I feared you left me. I almost cried and then you both came out from the closet and surprised me. You both saw how bad that affected me and you both hugged me for so long. Until I stopped crying. Hushing me and letting me know you would never leave me. You both had to keep telling me that again and again.

Why are you pulling this on me now? You both know how bad it is for me. Please get up, stop this. But they didn’t. Even when Soul stepped up to them so close that she could see all the fur on them flowing in the wind. The only motion they made.

You guys? Soul reached out to them. Holding her hoof back. They looked so peaceful. Holding one another. Wings overlapped. Entwined. Together, like they always were. Even laying in the snow like this. Starry with his strong wings and bulky legs spread out. Laying on his belly across from Nimbus. With only her legs and tail uncovered by his wing. Along with… with a sight that made Soul feel her heart go up into her throat.

Nimbus’ beautiful face. Laying there. Staring up at the sky with closed eyes along her pale skin. So white along her eyes under that golden fur. With her big wings, so gorgeous, spread out along the ground and risen up. Along the side of her face. Like… she was still in flight. Even laying like this. She never stopped loving to fly. Never did. That’s why I want to be like her. I want her there with me, both of you. When I become an amazing flyer. The dream I told you both and you supported me the whole way.

Why did you have to do this? Why did you? Nimbus. Starry. Soul knelt down beside them. Placing her forehooves… over Nimbus’ still body. Staring over at Starry. Not able to hold her tears in from falling so much. When a pair of them landed on top of Nimbus. Then came her head. Soul laid down. Putting her face down into her warm fur turning cold. Right where… where she had slept. Against her chest. Never again.

Because… Nimbus.

10.48
She wasn’t breathing.

Good joke… guys. Come on now… Soul sat back up, keeping her hooves wrapped around Nimbus’ chest.

“Come on, …stop it.”

She held her. So still. Holding the mare in her hooves, doing all she could to tug on her and shake her. Trying to pull her up and bring her close. Anything to get her to stop but the mare was too heavy. Soul could only look down at her and then… slide her hoof along to touch Starry across from her. Pushing him. Trying to get them to wake up. Seeing just how still he was too. No movement at all. Just that silent face when she pushed him to roll him over onto his side. Staring back at the shaking filly.

“That’s not funny. Come on. Stop it.” Soul leaned back and put both hooves on Nimbus. Stop it. You guys aren’t funny. She did all she could. Pushing and pulling on her. Trying to move her closer. But nothing. Nothing. One last tug and her legs felt so tired. Her entire body so tired. Like her entire self was falling apart. She could hardly breath. Could hardly control herself and all the tears coming down to soak the mare she leaned over. “Nimbus. You guys can’t do this to me. Stop the pranks.”

Soul tried to shake her again but… she felt her legs shake and… she fell over onto her chest once more. Keeping her face there. Laying against her fur. The same soft fur she fell asleep in. The same comfort. She couldn’t fall asleep no matter how tired she was. She couldn’t knowing they were doing this. That this was happening.

No… it can’t be. It can’t. Soul felt the wind come over her. So gentle and soft along her back. Watching the golden fur she laid in sway in it. As gentle as she always was. Every time she was with this mare, always keeping her calm. Let’s just go home.

Please. “I want to go home” Soul whispered to them. Sniffling. Seeing all her tears streaming down and pooling in the fur around her.

10.49
This is just like they always do. Always messing with me. Since the first time they played with her. All throughout the years. These two always cared for her but always loved to play. I used to think it was so mean of them but… I grew to love it. Their own special way of bonding with her. For the filly who was always so alone, they always took time to play with her. Make her laugh. The most harmless jokes that made Soul feel like… they were just like kids. No different than her. That’s what I loved about them.

They always wanted me to feel happy. The silly faces Starry made when I was a foal. Nimbus hiding under my bed to surprise me when I got home. All your damn jokes. I loved them. But… this has to be the best one yet.

How are you guys doing that? How are both of them not moving or even breathing? Come on. They’re going to wake up. Wake up. Soul grabbed hold of her once more. Not using her legs this time. Her wings spread and flapped. The filly pulling the big mare with her… for just a moment. “Wake up.”

Nimbus slipped out from her hooves. Falling back down before her. Leaving Soul there above her with her huge wings risen above them and all her feathers shaking. The filly shaking her head. Feeling all of the pain rising up inside of her. No. Stop it. This is just a stupid, damn joke. Soul leaned back over to Nimbus. “Please. Wake up. Stop.” “S…” she almost choked on her own words there as the tears came down.

“Stop. Remember, I said no more jokes that scare me like this. You promised.” Soul reached her hoof down, underneath of Nimbus’ head. Picking her up and… just able to hold her against her own little chest. Staring down at the quiet and still mare. Her eyes closed down there while she lay against the magenta fur and Soul’s silver mane wiped over her mane. She held her tight. Like she did with Soul.

10.50
“I never did thank you for letting me sleep with you. Here…” Soul held her close. Curling up over her head. Where the moonlight shone on all her tears flowing into that fiery mane. “Maybe… you can sleep with me. I won’t mind… and we can get some sleep. Together. All three of us. Like…” Soul let out a small wail. “Like we were going to. A lot more.”

This isn’t fair. We should be together at home. Under our warm blanket and sleeping. Dreaming of a wonderful day. Not out here, trying to wake them up. To get them to stop. All while Soul’s fears and pain grew. That’s right. “We got to go home. We need to sleep. Remember? We have a big day. You even told me. Just open your eyes and we can go home. Please.” Soul waited for the pony she held to do that. Every second that went by… so painful for her. Her trembling getting worse until she squealed and hugged the pony against her face.

“I… I always wanted ponies with me to do things with. Ever since I was a baby. I wanted to have lots of fun and friends. I have that now. You both gave it to me and now… now I want us to do more things together. We are going to see the Wonderbolts. All of us. My… my first show. With the ponies I care for.” Soul sniffed. “You guys… gave me so much. I want to give back. But we can’t do anything like that out here. Let’s go home, sleep. I can’t wait for today. With both of you, and so many more days like it.” She pulled Nimbus’ cheek closer. Pressing her nose into it. Crying against her.

“Nimbus… I want so many more days with you guys. I… I can’t imagine where I would be. Without all your help. You both trained me for so long. Made me as talented as I am. Taught me everything I know. You gave me hope and friends. A dream. Everything my mom never gave me. You both mean so much. So please stop. Please. I just want us to go home together and have more days… more like what we will do today.”

10.51
Soul gritted her teeth. She had felt it. It almost exploded from her. But it hurt so much to hold it in. Everything hurt. It only got worse as she stared at Nimbus. Because of all she wanted to say. So little time before… before we go to bed.

Right?

“Right, Nimbus? We’re gonna have fun. I’m gonna see what it’s like and then… then someday I’ll be a Wonderbolt. With Dashie. And you two can be there when we get our badges for the first time. When you see me in that uniform. And then… then I promise I’ll do a private performance for both of you. To show you how much your training mattered. Then you can see me perform for all the ponies and show them that their dreams can come true too. Just… just like you did for me. I want you both proud of me. Watching me from… from wherever you’ll be. And then… I want to do something… Nimbus, Starry.”

She stared at both ponies before her. Looking over Nimbus’ mane to the stallion laying with them. You two. How much you mean to me. “I’ve always wanted to do something with you both. Some… some ponies may think it’s stupid. But not me. Because you both matter to me. You guys want to know?” She paused. They won’t answer.

They couldn’t and… she knew it.

“I’ll tell you. After… all my performances. I want to hug you both. And then I want to tell you both something. I’ve been holding it in for so long. I just want you both to know…” Since… they won’t wake up. Since this night had to happen, and Soul’s heart, after so many years, finally perished.

“I love you, mommy and daddy.”

10.52
All she could do was cry. Holding the ponies she loved. Now… gone. All she had left was what she could hold in both her hooves. Pulling Starry over. Holding them both so close in her hooves, and neither of them could comfort her. So many times, so many that they did. Not this time. Not anymore. Soul was left to cry on her own. For this was the one truth she had left. That she… was truly alone. Dashie was not here. Now, Nimbus and Starry… please…

“Please come back!” Soul sobbed against their fur. “Nimbus! Starry!” Choking one more time and she spat it out. So loudly. “Mommy! Daddy! Don’t leave me.” Don’t leave me like she did. Please no. All I ever wanted was love. It’s all I wanted. “Please no. I love you guys. I love you so much. I can’t lose you. I have nopony left.” You two were the only ones there for me and I was so stupid… so stupid to never treat you better. You were what I wanted all along. I never saw it. You were my family. It took me this long to see it. Now you’re gone.

You both gave me everything. I could have been left in that alley to starve and get sick from the rain. But you two were there for me. I love the day I came to both of you. I only wish I had been better to you.

I only wish I had been your daughter.

“I’m your little champ. I always was.” But that was never enough. I should have been more. I wanted to. After you held me. After all the love you guys gave me. I wanted to be something more. “I wanted to be your little girl.” Breaking down right there. She fell over with both of them in her clutches. With her huge wings coming over all three of them. Now I’m all alone. No! “I love you guys! Don’t go.” Don’t leave me alone. You’re the ponies who taught me to love this… the wind that came over her. Once more. So frigid and strong. To blow her ears and mane. I learned to love the sky because of you guys. I wouldn’t be me without you. “Nimbus. Starry. I love you.”

The wind howled once more. Pushing her forth and she finally opened her eyes. Her teary eyes to stare out beyond the two ponies she held. To the eyes that stared back at her.

10.53
As black as the night but she saw the two figures standing over there between all the trees. Cast in the moonlight. Her tears stopped and her heart stood still. Knowing she wasn’t alone anymore. Not with anypony she loved. No more. But with fear. Fear itself. Those vacant, blue eyes staring at her.

I… no… the same thing that… Soul held both ponies closer. Nimbus. Starry. Help me. A black hoof stepped forth. Bristled in spines. Gleaming silver from the Moon all along it. Out from the shadows, and Soul could only sit there and watch. Shaking in fear. She didn’t want to leave these ponies. I… I’m supposed to be strong for them. But I… she saw those glittering fangs between its eyes wrapped in black tendrils seeping down all over its body. Stepping on four hooves closer.

“No, get away. Please leave me alone.” Soul held the two ponies closer. The sound it made. Such a horrifying hiss. Slithering out on a forked tongue between those fangs. I don’t want to be here. I don’t want any of this. This has to be a nightmare. Stuff like this shouldn’t happen. Ponies… they don’t die. Nimbus and Starry won’t leave me. They’ll protect me. They always have. They wouldn’t leave me alone to face these things. The two creatures stepping to her on legs covered in holes that the moonlight was piercing through. Etched in so many deep scars along their black bodies. Riddled in pain and so much hate in those blank eyes. Those aren’t ponies. Those are monsters. They… they took them away from me.

I… I… Soul couldn’t move. Sitting there like a stump holding the ponies most dear to her. “I never get to be with you two again. I only wanted you to come home with me. For us to be a family.” Soul closed her eyes. I don’t want you both gone. “Please come back, please help me.” One last time. I need somepony. One that loves me.

10.54
The sound was so sickly when she heard it stomp a hoof upon the snow before her. Right before the ponies she held. The voice that came out. Wrapped in a sting to her ears as it hissed so slightly. Like a whisper, and she looked up at it. So close to her. To see what it was.

“We’ll help you. You get to go back to them.”

As it licked its lips and its fangs above her. You’re… this is… Soul couldn’t believe it. The two creatures before her. All that hate in their eyes. All the sickly scars and holes riddling their flesh. All along their legs and up to their wings and the ragged horn atop their heads. These weren’t ponies. Changelings.

Soul… she didn’t even move. Staring up at the two creatures that towered above her. Like it all left her. All the fear. But she didn’t stop holding the two ponies in her hooves. No. She would hold them forever. Even if that meant… because I can’t move. Her legs shook. Her wings shriveled up behind her. Like her body was not hers anymore. This… this should never have happened. None of this. We had a perfect life. Everything was happy. We had a great future ahead. Me and the ponies I love. Why did this night need to happen? Why did it need to be taken? A reason she doubted she would ever know. Crying to herself, unable to move. Only tightening her hug and pulling the ponies closer. For those manes of the Sun and the sky to brush against her face. One last time. I didn’t want any of this. I didn’t. Nimbus. Starry. Soul didn’t blink. Left there to watch the Changeling come closer.

“I’m so sorry” she whispered. So sorry for never telling you guys how much I love you. To never fly together again in the wind that came over her and brushed her mane with those of the ponies she held. So hard. The trees creaked. The snow flew from the ground. Howling away so cold. Nothing more came. Only that wind.

10.55
Soul braced herself but it never came. Only the wind sounding in her ears and the panted cries of something in front of her. The same raspy howl the Changeling had been making. Pained in its voice. That strong breathing going stronger and only able to listen to that. So she opened her eyes. What is it doing?

Soul shook. Terrified of it standing in front of her but it made no move. Just standing there with those beady blue eyes staring off with its fangs gleaming before her. Soul held her breath. Cradling all that she had left of the two ponies she loved. Face to face with this monster. But it wasn’t looking at her. No. She saw it. Looking at something behind her with stillness in its eyes and a gale of wind coming over them.

What are you doing? I… I can’t move. I’m so scared. Just do it. Stop teasing me like everypony else does. I don’t want to be alone. Soul closed her eyes once more and held Nimbus and Starry close. Resting her tired eyes against them. No more fun days. No more family for me. What do I have left? All I have… is what they gave me in their last goal for me. I have Dashie. But… I’m so alone, I can’t do this without them. I only wanted a family. I don’t… I don’t want to be alone. Alone in the wind.

Her fur stood up on her back. Hearing the trees break and branches fall. All the tingles running down her spine. It made her shake. Like something pressed against her from behind, and the Changeling let out a pained mumble. Opening her eyes between the two ponies she held. The Changeling stepped back. It’s black hooves crunching on the snow before she looked up and saw the fear in its face. Fear unlike any other. At something beyond. She saw the other one. Both Changelings stepping back with their bright blue wings spread out.

What are…

10.56
Both of them howled and turned away so quick. So quick she didn’t even realize it till it was already happening. Both of them flew off into the trees. Followed off by the wind. Coursing so violently that the snow danced around her.

All the tree beckoning before her. Into the darkness where the Changelings disappeared. The two things that had caused all this. Gone. Leaving her alone. Alone with the two ponies so important to her. All that was left of them. She didn’t want to leave them even as it got colder and the sound of moaning winds made her so afraid. Afraid because… she felt something behind her.

Does she dare turn to look? This whole night. A nightmare. She stared at the ground before her. Wanting to look. See what was behind her. Something that made her so afraid. Whatever made those monsters run away. But I can’t… I need to stay here with Nimbus and Starry. I want to always be with them.

Don’t. Soul chattered her teeth. So cold. So afraid. I’ll… I’ll take them with me. You guys. I won’t leave you. Soul never let them go. Her big wings trying so hard to unfold and rise to the air. I… I can carry them. I… she shivered so much. Not cold enough. Not for her. But the pain and fear running all down her body. Scorching her like hot iron. It stung. Something is behind me. But… in the darkness. She heard it. Her ears leapt up and she froze. Through the howling wind. Something to comfort her.

It will be okay.

It will be okay? It will be okay? Soul felt her shoulders slump. Hating herself. Losing all her strength and only able to watch the two ponies she held fall over against her. Leaving her there to lean over them and fear what was behind her. What it was that made her feel completely destroyed.

That was why she turned around.

10.57
I don’t think I can do this anymore. I don’t want any of this. Every moment of tonight was another terror. Nothing different. When Soul found herself looking out. Out beyond the trees that separated her from the open fields outside. Past the tree lines and through all the darkness to where the Moon billowed bright over the hilltops beyond.

Where she did see it.

The eyes staring back at her from up there. Atop the tallest hill. Where a pony did stand in the darkness. Beneath the Moon but so dark. So calm in the wind. Where the snow churned by. Where the night stood still over it. The long tail flowing behind it.

Soul was frozen. Like nothing else existed. Just her… alone with this pony. Staring up at it. It staring down at her. Whoever it was, she didn’t dare speak to it. Her eyes just glued. Feeling its gaze upon her and the terror inside her body. Wrapped in the color of those blue and red eyes it had looking down upon her. All… she could see, and… it made her feel. No matter how far it was. How dark it was.

There was something in those eyes. Burning bright of the light. Moon and Sun. Ice and fire. Blinking only once. Not making a move. It didn’t need to to make Soul afraid of it. Knowing that… she had to do it. This overwhelming feeling. Looking into those eyes. Crushing down on her. I can’t handle this anymore. I can’t! Nimbus. Starry.

A tear fell to the snow. Something broke. “I’m sorry…” Soul stood up. Backing away from it. She couldn’t do it for any longer, longer than a second to look down at the two ponies… she left behind. With those dark eyes staring at her.

The filly was destroyed. “I can’t…”

10.58
Gleaming light. Piercing out from the pony up there. From between its burning eyes, a smile was bared. From teeth so bright and… long fangs that it did show. Such a haunting smile. It made chills go over her.

It was too much for her. Too much for any filly. She wasn’t strong enough. Not enough to stay here and protect the ponies she loved. They had left her. All was gone. I… I…

“I can’t do this. Nimbus. Starry…” Soul wiped her tears. Her wings spreading wide. In the wind, they caught it and Soul flapped. “I love you.”

Soul flew off. Zipping off out of the forest. Leaving it all behind. All of this which had happened. She looked back. Back at the dark forest. Where her pain exploded in her and her happiness was left behind. She left those monsters behind. Those fears behind. And… I left them behind. I’m not strong after all. I’m not. Forgive me. All she could do was fly back… back to the city floating in the sky. Where the wind hushed. Where the Moon no longer shone bright over her, and all was still. Before the first snowflake came down. To touch down upon the tip of her nose and stay there.

She stared at it. A little star on her nose shimmering. Looking back at her and… she saw herself in it. That filly with tears running down. Before the flake fell off and more came down. Her only company in the skies over Cloudsdale. Left to just remember the times when she would fly home… together… with the ponies she loved all this time. Late at night, all alone now.

She went home. Back to the house she came to every day. The way she had left it.

10.59
Soul came in through the… through the window she left open.

Back into the chilly house. In the darkness. Only the moonlight could show her. Back inside the room. The same one she had slept in with… them. The red blanket was still tossed aside. The pillows were still a mess. But she hovered there over it. Her tears coming down upon the bed and she sniffed. I’m such an idiot. Here I was… thinking it was all a dream. I would come home and find them asleep. Waiting for me to jump in with them and cradle me. Like she did.

But the house was quiet. All was quiet.

The wind died off when she closed the window behind her and left herself… alone. In an empty house. With all that had happened back out there. Beyond. Beyond the city. Never to happen here. It may as well. It never left her. The pain. Her heart was broken. Looking out at the room. To the closed door, beyond where her room was and the house she had spent her life in with those ponies. Waking up every morning and coming downstairs to a nice breakfast that they made for her before they brought her to camp. We would talk about how my sleep was and Nimbus would ask if I got cold, then she would always bring me her blanket. So much warmer. They cared for me for so many years. Doing all they could. They would hug me, feed me, keep me warm and safe, reassure me, train me.

Soul could only come home now, to land upon the bed alone. Sitting in the middle of it with her tears being her only company. She stared out at the empty and silent room. So different.

10.60
She remembered when she came in here years ago in the middle of the night. So still and silent like now. But… she knew she had somepony to rely on in here to comfort her.

Did you have a nightmare? She was asked.

Both of them more than happy to comfort the filly and hold her. Let her cry on their shoulders. Until she was calm again. Then they took me back to bed and talked to me for so long before I fell asleep again. I fell asleep happy. What about now?

I’m so sad. I’m so broken. She gasped for air. Sobbing for a moment and then she calmed herself. Why did they have to leave? Why did they do that? We could have had so much. I wanted it. I wanted to come in here just now and they would hug me. Let me know it was all okay. It never happened. It wouldn’t. Soul knew it would never happen again. What am I going to do? Stupid… Nimbus. Stupid... Starry. Why would you leave me? You told me you wouldn’t. Especially with how I feel about you guys.

What do I have left? All I have left is… she looked over to the night stand. Right by where she had slept with… her. To the things sitting there atop it. All she had left. She reached over for one. Grabbing it and looking down at what she held between her hooves.

You guys… you guys are so dumb. You always did make stupid jokes with me and always did mess with me. But this… this has to be the worst. Because she couldn’t accept that it happened. She wouldn’t but she had to. Because now… now she was truly alone. Left to fend for herself. I got nothing left. Nothing but what you two gave me. All you worked for and these. These things you have left. Though… Soul may never want to look at them again. One last time. Because it was too painful to remember. It hurt so much inside her devastated heart. Feeling it writhe in her chest. Looking down at the picture she held.

A magenta filly held up between the two ponies she loved. All of them with smiles on their faces. Of happier times. No more.

The last time she wanted… to remember it. All of them. Soul hugged the picture. Holding it deep against her chest, and she curled up on the bed. Left to cry alone in the dark.

“Nimbus…. Starry.” “Nimbus! Starry!” She cried against the picture. Come back to me. Don’t leave me. I… I need you. I need my mommy and daddy. Her only regret was not saying it enough to them. Too late now. Too late. Wherever they are… she wanted them to know. Before she fell silent in the bed.

“I love you.”

You will never be alone.

Part 1 Illusion - Act 11

11.1
What time was it?

Soul blinked. Staring up to the ceiling high above her. Same old ceiling. Wrapped in churning clouds that shifted and rearranged in a never-ending loop. Her eyes hurt. Staring up at it. Hurt so bad she needed to squint hard. Shaking her head before she rolled over onto her side. Over onto the side of the pillow and she looked over. Along the red sheets she laid on and then the golden laced blanket that surrounded her… yet did not cover her.

That’s right… I slept in their bed. When I fell asleep in her wings. Before… a new tear rolled off her lashes.

Before everything… so raw in her mind. It hurt. She couldn’t even move. Laying there like a rock. Because it hurt to do anything. Her head pounded. Her wings shook and her heart… it felt so empty. Like it clawed at her chest with a dull ache. Just to think about it. For so long. Did she even sleep? It seemed like it. Like everything had stood still while she felt the fur along her face soak her. Like a true nightmare. For was it all even that?

Soul sat up. Letting her spread wings plop along the mattress at her sides. I’m alone. The bed was empty. Everything so quiet. Even when she looked over at the window at the head of the bed, she saw the snow coming down yet all was quiet. Not a sound to stir. Nothing to comfort her. Out there in that snow where she had flown in. Flown through that window, now sealed. Under the empty pillows. She blinked again. Was it a nightmare? She rubbed her eyes. Standing up and hearing something hit the bed beneath her.

11.2
Soul looked down. She stared. Knowing what it was she saw between her hooves. It was herself looking back at her… along with… those two. Starry with his beautifully sky-blue mane and shiny silver coat smiling up at the filly he held atop his head, and the mare. Nimbus with her gorgeous mane of the Sun and golden fur. Fur that would be soaked from the tear that fell on her picture.

Soul sniffed. I held that. The thing to remind her, and she looked up. Up at the pitiful filly staring back at her in the window. Her magenta fur so beautiful. Gorgeous but… drenched. Blackened around the reddened eyes staring back at her with their needle thin veins pulsing. Yet no water they shed could soothe them. All she could do was squint again to relieve the pain and wipe away the tears.

A nightmare? She turned to the door. Not like it should be. Like normal. When Nimbus would wake her up in the morning. Not leave her to sleep for long. Bright and early for a fantastic new day. She loved to assure her. Not this morning? Soul stood still. Finally bringing her wings back up to her sides and folding them up. Everything hurt. Now that her stomach growled.

“Nimbus… Starry?” She waited. Looking all around the room that wasn’t her own. I can’t stop crying. No point in her even wiping them away. Not when she felt her heart scorching inside. So much that she placed a hoof to her chest. Breathing deeply. Only made it hurt more. Unlike any nightmare before. Nopony here to comfort me. Soul looked down. Knowing she had to move. It was a new day… and I should enjoy it. She laughed at herself. Already regretting taking the first steps off the bed. Opening the door. Open to an empty and silent hallway.

11.3
She looked all the way down. Down to her still open door to her room. To the stairway where she knew to go. I don’t even need to use the bathroom. Nothing. No feeling at all. Just that pain inside her chest. Walking along the hall. Her ears twitching. Her eyes low to the ground.

Was this normal? What is normal? She remembered hearing the sounds of dishes and talking every time she would walk down this hall in the morning. Now. Now it was like she was in another world. So quiet. She could hear her own breath. Her own fur ruffling as she walked. Even noticing the slight crunch her wings made before they unfolded and she took flight down the stairs. Down to the empty living room where she looked out. Out to see the curtains still closed. Little light coming into the dark space. Nopony waiting for her on the sofa. No hugs. No questions on her sleep. It made it singe inside her. Almost too hard to breathe now.

She clutched at her chest. “Guys?” She looked over to the dining room. Where the deck door was left covered in cloudy curtains, no chairs moved. Her nose wrinkled. Missing it all. Missing the days she knew were normal. But what to expect to be normal anymore? Nothing was right. Everything hurt.

11.4
There were no smells in the air. No food to greet her. Even when she insisted on making her own food, most of the time there would be a plate of something on the table for her. Leaving such sweet smells all across the house. It just smelled… like the cold. Empty. Her stomach rumbled. Drawing her to go look. Peeking into the kitchen and seeing it… empty. The dishes from last night’s dinner still sitting on the counter. Nothing cooking. Nopony anywhere. I’m home alone?

“Are you here?” Or are you… Soul whimpered. Putting herself back down on the ground. I can’t even fly anymore. Not when it stings. Hurts so much to move. She may as well just fall to the floor. Strange how her legs did not give out. She could only cry. None of this is normal. It never will be. They are always here for me when I need them. Unless I push them away. Did I push them away? Is that why they left me? Left me last night… “Like all ponies do…” Pushing her hoof into her face. Crying into it.

I never did want this. This nightmare. But… what is a nightmare? Soul sat against the wall. Pushing herself against it. Just to cry in her forelegs. Sob alone in her fur. It wasn’t a nightmare… was it? None of this is right. There’s no way that it would be like this. Mornings were always something of joy to her. Even the most frightening of days had something happy for her when she woke up to those ponies. All the ones she relied on. To feed her and comfort her. Reassure her when she was down. There’s none here to do that now. When she needed it most. So… maybe… it really did happen. Something so unreal. It can’t be. It just can’t.

What am I going to do? What can I do?

11.5
“Tell me. I’m just a filly. I don’t know what to do… I need my mommy and daddy.” I loved them. But they left me. Like all ponies! Why? Why did they have to leave? Maybe… because I just was too much for them. Too much of a burden. I should have never asked them if I could sleep with them. Maybe then they wouldn’t have left.

This is all my fault. But I… don’t want to feel this. Soul wanted to wake up to the ponies she cared about and cared for her. Eat with them. Talk with them. Train and go outside to the lovely city skylines for them all to fly in. Have so many fun days. We were supposed to. We were. They had come so close. Just when Soul had felt that things truly had changed. But she had failed again. Now they were gone and going to forget her.

Will I?

Will they become a shadow to her just like her mother? She didn’t want to. Of all the ponies, she didn’t want to forget the ones who had given her so much. They promised her so much fun and such a lovely life. All thanks to them. But… without them. What did she have? I have nothing. I only have… what they gave… me. Soul sniffed. Her ears leaping when she heard… a knock at the door. Like ten of them so fast and excited. Only… one pony is like that. That’s right… they gave me this. This day. But… how? Soul was afraid to stand up but she knew she had to. What to say? We were… all supposed to see the Wonderbolts. But that… she cried. That’s gone. It made her legs spasm. Smacking herself hard with a hoof. Damn it! What… what can I say to her? Is there even anything that can be said? A filly in this moment. Left on her own. Again, and she had no idea how to do this the last time it happened so long ago.

11.6
She put her hoof on the doorknob. Flinching when another knock hit the door.

Really so many questions on what she could do. She was on her own for this. I… I have to tell them. But how? Who can I rely on? Nimbus taught me what it is to have a friend but… this is something else. Really, what could she do? Soul was at a loss. We were all supposed to have our fun day today. I haven’t even eaten… hahaha, let alone… I’m all alone. It hurt so much to think that.

All these tears coming down. Should I even… she dropped her hoof from the knob. Holding it there. I… I… look so awful. There was no way she could explain this. Any of it. But she needed somepony. I am a part of their family. I have a place with them. Dashie… you were always the one I could rely on. You taught me that. Through such tough situations, she was there for her. Because of that, she knew she couldn’t walk away. Not from this pony who didn’t walk away before. She will listen to me. They all will. I just need a pony to comfort me. Someone she could have by her side to get through another terrible time. The worst time.

Funny… yesterday… I expected to greet Dash just like she did for me. Soul wanted to be there, ready with Nimbus and Starry. All of them to head out together. What even was left to look forward to? Besides a hug from the one pony she had left. The only one left from those memories. Nimbus. Starry. You gave her to me. You helped me find a friend. Those memories gave her strength to put that hoof back on the doorknob.

I don’t even care how I look. All she wanted was to do what would comfort her after all that had happened.

11.7
She opened the door. Creaking open. Where what little sunlight could shine into the dark house now and small flakes drifted in to touch against her soaked face and the cold chilled her. But no matter how cold it was, outside… and inside her, she still had something there to warm her. Really the only good thing that could happen. The only good thing left. The best thing in her life.

There was Rainbow Dash. Right on the other side of the door there to greet her with a big smile on her face and such excitement. Of course, she had no reason to think otherwise. This was going to be an amazing day and they all knew it.

Rainbow and her parents all there. Just as they said. Just as Soul had forgotten. How everything has changed. So much, indeed. That Soul could no longer share in their excitement. When they could see her and how she was, they too lost that excitement in a flash. “Soul?” Dash said. She raised a hoof up to her.

Not what you expected, huh? Sorry… I… Soul’s legs shook. “Oh, Celestia! What happened to you, Soul?” Windy came up past Dash. Eye to eye with the filly. Soul didn’t even think of anything about it. She didn’t know anymore. Not with her terribly mangled fur and bloodshot eyes piercing into the mare. She had no explanation. Because what could she say? She didn’t even know what to do. Except for… being glad that the one pony she cared for the most, whom she had done so much with, was finally here in front of her. A familiar face she welcomed above all others. Without anypony here for her, she sniffled. Shedding her tears in front of them, not even caring if they saw it. All three of them shocked to see her like this. She could tell. But they are the only ponies left I trust.

The only pony I know who is there for me just like I am there for her. With how much we like to tease one another, Soul was so happy she didn’t make fun of her for crying in front of her. No, Rainbow pushed past her mom. Just wanting to get closer. Be there for her like a good friend. Her best friend. But Soul could not smile. Not with her heart in agony.

11.8
“Dashie.” Soul tossed herself forward. Landing right into the surprised filly and putting her hooves around her. Finally… somepony to hold. So she didn’t feel alone. Dash was quick to hug her back. Accepting her in her hooves.

After everything that has happened. At last… I know I still have somepony. The one pony who was there for her in any other bad situation. Soul was ashamed. She almost forgot about her. Forgot that she had somepony so dedicated and kind to her. Who defended her and played with her. Who wanted to be there with her in the future. Nimbus, she was the one who wanted Soul to find a pony like this. She was so glad she did and that Nimbus had done all she could to make it happen. Soul wanted to thank her. She really did. But she knew she couldn’t and that made her sob against Dash’s shoulder. Crying so loudly in front of the three ponies she had been with not long ago. All she had left. The only ponies left to comfort her.

“Hey…” Dash whispered. Pulling Soul closer and Soul felt her hoof going along the top of her mane. Staring into the darkness with her eyes closed and her face buried in Dash’s fur. “Soul, what’s wrong? Come on… you can tell me.” Soul tried to speak. Cursing herself when her voice came out a squeak. The most pitiful sound she ever made. Wrapped inside of her hoarse cries. “Soul…?”

“Dashie…” she heard Windy whisper from behind and Soul felt such a gentle touch on her. Didn’t need to look. She could tell that Windy was the one who was wrapping her and Dash up in her wings. Those soft feathers she could feel along her. So very warm and safe from the cold. No matter if the mare hugged her from behind, the now silent Dash still hugged her. Never letting go. Soul just leaving all of them to wonder what it was that was wrong while she cried under the falling snow. The only sound that was made was Windy softly hushing her.

11.9
Soul did not know how. She couldn’t. She just couldn’t stop crying. Every heave she made was so painful inside her chest. Her stomach spasmed every time she did. It hurt so much just to breathe, and she had to so much. Huge breaths only to wail out once more the pain inside of knowing they were gone. The only ponies she could call… her parents. They’re gone. They’re gone forever.

Please… please let this be a nightmare. But it felt so real and that only made her cry harder. Constantly until she couldn’t take those deep breaths anymore and her throat felt raw. Reduced to this. To whimpering in Dash’s shoulder while… while Windy ran her hoof through her mane. All they could do for her. A total wreck. Not knowing what she could do anymore. Life… it was like a dream now. So unreal when she had so much waiting for her. That… she had to. She had to say it.

“P…please…” Soul held her breath. Feeling a big pain inside of her roiling and all of it rushed out in a deep cry.

This is too hard. She couldn’t even talk. Couldn’t even beg them to help her. Please save me. That was all she wanted. She hated to ask it of Dash again, but she had to. There were no other ponies left. Putting such a big burden on her. I was taught to be strong but I’m not. I can’t do this on my own. She couldn’t even deal with this alone. Really, was there any other worse pain than… than when she was left behind the first time? Soul sobbed. Left to her pain. No amount of comfort she was given could end it. Not when she felt her heart rip apart and the cold came over her once more. So cold. Inside.

11.10
“Soul. Where is Nimbus and Starry?” Windy whispered above her after what felt like forever. When Soul realized… she couldn’t cry anymore. Refusing to open her eyes. Nimbus and Starry? Mom and dad. Where are they? I wish they were somewhere I knew. If this was a dream or reality. Where would anything be? Inside this world that felt like it had just been turned upside down. Where Soul slouched her shoulders and her wings, and she no longer felt… that pain inside her.

Now. What was it?

What could describe it. Any immeasurable feeling. Settling over her. Like her insides had fled and her chest… empty. Her breathing soothed once more but tears never stopped coming. She couldn’t even move. Couldn’t even think. What to say? Is there even anything to say? Soul just wanted to wrap herself up under the covers and sleep forever. Leave this all behind. Give up… like I always do. Because this is always meant to happen to me. Hehe, right? Right, mom? You wanted this. You wanted me to suffer since I could never be good enough. I deserve it all.

After all, it’s my fault they left. I got greedy. Pushed them to do something they didn’t want to do. What… what could she even say without fearing more would come? If these ponies would leave her too. Would they? Mom would think so. Wherever she is out there.

But… I don’t want it. Even if this is all supposed to happen to me. Nimbus and Starry. What…? What did she ask? Soul paused. Where are they? That’s right. Any reason to answer? Soul may as well just keep crying. May as well just find that safe corner for herself. Where nopony else can hurt her. “They’re…” I should though. Even… if I don’t care. I still can say… I love one pony. The last pony for me. The one that she held. I never want her to abandon me. “Gone.”

11.11
Silence. Guess they don’t understand. When she said it, she felt Dash shift her hug. Placing her head down on the top of Soul’s head. With a little whimper in her voice. Strange. Soul wondered why she made that noise. Why did they even care? Rainbow Dash was the last pony left that Soul could truly call a part of her life as her heart closed in on everything else. The last thing I have left from what they gave me. My best friend.

She had never felt so cold inside before. So stricken. As the air stood still. Your truest friend. She always was. Soul could only hold her tighter. Guard her closely.

“Soul…” Windy whispered from above. “Can we go inside your house and look for them?” Soul didn’t care. She couldn’t say anything either. Just nodding. “Bow, dear. Can you check around for me?” “Of course, I’ll be right back” she heard Dash’s father say. Then his hooves as he walked into the house before them all. I don’t know why they want to. You won’t find them. I know it. This is no different than… all my other nightmares. Except for one thing.

“Mom, can you go with him?” Dash’s voice rang out. “I want to be alone with Soul. Please.” Soul wrapped her hoof higher around the pony she held. Yes. With you. Grant me just this. One good thing out of all that has happened. I need something to make me feel better. To warm her heart once more. Feeling the ice over her. The dull ache all over her body. Not even her wings could move. “Of course” Windy gave in. “We’ll be right back. Dashie…” As the mare let go of Soul and Dash’s hooves wrapped tighter over her. “Please watch her.” “I will.” Then she felt the filly’s head look down upon her. “Everything will be okay.” Should I believe her? Soul just stayed silent while she listened to Windy walk into the house as well.

11.12
The two fillies all alone. Like every other time they needed each other. Back to the same. Just like nostalgia. I feel we’ve done this before. The two of them together once more to face down any problem. Any threat. Just like before. But this was not like before.

Soul’s heart hurt so much. So much she just could not look up from where she buried her face into that cyan fur because she knew she would fall apart if she did. Like this hug was the only thing keeping her going. With the entire world crashing down around her. Yet only she could see it, no way to tell how to take it. What she should do. Except for fall into the comfort that Dash gave her. Pure bliss.

“Soul, what happened?” What happened? Is that even a real question? Soul wasn’t even sure how to answer it. Really, after what she had gone through, how can she be expected to answer what she did go through? To speak of such a thing. She was only a filly. Torn away from the only ponies she came close to calling mom and dad. I almost did. I wanted to. Soul remembered the comfort she had been given. It dripped off her tongue. “I did it, just as you said. I wasn’t afraid to do it… I asked them last night.”

Dash was silent. But Soul knew she was listening and sure Dash could tell what she was talking about. “Nimbus stayed in my room and… she talked to me. We had a nice talk…” Soul whimpered. Sniffling to regain herself. Because her body ached with each word she spoke. It really did seem like such a perfect night. The closest the filly ever got to the mare. “But she wanted to go to bed… and I stopped her. Because you taught me I shouldn’t be afraid to tell her what I want. And… I did it. I got to sleep with Nimbus and Starry.” Soul could feel Dash’s hoof run up along her mane with that admittance. Brushing her softly. I’m not at all ashamed to admit any of this to her. Just like she did to me. Because we trust one another. Soul was so glad Dash didn’t tease her over this.

11.13
“She held me in her wings… even let me sleep… on her chest. I felt like… like… she was more to me because of that. I have never been closer before. She gave me… what I always wanted from a pony.” “You really did want somepony to hold you?” Dash asked.

I always did. For so long. I never got it from mom. I expected it from you, Dashie… but nothing. Even though I held you. But that’s okay because now Soul saw what happened when she got her way. Because with Nimbus, she had the truth about her life. “It was a mistake” Soul spat. Feeling Dash shudder against her.

“Soul… what happened?” You really want to know? Dashie, you’ve been my best friend for so long now. We’ve shared so much together and done too much to the point where I see you as no different than me. Sometimes it’s scary what we’ve become together. Where Soul had felt close enough to kiss the filly on the cheek. For her fur to touch her lips. How close are we? Is it close enough for me to tell you anything? Even if it’s insane. I don’t even know what is real anymore. This entire thing was like a waking nightmare to her. An illusion. A dream. So euphoric at times and so crushing at others. But one thing was still clear to her. That she did not feel real anymore. Because it’s all my fault. All of it is. Even if I tell her, what difference will it make?

“Tell me.” You really do want to know? Fine… Soul cursed herself. With every thought, a new tear was shed. A new pain inside her. It hurt so much just to say “I made a mistake. It’s all my fault.”

11.14
“I should not have asked them. I didn’t think it would be bad but… I forced myself on them and they… I ruined everything.” Everything. When I came so close to calling them my mommy and daddy. I wanted to. But they didn’t want it. They never wanted me like that. So that was why… “They left me.”

So many tears yet… she couldn’t tell. Her heart, it hurt no more or less than it had been. Inside an empty pain within. But her whole body shook. “They left…” “They ran off!” Soul admitted. Remembering exactly what happened to her moment by moment and hating herself because nothing made her feel any worse. Like it was all set inside her now. Permanent. “Flew away and I chased after them all night. I wouldn’t let them go. But… I…” Soul croaked. Finally looking up over the fur she had her face buried in. Out to see the rainbow hairs drifting along her muzzle. Flowing in front of her reddened eyes and her tangled mane. Staring out into the sky. The same sky she flew in. I was always so fast. So precise in my ability. But… I failed. Another failure. I didn’t succeed.

“I couldn’t stop them.” I stood there useless. Watching them leave me behind in their own world. When I should have ran up to them and hugged them. Told them how I felt. Begged them. I didn’t. And I was punished for it. I am weak. They made you strong. No! It’s all lies. How am I strong when I have nothing left?

Except for her.
11.15
She glanced to the pony she held. Looking down her sleek back all the way to her tail. Where Soul held her hooves around her and came together between her little cyan wings. All I have left. The one pony who I love. The one thing left from what felt like a life leaving her. Falling apart. It just came out. “I watched them die.”

Soul was blank. They’re dead. It echoed inside her. Dead. Gone forever. She will never hear them again. Never get to see them. Never fly with them. Nothing touched her, no shock in Dash’s gasp. No cold. No snow falling upon her. She didn’t feel it. Just that echoing emptiness. As the two ponies she loved drifted away. Because it was no different. It really wasn’t. The same when this happened years ago. Just a memory. Though she cried. Cried so hard. Yelling at herself inside. When had she become so cold to it?

“They were taken and I followed them. I went after them to try and save them but it was too late.” Soul surprised herself with how pathetic she sounded saying that. What has happened to me? “I found them. Both of them. They didn’t move. Didn’t do anything and I hugged them. Cried. Begged them. But they didn’t wake up. I watched them die and leave me. Then I flew away. From the monsters that took them from me. If I had just not asked them to let me sleep with them, they would not have left the house. They’re gone because of me.”

Soul blinked, finally. I can’t believe how awful I sound. But she didn’t feel it. Even with her tears flowing out. Drenching Dash’s coat. There was absolutely nothing left. We were supposed to all be together today. One family. So happy. Soul’s and Dash’s families together. Or so she thought she had a family. No more. Rainbow came here to have a great day with her. It was gone. There was nothing more to be happy about. Except for one. “Please don’t leave me, Dashie.” She’s all I have left. But the filly said nothing. Nothing about what Soul had said. Soul wasn’t sure how the pony felt but she did feel her hooves coming over Soul even tighter. The filly pulling Soul into her wings. Silent.

She has nothing to say? Does she believe me? Soul couldn’t tell but she believed herself. Freed from a dream. This was how her life always was. So many ponies. They all leave. Please be the one who doesn’t. The pony whose nose wiped along her cheek and she heard her breathe in her ear. Whispering to her.

“Cloudsdale Wingponies… forever.” That’s all I need. Soul put her head down onto her shoulder and closed her eyes. The one soothing voice left in the world to her. No other ponies left out there. Thank you. Thank you for being that pony. The one left to comfort her with a loving voice for she would never hear those voices again. Of the ponies she wished for the most.
11.16
“Uh… did we miss something?”

Soul’s ears perked up but she did not stop hugging her even with her eyes wide open and her entire body now wracked in a chill running down it hearing that voice. Like she was hearing things. She really thought she had. There was no way. It was silent yet she heard it playing over and over in her head. Nopony talked. But they may as well with the haunting and chilling echo sounding inside.

She never could imagine that voice would make her shiver.

So she couldn’t believe it to be real… until Dash… her grip loosened and the filly looked over past Soul to where she had heard it. Where Dash had heard it too. But it can’t be. No! Don’t let go of me. Soul gripped her harder but Dash let go. A star struck filly staring over Soul’s shoulder because… it was true.

“Soul, umm…” Dash started but her mouth hung. She didn’t have to say anything. I know what it is. I can’t believe it. Even more so when she finally started to let go and… she did it without wanting it. Her body moved on its own. Turning over to look. How is it possible that her heart hurt even more now? Now that she saw this. Now that this world made no sense anymore. Since she saw right there on the walkway to the door. Before both her and Dash, the two ponies. As confused as Dash was. Not as shocked as Soul was. On their own hooves. With wings folding up at their sides. Vast wings of gold and silver feathers with their eyes stricken in that of the Sun and the sky staring upon the two fillies with such a ravenous motion in their look that made Soul feel like… like she was looking into the turmoil of her own spirits. Churning and spinning. An endless dance in those gleaming eyes. The ones she always saw as gorgeous until now. So strange for who it was they belonged to.
11.17
Nimbus and Starry.

“Soul. What’s going on?” Dash asked with such a drag in her raspy voice. The filly looked to her and then back to the two. Soul… she never looked away from them with her wings completely collapsing. Like she couldn’t feel anything. Couldn’t even think anything except for one word. What? “That’s what we’d like to know” Nimbus said. The mare stepped forward and cocked her head at the scene behind the two. “Why is the door wide open? You’re letting all the snow in, and why are you two out here all alone?”

“My mom and… dad are inside…” Dash said, and Soul caught her eyeing Soul for a moment with a raised brow. Soul didn’t know what to say. “They’re… looking for you” Dash finished. “Looking for us?” Starry asked. As puzzled as all of them were. Except for Nimbus who smacked a hoof to her face and groaned. “Oh no, Starry…” she looked at him. “I told you we shouldn’t have left.”

“Mom! Dad!” Dash called out. No. Soul shook her head. What is this? What? What could she even say? Nothing. As everything crashed in on her right there. Her heart burned raw and all the pain inside her… she couldn’t even stop with her tears. Stop with the billowing feeling inside her. I don’t understand. I don’t… “Nimbus!”

Soul raised her hoof in terror when Windy stepped out from the door. Looking at the shocked mare. None of them noticing Soul there. All of them all wrapped in the confusion while Soul… she didn’t feel anything but disbelief. I… Soul wanted to speak. Now that she saw Dash show just how… upset she was. The filly frowned. Not to Soul but Soul still could tell. But I don’t know what’s going on. “Soul said that you were gone and we went in to look for you” Windy said now that Bow came out to join her. “We found the poor girl in tears.” “Oh no! I…” Nimbus shook her head. “What a mess… Soul, we’re so sorry.” The mare looked down at her. That brief moment when her red eyes pierced into Soul’s, she felt her body shudder. Just forced to watch this all. With her mouth dry and… just not able to stop her shaking.
11.18
“She said you left her and that… she saw you both die” Dash whispered. Getting everypony to look at her.

“Saw us…” Nimbus put a hoof to her chest. Joined by Starry. They both could do nothing but lower their heads. Nimbus looking over at Soul. Her eyes never left. No matter how pitifully sorry they both looked. How Nimbus looked like she may break down. But Soul didn’t know why. She didn’t know anything anymore. Let alone what was real. When she felt so ashamed of herself. Forget the shock. I told her that these two were dead. What? What is wrong with me?

“Let me explain” Starry said. “I thought it would be a good idea for Nimbus and I to go out earlier this morning to get a little flying in together.” “I told you we shouldn’t have” Nimbus chimed in. “I know… but…” he looked up to all of them. “We both have gone through a lot of work lately and… I just wanted her and I to have a nice flight together like we used to do. I figured we should let Soul sleep in and we didn’t wake her. Guess I was wrong.”

“Soul, we’re so sorry” Nimbus said. “I should have stayed with you. I didn’t know you would have such a terrible nightmare. We’d never leave you like that. The mare stopped feeling sorry for herself. Coming up to tower over the filly with such a big smile on her face.

“We’re back…” she whispered and… Soul flinched when her hoof came down and stroked so softly along her mane. “I’ll never leave you alone like that again.” Soul said nothing. Sitting there like an idiot. With her eyes pulsing red and her stomach growling. She just slumped. Staring down at the snowy ground. A nightmare? But… she blinked… twice.

I thought that…
11.19
“We should go inside… I’m such an idiot leaving you like that” Nimbus let go of Soul and placed one wing over her, blanketing her as the mare walked towards the door and looked back at her. “How about I make you some pancakes? A lot of them with whipped cream and fruit, I bet that’ll be good.” “I’ll get started on it” Starry said and rushed past them. He looked so broken in his face. As down as Nimbus looked in her eyes. True shame. For leaving me.

Was it all a nightmare?

“So it was all a nightmare?” Dash said. When Soul looked at her and found the filly like this, shoulders down and looking off. So sad in her face. No telling how she felt. Please don’t be angry. Soul wasn’t even sure how to feel. This isn’t right. “But…” what can I say? Dash, Windy, and Bow. All three of them before her. She felt their eyes upon her. Staring her down like towering monoliths. Frightening. Reduced to just a shaking baby right there. For the first time, she felt useless. “I’m so sorry for that” Nimbus said to them all. “It’s all my fault.”

What are you…? Soul was frozen when that wing over her pushed her… pushing her back onto her hooves and she nudged forward. Stepping to the door with Nimbus at her side. “Come on, Soul… let’s get you out of the cold.” “But…” This isn’t right. Soul walked, pushed along by that big wing against her butt until she had to step over the threshold of the doorway. Walking into the house, looking back out at all the ponies. All of them looked so worried for her. Even Dash. But Soul, she felt like an idiot. In front of her best friend.

What more could she say? With her mind frozen and so much pain inside her. “I’m… sorry” she whimpered.
11.20
“It’s not your fault, I… let myself get carried away” Nimbus said. “Would you all like to come in for something to eat? Our treat for letting this happen.”

“We… were supposed to go to see the Wonderbolts” Windy pointed out. “The show is soon and we were coming to get you all.” “Yeah…” Dash said with such a hopeful voice. “We’re gonna all have fun today. Soul and I have been looking forward to this, I… I don’t think I can wait any longer.” The filly finally got up with joy in her face. “Let’s go. Let’s go!” She jumped up and down like nothing had happened. I wish I could feel that. Soul just frowned with her legs shaking.

I don’t feel good. I… she lowered her head once more. Why can’t I say anything? Why does it hurt? Not even able to say anything when Nimbus spoke. “That’s now! But… oh no, we didn’t know that.” Jumping around on her hooves. “We got to get ready and eat and I need to take a bath. Celestia, I’m all sweaty. I don’t know if we can make it.”

“But we talked about it!” After a long pause, Soul looked up. Up to the filly who had said that. Rainbow Dash stared at them in disbelief and… it made Soul feel herself collapse inside. Dash looked… sad. Desperate. When she finally realized what it was that was going on. “I can still go” Soul said. “But you need to eat and we need to get ready” Nimbus said. “How about we eat when we get there” Dash said. “Yeah, they got lots of food in Canterlot” Windy pointed out. That sounded good. Right? Soul smiled to Nimbus. Showing her approval. If only it was met.
11.21
“I won’t let Soul go to Canterlot without us. Starry and I have a lot to do before we can leave for the day. I’m sorry, I don’t think it can happen.”

That was when Soul’s entire self collapsed. Hearing those words, and she spoke out along with another voice. “No!” she and Dash said together. “Nimbus, dear” Windy spoke with such calm despite her anxious smile. “We already got the tickets and we can still all make it if we leave soon. I can buy you all food when we get there. Then Bow and I can help you with whatever you need to do after the show. What do ya say?”

“Please, Nimbus… I wanted to spend the day with Soul” Dash pleaded. So did I. What is going on?

“Nimbus?” Soul looked to her. The mare looked between all of them. Sighing. Such a long pause with only the wind howling over them all. Snowfall coming down between them, the only movement. Until Nimbus stepped up. Her hooves moved… into the house with Soul.

“Well then Soul should have told us when we’d be leaving. I’m sorry.” Soul just watched. Watched as her best friend gasped and reached a hoof out to her. One she wanted to reach for too and… her hoof stopped when the door closed in front of her. Silence. As the air stood still and the last bit of snow fell onto the floor. Melting away into the clouds under Soul. The filly left standing there with a hoof reaching out and her face frozen in terror.

When she realized what it was that just happened.
11.22
“Dashie…” Soul stared at the door. Left to herself. She just heard Nimbus’ hooves step away.

I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. What did happen? What even was that? Just when she felt her joy coming back, slammed shut on it. Nimbus and Starry back. All of us together. We could go to the Wonderbolts. Just like we wanted. Free of whatever this nightmare was. So much pain. She could already tell… Dash must be hurt. Yet Soul could do nothing. Like her hooves were glued to the floor.

What is this feeling? “Well I think we should go get breakfast started” Nimbus said as she trotted off towards the kitchen. “I bet you’re hungry too.” She didn’t care. Actually… it wasn’t hunger she felt. She finally let her hoof back down. Staring at the door and her wings folded up. She couldn’t feel her stomach ache as it growled. Didn’t feel the burning pain in her eyes. No that was not it. After seeing the two ponies she loved so much die, holding them in her hooves and crying for them. Leaving them behind. Waking up alone. Watching her entire world fall apart around her only for it to come back. Come back and now… she knew that Dash… Dashie wasn’t happy. I upset her.

We were supposed to have a fun day today and now none of us will. What of Soul? Right now, she felt like the one most upset now that her tears had stopped. All dried up. Just like her heart which writhed. Why do I feel like this? This… this isn’t like when she left me long ago. Soul lowered her eyes. Her mane coming down over her face. Like a shadow on her. She felt it looming. What have I done? What did I let happen? No. She no longer felt pity for herself. “You coming, Soul?” She looked over her shoulder. Over her flaring wings. Not like last time.

Soul was furious.
11.23
“What the hell?! Nimbus, how could you?!”

Soul leapt around. For the first time, baring her fangs. Of all ponies, the one who had cared for her for so long. But after all this, she didn’t care anymore. Nopony could go through all this and be expected to be happy. She actually wanted to hit Nimbus. Feeling her hoof itching. For all she did to her. This was not funny. None of this was right. How could she?

“How could you?!” That got her attention. Nimbus finally dropped her happy act. Acting like nothing was wrong. Everything was wrong. The nerve she expected Soul to let her come back up to her and try to place her hoof upon her head. Soul smacked it away. Getting back from her. “Soul, I…”

“Shut up!” Soul whimpered. Not believing how overwhelmed she felt. All of this coming at her at once. She already got to feel her heart break. Now… it felt like it was coming back again. That splitting agony inside. So many years together and Nimbus never did anything like this. She never made Soul feel this broken. I thought things were better since she held me. Proven wrong. That made her want to cry again but the tears, there were no more. “How could you leave me? You know I need you. Yet you’re just gonna leave me all alone.” “Soul, I didn’t think it would… we came back. We would never abandon you.” “But you did. You left… in the middle of the night. Left me all alone. I… I…” what to say?

Her feelings. Everything. None of this felt like reality anymore. She couldn’t even tell what reality was anymore. She was only a filly. But they thought she could do this alone. They both know better. Now that Starry stepped out from the kitchen. Looking over at them from across the room. Soul glared at both of them.
11.24
“That was the worst nightmare I ever had. But I woke up and you both weren’t there. You left me alone. I was just crying and wanting you both back. But you left. Like my nightmare had come true. Here I thought I could trust you both.”

I really did. After what you did for me. But this hurt her more than anything else. Right when she thought things would be better. Of course not. “I guess you both don’t love me.” “Soul, of course we do” Nimbus said. She didn’t dare raise her voice. Trying to lean towards the filly, but nothing more. Soul knew she wanted to reach out and hug her. No. Not this time.

“If you did, you would’ve been there for me. And now… now look what you did! I was looking forward to this. I wanted to see the Wonderbolts for so long now and now you kicked my friend away. My best friend! I… I must look terrible to her now.” Soul gasped.

No. Dashie. An inkling to run to the door and chase after the pony. I should just go by myself. Leave these two. That’s what I should have done. “It was going to be my last fun day before I go back to camp. Ruined.” Maybe she should run after them. Even though she wanted them to come with her. Until now. They just left me. What kind of parents do that. Parents… Soul looked away from them.

Maybe I was wrong.

“Soul. Starry and I know what we did was wrong. We both feel bad about it. After all we went through together, we both should have been there for you like we always were. I… I feel like a failure now. I should have been there to hug you and comfort you. If you… want… I can. I want to. I want you happy like I always did. Soul.” Soul just listened. Hearing the harsh wind outside. Striking the house. That chill. Like all the air wrapped around her and the wind was within her. So much so… she felt her fur stand up and her eyes wandered. Slowly looking back at Nimbus. So uneasy.

“Come on, we can have fun still. We can do some flying and we can go out together. Make our own fun. I know you wanted to see the Wonderbolts, but there’s always next time.” Next time isn’t good enough. I don’t know why you are trying to talk your way out of this. Nimbus broke her trust. For the first time. Not like her. Soul felt the chills. “We can still treat you… I love you… because you’re… you’re my daughter.” …My…
Daughter?
11.25
Soul widened her eyes.

Why is it so cold? Just then it got silent. All the fur on her back standing up and her mane crawled along her neck. A twitch of her tail and a flutter of her wings. That terrifying stillness between her and Nimbus. The pony who offered her hoof once more. Wanting to hug her. I should fall into her. Hug her back. For them to embrace like they always used to do. With new reason. Because… I’m her daughter? The words she always wanted a pony to tell her. …The words Nimbus never spoke. That was what made Soul back away. Flee from that chill. With both her wings spreading. She only shook her head. The words slithering out from between her teeth.

“Who are you?” Nimbus didn’t say that. She never did. “Nimbus… she doesn’t love me like that.” Soul was convinced. She wanted Nimbus to. Soul wanted to love her like a family. But… it never happened. After all, …all of this did happen. This is real. As real as that smug smile Nimbus had now. The mare looming over her. Keeping her huge wings to her side and… a calm look down upon the filly. It was unsettling how beautiful her voice was.

“You don’t know… just how much she did love you.” Coming out through Nimbus’ voice. With her mouth. With her tongue. But it was not her. Soul… she froze. When she realized the truth. But it was too late. All of it was.

This was real.
11.26
Everything that happened. Yet Soul, she didn’t even blink. Not with both of them approaching her. The two ponies she loved. Who had cared for her for all her life. But these weren’t those ponies. They didn’t wear their loving smiles. They didn’t have their vibrant care. They weren’t them and she saw them for what they were. Just a thought when she saw it all did happen. No.

Nimbus looked down at her. Not with her red eyes filled with life. But with blank eyes of the sea with not a single trace of a pony left in them. Just the eyes of the monster she knew them to belong to, that had stared at her when she lost both of the ponies she loved. Surrounded by all that was left of them. Nimbus before her and Starry with his blank eyes coming over. Pushed against the door, yet she didn’t move. Just lost. So lost… as to why she didn’t feel anything. Nothing more. Was it from all that she had went through? Or seeing the last trace of her loved ones left behind like this? Staring her down with razor fangs in their mouths and such horrible hate in their eyes. What was left of them inside of what she knew… were Changelings.

But all was silent. Even as she stared, watching saliva come down from their mouths. Like rabid animals. Her loved ones turned to this. Her last image of them. Only one thought came through her, locked in her frozen state. Like the entire world had stopped. She preferred that to be the case. Because then, this all could be what she hoped it to be.
11.27
“This isn’t a nightmare?”

Why? Why was that enough? As she saw those fangs close on her… and then stop. Nimbus closed her mouth. Not sure what she saw. Soul only seeing herself inside those blank eyes. That broken filly with her mane in tangled locks all over her head and reddened eyes. Where her fur was damp yet no tears fell. No nightmare. That’s… that’s me. What has happened to me? So strange. She looked so pathetic. So useless. Not the pony she came to see herself as. Like… this wasn’t the filly that Nimbus and Starry spent so long trying to make her in to.

She saw it. That’s…. that’s me. From long ago. That’s the filly she always knew herself to be. The one who cried inside of a box without her mother. Who feared everypony else and locked herself away to keep herself safe. Who didn’t expect to have friends.

This… this wasn’t the pony worth what Nimbus and Starry did for her. This pony… was a mistake. Now she was it again. Weak and backed into a corner. Left to fend for herself and fear everything. Yet, they didn’t come at her. She expected them to. Just staring at her. Why? I’m nothing now. She had nothing left. Like everything was empty. Nimbus and Starry are gone. Her love went with them. Because one thing was true.
11.28
“They did leave me. They did hate me… so they’d rather go and leave me behind than have to bother with me anymore. Of course… everypony does.” That was all that filled her mind now. Not even caring about these monsters before her. Both of them closing their mouths and looking to each other. What’s wrong with them? I lost everything. They never loved me.

It just seemed so fitting that Nimbus and Starry were here to back her up like this and make her feel so terrible. As they did before when they left her. They were no better than her mom. Them and these Changelings, they may as well be the same. They were the same. They all proved to her just how weak Soul was.

“They left me… because I wasn’t good enough.” Soul fell against the door. Letting her wings fall to her sides. It hurt. Hurt too much to do anything. She had enough. So weak. She couldn’t even move anymore. Couldn’t bear the gaping wound in her. I don’t want this. I want what I had. “I want them back.” She found herself questioning herself for looking up at those two in front of her. Nimbus and Starry. Yet them being those creatures of spine and thorns with skin as black as night who had taken them from her.

“I want what I had back. Why? …Why did you take them?” At least then she could have lived on thinking they loved her. Anything is better than this. But it was wrong. All of this was. Her asking them. The fact that they cocked their heads when she asked it. Pausing. Is what I asked too hard to answer?

“Tell me.”
11.29
“You really are a different pony than what we saw last night” Nimbus said. “Weird… you called them your mom and dad, and now you say they don’t love you?” Of course she was different. But she had nothing to say. Stunned that… that this one was actually talking to her. Towering over her with that comforting body she loved and the terrifying eyes she wished were not there staring down at her.

“You ponies and your feelings, so… malleable. It almost makes me shiver” Starry said.

“Honestly” Nimbus joined in. “How can you even think that they hated you? Are you really that insecure? Or just blind?”

I’m not. They would not have left if I had just kept my mouth shut and let them sleep together. But she couldn’t say it. Nothing. Just watching the two ponies pace before her. Looking at her. Like the gazes of the real Nimbus and Starry as they spoke their words… with their voices. “It’s crazy you think that. After all, those two gave us more love than anypony else. We could sense it. Smell it” Nimbus licked her lips. “Like no other. Oh… we never feasted like that before! We never imagined ponies could love like that, have such love for another. It was… divine.” Soul gulped. Almost sickened by what they said. Like she read in the books.

They… these monsters. They only see us as food. Talking about Nimbus and Starry like that. She wanted to scream. To hit them. But she had nothing left. Just to revile. Hate them. For taking that love away.
11.30
“I thought I had it, but I didn’t” Soul said. “So naïve” Starry chuckled. “She really is” Nimbus agreed. “Let me guess, something bad happened to you before and now it left you a total wreck. Grow up, kid.” She slithered a long tongue towards Soul.

“Maybe you should look at the fact that they did enough for you to… I don’t know, be your mom and dad. You clearly loved them. You really think they didn’t love you?” “I…” Soul shivered. Looking down to the ground. She really didn’t know anymore. She didn’t want to think they didn’t love her. But it all hurt. They hurt her.

“If they didn’t love you, then why was that love they had for you… so delectable?” Nimbus asked. She looked up to the creature. What did she say? “So much that we got so lost in it. So sorry they didn’t survive” Nimbus giggled.

“We can sense this type of stuff, those two harbored such a love for you” Starry said. Am I supposed to believe them? These beasts with fangs and murder in them. So much spit dripping from their mouths. Staring at her. She knew they wanted to do to her what they did to Nimbus and Starry. Why? Why are my wings not working? Why does it all hurt? Why did they leave me? “If they loved me, then why did they leave?!” A long pause. None of them moved.

Soul could only listen, her eyes closed. She could hear them. Their ragged breaths. Their still hooves. Her slow heartbeat. Wanting Nimbus and Starry to be here to answer her.
11.31
Nimbus spoke. “Because they were so happy over something. Must have been something big. Maybe they made a big decision. But we could taste it. They had something, something that made them so deeply in love and… it all centered around one name. Soul Serenity. It was a love we have smelled before.”

Soul opened her eyes. Seeing Nimbus right in her face. So close, she could smell the putrid scent of something foul in her breath. A love? “That of a love to a daughter.”

A daughter?

Soul blinked. “Really? Do you think they hated you? You were the only pony they did so much for. Felt so much for. I’m pretty sure they gave you lots. Lots to know they love you.” They… they did. Soul admitted it. Even if it was just basic care. Obligations to her. They gave her more. More than she would expect. They gave her something amazing. They gave her something her mom never did. A dream. One she could reach alongside the thing most precious to her. The best thing they ever gave her. One that she longed for. They gave her… a best friend. I would never have met Dashie without them. We would never be friends. Rainbow Dash. You… Nimbus, Starry… I’m so sorry.

She is all you have left of them.

All I have left. Dash is my world. She couldn’t believe it. There’s a pony out there that is that important to her. She is all I have now. “Rainbow Dash.” The best thing in my life. She taught me so much. I… I shouldn’t be weak. I need to be strong. A strong pony for her. Strong enough to stare down these two monsters before her with their mouths wide and fangs gleaming at her. Their slow steps towards her and their terrifying voices.

“Rainbow Dash has lots of love for you too. I bet she will be just as delicious.”
11.32
Soul. Run.

Run! I have to. For the pony I promised to be there for. My last love. The only pony to invite her to a party. The only one to step up to stand at her side. The only one she felt comfortable with holding… and kissing. To do everything with, just like we promised. That is our dream. Everything, we will do it all together. I won’t leave her behind. She gives her strength.

The strength she needed to flare out her wings and soar into the air. Not even turning back to look. She only heard the clamored and angered grunts of the two Changelings down below, and she didn’t look back. She couldn’t. She had to leave this behind. With it all ringing through her ears. The truth. Nimbus and Starry are gone, but they left me something. You need to protect her.

I need to be strong. They took my loves from me. But that last one was what made her soar. Zooming right past them. Through the house she had come to call her home. No longer. It may as well not be anymore. It wasn’t her home. No more. She had a new home and a new family. One that she was gifted. That was where she needed to be. For the pony she loved. Soul didn’t need to even try, just a quick lash of her hooves to send the deck door flying open and then… she was gone.

Zipping off into the sky.
11.33
Even if they are gone, I will do everything for Dashie. I promise this. Fly to any height and do any extreme to keep her with me. I won’t be that stupid filly who lost the two ponies who cared for her. Not again. I always just sat back and watched. I never did anything for myself to keep the ponies I love. But no more. She had no more tears to shed. No more pity in her empty heart. Just that ringing sensation. One she had long ago, when she decided to race for her own happiness. I will be strong again.

There was nopony left to hold her hoof. It was only her now. One filly. But she had all that was left of the two who loved her. A friend out there to protect. She will not let them hurt her. Hurt anypony else. They made fun of me and mocked what we had. I’ll show them. I’ll show everypony.

For the first time, she felt it. It wasn’t strength like she felt before. Or something beyond her control. She felt like she had it. Like it was her turn to control what happened. Finally. I will do it all. To protect her. That meant going to her. That is what Soul did.

Leaving behind that house she had lived in for years. Not looking back as she thundered across the sky and warped the air around her. Nimbus and Starry were gone. That made her sniffle but… she glared ahead. Going down the path through the sky she remembered. Flying with the determination and skill she needed. Something that Nimbus and Starry granted her. She didn’t even need to look to know she was safe. They may have Nimbus’ and Starry’s bodies, but they didn’t have their skill.

Soul was the last pony who had that. All their training so that no monster could catch her. Not even them. They would not stop her. I’m coming for you, Dashie. We stand together. Dash always had her fierce determination. Time for Soul to show it too. So strange. Even as her heart ached. As she saw her old world leave her. Never to come back. That all that love she had was gone. She wasn’t afraid. She still felt that drive like she did before when she decided to race alongside Dash months ago and changed everything. To protect the last love she had of the life she lost.
11.34
Off to the one life she had left. Flying high over the same neighborhoods as before yet all was so different. In an open sky that felt so heavy. Soul burst through the falling snow. Past all the other houses she had no business for. Only the one she spotted ahead with its rainbow encased lawn and the thick cloud monstrosity in the back.

She looked all around her. Just the sight of other pegasi flying in the sky with her amongst the clouds. Fillies like her playing in the falling snow. Colts alongside them. All of them together as friends. Something Soul could not do. Not again. That was what made her even sadder. Like she really did just lose all that. Left to make sure she was alone. Alone from… from Nimbus and Starry who she could not see.

One more tear but she furled her brow and dashed off to the one place she felt safe to go. She touched down into the cloudy gardens before the walkways. Rushing along it. The same steps she took not so long ago. So much happier then. No smile on her face. No bags for a fun night. Just her teary eyes and the fur on her back. Running up to the door. She took one last look back. Finding nopony there. None following her. Then she realized her heart was racing so fast it almost could beat out her chest. What has happened to me?
11.35
Soul didn’t hesitate. She slammed on the door. Over and over. Faster. Like she lost track of how many times she knocked on it with her head sinking and more tears streaming down. Until her hoof couldn’t do it anymore and fell away from the door. Damn it. All that strength gone and back again when she slammed her hoof one last time against the door. So hard, she startled herself with how loud it was. Fearing she may have made them upset. That is if… her fears weren’t growing over something else. The fact that she stood here and nopony came to answer the door. No. No.

“D-Dashie!” With another knock against the door. Damn it, no! Nothing. Soul spread her wings. I can’t let anything happen to you. She flew up into the sky, high over the rooftop of the house and around it. Over into a high hover above the backyard. Where is it? Where? She looked along the windows. Dash had… that one! A single window looking out upon the backyard compared to the two double sets alongside it. That was Dash’s room. Soul doing to her… exactly like Dash did to her on their first night together. If only it were the same.

She could only cry and float down to sit before Dash’s window. Where the Sun shone in to light it up the inside for her through the open curtains of cloudy blue and white. “Dashie!” she called out. Placing her hooves against the window. Looking inside at the room she recognized. Like nothing changed except only Dash’s bed was in there. Empty. A neat room. She even left one of her Wonderbolts books out on her bedside. But that was it. An empty bedroom and a silent house. All of that being what it took to make Soul even more terrified. She should have guessed. After all, I did bail on them. Last minute. She must have looked like a jerk. Now… she knew it. They were gone. Off to Canterlot. Seeing the Wonderbolts without her.
11.36
She almost did it. Smack her hoof into the window. Just short of hitting it. Left only to curse to herself. But we were supposed to see it. All of us. She… she had to get it out of her head. The longer she thought of it, the more it hurt. So much crying. It… began to hurt just to cry in her stinging eyes.

No more tears, Soul! She had to command herself. But. This. This was all too much. Just a filly left to become an adult right here. On her own. It’s not like I’m a mare. I need… I need somepony. She needed to be with Dash. The one thing left. But she didn’t know how.

Already thinking of doing it. Her wings readied themselves. Somewhere out in the valleys was the castle city they were supposed to go to. Far away in the mountains. Those spires and gleaming peaks inside the cliffsides. Inside the vast capital of the entire land. But she shrunk at the idea. Even with her wings ready, looking out into the sky past the giant towers of Cloudsdale, she didn’t even move. Frozen. No… how do I find them? Three ponies out there in a giant city. Where was the show even being held? She looked back at the house. Maybe they are home? She just needed to pound on the door harder or… maybe force her way in. Anything to protect Dashie. Unless they really are gone. Then what?

I got to go to Canterlot on my own. With no idea on where it was she was supposed to go. Who would… Soul looked up. Her eyes widened.
11.37
Nimbus and Starry.

She spotted them. Both pegasi flying across the sky. Side by side. Like no different than when they would fly together. Except it wasn’t them. If only it was. Looking around for her. Like they would do if she had gotten lost. No. Not this time. Not when she backed away and looked around. Hiding behind the house and looking out to nothing. Just left there fleeing from the two ponies she had loved. I just can’t. It hurt too much to do this. She had to go. She needed to find Dash. She had to go to Canterlot. Alone.

I’ll do it. She squinted her eyes. Spreading her wings wide and flapping faster. If she could cry any more, she would. All she could do was fly. Going right down and underneath the huge set of clouds that Dash’s backyard was covered in. She kept her eyes closed, rubbing at them. Not caring for anything. None of this.

Her eyes so heavy and stinging and like her body could collapse. But those wings kept going. Nonstop and she cleared the clouds, flying away from it all. Soaring off into the sky once more, no idea where. Somewhere in Canterlot. Somewhere far out there… that made her body shake and her entire self hurt. S-somepony can help me. That’s it. She would find somepony. They can tell her where it is. Yeah. That’s a great idea. Maybe then she would stop feeling all this pain. Be able to hug Dash sooner. It almost… made her giggle. After all, she was a helpless filly right now who needed her friend and needed to know she was safe. That’s all that mattered.

She knew… just where to go. Somewhere ponies can help. The only place left right now she could think of. A place… from happier times.
11.38
Those times were so missed. She could only rub her eyes as she flew and try to relive the pain in them, shaking her head and trying to look back out into the snowy sky she flew through. The same sky as always, though it was so much bleaker to her. Was it that she flew alone in it? No Nimbus or Starry at her side.

She could only tremble as she remembered and desperate to forget. Closing her eyes and holding them in her hooves when one little cry came out. She almost didn’t notice it till she heard the pony cry out and she looked back up with a start. Just in time to skid to a halt before she could run into the stallion flying before her, shocked that she had been coming right at him. Left to just float there in front of him and his unamused face.

“I’m sorry…” she whimpered. Holding her hooves close to her face. “You shouldn’t fly with your eyes… wait…” the stallion looked upon her but she only shrunk away.

“You okay, kid? You look terrible.” “I’m fine.” Soul only wanted to go. After all, looked like she only made this stallion upset with her. “I’m sorry I almost hit you” she came close to crying again and reeled back her wings. “Wait…” he held his hoof out to her. She wouldn’t have it. I just want to find somewhere safe.

Leave me alone. She banked herself right and dashed off away from him and the other pegasi she saw who noticed her little run in back there. All of them to see just how bad she was doing and then she couldn’t even notice it again until she felt it.
11.39
Soul shrieked and bucked sideways with a flash of her wings when she hit right into the icy cold clouds floating around them all. She couldn’t even think before her wing stung and she saw she had clipped right against one of the thick clouds packed with icy snow in her hurry, making her yelp and hiss with that left wing of hers waving wildly just to shake off the pain of running right into such a hard cloud.

With one eye, she looked out to all the pegasi who floated around and watched her do that stupid move. Some came closer. Offering their help. No. She held her wing in close, tired of letting her last wing do all the work and spread her left one once more with a stinging pain running down its span. Not enough to keep her from flying.

I look like such an idiot. I am an idiot. Sitting up here messing around. Nimbus and Starry were out here, and that fear of them finding her. It was real. Finding her before she could get to Dash.

Sweet Celestia, it hurt to move that wing, but she managed. Just another thing that made her shed a tear and she turned off to fly away from it all. That first flap so strong and it hurt the most. Almost making her gasp from the black spots that popped in her eyes and almost made her pass out.

“Wait kid!” She heard from behind. She didn’t. Only flying off over the houses of Cloudsdale and off to where she knew to be the last place she could go to try and find help. Running on nothing left, only the pain in her wing keeping her awake now as her stomach rumbled. She held it tight but never looked away from what was ahead of her. Off into the clouds.
11.40
But no matter how much she pushed, that pain did not cease. Felt like it was only getting worse. But what was it to her? Another thing on top of what she had to go through. It made her laugh a little to herself before she cringed in pain.

Smiling under her blood red eyes to the sunny sky piercing through the clouds. Not many pegasi could go through what she was. Maybe she was strong. If only it mattered. Nothing she ever did led to anything good. It only led to this. That was what she was convinced of.

May as well be this pain was punishment or even a trial while she flew the distance to where she wanted.

Off to the last place where she would fly together with Nimbus and Starry every day. When she would look over and see the smiling faces with her and they made her smile. It did that right now. Though it hurt inside to remember those times. But… when I rode on her back sometimes. Those times were great. I loved them. Nimbus was always so strong and always loved giving her rides. The filly couldn’t even slow her down. Just a chance for them to enjoy the sky together. Now she did it alone with no joy inside her. No happiness left. Just her blurry vision and the world spinning around her when a sharp pain ripped through her stomach from a growl.

Damn it. That pain made her leap for a moment and then she levelled out once more. Sticking her wings out and more pain from that. May as well be like she was being stung from all sides. Torn to shreds from within and nopony there to comfort her. Just a few ponies she saw in the sky that she passed who caught a glimpse of her failing in her flight. Right when she opened her eyes once more and saw it ahead.
11.41
The same place she would see every day. With its large, blue walls topped in clouds surrounding a massive plain for pegasi to fly free within all the vast setups of cloud courses and obstacles. Right there where the gate was surrounded by pillars where she would land at in the mornings side by side with the ponies she loved. Back in times when that was possible.

Today, she flew there alone. Nothing left in her except that aching agony to do what it was that she could to save all she had left. She had to keep going.

Zooming in on none other than Junior Speedsters flight camp. Past all the pegasi outside of it, past all the houses and open fields around it. Where she left behind the gate and flew over all of it. It was so different, it made her frown grow larger. The same place as before but so lifeless. So few ponies left here and… when she would come here and find so many. Damn it! She smacked her head. Stop it. Stop hurting.

I just need to… she looked and saw the ground coming in at her.

What!? Her left wing cracked. Froze up. With just a burst of speed from her right wing to turn her, she reared her hooves out and closed her eyes. Right as her left wing gave out.
11.42
Soul fumbled and her legs gave right as they hit the ground. Doing all she could with her last wing before it too could do no more and she fell over. The filly tumbling and falling on the ground with a loud thud and a crack of her wings. A noise so bad it would make her revile if she could bother without all the stinging pain coming over her.

Nothing more than a rag doll. Her body flipping over. Sliding along the clouds and digging a deep trench in the clouds. A scar along the fields of the camp she always came to. Where she would sit upon the stairs to the building before the gate and watch all the kids come in one by one. Back during dark days.

She never imagined becoming this when she finally skidded to a halt and laid there motionless. Crying to herself. Reduced to a broken mess before those very stairs. Like her entire body was ripped. Her insides torn.

She didn’t dare to open her eyes. Just hold herself and cry. Embracing even more. Terrible pain all over her body, she had no doubt she had hurt herself. But… did it matter? Coming back to this camp once more a shattered mess with hunger in her belly and her eyes stinging. But nothing, nothing came close to what she felt earlier. Why she could find a way to curse herself. Even with this agony. Nothing came close to the emptiness she had felt earlier.
11.43
For a second there, she really did think she had just done this in front of everypony. All the kids here to laugh at her once more. Dash to abandon her. Nopony helping her. Because she made a fool of herself.

Wait. That’s right, all the kids are at home. Hearth’s Warming break. She doubted anypony would care otherwise. They’d all laugh at her. Even with this terrible sting along her body that made her grip herself hard and yell out at the top of her lungs. Screaming when her wings spasmed and fell silent. On until her voice went ragged.

Please… why is nopony helping me? Soul opened one eye and clenched it tight. Rolling over on to her side and groaning before she screamed once more from the pain that came by just turning over on to her belly and sprawling herself out. Trying to push herself back onto her hooves. One. Two. She tried, then she fell back down. A little shriek from her being her reward. Get up. I got to… get help. Get… “Help!” She managed to scream with one faint breath.

Help me. She had to get up and find a way. If only… if only Nimbus was here. She would help her. Pick her up and fly her away. Soul wanted that. Through all this pain, she still wanted to be held by her. Again. Like you did before. Soul cried. Pick me up, mommy. Help me. Turned into a foal at this point left to cry by herself and slam a hoof against the clouds. Trying all she could. Lifting her wings. She tried so hard. But it hurt. Hurts just to move. It really is a trial. Like life testing her to see if she was strong enough to protect Dash. She is all I have left. I have to be strong.

Just… to do it alone.

So suddenly. More than any filly could do. All she wanted was some help. Once again. But she only laid there. Silently crying to herself. How… how am I supposed to find Dash? Not when I can’t even get up. She tried again. Again. Nothing. Then she tried again, and she gasped in shock when hooves came over her.
11.44
Nimbus? She looked up, up to whoever it was that picked her up. Upon wings that took her into the sky. So many wings, and her heart sank. Because they were wings she did not know. All of them.

Not rescued by the ones she loved, gone forever. Left to be rescued by a group of pegasi she did not know. None other than the stallion who she ran into earlier who was the one that picked her up, with so many other mares and stallions with him. She looked around at them all. All the concern upon their faces and shock at seeing her like this. Though none of them knew who she was. Yet they still came to help her. Is that more than what she could ask for? She would be grateful if it did not hurt so badly to be held right now with the stallion’s legs digging against her side… right where she had crashed on to.

“We better get you to…” Soul screamed before the stallion could finish and pushed him away. Slipping free from him and then… she had to do it. She flapped her wings and felt them scream inside just to keep herself from falling. That felt so terrible. No matter what kindness these ponies gave her, just touching her alone was too much.

“Get away from me” she yelled at them. Floating back on her hurt wings with all they could do to keep her aloft. The filly rubbing her side and looking over at it to where she could see how badly ruffled her fur was all along it with so many small scrapes blistering out through the magenta fur. Gently settling her poor body except for her wings. They could get no rest. Just a little… blood on her pooling down along her fur. Not nearly as bad as what she had gone through before. Certainly not enough to stop her.
11.45
“Kid, we need to get you to the doctor” the stallion said as he approached her but Soul backed away. Backed towards a mare who came in just as concerned.

“What happened to you dear?” “Is she going to be okay?” “Poor thing.” “Somepony get help, quick.”

All these damn voices around her ringing in her head. Really it takes me getting hurt to get others to help me? She put her hooves to her ears, drowning them out and cringing. So angry at this with her wings pounding behind her in agony. She just wanted to go back now to other times when ponies ignored her and let her do what she wanted. Not threaten to take her away to help her, not when she couldn’t do that. Screw her injuries. She looked up to the ponies before her. I’m not a problem. She didn’t want them to help her with this. With the ponies coming to help her, she flapped away further and shouted.

“Get away from me! I don’t need a doctor.” Just how closed in she felt made her want to fly away. With the entire world crashing down on her. This was not what she needed now. Don’t help me, help me help Dashie. “Sweetheart” a silver mare spoke out among the adults. “You need help.”

“All I need…” They can help me with something else. “Is to know where the Wonderbolts show is.” They all looked about as confused as she’d expect of them. Either way, she made it apparent she would not cooperate. Regardless of what she thought. Just keeping away from them with her wings ready. Knowing she could fly off if she wanted. If they didn’t want to help her. She no longer cared about herself.

Only one thing was important. “Please tell me.”
11.46
“Why do you want to go? You know the show started about an hour ago from what I remember” one mare said among them with a voice so soothing. Like they all just wanted her to calm down. Like they would believe me.

Haha, just tell me. Soul fought hard to hold back a snarl. Doing all she could to stay calm despite her stomach rumbling again and making her flinch. “I… overslept and… I want to go see. At least a little of it. Where is it?” Just then noticing she sounded like a total fool. Ugh, it hurt too much to bother. Right now, it took all her strength just to keep from snapping at them all. Just to keep a fake smile. Or they may take her to the doctor. Dashie, I won’t be able to help her.

Please just tell me, she came close to shedding another tear. The ponies looked to one another and the same mare finally answered. “It’s in the Canterlot Castle but…” Soul leaned in and listened. Yes. What is it? “I need to get there quickly, what’s wrong?” Soul pried from her. “You kind of need your parents to get in, otherwise…” the mare shrugged. “You won’t be allowed in.”

Wh-what?! But Soul could have sworn this event was open to any pony. What was she even saying, needing her parents? That can’t be. “Why do I need my parents?” “It’s sort of a more closed thing, dear. The princess herself is attending it.” “So… I need my parents to get in and…” she almost said ‘save Dash’.

She held her tongue which went dry and her spirits sank. “That’s just how it is this time, kid” the stallion said. That… Soul shook her head. They had to be lying. No. This must be some trick, something to keep her away. Even if the princess is there, …I should be allowed in. Without fearing guards would throw her out. Somewhere out there in the Canterlot Castle. When all I want to do is…

“No! You’re lying!” Soul accused them and felt a crick in her wing that made her shut up and gasp in pain. She almost fell right there. “Kid, you’re in no condition to go there. How’s about we find your parents and get you some help” the stallion said. “I don’t need help! Just… tell me how to get into the Wonderbolts show… please.” That was when Soul let out a tear. Something that I can do. Damn it, I’m just a filly. Why do I have to be just a filly?
11.47
“Hey now…” the stallion whispered and came a little closer before Soul shot backwards away from him even quicker. By then, the pain had dulled. Like it was not even affecting her anymore. Not like it matters. Not with the pain in her heart.

“Just show me and I’ll go…” Soul said.

“Soul, you’re not going there alone” a familiar voice spoke out.

Like all around her. Filling her ears and pounding inside enough to make her widen her eyes and gasp. No. No. Soul backed away. Almost in time, right when the mare came down to join them all. Nimbus flying in with her huge wings. Looking like nothing was wrong. Like all was good even if she looked so concerned for Soul. Right with Starry coming in and that was when Soul truly felt terror. Surrounded by all these ponies. All of them and what it was she now faced.

“You know you aren’t allowed to go” Starry said, with all eyes on him and Nimbus. What is this? Those looks in their eyes. Like they gave a damn. Like they did to Dashie. Damn liars. Even as Soul’s eyes twitched, she managed to bare her fangs. With all the fear inside her. All the silence in her. Such shock. Shock that they had found her.
11.48
“You know her?” the stallion asked Nimbus and Starry. “We’re her parents” Nimbus said with such confidence.

No, you’re not. Soul shook her head. I have no parents. Not anymore.

“Soul, you need to come back home so we can help you. Oh no… you had a terrible fall.” Soul hated how Nimbus looked so concerned for her. She despised it. Saying things she would want the real Nimbus to say to her. How dare her. How dare she make me cry, with tears streaming down. Every word she said, a lie through Nimbus’ teeth. You took her from me, and now she’s trying to be Nimbus. To me!?

Leave me alone. “Leave me alone, you’re not my parents!” Soul shouted. Turning heads. So loud was she. So much anger in her voice. She completely forgot how much her wings hurt as both of them flapped wildly. She could actually show how angry she was now that she was surrounded. Surrounded by so many ponies who didn’t want to help her. By the two ponies who looked so broken at hearing her say that.

“Soul…” Nimbus whispered.

“What’s going on here?” one of the mares asked. I’ll tell you what’s going on. Soul grinned. Feeling it sting inside her with how much she hated having to do all of this. “They’re monsters!” Soul pointed at Nimbus and Starry, both ponies taken aback by what she said. “They’re trying to hurt me! Get them away from me.”

Please help me. Now that she had ponies with her, for once they could do something for her. For once. Even as Soul backed away further, she did not let up with her angered glare at them. Anything to keep them away. Because they are not my parents. They are nothing, and they both had all the ponies staring at them.
11.49
“Soul, how can you say that… after all we do for you?” Nimbus asked. A hoof to her chest like she was hurt.

After all you do?! “Shut up! Leave me alone. You’ve done nothing for me” Soul yelled. The real Nimbus and Starry were the ones I loved. Not you. She felt her glare fade and that sadness inside well. She had to wipe her face. To come to this. It felt like she was yelling at Nimbus and Starry. I never want to say these things to them. But they’re gone… forever. They aren’t here to protect me.

“Is there a problem here?” The stallion asked the two fakes. Some of the ponies gathering around them. “What is she on about?”

“Oh… for Celestia’s sake” Nimbus said and put a hoof to her head. Shaking it. “I can’t believe this.” She sighed. Watching it all unravel before Soul. “Soul had a tantrum this morning, okay.” Nimbus groaned. “I kind of didn’t want this to happen but she insists on seeing the Wonderbolts even though she refuses to eat her breakfast. Ugh, I’m so embarrassed.”

“What!?” Soul yelled out over them all. Seeing all the other ponies looking to her and, among them all, Nimbus snickering under her hoof. That little… I can’t believe this. Me, a tantrum?! Surely they don’t believe this. “Oh… I think she needs to go to the doctor’s” the stallion said to them. “She had a bit of a crash.”

No way. Soul felt her entire body slump when she saw Nimbus agreeing with him and just how all the ponies backed away and looked to her. With only Nimbus and Starry there to try and come closer to her. Like they did care. Meeting her eyes with such comforting smiles as they offered to help her. “Come on, sweetie. Let’s get you patched up and we can get some nice pancakes.”
11.50
I can’t believe this is happening. They’re supposed to help me. But Soul only looked across them all and saw just the vacant stares of ponies who did not care. Even some… who shook their heads at her. But I’m… I’m not a bad kid.

Please, I need help. “Please…” she whispered. Her wings flapped and she floated away softly as Nimbus and Starry came closer. All I want is to help Dashie. But nopony is here for me. I really am alone. Dashie… how can I help her? She’s so out of reach. Out of reach of this filly holding herself and looking away in fear. Trembling. She closed her eyes and wept. Please stop. Stop this pain. It hurt so much. Inside her heart. “Soul, let’s go home.” None other than Nimbus said that.

I really wish I could. I really want to. But home was no more and Soul hissed her heart ache between clenched teeth. “Get away from me!”

Soul beat her wings as hard as she could. One final burst and she flew off. Off into those icy clouds once more. All alone. Nopony will help me. She no longer blinked. Just staring ahead of her with a trail of tears behind her flickering in the snow. I can’t even do anything.

Dashie… I need you. I don’t want to be alone. But she was. Flying off. Where to go? There was only one last place. Somewhere to hide. Until she could find her beloved friend and hold her once more. I’m so sorry, Dashie. I really am useless. I can’t do this alone. She soared off. One magenta feather left to float in grace behind her in the wind. Softly touching back down onto the city she left behind.

The world she left behind.

I know you can do it. You always did before.
11.51
The day didn’t make the snow any better. In fact, looked like it was getting worse. Worse for Dash to fly through. She had no idea how the Wonderbolts were able to pull off such hard stunts inside of this weather. Even doing a quintuple loop without losing any speed, with five of them side by side in perfect synch, really astonishing.

She just wished Soul had been there to see it.

That is what brought her down. No matter how much she smiled and cheered at the spectacle, there was always that knowledge that she was alone without the one pony she had wanted to come with her. She couldn’t be mad. She didn’t want to be. After all, things just didn’t work out with Soul and their instructors. Really no use in being too upset over it even if it did suck. A lot. But she believed she had gotten over it. She wanted to.

Since she had waited so long to do this with Soul and it didn’t happen in the end. Mom seemed to understand. She had been sure to give Dash lots of hugs throughout the day… even when Dash cried in her hooves. Soul, I really did miss you. Remembering all that just made her feel worse.
11.52
Yet Soul was nowhere to be found. She had hoped for the filly and their instructors to show up during the show, but they never did. Never saw a glimpse of them anywhere. Reminding Dash that Soul really was gone.

She had bailed. So this show… it wasn’t that great. Not without Soul.

It was just another Wonderbolts show no different than any other Dash had been to. She hated to admit she was in a foul mood. Luckily the falling snow calmed her as she flew through it. Away from the spires and vast setups of houses and rolling cloud fields that made up Cloudsdale. While her parents went home and let her go to fly on her own for a little bit.

Dash couldn’t place it but looked like Windy understood why when Dash asked to be alone and gave her one last hug and a kiss to her forehead as if saying all was going to be okay. Windy could have come. Could have helped her. But Dash figured it would be best for her to have some alone time. More of it, like she was used to.

Flying alone up here over the icy rivers inside the clouds and empty fields that the setting Sun came down over within the horizon patched red in bloody light. The Sun just barely able to peek out over the clouds and light up the glimmering snow coming down in a hail all around the land. Shrouding the cloud mountains in their hazy embrace. Dash flew right through it all. To a place she knew she could go to be alone. The best place she had to just sit down and relax after such a terrible day. A place she could see when she cleared the falling snow and fog and saw the landing perched out among the face of the cliff.
11.53
A good time in the sauna was what she needed.

She set down on the landing. Nopony here like normal. Seemed quiet, and she had nopony to talk to. No friend at her side to join her for this like normal. For now, it was just best to leave it that way. Take time to relax which she really needed. Sheesh, the flight from Canterlot is actually a lot longer than she thought, and sitting for hours in the cloud stands, her haunches chaffed. She had to stretch them out again before walking over to the opening in the clouds.

Stepping down into a world so recognizable. Where the clouds surrounded her and water drained down all around her. Chilly to the touch now, soaking her and making her shiver. Though she didn’t pick up her pace. Just a slow walk down the steps. Not even time to flip her drenched mane out of her face.

No. She couldn’t look up from the cloud ground she walked on. Just being in here, it kind of hurt. Was it a bad idea? Weird to ask that now that she stood in front of the door. Inside where it was warmer and more lovely than out here in the cold yet she hesitated. Enough to look back up the stairs she just descended. Yeah… nopony was with her.

So strange. It’s been so long since she had felt lonely. I should have invited somepony. Maybe Amber? Maybe… she should have looked for Soul. If the filly wanted to go with her. She sighed. What a day. A miserable day. She put a hoof out and swatted through the clouds until she stepped through it all and into a place far warmer to her.
11.54
Even in the dead of winter with so much snow falling outside, this place still managed to be a refuge from it all, such was the beauty of it. Stepping into it and she already felt the warm gust of steam come over her and all the cold from outside swept away. No way it could be in here. The whole sauna was filled with steam still rising from the lake in the middle and warm water coming down all around her. Not even the waterfalls streaming all over the walls had frozen over.

Just coming in here and she already felt a little better, like all her worries melted away slowly. Except for one gnawing thing inside her that no warmth could get rid of. She looked around her and remembered, this was where I made friends with Soul. When we learned to trust one another. Months ago. Yet this place hadn’t changed. No. Not at all.

Dash worried though if they had changed.

It hurt to feel so miserable. Dash had wanted both of them to come here together after the show to warm up. Play in the water together. Then let their day drift away inside this lovely place. The end of their vacation. In such a beautiful way. She didn’t get that feeling now. Just that hurt inside of her. So this is how our vacation actually ends. Well… not everything works out even if it made her sniffle to think that. Staring down at the ground with her ears flopped. What a way for it to end.
11.55
It took a while for her to decide to do anything. Anything other than stand there.

She trudged on over to the lake. Seeing that steamy veil over it like a sheet come over the air. Water flowing out of these clouds and pooling again from the waterfalls above in an endless flow, where the sunlight always shone in from above. Red light coming down from there. Glistening in the water. She stared down at the water. Seeing herself. That cyan filly looking back at her with her mane hung over her face and not even a smile left for her to give. No.

She looked away from herself for a moment, hating how she looked. Really, what is wrong with me?

She took another step and leaned down to take a deep drink of the warm water, lapping it up. So what? It was the only refreshing thing she had today. Hot water or not. A long drink before she reeled back and got the last shiver she had out. That actually tasted good.

Rainbow sifted a hoof through the water. Once then twice and then she put it in right before she stepped in entirely. Ooohh that feels good. The water going all the way up to her wings and warming her up. Sending ripples that finally got rid of that filly in the water that had looked back at her. I feel better already.
11.56
Rainbow sat down in the water. Letting her wings out and reclining against the wall of the lake till the water came up to cover all but her head. Ah, as good as it always was. Peaceful and relaxing. Really the best way to finish off a long day.

Today wasn’t a total bust. Even with that huge disappointment. Yeah. I saw the Wonderbolts. Now she could plan for the next show. Though she would need to get her bits back by then to pay for it. Unless… maybe mom would buy the tickets. I just wanted to do it this one time as a treat for my best friend. That turned out well. Maybe I should be more careful next time and make sure before I go and do something stupid like that again. That is if she wanted to ask Soul again.

Ha! That’s not what she needed, for Soul to do that again to her. After all the planning and effort they had gone through. All that anticipation. Months of looking forward to it. Dash didn’t know if she wanted to deal with that again. Or maybe Soul just didn’t like hanging out with her.

Could it be I did something wrong during our sleepover? Or maybe… this made her sad. So sad to think. That Soul maybe didn’t like her. That she did do something wrong all this time and Soul had enough of her. Or something else. Well… I would say I deserve it. Probably Soul getting back at her for all the mean things Rainbow had done to her in the past.
11.57
Now here she was, all alone in the water. The same water she would play in with Soul. Back when Soul wasn’t so crazy to her. When things weren’t so confusing. Now she had to sit here and wonder what it was that made Soul do this. Regret everything. She hated feeling this way.

Today was supposed to be our day. Soul could see what it is she wanted her and Soul to do together. I just… Dash groaned. Splashing her hoof into the water and bringing it back up to drench her face in a splash. I need to just shut up and deal with it. This isn’t the first time Dash felt this way. She really did hope it would be the last. The last in a long line of disappointments. For now, just take time to relax. Splashing more water in her face again and again till she stopped. Except the water didn’t and her ears perked.

Wait a minute. She heard the splashing again. Echoing inside the sauna. That’s not me, no. She looked over to where she heard it. Across the lake. Past where all the steam rose and filled the air in a misty gaze like it threatened to blind all from what could be seen around them… except for Dash who peered into it and saw the sight of a figure across the lake from her.

Somepony else where the splashes came from and she saw them throwing their own hooves up with water splashing on their face. Who is… looked like… a filly? Too small to be one of the adults. Like any adult would be out here now. Who in the hell is out here now?

Dash stood up.
11.58
She really didn’t feel like playing games right now. Nope, she quickly made sure to try and figure out who was with her because whoever it was better not be trying something.

“Who’s out there!?” Dash called out to whoever it was. Her own voice echoing with the sounds of running water. The pony out there sure did hear here when they stopped in their tracks and she saw their head flailing to look and see. The darkened figure quickly rose to its hooves in a start on the other side of that steam wall. Yeah… it was another kid. They looked so small. Suddenly, Dash felt a lot less worried.

“I can see you” she said to the figure. “Come on out.” They stood there for a moment but then…

“Dashie?”

Wait. Rainbow’s eyes widened. That voice. Like a bell ringing inside her. How was it able to calm her for just a moment? To know she was here. “Soul?” Their two voices met together inside of that veil of steam, not enough to keep them apart as both fillies stepped forward. Dash came closer, seeing her walk towards her too. Lifting the shroud between them slowly, she could see her. The shade of magenta fur in breadth of the steam along the filly who stared back at her… and the joy she began to see on her face. Where Rainbow could see her smile.

“Dashie, …it’s you.” One hoof came out clear through the steam and Dash felt herself actually able to smile. For just a moment.
11.59
Soul stepped out.

Not the filly that she remembered as Dash stood shocked at who it was before her. Soul, what happened to you? That same fright she felt long ago when she saw Soul hurt… she held herself back. Terrified. Not able to meet the happy filly with a smile. Just drenched silver hairs soaked down along her face… just barely able to see one blood red eye looking back at her.

Soul! It almost made Rainbow scream in terror of never seeing anypony look so bad before. So ragged where the veins in her eye pulsed and so much wear and tear along her face. She… she looks horrible. And… is that blood?!

Dash saw all the scratches and scars on her. Running all along her side and her wing. This… this wasn’t the same filly she knew. Looked like she just got out of a fight or something. You look awful. Dash shook her head. Realizing that her mouth was agape. She could finally speak. “Soul… what happened to you?”

“Dashie… it really is you. Thank Celestia” Soul whispered. The filly finally stood still only when Dash waved a hoof at her before Soul could run into her. Almost nose to nose and Soul coughed. Holding a hoof to her mouth and shaking it off to look back up at Dash with her bloody eyes and a smile. It sent shivers down Dash’s spine.
11.60
Even if she was mad, it hurt Dash to see Soul like this. Because she didn’t know what was wrong, even more since Soul was so blank right now. Like there was nothing in her eyes. Where… where had that beautiful light in them gone? Is this even Soul?

“You found me…” Soul said. Managing to do a happy laugh. “And you’re alright.”

“Soul, snap out of it” Dash put a hoof to her shoulder. Something to get her to stop. She didn’t know why it was things got to this, but she had to know. “Tell me what happened, you’re hurt.”

She eyed the blood trickling out along the small openings in Soul’s side. Tiny streams of it. Almost impossible to see in her magenta fur. For just that brief moment, it made Dash forget she was upset. So much like when Soul had gotten hurt long ago. I need to help her. No matter what pain Soul had done to her. “Oh… don’t worry about it” Soul said. “I just fell is all.” In a voice so cold to Dash.

“I’m kind of surprised to see you here” Dash said. “I thought you’d be home.”

What is with her? Soul just stood there staring at her for the longest time. Except she finally stopped smiling. Dropping that happy act because there was no doubt something was wrong. “I came here to wash up a bit, it’s really the best place I have left to be safe… and now you’re here. At least I know you’re safe too.” Soul turned and stepped past Dash. So close, the stunned cyan filly could see it. The dark haze in her friend’s eyes. Shimmering in shadow. Soul would not even look. Just going on past her. That haunting gaze on her. “I’ll keep you safe… just like I promised” she heard the filly whisper.
11.61
Why did she shiver? Just from hearing that. Like something clawed at her from behind in a frightening whisper to her. Piercing through her. Even with Soul there, like somepony else touched her.

All of it crashing down on her in that scary thing that Soul said.

Keep her safe? What are you on about? She wanted to ask Soul. But her mouth didn’t move. But… every time that Soul whispered to her, it always was so soothing and calming. A chill of the cool air to her that always helped. Able to even lull her to sleep. Not this time. What has changed? Soul was something… different. Much like she felt when she saw her for the first time today in her doorway this morning. That scared filly with a ragged mane and bloodshot eyes. Not the filly who made every day so warm to her just by being near her. No. I shouldn’t feel this way.

Dash followed her movements. The filly stumbled over her own hooves in the water and recovered, just keeping up her pace to go over to the edge of the lake and then look back at Dash. “We should go home, you can tell me all about today. I don’t know about you but… I’m up for a little flying. Something to get my mind off things.”

Soul giggled and tried… she did try to open up her wings but even Dash could sense the creaking inside them as those giant wings opened and then stopped midway. Making Soul flinch.
11.62
“I don’t think you can do any flying” Dash pointed out. “What’s wrong? Please tell me.” She came over to join her. Having forgotten her feelings all this time, but until now when she heard Soul say “Tell me how the Wonderbolts were. Was it fun?”

You mean… the same Wonderbolts we were supposed to see? She wasn’t even answering her question. But it sure did make Dash frown. This filly really trying to make it out like nothing was wrong. Soul was stubborn, but not to this extreme where it was annoying. “It went fine…” Dash spat. “Had a front row seat and everything. Got to see the princess and eat some good food while watching the very ponies you and I were supposed to see together. It went so well.”

Just saying that last part. She felt her heart bleed a little though no tears came. No, …she had no more to shed. Otherwise, it only hurt to try and cry. Pain in her eyes. Our chance went by. It’s gone, so now she knows. Unless she wants me to keep going. This filly with her dumbfounded look like nothing was wrong.

Soul was just blank. How? How can you be so heartless? Dash clenched her teeth. “They pulled off so many tricks. Lots of team tricks I want to do, I really wish somepony else had been there to watch them with me so we can do them together. But I had to sit there by myself for most of the show. I had a cloud just for the two of us… too bad I didn’t get to share it.” Until mom came and wanted to sit with me… but she wasn’t the one I wanted. I wanted the pony who held me. Who made me feel so… she growled in her mouth. I can’t even speak anymore, and like Soul couldn’t either. No. The filly stood there, staring back at her with eyes that just lost all their luster.

Soul finally blinked and she sighed. In the most chilling rasp she ever heard come out of Soul’s mouth. Like it wasn’t even her voice for a moment. Something deeper and scarier to her.
11.63
“I’m so sorry. I’m glad… that at least… at least you got to go. Make some good memories and now… Dashie, you better make sure you remember them. Those types of things, being with ponies who care for you, it’s stuff you should love forever. Cuz you never know when it will be taken from you.” All that did was send chills down Dash’s spine.

“What are you even saying?” She never heard Soul talk like that before. It sounded so terrible. “Maybe sometimes, you and I can make more memories?” Soul asked. “After all, I’m gonna miss all the stuff I had before. So… can I…” she looked back up at Dash. “Can I be with you? I can protect you, as long as you don’t leave me too. It’s all I ever asked of ponies.”

“Soul…?” “We’ve known each other for how many months now? All the memories we made together. When really…” Soul looked down at what Dash saw to be her own reflection. The terrible looking magenta filly looking back up at her before it was cast away by a splash of Soul’s hoof. “I never deserved any of what you gave me.”

She sounded so angry when she said that. But… it struck at Dash’s heart. You did deserve it. Soul was the one who did so much for me, the least she could get was somepony who cared for her when nopony else did. Does she really think she’s not worth it? It was true, this was not the same Soul she came to know, and Dash did not know why.
11.64
“You gave me my first flying partner. My own wingpony. So many hours of training… and you gave me a new dream. You gave me the confidence I needed to stand up for myself and you were there for me when I needed you most. You played with me and took me places. We got to see things together and we even got to sleep with each other. More… much more than anything I can say my useless mom ever gave me… or… or even Nimbus and Starry. None of them cared enough. Can I… can I ask you something?”

Dash didn’t know what to say after all that. This was… nothing she ever heard before. Because this was not Soul.

This was not her Soul Serenity. Just saying all that, Dash’s eyes hurt so much. She wanted to cry. She felt it. Nothing came out. It broke her heart to hear Soul say that stuff, and she thinks she doesn’t deserve it. Rainbow was the one with the question. After everything that happened today. She had one.

“Do you think our friendship isn’t worth it?” Rainbow asked. “Of course I don’t think that… it’s why I want to be there for you all the time now. Because you’re all I have left. The only pony who ever made me happy. Because you never ran away from me. Like everypony else did. But I need to ask…” Soul stopped. Sifting her hoof up and down her leg. Rainbow let her go. Watching her friend fall apart before her. A timid little child now. Shaking on her hooves. As if she was afraid. Afraid of who?

“Do you really want to be my friend? Will you just leave me?” So that’s why. She’s afraid of… me.
11.65
Soul was not that strong pony anymore. She was not the pony who raced alongside her to crush the competition. To prove to all that they were strong together. Now, now Dash felt it slipping. Soul was afraid and she did not know why.

“Why would you ask that? Do you really think I’m like your mom? Soul, …tell me what happened. Please.” Soul laughed. Startling Dash. Her laugh echoing all along the room. So loud that she could see anypony outside able to hear it, though it was a short laugh. One that left her speechless at seeing her friend almost give up in front of her and come close to collapsing in the water.

“You’re not my mom. Not even close. She hated me. Wanted me to die because I was not what she wanted. Putting me in a box in the rain, behind some old shop like I was just a stray. Hell, you’re even better than Nimbus and Starry. Those two didn’t even want to stick around to see what I could become. After all the training they gave me and all the hours we spent with them hugging me and telling me how proud they were, that didn’t stop then from leaving my life. Not like you. You were there for me. I want to be there for you too.”

“What did Nimbus and Starry do? Tell me.” Dash had enough. Something did happen and Soul needed to tell her. Those two ponies had been acting strange and they better not have hurt Soul. “I told you this morning” Soul said.

Yes, you did. You did tell me something. Rainbow frowned.
11.66
“Nimbus and Starry… they…” Soul paused. Blankly looking past Dash and then she gulped. Shaking like mad on her hooves. For just a moment. Soul placed a hoof to her chest, like something was wrong with her. Something inside. She didn’t stop. Even with her eyes so wracked in pain now as they trembled. “Are gone.”

Exactly like she said this morning. Before Nimbus and Starry showed up. Rainbow put a hoof to her cheek and rubbed it with her eyes clenched shut. I can’t handle seeing Soul this way. Let alone hearing her be this way. I don’t know what happened to you, but this was not cool. “You’re all I have left, Dashie.”

“Soul.”

“I thought they would be with me forever but I guess I was an idiot.”

“Soul…”

“Please don’t leave me like they did.”

“Soul! What in Equestria are you talking about? I saw them with you this morning before you bailed on our Wonderbolts trip together. Or maybe… you’re gonna spin that whole story again, right?” Dash scowled at her, making Soul shrink before her. The filly sat down and her ears drooped. Right there, cowering before Rainbow. That made Dash widen her eyes.

Oh no, I didn’t mean to… she looked down at her and then to herself in the water. What has today done to me? I just don’t… I don’t know if I can keep this up. After crying all day long and regretting all that had happened, this was not what she needed. Just a day of some quiet… for her to just relax. Maybe she could talk to Soul then. For now, she just wanted to walk away from this. Yet her hooves stayed in place.
11.67
“How can you say that? Do you think I’m lying?” Soul asked. “I watched them die in front of me. Do you know what that’s like?! To see the ponies you love gone. Nimbus… she held me, she let me sleep on her last night and now she’s gone. She was my m…” Soul stopped. Though Dash knew what it was she was about to say. But she didn’t feel the pain. Nothing. She just yelled at herself inside. “And now the Changelings that killed them are out there… and they… they want to take you from me too. I didn’t ask for this. Any of this.”

Dash wiped her face. “Soul…” But she just kept panicking. Practically yelling now.

“I was looking forward to today. But they had to leave and they’re gone now. I won’t let them take you too! I’ll do everything I can to protect you. You’re all that I have left.” How can you say that like I’m some damn prize to you? Shut up. Just…

“Shut up, Soul!” That did it. Soul backed away. She did as she was told, not another word came out. Turned back into that terrified filly that Dash hated to see, but she was too angry over this. Everything Soul was saying was just too much for her and she felt herself about to just break down. Seriously, stop. It hurt too much to try and cry. Soul couldn’t even cry anyways. Yet she thinks I can deal with this?! After what she did to me.
11.68
“I don’t want to talk about it right now. Soul! You hurt my feelings this morning. Don’t you care!?” Dash leaned in on her and Soul leaned back. “I do, Dashie…” she whispered. “Then stop treating me like an idiot. For Celestia’s sake, you really think what you did was cool? I spent so much money for this. I worked so hard and waited for so long to do today with you, but you bailed on me. For what? For this stupid story you keep telling me! Just shut up, Soul and give it a rest!”

Dash turned away from her. She could feel her cheeks red now. Like all the storm clouds in her were boiling and finally able to feel just how angry she was. How much she wanted today. But Soul ruined it.

After all I did for her. What kind of friend does that? No friend I ever had. Soul, you taught me what it is to have a true friend, why would you do this to me now? Did any of it matter? If you’re so desperate to be with me, so afraid of me, why even bother?

“So… do you… do you even trust me? I thought… we trusted each other” Soul whispered behind her.

Dash gritted her teeth. “That was before you lied to me, you jerk!” She stamped her hoof in the water. Turning to Soul. “You don’t want to treat me as a friend, then maybe I will leave!” Her answer to the question. Echoing inside the room. Before all fell silent and she saw Soul do nothing but tremble before one little motion caught her eyes.

Falling from Soul’s eyes.
11.69
Two little streams going down her cheeks. Wrapped in color they should not be. As Soul cried blood… inside eyes that were no longer her own.

So now she does… it hurt too much to watch. Damn it, Soul. Dash closed her eyes and she too felt it, the pain inside. Too much. She had to. Her wings spread and Dash took off. Leaving the water behind. Leaving Soul behind. I can’t do this anymore.

“No!” she heard the scream behind her. Not even able to sense it before hooves came over her. Soul fell upon her. The filly with her huge wings grabbing hold of Dash and… she couldn’t even do anything. Dash found herself falling. Right back down to the lake. Held around the flanks, she could only make one little scream before she hit the ground on her side. Tumbling down into the water with Soul next to her… and she heard the crack before she could even do anything. Dash’s eyes widened… with pain flushing over her and she cried out.

It all happened so fast. What happened to us? Dash looked over to her side, where her wing sat under her weight and she could see it bent. See her span pushed backwards… sickening. Crying out over it in a wail.

What did you do, Soul?! She just found the filly laying there next to her, looking up with shock in her bleeding eyes to see Dash in pain. Ah! Damn it. Dash rolled over. Just doing that hurt so much with her wing now freed and the other one frantically flapping in place. But it was true, she was hurt.
11.70
Rainbow cried out again. Moaning… letting herself be in agony as she stood back up to the best she could do. Feeling her wing limp on her side… before she moved it and felt the sting come over her. But… it moved. Enough for her to flap it. Flap it once and she limped forward with a stumble.

“What… what the hell, Soul?!” “No, …I… I just didn’t want you to go. I need to protect you, please” Soul frantically said. Rushing back up onto her hooves. “Don’t go.”

“So this… is how you do it?” Dash asked. “I just wanted time alone. We could talk about this all later. What made you think this was cool? You jerk.” Dash groaned once more when she tried to flap her wing again. Didn’t feel like she broke anything. Though… it scared her to think how close she may have gotten to breaking something. All because of this idiot.

“Please… stop it. I didn’t mean it” Soul said. “You’re my friend, I just want to protect you.” It hurt too much to hear that. It hurt because of all that had happened. What we have. So why? Why turn your back on me?

Like everypony… everypony else did to me.

She turned back to Soul. Face to face. The running water could not drown it. Soul’s ears perked. Rainbow’s voice lashed out.

“I hate you!”
11.71
I hate you. I hate you. I hate you.

The words went on along the walls. Ringing in her ears. As the only thing that Dash thought. Glaring at the pony in front of her. Who cried those streams of red, and whose legs gave under her. With her wide stare, Soul did not even breath.

The words echoed all around. Even Dash could hear them. Even they were enough to hurt her. She could not imagine. But… it was too late.

“Please…” Soul muttered.

I can’t. No more. I don’t want to cry anymore. Dash closed her eyes. “I thought we were friends” Rainbow said, before she turned… and ran. Even with all the pain in her wing. The pain in her heart. Pounding inside… her heart screamed. She screamed too. Running on… past the same place… the same place where they became friends. She passed it all. Leaving it all behind with the wind howling over her.

Soul… Rainbow ran through the wall and left the room behind. Behind… where she heard her. The last sound of the pony she did love.

“I hate you too!” Going through her like a knife. That was what made it happen.
11.72
Rainbow Dash cried.

Her tears finally came out. Out in droves. Flooding the air behind her. Like little sparkles in the cold air as she ran out onto the landing, her tears turning to ice. A stinging pain in her eyes and in her chest, ones that made her sob. Running from the place where it all began… and where it all ended. Soul Serenity. It never happened before where Dash wanted to get rid of her. Even when she yelled at her before. She never knew it. The pain of being hated.

She wanted to fly away. Go back home. To the only place left where she was safe. To never see that pony again. The one she truly did love. I loved her. Soul, you were everything to me. Her wings opened up, running up to the edge of the landing. Out into the sky. Her wings stung but they would do it. She would fly away. Away from it all and never come back.

I wanted to be her friend. So much. My best friend, I left her behind. Friends no more. Like everypony I ever did love. But she was the best one. She was the greatest friend Dash ever had. All ended by three words she spat out of her own mouth. The words that came back to her. Ones she never thought the two would say to each other.
11.73
With all we could have had. Soul Serenity. You were the pony I wanted to fly with forever. The only one I felt comfortable with and could tell anything to. The only pony I could cry in front of. Confess my feelings to.

She always imagined it.

The two of them going on forever to become the greatest flyers side by side. The day they joined the Wonderbolts together. Perform together for all. We could go anywhere. I wanted to take her to so many places and her to do the same to me. Mom and dad saw her as part of the family and so did Dash. They did everything together, and our birthdays… so close. Even if she had missed it, we… we could go to so many Wonderbolts shows together. Dash opened her eyes. Skidding to a halt just short of the edge of the landing. Right over where she could look out upon the fields of cloud that the Sun shone over. Out in the hailing snow that danced all around like pegasi in flight. Like two fillies together in an endless bond within the sky. The bond we lost.

Lost.

I just lost the only pony I ever wanted. Why did this have to happen? She looked out at it all. All of Cloudsdale with her teary eyes. The city we would grow up together in and then go out into the world together. To make more friends. To know more about this world. While you are always the first true friend I ever had. Until the day we graduate… and our parents are there. My mom and dad. And the two ponies you think aren’t that… but they are.

All of them there to hug us as we wear our uniforms together. For the first time. With you, the one pony… I do trust. Trust enough… to have feelings for. To make Dash place a hoof to her chest. You’re more than a friend. You’re my wingpony. The best one out there.

The one I wanted… to kiss back.

Dash looked back. “What have I done?”

No!
11.74
Rainbow got on all hooves and rushed back. Faster than before. With her wings beating the air. Forget the pain. She galloped all the way back. Into the break in the clouds, rushing down the stairs once more. Screaming out her name.

“Soul!” The cyan filly ran in, blasting through the cloud wall and back to where it was warm once more. Stopping there. Where she found it. Herself, …alone. With nopony here but her. She looked left and right.

No. No… Rainbow Dash sat down. Her ears hung low. As did her head. Alone… as she wanted. As ever. With all she had left… of what Soul had taught her… about friendship. She could only leave it with the words she wanted to say to her, left to only be heard by the place… the place where their friendship ended.

“I’m so sorry.”

Part 1 Illusion - Act 12

12.1
So what made the difference this time?

Why?

We were so close for everything else. Dash was right there to step up for Soul when she needed her most. Soul accepted it. She loved it. All this time, she really did think their friendship had been that strong. Maybe… just another lie. Another in this life.

How many lies had she lived through? She tried to recall. If there were any times when she truly felt like things had been different. Did mom ever love me? She may have at some point. It sounded right, right? Moms love their kids. She may have loved me at some point, or she may have just done what all ponies do and lie to her. Why else would she abandon her? Like she was taught that she had some reason to her life. Was that true? I’m supposed to make… ponies happy, right? That’s what she was told. By those lips she vaguely remembered so long ago. To be there to make somepony smile.

That was it. For what greater thing could she ask for? All her life, everypony hurt her. She did think it would just be the right thing to do to just be there for another. As she had done with mom, who she tried so hard to please. As she did with Nimbus and Starry. Doing all they said and living up to their expectations up until that happened… that wonderful moment when Soul truly did learn what it was that life meant to her.

Her only goal left, even if it had been shattered. It still lived on inside her.
12.2
She looked out over it. The house she once thought herself to be safe at. Her home away from home, with the glowing rainbows laced all around its yards and the clouds surrounding it. Where lights flickered in the windows for she knew ponies were home. The ones she had thought were here family. No more.

No doubt, Dashie would not want to see me. After what we did. Soul looked down at her hooves. The same ones she had used to… to hurt her best friend. Pulling her down and hearing her wing snap. How terrible. Not the first time they had fought… but maybe this time, it was proof. Proof that… things just aren’t meant to be. Even if it did sting to think so… she found it so strange that it dulled over time.

Crying as she flew over here just to see if, maybe, she could just knock on that door and apologize. At the very least. For she couldn’t bear it. Bear that she had said the words that rang in her head, but not in her heart. You can still do what you need to do.

It had grown so much louder.

Huh. Like a pinprick in the back of her head. But for what reason to even think about it anymore? To think she could even try to gain the courage, because it wasn’t worth it. That is why she just hung there in the hailing snow above the houses where ponies stayed warm while she shivered. Not doing what she had wanted to. To go up and beg the ponies who left her behind to forgive her. For one reason.
12.3
Rainbow Dash doesn’t trust me. After everything I did for her. With a stare as cold as the air settling down upon the night sky. She could not see herself but she could tell her eyes must look so bad from how much they stung. How hard her entire body ached and her poor belly that rumbled. She doesn’t trust me. Wasn’t it what I did that helped her see it’s good to have friends? Or does she just not care.

Maybe I was right after all. Long ago, when I thought that terrible thought. The one that almost ended our friendship, and now it did. You can always prove her wrong. Ugh. Soul put a hoof to her forehead. It hurt. Right as a shiver went along her.

It was getting colder. The snow piling up on top of her head. Why? Why even prove her wrong? That’s… never been my goal. I always was wanting to be there to protect her. I promised to be there for her when she needs me most. Even if she won’t do the same for me. Guess I’m just too pathetic for her. For all the ponies that left me. Now another. Gone blank in her mind. But I am there for Rainbow. I won’t leave her. Because… she was the first pony who gave me so much happiness. I know if I knock on that door, they would kick me away. Rainbow Dash. Will there ever be a day you will forgive me? A day when things are back to normal.

I… I still love our dream. Like the pain had died away or… just used to it, she didn’t know. Only that her wings were still at her sides to flap free as the only thing left out here in the falling snow. She got colder and colder from hours of being out here. Gone from the warmth of friendly faces. She just couldn’t. There was no way she could go to knock on their door. I miss you, Dashie. But… you hate me. But I don’t hate you. Not at all. I really am stupid, but not stupid enough to not see that you… you are a pony I want to make happy. Forever. Because I care. Enough that she could still see herself holding that filly under a warm blanket again. Not tonight. As Soul wished for a warm bed. I only ever did have one home. Soul looked back over her shoulder and sighed. This is the only one time I’ve dreaded thinking about this.
12.4
Soul flew over the houses. On a familiar path. The one she took back from Dash’s often. Spotting all the same houses covered in snow. Candles flickering in windows. Lights glowing bright that they shone over the snowy front lawns through the windows. Where ponies enjoyed themselves together. Families. Friends. From a time where Soul had to pause and remember when she had that. Looking down over the houses and then going on. Just seeing them all, she didn’t feel any more pain. Just the ripping sting over her body.

She always loved flying over these parts. So often. Going to Dash’s or the store. Going to camp or just flying for free time or training. She never did know how precious those times were. Faded now. I’m all alone out here. As she left behind the one pony in the world she could still see herself able to fly with. Just a ringing inside that she had to do something for that pony. Even if she never forgives me, I can’t. She would not be able to live with herself knowing that she failed Dash. Fail her on top of making her hate me.

Soul sniffled and whimpered, flying off. Can life just be turned back? Even to change just one small mistake. Any mistake. As one thing pounded inside her that she didn’t want to feel. For it hurt. The only thing left that made her hurt inside anymore. Everypony left me. Nopony likes me. My life is ruined. But she couldn’t live with one thing. That it was her fault. Though… what Dashie had said. Made her think that… stop it. Just stop. Please.

None of it is your fault.

I know. I… I wish I knew! Just… shut up. All she wanted was herself to shut up. To get just one moment of peace. Peace in the most unlikely of places, the only home she had as she spotted it over the rooftops of the houses and flew into the fields of clouds where just one house sat out there. Her home.
12.5
Swooping over the same fields she always trained over. Where all was silent. All was dark. With just the glow of the rainbows among her house being the sole light of this place. Casting greens and blues. Reds and oranges. Yellows and violets all upon the lovely clouds set all around. Dotting the walkways in colorful spots and shimmering within the waterfalls that plummeted upon the tiny rivers flowing around the yard.

A dark house. A silent house. Even though so much has changed, its beauty did not. Like nothing happened. It still sitting there as a beacon to the last pony left that this home welcomed. Didn’t look like anypony was home. Probably left the same way she had left it. Though… she had her hopes as she had flown in that maybe it was all a dream. That she would see the lights and proof that Nimbus and Starry, her loved ones, had never left. Not to be.

Though her spirits could not fall anymore. Why bother being sad? Not like they can be here to help me. I couldn’t help them. All she did was take and take from them, that went so far for her. I’m done begging for help. I’m just done. There were no ponies left to help her. None to go to. May as well come back here. The one place left where she could at least be warm.
12.6
Not using the front door. Soul actually went over. Flying to the back and hovering right over where her window was. Shades wide open, she saw her bed in there. With its thick blankets and comfy pillows. A little sense of calm to see one piece of her life was here. Even more pleased when she was able to pull the window open for her to float on in with the snow flurrying in after her and a cool chill brushing over her rear right before she could even close the window. Back into the warmth of a home to her. Like her first ever embrace today while she turned back and looked over it all.

Nope, her room had not changed at all. Not since last night. When… she spotted her door left open. When…. Nimbus took me to bed. Even left her bed a mess from a filly eagerly kicking off her blankets to rush after the mare. She still heard her hooves galloping after just as her hooves plopped down upon the floor once more. Silence.

The one noise that rang out so softly before she stood still with her ears up. Listening and that made her sad because she did hear it all. All which was nothing. When this house… it used to be so alive. Yet she was the only one to give it any love any more. But she knew, could tell, she was alone. Alone in a still and silent house. The one that had kept her safe and warm for so many years now. Giving it to her one last time, just for coming back. Her shivering stopped.
12.7
What time even was it? Time for bed? No Nimbus here to tuck me in. To wish me good night. Though she had no doubt she could pass out as soon as she hit the bed with how badly her eyes stung and her body ached, she didn’t even think of doing so. Just walking along on the tips of her hooves, to set one upon the door and gently close it with nary a sound.

Safe in her room. One she looked back at. So weird. So very weird to look out upon it and wonder what would it be like tonight, tonight if Nimbus was here for her? How today could have been. Just a dream now. A dream. But life was always the true pain to her. Inside this room where she had nothing left for herself. Just a thought… one for Dashie. A thought of seeing that cyan filly smile. Can I smile with her? Together.

She cringed. No. Looking upon her room with her eyes pulsing yet no tears. Stricken for the sight of the two happy fillies, the ones she wanted them to be. Can it even be? A time when Soul can close her door and turn around to find Dashie there with her for a sleepover. Not at her house. But in Soul’s own bed this time. She could almost hear their laughter. But it was just her standing there in what little moonlight could shine in.
12.8
Her bed did call to her. Feeling its allure, but her stomach roared and she held it tight. No… no time for food. Even if she was hungry, she never even thought of eating. Never thought of sleeping. Just doing one thing.

She threw herself on her bed. Falling upon her back and letting her wings and legs spread till her feathers draped down over the sides of the bed. That was all she wanted. To relax. For once, and her wings thanked her. Crying out in glee at being able to rest. Not enough to make her feel any better.

Staring up at the ceiling. Her blankets spread around her and pillows left asunder, just able to put her head down on one. A nice and quiet place. For her to just lay there and dream. Like she floated in space. Her mind so hazy. Then a little heave in her chest. Settling once more when she could feel her tears die away as quick as they felt to come. No. No more crying. It hurt to do it. Nimbus always taught me sometimes it is good to cry to let out all that pain. It wasn’t working. Felt like it only made her feel more pain. Like an endless bubble inside her that wracked and rumbled, wanting her to cry endlessly in a pointless attempt to feel better. There was only one thing that would make her feel better.

A smile.
12.9
Something she could only dream of. Lay upon this bed. She rolled over on to her side and wondered. Just for a moment what it may be like. Though it took so long. Her waiting. Listening to the pitter patter of snow hitting her window. The one sound of the world. Though it could be so much more, like laughter. Yes.

What if things were better? What if I do make her smile again? Can it… can she be here? Laying next to her, face to face as they talked about their day in the dark. Passing the time with laughing and stories. Before… Dash would reach out and… pull Soul into her wings. For Soul to settle her face into her soft chest and… to know what it’s like to be loved by another as Dash would lull her to sleep with her soft breathing… and a kiss to the cheek. Rainbow always was such a tough girl, but she showed me a side to her that she was afraid to. A side of love.

I felt I did earn her trust. Enough to think of that dream. What changed? What did? Just another pain inside her of the pony she wanted to protect. To see smile and happy again. With me. Happy with me. So I don’t feel like I was just a mistake to her. That it was all pointless.
12.10
Soul felt her cheek tingle. Just one little wipe along her fur, one that made her look to see. Peering up along the head of her bed to where… she recognized it.

It was the hat. Cast deep in blue and white to rise up against the dark of night like a star shimmering over her bed. Right where she left it. That made her roll over and get on all fours once more. To gaze at it. Level with her eyes. Upon the Wonderbolts insignia upon it. It’s golden hue. A little shine rolling across it for just a moment. A remnant of a beautiful time.

We were supposed to wear these, that’s right. Soul placed her hoof under it and brought it closer to her. So close, she almost hugged it. Dashie and I were going to wear these to the show. As a symbol of our friendship. Even if that wasn’t what Dash had in mind, it was what Soul did. But part of her thought that it may also have been how Dash felt. Because of what these hats meant. Our love for one another. Dash gave me this, to tell me she loved me. That she thought of me. That I matter to her. The first gift from a friend. My best friend.

I’d love to show up to her house wearing it someday, with a dorky smile. Or when we become Wonderbolts. Any time we fly. Any time we are together. My symbol for her, to never forget her. As a part of the life she had lost. Right here in front of her.

That reminded her.
12.11
Soul jumped off the bed. With the hat held close, she leaned down. Propping her tail up and sliding her head down under the bed to where she had placed it. Gently set there upon a box down there. Her secret place. One she had recently made. To keep her memories. Of which, just one was there. One she pulled out and put down upon her bed. It had a thick blue cover over it with plenty of space. Nimbus had told her they could find stickers to put over it to make it look nice. Something they never got to do. She could only imagine how beautiful it could have been.

Her and Nimbus there together at the table to decorate it together and even more, because the true beauty was what could be inside. What made her flip it open to the many empty pages within. Blank, clear pages. With little openings at the sides. Big enough… for pictures. Our photo album. Nimbus’ Hearth’s Warming gift to her. Stored safely for when the time would come for it to be used. To mark the start of her journey to her dream. But what it could be, what it could be. When a time can come for her to open it up and find something wonderful to look upon.
12.12
First page, all the photos of the time when Dashie and her could start on their journey together. Not Soul’s alone. This book, it was going to be Dashie’s too. Something for both of them to use to remember. Like… like Dash does.

Soul smiled down at it, flipping the empty pages. Thinking over it. When we’re mares and look at how we were when we were fillies. Us goofy kids having so much fun. Seeing all the training we went through and what it would all lead to. We trained together and got so much better. All thanks to each other. Rainbow had her Wonderbolts pictures. Soul wanted different. Just a book of the two of them. The bestest of friends. Forever. What made a tear fall upon the pages. Clear, like water. A tear… that did not hurt. As she smiled.

Nimbus gave this to me with the best of intentions. It was so sweet. Like this hat that Dash gave me. We all had something beautiful together. For once, Soul had forgotten her past. All thanks to them. Her only regret was not telling them how she felt. That was the one thing she could have done differently. Because then… she would have been strong. Like they all were to show Soul how much they loved her.

And I threw it all away.
12.13
I… was never a mistake to Dashie. That is why she gave me this hat. The one Soul hugged with both hooves. She wanted so much with me. She wanted our dream. And I got rid of it like an idiot. It is all my fault. Rainbow Dash did everything for me and I repaid her with the worst… the worst words I could tell her. The ones that made Soul’s eyes widen.

I hate you.

Such a lie. Such a horrible lie. One she couldn’t forgive herself for. Ever. Never again. I won’t. I won’t. Soul slammed a hoof down on the floor. I’ll never forgive myself. Not until she is happy again. For all that these ponies did for me. Even if Dashie hates me, I still love her. I always will, and I’ll do anything for her. For Soul’s best friend.

She needs you. No matter what she says.

Dashie does need me. Just like Soul needed her before and she got what she wanted, a friend out of all of it and the courage she needed to protect her. But Soul had failed, she failed to keep her promise. To stick with her best friend and be there for her when she needed her. She could only imagine how sad Dash must have been to see they would not be together for the show today. Soul will never know how much she cried. Will never see how hurt Dash was. That was why Dash hated her. It had to be. And all the stupid things I did to her. How stupid I acted. There has to be some way. Some way for me to keep her happy. So she can keep on smiling. Whatever her future was. Rainbow Dash was in danger. Even if she hated Soul, Soul would not abandon her. The least she could do was protect her. To make sure that pony stayed happy forever.

There is something you can do.
12.14
But what am I supposed to do? Maybe try to go and see Dash. Even if she would yell at her, Soul needed to try to talk to her. Nopony else wants to help so maybe the two of them could try to deal with this together. Together, there was nothing they couldn’t do. Like how Dash convinced her to stand up for herself and both of them won their first race together. I could go see her.

But… Soul stopped herself, she just couldn’t get that horrible thing out of her mind. That Dash would not want to see her. She didn’t believe me anyways. Right before she told me she hated me. When all I wanted to do was help. But Dash was right. Soul had been a horrible friend. Enough to make her hate me.

Really, what has changed? What changed so much to make us from such good friends to hating one another. Though I don’t hate you. Not at all. It is why she wanted to do anything for her. You really do love her?

Soul paused. Staring down at the hat she held. Am I asking myself this? How can I think otherwise? Of course I love her. There was no other pony she would want in her life now more than ever. Except for maybe the life she had before all this to come back. The dream I want is for all of us to be together happy and without pain. This hollow pain in her chest. For Rainbow, I’ll love her forever. For showing me a better life, even if it was short. Because we can get that dream back, right? Right?

Of course.
12.15
That’s right. All it takes is some effort. For me to be strong. I’ll protect her.

There’s a way you can. Do you love her enough? Do I love her enough? Soul wondered, what was it she felt for Dash? Is it normal for best friends to be as close as they had been? For Soul to want Dashie to hold her and send her off to her dreams at night. The only pony out there who could calm her and whom she actually wanted to spend so much time with. No matter what. That Soul could see them being with one another forever. Never to leave the other. Even now. There must be some way, something I can do to make it all right. No matter what happened to Soul, she only cared for her friend. For what she wanted. For her happiness. Only.

I do love her. I love her so much, she’s my greatest friend. The only pony who understood me. Rainbow Dash hates me, so what? I don’t… and I’ll still be there. Even if she wants me away. I won’t leave her side. I won’t. I won’t!

I just… Soul looked up, over to the pony staring back at her behind her bed. Upon the mirror along her wall. The shadow of herself in the moonlight with her red eyes shining bright and a streak of light over her soiled mane. With bits of fur tufted along her body in horrible tangles where she could feel the pain of her wounds. Such a pathetic looking pony. Not that amazing pony who wowed so many fillies and colts when she won her first ever race. Like this… I just don’t know what to do.

Kill them.
12.16
What? Them? The ones who want to hurt her.

I… I can’t believe I am thinking that. It… those words made Soul shudder. Rippling of electricity along her body in a haunting chill. She… had never thought of such things before. All your life, ponies only hurt you. Maybe you should not take it anymore.

But I never had a choice. I was just a little girl. Who only was able to mess up and make others mad at her. No matter how much they hurt Soul, she always proved to herself she was able to walk away from it. Like when her mom left her. When all other ponies ignored her. When the other kids broke her wing and left her to cry in Nimbus’ hooves. Bullied her for so long and made her feel so alone. When Nimbus herself left her. When… when her best friend told her she hated her. She walked away from it. I can take it.

Can you really?

Yes I can! It’s why I was able to go on this long. Soul turned from that crying filly in the alley with nopony there for her into… she widened her eyes. Looking upon herself once more. Upon everything around her. The dark room she stood in to listen to the silent flakes hitting her window and the gentle breeze outside. She felt the hat fall from her grasp as her hooves fell back down to the floor. Settling next to the last thing she had left in her life. The hat she had been clinging. Like the doll I clung to. She saw it there and it made her head sting. For how stupid she was.

Nothing has changed.
12.17
I’m still that lonely little girl with nopony in her life. Always getting turned on and beaten by the ones she thought she could trust. Beaten till now… where her heart felt like nothing more than ice in her. It was true. I can’t walk away from it. All her life, she had been pushed and hurt. Just now seeing that it just won’t change. None of it will.

You can change it.

But is it right? Soul gulped. Why? What is wrong with me? I’m actually thinking about it! I… no! I was taught better. All I want is love. I can’t hurt others. It’s not right.

What is the point of it when there are none to love you? You need prove to all that you are strong enough to be there. Be there for her.

I won’t. I won’t hurt anypony! I’m a good girl, I’m not bad. There is nothing bad about protecting the ones you love. I do love her. There needs to be some other way. Please. Soul looked back at herself with a start. Her entire body was shaking. That is not a pony who hurts others. The one who looked at her with bloody eyes. She doesn’t. But she is one who is there for the ones she loves!

“I know I am!” Soul slammed her hooves upon the bed and made it shake. Burying her face within the blankets. To finally experience silence as her room died. Her mind settled. In time to the peaceful sounds outside and the calm all around her. That her legs could finally stop shaking. She didn’t even know her wings were flaring out the whole time. They settled. As the thoughts left her mind and only her desires were left. Her fleeting desires. But they gave her a sense of comfort. To think about it all, about who she wanted to be.
12.18
I used to read a book that spoke about stallions who would do anything for the mares they loved. Little short stories inside of a big book. Every story different from the other. Even with different settings. One could be a time when ponies travelled in little houses that could be carried along in wagons. Times of great castles. Even from times of Canterlot itself. The stallions who would take up any challenge to save the girl.

Saving. That wasn’t probably the right word. Sometimes saving, other times it was more like changing them. Changing the mare to think better of herself. To think better of the world even. Something that led to an ending where both could smile. Free from a bleak world. Oh all the things those stallions did for them. Any challenge they took up, they fought hard to defeat it. From puzzles and riddles, to traps and dragons. Or maybe even changing the words that another pony had heard to make them cry. Turning those sad tears to tears of joy.

Those ponies were always strong. Even when some acted like total fools to Soul, she was still heartened when seeing them strong enough to make another happy. To see them able to change things. All for the sake of reaching one dream. To make another happy. That would make them happy. That’s what I want. I want to make another happy, it’ll make me happy. For her to change what it was that made all sad.
12.19
Is it really right? Her dreams were always so big. For better times. It had come close and left, leaving her to seek for it again. Like always. Like so many times before. Yet there was one truth.

This time, nopony hurt her. Rainbow Dash had not hurt her. For the first time, Soul realized she had hurt another. I hurt Dashie. I am the one who made her sad. Now here Soul was, wanting to be the one who would make her happy. With my own hooves, these ones she looked at across from her, she had hurt another pony so dear to her. I’m no good. I’m a terrible pony. Soul, there was no one else for her to blame for the end of her happy life than herself. I only have two things left from it. Soul sat up, looking down at the scrapbook open before her. Below her, between her legs, was the most precious thing she had from it.

I… I’ll never use them again. Those two things, they were for a life she had lost. A life she wanted back. Oh yes, I want it back. I want it now!

Soul gritted her teeth. Pushing herself back off the bed. I’ll keep it all safe. Soul rushed to grab the book and her hat. Putting them to the side, she sat down before her bed. Able to reach down and pull out a box that laid beneath the bed. Just an empty box. Opening it up, letting the dust trickle down. But it was a safe place. I’ll keep them safe. I promise. She held the scrapbook in front of her, for but a moment. Nimbus and Starry’s gift to her. Softly put inside the box.
12.20
She held up… the hat. It looked back at her. With a little Wonderbolts icon on it. Giving her one last gleam in the moonlight. I really did love it, all of this. I always will. Until I come back for them. But it was hard, hard to part with them. Even harder to set the hat down inside the box right next to the book. I… just can’t. Soul closed it. Pushing that box back where it came from.

I’ll be back for them. I will.

She just could not leave them behind for anypony to see. Hoping they will be safe. She just didn’t know anymore. Didn’t know anything except for the mind-numbing pain running over her. A horrible and ravenous feeling until… it grew gentle. Gentle when she looked up to the window. Up to the pony who shone inside that vast orb of the Moon. Like it stared down and judged her.

“What do you know? You’d sooner hurt those who love you. I don’t even know if you regret it. But I do.” Soul looked away from the thing that always kept her company in the night and closed her eyes. Turning her back on it all. She walked past it all, leaving behind the life she once had. Left in a box beneath the bed.

“I regret it all.” Soul opened her eyes once more. Glaring out upon a room that glowed red before her. Rainbow Dash hates me, there is only one thing left I can do to make her smile again. To give her that chance. Like the heroes in those books. It isn’t wrong at all.

You were right.

There is nothing bad about protecting the ones you love. Nothing wrong with doing the right thing. I’ll give myself… to it. As she opened her eyes, shining bright in red. Red eyes that were not her own.

Otherwise, all will just keep taking from you. Hehehehe.
12.21
You know, it’s been quite a while since I made myself breakfast. Soul had been afraid she would burn down the whole place. It was kind of strange. She used to be so good at it, but this time she had been so skittish and feared the worst just from making some pancakes for herself. She almost forgot about them too, coming back in time to save them and now had a nice stack of them she set down for herself at the table with the aroma of something so good in the air. She had to sniff it. Then she sniffed the food itself. Her stomach roared in response, so much that she had to grip it once more. Like it was eating itself down there.

Her first meal in over a day. She surprised herself with wanting to make something. Sitting around all night and wandering her house. Her hooves were tired from all of it. Her eyes burned. But none of it ever made her stop and decide to eat, not until now with the Sun beginning to shine over the horizon upon a land where the snow fell so gently now. Becoming a beautiful sight. So many clouds out there that she saw, but not enough. There was a huge clearing in all of it for the Sun to peer through. Casting its radiance upon the floating city flooded in white.
12.22
It was mornings like this that Soul appreciated. Kind of like it was… normal. Even her pulsing eyes… they no longer bothered her. A cry from within for sleep. No time for that. She needed to be up and about. Much like she would be by now on a normal day. It did bring back memories.

As she sat there on her same chair looking over her pancakes and then over to… the two chairs across from her. Empty. She could only stare. Even though she could hear it… the sounds of laughter of ponies familiar to her. I would be talking about how I slept. Talking about what kind of day I would be having. It... was something else. Something for her to sit here with nothing to say as she stared ahead of her. Alone.

Thinking there would be ponies there for her. No, it’s just myself. Only me this morning. Again. She could only frown about it. Her dead stare sticking to the chairs for the longest time as the sounds of the world played outside.

She heard some actual laughter in the distance. Probably other kids playing in the snow. Lucky. Just like the ponies she envied long ago. She wasn’t as envious anymore. Staring out her window at them. Afraid to talk to them and only able to watch them have fun. Before she would go off and cry by herself. No time for that.
12.23
Really, what is the point of being sad about them? I… I got plenty to be happy about. Soul was going to do what she wanted to do. Make another pony happy. I… that will be good for me. Good enough. It always was my dream, to make others happy. To give them hope. I… I can live with that. “Yes I can.” Soul giggled to herself.

“I bet if you two were here, you would be so proud.” She looked at the two empty chairs. Yes they would. They were the ones who gave me something as wonderful as Rainbow Dash. Sending me to camp and giving me the courage to step up to be Dash’s friend. They’d love me being there to help her. She had to laugh. Slowly and then it died down as she calmed herself.

Oh yeah. I just wish they were here so I could see them be proud of me. I wonder what it would be like. What today would be like if things were back to how they used to be. Would Dashie be here? A sleepover after the show. Oh I could make her breakfast and then we can go and play in the snow too. Something before our return to camp. She bet Nimbus would be proud to go with the two of them to play as well. Also to keep them out of trouble.
12.24
Those thoughts faded. Back to where empty chairs and a quiet house returned to her. Quiet but able to give her some comfort. Warmth and a nice smell of food.

I really should eat. Soul had it all drowned in syrup. Sadly, they had been out of strawberries. Nothing to put on top of them like she liked. Sad because she really did want something sweet. Something to take her mind off things for even a little bit as this wait she was in was a bit hard to deal with. Just sitting around, not knowing what to do with herself until something happened. Kind of made her wonder how things will be. How will it be? Will life become this?

Just sitting around. It’s not like she had anything left, or even the chance she would get anything. Nothing except for knowing Dash could be happy. If that was enough for her. While Soul was left… behind.

Maybe… I can figure out what to do with myself when this is all over. Find a new place for me. When she really didn’t want to. Looking around this empty house, she really did prefer to have something else. Another purpose after this. How long can it go on? She fiddled with her plate. She always relied on Nimbus and Starry. Always relied on others. Did she really need to do everything on her own? Will there be another pony out there for her?
12.25
Meals like this, they only reminded her of the times she wanted back. Left to stay here and wait to do something that would make her feel better. Because it droned in her mind. She really did have a question she wanted to ask. But there was nopony here to answer it for her. She just really badly wanted to know something so it would finally leave her mind and maybe she could feel a little better. All night long, since she realized what she had to do, it lingered.

While she had paced the halls and sat on the sofa staring out at the night. Looking over the old photos and portraits spread over the living room and the dining room. Sitting out on the deck and watching the land she used to train over. Hours and hours of this. She had no idea how many hours. Yet she still had to endure this. This horrible wait. A wait for them to return.

Soul shook when her fiddling of her plate made it ring out as it slid over something beneath it. But she settled back down. Not a problem. It… it’s nothing. It actually startled her, hearing such a loud clank all of a sudden, she thought it may be the door opening or something to tell her that they were here. Ugh, I should eat. So she did. Taking her sweet time doing so.

It never took her this long to eat before. Slowly leaning down and ripping away at her stack of pancakes and chewing no faster.
12.26
Such delicious food finally, but to her… it was nothing. Every bite she took no different than before and it lost all the meaning it had to it. Like how she used to devour all the good food that was made for her during breakfast. Something so satisfying to wake up to. She had no appetite now. Even if her stomach growled. It just tasted like… disappointment. Such a long disappointment and she found she hadn’t even eaten a quarter of it.

She sighed. Putting one hoof upon the plate and pushing it away a little. Not enough for the plate to fall off all the stuff that it sat on. No matter how good it smelled, it couldn’t convince her to eat any more. Much to her stomach’s pain. I just can’t. Making her fall back in the chair and stare up to the ceiling. I wonder how I used to do this. Being all alone with nothing.

Was I better back when I was in that alley?

She didn’t recall if she felt this bad. This yucky inside. Enough to be both confident and ashamed of herself. Confident in her purpose. Ashamed of her decisions. Whatever, not like it mattered. I know I used to starve a lot back then. Having to rush to find food wherever she could and oftentimes going without any. Just a struggle for scraps. Now she had food, but it wasn’t enough for her. It will never be enough. Not with knowing she actually was a terrible pony. Not enough to stop herself though.
12.27
She pushed the chair out and leapt off onto the floor. Standing for a moment just to make sure, as she watched the front door with her ears up. Her fur stayed still. I still get to wait. It was so hard to. With all these butterflies in her. From fear or nervousness? Who knows?

But one thing remained, she was excited to do what she wanted to do. So much so that it was a pain to wait. Maybe I could go outside. Watch the snow fall. Sometimes it was fun to see what nature could do. What patterns it could make in the air.

Or just to go out there to do something to feel any better. Knowing her, she would likely ruin all her plans if she did go out there. No, it was best to stay in here. So she did. Stay in the house she would always call her home. Where she wanted to have her own family in, and all the memories this place made for her that she had always taken for granted. Maybe I can… she looked back at the kitchen.

Yeah. I know what I can do. Something that would make Nimbus and Starry happy. Like if they were here. I would instantly volunteer. Especially if they made me food. Soul went over to the kitchen. Spreading her wings and holding herself aloft once more to reach the counter. Where she cleaned up.
12.28
Wiping all the mess she made making her food and cleaning up the dishes. Putting them away and making the whole place look brand new. Just a quick thing she could do while the others got ready for the day, to make things easier for Nimbus and Starry.

Then she went over and tidied up the dining room table. Finishing up and she looked back over at the front door. Expecting something. Still nothing. It agitated her even more. Not even able to crack a smile anymore. She almost was too violent in setting the table mats back out to where it made the table shake a little.

Ugh, no need to get angry. I’m just… making sure their spots look good. Soul put the mats back where she had expected Nimbus and Starry to sit down and eat. Nimbus never did want them to eat off the fancy mats they used. Just for decoration. Always putting them off to the side for food, Soul just moved them this morning. In case they wanted to eat with her. So stupid of her. Of course they wouldn’t. They’re gone. But she still wished it wasn’t so. For her to do all this stuff just to make them smile. Like it always was. That did remind her.
12.29
Soul flew off out of the dining room and up the stairs. Flying past the bathroom she didn’t even need to use since the other night. How long has it been since she had a good bath? No time for one last night. No time for that now. I got things to do.

Starting in her room where she darted back into. Oh man, that’s silly of me. She left all her blankets and pillows asunder. Like a storm went through her bed. Better get this done. Nimbus and Starry would have a cow if they found she left her bed a total mess, especially on a busy weekday. They will like it if I keep it all clean. She had the routine down. Fluff her pillows and put them side to side. Laying the sheets out above them and spreading them all over the bed right before she put that thick blanket on top so neatly tucked into the sides of the bed. Ending it all with folding her last blanket up on top of all of it. A lot of crap to deal with but it kept her warm at night during these winter times.

Haha, almost like I’m getting ready for a real day! I wonder what we could do today. Hehe, if only but… she could dream. The filly more than happy to smile over her work and pleased with herself like Nimbus and Starry would have been. Speaking of which, she did want to check again. Just to make sure. Before she did anything else. It could be possible.

So Soul left her room and went on to another room.
12.30
To where the door was cracked open to the room of Nimbus and Starry. Those two always closed their door for bed. But… yeah, that’s how I left it. Yet Soul landed in front of it and pushed the door open. Gently. Before she peeked in, and the words almost slipped out of her mouth.

‘Good morning.’

Stupid of me. So apparent it was when she found it all left exactly how she had left it. With pillows tossed aside of the bed and the scarlet blankets all jumbled up in a mess up top, where she had slept in them. But there was something off about it, only when she walked in. Soul didn’t usually come in here, but it felt so strange to walk in and listen to how quiet it was in this room. How still the air was in here like not even a particle of dust could float in it. Where she was the only thing that moved in here. Why is it that it feels so weird?

She liked to imagine how it would be if things were normal. She bet it would feel… like it did when she came in here to sleep with Nimbus and Starry. Something she had missed before. What was that feeling? Coming in here gave her a sense of it. Like all her troubles were gone, not anymore. Now, this room only made her sulk.
12.31
This room had been so comfortable to her, that was it. Stepping in it after so long to something so friendly and loving. Where… she held me for the first time. Let me sleep on her chest. Her warm chest and her soft fur that was like a cloud to Soul. I miss that.

There really had been no purpose to coming in here, not like they were here. Here for her to wake them up. They weren’t oversleeping. But she paused as she walked in past the side of the bed and saw something in the corner of her eye. She was still.

Maybe for a minute, looking over it. With her mouth wide open. Not even blinking. Before she reached out and pulled it close to her. For the scene to be right in front of her, as she held the picture in the heart engraved frame. One of many pictures in here. All of the same thing, but this one had been one to give her something. Like she felt a little trickle inside her heart for only a moment. The picture of her with Nimbus and Starry. Held between both of them atop their shoulders. With Soul up there, her wings spread, and such a wide smile on her loving face. When I was younger. This picture meant a lot to Nimbus. All of them did, as she looked all around her at the many, many pictures set atop tables and dressers. Hanging on the walls. Every one of them was the same thing, with that magenta filly in them.
12.32
I really do envy her, Soul thought as she looked back at the one she held. That filly in the photo. I… I want that. To feel it again, without having to know how life will be. I really did feel like all was good before. I should have learned my lesson. I always end up this way. Stupid, little filly. You never did fight to earn what you wanted. Now I got to do this. All on my own. Stupid.

Though she was gentle when she put the photo back down. Even if she hated the pony in that picture, there had been a pony dear to her heart that did not feel the same about her. Nimbus did love me. Until I let everypony down.

Soul closed her eyes, not letting go of the photo… until she heard the wind outside. It haunted her. Made her fur actually stand up. Like the wind itself went over her back and stroked her mane. Like how Nimbus… would rub my head. I miss that feeling.

Soul let go of the photo. She really did hate it. This room had been such a joy to get to sleep in, now it was nothing more than a memory. Like everything else. An empty, useless house filled with all the pain in her heart. A small squeak left her lips. I… I hate how I’m being.

Soul dashed out of the room. Slowing back down to a standstill out in the hall, and she looked back. I really am alone. There was nopony there to follow her back downstairs. I can’t believe I have to do this. But… maybe Dashie will forgive me, at least. She has no idea what I am willing to do for her. Nopony could suffer this way. Though Soul was not even aware of it. She only trudged back off to the stairs. Off on her go around of the house once more. All she could do in this incessant waiting. While her ears remained up the whole time, she felt nothing change.
12.33
She passed by her bedroom one last time, looking inside with dull eyes. Her lovely room. Where she always spent so much time in the past. Yet her heart ached seeing it. As she could see Nimbus in the same spot Soul was in right now, to open the door and wake Soul up. Or even more. For her and Dash to walk in through this door at the fall of nighttime. Both fillies so happy and laughing before Soul closed the door behind them.

The door did close, slammed shut as Soul pulled the door in. To get rid of that sight. I hate it. I hate everything that happened. These rooms only brought back to her the things she wanted again, and it hurt. Strangely, she didn’t leave. Soul sat herself down next to her closed door. Right before she lowered herself and spread out on the floor.

It will all be okay. Soul bared her fangs. I hate thinking that! Every time! It never is okay!

She put her hooves atop her head and buried herself under them. Folding her wings over herself too. Just shut up. Just shut up! Nothing ever turned out okay. Not when I was always an idiot. So stupid. I’m stupid enough to tell my best friend that I hate her. I won’t forgive myself, I won’t believe any of it. She glared at the darkness that her wings cast over herself. With so much time passing. She laid there, ignoring all the lies. Nothing is okay. If it was, I would be with Nimbus and Starry right now to go do something with Dashie and her parents. But now! Now Dashie and I hate each other. She hates me! And I have nopony left.

Though… I don’t hate her. That is what was too much. I still love her. Which is why I won’t be happy until I prove it to her. You are doing the right thing. I know I am. Rainbow Dash is in danger. Even if she hates me, I’ll do this to keep her from harm. Because its good. Yes. Such a good thing to do for her.

Soul’s ears flicked up, after so long of laying there, she finally lifted her head with her bloody eyes to peer out to the stairs ahead. Down below, where her fur stood up once more. A twitch in her ear, and a smile on her face.
12.34
Soul stood up. Atop her wobbly legs. Hehe, I already committed myself to this. For Rainbow Dash. I’ll do it. She almost stumbled over. Get a grip. Come on, Soul.

She looked back up when she heard the door open downstairs. Panting for a moment but she recovered. No, she let her wings do the work instead. Flying back up into the air. I… I think I know what I need to do.

She had spent all night planning it. Waiting so long for it to happen. Waiting since the night when they took the ponies I loved away from me. It just took her so long to see what she needed to do. So she did it. She actually went off to go and see. Because there was no turning back. Rainbow Dash is counting on me. One thing else was true. The only thing that made her go forward. Soul was indeed afraid and hurt so much. But her anger was too much to hold back now. Her anger at all that these past couple days had been. Time to end it.

Hehe, wish me luck, Dashie. I can’t wait to see you again. To tell you the news and for you to hug me when you hear it! You won’t hate me then.
12.35
But Soul did not leave. She hung upstairs, flapping her wings gently to lift herself up, but she did not fly down the steps. Only listening as she heard the sounds of hooves walking around downstairs. For sure now, there was somepony here. Even though she knew what it was she needed to do, having nowhere to go now, she still gulped. Her one last moment of fear before it all settled back down.

She breathed in deep and then let it out. Opening her cold and still eyes to the world once more to look down the steps and wait. Because it could be it was somepony else down there. Maybe Dashie had come back. That would be wonderful! So Soul would not need to wait to see if they could be together again.

“I’m tired, we can keep looking later.” No… that wasn’t Dash. In fact, it was a voice she really did recognize like it was meant to be here in this house because it was the voice of none other than Nimbus down there. Unmistakable. But Soul knew it wasn’t Nimbus. Otherwise, she would be ecstatic to hear her. They were never coming back. Yet for this moment, as she waited up there for some guidance, it kind of did feel like it were any normal day with Nimbus and Starry here with her.

It’s not them. They weren’t. As much as she hoped it to be inside of her, they never will be the ponies she wanted back. I get to meet them anyways.
12.36
The filly wanted to, it was just so hard to. Something she could do to stop this. I waited all night for this. Rainbow is in danger. I can’t step away now. Not like Soul had any way to step out of this. It would all lead to misery.

“They have a nice bed upstairs, I’m going to try it out” Nimbus said down there. “When were you fond of pony things?” asked the voice of Starry. Yeah… that’s not them. Not at all. Even worse with how they were talking. They want to sleep on… on their bed?! That’s Nimbus’ and Starry’s bed. The one I got to sleep on. No way would she be able to accept them using it. “I’m not but you have to admit that thing looked nice. …Don’t worry, I’m not growing fond of it. Besides, this house is just too dreadful to deal with” Nimbus said. “Better to spend the whole day wandering around this city?” “Maybe… a little better” Nimbus answered, much to Soul’s fury. She biting her little fangs down into her lip. Till blood trickled down.

You sons of bitches, this is the house I love. This is the house that the real Nimbus and Starry spent their whole lives building up to, just to give a home to Soul. Now those beasts were in here using Nimbus’ and Starry’s bodies while insulting their house. Maybe… it is right for me to do this.

Soul’s anger was just too much now. I’m done. Even if they look like them, they will always be the ones who ruined my life and want to hurt it even more. Besides, Soul still had her question she wanted answered, waiting all night for it. It all gave her what little courage left to actually do the unthinkable that no filly would do. But she no longer cared as blood trickled down her face and her eyes shone red. Soul flew down the stairs to meet them.
12.37
Those little moments flying down the steps being like a challenge on their own to her just to go down and see what it was she hated to see. Going right down these steps like any other morning, it felt very realistic. She had done this so many times before. If only it were normal, but oh… how lovely it would be for it to be real. For her to come downstairs as she did now, peering down past the rise of the stairway and seeing the living room shining in the sunlight that cast itself upon the two figures down there. The one standing by the door and another coming right towards her. Soul almost crossed paths right there, as she stared at her, with none other than Nimbus.

The mare looking back upon Starry and then… Soul felt a chill when both those familiar eyes turned to her… in shock. So I’m actually doing this. Her, all alone in the same room as these beasts, with Soul just hovering there above them. She didn’t even blink. She couldn’t.

Such a recognizable scene. Her here, together with the two ponies who had cared for her for so much of her life. Eye to eye like none of them no longer knew the other, for this was true. Their dumbstruck selves all together once more. Nimbus didn’t even look at all angry or scary. Just that mare with her lovely look and beautiful wings, standing before her. Such puzzlement in her red eyes. Yet no word was spoken.

Soul actually kind of thought it may be them for a moment. No. The real Nimbus would not be this way. She would be so happy to see me. Even more since I’m here to greet her from returning home. No, Soul only had another thing to say.
12.38
“Why were you two wandering around?” Soul really was curious, please. Perhaps it was something good. They all finally got to be in the same room once more and the filly had to ask that while she floated above both of them.

Nimbus finally cocked her head and then chuckled. Not even a scary laugh. She laughed like she was carefree. Just like Starry with his genuine smile. Pretty convincing of them. “We were looking for you, of course. We wouldn’t want you to be alone out there all night long. I’m actually kind of surprised to find you here.”

Soul shrugged at her and did something without even thinking about it. She flew past Nimbus. Over towards the dining room once more where she saw she had left the chairs pulled out and left her dishes laying there. She took time to reset the table but didn’t do that. She was slipping. “I’ve been here all night” Soul admitted.

She looked back at both of them before she did anything else. She couldn’t believe this was happening, but… she made no sound. Nothing to show just how utterly terrified and so broken she was inside. It was scary to her. Unlike anything she ever done before. To be so still and lifeless. All this time, like she was nothing more than stone. Not even a pony anymore, and how cold she felt inside. So much it gave her chills. She actually felt so nasty for speaking with such venom in her voice.

“I’ve been waiting for you guys.” “You were waiting for us?” Nimbus asked. Both ponies walking over to join one another. Standing there, like it was on purpose. Between Soul… and the front door. I don’t feel anything at all. No urge to run. I am staying here.
12.39
“Isn’t that nice of me?” Soul asked. She pushed in the first chair where she had sat for breakfast. Hovering over her half-eaten pancakes and the last dirty dish she missed. That looks better, she tapped the chair with satisfaction and looked back at the two ponies. She did expect something of them.

Why are they so quiet? Am I that weird? Not at all. I’m just doing the right thing like a good pony needs to do… to not feel like a bad pony. That feeling sucked. “Just been waiting in my house all night long hoping to see you two come back.” Soul said that with something else in her mind that these two did not know. She could practically sense Starry over there getting impatient with his frown coming over him and a small glare in his eyes. Twinkling like starlight. His hoof itched and fidgeted in place. “Yeah, pretty nice” Nimbus said awkwardly. “You seem different, Soul.”

Am I? It’s been a while since I looked in the mirror. “No, I still feel the same” Soul said. She went on over to the other two chairs. Much the same as she did yesterday. “I just wanted to be in the house I lived in for most of my life. It’s really the only nice place I have left. You know… that house that is so dreadful.”

She shot her glare at both of them, almost like it didn’t matter to either of them. Just a little draft in the air between them that Soul felt over her. Like it twitched suddenly, and then she caught it just in time. Spotting Nimbus shaking her tail for a moment behind her. Exactly like Soul did, nervously, at the same time. But even more.
12.40
Soul let her tail wag wildly behind her, dealing with the last two chairs. Glancing back at them and their horrible bodies. It was starting to get uneasy to just look at them. Just constantly reminding her. It made her wonder. But she looked up to the ceiling. Not to them. Just not able to bother with them what with all that was in her head. All the terrible thoughts and painful memories. What good there was only led to more sadness. Becoming a void… right where her heart should be. If she could say it like that.

It really did feel like an endless rip in her chest. A constant pulsing in there. Opening up to nothing. It really hurt.

“I really do love this house” Soul spoke out suddenly. “You know… I didn’t always live here.” She actually spoke to them. In time to see Starry starting to trot along past the table, slowly coming to join where Soul was, with Nimbus walking forth on soft steps. Soul only went on. Not even needing what they said to her.
“Really?” Nimbus asked. “I was actually brought here when I was a filly. Nimbus and Starry took me in and raised me. So many years… with them” she spoke reflectively on it all while she pushed in the chairs. Finishing that up. Starry stood across from her. Staring. Nimbus to her left. Soul didn’t care, not when she could see it all once again. How happy she was.
12.41
“I didn’t grow up with parents, they got rid of me when I was just a foal. But Nimbus and Starry, they put up with me and treated me like I was something special. They fed me and kept me warm. They taught me how to fly properly and even went beyond that. They taught me so much about flying that… some ponies actually think I am amazing. Even I think I can be something amazing. Like a great, world class flyer. How cool would that be?”

Was it strange that Nimbus was smiling? “I could tell they loved you a lot, don’t you see? Why else would they do all that? Weird though, here I always thought they were your parents.” Oh that’s another story entirely. Soul admitted that to herself. I would love for them to be my parents, hahaha. But that’s just stupid talk. What I want is always wrong. It’s all about what others want. I’ll do all I can for them. Like I should have.

“I really did appreciate all they did for me, sometimes… I wish I had done better at showing how much I loved it all. Just random, stupid stuff.” Soul flapped her wings. Flying over the table and over… to join where Starry was.
12.42
She stayed above him, almost feeling the timid side of her with being so close. But this was a time to be brave. Was she brave? Being this close to the two who had taken so much from her. She didn’t care. About any of her feelings. Just wanting to tell them.

“I did this a few times for them. But this whole thing right now, it sorta reminds me of it. Nimbus and Starry loved to go on morning flights while I slept on the weekends just to do some exercise. But I was always awake when they came back. Sometimes, I would make them breakfast while they were out and they came back, I’m there ready to eat. Got their plates out. They were both always so happy when I did that. Kinda weird, you two coming in here like this and me waiting for you. Kind of does feel like those times.”

“Well… I would never have taken you as the giving type like that” Nimbus said. “It’s a little funny. What if you had made us breakfast when we came back?” “Oh she made us breakfast” Starry said behind Soul. Feeling his malice behind her. It didn’t phase Soul. Not from seeing what she used to have.

“I did love them a lot” Soul said. “They were the ponies I wanted to spend the rest of my life around. Since they spent so much time training me, I wanted them to be the first ponies there to see me when I become a Wonderbolt.” “Sounds like you have big dreams” Nimbus said, the mare came a little closer to join them. Soul eyed the plate she left on the table and then looked back at Nimbus. Her fur standing up to Starry to her side. Surrounded by wolves, yet her calm somehow stayed for just a little longer… as she felt her heart writhe.
12.43
Each thing she said, like it was poison to her. She felt so terrible now. But… she couldn’t stop. “I was going to graduate for them. As a reward for all their hard work for me. Become one of the best flyers of all. So fast and skilled that nopony in all of Equestria could beat me. Well… except for that filly you saw yesterday. Rainbow Dash. She’s all I have left from what Nimbus and Starry gave to me. My first ever friend. The only other filly as good as me at flying. And she wanted to graduate with me. Both of us together with our parents there to cheer us on.”

“Really, what are Nimbus and Starry to you?” Nimbus asked.

That sank in. Sinking so deep though she did not answer her. Wildly set on everything in her that hurt. So much that the pain was becoming unbearable. I can’t even cry. She couldn’t even stop talking about it. Having somepony to talk to was good. Even if her hoof trembled for a moment towards the plate. Starry so close to her.

“Rainbow Dash was the first pony to ever teach me what it means to be strong and she gave me a purpose.” Such a great purpose. I need to do all I can to try and fix it, to live up to it. With what little was left. What little hope she had left in her. It drained fast. Each word she spoke only hurting her more. Till she really did want to just end it all.
12.44
“I got my own wingpony, my own future with her. My very own best friend…” Soul muttered.

“You love her a lot, don’t you?” Nimbus asked. “Yeah…” Soul said with her head down. “She’s the best pony in my life and was always there for me… until recently.”

“You had a fight?” Was that a fight? Soul still nodded. Didn’t seem like a fight to her. More like… the end of something great. Such a terrible end, with what little chance she had to fix it. How much she wanted it back. Deep inside. With Starry right there, she felt his breath upon her. Him looming over her. Nimbus in front of her. With a smirk upon her face. Soul held her breath and spoke.

“I told her… I hated her. But the truth is, I will always love her.” Like that alone was enough to make Nimbus smile and bare her fangs. “I do love her so much, so much that I’ll do anything for her. That’s why I stayed here waiting all night long. Because I want her back. I want my life back. The one that you took from me!” Soul’s ear twitched. All she needed to know… the harsh voice in her head.

Soul!

Too late… much too late to change now. Soul did what she had to do. I’ll do it! I will! Right as she heard Starry’s teeth coming to bare on her. Yet she was not afraid. Not enough to stop her.

Her hoof reached out, grabbing hold of the table. So she could duck down and grab. The plate tipped over. Pulling out what was hidden beneath it, between her teeth which gleamed white and shone in the reflection of the silver steel in her mouth. She closed her eyes. Just doing it. With nothing but instinct to guide her and a cold touch to her. The first time she ever felt so nasty and so terrible when she felt it touch against something, as she slashed.
12.45
Starry yelped in her ears.

Soul reeled back right against the table and shot her wings out enough to stop herself from falling. Just as something warm hit her face. She had to open her eyes. Turning back to face them with her hooves planted back on the ground.

I… I don’t even need to look. Down at the thing she held in her mouth to know what she just did. For the spots were all over the floor around her. Little drops… of red. Sprayed along, and she saw exactly what she had done.

Starry backed away, clutching at his throat with both hooves before he flew up on his big wings right back to Nimbus, where the mare ran forth and skidded to a halt. Shocked as Starry was. Both of them had no idea. Not even Soul did, she did not know what to do. What she was doing. Just knowing she had to do something. Her legs shook. Her wings flared out. Spread out, waiting for them with the large knife in her mouth. The same one Nimbus used to cut their food with, it always looked so big. Soul never thought of ever using it. Not for this. For doing the right thing.

For once, Soul was the one in charge. She was the one who could hurt. I’m not going to let them hurt me anymore. I won’t.

“You’ll never! I’ll never let you touch Rainbow Dash!”
12.46
Starry coughed but he let go of his throat, right where Soul could see the long cut along it. Where blood trickled out slowly.

Soul sighed. Glaring at them and angry at herself. Damn it. Not good enough. She hadn’t been close enough. I won’t back down. Even against these two. I’ll fight them. I won’t let them leave here to hurt my best friend. It’s the right thing to do.

She gripped the knife even harder with her teeth. Not caring anymore. All those stories she had in her mind left her. Just a single drive to protect the one she loved.

“Nimbus and Starry gave me the greatest friend I ever had. I won’t let you hurt her too!” Starry settled back down. Ignoring his wound. She faced down against both of them. With their fangs as long as knives themselves. Even after what she did, both of them only smiled. I’ll give you something to smile about. I’ll actually do it. I’ll do a bad thing because it’s the right thing to do. “My, my” Nimbus said. “The little filly has some fangs. I never would have taken you to be this way. You really have changed… a lot.”

“I’m just full of surprises… aren’t,… I?” Soul spat.
12.47
“You really are a crazy pony. A lot more defiant than any other. Really, what happened to you, Soul?” Nimbus said. “You were such a sniveling baby yesterday. When did you turn so cold?”

I’m not cold!? …I’m doing what is right. Soul angrily bit into the handle of the knife. Snarling at them. Louder than any other thing she could hear to where it frightened her. With her own voice. Like some sort of animal. I don’t care.

“I hate talking to you two. You’re… pretending to be the ponies I love. Just seeing you, it’s like hell to me!” “You won’t be seeing us for long for what you did” Starry told her. Rubbing his throat. Soul smiled so widely under her bangs. Glaring in the knife. Bringing it up to bare on them, for them to see it. Because it was funny. I won’t be seeing you two for long. Either… you die… or I die. One sounded a little better than the other. At least the other… she would stop feeling all this pain in her. But I need to protect Dashie.

You have to save her.

What is wrong with me? No, I won’t die to them. I’ll get rid of them. Forever! But… Soul wanted to leave them with one last thing. She still had… her question.

“You asked me a question” Soul pointed out. “What are Nimbus and Starry to me? Right? Well I have a question too.” “Do go on” Nimbus said. So much hate in her eyes to match that of Soul’s. Okay, I’ll ask. Because I need to know something. I really do need to. After all the years of this. Soul wanted to know why. “Why did you want to hurt me by taking them away from me?”

“Is that really all you want to know?” Nimbus asked. “Tell me now!” Ringing silence between them all. Nimbus took her time to say anything. The mare blinked. Grimacing like she was annoyed. Or even amused with herself. Her voice told it, she was amused. “Soul Serenity” she whispered. She gripped the knife tighter. What is it that makes others hurt me? Tell me now. These things that did the worst to me. Why?

“Because you are so weak.”
12.48
Soul didn’t move. Not from shock or despair. No, she was all out of that. All of it spent. The filly really had nothing left in her. Except for one thing. Just being confirmed. Yup, that’s right. Exactly as I thought.

Soul lowered her head. Her eyes still gleamed out under her bangs to the two ponies. Lost of all her feelings. Just… an unending sadness. That all of this was her fault. That is why nopony loves me. And now it’s why I have to do this. I was weak all the time and got hurt because of it. I want my life back so much. She wanted it enough to do this. To have the strength to laugh.

She laughed so hard. Cackling almost. So hard to hold the knife in her mouth thanks to it. But it was too funny. So funny to be right. That she was useless. Worthless to all the other ponies. That’s why. I have nothing for them… until now. I’ll show them all what I want. Even though… I know they’ll never love me like I do for them.

“Maybe I am weak. So much that I’ve been hurt so many times in my life. You’re right about one thing though.” Soul’s red eyes bore down on both of them.

Do it. Rainbow Dash needs you. “Hehehehehehe. I am cold… because of what you did. I lost Rainbow Dash. I lost my dream. Now I want them back. I want it all back. Especially the two ponies you took from me. So here’s what they mean to me. What they meant. I loved them so much… Nimbus and Starry. So much that… I wanted them to be my mommy and daddy. Yet they’re gone now.” Soul spoke with a darkness in her little voice. “I just don’t care… what happens anymore. Until I get my dream back.”
12.49
She really did think this was the bravest thing she had ever done. But it had all become too real to her when Nimbus leapt in the air so quickly. Coming right down on her with huge open wings and a mouth filled with fangs hissing out at her, so quick Soul barely saw it. She let out her own wings and her strength, quickly flying up over the table and just before Nimbus landed down on where she had been. Looking up at her yet Soul couldn’t even react before her ears caught it and she turned in time to see Starry darting at her too.

I’m… actually fighting them. Soul’s mind went blank when she leaned to the side and flew out of the way. Starry shooting right past her, where she did the unthinkable. She brought the knife out and down upon him. Every intention to do whatever this would do.

I’m going to… Soul gasped and cried out when she saw a jolt of darkness cut across her face. Where she saw and felt the punch to her face. Starry’s hind legs bucked into her face. Feeling it ring inside her. Like the knife vibrating so violently in her mouth, she didn’t even think on if it could cut her mouth like that. It really could have with how she saw it fling out from her mouth and fly across the room. Leaving Soul alone with the beast next to her, which she turned towards in time to see.
12.50
Soul backed off right as his teeth came down to try and get her. Hearing his fangs slice the air. That could have killed me. I… Soul snapped out of it. No time.

Where is it… she heard the knife clang down somewhere behind her in the living room. Over to where it lay by the windows. But she cursed herself for taking so long. Just staring at the two monsters that recovered and turned to face her once more. Ready to strike her. Ready to kill her. That was what shocked her, but why?

I… I didn’t know this… wait! She couldn’t even ask them to before both Nimbus and Starry came in at her. From above and below. Soul, you have to… Soul screamed and dodged away from it. I gotta get away. I’m fighting them and I don’t even have anything to do it with. I got to do this. I need to kill them first. Just saying that word inside made her stomach almost revile from it. It didn’t stop her from flying away as fast as she could Arcing over the sofas and going right at where she saw the metal gleaming in the sunlight. Until she stopped suddenly.
12.51
Something grabbed her and she looked. Finding Nimbus with her hooves around Soul’s tail. Pulling her tail in and she felt so much pain with the hairs being yanked so hard and the weight of that pony bringing her down.

Oh Celestia! What should I…? It shut her up when she saw Nimbus gaping her maw at her, salivating at the filly she held back and her giant wings flapped against Soul’s own wings.

“Let go of me!” Soul kicked hard with her free leg, without even thinking. It connected. Her hoof slamming right into Nimbus’ face and that was what made her let go and freed Soul to flee. Leaving behind the furious Nimbus and something more when she could hear the roar of Starry coming in on her. I got to end this fast. Already feeling herself out of breath, yet the rush pumping through her. Overwhelming. Not able to let her stop.

“I’m going to kill you, whelp!” she heard Starry yell after her. Nopony ever told her that before. Really it was not something anypony should ever hear. Yet here she was right in that situation with no way out. Almost like night and day with how much things have changed. So much so that Soul felt herself dreaming of seeing these two die before her. So disgusting that she thought that terrible thing. Yet she still smiled when she reached the knife and brought it up in her teeth ready for anything they threw at her.
12.52
“Just try me!” Soul tried to say as defiantly as she could but inside she felt her legs giving and the tingles in her belly grow stronger. What with seeing Nimbus rubbing her cheek and then glaring at her with such hate and Starry floating above her ready to pounce.

The stallion looked so strong compared to her. Both ponies did. While a lone filly stared them down and did all she could to keep herself from losing it. Could they tell? Soul hoped not. She felt like she may soil herself right there with all the fear inside her and all the strength she had now draining away at the terrible realization that… this was not what she ever wanted in life.

What have I done to myself? She couldn’t answer it, her eyes growing wide when she saw it. Not quick enough.

Soul screamed when that mass fell upon her. Knocking away the knife once more to land at her side and Soul fell on to her back. Her wings spread and legs pierced in pain. So sudden. Finding herself pinned down by the massive stallion. His hooves down upon her legs, and she looked up. Up into his blue eyes staring down upon her with such a horrible smile on him. So horrible. Striking the total terror of death upon her, to see just how helpless she had become.
12.53
Nothing she did worked. Soul wiggled and put all the strength she had to try and move her legs. It only hurt more. Such a heavy pony on top of them. A single cry coming out of her. Frantically pushing herself left and right, desperate to get out of this.

“No going anywhere” those fanged lips said to her when she looked back up at the pony leaning down on her. Rid of his blue eyes, nothing but a hollow shell of crystal where they had been. As shallow and dead as true terror was.

“Get off me!” Soul lurched up her body and fell back down to the floor. “Get off!” Soul screamed so loud. There was the knife. To her left, just… laying there by her outstretched wing. Her feathers wildly grabbing for it. Such a long wing yet not long enough to get it.

No, it was too far. No! I just wanted… Soul winced when saliva fell upon her face. From the same gaping maw that had taken… Nimbus and Starry from her. Now here she was. As helpless as they had been. I’m going to die. I’m going to end up like them. No! She really did think she could do this. Of course not. I’ve never been able to do anything right.
12.54
Soul felt such a pressure in her eyes. She held them closed. Not wanting to see. If only I could kick him. If only I could do anything. If I were strong, but not at all. I’m just a stupid filly. Trying so hard to protect the ones she loved. Protect them and now… this is going to go just as she feared. I’ll never see Dashie again.

“Get off me, please” she begged. “I just want my life back.”

One without this fear. Without any of this. Her life had been so pleasant. So lovely. With lots to look forward to and so much joy she had. Where every day had been like a dream come true. Taken from her. Turned into this. And now I’m gonna die. In this… very familiar moment.

Nimbus… where are you? Please. Please save me. Like you did before. Save me. As she heard that terrifying hiss upon her. Almost able to feel it.
12.55
I never was strong.

Couldn’t even last a minute in this. I was so stupid to try. Now, she had thrown her whole life away. Her dream was gone. Nimbus and Starry were gone. Now she could not be there to protect Rainbow Dash.

I’m so sorry, Dashie. I never should have told you I hated you. It was a lie. If only I had not been so mad lately. I just want to be happy again!

Tell me what it is you want. What will make you happy?

I always did think about that. It just wasn’t till lately when she realized what she wanted. Taken from her. Forget staring out at the other ponies and all the fun they had. Forget being sad about mom leaving her. Forget the fact that she drove everypony away from her and killed her own dream. Life always did this to her, it was always the norm. Something she really hoped to end someday. I felt like I was so close to being happy, but… showing how much I love ponies is not enough to make them like me. To make me feel like they like me. It always ended up like this.

I love Nimbus. I love Starry. I love Rainbow Dash. Now they are all gone. Now I can’t get what will make me happy.

What is it?

Soul opened her eyes. Ignoring the sight in front of her. What I want. In the final moments of her life.

I want somepony who loves me.

Then you have her.
12.56
Starry stopped. Like he and the world held still before it all shattered in the sound that blistered Soul’s ears and screeched through the air, before she screamed. Her scream was drowned out by it.

An explosion. One of glass, the window above her tearing to pieces. So much glass, falling like the snow. A snowfall in the house wrapped in red. The glass became one with it, the red falling like water. Like a lance of fire blasting forth and carving through it all. Destroying the window so the Sun may shine through and snow came in. Splattering the entire wall in it. Dripping and flowing. From the wall and from… Starry.

Soul could not even tell what happened. Just to see the stallion fall upon her. Motionless. His huge head falling upon her chest with his eyes buried into her fur, stained in the red that flowed from… the huge hole… where his head should be.

Glass fell all around her. Around the stricken filly. Her eyes wide. All of it missing her. Crumpling around her. Soul did not think she should look… but she did. She craned her neck.
12.57
That… that was the window. Right above her, upon the wall she lay against. With a huge hole in it. Blackened in glass falling all around and more shards left dangling. Nothing but red plastered all over it. A stream of it.

The same color that she saw… flowing out of Starry. Through his wide, cavernous hole in his head. Seeing it all… inside… and then Soul could tell. Tell just how much of it there was. Covering her. Turning all her fur red. Splattered in disgusting things she could not even describe. Now that Starry was nothing but a lump upon her. Covering her body.

His legs spread and wings limp. Not a single move he made.

Starry? What…? Soul moved her leg. His head rolled off her. His whole body slumped. Revealing the blank, blue eyes that stared off into space. Nothing left in them as the red water flowed upon them. Soul couldn’t breathe. That was… how…?

Oh my Celestia. Her breath slowly coming back and then becoming like wild fire. When her heart finally beat as hard as it could, and it all came to her.
12.58
Soul screamed. At the top of her lungs. Kicking her hind legs and bucking the stallion off her.

He’s… he’s dead! The pony fell away from her and laid there upon his side. All of that… that blood trickling down his head. I’m covered in his blood! Soul looked all over her and screamed once again. All her beautiful fur turned to that terrible color. All of it flowing down from her. She felt something warm soaking between her hind legs and so much relief down there. Just like the pools of blood forming beneath her. All the pools that were fed by the blood flowing from the wall.

What just happened!?

Soul flung herself up. Desperately trying to get on her wings but both of them spasmed and she only fell over. Close to slipping on the blood soaking upon the cloudy floor. But she had no time to think. No time to even do anything. Just all the fear inside her when she stumbled in front of the dead stallion. Seeing him again. Staring into his… his eyes. As blue as the sky, turned to stone. Lost of their light.

She didn’t scream. Nimbus did.
12.59
The mare standing across from them. She was actually afraid. A Changeling terrified. With her hooves to her mouth and that horrible face she had back to that of the mare Soul recognized. Where she could see true terror in her eyes.

I didn’t… Soul wanted to say it. Something. But there was nothing to say. She didn’t even know what happened. Not before Nimbus ran. Galloping on all hooves for the front door.

“Wait!” Soul cried after. I don’t… she looked back and then heard it… in an instant.

A blaze of bright red wind. Slashing forth through her ears and ringing across the house. Like metal grinding upon metal. Faster than she could blink. Could even cringe at the sound. Then the mare screamed and the sound of wood collapsing. Where Soul turned and saw that… the front door falling upon the mare. The frame cleaved in two.

Nimbus fell and disappeared under the front door. Singed and smoldering. Its berth fell right off its hinges.

I don’t even… Soul gasped. She saw movement rolling towards her, really thinking it had been wood from the door. Coming to her. Then stopped. Covered all over in the same red that Starry was covered in, except… the golden fur that managed to stick out in that blood. In all four of them.

Nimbus’ legs.
12.60
Her legs… Soul shivered. Backing away from the sight.

What just happened?! All those sounds. They still rang in her head. Then all of this. What… Nimbus, Starry. Starry was silent. Nimbus… gone. Under the door where she saw little streams of blood come from under.

Now, now the house fell silent. Only Soul was the one who made a sound. A little whimper. The only thing moving in this house save for the snow settling in through the open door and the huge hole in the window. Burned through it where blackened cinders smoldered and cooled under the snow. That was all the filly could do. She had nothing left. Nothing to feel. Even fear left her. The entire world had stopped. Stopped for her. She was left to collapse. Fall upon her rear and sit there in a pool of blood.

All of the blood smeared across the house. Painted in it. A shadow of what this place used to be. Where Soul had felt so much love and comfort here. Turned to this.

She listened to the drops of blood coming down from her body. Blood that was not her own. The first time when she felt this… the feeling of another’s blood. She hated it. She wanted to scream. She wanted to run. Damn it. Her legs would not move. Nothing obeyed her. Nothing as her chest felt so much. The pain. The heartache. The weight lifting off it. Like something had left it. Released. Now… she felt it. The true pain inside her heart. With one last breath she made… before another cried out.
12.61
Nimbus screamed and the door flung off her with a flap of her huge wings. Revealing her. A panicked mare.

Her red eyes bleeding and blood dripping from her mouth. Coughing it up and then crying out again. She couldn’t move. It was true. …Nothing but stubs where her legs had been. All four gone.

Soul had never seen a pony without legs before. Never missing even one. She never had wanted to see it be this pony. To see her become so pathetic and helpless. Left to cry out for help and flail her bloody wings. A cry of pain. A cry of agony. Inside of the one voice that hit Soul’s ears and she remembered. All hitting her. This is not what I wanted. This is not what I wanted to ever hear. To ever see us become. Soul blinked. The wind roared once more. Hailed and screamed. The sounds of the air she had always loved. Drifting around her and drowning out the cries Nimbus made before they disappeared forever, and Soul’s last thing to ever remember her by… were her cries.
12.62
There was no way for her to tell what happened. When whatever it was burned through the air and scorched the ceiling. Just a spark of red. Gone before she knew it as it sliced forth upon the mare. More red liquid pluming out.

Soul’s heart skipped a beat. Blood splattered. So much of it. Ripping the air and flooding the walls. Turning the ceiling red. All of it from… Nimbus. The mare who fell forward and laid there. Still. Silent. Left… there.

Now… the house fell silent. Not silent to Soul. It echoed in her head. The screams of the ponies she had loved. Not sure what was happening to her. This pain… it never was this bad. Not since.

She held her chest so tight. Not since in the forest.

Nimbus. Starry. She looked up. Upon the corpse of Starry laying in front of her. Nimbus over there with both pieces of the door laying beside her and snow falling in upon her. Both of them torn to shreds. In an instant.

How did this… Soul cringed. Clinging on to her heart. So much pain. It hurts. It hurts so bad. Why?! I just didn’t want it to be this way. Why? Why did this have to happen?! Why did all of this happen?!

“Why!?” Soul cried out as loud as she could. Till her throat ran ragged. Her voice turned to rasp. Yet she didn’t stop. No way she could. When all the pain in her heart exploded.
12.63
What was it? Was it the sight of all the blood? The murderous cries in the air? What she had just seen? Whatever it was that made none other than a tear fall from her eyes. Not one of hate or pain. No. Soul, she felt… grief. Then another.

Soul sobbed. Just one look. She had to look away after, seeing that haunting scene. No! I don’t… she tried to run. Only falling over on herself. Looking back up to the walls. The walls she spent all her life in now painted in the blood of Nimbus and Starry. The moment when this, her home, was not her home anymore.

Everything was gone, and she just could not get it out of her head. With all the pain in her heart, none of it stopped. Stop it! I don’t want to see it anymore. But their eyes were in her head. Starry. Your eyes of the sky, as beautiful as a cloud. Shining of the stars. Ripped of all it. She would never see it again.

But… Nimbus.
12.64
She had the most gorgeous eyes. True suns. They always warmed her day like her golden body and lovely mane. Even if she had that scar. Even if Nimbus was so self-conscious. Soul always saw her as beautiful.

What was she now? What were they? Starry nothing but a body with his head… torn away. Nimbus. Your… your beauty. Not able to run anymore. The same slender back Soul had ridden on so many times, torn open all along its length. Blood flowing from the trench carved in her around… she saw it. Her charred spine.

…We were supposed to spend our mornings together. You guys wake me up. We eat together. Get ready and all of us get to leave to have fun. No matter what it was. Soul always loved it. Until her life changed entirely. When she made a friend. Like she really had a family. It’s all gone.

Nimbus and Starry. In the forest? Or here? Just left to remind her that they were gone. In the same house they always spent happy times in. Now she sat there crying to herself with the bodies of the two ponies soiled in their blood. Gone with the wind. Taken from her. So quick and without warning. She did not even know why. Why any of this happened. It was all over.

All gone.
12.65
Nimbus and Starry are dead. Her house torn apart. Rainbow Dash is… gone. It’s true. I caused all this. With the last of it gone, all the weight on her heart. Soul felt true pain inside her. One final cry coming from her mouth.

“Mommy! Daddy!” …Dashie… “Rainbow Dash!”

I love you all. It all slipped away. The cold was gone. Entirely. Her heart… felt warm. Even if it stung. I hate myself. No wonder everypony hates me. Even I do. I hate it. I hate it! I hate me! She should have never told Dash that lie, then none of this would have happened. It was wrong. And now they’re all gone. When all I want is a friend. When I don’t want to be sad. But that’s what life was to her now. It was true. Her life had finished. It was all gone now. Her dream… was gone.

All she could do was cry. Cry and miss everything. I miss it all. I miss everypony. I love them. Rainbow Dash was gone. Nimbus and Starry laid dead. All of it just to try and make Dash happy. Disappeared. All her chances. Like the last of the gusts of wind flowing through the house, the whispers of sorrow in them. The cold in her heart. Leaving just a small filly behind to deal with it all. To wish for the one thing she wanted too. Soul wanted to be happy as well.

I… I need to leave.
12.66
Soul wiped her tears. More just came. I don’t need anything else. She flapped her wings. They moved as she wanted. Taking her off the floor.

I don’t want to… she looked away from it all and flew right for the massive hole in the window, wailing and tears flowing from her eyes to rain upon the blood covered floor. Chilling in the winter air. Soul dashed out the window. Not looking back. Just ahead. Blood dripped onto her face from her drenched mane. She closed her eyes and ignored it all. Ignored the feeling. Ignored the blood.

…Ignored the ponies in front of her house. All the pegasi who she left behind, hearing their shocked cries until they disappeared.

Soul left them with it. She left it all behind. Never wanting to see it again. Never thinking she will have the strength to see it again. Doing what she always did. She fled. Fled for the one safe place she had. One place to feel like things were normal. Back when things were normal.

“I’m so sorry.” Goodbye.

I miss you all.
12.67
So… this is the place, huh?

Did not seem like it would serve what it now served as. So inconspicuous and pleasant. With the right amount of life in it. Vibrant colors and lovely scenery.

She looked out over the landing upon the clouds. Folding her massive wings back up from her flight. Just taking in the sight above it all and seeing this land out there. One so different now with all that has occurred. Like a veil had come over it. One only she had seen through the faces of the disheartened ponies of Cloudsdale and when she walked in. Past that destroyed doorway and got to see it all for herself. It would be best to forget it all. As much as she could. For now. It wasn’t right. Not something she should focus on when she needed to be strong enough to do this. For herself. For the city she looked out upon. With its vast and endless cloud expanses running to the horizon, torn through by the massive spires and towers of the great Pegasus city. Where the darker clouds hung high over it. A calm and beautiful winter day. Blanketed evermore in the snow coming down. That touched her back. A flake falling upon her nose. She ignored it. Ignored the cold.
12.68
So much grief inside her heart while looking out at it all. I come here so often, but I never knew I would ever come here feeling like this. To see the things I have seen. There it crept in again. Just so hard to forget it.

But I mustn’t get angry. Not now. This was not like any other situation. No. Not since I heard of it, I just can’t feel anger. It never came. Only pain in her heart. To see such tragedy befall the city. To see it effect so many. To see it effect the one she had a heavy heart for. No matter what she had heard. I just can’t get mad. She closed her eyes and looked away from the sight. Turning on towards what she had landed at. A break in the cloud walls surrounding the city. Where the waterfalls had turned to ice around it. A solitary hole that led down into darkness.

The ponies said this place was some sort of private sauna only a few were allowed to use. A place where pegasi could relax and have fun after a rough day of flying. Also… the last place she could think of now to look.
12.69
I’ve scoured this whole place for the past two days now. I’m so tired, but there is no time to sleep. I need to do this. This is one of the few places left from where everypony had said… she had flown off towards. A kind direction from the locals but she had to wave them off and say to them how she had to do this alone.

She was alone. Nopony around. None to join her as she trotted in through the opening and into the cavernous cloud sanctuary. She looked all around her. Stepping forth, amazed at this place. It was a lot brighter inside than it looked outside. Sunlight actually shone in. Following in her hoofsteps. Rays of light crisscrossing about her. Shining and gleaming along the walls and ceiling. Wait. No, that gleam was from… icicles. Hanging like long spears all along the ceiling. Like they threatened to fall off and skewer any below them.

She was not afraid. Intrigued. Really, this place must be beautiful. She could only imagine water streamed around here when it was warmer with how much ice was everywhere. Clinging to clouds all about. I really should come here to relax, but… she could tell, as she looked down the stairs that stood before her, the idea of it would be too much for her to handle.
12.70
This place made her feel more and more like… she was right. That made her gulp. Made her afraid. Down those stairs… must be something. A secluded place for ponies to rest. Safe from the wind and hailing snow.

So quiet. She heard her own breathing and her panicked whimper before she got the strength to step hoof down upon the stairs and she descended down into the depths of this place. Careful on the steps. Lots of ice. Though she could not stop looking all around her. Taking it all in. This place must be such a lovely thing for pegasi, even more for who she felt may be here. If she was here, this place must mean something to that pony. Something special. It really did feel safe down here from anything, and now she was here to break that calm with her heavy hoofsteps and flittering feathers upon her wings.

I just want this over, the pain is too much. Too much, she wanted to be there to do something. Something right… now that all the panic was strong in her mind. All the words she had heard, yet comfort still found its way into her heart. Enough to show it. Seeing the last step and the cloud wall below. Just as the pegasi had said. This place was an endless cavern of clouds. Walled in and few breaks in it. Yet there were places that one just had to look for. She was one of them. To find something more.

She pushed her hoof through and then stepped inside.
12.71
Incredible. It was so warm in here. Finding it truly to be a sauna. Even in the winter. Like she stepped into summer. Out of the icy air and into the bed of steam rising up and shrouding the air. Broken through from the Sun. One little ray of light coming down from high above, guiding her way. To step through the steam and look out onto a sight most wonderful. A lake, just as they all told her.

A lake inside of the clouds. Where it sat in endless warmth. So much, it felt even better than anything she had felt from normal saunas. A nice, warm and so very hospitable place for ponies to be. To relax and escape the cold. To see just how beautiful nature could be. I really wish I could come here more often. It only took her one quick look at it all to see how it was, and then staring forward to know for sure… this was one place she could never see again as her heart plummeted and all her fears were made so. All the sense of beauty in here… gone.

She lowered her head. Down to the banks of the lake she stood over. Listening to the water ripple and rock so subtly.
12.72
So it is true. It is all true. Just when she was starting to hope she may not find anything here. Anything this soon. Though it was bound to happen. Eventually, all of this would come to her and she would need to deal with it alone. But I have to do it. For all ponies… and one in particular. Most important to her after what happened.

A pony out in the water before her.

Deep in the steam. But she saw her. None other than a filly who sat across from her. Looking out upon the water that separated them both. Separate but not apart as both ponies stared out to one another.

She looked down upon her. The other pony looked up to her. As still as could be. A filly all alone out here. It had to be her. It had to be and her chest felt so much tighter. Forcing all she could to make a smile. To not show how broken she was. To watch any pony that she cared about become this.
12.73
What should I do? She must be afraid. Terrified after everything. I am probably not the pony she wants to see after it all. I wish I could be. Oh… but I must be.

Even as they both stood there motionless for so long. With the wind howling outside and waterfalls crashing down all around them. Both frozen in a scene together. She could not run away. She knew this. And I don’t want her to run from me. I want to protect her. To protect all ponies. No matter what. That is why she lent a hoof out towards her.

“Come now, young one. It’s all okay. I won’t hurt you.” Silence. So silent. But I need to be there for her. I can’t give up.

“I know you are afraid. I know everything that you have been through has been a lot. This is not something a young pony like you should have to suffer. Even for just a moment… would you allow me to be there for you? After it all… you are still my little pony.”

She sat herself down. Giving the pony… her first real smile in so long. Regardless of the situation, she is still one of my youngest ponies. I can’t help but see her as anything less no matter what others say. I am open to her. She opened her hooves to her. Pleased to hear the water shift.
12.74
The filly rushed forward. Panting behind the steam. Her shadow growing more and more. Coming right towards her. I’m not afraid. I can’t be. Not of the sweet thing that ran through the steam. A filly as innocent looking as any other she had ever seen before. Her magenta fur. Her silver and violet tipped mane.

You must be her. You are her.

She smiled for the filly. Holding herself still for when the filly did something she knew her to do. No reason to be afraid of her. Only to pity her. The filly hugged her. Threw herself right into her hooves and did all she could to try and clench her tiny legs around the large body she tried to hug. Even for a moment, I’ll be there for you. I promise, as she listened to the filly weep beneath her. Burying her face into her fur.

This must be the most comfort you have gotten in so long. I’m so sorry. I just hope… I’m not the last to be there for you. She wrapped her huge, white wings over the filly. Circling her hooves around her, careful to keep her adorning regalia upon her hooves from poking at the filly. She held the crying pony close. Hushing her. Staying like that for so long. I’ll give you the comfort you want. As long as you need it. But a time will come when we must go. Together. Back out into a world gripped in fear, yet she was able to feel all that fear leave her and warmth in her heart. A brief respite. From the most unlikely of ponies to give her a little happiness on top of the massive grief she felt deep down. Knowing what needed to be done. Later. For now, just rest.

She looked down upon Soul Serenity.

“You will always be my little pony” Princess Celestia said to her.

12.75
Her head was pounding. That knocking sound, it rang so much, sure didn’t help it.

How drowsy she was, the entire world spun and her dizziness settled. Finally. Enough for Soul to see again. See the same sight once more. Nothing changed. Staring up at the pale white ceiling. Not a cloud in sight. So unlike anything like a Cloudsdale home. But that’s just how it was.

This just wasn’t Cloudsdale. Not anymore.

Yet every time she saw this, it only reminded her of home. How much she missed it. Waking up to it once more. In a room that was not her own. The ringing in her head died off. Slowly. Just a dull ping left from all directions. Her only company. The only sound that broke from the monotony. She closed her eyes. Opened them again. Nothing changed. Soul Serenity still found herself in the same world she had been in for so long now. The quiet. The loneliness. All of it came back to her. Revealing herself to be back inside a life she did not enjoy waking up to. As much as she hated to, she kept her eyes open. Laying against the soft pillow gently caressing her head. Awake to another. The day, as she had heard. Though she still did not know what it meant. She hardly knew much of anything about it all anymore. Just that her head hurt and her back chafed.
12.76
Soul sat up. Slowly leaving that lovely pillow. Finding the golden blankets laced in fine black and red stitches there covering her up. Keeping her warm all night long in the winter chill of the land. Sometimes that cold got in and really did drop the temperature.

She was almost mistaken right there. For a moment, like so many other times, she thought this may be her own bed. No. Of course not. Wherever that was, long gone. This bed kept her just as warm. Just as soft. Yet she hated it. Luxurious and beautiful. It just wasn’t right at all. But that’s just how it was. How all of this was. Waking up, not in her own bed, to find herself in this room once more as every day that passed. Three walls of pure white. Combed in beautiful banners of blue to blanket the walls. Shining so bright. The sunlight hit her.

Soul covered her eyes for a moment and then she looked. Back out to a scene she missed. Out through the one window in its thick glass. To see the sky once more. My only friend. How I miss you. Soul sighed. I really just don’t want to. Her legs moved though. What else was there to do? Hard to do much when she felt this pitiful.
12.77
She kicked her blankets off. Hearing something fall to the floor which made her jump and then calm when she saw what it was. A book. The one she had been reading before she passed out last night. Nothing special. Just another one of the many history books that lined the shelves of the bookcase at the far end of the room. Not like the flight books she so very missed to read.

She didn’t bother to put it back. She only fell upon all four hooves next to it when she dropped down. Hearing the clanging behind her when she moved. She didn’t care on it. Hearing it a million times now. Every time she moved. I just wish I wouldn’t need to hear it. Even for one day.

Soul frowned deeply. Just to get that feeling again. The one I want. The filly stepped forth towards the window. Always being her one source of comfort. Coming close each day to sit before it and look out at the sky. For hours. Just thinking. Just dreaming. It was a beautiful day out there. The Sun was shining deep inside the thick cloud layer up there in the giant skies that showed her their beauty, like their own good morning to her. The snow still fell. A lot. Some days it came down so bad that the window was blanketed in it. Most days, it did this.

Just a gentle fall. Enough to keep the outside fresh in a layer of snow, she bet… if only she could see what it was like outside. The window too tall. Locked in place, she found no way to even move its thick berth. Only there to show her the world outside like it mocked her.
12.78
It really did, every day. Yet she always came here to sit before it. The most enthralling thing in her life. Even if she hated it. Just because it gave her that one little glimpse she wanted of the world she so deeply missed. One of open skies. One of freedom. For her to fly through once more. How long has it been?

That’s right… two months.

Two months since she last felt… that air out there. How it went through her feathers. Kissed her cheek. Give her some pride of being a Pegasus. Pride in her talent. I really want to again. Soul didn’t cry. It was something she cried so much over for weeks at first. I’m used to it now. Didn’t change that she wanted it. How I would love to spread my wings once more and enjoy that loving touch the sky always gave me. The one friend who never left me. Not like everypony else.

Instead, I left it. Until the day… Soul put her hoof upon the wall beneath the window. Looking up to it. The day I can fly in that lovely sky once more. I just don’t know for how long. For how very long. Her wings ached. Really wanting to stretch them. Exercise them. She still remembered all the techniques she had learned. But the chances of practicing them now gone, it ate at her.

It’s my punishment. Something Soul had grown to accept. Because she was a bad pony. Bad to all who had ever known her and bad to herself. That’s why I got these.
12.79
Soul looked back upon what it was that clanked loudly when she tried to move her wings once more. The reminder that her life was not hers anymore. Not when she couldn’t fly. Not when she was held back. Both her wings held inside steel. The long brace that encased them entirely, never to be seen. It felt a little tight today.

Her wings really were hurting and her back was sore. Laying on this thing was not fun at all. Not being able to move her wings, it hurt too. Not so much physically. But it hurt so much. She hated to look at it. Hated to see it there. A constant reminder of her mistakes. Of her stupidity.

I deserve it. She tried to spread her wings once more and only heard them hit the shell inside. Its only right for my dreams to be taken from me. Even if what I did was right. Soul never let go of that thought. All this time. All the blood and fear. All the pain and tears. Suffering it all for something that was right even as it haunted her memories. Haunting so deep, it was all she had left of that terrible day. I… I killed them. I killed those two.

I did it for the right thing.
12.80
What would be the point of going on if she knew she had failed? Failed to keep hold of what she vowed to do. To do anything. Anything for that one pony.

Soul looked outside once more. The one pony who was out there. Somewhere. Free. Happy. All because of me. Not a day went by when Soul wondered if that pony would be happy now if she had not done what she did. She gets to fly freely. Pursue her dreams. Make friends and live. Live with her family. Live with joy. While I stay in here. Because nopony listens. That’s okay though. I deserve this.

After all, I was a terrible friend to that pony. Something Soul will never forgive herself for. I threw away my life, my happiness, my family. All for her happiness. And I didn’t even prove to be a good friend to her.

Now, Rainbow Dash could live on, living with the last words Soul had told to her. That I hate her. Never the truth. Otherwise I wouldn’t be hurting for you. I wouldn’t sit here every day and wonder how you are doing. Are you awake now? If so, how long have you been? Are you out there training? Did Windy… give you a kiss goodbye this morning? The perfect family that Soul missed. The life they had that she was no longer a part of. As long as I’m stuck in here.

I made them all leave me. Soul was never wanted. Never loved. Dash said it herself. She hates me. She should. I hate me too. I mean, what idiot would force their own best friend to abandon them? Me. So that’s why I’m here. Soul looked past her wings and turned around. Facing the last and darkest wall of this room she had to herself. A constant reminder of her failures. Of her pain. Of how much she was hated. The thing that kept her from the world she missed so much and the life that was gone forever.

Bars.
12.81
Locking her away forever.

Soul stepped back up to those same bars. These bars so tightly packed together, she could only stare out of them and into the empty hallway beyond. Where few came and went. None who would talk to her. Leaving the filly all alone in the comfort of her silent room. Soul sniffled. Staring down at her hooves. I really wish I had a friend right now. I really wish I had not been so stupid. This was her punishment. Well aware of what it was.

Imprisonment. Because… they all call me a murderer. When all I did was the right thing. Nopony will ever understand. It didn’t matter. I have nopony left for me. Everypony hates me and my best friend is gone forever. She will never get to know the life I have now. How so very sad she was. Deep inside. Where her heart ached every day, and Soul just no longer cared about anything else. Just focusing on that one pain inside her, greater than that of anywhere else. I go from a life of joy with ponies who love me… to this. Just shows… nopony ever loved me.

Soul looked up and eyed him. Especially him. A stallion trotted down the hallway towards her. Looked like he held a plate in his mouth. She knew what that meant. Really the only nice thing she could ever expect for herself anymore. To them all, to all ponies, I’m just something to hate. I should be used to it by now. Her own mother hated her. Rainbow Dash hated her. Still, she didn’t like it. I just want somepony there for me. No… I’m always meant to be a bad pony.
12.82
Soul sat down before the bars and waited. Keeping her head low. Not out of pain. She was afraid. As the hoofsteps grew louder. Till they stopped before her. Nothing came.

She flinched. Anticipating something. Anything. Keeping her eyes closed. Truly becoming a defenseless filly as she always was. But it was true. Nothing came to her. No pain or hurt inside her. No insults hurled at her, words to make her cry. Nothing even struck her.

She just lifted her ears when the plate touched the floor before her. Scared at first of the sound. Sounded so close to when she was sent flying across the floor and left to cry against the wall with a scar on her forehead. Or was that another pony who did that? They all looked the same to her. They all did the same to her. How nice of them, Soul thought as she slowly opened her eyes once more. Nice how they do not do any of that stuff when… when she is around. Princess Celestia. Just… another pony she grew to know as no different from any other.

The princess hates me too. No matter how sweet her voice is. No matter how often she comes by and tries to talk to me about stupid things like life or books or even food and cakes. There was not one pony out there who didn’t hate her. She was so happy… to not be struck right now.
12.83
Soul got her food when the plate that the pony had been holding was let down and pushed in through the bars for her. Soul only looked at it and then, with much hesitation, she looked up at him. Another one of the armored guards she always saw in this place. Every day, a new one each time. Though they all wore the same golden and black studded armor all along their entire bodies. Shining bright in the light and reaching up to their rimmed helmets where she barely saw his eyes looking down at her. Vacant eyes that just didn’t move or care with seeing her.

None of these guards really cared for her. She came to know that. Probably just want to see me hurt and sad all the time. “Eat” he said in a hushed voice and then he trotted off from her. Leaving her there alone to watch him leave, though she was still shocked that she had not been struck, and so very relieved.

Yet, as she looked down at her food, she bit her lip. Just a plate of food. She… she wanted to ask.

“Can…” a long pause. Rare did she speak in here, her voice was a little ragged and she had to clear it. “Can I have some water, please…?” I hate eating without something to drink… or having to go the past day without anything to drink. That question actually made the guard stop and look back. With the same unfeeling look she grew to accept from them.
12.84
“Her majesty said for you to eat so you will only eat. Go on now. You have a big day, freak.”

I’m not… a freak. Soul lowered her head as he walked away. “I’ll be back when you’re done. The princess wants to see you” he called back to her. They are always so mean. All because I did something bad… but it was the right thing to do. None of them will ever understand. None seemed to anyways. Leaving only Soul there to believe that what she did was what needed to be done to save the one pony out there she still loved. She still missed. That I hope to see again.

I really want to leave this place, she looked down at her food. Eat the food I miss and… not this crap. But to eat with Dash once again. Like we did on Hearth’s Warming Eve. Such a long time ago. Felt like forever. But it won’t happen, will it? At least… I would love for her to come and visit me. Not the princess again. So I get to see her again today. Great.

I really don’t care anymore. About anything. Anything other than what she believed. I… killed those monsters for her. To save a pony. I just hate how everypony hates me for it. The one right thing I have ever done in my life. Still a mistake. Soul sighed so slightly. It’s not worth being sad over. Though she felt a little tear on the corner of her eye.
12.85
I will always be this. A sad pony all alone in this place. Never to feel like anypony loves me. That’s all I ever wanted. It was enough to make her look lifeless. Sitting before the plate and then reaching down to eat the steamed greens and fruits she had been given.

Better than her normal food here but it was all the same to her. Eating alone, left in here forever. To always feel sad. To never smile again. Like it has been. For how could she ever be happy again?

She finished it all up and wished to have something to drink now. Well… at least the princess is coming. Maybe she would be nice enough to get me something. She always was giving to her. Until then… more of the same. Soul left the plate and went back to her bed. Having not even the strength to try and climb up. She just fell down next to the bedside and curled up. Hearing the rattle of the metal around her wings as it banged against the bed. All because she tried to cover herself up with them. Left to only use her long tail to wrap herself up and lay there for so long. Like every other day.

I don’t want to read. I don’t want to do anything. Not without the life she had lost. It's gone. Gone forever. How much I miss it. I just would like there to be a day where somepony came and hugged me. I want a hug. Right now. I want to lay in my own bed. I want to eat food that was made for me. From ponies that care about me. I want to fly again.

But most importantly, she wanted her friend again.
12.86
Soul opened her eyes, thinking she may have whacked the metal brace on her against something, but no. The loud clank that startled her was actually… the bars… sliding open. Princess? Soul sat up. Finding not the princess, but two of the guards. Strong in their looks with such long horns upon their heads.

You’re… oh no, please don’t hurt me. They looked so strong to her. Such frightening stallions. Really… I just want to go home. I hate being here, always afraid. I hate it. Please. She heard them walk towards her from out her closed eyes and she backed against the bedside. Folding up again and hiding under her hooves.

“Don’t hit me…” she begged of them. I don’t like it. It hurts… please. Rainbow Dash, where are you? I want you with me again. The only time I didn’t feel afraid… was with you. I’d give up everything for you.

“Get up” she heard one of them say above her. Soul didn’t even get a chance to get up, not before two hooves slipped under her chest and forced her onto her hooves. That was what made her open her eyes once more to see the guard pointing ahead for her. “Time to leave.”

She eyed the open bars ahead of her and then a gentle nudge to her rump. Making her finally walk. Stumped as to why. Followed right after by both guards. But… why? What is going on? Soul stopped at where the room ended and hesitated to even set hoof outside of the bars. Am… am I being allowed to leave? Another push to her rear. She kept walking, then realizing she set hoof outside the bars for the first time since she came here. She was walked off. Into the hallway and away from that lonely room.

Wherever she was going, she did not know. To be honest, she didn’t care either. Sadly trudging along where she was sent off to. Thinking to herself just how much she wanted things back to normal. She knew that they never will be. Nopony wanted her. Everypony abandoned her. Her mind went blank. The first tear finally fell from her face. Rainbow Dash hates me. So really… all of this… I deserve whatever comes to me.

But I really don’t want it.

None of this.
12.87
I really want none of this. Yet here she was dealing with it on a day she had not been looking forward to for so long. Since the day she had to bring the filly here to the castle. Just knowing that once the word got out, that things would all lead to this. In a scene she had not been a part of for so very long.

Within the glimmering throne room she had not had to use for such a thing for so very long. Except there was one big difference. Long ago, it was in another throne room. Not this one. But now, now this one got to see the same thing. Give her the same feel as it haunted her.

Princess Celestia looked to the high ceiling above the throne with its panes lighting the halls in the sunlight that pierced through the sheets of snow that began to reform over the castle. Like the Sun she had to look up to long ago for this same thing. Lacking that shroud of darkness eclipsing it. Gone full circle again. Those memories hurt. But she really did not want to do that. To repeat the same thing. None of this bode well for her. For her happiness.

Really, did any of them even know just how much this put on her? How much it made her upset. The ponies all spread about within the throne room. Atop the stands and booths all along the walls to overlook the open chamber below from which she presided over. Dozens of ponies. Talking among themselves. Shaking their heads and just exposing how much this all affected them. Such is the case for something like this.
12.88
Just incoherent chatter. Ramblings of dignitaries and emissaries from all across Equestria. Filled with the same venomous tongue that made her flinch.

The air felt heavy in here. Noticeable, for this room she overlooked each day never had this feeling before. She couldn’t blame them all. All these ponies. Really… the same things she got to deal with for two months now. So many sleepless nights. So many harsh meetings and angry complaints. Celestia was exhausted. She did all she could to not show it. Keeping her luscious wings as vibrant as ever and her rapturous crown to shine perfect behind her horn. As golden as her smile she faked to every pony who passed her waved. Off to take their seats. To find their booths to watch over this decision to be made. Whichever one should be made.

They all had something to say to her. Weeks and weeks of demands and requests. Hitting at her mind and reminding her just how big a situation she was in now. Because this situation was unlike any other. Over something that had not been seen in Equestria for centuries. All from… a little girl.
12.89
That poor and frightened thing. All I did to keep her safe and keep her company. Yet I know I can’t protect her forever. These past two months had been impossible to make that happen. Three guards now she had to punish for finding out what they did to the filly when Celestia did not look. However many more may still do it… she dreaded it.

All these ponies in here she could tell felt the same sympathy as those guards.

I just hate it. All the anger she felt daily from it and how sad she was to know what the filly was going through. She only wanted it to end for her. For ponies to see reason. It may be too late. “Well I heard her home was blocked off and nopony is allowed there. Quite a gruesome sight.” Celestia’s ears perked. Turning slightly towards her left where she could spot the ponies in the booth closest to her talking among themselves. “She honestly doesn’t deserve a home, the wretch should rot forever.” “That may be too kind for the likes of her.”

Really? Celestia lowered her head. This is what ponies come to… when fear takes them. As she had seen for so long now. Wherever she looked. Like she did now, staring across all the many ponies within the chamber and their roars and chatter rumbling the throne she sat upon. Ponies from all over. Manehattan. Vanhoover. Los Pegasus. No place was safe from the same fear and hate she had to deal with towards the filly as the news spread far and wide.

“If only it had not come to this…” Celestia whispered to herself. My own throne room to become this place where fear and hate flourish. Even she felt it. I just can’t get out of it. Despite all I tried to do.
12.90
The great doors at the end of the chamber closed shut with a resounding bang. More of the guards quick to line up around that doorway in their stalwart lines. The ponies who had just came in must be the last of the dignitaries. No more will be allowed in now. The guard was on point. Surrounding the chamber now. The biggest lineup of guards she had seen the captains enforce. Like they turned her own throne room into a military parade. All for safety… apparently. No, she knew it was to keep the guests here feeling safe.

Terror can really grip powerful ponies. Especially when they saw the ghastly sights of the corpses… and heard what had been seen. Enough to make even Celestia’s stomach churn when… when she had to go to the scene itself. She had talked to so many. The same ponies lots of the other officials here had talked to as well. All of them learning what had happened, and… oh joy. Celestia frowned seeing him before her even spoke.

“Your majesty, oh I humbly thank you for hosting this little council” a stallion garbed in black over his shining scarlet coat said, none other than one of the two ponies she had the honor of accompanying together to see the sight themselves. The mayor of Baltimare. One of the many guests from across Equestria. Come to greet me before making me go through with this?

Celestia tried her best to smile to the stallion who came before her on his way to… what she hoped was his seat so he would be out of her sight. “Perhaps afterwards you and I can go for a drink to celebrate the decisions to be made here” he spoke as he passed. As cold as he had been when they had to be together to see the scene.
12.91
“After all… I trust you will make the right decision” he grinned. “I wouldn’t want my son to inherit these problems. Or to live in the same land as a monster like that.” That did make her flinch. I hate that word. So mad she could not put him in his place now in front of all these ponies. Or she was just too tired to do so. She no longer knew. Only wanting it to be done.

“Greetings, sir” she tried to express any joy left in her. “I’m glad you made it and am flattered… but I will have to pass on that offer. Please take your seat.” He giggled. Headed off to his own booth. “Prove them all wrong… dear princess.” “My decision will be my own” she informed him. No matter… what you all think.

Even if this all had to happen. Even if I need to deal with it. I can at least still feel for her, which was impossible to lose. After all, she is just a little filly. One of my young subjects. No matter what is said, I can only feel pity. Even as I have to do this.

Celestia stood up off her thrown and came up to the podium before her. Atop that pedestal rising high over the chamber floor. Where her shadow came over it all, and silence began to fall with them all noticing her. She set her hooves down. There is where I must be… to make my decision. Normally, papers would be here upon this podium. None this time. She needed nothing to tell her what to say. Though she had no idea. So many voices. I feel I am right, yet he is right too. Really, what should I do? She looked to her side and wondered.

What would you do… sister?
12.92
“Trust what you believe in, your majesty.” Breaking her out of her gaze. Finding it was not the voice she had thought it to be, but it was familiar. From a mare who stood before her. The last of the guests. None other than the other pony she had escorted too through the scene in Cloudsdale.

“Ms. Mare, I’m… actually glad you made it” Celestia said to the pink maned pony. “I wouldn’t leave you to deal with this alone” the pony said to her. Really, one of the few voices of reason she could listen to here. The few ponies who she could be around and not feel so broken over all this. She was happy to have the young mayor of Ponyville here. Always such a sweetheart even during tough times. If only we had time to talk.

“Thank you so much for coming, I really did need a friendly face for all this. Its… been tough” Celestia told her. “I can only imagine what it’s like, but you had to make these decisions before… just this time, you have a friend you can count on.” Ms. Mare placed her hoof upon the pedestal and then turned off on her way. Not before saying one last thing. Something that shook Celestia to her core. “Do the right thing instead of what fear tells you to do.”

You mean… like back then? So very long ago.

Decisions, decisions. Yet she had to make one. But would it be right? Either that… or what everypony else demanded her to do to a filly. A mere filly. I hate to make any choice, but I have to. For the ponies of my land. And… for her. Strange for the alicorn to once again feel some sort of comfort from the simple earth pony. Yet Ms. Mare always managed it. Even if it was a little unsettling. “Thank you, dear. I’d love to have a drink with you later” Celestia said after her. “I think we will both need it after this” Ms. Mare nodded back to her with a frown and went off to her booth. Yes. We do.

Like that, …it all fell quiet. The last pony to arrive. All knew their place. As did Celestia. The princess dreaded it. But… now that all were here… it could begin.
12.93
Silence preceded the clank of heavy doors opening. All turned to it. Towards the doors that flooded sunlight in behind the princess. Behind the throne. Opening up this scene to a lone figure who stood in the shadow of the alicorn. Both of them reunited once more, though neither could smile.

Celestia turned away, unable to watch the filly gripped in terror upon her face. Then whimpering when the filly was made to move onwards by the guards. Neither could lock eyes. There were no bars to keep them apart now, but they felt so far apart. As she got to witness such a young and beautiful pony forced to step past her. Made to stand before all the ponies around here.

Poor Soul Serenity. Though I feel I am the only one here who feels that way. All the council she held with these dignitaries. All the meetings and inquiries. For her to see how much they truly did despise this sweet filly. Surprising how quiet the room stayed. So solemn when both ponies caught glimpses of the other as Soul passed.

Celestia there to see the pain inside that tired, young face. How pathetic she had become. With her wings chained behind her and damp streaks along the fur of her face. It made the princess’ own heart weep. That this needs to be done to her. That I need to do something for this filly. Something neither of us will like. I would much rather do something else. When Soul was herded in front of Celestia. Standing all alone as the guards left her. The filly in the middle of the entire chamber. Trembling on her hooves. The Sun upon her. All eyes surrounding her. Looking up to the princess. Like she begged for help. Not knowing what was happening at all.

I would much rather comfort you. Sit you down and read to you… like I did the first night she came here. Those times were all gone. Now, now both ponies were here. Not alone together in a room upon a cozy bed. But staring up and down at one another with the eyes of the land upon them both. A land that hated this filly.
12.94
Months of review. Months of planning and talks. Of investigation and questioning. Some of the longest nights Celestia had ever dealt with. Why she was always so tired. So broken. The more and more she learned, the closer it came to this day. To this moment when the alicorn had to stop being the joy she wanted to be in this pony’s life and become the one who would stare down upon her. Where Soul was busy staring across the large chamber at all the ponies who stared at her. All these ponies she didn’t even know and Celestia just wondered if the filly could sense the harsh tone in the air like she could right now. Now that everypony got to see the one who they all had heard of. To see she really was nothing more than a child. All coming just to see whatever it is I decide to do with her.

Though I know exactly what they want me to do.

The question was, should she even let the filly know? For how else was she to… punish this pony? Like any stern mother who disciplined their child. She really wished it would be left at that, just a lecture of the child. No. It cannot be.

As Celestia slammed her hoof upon the pedestal and rang it loud across the chamber. Turning all to her but, most of all, making the filly jump to turn towards her. Back to where she felt heartbroken at seeing the pain in her face and the fear inside of her. Two long months. Finally leading up to this moment. I’m sorry.
12.95
“Mares and gentlecolts of Equestria” Celestia sounded out over them all. Forcing any semblance of strength out in her voice. “I have brought all of you here today, as per your requests and the decision I have made for myself, to bring this matter that has shaken all of us to a close. In whatever way, it remains to be decided. Heeded by all your counsel and advise, I seek to make the final choice today.”

She looked out across all the many faces who looked upon her. From all over Equestria. From Ponyville’s Earth ponies. Canterlot’s unicorns, and the fellow pegasi from Soul’s own city. All walks of life. All across the land, as all of Equestria would know what it was that would happen here today. Along with the guilt inside Celestia that she kept hidden from them all of forcing this poor filly out in front of all of them. The little pony unable to even move. Like a defiant stand before her, if Soul had not been shaking.

No, all she could do was stand and wait for the princess. Not at all knowing what was happening, but she no doubt knew what it had to do with. Soul always had done a good job of appearing so mellow and lost whenever Celestia had seen her, but it was obvious there was a deep pain inside her. If only I knew what caused it. Soul just never would talk to her. Just know what it is and learn why it was you did what you did.
12.96
Celestia paused for so long. Seeing that she was stalling. She stopped. Looking back up at them all. “It is my hope that… on this day, something right can be made out of all the wrong that has affected all of us. As your princess, I…” she gulped. Just unable to stare Soul in the eyes without feeling like such a cruel pony. Without even trying to. To do something right, not just for Equestria, but for the pony before her too. After all, this pony was one of her subjects.

“It is with a heavy heart… that I must carry out this process.” She spoke sadly. Able to hear a small chatter amongst the crowd now knowing her feelings on this. Very well. I need to speak my mind freely. I need to know for sure. As it was just getting too hard to make the right choice. What every pony wanted me to do. To a child. I… I just can’t… not yet.

She was always a quiet filly and so reserved. Even so, there being something in her that made Celestia always pause before leaving her to her cell. She slammed that hoof down again. The sound of metal from her golden horseshoe against the podium silencing all. Meant to silence them. Not to scare Soul.

Where Celestia returned to seeing just who it was before her. A defenseless filly with her wings tied behind her. Whom never did speak to her though the princess wanted her to. Now more than ever.

I want to know.
12.97
“Such a burden I feel to do this… I simply can’t without first doing something” she spoke to all. She cleared her throat. “On this morning, I stand before Soul Serenity of Cloudsdale and extend my hoof to her… not as her princess, but… as a friend who only wants to know the truth. Will you accept it, Soul and listen to me?”

The princess rose a hoof over the podium towards the pony down before her. So much silence as the entire land watched and waited alongside the princess in seeing just what it was that unfolded here. When today was meant to be a punishment, I seek only to delay it… or even to end this day another way.

Please, Soul… will you listen to me? She had no idea on what to expect. If the filly down there would walk up and even place her own tiny hoof to Celestia’s larger one. Some miracle out of all these days and weeks of misery. Yet I expect that out of a terrified pony who has lost everything and knows only pain in this world. This world she does not belong in anymore. Unless something can be done. For once. For you to tell me. I stalled this day for too long, now is the last chance I can give you. Soul did not move. The filly just waited and watched. Dumbstruck even. As expected. But she never let her eyes off the princess. Nopony spoke.

Do I have my chance to speak?
12.98
“We have all had to bear witness to the reality of what has happened to our land. Something that has never been seen for hundreds of years. Two months ago, two ponies were found slain in their home in Cloudsdale. Nimbus Swiftshot, a proud mare who headed the Junior Speedster’s flight camp’s young trainees. Along with her husband, Starry Veil, assistant and private trainer at Junior Speedster’s. A scene very few of you had seen, and a scene I wish nopony more would have to see.” Such as I.

“These two young pegasi had their lives cut short in the most dreadful of manners that Equestria had thought itself to be rid of long ago. Both ponies were beloved by their students and valued by all of Cloudsdale as champions of the youth and future flyers of Equestria. Wonderfully skilled flyers and kind souls. Kind enough to adopt a young filly into their home. Where they devoted themselves to training her, nurturing her, and giving her a path in life.” Like a truly beautiful sense of family Celestia had got from them from all the words she had heard. A dream life. Made her wonder so much how lovely the dream had been… now that it was gone. Cut so short.

She couldn’t believe it to be true if she had not seen and heard all that she had to lately. It took a toll on her. To see such tragedy befall her land. Reminded her so much of herself.
12.99
“Soul Serenity stands before me as that adopted filly. …Accu…” Celestia hated this so much. She had to finish this. She had to do this. But one last chance. I need to. I need closure for this pony. The one thing nopony else would give her.

“Accused of… taking the lives of the two who had… cared for her.” Her tongue rolled up after that. Looked like everypony noticed how hard it was for her to say all this. It was. Taking life. It just can’t be. But she had seen it all. All these ponies had heard of it all, and as much as they would like to see her deal with this, she would do this first. “I offer you the chance to speak to me… as I have wanted you to. To tell me what it is that is on your mind. What it is that bothers you. Why all of this happened. And what it is that you are holding back from me. Soul Serenity, I offer you the chance to speak for yourself in front of the land. But, most importantly, to me. As I am the one who sees differently.”

She addressed them all. “I came to you many nights and spoke to you. Spent time with you to learn more about you and, while you never spoke to me on it, I could see you were something more than what we all have come to see. I could see there is something… inside you. Something you are holding back. As the pony who wants to help you, I will listen to you. Tell me.”
12.100
That was what caused the uproar. So many of the dignitaries standing up in their seats to yell out at this. At what the princess wanted. To hear Soul speak. Celestia closed her eyes. “She doesn’t deserve to speak!” “You think you can trust her?” “She killed them!”

I really don’t know anymore. Know what to do. Who was right? So many ponies had seen Soul do it. Too many. A weapon had been found there covered in so much blood, and the unicorns had found it to be used by… this filly. But that was it. She was just a filly. Pulling off that… scene? That is what left her torn. To do what the land needed or… to do what Celestia needed. Help me decide, Soul. Help me ignore it all, even as Celestia drowned out all the noise and heard only the faint taps of small hooves upon the floor. Of a filly stepping toward her. One step, two. Then she stopped. Terrified. Celestia could tell.

“Silence” she spoke softly. Somehow reaching all their ears. Everypony slowly falling silent with only a few hushed whispers that too died off. It is my decision to make.
12.101
Opening her eyes once more to the filly. To turn to her and let her see that, right now, it was only her and the princess. Like every other time. No different. So please, talk to me and tell me what is wrong. What had happened? Without it, nothing would change. Even when I really want for her dream to come back. A dream that all young ponies want. Whatever hers is, I don’t want to take it. But all these voices. All this hatred towards the filly.

Help me calm it, Soul. So you may get that dream back.

Soul only slid a hoof over her leg. Staring down at the floor. Just seeing her little eyes looking out left and right upon all the ponies around them. I know it’s hard. She must feel it too. The hateful looks in here. How hard it was to breath in here. With such suspense in it all. She wanted to find the end of it as much as Celestia wanted. So please talk to me.

“It’s okay, Soul. It’s just you and I. You can tell me anything.” She only heard the filly whimper. A sound that made the princess cringe. Even worse than the tears she had seen on the filly before. Nothing more could make her pity the pony more than that. Extend her hoof out to her once more as time passed. Silence settling yet the storm in here did not die. Yet each moment was like a knife to Celestia’s chest. Till it became hard to breath without feeling the heaviness on her heart. Growing so as the filly stayed quiet.
12.102
“You can trust me.”

Soul turned to Celestia. Upon hearing those words, the little pony perked her ears. Where she could find that she really was not alone. Celestia made the choice. She stepped down from the pedestal. Away from the podium. Onwards down to stand with Soul. “I know you are afraid” she said to the filly. Stepping closer. Doing her best to show just how it was that she was calm with Soul. That Soul should be calm with her.

“I know things have been tough for you and you have gone through a lot. Trust me, I understand… what it’s like to go through so much turmoil.” I still feel the pain all the time. Though she always did a good job at hiding it. She wondered if the silent filly knew what it was she referred to. One last thing she wanted to show to the filly, to prove to all that we aren’t so different. She has every right to be afraid, and so do I. I don’t want to let her feel hopeless here. Hopeless while I feel so backed into a corner. A corner that grew tighter for Celestia as all watched her. Expected of her.

If only she had something to show them all. So Soul can go back to who she was. To what she had before.
12.103
“I lost my own sister. My little sister, the… the very pony who loved me so much. Who was always there to protect me and help me. My one and only family. We did everything together. We played and learned. We attended get togethers and dress rehearsals. Fought one another with food one time. We made quite a mess together.” She smiled remembering that all. “Such happy times that we had together. But… I still lost her. And it was my fault.”

Look into my eyes, Soul. Celestia looked down at her. Look and see just who it is that is your princess. Not something you should fear, but a pony much like you. I may have wings and a horn and status, yet I won’t let it make you feel fear. Right now, I am just like you. This last moment for us to have together. “I never even knew just how sad she truly was. My dearest sister… I miss her so much. So much.” Celestia fought back a tear.

So long. I only hope to see her soon. For me to apologize to her. “And it is all because of me that I feel this way. Even after everything, I still was the one who sent her away. And I regret it so much. Yet none seem to ever understand how it is I feel about it. Because nopony ever knew loss like I did. Except… for you.” Soul shuddered a little from that. Gripped by what Celestia said. As is my hope.

We are not too unlike one another. Can you trust me enough to tell me what bothers you… as I do for you? “I never forgave myself for it, not until I can apologize to her… I never will forgive myself. My dear sister. Maybe… you understand what it is like. For something to eat away at you. Like it hurts in here.”

Celestia placed a hoof to her chest. That is what made Soul’s eyes actually widen.
12.104
“Sometimes… it’s good to talk to another who understands” Celestia said, as she could tell Soul did. “Tell them all about what troubles you. Would you do that for me? Can you trust me now that I told you what bothers me?”

Celestia did it. She offered her hoof to the pony. So close to her. Close enough for Soul to reach out and touch it if she would. Where Soul stared at that large hoof. Then back up to Celestia with a look that told her something like the filly was asking if she may touch it. No matter how small you are, you are no different from I.

I will listen to you. Soul.

Celestia let her. Offered it to her. Under the gaze of all of Equestria. To see if she would trust her. I know how hard it’s been. But you can still trust one who trusts you. I will trust you, Soul. Then the pony looked back down. Soul lifted a hind leg. Like ready to step forward to Celestia. But… it held in the air. Before that hoof came back down to ground.

Celestia’s question was answered. Soul looked away. Closing her eyes and taking a step back. Away from the hoof given to her. I see. Though it hit so hard, and Celestia’s heart plummeted. Just like every other time. Soul does not trust me. Not at all. The filly shook. Even too afraid to accept what was offered to her. Shocked but also… angry. The filly shied away from her with all the hate and fear in the land laid upon her. As Celestia knew.
12.105
Whatever chance Celestia ever had to connect with her was gone. It had always been gone. The filly was the same as she had been when she first came here. Alone and afraid. But something more. That is what it was. Celestia just did not accept being unable to see what it was this filly was truly feeling. But she could tell one thing. Whatever it was, it hurt the filly.

Something happened to her. It had to be… to be enough to do what it was that she had done. Yet I will never know. Painful enough so that she never smiled. Never showed happiness. Celestia had to accept it. With all that had happened and all she felt around her, this pony… poor Soul, she will not be happy again. Much like another pony out there, far out there, that she too feared would not be happy again.

Soul no longer gave her a chance. Set before her, terrified. Shaking wildly. Seeing all the ponies around her and closing her eyes once more with a tremble in her meek voice. A little squeak from her. Then… something that made Celestia hurt even more. A tear fell from Soul’s cheek. Soul… was all alone. All alone in this, the end of whatever life she had.

I pity her.
12.106
“Soul” Celestia offered to her. The filly didn’t speak. She wept. Tears of true pain. Ones that made Celestia stop right there. Making those eyes glossy, the eyes of the Sun that turned to look back at the princess.

Just a brief moment. But Celestia felt it.

Something. Looking into those eyes looking back at her. The most brilliant of gold mixed in fire. Shining just like the Sun. Exactly. Without its warmth. No warmth in those eyes. Only icy cold. Never something to be seen before in those eyes. She had seen ponies cry before. She had seen children cry before. Never like this. She had never seen a pony cry with such pain and heartache in their eyes. Deep and intense. That she never wanted to see in the eyes of a child. For how could a mere look chill her to the bones? Seep deep down and tear open flesh. Getting at even her. Enough to make Celestia herself, of all ponies, shed a tear too.

It hit her hard. Those are not the eyes of a filly. Those were not eyes of a pony. No. Those are sadness.

Sadness so deep. It could never belong to a pony. They did not belong to Soul.

“Get rid of her!”
12.107
Celestia snapped out of it. Hearing the crowd roar around her. All around as ponies came from their seats and demanded the same. The same horrible thing they all advised her to do. That all expected her to do. Celestia looked all around at them. Still… so much pain inside her. Just trying to concentrate. But it still stared into her. Those eyes. The ones she looked at again, gone with that pain. Soul’s eyes. Pure and still before they closed once more.

Get rid of her? The pony who now backed away in fear. The distance growing between them. The gap too wide now. No, it cannot be reached. The filly was too far gone. After all that pain she had seen. Soul, she just could not go on. Not after what she did. Not after all that has become. The princess no longer believed she could. It had to be done. Something had to be done. If not for the land, but… for Soul herself. Though we are divided, I want to help.

I want to make everypony happy. Even you, Soul. But how?
12.108
It’s not right to do. Not right to do what everypony else wanted her to do. I can’t bring it upon myself to do that to a child who has lost everything. Who is all alone. I can’t do that to her. The last time I had to deal with a pony like this… I made… my choice. Because it was what that pony would do. That pony had been so merciful and so open no matter how immensely tough things had been. Even if she was younger than Celestia, sometimes, she was smarter. She was more ready to deal with things like this.

So how would she do this? The way she would before I hurt her so deeply.

My dear sister, Luna, you would make the right choice. Even when you turned on me. You made that same choice. Celestia looked out at the crowd who chanted. Out at this world that was no longer a part of Soul. One that was gone, and she saw it. In their faces. The same pain she had seen in Luna’s. What they wanted. What I want, though. What Luna would do.

Despite all of this, Celestia managed to breathe deeply. Opening her eyes and finding a friendly face. One kind soul who knew her struggle. Who understood. Even if Luna wasn’t here, she had reassurance. Ms. Mare among all the others out in the booths. The one pony who stayed seated, who nodded to the princess. Telling her to make her own decision. You are right. I have to, and I have. That is what Luna would do.

Luna would get rid of the pain, like she tried to do long ago. When she tried to get rid of me. So I must do… for another. I must do it for Soul. “So it shall be.”
12.109
The pain was washed away. All the fright in her heart. Drowned away in the warmth of the light that lashed out all across the room. Right from the pony in the center of it all. Atop her horn. That flush of power radiating through her. Shining across all.

Darkening the sunlight from outside. Enveloping it.

Her light was the one true one. The one that made all the ponies fall silent. She could not though. I have to do this. I must. For her own good. For her sake. Luna, was it as hard for you to make such a decision? To lose yourself to it. Like it feels like now. Celestia could feel herself tearing just from knowing she was to do this.

To do this… again.

The light burst out. A flash of gold and a shock of thunder rumbling all across the chamber. Shaking the walls. Making Soul’s mane fly. Exposing both her eyes to the princess. As it did to the princess. Her aurora mane flowing along her and breaking from the power atop her horn. So I stand here before this filly with so much sadness. Lighting the room, yet so much darkness filled her heart. Holding on to the last scrap of knowing this was right. Even if it hurt. Hurt seeing Soul so afraid in front of her.

The filly could not even move. Gripped in fear. As she realized what was happening.
12.110
“Soul Serenity” Celestia spoke out. “You have been found guilty of the murders of Nimbus Swiftshot and Starry Veil. As ruler of Equestria, I make it my duty to protect the ponies of the land from any threat. Outside… and inside. But even if I must protect the land from you, I… I still see you as a pony of my land. I still embrace you as one of us. And I always shall. That is why I must make a decision. One that I have made.”

Her light grew brighter. Rippling of heat and thunder across the length of her horn. Like soothing light inside her. Was that why she had enough to make this choice? She would never know.

For one moment, Celestia could think. For one moment, Soul stood still, and the two of them joined together in one last moment. Just the two of them. Face to face with only the light of the Sun around them. Nothing else.
12.111
Your life is over. The world you had, is gone. Yet I won’t leave you to know that as your last moment. Soul Serenity, I will get rid of your pain. Never fear hate again. Never fear others again. In this last time for me to see you… I still see the good in you. Cherish it forever.

Princess…
12.112
Celestia blinked. Hearing that last word in her mind. Echoing. It made a tear fall. From her and from Soul. But Soul, she… looked to the floor. Stared upon it and wept. Though she no longer ran. No longer shook. Only showed to her that she knew Celestia was going to do something. Not what all think I will do.

Soul Serenity, I will miss you. I will never see you again. But you will always hold a place in my heart.

“Never forget… the life you had and cherish the happy memories you have.” The light grew brighter. Bright enough to shine over Soul herself as the filly did one last thing. One last thing that shook the princess… forever.

Soul looked up at her. The most quiet and lovely voice she could ever hear.

“I’m sorry.”

Is it to me or to somepony else? Celestia closed herself to it when the light blinded all. Then it faded to dust. Where the princess… stood alone. I’m sorry, …Soul.

Soul Serenity disappeared.

Part 2 Entwined - Act 1

Entwined

1.1
One hour. Two. Then three.

How long has time passed? Seemingly standing still with the silence of the night that lay down a shroud on the room with only one flickering candle daring to move and shine its little light upon the desk from which it stood. Every window and door of the castle tower was sealed tight to isolate the lone occupant from the world and hide herself away. She refused to move, staring down at the stacks of papers the candle kept visible to her just as had been for hours now. Princess Celestia could not put any thought into the many thousands of text filling the papers, preceding a blank space for which demanded a seal. Her own.

Even though I have read through it all several times now, every word lost itself to me as soon as it was read. None of it could alleviate the anguishing pain that was all she could notice ever since the horrible moment that had happened so much earlier in the day yet felt as if she had just performed it minutes ago. That moment that caused a new motion to appear to the room.

The glowing shimmer of light reflecting from her face courtesy of the candle. The shimmer of her tears. One of which fell perfectly down into the inkwell laying beside the papers. It mixed in with the black fluid, disappearing instantly. The second tear soaked into the paper immediately next to the space for her signature.

Her eyes wandered up the page, not exactly reading but simply skimming. Soul Serenity. Her eyes widened. There and there. Her name placed about the text of the page as if mocking me. She could feel her gut tuck in as a throaty cough came out. She sealed her eyes.

“Why did this have to happen?” she whispered. A loud bang resonated through the room. Her forehoof trembled atop the desk, a light crack cut across the surface beneath the adorning regalia. Her teeth were bared. “Why?”

Her head sunk down further and further as light cries emerged from her mouth. Every time that name came up all she could see were those eyes. She could see them so clearly in the darkness of her sight. Those big, yellow eyes hemorrhaging tears and shining of feelings the princess hated knowing such a young pony had been instilled with all because of her. Feelings she could not put upon one who could carry out such horrors not seen in countless generations. Feelings of total loss and pain. Only for those eyes and the precious little Pegasus they belonged to to be snuffed out in an instant, sent away forever.

1.2
I hate myself. Hated how much anger she had felt being looked down upon that filly. For how she had so easily obliged in casting out a young pony even with what that pony had done. What could I have done? A filly who had killed so brutally, so very needlessly. Whose actions had brought about a day of fear for all Cloudsdale and even Equestria. Those actions that made so many ponies around Celestia demand for justice in more ways than one. They had been ways that made the princess cringe in desperation knowing just how terrifying and even cruel they would be to a filly.

The filly had to be punished. She had to be. Yet no punishment sounded any more appealing to Celestia’s mercy than the other. None that would sate the fears of an entire land and myself as well, along with showing kindness to one I felt needed it. Kindness sought after by those big, pleading yellow eyes.

“I could show such little kindness to her. I’m a horrible pony.”

Celestia wallowed in her regret. Regretting ever sentencing the filly as had been required. Knowledge that the filly’s life was over regardless of what punishment she could set forth. All she could do was make one horrible decision: which punishment would hurt the filly less? Give her one last chance for herself?

It had been a final punishment she had decided on, not lightly, but with a heart heaving pain. A punishment not foreign to her yet so very threatening. It was her ultimate decision. The first time she had willingly made such a punishment without… fearing for my own life.

“Soul Serenity.” Celestia’s horn let out a yellow glow reaching out towards the ink covered pen that now levitated to her side. Her head rose to reveal her reddened eyes. Eyes pulsating from the war of feelings in her mind. As she yelled at herself from within while assuring herself her punishment was merciful enough compared to the many others. “I’m so very sorry, … my little pony.”

The pen touched down and quickly scribbled across the blank space imprinting her signature on the document, ending the matter. Ending it only formally yet never within. The black of ink exactly like the taint upon her very heart as it writhed in agony. Another day. Another burden. Another deep scar to join the others. One final tear fell upon the paper. The last visible speckle of her passing day as a blast of her breath killed off the glow of the candle.

“Sleep well, Soul Serenity.”

1.3
“Hello?”

A tiny voice called out. Nothing answered it back. Only the sound of a strong wind with a flurry of snow out here to answer her cry. The cry from the little magenta Pegasus laying there amidst a blanket of snow.

Soul Serenity felt the chill of icy snow sending its touch up from her rump and along her spine. It made her curl her tail around her body hoping the hairs would work with her fur to warm the soft skin beneath. Already shivering, trying to figure out what just happened.

It was all so fast, fast enough that the tears all the ponies before her had seen now lay dried upon the fur around her eyes. All of them vanished along with the large white alicorn who had stood in front of her moments ago. They were gone. Am I back home? All the white and swirls of air left her mind wandering back to the cloudy structures and the world of her own home. But that cold the likes of which she had never felt before broke her out from her delusions.

This was not Cloudsdale, as if she had been delivered from the warm skyscape she knew and directly into the dead of winter. All her fur stood straight up in response. Her eyes had to take it all in, just trying to get rid of the princess from her sight. Only seeing the Sun above her in the deep clouds. Even with the rays of the Sun shining down on her, she wasn't warm. It was then she felt exactly just how cold she now was.

Her eyes widened. A pained yelp escaped her mouth as she lurched forward onto all fours only for her legs to give out and she fell deep in the snow. Soul could feel her little legs wobbling just as cold snow fell on her face. She quickly backed away in a fright freeing her face from the snow and falling back down on her rump. “Where… am… I?” Her voice shook as she shivered. No answer, no way to know from here even with all her best efforts to look around, hoping to find something to answer her. Nothing. I only know I’m… not home anymore.

Her head craned up to the sky. So open and vast with spirals and swirls of snow dancing over her in a hail. I can’t stay here. I need to run.

1.4
Soul stood up slowly, putting immense effort just to stand up on this icy ground. It took her nearly a full minute to stand straight, as high as she could. Confident in herself, she looked proudly in the sky as her rear legs folded ready to buck. Not that any strength was needed in her initial kick.

This snow will not keep me down or keep me away. A jolt of energy pushed her into the air as her legs pushed against the thick sheet of icy snow. Yet she did not ascend. She felt her wings stay still refusing to help her as she fell right back down in the snow. Soul coughed out the snow that found its way into her mouth and she looked back worried of why her wings did not move as she commanded. Then she remembered as she saw it. I can’t believe I forgot.

The band of metal that had kept her bound still sat there wrapped around her wings, still keeping them fixed together. They nearly insulted her. No guards stood around her. Nopony to keep her down as they had been moments before. Still this thing was here, all that was left of those guards.

Soul groaned and grunted from the strain of her wings trying to separate from each other with as much strength as she could put in them. Just as before, the bond would not budge from its tight grip. Soul realized it. I can’t fly. I can't fly and I'm out here... where is here?

The filly slowly looked around her. Nothing could be seen in any direction she looked, only an empty void of snow greeting her. Everything that had happened was now secondary in her mind with the knowledge that she was now alone and unsure of where to go. Her beloved wings could not help her. With that, something else came to her that she hoped would help her. Somehow. Hoping that pony was still close to her and able to answer her.

“Dashie!” she screamed. Dashie. Dashie. That name repeated all around her in a dying echo mixing with the sound of the wind. Soul shrunk in on herself with sadness gripping her face. “Rainbow Dash” she whispered before she sniffled.

All was silent. Too silent. So much that it was scary. A return of strength to her legs allowed Soul to jump up and look behind her thinking somepony would be there. As empty as every other direction. She backed away several steps and turned back in the direction of the Sun. The only presence here besides her. The one guide prompting her to slowly trot forward in its direction, her eyes gently looking upon everything hoping to see something to help her find where she was. She looked back at the Sun, it was covered enough to not blind her gaze yet still remaining visible through the snow. “Princess? …Where am I?” The Sun led her on.

1.5
The little filly continued her trot through the landscape of snow. She occasionally looked back hoping to see something may be following her, anything to assure her of where she could be but only her trail of tiny hoofprints in the snow greeted her. It reached far behind her reminding her of how far she was travelling following that orb in the sky. With how silent and empty everything now was, Soul could not care to pay attention to anything other than the Sun. There with her while so lost in her thoughts. With minutes passing by to her before she could even realize how quick time was travelling. With every thought, only one thing came in the end.

The magenta eyed face of her beloved friend.

The one lost to her. Who hated her. Whom she had saved. Now she was here. Disappeared to all the ponies she had found out were gone. The little filly was all alone.

Soul shivered and her teeth chattered. The shaking of her body sent a layer of thick snow falling from her back to lay at her sides. How long have I been walking? Enough for the Sun to fall greatly in the sky. She knew not how much daylight she had left. Her thoughts moving from the events of the day to thoughts of the darkness. Soul found her entire self filled with worry. The idea of walking around in this cold and in the dark. As much as she still hated to admit it to others, she was still afraid of being alone in the cold dark. Such thoughts kicked her legs into gear making the filly start to gallop sending plumes of snow up behind her.

This energy meant little to her. Where was she even to go? I’m not even in Cloudsdale, where can I go and hide? The Sun urging her forward in desperation to avoid what she could see as her being alone in the dark with no pony there to rely on. The light her only hope. Her gallop gained speed, wind coursing through her mane and chilling her ears. As much as she hated that cold, it was the closest she had to feeling she was flying freely back in Cloudsdale.

Her wings tried again and again to free themselves from the bond. She closed her eyes visualizing the blue sky before her. Her laughter coming out and memories of how she used to spend normal days just like that. She could see her forehooves reaching out in front of her towards the great sky that kissed her cheek showing as much love as she loved it.

A flash of cyan fur erupted in her vision. Soul’s eyes opened in a start. Just in time.

1.6
She planted her hooves deep into the snow, making her to skid to a halt from her gallop. Her body sat still at the precipice of a large hill. All that snow her hooves sent flying rolled down the face of the hill. She found her heart racing with how close she had come to tumbling down to the flat land below her. Glancing to her side seeing that this hill spanned for as far as she could see.

Her wings twitched again. It would be so great to have them right now as much as Soul hated the idea of climbing this hill or finding some other direction to wander. Soul set her sight back on the land below, as white and uninviting as what she had seen since whenever she had arrived here. Except for one thing.

Her eyes caught sight of something down there that stood out from the blinding white of everything. Something dark down there. Many objects. Her eyes squinted. The sheets of snow falling from above did to these objects just as they did with the Sun. Whereas she could not approach the Sun, whatever was down there became the most welcoming thing here. It elated Soul in the hopes of finally finding something to help her figure out where she could be and find her way home.

Her stubby forelegs tapped down on the sheet of snow laying along the side of the hill. A quick jab of strength buried those legs in snow now keeping her from falling down. Next came her rear legs, doing the same thing with them until she began an awkward walk down the hill.

Soul could remember the winters that Cloudsdale provided to the entirety of Equestria and how the chilling cold would often create a layer of ice upon the snow. So good there was no ice here on the fluffy snow that licked at the flesh beneath her fur. Another memory of home.

Soul found herself astonished at how much she missed the familiar sights and sounds that had been devoid from her for what she could assume to have only been a few hours, if not longer. Each step in the snow reminded her of the feats her fellow pegasi performed. She had never got the chance to do it before, but she always wondered how the weather pegasi so easily created such marvels as this. Nothing she had been able to study before due to flying being the priority over controlling weather. How much she wanted to use those nearly unmatched flying skills of hers again.

Many gently made steps later and Soul found herself at the foot of the hill; a look back showing the tall hill she had successfully climbed down.

1.7
The snow down here proved itself to not be thick at all as her hooves sunk deep within it. She had not taken any heed to it before but with how long this had now been going on, Soul realized how much she hated the feeling of walking through this snow. I hate my legs being so damp… and so damn cold. It seeped down her warm fur and drained down against her body.

Soul saw now just how cold she was. Her madly shivering body forcing her thoughts to thin out to a singular desire to escape. I gotta go! The objects ahead. Soul looked out to where she had seen them. With the hill behind her, they looked so very close yet still faded from sight in the snow storm.

Her shaking legs trudged forward, each step dropping snow behind her. Damn this thing. Her wings banged hard against the bond of steel. If her strong wings had just been free, she could clear this gap in no time.

Will… will my wings even be free again anyways?

Her mind swaying to those fears again. But what could be out here to remove this metal from her body? Something or somepony she hoped could be just ahead of her, and with it gone she could fly out of here. Soul smiled thinking this as her eyes dropped to stare at the snow below her.

What would she do first? Find something warm to wrap herself in to start with sounded good. Then maybe. “Das… s-s-s-shie.” Her teeth uttered in a spasm. If any pony may be out there to help her, it would be Rainbow Dash. She wanted to apologize, to beg her to forgive her. To hug her best friend again. They would be friends again despite everything that had recently happened. Especially since I was the one who saved her and everypony else. Avenged Nimbus and Starry, her family. As close as they ever got to that and now were gone. Oh how great it would be to hug Dash again! The only pony left for me.

She could feel it now. Her friend’s small yet strong wings holding her to guard against the very cold that surrounded her, just like in my dreams. Such a great thing to look forward to. Soul’s smile grew wider as she gleefully raised her head. Her nose exploded in pain.

1.8
Soul fell back with a cry, sinking back in the snow with her forehooves rubbing at her snout. Her teary eyes glanced down her snowcapped muzzle and back up. A wall of wood greeted her. She had run straight into it.

How did I not even see that? Any of this coming? Dark brown wooden beams set tightly together around what she could now see as a window. Yet it was submerged halfway in snow. She looked further up seeing a sturdy roof angled down to her with vast swathes of snow perched on it. A house!

Soul ignored the pain in her nose and was quick to regain her footing. Newfound energy in her excitement sending her legs to gallop through the snow around the entire house seeking anyway to get in it. Another window. A blank wall. A door.

Her heart sank. That energy willowed. The door was just as the windows, barely visible submerged deep in snow. Is this snow really that deep? Just when I thought… I had found something. There was no way she could get rid of so much snow before the cold would take its toll. She hated to admit it, but this house, an oasis in a wasteland, was useless.

With defeat on her face, Soul turned around to leave this scene but was welcomed by another scene. More houses. Left and right, dozens of them. The little filly found herself entering a village in the snow. Her eyes were wide once more taking in the near miracle she did not know of. It was not at all like she envisaged a village. Certainly no flying cloud metropolis, but to be so… empty. Nothing was here. Simply wooden structures standing as lonely obelisks amidst snow with nopony present. All was quiet.

With no reason to stay near this barred off house, Soul wandered off towards the others. They were all so similar to the first. Simple wooden structures with a hoofful of windows and doors more buried than others. Yet no matter how buried they were, Soul could tell she was not strong enough to dig them out. It was getting to the point now where the freezing cold actually made her consider spending an unknown amount of time trying to free one of the doors. Even if it may mean doing it till the night which terrified her. But what can I do?

A new blast of wind caused her to shiver violently in response. She couldn’t tell what it was but she could swear her ears were beginning to feel lost to her. “D-damn it. W-w-what do I-I do?” She could hear her voice soften as she spoke. She slowly turned her head to look back across the houses she had already checked. I already hate this place. All these buried doors. More wind came in, blowing straight against her tiny face, forcing her to turn around to protect herself. It was then she spotted a house different from the others.

Whereas all the others where simple little box structures, this one was one sporting what she could see as some form of shield hanging high from the roof and over its face and under it, was what looked to her like a dip in the wall of snow surrounding the house. Could it be… a porch? A porch meant... one thing that it must be hanging over. A front door. Piles of snow stacked atop the porch roof showed just how much it was keeping away from whatever door it hid. She wasted no time in her rush to get a look at what she hoped was awaiting her. No matter how cold she got, it seemed the filly’s body refused to fail her just trying to get out of this madness.

1.9
Soul forced her way over the snowy wall surrounding the house and peered over it. Thank Celestia, if I could thank her for anything anymore.

Down below she could see a floor of wood pecked in sheets of snow placed around a completely freed door beneath the porch roof that successfully protected it. The hill of snow between her and the door was nothing like the hill she had climbed down moments before. Just so happy to see it, she had to push herself over the ledge to gently slide down the snowy angle to the door beyond. A quick look back gave her an idea of just how much snow had piled up around these houses. The hill she slid down was several times her height! She could not imagine how long it would have taken for her small legs to dig out so much snow. She was so very thankful she had found this house freed of the icy tomb all the others suffered from.

She looked back to the door. Adding even further to her luck was the fact the door’s knob was well within reach. All she had to do was stand on her hind legs which she did not hesitate to do. Her forehooves gripped the knob, ready to turn it. Once inside she was sure she could figure out what to do. Somepony in there to free her wings and she could be on her way, hopefully with some warm clothing to fly through all this.

The door let out a satisfying click before her weight pushed the door inwards. Soul fell back on all fours letting the wind push the door for her. It was so dark within. No light was present besides what little light shining through the windows so covered in snow outside that only a small amount of the outside world could look through them. No light to show… anypony was here.

“Hello?” Her voice travelled across the darkness receiving no response. A new breeze blasted against her rear, causing Soul to jump and quickly gallop through the door. A kick of her rear legs sealed the door behind her. Even inside Soul could not stop shivering. It is so cold.

This house was surely nothing like the ones she knew whose walls and shape could weather the intensity of winter and keep families warm. The wooden walls were so basic that Soul could instantly tell cool air was creeping in from little cracks. It further disheartened her, but at least she was safe from the chilling wind that had nearly frozen her to the bones.

Soul shook her body to free herself of the thin layer of snow that had formed anew on her and send droplets of water off her fur. A quick glance of the flight of the snow showed that she was standing on a rug that spanned across the entire floor. It was ugly. Tanned and patchy, with entire sections of it ripped away or shaggy. Yet she was not alone with this rug. She could see a pair of chairs in the darkness tossed casually to the ground with deep chips in their wooden structure and right across from her, a bed!

Soul became almost too happy upon seeing this but her excitement wore off fast when she saw right there what the bed really was. It’s just a mattress! No blanket like she had wished for.

“Damn it” Soul whispered, slowly walking forward. She glanced to her left. Another thing to mock her hopes for any warmth: an empty fireplace embedded in the wall made out of some weird stones with a wooden mantle hanging over it. The mantle sported only a small box. The emptiness of the house did not bode well to her. “Hello?” she called out again. A similar response to the last time. I really am all alone.

1.10
Her hind legs were quick to collapse as she sat with a whimper of her voice. Nopony lives here. No doubt the same was true of the other buried homes. Nopony who can free my wings. No way to get out of here, wherever here was. Even with how cold it was inside, Soul refused to go back outside and wander aimlessly. She could feel new tears clawing out from her eyes. She sniffled twice.

“I want to go home. …Dashie.” She slammed her forehoof down upon the rug. “Where am I?!”

Her sulking gaze down at the rug showed nothing but her own tears falling to dampen the surface below. Now more than ever, she felt like she was in a prison. Walls of wood surrounding her to isolate her from the deathly conditions beyond. Her body still shivered. No ideas came to pass. Again and again her wings frantically twitched within the steel bond. Soul raised her gaze. Big yellow eyes slowly scanning the darkened room she occupied. Hoping to find somepony hiding from her. Nothing. …Nothing.

A pair of eyes looked back at her from the darkness. Soul almost jumped back in a start as did the figure beyond. The yellow eyes staring back at her blinked in perfect synch with her own. “Who’s there?”

It took some time for her eyes to adjust to the dark and see what was before her. It was her: that trembling little Pegasus sitting in her own sorrow. The sole thing in a mirror. The pane of glass surrounded by a sheet of rusted bronze. She saw her face but nothing else under it… like it was cut off at the bottom of the mirror. The glass there was missing, giving way to shattered edges of glistening glass whose missing parts lay scattered on the floor beneath it. Something had destroyed it.

Soul hated how she looked. Her normally messy and long mane completely broken and sad. Strands of silver and violet hanging loosely and jagged with obvious damp spots spread across both her mane and her ragged magenta fur. She would never want Rainbow Dash to see her like this. Only her yellow eyes were as she knew them, glowing beautifully and reflecting the light from outside ever more thanks to the tears bubbling in them.

Besides her, the mirror reflected that fireplace from behind her. How much she wished a fire could be there as well to dry her off. Her eyes took note of that box again still sitting on the mantle. She turned away to look back at it. Lacking anything else to hope for, all she could decide on was to see if maybe something useful lay hidden inside that little box. Thankfully, the mantle was not too high above but well out of her reach. Another instance where her wings would come in handy. Damn those guards. But doesn’t mean I’m helpless.

1.11
A shuffle of wood over rug. All from the filly shoving one of the two chairs up to the fireplace. Each push easier than the last. Kind of felt good to do something other than lay around all day. A clank of the chair to the stone fireplace satisfied Soul. She jumped atop it. Now with her new perch, Soul was nearly nose height with the box. Her forelegs reached out to grab it. It was so small and light, easily adjusting itself into her small grip. But she could feel something was in it hidden under the sealed top.

Soul brought the box with her back down to the floor and set it before her. Dust flurried around it the moment it set down. She was so very eager to see what was within. Maybe something to help her. Her hooves slid in under the flaps of the opening. “Oh please.” She opened the box.

What was this?

It looked just like a pony but … tiny. Soul realized what it was. Something she had never had for her own let alone desired, but don’t other fillies have stuff like this? Its fuzzy-looking brown exterior wrapped in the perfect crafting of every minute feature of it. It was a doll. A Pegasus thanks to the tiny wings it sported. A long, curly mane and tail and beady eyes.

Who would leave this thing here? Soul reached in and pulled it out between her forehooves as soft and caring as she could be hoping not to harm it. It was so tiny even compared to the legs that held it and, just as a real pony, it was soft. If not for the color, Soul could claim it to be a smaller her. But not seeing another friendly pony in what felt like forever to her, she was so happy to see anything resembling one. It made her smile.

“I wonder if you have something like this, Dashie.” It was a funny idea to her but nonetheless cute. Like Dash may have one hidden somewhere in her room and used it for whatever joy they may give. She had no idea how things like this worked or even their real purpose. Do other kids use them as toys or …maybe as little friends? Exactly what I want right now. Her best friend.

The longer she stared at it, the more she loved it. A love equal to the pony she could put a resemblance on it to. This little Pegasus doll reminded her so much of Rainbow Dash and reminded her just how much she missed her. She could feel herself crying again.

1.12
“Oh Dashie.” Her forelegs pulled the doll closer to her until it was firmly pressed against her chest. Cradled in her fur. She closed her eyes imagining the soft touch against her body exactly like that of when Dash and her would hug. Hug before everything that happened.

I hate you too!

That line pounded away at her. How could she have ever said anything like that? How could she have lied? Soul never ever hated Rainbow Dash. She had done this all for her. If there was anything she hated, it was her rushed and stupid decision to yell back at her friend. At the pony she needed now more than ever. Her only family. She wondered if Dash needed her as much as she did.

“I’m so sorry, Dashie” she spoke to the doll held beneath her chin. “I never meant to yell at you. I don’t hate you.” She wanted so very much for that doll to speak back at her in that childish and raspy tone she knew. She could not imagine it. All she could see in the dark void of her eyes was that cyan filly hugging her back, beautiful feathered wings wrapped around her body as they hugged each other atop the clouds. She could not hear her, but she could feel her. Almost like the dead of winter was absent and the warmth of her best friend’s fur and feathers welcomed her back to normalcy. A normalcy now gone and replaced by a crowd of angry ponies who all spoke to her with the same line.

I hate you. Despite that she had saved the pony she wanted to hug again. If only everything had gone away and she could be there again flying side by side with that goofy and competitive filly. “I don’t hate you. You’re my best friend, Dashie. I’d do anything for you.”

“And she gets to know that now. After all, you made the right decision.”

1.13
Soul’s heart skipped its beat as it jumped up in her chest and chills ran down her spine that pounded into her even harder than the chills of the cold itself. So strong, so powerful. A presence she could feel seeping into her back but her widening eyes revealed nothing to her. Yet she knew it had just spoken. No voice she knew and it still seemed to her that she should. So loud and so clear, like all around her.

I don’t even know if I should dare to look. Who would be here? A filly all alone in a strange place put with something that made her heart pound. Was this a joke? Did Celestia do something? Voices from without and within mixing with all her memories. Like it sounded to be a pony that had always talked to her. Maybe because it was. Maybe…

“Dash?” Soul’s heart calmed as slowly as her head rose. She wanted to turn but feared to in the end. Her eyes going up the scale of the broken mirror, up the reflection of her tiny legs and ruffled fur. As her gaze rose, she prayed to see the eyes of somepony she recognized alongside her own. Her yellow eyes betraying her excitement and wonder.

Yellow eyes. She blinked. They did not.

Holding their saddened gaze to reveal beading black pupils that were not her own. Pupils of a glowing hue split into black diamonds. Ones of a creature that was… was not a pony. Not her own. Soul realized those yellow eyes sat alongside her own eyes staring at her from behind. Somepony is… behind me.

Soul jumped forward with a shriek sending the doll flying. Her hooves scurrying across the rug kicking up puffs of dust as she darted to the mirror as quickly as she would if she had been flying. Fear pushed the filly to hide beneath its frame.

“I’m sorry! I didn’t hurt it” Soul pleaded back to whoever sat behind her, referring to the doll she had just held. Fearing perhaps she had been messing with the stuff of whoever those eyes belonged to. She lay silent, keeping her tail to the door and hiding her head beneath her forelegs. Shaking. Nothing happened much to her surprise. Was somepony actually there or am I seeing things? She could still see those eyes burned into her mind. It was not Dash or anypony she knew. Entirely different to her. They belonged to something yet the house was silent. She wanted to turn around to make sure but fear still held its grip.

The wind hit against the outside again and again. It was near to that of a sigh, almost too loud to hear something else. She heard somepony sigh.

“So small and frail and will love you no matter what. I see why you adore her as you do for her.”

The words came out very gently spoken in such deepness and calm that every word was like honey to Soul’s ears. “Don’t leave her all alone.”

1.14
Soul blinked. A smiling face right there returned her gaze, one pierced with tiny black eyes so close to Soul that just breathing swayed its fuzzy surface. It was the doll set right in front of her.

How did…? She reached out completely shocked as to how it had appeared to her like this. A touch of her hoof proved it to be real. Her hoof went around it, pulling it back under her chin. Soul’s breathing returned to normal. Fear flowed out of her mind.

“She wants to be with you” the voice said softly. Calm and collected, Soul felt confident to see who it was talking to her. For some reason, like it is somepony I shouldn’t be afraid of. They sound so nice… like this doll.

To see who those odd yellow eyes belonged to. Still clutching the doll, Soul crawled out from beneath the mirror to sit back up. She sighed deeply. Dash would not be afraid. She would not be either. Soul turned her head.

There the closed door sat shrouded in the darkness that most of the room fell under. A darkness broken by ever more darkness. Except it was too dark. So much so that it was so easy to pick out from the rest of that blackness. Like it was a moving shadow. Somepony is there. A sway of a leg, the droop of ears. Two ears fixed aside the pair of yellow eyes she had seen. They still stared back at her filled with a glimmer of distant emptiness ringing around diamonds that shone bright in the light. Those vertical slits pierced in black. Like coal? Soul could not tell.

A good look at them. Kind of like what I’ve seen in books. Creatures from those books. That was it! Those diamonds shaped something like what the beautiful and fearsome dragons she had read about would be pictured with. Those eyes easily fitting with such threatening creatures. Yet these eyes made Soul not afraid at all. Their gleam and glow almost invited her. She thought they looked …beautiful.

Seconds passed followed by minutes of silence. The thing did not speak. Both of them only watched the other. Soul’s gaze getting increasingly wider as her eyes adjusted to the darkness she stared at. I’m starting to see it. Never expected something like this here. Thought she would find a pony as vibrant as any other. But… this. A set of four legs barely hiding the shimmer of a dark tail behind them. A blink of its eyes fluttered its long eyelashes in synch with subtle movements of its long, curved ears.

It actually was a pony.

1.15
“Hel…” Soul hesitated mustering her failing attention in her amazement of finding somepony, especially one like this. “Hello.”

A tilt of those eyes showed how the dark pony cocked its head. “Nice to speak with you… finally” its tiny mouth spoke. Soul raised her eyebrow. Her ears perfectly catching such beauty in that mature voice. It was so hard to see this pony but she could see its slender physique. How she could tell it stood tall even this far away. She knew this to be a mare. Even a sway of its tail revealed how long it was. I just have never seen stallions with long tails. At least it’s a girl. She looked around the house again before returning her gaze to the mare.

“Is this your house?” The mare visibly shook her head. “Not at all. I just arrived here myself.”

A traveler? Or maybe a pony in a similar situation as her? Either way Soul was happy to finally find somepony to talk to out here. “Are you afraid of me?” the mare asked of her. Soul remembered her startled reaction to seeing this pony in the mirror. Not a good way to react to meeting somepony, especially one being as inviting as this one.

“I’m sorry. I’m not afraid of you” Soul said. The mare’s ear perked up. “I’m glad. Would it be fine with you if I sat next to you?” Sit with me? Nopony ever asks that. Okay. Soul could see no harm in it. Secretly, she loved the idea of being close to such a friendly pony. “Sure.”

The mare slowly trotted over to her. Each stride made her grow in size to Soul’s eyes. Each stride so silent. How odd. She’s so quiet. The mare’s eyes held their shine. Soul could tell the mare was making an effort not to frighten her. Soon enough the mare stood at her side, towering over her at nearly twice Soul’s own height. This close… she really is that color. A mare of pitch black fur. Wow.

She glanced down at Soul with what she could make out as a smile hidden in the dark void of her face. Soul looked back up at her as well. Soul could see she had a long ponytail hanging down the back of her neck with the mare’s so close to her. Long and majestic. I’ve never seen so much mane on a pony. Black strands hanging all down her face and neck, covering her eyes slightly. Just one eye looking over at her through all that black hair shining of silver streaks.

Soul was in awe at how beautiful this pony was. The light shone in from the window upon her, a silver sheen glimmering along the thick fur she sported giving some light to that coat as dark as the void. I feel kinda weird looking at her like this but… she is beautiful. Looking along the side of the mare, going along that gorgeous body. She almost missed the slight movement along the mare’s side. They were so easy to miss with how well they blended in but a flutter gave them off.

This mare had wings.

Dense bundles of jet black feathers folded perfectly in thin spans covering her sides. Soul smiled widely. “You’re a Pegasus!” Soul was so overjoyed now.

A fellow Pegasus pony out here. Finding somepony just like her made her feel such a connection with her. She always loved the idea of hanging out with fellow friendly ponies who enjoyed the gift of flying as much as she did. Ones who would feel her same enjoyment.

1.16
Soul giggled. “I’m so happy to find a Pegasus just like me.”

“A Pegasus.” The mare spoke with such lightness and the slightest hint of a stutter. She sounded like she was… confused at first. The mare looked past her now. She was silent. Soul’s smile faded. She looked around and saw the mare to be looking at none other than the mirror to see their reflections together. The mare stared at herself. Her mouth dropping its frown so far. Eyes glimmering of light so dull to Soul. Those eyes so intently fixated on herself as if they were boring through the mirror itself.

Soul became worried. “Are you okay?” The mare’s dragon-like eyes returned to life just as her smile returned. “Yes, I’m a Pegasus just like you, little one.” The mare turned around forgetting the mirror and she sat down next to Soul. “So I guess we both have something else in common at least, alongside being trapped in here” she said. Trapped.

“You’re stuck out here as well?” Soul asked. “Yes.” Soul’s curiosity grew. A pony trapped out here just like me. She knew not how it happened to herself but maybe this mare had an interesting reason. “How did you get here?” The mare looked down at her warmly. “I just arrived here out of nowhere. It was so unexpected.” Just like her! Soul felt even closer to this friendly mare.

“Where are you from?” The mare’s dark eyes constricted. Her demeanor softened as a small chuckle came out her mouth. “You’re a curious little one, are you not? How prospective.” Soul didn’t even know what the mare just said but smiled anyways seeing how adoring the mare was becoming of her. “I don’t remember where I came from. I’ve…” the mare trailed off. Her gaze falling down to Soul’s side briefly before returning to Soul. “Been travelling around for a long time until I found myself here with you all of a sudden.”

Soul’s eyes shimmered in amazement. The little filly wondering how she came to find a traveler like this. No telling how much this pony had seen. What she could tell her. But one thing seemed possible.

Had this Pegasus learned unique flying moves out there?

Maybe they could both fly out of here. Introduce this new friend to the others. She wanted to know more. She opened her mouth to speak another question but was promptly cut off. “Do you like dolls?” The mare was asking of the tiny pony Soul still held. “I never would have taken you to be one who would.” Soul stared down at the doll. She did not particularly like dolls but it just reminds me of somepony I know and makes me want to hug it, even in front of this mare. Realizing this did not make her loosen her grip. “Well, I like this doll. I think it’s a nice friend.” She could see those magenta eyes where the doll’s beady eyes sat.

“May I see her?” Soul’s daydreaming was broken by how loud her voice was, seeing that the mare had leaned down so close to her. Close enough for Soul to take in the true magnificence of those odd eyes.

Such vast yellow orbs near flawlessly beaming of an ever-heightening hue of beauty just like the Sun itself. The black diamonds cut between them adding something to those eyes Soul could call… cool. “Um, sure” Soul said breaking out of the trance those eyes had her in. She loosened her hug to allow the doll to slump into her forelegs freed from her chest that had warmed the surface of the little pony. It lay there in her legs visible to the mare and ready for her to take it. But the mare did not reach for it. Her dragon eyes locked down on the doll. Looking across the tiny wings, the curly mane and tail. Soul sat there waiting for her to take the doll from her grip but it never came. The mare’s smile grew bigger.

“She’s beautiful.” “Yeah, did you see the wings? She’s just like us!” Soul said. The mare humbly recognized Soul’s claim. “I bet she is a great flyer.” Her eyes fell back to look past Soul’s head and over to her back. “Just like you are.”

Soul followed the mare’s eyes seeing that she was looking down upon Soul’s shackled wings. “Talent that is locked away in such a small place, begging to be freed from the cruelty of the world around them” the mare spoke so strongly, so longingly. Soul could barely figure out what she had just said but knew the mare looked disheartened at how the filly’s wings were trapped.

1.17
That was right! Soul had entirely forgotten. So lost in how cool it was discovering a new friend in a place like this. She had found somepony. One who could help her. “I do love flying so much” Soul admitted. “I want to get rid of this thing so much so I can fly again.”

The mare slowly nodded still staring at the bond around Soul’s wings. Those wings bucked against the metal surface around them. “Do you know a way to get rid of this?” Soul asked. “No” came the response almost immediately. “I know of no way through any conventional means.” As had seemed to be the only purpose of the world lately, Soul’s hopes were crushed.

So there was no way they could remove this thing? Her wings were to be like this for Soul could not think of how long. She slinked down, muzzle grimacing in sadness. “I want my wings back” she muttered. Her eyes shifted over to look at the big wings of her new companion as they ruffled so gently seemingly in response to Soul’s pleas.

How many days had her wings been gone from her by now and how much longer would they be gone? Joining the ever-growing list of things that distanced themselves from her demanding her to fly back to them. She could feel her heart start to ache. Her nose let out a quick sniff. The mare heard it. She leaned over closer to Soul, her mouth a lick away from her ear. “Hush now, little filly.” Her voice a light whisper sending such tiny gusts of icy chill to lick her ear. Cold and so gentle, forcing the thin furs of her ear to stand up.

“You adore flying, this I know” she spoke softly. “I won’t allow you to be apart from that adoration.”

Soul’s curiosity piqued. She turned around to look back at the mare who stood up, softly striding along with eyes glued upon the steel shackle Soul wore. Soul wondered what she could be planning. Her gaze upon the mare’s face yielded something she could not fully describe. Something like worry or maybe confusion in the mare’s face. She sighed. Her eyes met Soul’s. “I can help you. But I need you to do something first.”

“What?” Soul said excitedly.

“I need you to sit straight and look away.” The mare pointed a hoof at the front door. “Look forward to that door and don’t move until I tell you.” Soul was puzzled. Was this like a doctor’s appointment? Holding still and straight. These requests were so weird to her. But maybe this friendly mare knew something cool. Following her instructions may free her wings. So she did not hesitate to comply, the door firmly in her sights and the mare hidden behind her.

Soul straightened her back out and waited. “Point your wings to me” the mare said from behind. Soul did as she said. As uncomfortable as it was, Soul managed to shift her wings enough to hold them high out in the direction she felt the mare may be. The weight of the shackle fought hard to keep them down yet the young filly managed to keep them up.

Soul waited patiently and eagerly. Her hoof tapping against the rug she sat on. All she could sense was absolute silence behind her. I hope she is still there. Not leaving me. The possibility made Soul start to turn her head.

“Hold still.”

Soul reverted back to her position, a sigh of relief escaping her mouth. Something touched against her wings. She could feel it grow. Something flooding across the skin of her spans and softly spreading the feathers that hid them. It was strange. Like whatever this feeling was went along her entire wings. Her muscles sent responses back to her. Her wings were moving… on their own. Pushing against the interior of the shackle that held them and spreading from one another. Whatever the mare was doing back there, she was being as gentle as possible. So much so that Soul could barely feel her touching her spans and pulling both wings apart from one another. She couldn’t see for herself, but she could feel her wings were shaped in a very tight V within the shackle.

Something really hot washed over her back right between that V. Suddenly.

1.18
Clang! Clang! The bang of metal on the floor sounded in Soul’s ears almost making her shudder in the growing tension the waiting had built up in her. “You can move now.”

Soul turned slowly. Just turning her head, she felt the cool air wrap around her wings at the same time. Wings she could feel so perfectly now instinctively falling along her sides.

There they were.

Her eyes widened, mouth agape in happiness. Her beautiful, large wings laying open on her sides free to the world and to her gaze. She wanted them to move. They did. She moved them again and again until she folded them perfectly along her sides. Her pride and joy was back to her! How I missed seeing them. Looks like they’ve grown or something since last I saw them. So light now. So weightless and free to the breeze flowing through their feathers with that metal now gone. The metal.

Soul looked down to the floor. Laying there to her left is where it sat. A crescent of metal sitting upright on the floor where it had fallen. It was no ring anymore. A look around presented the other part of the metal ring laying to her right. A crescent as well. Both pieces cut down the middle in such a straight and perfect line with no hint of a flaw in that line where the pieces had been broken from one another. Even more of a perfect cut than what she could remember for sliced fruit she loved to eat.

She looked back behind her tail. There the mare stood with a smile proudly displayed beneath those shiny dragon eyes. Soul could not pick out anything that the mare may have used to do such a thing. “How did you do this?” she asked. The mare smirked. “A Pegasus has her ways.”

Soul could not figure out any way she had been able to do this. Cutting through solid metal so quickly and cleanly. Maybe she had bitten it? Or was strong enough to break it with one quick jab of her hoof. So awesome. Soul wanted this pony to come with her. Somepony as talented and cool as this would be so great to come back home with and hang out with.

“Thank you so much!” Soul shrieked in joy, jumping up and down with the power of her newly freed wings. She took to the air. Flaps of her wings once again lifting the tiny filly back up to the realm she was at home in. I can fly again! Finally. It’s been so long. She dashed in at the mare, stopping just short of her muzzle. “Thank you, thank you, thank you Ms. …” Soul’s big smile faded.

That was right she had never introduced herself. She didn’t even know this pony’s name. How rude to not introduce herself to her elder.

“I’m sorry” Soul said rubbing her forehooves together. “My name is Soul Serenity. It’s so great to meet you! What’s your name, Ms.?” She extended a hoof to the mare who stared down at it with a frown. Her eyes faded their light. Soul wondered what was wrong. The mare’s mouth trembled very slightly. Her lips parting as if words tried to escape but could not in the end. She reeled her head back. “It’s so nice to meet you too, Soul. You do have a pretty name.”

With that, she wandered away towards the bed. That was it? Soul could not help but get irritated at the mare’s lack of giving her a name. Instead that mare stood there examining the lone bed. Taking in what could be a comforting mattress if it just had a sheet and blanket.

1.19
Soul zipped in in front of her, forcing her eyes to jump away from the mattress to the dissatisfied filly. She better tell me. I need to know what to call her. Soul crossed her forelegs. “I want to know your name.”

The mare turned her head. Soul was right in front of her again. The agile filly easily keeping herself firmly in the mare’s sight. No way to let her get away. “Tell me your name” Soul pleaded. “I can’t.” The mare quickly turned away, barely visible bangs of her black mane waving as she moved. How could she not? Soul was so confused. Every filly and colt easily learned the appropriate way to greet somepony new was to give your name. As if this pony had failed to know that basic knowledge. But that could not be it.

The mare fidgeted nervously, staring down at the ground keeping her tail to Soul. It had to be something else. “I told you my name. Do you not feel right telling me yours?” Soul asked this possibility. The mare’s ears perked up. “And you are correct in telling me your name, and…” She paused, peeking her face over her dark shoulders to peer back at Soul with those eyes churning of their celestial glow. “I wish to tell you my name.” Soul darted forward in anticipation.

“Tell me! Is it something cool?” The mare looked back away. “I don’t know.” “You don’t know if it’s cool?” As if it really mattered to Soul.

“No” the mare said painfully. “I don’t… know my name.”

That line echoed away in Soul’s mind. The idea of what she had just been told. Not know her name? Is she lying? I can’t even think of how somepony can’t know their own name. She could not make up a feeling to it. The fact that this mare claimed to not know her own name was impossible to Soul. How was it even possible for somepony to forget such a vital thing?

“How?” Soul whispered.

“How do I not know it?” the mare started. “I wish I had that answer. It’s not something I know how to explain.” She turned her attention to the pony doll that Soul had left standing upright on the floor. She was silent holding her gaze on that little toy. “I think I had a name once, just as you do now. That is certain to me. Yet it is lost to me.”

“So you forgot it” Soul proclaimed proudly.

The mare noticed Soul’s chipper response. Sorry, even if it sucks she forgot, it means something else for me. The mare turned back, not at all pleased with Soul being happy about it. The filly floated closer to her with a wide smile. “You helped me so I’m gonna help you remember your name.” “How do you propose that?” the mare asked. Soul flew over to the front door. “I bet somepony out there would know who you are. Now that I got my wings back, we can both fly out of here and go back to Cloudsdale. We can search together!” I’d love to help her.

The mare’s eyelids fell. Soul was not sure, but she may even be frowning in that dark face of hers. Like she was disinterested. Although Soul’s interpretation of her reaction may have been wrong because the mare willingly approached the very door Soul motioned for them to leave through. “I’ll fly with you” the mare said unenthusiastically. “Yet, I ask you to control yourself because I’m not as great a flyer as you.” My wings are pretty impressive but... I think she can. Still though, kinda weird that this pony knows I’m good at flying. Not like she ever saw me fly. “I’ll do my best” Soul assured her.

1.20
“Let me ready myself first” the mare asked of her. She did not wait for Soul to give her permission as she immediately unfolded her wings.

Soul nearly gasped.

A vast shadow fell down upon her and over the door she flew before. Soul had thought that the deep black coat her new friend possessed was truly beautiful yet the new scene she was gifted with made her eyes sparkle. All those black feathers bundled together spread out in a fan of hundreds lining along two vast spans. So vast. Her wings so big as to completely overshadow the pony they belonged to. Soul had seen many adult pegasi in her life yet none of them had anything on this one’s wings. Just how full and dense they were made Soul think they were just like blankets. Nothing like I’ve ever seen before. The comparisons were incomprehensible.

Soul quickly fell in love with the gorgeous endowments this Pegasus had. She… she cares for them so well. Soul couldn’t stop staring over them. “Your wings are so amazing” Soul said with a shock. The mare stretched them far out from her readying them for flight. No response came from her for Soul’s compliment. She could have even just been ignoring what she had said.

“How could you not be as great a flyer as me?” Soul asked. Wings as impressive as these could no doubt be such great companions in flight. The nameless mare shot down that idea. “They are mere looks. It doesn’t guarantee them to be as strong as yours.”

Her wings folded back in slightly, still stretched out enough for them to quickly take her into the air at a moment’s notice. She looked up at Soul. “It’s very cold out there so we must get flying as quick as we can. I’ll do my best to keep up with you. Shall we go?” “I won’t leave you behind” Soul said as she set her hooves upon the doorknob. This pony was going back with her, for the kind deed she did. That was to be sure. “We’ll get out of here together.” Maybe things won’t be so bad.

Celestia is gone and I can find my own way. To a place called home. She opened the door.

1.21
She kind of thought being inside could not be far better than being outside. I guess I was wrong. As the door opened, a frigid gust of wind smacked against her face forcing the filly to shoot backwards in surprise. She shivered from just that brief exposure to the outside winds. Through the door, it had become clear the Sun had lowered much further in the sky, casting a reddish hue through the thick cloud cover overhead. It had gotten very late and Soul thought it may have become colder than it was before she had entered the house.

She held her forelegs close to her body, swiftly rubbing them up and down herself in hopes of just warming up a little. She looked over. Surprisingly, her new friend had no reaction. She stood there in the doorway staring out into the white void beyond. She didn’t even seem to care. Each and every strike of wind not even moving the black fur along her body.

She looked back at the shivering filly. “Are you certain about this?” Soul was astonished at the strong willpower of the mare completely unwilling to let the cold get the better of her. Something I’m sure sucking at doing. She would not chicken out of this. A little cold won’t slow her down and she’d be back home in no time. She inhaled deeply.

“Let’s go!”

Soul entered that frozen torrent outside, her newly freed wings slicing right through all that falling snow. She was quick to take off out the ditch that the snow had built up around the doorway from which her new friend nimbly followed after her. Her black wings beating not nearly as fast as Soul’s were but, instead, they were pretty graceful. Her wings were silent with every pass they took. She joined next to Soul.

Looking all around. Every breath the filly took let out a jet of cloudy mist that disappeared in the wind. There was the hill Soul had slid down and that was it. Nothing was visible in this blizzard beyond the outskirts of this lonely village. No matter how hard she squinted her eyes, she could make out nothing. We have to get higher. With how cold it was, it would be insane to blindly fly around. They would not last for a very long time. Soul’s fur and feathers barely able to shield her against the frigid conditions.

Snow fell against Soul’s face. She motioned upwards to the mare. “Let’s get a little higher and see where we are.” Her friend nodded slowly and still wasn’t much caring about what was going on. So weird. Soul put great strength into her initial stroke easily fighting against the force of the wind to push her upwards. Not as easy as she could remember flying in perfect conditions but she could still do it. Not much harder than flying through a rain shower. The dimly lit clouds high above in the cloudy shroud of snow reached down to her. Every second she spent flying up just threw harsher and harsher cold that picked apart at her face. Her eyes began to hurt. Cold wind blasted into them. Just having to squint. I can’t believe how cold it has gotten.

She looked back down just to stop all that wind hitting her face. She could barely see the dark shapes of the village below. Right below her was the black mare flying right on her tail looking back up at her with worry. I know why you’re worried. But you’re worrying me. This mare could fly so easily in this. Wish it was so easy for me. She could not tell, but it felt as if her face was going numb now. How cold had it gotten? There’s even… snow on my wings! So much of it. Soul flapped it off. The snow was getting worse. Endless sheets fell down upon both pegasi in the grey embrace of the sky. Soul had never seen snow this bad before.

Weather pegasi never allowed a storm like this, or even able to make snow this bad. Snow this cold?! In Equestria?

The higher up she flew, the more she found herself in a state of wonder.

1.22
She could no longer see the village down below. She could no longer feel the tips of her wings. Didn’t even notice it but she was slowing down. Soul’s wings slowed down as quickly as her shivering body spasmed. The filly had to stop.

She sat there high in the sky with her stiffening wings gently keeping her in place against the strong winds and snow. “Are you alright?” The black mare hovered up next to her. Worry barely visible on her dark face. Soul stared at her, her teeth chattering in closed lips covered in the tiny frozen crystals of her own saliva. Soul actually had to hold herself with all four legs. “Its… s-s-s-so…” Soul heaved a hideous gasp. “C-c-cold.”

The mare shook her head. “This is too dangerous.” How the hell was she so calm in this!? Soul could not think straight to imagine how her friend was coping with the same conditions that hit her. All she could do was look around. Nothing but grey. The clouds of winter shielded whatever lay beyond in their dark shroud.

How could this happen? This storm was so bad Soul could barely see her dark companion next to her. One thing could only fill Soul’s mind. She desperately wanted to go back inside the protective walls of a home. Her home. Sitting in front of a fireplace wrapped in blankets, holding somepony else. That was a home she wanted right now. Like the last time.

What she could see in this darkness. A home in the middle of weather the likes of which she had never heard of to fall upon Equestria. Where was she?

“Soul!”

What is this weird feeling? Soul’s eyes opened wide. Her wings had given out and the vast expanse of grey nothing fell away from her. The small hint of black in the storm could show her new friend flying down after her. Wait, I’m falling!

Soul flailed her legs. Just as her wings came to life. Her descent slowed and then ceased. Catching herself in time. “Thank goodness” the black mare said as she flew before Soul. “Soul, we need to go inside! This is too much for you.” Soul’s back lurched. I just passed out. …Celestia’s sake.

Chills went down her spine. Soul thought back to what had just happened. All that she had felt was the heat she wanted to the point where she had entirely forgotten she was flying. Too muddled now. Can’t even think straight. This was not something she was used to at all. Nothing anypony would be used to. A winter storm that she was positive now, in the wake of her failing body, no Pegasus pony would ever be able to create in all of Equestria to settle in a cold that was unlivable.

She wanted to go home.

The black mare flew over closer to her. “Let’s go back. We can try again some other time.” She did not need to ask twice. Going inside sounded perfect to her. As painful the idea of waiting was, the little filly lowered herself down through the sky, her dark friend in tow.

1.23
Snow beat hard against the window. So much to block out all the light outside. Soul was sure to curse as lightly as she coul. Didn’t want the adult in the room to hear it. I’m not even sure if I can be so open around her. What little light had been shining through the window was Soul’s only real source of even any warmth to dry her soaked fur even faster than what she would want. It had been a relief to get back into the safety of the house exactly as it had been the first time. Well, the first time she could stay outside for a good long while, the weather that was now outside was so bad she could swear it had only been a few minutes before the icy grip began to take its toll.

The filly still shivered madly on her perch at the foot of the large bed. A quick look around proved to Soul this bed was meant for a full-grown pony. Bigger than her own bed. Its dirty and bare mattress spanned far and wide around her as if it would swallow her. The soft touch of the bed did what it could to warm her but what she truly wished for was a nice, comfy blanket. That or a hug from a pony of which she knew only one was here who could do that.

That very pony sitting patiently by the doorway glancing over at the recovering filly.

The more Soul looked at her, the more her eyes trailed along those huge wings folded along her sides. How nice it would be to be held in them. Like… like the last time I was held in somepony’s wings. How well that went. Soul felt bad… actually thinking about it… with this pony. What right do I have to ask her? As if this newly met mare would allow her. Maybe? I’m just so cold.

I hope it wouldn’t be too weird if I did ask. Soul’s ears perked up hearing the sound of newly strengthened wind slamming hard against the walls of the house. The wooden structure creaked and moaned.

“Are you feeling any better?” The black mare leaned in Soul’s direction. Not at all. Safety from the wind did little to free Soul of the still fresh feeling of icy chill over her. “No” Soul muttered.

“Is there something I could possibly do to help?” The black mare did something suspicious to Soul. Her left foreleg rubbed up and down the length of her right. She’s nervous. Her big wings fluttered. Soul was unsure, but it seemed this mare was wanting something. Something to help me.

Did she read my mind?

Whatever it had been, Soul felt a sense of safety in the shyness the mare presented. It’s just too cold to be afraid of asking, even if it’s weird. “Do you think I’m cool?” Soul asked. Really, I need to know. Not often I want to do this with anypony else. Only one time.

“I do. You’re really brave to be out here like this” the mare said. Soul liked that. Fine, I’ll ask her. Her shivering was too much now. “Well, there is something you could do but… please don’t make fun of me for it… or think I’m strange.” The mare giggled, not maliciously but sweetly.

“I promise. What can I do?”

Soul smiled. She leaped off the bed with a quick flap of her wings and slowly came up to the mare as much as her freezing legs would allow. She too sat down before her. Soul eyed a cozy spot right against her, and she looked up to her inviting face. Looks so warm. Maybe I can warm her up too.

The nameless Pegasus smiled so warmly down upon her. She truly was a friend. Soul could feel it now. She knew she could ask it of her. Trust her as best she could if it meant feeling better. No reason to hold back.

1.24
“Could you please hold me?” Soul said it. Oh man, even I feel bad asking that of this mare. I don’t even know her name. But… “Just for a little bit.” She had said it. I really miss stuff like that. Just… I want something. Even to stay warm, it would remind her of… of home.

A small laugh interrupted her thoughts.

The mare pulled herself closer to Soul, arching her body high to open up that big spot against her thin belly. “Of course you can.” She held her forelegs out to Soul and, as if by instinct, she unfolded her giant black wing. She actually wants to? Wings so big, looked so warm. Wow, I never thought she would want to. Soul didn’t even care about anything else. Just to fall in that and stop shivering for once.

Soul smiled up at her, she who returned one of her own. A smile Soul felt so loving. Like a… parent. She could not hold herself back from the idea. Soul jumped forward, her own forelegs reaching out to hug her. Closer she got to the black fur she knew would feel so heavenly. A touch she had missed so much after everything that had happened.

Getting closer, like time slowed, she felt those wings come down on her. Black feathers ruffling slightly in their trail. Darkness that grew until it fell upon her in a blanket of black.

Darkness. It was all she could see.

Something wasn’t right. Everything around her was dark. Like night. A bunch of mist and black all around her. Nothing else. I thought… I would feel warm. She felt nothing.

Soul blinked. The door shot out before her just as she fell onto the floor. Her forelegs still reaching out from her, not to the mare but to the door now.

“What?” Soul looked all around her. The wooden floor, the door and the wall. Where had the mare gone? What happened to her hug? She slowly pushed herself back up with only her forelegs. Sitting back up. Chills returned. Soul looked to her side. She could see a black wing hanging there. Soul turned around. There was the mare. Sitting where she had been with wings still stretched out. Her slender back right there. Soul could see her long and well-tended, black tail hanging high in the air still holding its excitement.

She was entirely still. Soul stood up. Her eyes held on the motionless mare as she gently walked around her. As soon as she was to her side, those big wings both folded in. No longer hidden, the mare sat there holding her forelegs out in front of those shocked split eyes. She would not look away from herself.

“What… happened?” Soul asked. The mare huffed in a rasp. She gulped. Her yellow eyes slowly moving to catch Soul’s gaze. Soul could see now that the mare was trembling. Her mouth shaking ever so slightly. Soul so uneasy.

A black hoof reached out to Soul. She could see it coming to her slowly, like she was about to jab her. Soul almost moved away. “Please don’t move” she requested. Soul did not. She stood there staring with confusion watching the mare’s hoof move over to Soul’s cheek. She could see it close in. So close. The black void filling her vision. What is she doing? Soul braced her cheek for the touch.

It never came.

Soul gasped in amazement as the black hoof melted in with her cheek. She had no idea what she just saw, just that it was… insane. That hoof turned to… to mist. Right against her cheek. Soul could not believe her eyes as the hoof came right back out of her cheek. A void of mist. Built together again. That black hoof held before her once more.

Her hoof had gone right through her face.

The mare reeled her hoof back, staring at it. Like she was one to be surprised. Soul actually went blank. This was… something else. Like this pony is made out of clouds or something. May as well. Her hoof was like one when it touched her. Like… like the stuff I used to read about. Is she…?

One thing came right to her as to explain what was going on.

1.25
“You’re… a ghost?”

The mare set her shaking hoof back down, staring off into space. “I… I…” she trailed off. Her mouth frowned in fear. Clear the mare was even more stunned than Soul was, can’t even answer. Shaking her head over it. Her body slumping.

Soul reached out to her closest black wing. Nothing changed. No feeling of something off as her hoof silently passed through the feathers she wanted to feel. So… is this why you aren’t even cold? Able to fly out there so easy. Her hoof just kept going through her. Again and again till the mare shot her a look. Okay, I’ll stop. Soul returned her hoof to the floor and stared to the mare. Sorry.

“Did you live here?” Was Soul in this mare’s house? Explaining as to how she had so silently appeared to her only after spending time here. The mare still stood there staring high into the ceiling of the house. Her ears gently falling to the sides of her head.

“No. I don’t know where I come from. This place… it is the first I’ve seen it. No different from you.” “Is there any chance you remember where you could be from?” Soul asked. The mare shook her head. Soul felt even more confused. She doesn’t know anything. I’m so confused. But one thing was clear.

“You’re lost then” Soul said. She stood back up and slid herself as close as she could without falling into the mare’s body, sitting side by side with her. “I’m lost too.”

Both ponies stared down at the floor with only the wind as their company. The mare eyed Soul, something Soul saw.

“How is it you are not afraid of me?” She asked bluntly. Soul wondered as to what she could mean. If she were a ghost or not, she sure did not act like one. She even offered her a hug on top of freeing her wings. A dragon-eyed black ghost mare. Never seen anything like this before. Wish I could tell the others if… if they even wanted to see me.

No, all I have is… is how she has been to me. So friendly. She even helped me. “Unless you start spooking me, you’re pretty cool to me. Thanks for helping me so much.” That crushing frown the mare wore quickly turning into a small smile.

1.26
A rumble broke Soul out of it, even made the mare startled for a moment. It lasted only a few seconds. Soul didn’t want it, but she saw the mare’s ears found where it came from. The filly knew exactly what it was and made her flush a little. She can’t hide it. She set a hoof over her stomach. Soul grumbled.

“I’m hungry.” With how old the house was apparent to her, doubt there would be anything to eat here. Maybe in the other houses? thinking if they were in a similar state to the one they were in. Soul could settle with a nice fruit salad or a sandwich right now. Anything better than what she had for so long now in Canterlot. Wonder if anything is out here.

The frigid air tortured her damp body. She shuddered with a ragged breath coming out hard from her mouth. Even tried to hold herself in her own wings. Those black wings were more attractive than ever.

Those wings rose above her. The mare stood up, looking ahead of her. She took a few steps away from Soul before looking back at her. “You truly are not afraid of me?” she asked. “Huh?” Soul started. “No. You’re cool just like I said.” Why should I be afraid? You’ve been awesome since the start.

The mare grunted. She bore her attention to the ugly chair Soul had used to reach up to the mantle earlier. Her hooves silently striding across the floor and stopping right at the foot of that chair. She sat back down. Soul watched on. The mare breathed deep. Almost like some rhythm to it. Soul thought she could see one of her legs shaking.

“I shall do something cool for you” the mare said.

1.27
Something creaked. Loudly. Quick and it grated on Soul’s ears. Ugh. Where is that…? She heard it then. Right behind the mare, the leg of the chair had been ripped, the wood torn and rending, turning to splinters as it pulled away from the chair. That was the thing.

It was pulled right off from the chair.

A second creak then a third, much louder than the first. One by one each of the legs followed suit to astonish Soul who knew not what was happening before her eyes. A tearing sound forced her the wince and the again as the chair collapsed on the ground. The four legs that had kept it aloft… they…

Floated

Soul had never seen this before. They hovered high over the mare wrapped in something strange. So dark. Like the mare was holding them but… no, she isn’t. That’s… that’s magic.

All the legs floating about in the dark embrace of the black clouds upon them all. Pinpricks of small silver coalesced in a dance within the black. Like it ate the chairs legs itself.

Soul’s eyes were wide. “Wow…” Her amazement making her grin at whatever this magnificent spectacle was. The mare actually glanced back at her now. She too smiled. All four legs were tossed into the gaping maw of the stone fireplace, all now freed of their misty blankets which immediately reappeared across more of the chair. A loud rip. The chair fell apart, pieces floating asunder from one another. Big and small, each piece joined with the legs making a sturdy pile of wooden. A new layer of darkness sprung to life in a sheet before the mare. Like a foggy cloud gently coming forward against the pile to push it further within the fireplace. Is she actually doing this? Soul wanted to walk up to it and see. This is unreal. Who is this? This mare?

That mare made a satisfied grunt and all that mist vanished. “What do you think?” she asked of Soul.

“That was awesome!” Soul shrieked leaning toward her. Her wings excitedly beat the air. That was too amazing. “How did you do that?” “It’s magic” the mare whispered. Soul’s eyebrow arched. Right when I thought I was going crazy. So it was true. That is what I heard Uincorns can do. Just like in the books. But… one thing though. She had to take a second look up on that pony’s head. Nope, …all she had were wings.

“Magic? …But you’re not a Unicorn. …Are you?” “As far as I can tell, no. I’m a Pegasus just as you are but, ...well.” She turned back to the fireplace. “I just can do stuff like this. I’ve always been capable of it.” She held out her hoof to the air around her muzzle. Out of nowhere, the tiny pony doll dashed in so fast that Soul couldn’t even see it in time, not before it floated over the mare’s hoof.

“Pegasi can’t perform magic, yet… somehow I can and it’s been natural to me for so very long.” “I thought you needed a horn to cast spells, just like how we need wings to fly” Soul said. Not that I need a horn to do cool stuff. Yeah, it’s cool that those horned ponies can do all that but they will never know what it’s like to fly as well as we can. But the idea of a Pegasus casting spells like a Unicorn, nearly ridiculous despite how cool it sounded to her. The thing is, now, do you really need a horn to do magic like this mare is doing?

“I have no idea why this has come to be” the mare said. “I have no horn, yet all I need is to want it… and it happens.” With that, the pony doll softly floated over to Soul to set down right in front of her hooves. “I’d love to be able to do that” Soul admitted. The mare giggled at her. “Is it not enough you are already an amazing flyer? I assure you…” her voice lowered steeply. Enough Soul could hardly make out what she said.

“…You are better off.”

1.28
Light roared to life across the entire room.

Shadows on every corner, dancing and waving as Soul watched this happen before her. A wave of fresh air flew into her face, sending all that fur flying. Such power. Wow.

This new light came from something Soul had a hard time believing had just appeared. Within the fireplace was a pillar of light. Oranges, reds, and yellows swirling in a whirlwind to give off small gleams of yellow fireflies to wander off only to die off in seconds. A glow so bright as to shine shimmers of orange in the mare’s distant dragon eyes.

Fire.

Ate every bit of the wooden pile she had made and the chair disappeared inside. It had been so sudden and so unexpected to her. Speechless. But the mare was just satisfied, looked like. She motioned her hoof over to Soul.

“Come now, I know you are cold. Sit with me.” I sure as hell will. Tired of being so cold. No matter how crazy this was, she could already feel the heat and came on over with the doll still in her hoof. The fire grew stronger as she closed. Something she could not have hoped to ever see in this dreary place that now gave new life to the dead of descending night. Not just the sight but the feel. Closer than before, it was hot. Like it was drying her fur right now, this is real fire.

Soul planted herself down next to her friend. Taking this all in. She really can do magic. Did it to help me. Soul could not help but smile. It felt great. Warm at last. No different from how she remembered the warming fires to grace her on chilly nights of winter or… huddling with her friends on Hearth’s Warming Eve.

I only have one pony here now to share this with me. I wish… she was here too. She held the Pegasus doll close to her, tears falling upon its head. Tears shed of the memory of times she felt long gone from her. Locked away from the rustle of wind tormenting the house and a cold that she still felt no matter how warm she got. I’m still… so cold. I’m tired of being cold. Tired of being stupid.

I hate you too!

I’m sorry, Dashie. Don’t even care if… if this mare was watching her.

1.29
How long could snow possibly fall? Never had she seen weather go so out of control as to snow for this many hours. Listening to the wind swirling around outside in an endless beating against the windows. The white of the snow shining off what light the Moon could give this place. So now, only the still roaring fire was left to light this house.

Soul would not dare to even move from where she was. Just not at all wanting to go around this strange house at night. It was scary for her to think of doing something like that. I could do that with my own home… not this. It was not a feeling her new friend had. She was off making a noise at the other side of the house. In the dark corners where the fire couldn’t reach. Going through something over there.

Whatever she could be searching through, Soul could not tell. Couldn’t even see her. So dark and such a dark pony. “Are you doing alright over there?” the mare’s voice called out from that void. This was the second time she had asked that since heading over there. Not annoying at all. Kind of felt good to finally have somepony around who cared. Mostly feeling slightly comforted knowing she had not left her.

“Yes” she replied briefly. Soul felt no different than she had the entire time she had sat with the mare watching the flames as they dried her off. Lucky for her all that water soaking her was gone. That fire was the only thing she watched right now. One source of light to guide her away from the darkness.

She watched as the fire trickled its light across the fireplace. How amazing that mare can make this. So much time sitting in front of it and she had no more doubt it was real. Not a trick of her eye or delusions. The work of a Pegasus who could do things she could never tell would feel like. How it would be to make incredible things like this?

She slowly brushed a hoof over the curly mane of the Pegasus doll still held against her chest as she watched the fire. Soul left to just enjoy the cinders floating around. Twirling and looping all around the flames. She watched their dance carefully. Their flight like that of free flying pegasi like she remembered in Cloudsdale, who would swiftly arch across the skies and clouds bringing in the first snows of winters. Each Pegasus tending to the lovely weather and raining a light snowfall upon the ponies below. Not once had she seen snow come down so hard and long. Not enough to bury homes. I hope this is all one big prank. It was never allowed to be this bad.

So what is this all about?

A winter so brutal that she could not even stay outside and forced instead to sit at a fire all alone. Reminds me. Sitting in front of a fire as snow came down. Where had those times gone? I’m all alone now… nopony here to hold me. Seemed like not that long ago. Then all this had to happen. I would love to do this with Dashie again. Would such a thing be possible again? Soul could not be sure if Dash would ever forgive her for what she had done to her and what she had said. I just want to leave this place and find her. But how long could this weather last? Where to go? Soon, I hope. Soul didn’t want to spend so long in this place. Not like this. Not at all.

1.30
Something set itself down upon Soul’s back, pressing her wings down and flattening her mane. Felt it right there. She yelped in surprise. Something lay all over her. She felt even warmer now. Because she just saw what it was.

“Do you like what I found?” the mare asked. That pony snuck up on her. Happy with herself. A big smile on her dark face. She actually found a blanket. Wow.

Soul grabbed hold of it in her mouth and pulled the whole thing around her. A soft and warm blanket… just like the one she and Dash had shared. Of course, I like it. “Thank you.”

She looked up finding a frown on the mare’s face. “I apologize though.” She slinked down. “I could not find any food.” A heart wrenching thing to hear and Soul’s stomach rumbled in response. Soul did not expect any food to be found in this old shack called a house but she had been hopeful anyways. Wasted. At least I have a blanket. Not so cold now. Something for this old bed.

“You should get some sleep soon” the mare said right then. Sleeping. Soul touched the mattress. Not her own. “I will” Soul said but would not move from her huddle in the blanket. The mare sat back down next to her and joined in watching the fire. Soul said nothing. She couldn’t.
Sleeping here. In this house. How long has it been? Been since she slept somewhere she could call home. A shine from tears building in her eyes. The howl of a strong gust of wind blasted in from outside and Soul could feel a slight cold breeze find a way into the blanket and make her shudder. Her stomach growled again. Made her want to whimper. She wanted to go home most of all. Somewhere that is home. To find a way out of this place she did not know. This unknown place of snow.

“Where in Equestria are we?” Soul finally asked.

Her new friend seemed talented in so many ways and knew some things. If she is, then tell me. Find out so I know where to go. I have to rely on her. In her brief time of knowing her, to believe she could help her find their way out of here. What better choice did she have?

A long sigh came from the mare. “I see no reason in hiding anything from you for you will figure it out soon enough. I can tell you are starting to do just that” she said. Stop wasting my time and tell me; Soul wanted to say that to her. Almost bitter. Her stomach roared.

“Soul…” That mare leaned closer and found a place next to Soul. Her dragon-like eyes looking down deeply at her. She looked so serious now and… Soul’s heart plummeted. Already knowing. Soul had an idea all along. That face was all she needed.

“Soul, dear…”

“This is not Equestria.”

1.31
I’m sorry.

What had the princess meant? An apology before Soul who felt more regret than any other before a crowd of glaring eyes.

This is not Equestria.

A beam of light. A shredding of sun-capped cloud homes amidst an open blue sky to give way to an endless veil of white and grey that bit her hard with frostbite. Ice to wrap her in an everlasting cold. Only snow and wind for as far as the eye could see reaching far and high. So cold. Her tears turning to ice. Right on her muzzle. That is what it is she gets to deal with now. That is why the princess apologized?!

Can’t even cry anymore. Just dying off like all the stars in the sky. This dreary sky. No longer the land she knew. The last tears for it. She could only cry for herself, what was left of it. In this cold land now. There they fell upon the ragged rug. She couldn’t stop it. Her heart ached.

“What?” Soul squeaked as her legs trembled beneath the blanket. “W-where are we? What happened to me?”

The black mare’s ears rose higher and twitched to face over to Soul herself. She hesitated to answer, staring down at the floor beneath Soul’s legs. Tell me!

The mare sighed quickly as her eyes closed. Her head shook as she turned to face away from Soul. Her faded mane flowing quick as she turned. Soul could not see it but she could tell her new friend hid away her own pain.

She knew.

Soul didn’t need to be told the mare knew something. But her answer came out not as Soul expected. “I think that you are aware of what happened. It is why you are crying.” Soul did know. It was the same thing that had happened to the last pony who did something horrible. Who had made a mistake. Just as she had done to and for Rainbow Dash.

“Celestia… sent me…” Soul’s head fell and she heaved a cry. Her eyes sealed tightly. “Away.”

1.32
Soul could only cry. Watching the old and ugly rug of this cursed place get soaked in her own tears. She was gone from her home.

Banished.

That was it. This can’t be. Soul went over everything she knew of her life. All the beauty she had learned to embrace like a wide sky welcoming her to fly its majesty. All her talent. Everything she wanted. I want it all back! Flying alongside the… the one pony I wanted to. Enjoying everything… together. Eating food with her friend, laughing with her. No worries like she taught me to not have.

Was it all gone now?

Rainbow Dash left her. Celestia herself got rid of her. All she had wanted was to help, to protect those dear to her and she had done just that. Taking pride in herself for doing what nopony else would or could only for everything in her life to now be stripped from her and replaced by… this. What was this for her? A lonely village in the middle of wherever the hell this was. Freezing in here! She wanted to be warm. I want it all back. I want the life I… I fought for back. I did ruin it.

Can I even go back? If it even could happen.

She cried harder and harder. Sobs echoing in the house. “No!” she screamed. “No.” Her voice fell to a whisper just as she fell to the ground. Her hooves clamped around the pony doll. “I want to go home. I want to go home.” It’s all I wanted after this.

The filly curled beneath the blanket. A new rumble escaped from her stomach pounding away at her with emptiness. So much pain, a loud cry set loose from her mouth.

“Soul” she heard the mare whisper above her. I don’t want to look, don’t look at me. She could feel the pony standing above her. Why are you even there? Will you hurt me too like all ponies did?!

“Soul” she said again anyways, closer now. “I’m so sorry.” Her voice was right there in her ear. Like… somepony sweet. Who would whisper to her just to say that all will be okay.

Soul peeked her head up.

1.33
Dragon eyes met hers. So close to her. The black Pegasus lay flat on the floor with her. Wings open to her. Like the entire floor covered itself in black feathers. A small glow of bright yellow beamed from the suns that were her diamond eyes.

So quickly, the blanket came down on its own. Soul couldn’t do it herself, no… it was the mare who made it do this. The blanket wiped Soul’s tears. Like the blanket itself did this for her. No, just magic.

“You didn’t deserve this, you sweet girl” she said to Soul. Despite her efforts to wipe them away, Soul’s tears only returned back to soak her fur. You think I’m… I’m not a sweet girl though. Nopony thought that. Not even my own mother. Not even my best friend. Why would you? Even if… I want to hug you for saying that to me.

Soul could feel her hind legs push herself forward pressing her over to the pony she held her forelegs out to. Darkness. Another total blackout as she could feel herself fall through the pony and hard onto the floor. She could see again, see her hug failed. The black Pegasus looked back at her. Must look like an idiot, huh? Too bad I can’t hug her.

Soul looked back up at her weeping. “I know you want to hug me” the black mare said. Her wings rose out to Soul but stopped short. “I don’t wish for you to be like this.” Soul sniffled. “I was banished” she cried. “Everypony hates me.”

“Shh shh shh” the mare hushed her. “That’s not true at all.”

Soul couldn’t believe that. Rainbow Dash hated her, as did every other pony. Just like how ponies made fun of her and how she was always abandoned in the end when love was all she ever wanted. Rewarded like this.

It hurt so much.

A new tear fell to the floor. Not from her but from another set of yellow eyes. The black mare wept for her. Soul was stunned. The mare actually cried for her. Like acid. Mist of black steaming from the ground with each tear to land on it. “Your friends don’t hate you.”

“Yes, they do!” Dash said so. “It’s why nopony wants me now. They don’t want me around.” The black mare pushed herself up in a surprise to Soul as she lurched down over her. Her long mane reaching down to her from above just as those dragon eyes did. “Stop it! I don’t hate you. You have no idea just how much I want to hug you right now! If only I could… to prove to you that, at this moment, I care for you.”

1.34
Soul heard the sincerity in her voice. This pony wanted to hug her? But what would that prove? It did not mean the ponies out there felt the same. It did not change that Celestia herself hated her so much as to get rid of her, a filly who wanted to be around others. This only caused her to cry more.

“Please stop crying” the mare said. Such a low voice, she pushed herself forward closer to Soul. Soul could feel her right there. Finding the pony laying next to her. Spreading her great wings and legs out. That black fur close enough to touch Soul but falling so short. “Stop crying. I’m here for you.”

They both sat there like that, Soul held herself. Ignoring the black mare laying with her. Wind blew against the house. Soul kept crying. My eyes hurt. I’m so tired of this. Of feeling like this. I was banished!

She lay quietly beneath the mare’s chest. Her life really was gone. She mumbled underneath the blanket. “Shhh” the mare silenced her again. Soul did so. Can’t even feel anymore tears left in her. “I hate this.” She sniffed hard. “Celestia is so mean.”

“Calm down, little one.” Soul did as she asked. All she could do anymore. With her thoughts of everything. “So mean.” Soul fell silent again lost in what little warmth the blanket and fire could provide to her as the house grew colder. Only her heavy breathing and sniffles could be heard. I’m so tired.

She fully awoke hearing her dark friend speak to her anew. “You are indeed so heartbroken. But I can assure you that Celestia is no different.” “Why?” Soul asked. “She had to do what she did but such a decision would wrench her heart so much it would ache. I know because it’s how I would feel. I bet, right now, you are the only pony on her mind. The memory of what she did now a blight on her own soul.”

1.35
Soul didn’t care. Knowing she had been banished being the only thing she could focus on. I was banished by that jerk. I did the right thing. Dash is safe now. Just because of that made her doubt if Celestia really did feel bad about this. So she stayed quiet. I don’t feel like fighting. She had saved Rainbow Dash when nopony else would yet the princess still punished her. It sure did not seem she felt regret. None of that… what had she said?

Blight on her soul?

I have a hard time knowing what it is this mare says sometimes. Fine, I’ll talk to you. Anything to stop crying. “What does blight on her soul even mean?” Soul asked. “You wish to learn?” the mare asked in surprise above her. “You talk so weird” Soul whispered. “So of course I want to know what you mean.”

Soul stopped herself immediately. I probably should not have said that. Damn. Hope she isn’t mad. Her head lowered expecting some sort of punishment. Another punishment.

The mare unexpectedly laughed. “I do talk funny, huh?” she said. “My apologies. I’ll gladly tell you what I meant. Sending a sweet filly such as you away would certainly hurt Celestia… the blight of her soul. Actions that leave a deep black void across the kindness of her spirit.”

Uh… okay. I didn’t think she would be alright with that. But fine. Soul nodded anyways. Glad that she didn’t get in trouble. It was actually interesting to her. It sounded to her like regret. Celestia felt regret just as Soul did? Soul didn’t know nor could she guess. All she had were her memories of the fateful moment that seemed like long ago as she stared into the alicorn’s eyes, and now everything was gone. All her friends and her life. Lost and all she had left was a strange mare. Now her only companion.

Soul looked up at the black fur all along that pony. All her beauty in her shiny coat and wings. Her gorgeous smile. This really was the only pony who was being nice to her. Is she really the only one who likes me? A black ghost with no name? A dark spirit. The best I got. May as well be exactly what the mare was talking about, some black soul is all she… is. Wait.

Something hit her mind. Eyeing the pony. The blight of her soul, huh? Soul actually had to giggle a little when she thought of it.

1.36
“Soulblight!”

Soul could see the mare actually held her breath for a moment. Surprised?

“What is that?” she asked of Soul. “I don’t like not knowing what to call you so I came up with a name.” Soul said as her ears drooped. “You don’t like it?”

“Did you come up with that just off of my explanation?” the mare said. Soul went ahead and nodded her head. Best I could do with what you gave me. Hope you like it. The mare was silent. Looking all over her. Looked like she was stunned. Why? Is it that bad?

“Aww” she heard the mare say. “That’s so sweet of you.”

“You like it?” Soul asked again, brightening up. “I do. I wouldn’t mind you calling me that, you creative little sweetheart.” Soul felt the blanket tug itself over her head and roughly rub against her mane. It didn’t hurt not at all like how she used to get these noogies, but Soul knew the mare was doing her own version of one to her. It made Soul giggle a little, and that even made the mare she could now call Soulblight laugh with her.

Their laughter was interrupted by another rumble of thunder from Soul’s stomach, this one worse than every other so far. It made Soul cringe and curl up against her belly. “Owww.” Soul moaned again. “We don’t have any food?” she pleaded. Now Soulblight backed away to no longer loom over the filly and sit down in front of her. “I checked everywhere.”

A burst of magic pushed the Pegasus doll back in between Soul’s forelegs. She held it in her hooves, all she had. “I know it’s tough to handle but we can look around the area tomorrow for something to eat. I believe it’s too dangerous right now” Soulblight explained. …Soul would not argue. Not much of a choice. Going out in the dark terrified her even with the company of the older Pegasus, but that damned cold truly haunted her.

“But I can’t fall asleep hungry” Soul said.

Soulblight left her gaze on Soul and looked over to the abandoned bed. “You should sleep. It shall be day time before you know it and we can be that much closer to getting you something to eat. I can help you fall asleep, if you wish.” Well that was true, just sleep and be done with this day. So much closer to food then. How hard would it be for her to fall asleep though? …For both of them?

“Aren’t you hungry? How would you be able to fall asleep?” Soul asked.

Soulblight chuckled looking back at her. She looked proud of herself over something. “Come on now, you think I need food or sleep?” Oh, that’s right… hard to get used to this. Oh how much Soul envied her. Wonder what it’s like, to be like her.

1.37
She made her way to the bed anyways. Soulblight stood up as well and followed right behind her, who dragged the blanket with her, over to the bed. Soul did not need to deal with the blanket anymore. Nope. That magic grabbed hold of it once more and tossed it up on that bed. Just a flick of her wings and Soul flew up there.

The bed was pretty soft. Thought it would be hard. She wasn’t sure what to have expected with how old everything in the house seemed to be. Good thing it was soft to her hooves’ touch. She found a nice, open spot at the head of the blanket that she lay herself down on. Stretching herself out on it. Finally, some rest.

“At least this feels nice” she commented. Her stomach rumbled again. Everything felt nice except for that. The harder her hunger hit her, the more Soul doubted on if she could fall asleep. Yet there was no food.

Wait a minute. It was too cold for her, …but not for Soulblight. She was able to fly around out there easy. “Wait!” Soul grabbed her attention. “Do you think you might be able to find some food since you seem to be more… gifted than I am?” Soul gave her a big, pleading smile. Please. Soulblight smiled at her as well.

“Excellent idea. That weak weather is nothing to me.” With that, she turned around and silently trotted over to the door. For some reason, she still smiled and her voice sounded almost joking to Soul now. “I shall be going. It may be some time before I can find something for you sooooo…” She looked back over at Soul with an arched eyebrow. “Would you be alright being by yourself for a couple hours?”

Soul’s heart sank. I… um… maybe not such a good idea. She could see it now: all alone hiding under her blanket in the dying light of the fire. Her body shivering from both cold and… all this loud wind rocking the house, almost scared her right now. With nopony around for her to reach out to.

Wow. Soul found herself astonished as to how Soulblight’s knew that. Whatever it was, Soulblight actually looked pleased with herself. “You still wish me to leave?” “No!” Soul yelled, jumping from the bed and almost falling off.

“I… I can wait till morning, I guess.”

Soulblight walked back over to the bed still smiling at the filly. “It’s only been half a day. Just be a little more patient and you shall be better soon” she said. “It’s time for bed.”

1.38
Soul’s heart calmed itself. Thankful she isn’t leaving. No way could she do this without Soulblight here tonight. It allowed her to fall back down on the bed, laying on her side as comfortable as she could be. A bit hard to feel right. This wasn’t her bed. Been so long since she could sleep in a bed she knew. Didn’t help it was cold too.

“Would you at least want to lay on the bed with me? There’s plenty of room” Soul asked. Keep me some company in this strange place. She was answered quickly with a black hoof falling upon the mattress only for it to disappear before her eyes, going straight into the white of the bed. Soulblight brought her hoof back up. “It seems I can’t” she said disappointed. That sucks.

Soul felt a little relieved for Soulblight since the mare didn’t need to sleep at all. She could not imagine having the Pegasus sleep on a cold, hard floor while Soul gets the bed. Well it looked like the bed truly was for Soul tonight. Though it would be nice to share it with the larger pony. Been so long since she ever got that chance again, not since last time… the last time she could sleep with another pony. All she had was the blanket. Soulblight grabbed hold of that blanket with that black mist again. Pulling it up. It fell upon Soul, covering all but her head. Soul felt some touch running along her as the blanket tightened around her. Moving on its own, the blanket kneaded itself deep under Soul’s body and wrapping around her leaving just enough room for her to be able to move around in. It felt much warmer than it did before. Soul figured out now that the pony had tucked her in.

Felt a little warmer, though she still missed sleeping like she used to. She still smiled with how pleasant it all felt, all thanks to Soulblight. She could feel her eyes fall slowly as she watched the kind, black Pegasus watch over her with the glow of the still strong fire flickering behind her.

“You’re not gonna leave me, right?” Soul asked. Had to be sure. No way to fall asleep if it were otherwise. Soulblight shook her head. “I’ll be here watching over the house. If you need me, I’ll be right with you.” “Thank you” Soul said.

“You’re really nice.”

Soulblight’s smile grew wider. “Hush now.” She reached her head over the mattress closer to Soul. “You still want me to help you fall asleep?” “How?” Soul wondered. Something that can help. Soul’s poor stomach rumbled again.

“Hmmm.” Soulblight looked to the mattress before returning her gaze to Soul. “Have you… ever had anypony sing for you?” A song? I didn’t expect her to offer that. She had never been sung to sleep before. Nopony ever offered it to her nor had she ever needed it. Damn, how Rainbow Dash would likely laugh at her by how she was now thinking of accepting the thing Soulblight offered her. Even if… Dashie may have had her mom sing her to sleep.

She wondered how Dash may be right now. Was there an off chance she needed her parents to sing to her just for tonight? After what I did to her, she probably needs it. I hurt her so bad. Did she lay in her bed at this very moment like Soul did, sad? Sad but with her mom and dad like normal. Or did she even care? Forgetting Soul like everypony else did, not like the black Pegasus. Soul’s very own pony to stand over her and ease her mind.

1.39
“You have a nice song for me?” Soul asked. “I know one and I would love to share it with you” Soulblight started rubbing her hoof along the back of her mane. “If you want, that is.” Soul nodded. She could swear Soulblight’s eyes lit up. “Okay. Get cozy.”

Soul slid the side of her head deep into the mattress. Laying against her own mane. So much softer than the mattress. Already sleepy and watching the mare. How Soulblight rubbed her chin and thought.

“I’m unsure if you’d like my singing voice so I don’t want you to not laugh at me” Soulblight requested. “I won’t” Soul whispered. Never. Not to you. Soulblight silently cleared her throat and leaned forward closer until she was just short of Soul’s ear. Close enough for Soul to see small strands of silvery mist spiral out from her black fur falling down to harmlessly poof away against the filly’s own fur. So close once more. Looking into just how beautiful and lovely this mare was. Fur so dark but she could see how soft it all was. Gentle like her smile.

Soulblight closed her eyes. Soul listened.

“My lovely pony, know not of fear. Rest in the warmth of my care.”

Those words came out slowly and so naturally. Elegant. Soul felt tingles hit her just from that. She was awe struck. The voice that so gently sang each individual word was completely different to how she had heard from Soulblight up till now. It was a softness the likes of which Soul could not believe to be possible for any pony at all to speak with, rolling from that black tongue with grace. That’s what it was.

How is this pony so beautiful? In every way.

Soul… she couldn’t help it. Her eyes felt heavy. Wanting to just listen to that lovely voice go on. Words sung so slowly. “Sleep my sweet pony, I’ll hold you so near. Cradle the love we’ll always share.” Those last words stuck in her head, sung softly in the last breath Soulblight gave in her song, and Soul saw it just as her eyes fought to stay open.

Soulblight… she cried under her closed eyes. Why are you crying? Soulblight…

Soul wanted to reach out and hold her. If only she could. To know why… why the mare cried. I’ve never seen a pony cry from their own song.

“That… was… beautiful” Soul managed to slip that out at least. So cozy, she couldn’t do it anymore. Even without her bed, without anything that she knew. Without her room and with all that had happened. So long without it all, she could still fall asleep in peace.

“Sleep well, Soul Serenity.”

1.40
Soul burst right through all those clouds. The shredded bits of once elegant clouds cut to shreds by her wings. Back to the sky again for her first time of the day. Soul had missed her open sky even with just having to sleep a whole night before she could do this. She felt so energized and ready for the day. Having to laugh about it.

No change in the wind. Nothing that she felt would keep her from having a good day. Nope, clear weather for today. This would turn out well. A perfect and quick dash through the open sky and going to find the rest of the ponies. Hopeful to find Dashie there. Soul could see her best friend wanting to try and show her up with something the first chance she would get, can’t wait to see.

They were supposed to practice synchronized spins today in the middle of this breezy day. No challenge whatsoever for Soul and her number one wingpony. Only allowing the other slowpokes to catch up while giving them a show at the same time. May as well throw in some spirals to spice it up. Anything went now that… we finally get to practice tricks at camp.

Like the sky itself reminded her of her best friend out there. A massive rainbow arch rising high over Soul and descending far off in the distance to the landscape far below. Its assortment of colors coming down in a mix with the greens and browns of the wide-open landscape whose vastness could only match the same openness of the sky that coiled around the titanic super city of Cloudsdale. The city’s perfectly tended and patterned cloud buildings shrinking in size as Soul left it far below her. Nearly every white and blue home specked in tight marks across the clouds barely visible to Soul’s eyes with only the waterfalls of rainbows and wafts of newly birthed clouds floating about left to show Cloudsdale still down there. So high up. A distance closed between the great pegasi city and Soul by the gigantic rainbow cast off by the city itself.

1.41
Soul would not return to the city hopefully for the rest of the day to relax at the sauna… but only after some more flying around the city with Dashie. Maybe the two fillies could go to the forest or even the lake. That is what she hoped for. Soul couldn’t hide her excitement, grinning all the way to where she could see the place to be.

Dozens upon dozens of clouds annihilated in her wake. Soul loved going this fast. Any reason to get there faster and to give herself some warmup for today. Her incredible speed brought her that much closer until she could see them right ahead. Found you all.

She could see all the fillies and colts up there in the clouds and spotted a cloud for herself. Nice and wide open. A nice, big cloud the specks of several kids flew around with nopony on it. No chance of an accident. So she darted forward at it.

“Wait for it” she whispered. Under and over. In the cloud came, growing bigger and bigger in her sight within mere seconds. Now. Soul sent her wings forward and held them in place with all the strength of her muscles fighting and winning against the massive force of air pushing back against them. Her wings did not buckle and her feathers held strong. Quickly slowing the filly down in time for her to fly right under the dark spot of the cloud, just fast enough, not too fast but not slow enough to rid the thrill of her daring flight. Soul kept her eye on the shadow around her, watching the rays of the Sun flowing down around the cloud. She was pinpoint. A strong down flap of her wings just as she passed back into the sunlight free of the cloud’s shadow. There we go.

Soul curved up along the side of the white cloud, close enough for puffs of free floating cotton to rip apart against Soul’s back. She flew free of the cloud’s touch. Down below her she could see it, a big spot atop the sun-drenched cloud that she went right for with just one flap. Soul came down on it. Spinning over that cloud and… she let her hooves out. The cloud’s top poofed around her hooves as she set down from her completed spiral.

Ha, I still got it.

1.42
“I’m here, guys!”

She looked around. But she held her breath… because of this response.

All the kids of her group were here yet nopony seemed to have even noticed her arrival. A hoofful of them finally glanced back over to her. They seemed surprised to see her and certainly said nothing. Like they didn’t care about her move. “Hey, Soul.” “Hi.” They said back to her before going back to whatever mingling they had been doing.

Soul’s high spirit hit the curb. Everypony had not even noticed. None of them smiled at her, none of them congratulated her. She could only see them smile at one another as they talked to their fellow flight buddies while they stood on clouds or flew around them. Soul grumbled under her breath before slowly walking along the cloud with her head down. Of course. I wish they had seen it.

“Show off.” Soul’s ears perked up. She turned in the direction of whoever said such a thing. Recognizing the voice of the pony she didn’t want to see today. Hoping her would have gotten sick or something to keep him away. There floated, of all ponies, Aurora. The lavender colt in a hover with a few other colts with his forelegs crossed and looked as displeased as always.

Typical for that jerk to say that. Well at least somepony had noticed her… much to Soul’s discontent for who it was. So she did as she always did, ignoring him as she walked by. He still can’t get over that I beat him. He’ll do anything to try and make me feel bad.

She could hear a hoofful of quiet snickers uttered by the colts just as she would have expected. “Thanks for noticing” she said without looking at him. “Asshole” she whispered confident he had not heard her. He gave no hint that he had.

Soul went back to keeping her head low to the clouds and moving to join the rest of the pegasi. She took a deep breath and let it go as her heart beat fast from the warm up she had given herself. A pointless warm up she felt as all the ponies seemed to instinctively ignore her. It would have been nice if somepony cared. After all, Soul just recently saw she could finally be herself around them all.

Maybe Dash had spotted her pull it off somewhere else, she hoped.

“Hiya, Soul” a voice said to her. Sounded a lot happier. Practically lifted Soul up right away. Looking up, she found the curly maned filly. Amber! She came over right with Soul, happy to join her. A friendly face. Soul smiled for her.

1.43
“Hi, Amber! You ready for today?” Soul more than happy to talk to her. Always great to have Amber there to join them for flying. No doubt flying alongside her sister, Breezy. “Yeah! I had a great breakfast and I’m raring to go” Amber said. Soul could see her smaller wings flutter at her sides. Soul had to giggle a little.

She really is always so fun to be around. Always like this. I’m… glad we all hung out last Hearth’s Warming. Wouldn’t be able to even talk like this if not. “I expect Breezy and you to give me a show” Soul happily said. Confident in them.

Amber looked off to her side, keeping her eyes square on Soul with a look of something Soul couldn’t place. Is she shy? She sure sounded shy with her response. “Oh, …well I’m not with Breezy today.” She rubbed one of her forelegs over the other.

Soul was amazed by what she was hearing. Did Amber have a new friend, finding a new partner for today? Perhaps Breezy was doing the same. Soul could not help but feel happy for her.

“Really!” Soul shrieked. She bounced right up into her face. I got to know the details. All of them. “You got a new friend? Who is she?!” Amber laughed this time. She smiled at the expectant magenta filly.

“Well… it’s a he” she said.

No way. Soul wanted to smack Amber if she was just pulling her leg. All this time, I never thought she would want to fly with a colt. Never came off like she would. Amber was the last pony Soul would expect to do that, especially since she had Breezy. Soul didn’t even need to respond. Her face told it all to Amber. The filly frowned at her.

“Hey, I’m not lying. He wanted to practice with me and I said yes. Breezy told me to go for it.” Soul gave up on her disbelief of Amber’s words and accepted them as truth. Amber was getting a new friend, and a boy at that. Lucky.

Soul nodded at her. Her forehoof arced out and gently punched against Amber’s shoulder. “Good for you! Make me proud.” “You know I will” Amber said as she turned around and stared off over at somepony else. Soul caught him too. Some grey maned colt with long strands of hair over his face. Soul could see him wave over at them and Amber even waved back. That has to be him. I don’t even know his name. Just another stranger in their class to her. “Don’t get too jealous of me” Amber smirked before flying off.

“What!?” Soul yelled.

Damn teasing. Soul had not for one bit felt any jealousy over her hanging out with new ponies or boys. Not like I need boys, I got my flying to perfect and all… though she did find herself a little down by it. Amber is lucky. So easy for her to make a new friend. I had a hard time just trying to get ponies to notice what I can do. Speaking of which… “Wait a minute” she called after Amber. “Did you see my trick?” No answer came back. Amber was well away with that colt. “Damn” Soul said.

Guess I should see Dashie.

1.44
There she was. Just a couple clouds off she could see that long rainbow tail facing back at her. Dash over there with the other fillies and colts. Just who I want to see. Soul jumped right off the cloud and leapt over to the next. Her wings gliding her over and over them all one at a time, just a short way over to where Dash was.

Nopony noticed her landing with them and as she walked up behind them. Soul couldn’t care. Everypony she saw were nameless to her that she never cared to meet. So she approached the one pony there she truly knew. Soul kept expecting Dash to turn around and greet her but it never came as she listened to another filly talking about something. Soul could only pick up a few words and not enough for her to figure out what they may be talking about.

“Dashie!” she screamed.

Just as she wanted, Dash’s tail frizzed up and she actually shook a little from shock. Yes, I surprised her. Soul just loved seeing that look on Dash’s face. She smiled proudly. Dash turned her head back with a frown that slowly came up to a small smile.

“Oh, what’s going on?”

Soul heard it right there, Dash sounded displeased. I overdid it. Dash was certainly less than pleased being scared like that in front of the others and the fault was on Soul. “Sorry for yelling. I was just playing. It looks like you’re ready for today” Soul said. Dash turned around now to face her.

“Don’t do that again. That wasn’t very nice, you know?” Soul couldn’t really smile anymore. She backed off a step feeling ashamed over how much her tiny prank affected Dash. She glanced past Dash to the other pegasi standing behind her who were also staring at her. All across them, none smiled at her, not even Dash. Soul realized she truly should not have yelled. Even she would consider it as rude to have been interrupted by somepony just as she had just done. But it made no sense. Dashie always liked it when I pranked her, she always got me back in the end. Maybe she really is afraid of doing this stuff in front of the others.

Soul tapped her hoof against the cloud with her head down. “I won’t. I’m sorry.” Soul regretted it. I need to find some way to make it up to her. Dash sighed. “Don’t worry about it. …I’m totally ready for today. You look good as well.” Soul liked how her friend returned to normal now sounding exactly as she knew her to be. Maybe she had noticed her trick earlier. Soul went off that assumption. “Thanks a lot! Did you happen to see my landing when I got here?”

Dash placed her hoof behind her head, rubbing slowly with a smile. Yes?

“Uhhh …no I didn’t, sorry” Dash admitted. Soul sighed. So it was all for nothing then. Damn.

1.45
“Yeah… don’t worry. It was nothing special” Soul lied.

Soul had to admit to herself that it was kind of heartbreaking. She kept her head low to the ground faking her smile, none knew how disappointed she was. Feels a lot like how the early days here felt. None of it mattered. She would have time to feel better later on as she trained with Dash and have loads of fun. So she went on to it.

“I’m excited to fly with you today. We’re gonna do great, I know it” Soul said looking up at Dash. “Oh. Right” Dash slowly said. Her smile let out a small laugh. It sounded weird to Soul. Like it was a fake one.

“Uh, Soul” Dash said to her. “I’m actually pairing up with somepony else today.”

Soul actually felt her own stomach churn hearing that.

Dash was not going to fly with her?

How could this be? “What?” Soul whispered. “But… we always fly together.” “I know, but Breezy needed a partner and I offered to fly with her” Dash said. So that was who Breezy would be with now that Amber had found a new partner and now… Soul realized she had no partner. But… Dashie, you’re supposed to be my partner. My wingpony. Who else could ever be my partner?

Her eyes scanned across the other ponies standing behind Dash. All strangers to her. No, she did not want to ask any of them. She wanted her friend. Almost as if it were mocking her, Breezy flew in behind Dash. The younger filly smiling away over this. Dash actually smiled at her and not at Soul.

“Dash! We’re heading out so hurry up” Breezy said. Dash started to turn away. “Coming” she said with no hesitation. “No, wait!” Soul yelled after her, making Dash turn back in surprise to Soul’s outburst. Even more surprised to now see a tear coming down the magenta filly’s cheek. Soul could feel her mouth quiver in sadness with how close she had seen Dash nearly leave her with no explanation about this. Hell, not even caring about how mean it was to leave her. We need to fly together.

“I want to fly with you, Dash. I got nopony else to fly with” she pleaded. She felt this to be true with fear coming over her still thinking she would have to approach somepony she did not know. What if they didn’t like her or made fun of her like they used to do? It was not a fear she had with Rainbow.

“Go ask around then. I already got a partner” Dash said in such a harsh tone. Stunning Soul with it but even more so by what she was asking. Dash, more than any other, should know I can’t do that. She is the one I want to always fly with. She knows this. How could she suggest this? Soul slinked her head down slowly shaking, thinking over it. “But… I don’t want to. I’m too afraid” Soul whispered.

1.46
Something breathed against her forehead. It was strong enough to force the filly to look back up and see a pair of magenta eyes staring down on her with Dash’s face right there in her face.

“Well that’s not my problem.”

The words coming out like a knife to her heart making Soul tremble. They cut so deep against her. Soul repeated the line over and over feeling these sudden cruel words of her friend. Soul hated to… to do this, but tears came down. Couldn’t even control them. Dashie, I… I want to only fly with you. Don’t leave me. Don’t do it like everypony else did.

Small laughs sounded out to her. Past Dash, she could see the other kids laughing at her hiding their mouths behind their legs as if she wouldn’t see it. Don’t laugh at me. She knew she looked so defenseless now, pushed down by the cyan Pegasus and cornered by those words that made her cry in front of everypony. Surrounded by their laughter. “D-d-d …Dashie” Soul muttered with what little strength she could put out. With that, Rainbow Dash backed away looking back at her now with disgust.

“What a baby” she turned back to look at the others. “Why would I ever fly with her? A waste of my time.” The laughter grew louder to Soul. She could clearly see everypony else finally laughing about it. Just like they did when I fell. How can they do this? Laugh at this. How she was abandoned by the pony who smirked at her. Even Breezy laughed behind Dash. Soul looked around at all of them. Not one pony showed her any care. Pegasi hanging around other clouds laughed at her from the distance. She could even pick out Amber among them. Like this really was funny. Funny to them all… and she was the only one who could cry over it. Why? Why?

Soul backed away from them all. She wanted to go home now, forget the class. Knowing how pathetic she must look now. Pathetic in front of everypony and in front of her best friend. Even with what Rainbow had said, Soul had to reach out to her. Her little hoof moving to touch her friend’s chest. “Dashie…” she whispered again. Dash did not meet her touch. Soul’s heart ached as she watched her friend turn around with her head shaking. As she turned away, Soul caught Dash glaring.

“Buzz off.”

Soul saw it come right at her. Her face stung right when that rainbow tail whipped right at her. A pain that could not yell any louder at her than the pain in her heart. All she could see in her hazy sight was a streak of rainbow hairs flashing across her face reaching from the rear of the cyan Pegasus. Striking so hard. So hard… Soul blinked. So hard that she felt nothing. Nothing else but the pain that made her step back and then… her hooves fell off.

1.47
Dash left her sight, as did all the other ponies. All she could see was the sky falling away from her just like when I would fall all the time during training. Right before they left me. All the time Nimbus and Starry trained me, gone in an instant. Just like all ponies in my life, falling away from it all. Everything left her. The sky left her, and only a single feeling could grip upon her body. Soul only felt her pain. Her wings dangling up desperately clawing back to the clouds she fell from. She could not reach out to them. The echoes of laughter entering all around. Stop it!

Her heart ached so much. Rainbow Dash… hated her. Doesn’t even want to fly with me. What is the point then? No point at all. Flap. Flap. Those wings did nothing to stop her fall. They were useless.

The clouds shrank ever more and the wind cut deep against her back as she fell. Clouds burst apart to make way for her. Little puffs of white all that were in her wake. Soul reached a hoof out. It came before her vision. A small magenta hoof reaching out for where she last saw her. For the life I want back. Give it back! Please. Rainbow. “Dash…shie. Don’t leave… me”

I hate you!

The wind cut deep. Falling through it all. Just a little reach for the sky she fell from. Soul left it behind. Cast out from it, Soul pulled her hoof back in. Coming to touch… where Dash hit her. It hurts. So much. Didn’t need to see it, just knowing by the red she saw on her hoof. A deep cut on her face. She hit me. Why? Red droplets fell from her hoof up into the sky. All she left behind in her fall.

It hurt. So much. Her face stung as badly as her heart did but she would not reach away, still clinging on to the last sight of that dying cloud high above her in the sky that died along with it. The blues and whites shining in the great embrace of the yellow Sun staring down on her, burning all that sight away. The last light of day gone.

It’s so dark. Falling from the sky. Soul could feel it. Coming down on the forest that lay below it all.

Dashie.

Silence.

1.48
Soul gasped.

The only sound to break the darkness. Gone was the sky, the clouds she could not reach for. Staring up at some ceiling. It left her muddled. Hearing some ringing. Laughter. She just realized she was panting. Her hoof rubbed against the rough mattress.

No, this wasn’t her bed. That was right.

She remembered everything looking up at the wooden boards of the ceiling and a glance to her right showing the ugly window stuffed near to the top with snow that worked hard but failed to block out rays of sunlight to try and shine through the house as much they could. This sanctuary from the snow in a world devoid of the hatred and betrayal her mind flourished around with what was left of what she now knew was a nightmare.

The most terrible nightmare in a long time. She moved her head a little across the mattress. The blanket buckled along her body, freed of the tight wrap it had her in as she remembered it used to be. Tossing and turning. Such a rough night.

Felt like… her entire face was damp. A cool touch along the back of her neck. The mattress was wet where her head lay, soaked. I can’t believe it. Thank Celestia nopony could see how miserable, even pathetic, she looked.

Except for… “Soul…blight?” she whispered, turning her head slowly to where she remembered the fire to be, where the black Pegasus had stood over her lulling her to sleep. Her eyes deeply hung on the fireplace. Amazingly, the fire still burned. Its blossom of sunlight rippling in a wave along what she could pick out as new stuff in it to keep it burning. Whatever they were, she could not make them out with how charred they had become to keep the house warm for her. It looked like Soulblight had kept busy overnight to keep her warm, and she had indeed waited for her in the night.

1.49
There along the wall far off from the foot of the bed, Soul picked out the dark figure of the mare sitting there and nearly blending in with the shadows of the poorly lit house. Her yellow dragon eyes looming down on the dirty rug placed out on the floor before they rose to finally meet Soul’s gaze.

So Soulblight must have seen me… crying. Soul didn’t want to say anything. Just getting up out of the bed. Her long mane made into a mess and hanging over her eyes. Kept them well hidden. Seeing her tail was also a total mess too. Soul knew she had a nightmare for sure. I must look terrible to her.

I’m just glad it’s over. I feel much better now. So glad she got sleep and was free of that terrible nightmare. Even felt rested for once. Better than she ever had. Maybe because her heart was still pounding. Yet, Soul noticed immediately she felt …energized.

I’m not tired at all. Like that was the best sleep she had in months. So wide awake now. She leapt right off the bed. No need to drag herself out of bed this time. With new space to work with, Soul stretched her legs and wings out, ridding the kinks from her muscles. It felt good. Clean away of the feeling of free fall still fresh to her and making her uneasy. It was so much better to have her hooves firmly planted on solid ground right now as she stretched her legs ahead of her. With a small grunt, she straightened herself back out heaving a sigh of relief.

She turned back to the mare and gave her a smile which the mare returned back. “Good morning, Blight.” I uh… wow, kinda slipped out with that name she just called her. Soul put a hoof to her mouth. “It’s nice to see you again, sweetheart” Soulblight said.

She… is okay with it? I don’t know why I’m so afraid. She felt so uptight. Even feeling her body still shaking. She even called me a sweetheart? Come on now, I’m not that sweet. No need to say that to make me feel good or something. Still made her smile. Maybe she does like me.

1.50
Soul caught sight of something laying on the ground a few steps away from her. The Pegasus doll, standing right there. Oh man, I left it there like that. She had left it alone all night long. A little, defenseless thing. Even after doing such a thing, the Pegasus still smiled at her with forgiveness. I’m sorry.

She made her way over to it and wrapped one of her forelegs around it. I’m not leaving her right here. Its soft touch a welcome feeling against the skin hidden beneath her fur. So soft but… she looked down at it. It’s just a doll. Some toy, but it’s leaving me like this. Soul looked and saw Blight was still over there watching her. Completely forgot about her. Why am I acting like this? She looked down at it again.

“You seem livelier this morning” Blight commented. “…Do I?” Soul remarked as she walked back over to the bed. I sure don’t feel it.

“I do believe I like this side of you. It’s cute.” Soul could feel her cheeks heat up hearing that all of a sudden. Somepony just called her cute?! What? Why was Blight even talking like this to me? Sheesh. It’s kind of flattering. Better than what all the other ponies say to me. Even so, she kept her face away from Blight. Hide herself and just go about putting that doll up on the bed. Reaching out to set it down, Soul looked down on her foreleg that came up along the bed.

It was the same leg as before.

She stared at it. Wanting to try and see if it would happen again. That hoof came closer to her face. Is it there? Just a second. Just to make sure. Though she hoped it wouldn’t be so. She touched her cheek. Right where she had felt the pain. It felt fine, it looked fine. Pulling her hoof back. No blood. Soul couldn’t place what this meant. She remembered it and how it felt. Like it was still there. It was so intense. I really thought there was something there. Some wound on her. How painful it was even outside of it all. Like she had indeed been scratched while she slept, but no blood, no wound. She wanted to get rid of that memory. It was just a nightmare. Nothing more.

Nothing at all.

Dash would never do that to me. Never. She isn’t mean.

She slowly left her gaze from her leg and back to the doll she gently tucked into the blanket. A more fitting spot for her to be while Soul would venture with Blight in search of food just as the older Pegasus promised they’d do. But upon remembering that promise, it hit her. Things got weirder to her as she discovered something. Soul set a hoof down upon her stomach. Nothing answered. Had anything answered so far? No discomfort the likes of which had pained her last night. Gone.

She found herself not hungry one bit!

1.51
Soul rubbed her stomach looking down at it. She wasn’t certain if she should be surprised or relieved she was free of that pain from hunger right now. Even so, she still wanted to go out and at least look around for something that she could dig into. Anything that would give her an excuse to get out of here. Leave that bed right now. Away from all those mean ponies. Rather hang out with a nice one.

A pony that kept her promise to her and had not left her all night.

“Thanks for staying with me overnight” Soul said to her. She locked eyes with Blight. The mare didn’t even need it, waving a hoof at her. “It was no problem.” “Was last night okay for you? Hope you didn’t get bored.” Found some way to keep herself occupied since she didn’t sleep. Whatever it was, she gave no specific answer of what it was. “It was. Thank you for asking.” “Good” Soul said as she made her way back to the burning fire. It felt nice, as did the house. Much better than yesterday but a small chill still hung. Still cold out.

“But do you wish to talk about it?” Soulblight asked from behind her.

It made Soul freeze. She could feel the fur on the back of her neck stand up reacting to the fact that the black Pegasus had walked up stand behind the filly. Talk about it? “Uh, a-about what?” Soul asked. Did she know something or… she did give her a show all night long. She looked back seeing Blight had sat down next to her. She insisted on it. “You were crying all night long. I even tried to wake you but you would not budge. If you want, you may talk to me about your nightmare.”

Damn, she’s spot on. There was no way Soul could hide she had a nightmare with how obvious it had been she was crying in her sleep. It was nice of her to offer it, more and more like a real friend would. But the truth in the matter was that she did not know if she wanted to talk about it. Just remembering how cruel Rainbow Dash had been in it almost made her start to tear up. I don’t want to remember. It hurts knowing that I pushed her away so much… so much that she would hurt me. What good would it be for Blight to know?

No, Soul did not want to cry anymore and not in front of this pony. Not in front of the others. The Pegasus still sat there expectantly waiting for Soul’s answer. It was just a nightmare.

1.52
“I…” Soul looked off away from Blight. “I don’t wanna talk about it. Please don’t worry about it.”

“I see you are not ready. Alright, you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. But know that I’m willing to listen to you” Blight said. At least she didn’t press. “You hungry?” Blight asked her next. “Actually no” Soul admitted the strange fact. “I feel alright for now. Weird, huh?”

“Hmm …yes indeed” Soulblight said looking over out the window. She smiled slightly. “It’s a little better outside now if you still want to look around.” A little better? I wonder how much better it could have got. Weather so bad she could not even hope to go searching around for any food or even a way to get out of this winter wasteland. But she found no reason to doubt Blight. If she said it was better than it should be. We can go look around. She quickly walked over to the door before Blight had time to even react to the filly’s excitement. “Let’s go!” Soul called after her. Soulblight happily trotted over to join her at the door. Soul did not need to be the one to open the door this time as that burst of black magic from yesterday rushed over the knob and pulled the door open on its own.

A flood of light rushed in, blinding Soul momentarily until she could finally look out and see what it is she had missed all yesterday. Soul could actually see the Sun itself high above the hills with only small, faded grey clouds blocking it a little. None of the thick clouds from before were around and only a small amount hung around to give off a small sprinkle of snowflakes to gently come down upon the world below.

Soul used her wings to pull herself up to the top of the snowy ditch their house was buried in with Blight doing the same in kind. Soul had to smile. She found herself freed of their prison and out in an entirely new world of fluttering snow gracing a calm landscape of pure, white snow reflecting the glow of the Sun as far as she could see. If she hadn’t known any better, she could place it as a scene straight from a postcard made even more beautiful by how she… she could actually see what it was that towered high in the distance. Mountains. Mountains going forever in a line spreading that bright horizon. Capped in snow. Just like the mountainsides of Equestria she had seen long ago. Soul thought it was beautiful.

1.53
Taking in the scenery made her almost miss the feeling. It was cold …but she did not shiver. It felt near to the weather she knew so well to fall upon Equestria with the coming of winter. This weather felt a bit better for sure. Soulblight was right.

Soul leapt forward and turned to face the mountains again with a bright smile and her laughter to greet the gorgeous weather. Snowflakes landed upon her. Oh the weather is much better today. Maybe now we can actually go out and look for some way out of here. She turned back to Soulblight. The black mare herself taking in the scenery. “Now this is flying weather!” Soul proudly declared.

Soulblight laughed as the filly took to the air. Her flight not hampered by heavy winds or freezing cold, Soul hovered high over the house steadily taking in everything from up here. Snow as far as the eye could see below her and flooding the land in every direction like an ocean that could only be broken by the mountains and their village itself. All the houses below having their roofs also covered in that white blanket. This place really is nothing but snow. No telling just how long it had to have been falling. It made it all look beautiful.

This is so much like Cloudsdale in winter. Nothing but white, so gorgeous though. Those times she missed. I never did get a chance to play in it in the end. Soul inched her sight over to the black mare standing not far off from the house, staring up and waving a hoof at her. I wonder if she would be up for it.

Hmm… Blight looked a bit close to the house and all that snow on top of it, as Soul glanced over the mare and all that snow. I really did want to play in the snow with somepony else. I don’t know, just… feels like Blight would want to. After all, she was so nice to me. I’d love for her to enjoy this. A little something before we spend the whole day looking around. Knowing they would do that considerable amount of flying today, didn’t sound like a bad idea for her to ‘warm up’ a bit. Hehe, at least what Blight would see.

1.54
“Hey, Blight!” she called down. “I’m gonna loosen my wings up with a few tricks. Could you maybe watch me?” I think I sound innocent enough for her. It seemed Soulblight did as well. “It would be my pleasure.” Bingo.

The black Pegasus sat herself down on the snow, and she did that weird thing again just from her butt sitting down on the snow. Like there was black smoke coursing out around her. Just for a brief moment. What is that? Soul arced her brow for a moment at it, seeing Blight never cared about that mist. The mare just watching her. I’m the center of her attention, while Blight was the center of Soul’s attention.

That mare was pretty weird. In a good way. Soul turned away from her. Well, what can I do for her? I think I got a quick trick I can use. She only needed enough speed to pull this off. It would look like a warmup.

Soul craned her head up, basking her face in the glow of the Sun and not even feeling much cold over her anymore. The beautiful winter sky coming down upon her as she reached up to it with strong bursts of her wings. She extended her legs out, all four reaching for the sky. Right as she shot up at that sky. It won’t take much. One. Two. Soul looked down, the village was way down there.

What I would give to do this stuff again with… with Dashie. I really want to find her out there. Wherever we are, find some way out of it. How long has it been since I’ve seen her? Soul twisted around up there and flew right back down to the earth below. She fell down with the snowflakes spinning around her and blown away by the wind jetting from her wings as she picked up speed. Even in this moment of wanting to have fun, she still felt it in her heart. She felt empty. Even with Blight here.

Flying so fast like she used to do with Dash. Plummeting down to earth towards whatever goal. I hate doing it alone now. Soulblight, I need to thank you for putting up with me so far. She saw the mare right down there and coming in fast. Soul felt all the wind in her mane. Coursing over her. So strange, it all felt weird to her.

It’s been so long since I got to fly like this. Feel any speed. She could feel her heart flutter. The world moving so fast. All around her. Almost too fast. But I should be used to this. I should be.

How I missed flying. It’s been too long.

Soul could see the house ahead of her, coming in fast. Descending down on it as quick as she could even when her wings began to wobble. Maybe it would be too much to ask Blight to fly with me. This just didn’t feel right anymore. Not having Dash with her. All so fresh. Alone in the sky. I gotta do this trick on my own. As much as she could remember how to do it.

But she had to do it fast. Too fast! Soul gasped right when she noticed it coming in at her. Shit! I gotta pull up. Her wings caught the air. Turn! Soul leveled herself just in time, in time to kick herself forward. Right at the roof full of snow.

I really miss playing with Dashie. Soulblight, I want to play with you. Because I really miss doing things with other ponies.

1.55
The filly cleared the roof just in time, blasting over it. Soul smiled. She could hear the wind in her ears and saw for just a moment how it sent all the snow flying off that rooftop. Blasting past that roof and off towards… where Blight was. Cleared of this house, Soul went right at the next one. Weaving around the village and going right at where she knew Blight to be. Her wings beat hard to push the filly higher. She could not think on this. It had to be done fast. Because… she could tell her wings were getting too wobbly.

She tried to adjust it. Too late! I’ll hit the damn house if I keep trying. She only went right for the rooftop she aimed for. So she made her move, pushing her wings forward and up now. Heading right over the house she almost slammed into. Cleared of it and off towards the next one and the next. Until she saw the house she had slept in last night and, beyond that, Soulblight. Soul saw the mounds of snow that decorated their house square in her sight. I think I’m going fast enough to do this. She was lined up perfectly. The force would do the rest. Soul needed only now to make one last move to complete her little trick.

Her speed still high, Soul had to make that move now. Her wings let go of their beating. She held them both out, desperate to catch as much air as possible. Slow herself down enough to finish this. Just as she did that, Soul used every muscle in her body to flip herself in midair. Her hind legs going right at the snow atop the roof. The hooves at their tips reaching out at the snow. Her speed did the rest.

Soul flew right into the snow, so hard. Satisfied to see she was going fast enough, right before her wings gave out, to take that snow with her. The snow was sent flying off the roof. The chunks of white baring down upon the black mare below. Soul catching the tiny moment she had to see just how stunned Blight was. Wanting to see it happen but… she fell.

Soul careened off the roof. Screaming.

I really am rusty. Soul knew she should have been able to pull that off easy. Just fly in at a bunch of snow as quick as possible and make it all fly. Shouldn’t even make my wings do this. Oh man, this is gonna…

Her face slammed right into the ground. Buried in snow. The filly flipping and landing hard on her back upon the icy snow before coming to a stop. Couldn’t even get the chance to admire what it was she had done. Her face hurt.

“Oww!” she cried out in the snow. Felt like a sting going along her face. Almost like… old times. Unfortunately. Man, it’s been so long since I hurt myself. Soul really was back in the fray again. Felt good to fly once again, just without the pain.

1.56
Soul lifted herself up. Finally taking a breath. She tried to look up but stinging pain along her face pushed her back down. She gently set a hoof on her face and rubbed at the place that hurt the most: her chin. It hurt quite a bit, that fall doing a number to her.

I really hope… it wasn’t for nothing.

She did her best to look up and see where Soulblight was. Oh what!?

I really thought she would at least be neck deep in snow by now, but all that snow had found something else to do. It hung in the air.

Dozens upon dozens of large chunks of snow sitting completely still right above the ground. Soul couldn’t even figure out what may have been happening before the answer revealed itself. A burst of black energy shot out at her, making her fur and mane fly like they were in a gale, that very gale sending every chunk of snow flying back at the house where they all exploded into tiny splatters along the wall. All of them thudding so loud, each thud just made Soul more and more upset with herself. Soulblight was there completely untouched. Her face unflinching and not at all amused. She certainly had reacted fast enough to Soul’s attempted prank, sadly meaning that this pain in Soul’s face was all for naught.

The mare was way too quick to fall for that. “Soul!” She cried out. Soulblight kicked her legs hard and actually galloped over to where the filly sat, sat ashamed of herself. So upset over it. I can’t believe it. I thought I would get her. She kept a hoof to cover her chin.

Soulblight reached her and stood tall over Soul who kept her head down. I don’t often fail when I fly. Soul, she hated knowing she had completely squandered this whole thing. Pouting over it and now Blight was here. Staring down at her. Not having any of Soul’s sulking at all.

1.57
As diligently and soft as she could manage, Soulblight spoke down to her. “Are you hurt? Please let me see your face.” Please go away, I really don’t need for her to see this. None of her stupidity. But the mare would not leave. Just like she was some sort of caring mother about this. Really, there was no reason for her to care. She really isn’t going to leave. Soul sighed. Actually letting her hoof fall from her face. Soulblight was really quick, almost like she didn’t look over her. She sighed in relief. “You only have a small cut on your chin. Thank goodness.”

A small cut? Soul placed her hoof back to her chin and felt along it. There it was. She could feel the slight bump in the smoothness of her skin. How subtle and short it felt. Really was small. At least nothing bad had come of this in the end. Soul looked back up at Blight. Her careful and soft gaze had left her. Soul’s eyes widened a little.

She had thought nothing bad had come of this.

She looks pretty pissed. “Soul Serenity” she said sternly. “That was a really dumb stunt. You obviously aren’t ready for such flying right now.” Soul hated this. Getting lectured. I know, I know, I haven’t flown in a long time. Her aching wings told her that. I’m not ready for extreme flying at the moment. I just wanted to play with her is all. It’s been so long since I got to do that with another pony.

I don’t know why I want to cry. I’m getting yelled at, scolded. It’s… been so long since I’ve flown and so long since… since I had a pony actually care about me like she is right now. Kind of like…

Nimbus.

I can’t believe I upset her.

Soulblight sighed. One of her hooves stepped closer to Soul. “I’m not mad at you. I only want no harm to come to you, just be more careful.” Soul was quiet. It may have been scolding, but it was something to her that sounded almost pleasant. Why is Blight so concerned about me? It’s not like she needs to care. Truly she may be the only pony who cared for her. Such a strange pony. Even with the black pony looming over her, it was like… she guarded her. Protecting me. That made her smile down at the snow.

1.58
Yet more snow came, not from the surface she stood on, but blasting right into Soul’s face. She saw it. Too late. It surprised her enough to make her heart jump.

Soul rapidly wiped a hoof across her face. All that snow fell clear. “What the hell?” she spat looking up in the direction the snow came from. Soulblight was already off. She hung further off with her huge, black wings keeping her aloft… and she was laughing.

“You also should be more subtle when trying to surprise me. Looks like I’m superior in that regard.” Did she seriously throw snow at me? It made the filly finally jump right back up on her hooves. Oh now I’m mad. “You jerk!” she called out at Blight. But the mare only responded with more laughter. Soul frowned. She had done it now.

Soul looked back down at the snow which she buried both her forehooves into with a slight push. A mound of snow came up with her hooves. You think you’re safe all the way over there? She only needed to shape it into a proper snowball and her strength would do the rest. She looked back over at Blight smiling with her intention. A snowball formed, not in Soul’s corner but in Soulblight’s. Wrapped in a black mist, hovering right in front of the black Pegasus and… that’s meant for me. Then it shot forward.

It was fast. The gap between both pegasi closed fast in the snowball’s path right at Soul’s face. Soul dropped her snow and quickly leapt to the side with one quick flap of her wings. That snowball smacked right where she had been almost immediately. “That was close” Soul commented looking back at where it struck.

Another snowball hit its mark, smacking right into Soul’s cheek that she kept facing Blight for the brief second she had looked away. “That’s two for me!” Blight yelled. Soul had to let out a small growl looking back at the celebrating Pegasus but she was quick to cheer up. If she was keeping score than this was a challenge now.

“You won’t keep that lead for long” she called back. Soul took to the air at a low hover with the ground just low enough for her to grab a hooffull of snow. A rounded snowball now hung ready in between her forehooves. Soul took the hint from how Blight had hit her the second time and knew she would need to trick her to land a hit. Easy enough, Soul had speed on her side.

1.59
Soul shot straight at Blight. Alright, so you’re better at this than I thought, well I can trick you. I’ll come right at you. Full frontal. Blight came in right at her. Closing in, and her wings readied. Those huge, black wings filling Soul’s eyes. “I got you!” Soul claimed. “You wish” Blight said. Soul reeled her forehooves back ready to send the snowball at her, but… she held it.

Her wings skidded to a halt. Soul turned and shot around right towards Blight’s side. Keeping her eyes on the mare. Unfortunately, those yellow dragon eyes watched her as well. Those huge black wings ready to dodge. Nope, this wouldn’t work. I gotta find some way to get her. Even if I am out of practice, I am still fast. I’m still no different than how I was before all this. The filly froze her wings and burst them forward now. Flapping hard ahead of her. Just enough to send her flying backwards in an instant. Right back where she had been.

Snow exploded in the air behind her with all that wind almost thundering around her. Soul almost heard it. Her ears catching the faint sound of air rippling violently around her. Damn, I’m almost able to do that again. But it was good enough. Fast enough. Soul circled back around quicker than she had before, …quicker than Blight could turn.

“Gotcha!” Soul made a hard stop and tossed that snowball. It came in at Blight faster than she could react, right at her side. Soul grinned. Still the fastest.

1.60
The ball landed right in the snow… in the snow behind Soulblight. It did nothing and silence fell back over both pegasi. Soul slumped.

Just like… her body had done yesterday. Damn, that’s right. Soul remembered. How stupid! That’s not fair. I’m trying to have a snowball fight with this pony of all ponies. This pony having abilities she had never thought possible for anypony. It really did seem like… like life had gone back to normal for just that brief moment. Like I could have thrown that snowball at… at Dashie of all ponies. It felt like it could have been. Turning into that black Pegasus once again. Soul whimpered…

It’s not how it used to be.

“Looks like I forgot that as well” Blight said after regaining herself. “So perhaps I win.” As if I can beat her now. I can’t even hit a pony like this; but how the hell can she claim she wins!? Teasing me like that. She still felt a need to call out that claim. “Only cuz you cheated” she said, slowly getting rid of that sadness in her heart.

“Come now, I didn’t mean to seize the advantage. You still managed to trick me” Blight said. Well at least Soul had that. “Yeah, I would’ve gotten you good.”

“That was fun” Soulblight said. “Did you have fun?” Soul could not deny it, I liked remembering how this was like. Playing with another pony. Besides, I know I won. She did manage to enjoy herself. In the wake of an entire day of constant disappointments and sadness. After a nightmare still lingering on in her mind with how much it hurt her. Soulblight still managed to make Soul smile with some friendly competition just like old times. How rowdy. It made her happy.

The filly hovered closer to Soulblight until she was close enough to be in her shadow. No matter what total crap this mare had said to her about winning, Soul had to admit she did love this. Enough to actually fly with her, look up at her where the mare’s darkness covered the Sun and looked down at her with her blazing yellow eyes. Soul could feel the gentle brush of air flowing over her from Blight’s flapping wings.

1.61
“I did. I feel better now.”

Blight sealed her eyes and smiled brightly, happy to hear it. Blight needed to feel better. Anything to heal the fact she would have lost otherwise. Blight needed everything she could get. Soul wanted to actually reach out and touch this pony. Like how she and Dash would do stuff like this after moments like this. Like when I threw myself on her after the race. Because I loved playing with her. Soul found herself almost about to touch her hoof to that black, misty body. Stopping herself. It wouldn’t work. Not with this pony. Showing Blight how much she liked playing with her, never to happen.

She looked away, Soul caught sight of the lines of towering mountains walling off the vast sky out there. The only deviations in this land of snow besides their village. Soul felt her gaze fall off slowly to look back at Soulblight’s wings rhythmically beating air against her.

Maybe she did have some way to show how much she enjoyed playing with her. She grinned. Mist simmered around Soul’s hoof as she tapped a forehoof against the dark layer of fur making up Soulblight’s chest. Something we can do. Like what I saw the other kids do.

“Tag!”

Soul exploded out in the thunder of wind her wings let out with one quick flap. “You’re it!”

1.62
Those mountains were certainly a good place to start if Blight and her were to start looking for something out here. Either food for later or a way home. Preferably both. So Soul kept her eyes set on the tallest of the mountains rising high over dense groups of mountains far more numerous than what had been visible from the house, and as her wings rocketed her closer, the more exciting it became to see such a great feature in what she thought just yesterday was nothing more than a land of snow.

Such gorgeous mountains!

All that snow sunk below her the higher she angled herself up to touch down on that mountain looming down on her with all its snowcapped ridges. The Sun shining over all of it. It was gorgeous. Soul only hoped that Blight was as happy as she was to see such a sight from wherever she was back there, eating Soul’s dust.

She looked back over her shoulder to be sure. The village was nothing more than some dots in a sea of white with snowflakes rushing past her towards those specks. But with all these tiny dots, Soul could see the black Pegasus back there. Way back there. Hahaha not so quick. You’re not gonna win at this. I’m too fast for her but… there was something else to this.

She was still wanting to do things with Soul.

Blight would never catch me but, as Soul looked back to the mountains, I just want to do this with her. It really does feel good to have somepony with me again. One as playful as she is. As nice as she is. It’s been so long since I got this feeling. I don’t know why she wants to be with me. Everypony else left me, yelled at me, made me feel terrible. They all hate me. So much that they got rid of me. I’m so glad I met this Pegasus. It was crazy how easily everypony else would abandon her easily yet this pony she had only known for a day was proving to be… a true friend. A reliable guardian and a playful friend. Almost like what I wanted to see the ponies who abandoned me as.

Like family. And a slowpoke.

1.63
The mountain had closed in so quickly. Soul was certainly going to be the first one to the mountain top and shut that mare up, no way she can talk trash anymore. She could imagine the feeling now and it would come soon enough. Just like old times, haha.

Coming right in at the mountain top. She was so high up by now. Just glancing down and she could only see the hazy white landscape slowly disappearing under the clouds she flew over. These mountains so tall over this land. With their tips reaching high to the sky. Large enough up here for her to be able to land on. She slowed herself down. Coming to a stop, she had to look back at the land she left behind.

Wow. Nothing but white. She had never seen an entire land of snow before. Never able to imagine such a sight, but up here, she could. Hills and endless valleys going on forever under this snow. Nothing at all she could see down there besides the wild snowfall and thick clouds beyond. Not able to take her eyes off it even as she set all four hooves down upon the mountain top.

Soul sighed. Panting. Not able to take her eyes off the world below. This mountain standing tall over all the others, a massive mountain range. Just like ones she had seen Cloudsdale fly over. Mountains buried in snow with heavy snowfall coming down upon them all. Every way her eyes looked across. This really all there was out here? But… she stopped.

Seeing something down in the breaks between the mountains. Like little poles or something. Trees? She stared. Those are trees but… they made her breath stop.

What happened to them? Like the whole air held still. Looking down upon the many, many trees that poked out in the foggy snowfall. They’re all dead.

She cocked her head. How weird. Just how all the trees were bent backwards. Bent away from her. All of them. With their barren branches held loosely from them, dangling in the wind. As if the trees were afraid of her. Reeling from her. All dead. Seeped in such a darkness because… they got black bark. Huh. Soul squinted. Still waiting for Blight though she had forgotten about her for just this moment. Entranced by the sight of these dead trees.

Trees scorched in black.

Burned.

Wow.” Soul backed off and turned around to see what may lay behind her. If more were behind her. The little filly had to take several steps to raise her head high enough above the surface of the mountain top before she could see what lay beyond the range.

1.64
Soul gasped. Holding her breath.

She had expected to see more mountains or the off chance of a clear path out of the winter world. There were indeed mountains, but… there they sat, far off.

Lines of mountains spanning wide across the horizon much like this range did from their house. Except the new mountains were even further off and almost fazed out in the grey clouds set upon the earth. She could see them but she could not tell how far away they were. Almost so far that she could not see them in the fog. Whatever it was, Soul knew it may take a long time to reach them. She looked all around. More mountains, to the left and right all connected to the ones straight ahead and curving in towards the mountains she sat over. Hundreds or even thousands of heights all arranged in a… circle!

They circled a sight Soul had never even imagined. Every mountain facing inwards of the circle sloped down into a deep land of white snow far below her. It all curved down. Even from so high up, Soul could see what it all was. A titan of a world enclosed within the mountains hollowed and drilled deep down. Just like a lake. Empty. An empty crater in the mountains.

I still… can’t breath!

It felt… heavy. The air. Soul almost panicked. Stumbling back. Just looking out at this, she forgot to even take a breath. That first one she made stung. Like every breath she took staring out at this crater pained her lungs just to attempt to inhale. Whatever this place was, it scared her.

1.65

What is this place?

Soul walked away from this haunting sight far below her just as a ruffling sound from behind almost made her shake from fright. She looked back seeing that Soulblight had joined her on the mountain. The mare panting hard. Not even caring how Soul was.

A new snowball rushed at the filly and struck her square in the chest. “You’re it!” Soulblight excitedly said with a smile. Soul was lost. Wait, …that’s right. Soul looked back at the crater and then to Blight. I can’t believe I forgot what I was doing.

“Sorry, but I won” Soul said. Soulblight was taken by surprise. Obviously some sort of casual when it came to games. “What? I tagged you, did I not?” She pointed a hoof at Soul. That was it. She certainly had no idea what we were doing. Soul tried to calm down a little. Still feeling her heart rush with the sight of that crater still in her mind and… she could feel the deep air scalding her throat.

“You were supposed to catch me before I got to the mountain.” “What!? How was I to know that?” Blight asked. “…and catching you? You know that’s unfair.” Unfair. Just a while ago Blight had claimed to have won because of a little advantage of her own. It was fitting for the tables to be turned. Soul looked back in the direction of the immense crater. “Guess it's my fault I didn’t tell you the rules. Sorry.” She could hear Blight sigh behind her. It was clear she had no idea of the sight beyond the mountain based off how she gave no reaction to it. Soul wanted to show it to her, but first Soul needed to say something first.

“So perhaps I win.”

Blight scoffed, raising her eyebrow and shaking her head. Her frown, though, quickly turned to a smile and a small laugh. “I guess so.” Just as another snowball struck Soul in the side. “Enough with the snowballs” Soul said. Soul lost all her joy, just thinking about the world beyond. Wanting Blight to see it. At least I’m not alone here.

“Hey! I got something you need to see.”

1.66
Soul directed Blight with her hoof back to where the great crater sat hiding behind the mountain top they stood upon. “Ooh let’s see” Blight said as she trotted past Soul and reared her head to tell Soul t come along with her. So Soul followed feeling more at ease with somepony else being with her. Still a little worried. She wondered what Blight would think of it.

Both pegasi made their way to the edge of the cliff. Blight’s eyes widened just as Soul expected when they both stood out to look upon the vast world below together. “This is… amazing.” Soul shivered. Looking back out on this desolate and eerie sight made her feel a trickle of fear running down her spine. She could not figure it out. Something about this place made her not feel right. As odd as the patterned rhythm that the air itself swirled in every direction across this place. Almost… haunting.

“This truly is something else. Thank you for showing me this.” Blight hung her head over Soul’s own. Remembering she was not alone anymore made Soul feel a little better. Enough for her to sit down with Blight to look out at it all. Soul made sure to sit as close as she could to her, not caring if Blight would notice or not. Soul glanced over at her.

The black Pegasus stared out at the land beyond. Such a smile on her. Her fur swaying in a misty embrace circling in tiny clouds about her skin just like her long mane flowed in the wind. Blight was so impressed with it all. She looked so happy to be here. This mare… she looked at peace, warming Soul’s heart. Like in an instant, all her worries faded away. It almost made her confident.

Until.

Blight’s smile slowly turned. Dropping down to frown upon the landscape as her head seemed to sink. Those eyes that took in everything beyond glimmered and sheened to Soul. What was that?!

Soul caught it for a moment.

She could not be certain as to what she saw staring up into Blight’s eyes. Something flickered in her eyes. So quickly. Inside those yellow eyes. There had been something. Something else in them. Like it did not belong to them. A small glint of… red? Orange? Faded away so fast. Soulblight?

The mare was still.

“This place is weird, huh?” Soul asked of her. Blight glanced back down at her. That spark of light gone in her eyes now. “Does it scare you?” the mare finally said something. Soul told the truth. She shook her head. “No. I was… but, until you came. I’m happy you are here with me.” Even if you leave me wondering all the time. How strange you are. How frighteningly still the world was when Soul stared into her shallow and burning eyes. Something still was there to keep Soul staying with her. The reason was hanging on Soul’s mind.

I’ve only known her for a couple days… but I feel like I have known her for years. Her soft and caring voice. Keeping me happy. Keeping me confident. Keeping me company. “Just like she is fam…” Soul shut her mouth hard.

She could not believe what had almost come out of her mouth.

I’ve… when do I talk out loud?! I… Soul looked, seeing the mare staring at her. Shit, I almost said that.

How awkward could it have been to call Blight that? Even if she felt she wanted to. Damn it, Blight. Why are you so weird? Why do you make me think of you like that? It wasn’t right. I barely… know her.

Feels like… I do.

Like she is somepony I can trust with anything. Soul never thought she could meet a pony like this. Who she actually wanted to talk to. To be with. I’ve never known anypony to be like her. I really wish I had. Like this soft feeling in her head. As soft as a gentle touch to her. Soothing her. Calming. This pony is all I have.

1.67
“I wanna talk about it now. My… nightmare. You did want to talk to me about it, right?” Soul reminded Blight.

“Are you sure?” Blight asked. “Would it be painful for you?” “No, …I don’t know. Maybe. But I need to get it off my chest.” But what Soul really wanted now were words of encouragement from a pony like Blight. A pony Soul felt cared. Who I care for.

Blight leaned in close to her. Her black tail coiled around Soul without touching her. The wind died down and all became nearly silent for the pegasi sitting high over the crater beyond.

“I’m listening.”

“I… dreamt I was back home. Back at Cloudsdale.” She stared up at the dark clouds over them. “The clouds, the sky, it was all so beautiful. I was flying through all of it to do one of my favorite things: flying with my friend.” Those beautiful times I used to do that. When we would play together. All the flying we did together, it’s what led to us becoming wingponies. How much has changed since then?

Too much.

“Nopony even noticed me. None of my classmates wanted to talk to me. But… I’m used to that.” She looked back over at Soulblight who was fully attentive to her. “I’ve always had a hard time making friends because… I’ve never been lucky enough for ponies to like me. I only had one friend. We were the best of buddies. We were the best partners and I loved flying with her. She loved flying with me too. Because we were… the bestest of friend.” Best friends. It hurt to remember. What we used to be. Dashie… you always made me so happy, now… now Soul could only cry. Cry in front of Blight.

“But… imagine what it felt like… when I found out she didn’t want to fly with me anymore. When she didn’t want anything to do with me anymore. She abandoned me… and… she laughed at me. They all laughed at me. Everypony hated me in the end. My best friend… even hit me.” All her tears came out harder.

She hates me.

Rainbow Dash, I know I wasn’t a good friend to you. But I did all this for you.

She stared at Blight further, this time with blistering eyes. “Do you know how much it hurt?” she asked. Soul planted a hoof to her heart. Her eyes squinted. I gave up everything for you and you hit me! Rainbow… how can you be so mean? “It hurt so much. I… was… alone.” Soul wailed. Her cries echoing across the empty chasms surrounding them and joining the subtle wind above. The filly fell on her belly, putting a hoof down upon her muzzle and shielding her wetted eyes. I fought for you! I got hurt for you! I lost my life for you.

I ended up here protecting you.

Rainbow Dash hit me.

1.68
“You still think you were abandoned after what happened yesterday?” Blight whispered.

Soul cried. “Soul” she said as gentle as she could. “Calm down. It’s okay.” Soul did as she said. She bit her lip to hold in the rest of her sobs. That’s all she did. Soul would not lift her head back up. “You’re still so very heartbroken. I will not pretend to know what you are going through, for it must be very hard. You need to stop thinking everypony hates you. Your friend meant so much to you, and there is no doubt you meant a lot to her. It’s unrealistic for her to feel any different of you. She still cares for you… as much as I do.”

That is shit!

Soul wanted to yell. Cares for me?! Dashie said she hated me. She left me and never came back. How could she care? “How do you know if she cares for me?” Soul demanded.

“Because it makes sense” Blight responded from above her. “Why did your friend like you? The same as I. Because you are nice, gentle, and so very playful. It hurts me seeing you think otherwise. You are no different than you have ever been. It hurts because… I do like you just like your best friend does.”

Soul’s ears perked up. What did she just say? Soul could not have heard that correctly. Soulblight liked her? Or is she just saying that to cheer me up? Lying to me. But it was obvious to her that Blight did have some sort of affection for her. It was a constant thing that she loved being given by her and these words were no different. It felt so nice to be told that you are loved by somepony and by one so close to her. It made the filly reveal her head back up to look at Blight with beady, tear filled eyes.

“You like me?”

Soulblight lay herself down next to her. Even down on the ground, she still rose tall over her. Soul had wanted to be close to her and now it was showing that Blight wanted to be close to her as well while she nudged her nose close to Soul’s ear. She almost touched it to the point where the fur on Soul’s ear stood up. “I want you to be happy, Soul. A beautiful little filly like you should not be sad and it is why I promise to help make everything work out for you in the end. You will have your happy ending.”

I[‘ve never heard anypony tell me that, like something out of a storybook. Yet… she liked it. It actually made her smile a little. “Thank you” Soul said. “I do like you, Soul” Blight said.

Soulblight…

Soul wiped her tears. Smiling. I can’t believe a pony like this said that to me. What did I do to deserve somepony as nice as her? “I like you too.”

“I’ll always love you and Rainbow Dash will always love you.”

1.69
Dashie still loves me? And… so does she.

It all sounded so nice. It was true her and Dash had a lot and… no way she would hate me after all that. Even after what she had done to be sent away like this, maybe Dash still at least felt for her. Dash did like her for all the reasons Blight had mentioned and even more. We had so much together. No way it could all be forgotten. All the darkness we both had, until we met. Dashie, you were the best pony in my life.

I did save you.

You mean the world to me. Is there any chance I still do for you? If the filly was out there somewhere thinking about Soul. I gave up everything for you. For you to be happy. Both fillies had gotten out of it.

I still want to apologize to you.

One chance… for us to be friends again.

Soulblight… you know us so well. She was right about Dash. Dashie would not hate me. I’m still her best friend. Rainbow Dash did love me, just like you said. Because… that was who Dashie was. She had to be. Blight told her so.

Blight told her so about…

Rainbow Dash?

Wait.

Soul backed her head away slightly so she could take in the sight of the mare. She frowned in response to Soul’s arching eyebrow. She had said Rainbow Dash. …Blight knew her name? How could this be?

“H-how do you know my friend? How do you know Dash?” Soul asked of her. Soul thought back over the time she had known Blight. No, I never told her about her. Soul went about thinking of how this could come to pass, for this mare to somehow know of a pony Soul had never told her of. She watched that proof that something was wrong as the black mare placed a forehoof to her misty lips and she turned away.

You know her.

“How do you know Dash?” Soul asked of her again. Soulblight’s ears fell. Something was certainly wrong. It made Soul stand up and press herself forward to try and get a glance of Blight’s hidden face. She did not need to see to know the pony was troubled now.

“Have you met her? Do you know how she is?” It had to be because there was no other way. This pony… where did she come from? Tell me how you know her.

“No…” Blight paused. Her pause was very long. It seemed as if she would not speak more. “Please, how?” Soul asked in as low a voice she could make. Her pleads forced Soulblight to look back at her with such longing eyes. Her yellows in those eyes fading. “I know her… from...” Blight bit her lip.

“You.”

1.70
“What?” Soul said. “But I never told you about her.”

Soulblight still did something so shocking. She giggled.

“Rainbow Dash. The cyan, rainbow maned filly with an appetite for perfection unlike any other. Brash, easy to rush, and irritable. Yet… determined, strong. Open and loving to those who gain her trust… like she is to you.”

Soul stood silent listening to these words the likes of which she could not see being uttered by Soulblight who claimed to know all these same things about Dash that Soul herself knew, …and Blight knew them all from her.

“And you love her for that. For she is so much like you” Blight said. “Black and white, seen through your eyes that you accepted to make that beautiful friendship and a bond that can’t be broken no matter how far you two may be apart. I saw those same things through your eyes as well. That is how I know her.”

Soul was lost. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, Soul.” Blight sounded of despair now. Her voice tormented by the very things she was telling the filly. Such torment in her. The mare sighed to herself. Somehow able to look the filly in the eyes with the air growing colder, the silence getting worse. Soul shivered looking at her. “I know you and Dash have a bond for I knew it by our bond. It is why I am here for you; here with you. You two fillies share a bond of friendship but you and I share a deeper bond. You never even knew of it… but this time would come eventually. I could not hide it from you forever. You would find out that I was with you through it all.”

What is this shit she is saying? This is insane. Who is this pony? This is not the Soulblight Soul had come to know, how terrifying she was getting.

She knows Dash. She knows so much about us. She was with me through it? Blight had never been with her before. She had never known her. It was too much.

“You’re lying” Soul accused. It made the filly back up from Blight. This is not the pony I’ve come to know. Soul… she was afraid of her. “We’ve never met before. Who told you about Dash? About me?” “I met her with you because of our bond.”

“We have no bond! Stop lying to me” Soul yelled.

“But we do.”

Soul shook her head. “What bond? What do we have?!” What are you talking about?

1.71
Blight’s wings flared up to send a gust of snow blasting out from behind her in the flail of silver mist whipping amongst her feathers. “We’ve been together for years!” She yelled for the first time. Her voice carried far across the veil in an echo. The outburst made Soul shiver a little, bent back away from the now angry Pegasus. Yet that anger subsided as fast as it came on. But something else hung.

Soulblight… she was terrifying. This heavy veil over the air. Like Soul’s heart felt that pain she heard in… in the mare’s voice. The fear between them. The Pegasus darker than ever before.

Blight’s wings folded back up and her head sunk. “I knew I would never be able to hide this from you. I told you I don’t know where I was from, but I do know one thing.”

She looked at Soul. Her voice low and solemn. Almost lonesome.

“I came from you.”

Soul would not yell this time. The thought of seeing Blight angry again scared her. But the question still hung. Like the pain ringing in her ears. “How?” Soul whispered.

“It was dark. Very dark” Blight muttered. “I could see nothing. Hear nothing. Darkness and silence was all I had. Until a moment came that I could not anticipate. The moment when all that dark was cast away and I could see it. A world outside. And I was afraid. Afraid when I saw those ponies standing over me. Like they wanted to hurt me. The first thing I ever saw… but it was not me they wanted to hurt. Because… I heard you… scream instead.” What? Soul held her breath.

“I wanted to hurt them back. When I learned what had happened. To see those ponies hurt another. After all the loneliness, that was the first thing I got to see. Even if I tried to reach out, I could do nothing but cry for the pony they hurt. I cried for you. That was when I first saw you. You, such a beautiful filly with so much pain in sadness in her… and I learned. I learned all about you. I could tell just from the way you cried that you were a pony… I could care for. Ever since, I tried my best to comfort you.” Her voice became more saddened. “I tried and tried yet you would not answer. I could only listen… and watch everything happen to you. I could only envy you. Seeing what you could do. I was happy when you were happy. I was angry when you were angry. …I was violent when you were violent.”

Soulblight put a hoof to her chest. “I hated… so much seeing your world taken from you. I hated it.” Her words like venom. Whispering them. “I decided to do anything to save you. I will help you. Help you because I never want to see you suffer again. Don’t you see, Soul? That is our bond.”

Soul could not believe what she was hearing. What is she saying? Soulblight… how the mare bare her teeth saying those things. How she smiled. It was scary. She is scary. Soul had never seen anypony so scary when saying how much they hated something. Blight still holding that grin on her face. She knows everything… she does.

This bond? With this pony?

She tried talking to me. She had watched me. She felt for me. Somepony talking to me.

Soul blinked. All this time…

1.72
“It was you” Soul uttered.

“You… were the one talking to me.”

A voice talking to her. Somepony always there. Comforting her. Talking to her. Letting her know all was okay. Telling her what was needed to protect Dash. A drive to defend those she loved to lead to what had happened to her and to Dash. It could not be. Soul backed away from her. It can’t be. You… you can’t be real.

Yet Soulblight rose her shoulders looking down in shame. “I’m sorry for not making it clear sooner. I spoke to you so everything would turn out well for you.”

That was all she needed.

This mare, this ghostly mare has been with me all this time. Blight… she has been the one with me. She isn’t lying. A pony with such hate. Such terror. Soul’s eyes widened. Her breath short as she slowly looked the mare up and down. Into her dragon eyes burning with the Sun, her vast wings, the trails of mist coiling about her. A being unlike any other. I never thought stuff like this could be real… until… until I lost Nimbus and Starry… and my life. I’m so mad. I’m so afraid. This pony… she is real. Everything she said is real. You were the one this entire time.

Soul gulped.

“You. You made me kill the Changelings.”

Blight paused. She nodded her head very slowly. “Nopony would help you. I made the commitment to take up that responsibility. I helped you carry out what you needed to do to protect her. Those beasts had to die.”

That was enough. Soul didn’t want to hear any more. Hearing this made her skin crawl. This is disgusting. This creature… Soulblight was part of her? She could imagine her being within her. She felt so violated. “I would not let you lose all you worked to achieve” Blight said. “I decided to do all to protect it even if that meant you and I doing something those fools are all too afraid to do themselves… but not me. Anything to protect you.”

Soul could see the air flurry about Blight as her very eyes glowed brilliant yellow. “I am the one who killed them. To save you and the life you loved.”

1.73
Soul jumped back. “Get away from me!”

It had all been wrong. I can’t believe it. Soul started crying. She made me do that. She made me… Soul almost felt nauseous. She killed them! She had every right to be afraid this entire time. Blight… she was terrifying. A pony who killed. Happy to do it. I knew I was wrong for wanting to do it. It’s all her fault. She destroyed my life.

Soulblight… she was never… never there for me.

“Get away from me.” The filly shook her head so violently, running her hooves over her head. She felt sick. Tears ran anew to soak the fur around her face. “…You got me banished” she whispered. “I lost Dash because of you. I lost everything because of you.” You murderer.

“Soul…” Blight reached a hoof out to her. Soul would not hear it. She backed away further out of Blight’s reach. Her fur standing up and wings readied. So afraid of the black Pegasus now. How broken she felt. She was scary. Now all she could think was how much of a lie everything had been. Blight had lied to her. She betrayed her. She betrayed me. The idea made the filly almost miss that Blight had moved a little closer trying to close the distance. Soul took to the air this time, flying above the mare with frantic flaps of her wings.

“You liar!” Soul screamed. She is no different from all the others. I knew it. Nopony cares about me. I… I’m so tired of this. Soul gritted her teeth. Looking down at the mare and then she could do it no more. Soul flew off.

I’m supposed to be alone.

1.74
Soul cried. Tears streaming out from her eyes and caught by the harsh wind blasting against her by how fast she flew. She reached a hoof back to wipe her face but only sobbed more. She could not care where to go. Just away. Away from all of this. Somewhere she could be alone. That was all that really mattered now in this world. Loneliness was all she needed, all she was allowed. Because all ponies do this to me.

Soulblight was no different. Just as Dash and everypony hated her. All because of her. That bitch Soulblight. Princess Celestia hated her, Dashie hated her. Even Blight did. Enough to cause all this. It made her heart ache badly with every heave she made in her heavy crying. Nopony cared for her. Now she really was all alone with nopony around she could rely on in this place. They all left me.

All she wanted now was to be alone and away from all the ponies who sought only to bring her heartbreak.

She opened her eyes up enough to watch where she was going now. The filly weaved left and right to avoid the many mountain tops that had surrounded the high point she had sat upon. All these mountains had more than she did. Together for all time. I hate this. I want it too. I just want a pony to care for me. Soul would love it. She wanted it yet nopony would ever be there for her.

She kept flying and flying far away from wherever she left Blight. For how long, she could not tell. Her sadness and crying being the only thing she could manage to the point where she could cry no longer even though she wanted to. The tears on her face drying quickly from the cool air. She could see another mountain with a nice, flat peak she could sit atop. So she did. She didn’t want to fly anymore. There was no point in it anymore.

I’m alone in this world.

The filly skidded down upon the mountain top. Snow was sent flying as she landed hard onto the peak, her wings and legs dragged along the surface until she came to a stop. Stopping and then… she finally let go of herself. Soul tumbled down onto her side. Laying there. Her wings still. Trembling. She curled up, hiding her face under her legs. Her large wings being all she had left to cover herself up from seeing the snowy world around her. Shield her from the truth. Her world was truly gone.

1.75
She sniffled remembering everything Blight had told her. She could not believe the mare. How could she have done this to her? Why would she do all this to me? Soul had never done anything mean to her to deserve that.

I can’t believe I saw her as something. Even for just a moment. She had seen her as… family. She knew she had felt something. Never able to tell what it was. I really thought we could be friends. It had all been a lie. A lie from a pony that wanted her to be alone.

“Soul” a voice whispered.

Soul felt her heart sink. The filly leaned up from under her hooves. Her glare wrapped in anger at the black Pegasus that stood off by the edge of the mountain top they both shared now.

Soul had thought she lost her. How did she find me? Blight can’t keep up with me. “Why are you here? Leave me alone” Soul said putting her head back under her hooves to keep Blight out of her sight. Probably wants to hurt me again. “I can’t leave you. I won’t. I will not leave you for as long as we are bonded, we are supposed to be together” Blight said. Oh, just shut up!

Every time she reminded Soul of this stupid bond, it made her want to throw up. She wanted it gone. “I said get away from me” she requested again. “Soul, please listen to me.” “Get away from me! Get out of my life!” “I will not!” Blight yelled again at her. Both ponies finally screaming at one another. “I want you to leave me alone and leave me like everypony else does” Soul yelled so loudly this time. “Even if I knew how, I still would not” Blight said.

“If I left you, you would die.” As if. Soul would not die out here. She refused to. There will be a way out of here and a way to return to the home Blight took from her. Gone with this icy waste and this mean pony as well. Blight spoke almost immediately. “You will find that there is no easy way out of here. It is too dangerous for a little pony like you. Besides, if I left you, you would starve to death before anything else.”

Soul was still not hungry. With how talented and fast she was, she could find a way out of here before she would get hungry. Soul believed this. It’d be better to fly out and try to find a way home than to stick around here. She did not need Blight to survive, she didn’t need her at all. She would not… starve to death? I’m still not hungry. Why… why do I get the feeling that that is because of her too? Soul glared at the mare.

1.76
“Was that you as well?” Soul asked.

“Why you woke up without hunger?” Blight asked this time. “With us being together, yes, that is me. There is no food out here and that is obvious.” That made Soul wince. “So I shared to you my gift because I refuse to see you starve. I am going to protect you after all.” Blight never got hungry and now I can’t. Soul realized what this meant. She used magic on me. How can I never get hungry? There was really nothing that could be said. Just more of seeing just how powerless she was with this mare and how… how she keeps doing this stuff to her. Soul wasn’t sure how to take this.

Never getting hungry? Starving in this winter waste. Was this a gift in Blight’s eyes? Soul having to go without any food. There is none… out here. She let out a strong sigh beneath her hooves. What would it be like now? Never needing to eat, I can never have my favorite food. There is nothing out here for me to eat. Soul would not take this. She refused to. Looking up at Soulblight with disdain in her eyes, she would not stay here with her and listen to this crap. She would leave all this behind and find her own way back to… to something that made sense again.

The filly stood up and slowly walked towards the ledge. Her stride passing by the taller pony who watched her pass without Soul even glancing at her. Upon reaching the ledge, Soul spoke. “I’m going home.” “I hope you mean the house in the village” Blight said behind her. Soul believed she had said home. That ramshackle hut was not her home.

“I’m going back to Equestria.”

“Soul! You don’t know where to go. Even I don’t know how you could get back.” “Well then I’ll just keep flying till I find it. There’s nothing here for me anyways.” I won’t go hungry anyways, right? Nothing to stop me. She would do anything to get that life back. She unfolded her wings.

“Soul! This is insanity. It is way too dangerous. Even if you were to make it back, what makes you think anything has changed? You were banished and Celestia will not allow you to return.” Soul huffed in anger. To be told about her banishment and its effects by Soulblight herself. “Oh I wonder who it was who made that happen” she spat. “Then I shall come with you and speak to the others myself. I’ll explain everything” Blight said. You think I’ll let you talk for me?! I will never go back with her. She only messed things up. Soul would have none of it.

“I don’t want you with me. You’re a killer. You only want to make everything hard for me.” “You blame me for everything?” Blight said. Her hoof touched to her own chest as if pointing at herself. “You agreed to kill those Changelings. They would have harmed the one dearest to you if not for me convincing you. They were evil and would kill Dash.” Soul had it now. She turned around in a snap. Her forehoof pointed right at Blight.

“You’re the evil one! You took everything from me. I hate you!”

Both ponies fell silent with Soul flying off, on her own, with nopony she could call friend. Off towards the mountains and the howling crater beyond, leaving Soulblight all alone atop the mountain peak to watch the filly join the falling snow.

Soulblight blinked softly. “Evil?” she whispered. Looking down upon the ground, she slowly held her gaze upon the snow laying around her. “I… I’m sorry, …Soul.”

1.77
The Sun was setting. Its heavenly glow casting such huge shadows down from the mountains. Almost as dark as the clouds gathering all across the sky above. The snow had gotten stronger because of it. Not nearly as heavy as it had been yesterday.

Soulblight’s dragon eyes tilted down watching the snowflakes touch down around her and join with all the rest. She tilted her head. The fur of her forelegs brushed against her chin. She found a comfortable place to lay her weary head upon her forelegs. Her eyes staring. Witnessing each and every flake disappear into her legs and landing somewhere underneath them as they did across her entire body. Nothing changed in this instance since Soul had left. Just laying here watching the snow for hours silently listening the song of the wind.

I think it’s been too long now. Should I check in on her? How long since I last did? A couple minutes. Too much time had passed. Soul was out there… alone. Her ears flicked up. She sighed in relief. She could hear the tiny sound she wanted.

A small pinprick of a sound beating in an endless melody that came to her so softly. So soft… almost something she could miss. But she could tell what it was. Soul was still flying. She was still okay. Nothing about her changed except maybe getting tired, what with flying for so long like a fool in this weather. That is what it told her. Flying for hours like this would surely tire out the filly no matter how strong of a flyer she was.

I should go after her. Try to stop her. I really should. It’s what would be right. But something kept her own wings still. It was ringing in her head. Listening to it. The last words she had been told. Soul… she hates me. I… I really hope not. I only wanted what was best for her. If only things had been different. So she wouldn’t be afraid to try and talk to the filly. “I’m quite bad at talking to others.” No, she could only listen to be sure the little pony was in no danger as she headed off to whatever she hoped would get her out of here.

1.78
Blight hated to admit it, but the filly was not going to find her way home. No. This realm, this endless land of snow was not something a little Pegasus like her could leave. She could not leave on her own.

More and more it only ate away at Blight. What have I done to her? I’m so sorry I got you into this. But was it not right? She kept questioning this. There was nothing else we could do. No, killing was the right thing. Those beasts would not take it away. They would suffer for trying anything to harm it. That beautiful life Soul had. I won’t let anything else ruin that filly. Blight stopped herself.

She sighed in relief. Burying her head into her forelegs and grumbling beneath them. Thinking like that. It had been that mentality that caused so much harm in the first place. Rainbow Dash was alive. Soul was as well. But that bond between the two was so hurt now. I took it from them. In the end, she had hurt somepony’s life. I… never wanted this. She does hate me.

Oh… what is wrong with me?

“Am I actually cruel enough to deserve her hatred? Maybe…” She recalled what had been said. “I am evil.” She shuddered. It hurt to think that. “I…”

You’re the evil one!

She felt a tear drop down her cheek. “I’m… not... evil.” Or am I?

I do what is right. I will never let her suffer again. Not again. All the years of watching her cry and I could do nothing. Then… then I finally could do something. Only for it to be a mistake. I… didn’t think this through, I guess. Now the pony who gave her …a name, she was the one out here paying for it.

“I’m not evil.”

She rose her head. “I’m not evil, Soul!” The filly would be back. She could not make it alone and would make the right decision. I will be here for her. “I will prove it to you. You still mean something to me.” She only needed time and, when the time came, Blight would do anything for her. It’s what I should do. After all…

She showed me the world. I should give her world back.

For it is what Soul deserved. She continued listening.

1.79
This was becoming too much. It had not looked as wide from the mountains. Flying over it proved otherwise.

Soul had been flying for what was like an eternity and was just now seeing that she actually was getting closer. A flight that had not been easy. The cold was getting worse by the hour with all this damn snow. If only the weather had been what is was earlier. Not until she entered the wide-open air over the crater did it take a sudden turn. It was mysterious to her. All the more how it became ever more unnerving to fly over it.

Soul squinted her sore eyes. No more tears, not now. They all dried on her face. Another pony… another who hates me. I gotta get out of here. She would not rest. Never stop. Even if she wanted to. All it would be is spending a bunch of time out here in the cold. Her wings began to hurt. Soul did her best to ignore it, ignore all her pain. She was used to it.

I’m tired of this nightmare. I really thought she liked me. But she did all this to me. Soul only wanted to go home and get her life back. Forget everything that had happened and not cry again. So she pushed on. Looking up at the massive mountains rising over her, all she needed to fly over to escape this damn place. No time to rest now when the goal was so close.

1.80
Closer she got, flapping her wings harder and harder with pain beating back at her. Those wings showing how much they demanded of her to stop. But with the mountains coming closer, that would not happen. Come on, we gotta keep going. We can’t stop. Not now.

It was all getting worse. With how close she was getting, it seemed to be getting colder. Her thick fur felt so useless right now and the wind blowing strong to flutter her feathers. Cold indeed. Along with a mountain growing high over her to block out what she had been able to see as the last rays of the sunlight shining in its silhouette to light up the crater. The mountain’s shadow blackening the land beneath it and, as she looked up, a layer of such thick clouds high over her. Barely any sunlight could get through. Pathetic. That won’t stop me.

Just fly over this mountain. Back to Rainbow Dash. I’m gonna beg her to forgive me. I will get her back, just like I should have done. Then hope Celestia would listen to her admit the truth. Some way to make it all work. Anything to get away from this.

She finally saw it. Soul flapped hard and shot herself upwards. Rising up with the mountain. The snowfall was getting worse. Coming down on her in a shower. Flying up into the snowfall made it no easier. “This is nothing.” Her wings put out all their strength to keep her flying upwards. Passing smaller peaks and rockslides covered in snow. Closer and closer with the tip just ahead. She came in close enough. Her forehooves reaching out at the peak while her wings did the rest. She touched it. A small pull of her legs and a push of her wings sent her careening up and over the ledge.

“Dashie, I’m coming!”

She rose over the mountain. Wind greeted her. Blasting head on against the filly to send all her fur swaying backwards and she had to close her eyes against all that. Soul peeked out.

What did I want to expect? When it seemed things… would change.

I… I just want to go home.

1.81
Nothing but clouds. Grey and shimmering black layered upon one another… everywhere she looked. So many clouds. Mountains of them roaring high over the land and reaching into the darkness above. Rumbling. Exactly like what she would see in Cloudsdale. But never this big.

A massive thunderhead. It was too cold now. Soul exhaled violently and tried to breathe. She couldn’t. The intense wind blowing so hard against her. I can’t breathe. The filly panicked, stumbling backwards and clawing her nose to the air. Her mount wide open. Finally, like a miracle, she took in a new breath. But it stung. Soul coughed so hard. That is so cold. She never had breathed in freezing wind like this before. Because… this storm is… I’ve never seen anything like this. Soul coughed hard.

So much wind and so much snow hailing down on her. This terrible weather… was something she would have to fly through? There was nothing but this terrible storm ahead of her. Beyond all the mountains. She looked back. The faded mountains of the other side still stood there with Soulblight somewhere back there. No.

She didn’t want to go back. Go back to that house protecting her from weather like this with a nice, …warm fire. Soul moaned looking down at the flurrying snow she stood on before turning back to the darkness beyond. A loud sound banged from it. Her ears perked up. Was that… thunder? A storm like this out here? I’ve never even seen storms this bad. As black as Blight was. Filling the entire sky beyond. As scary as it was, Soul did not want to run from it.

It was just another test. I’m not afraid. Flying through storms was not something new for her. I was taught to be strong. I was… when I flew through a storm just like this to show all the ponies that I am not weak. I won in the end. Getting a little wet from rain was nothing. Except it was snow this time. Soul would prove how strong she was. She craned her head. Wind blowing her mane and fur wildly.

“You’re not gonna stop me.”

1.82
This had been enough of a rest. Even with her wings still sore, the filly was not gonna waste any more time. She unfolded them. She had not even taken to the air and already the wind struck hard again. She could feel her precious wings want to fold back up. Terrified of the horrible wind. It took all she had just to keep them open and ready to fly. I got this. She reared her butt to the sky and readied herself. Ready to fly. I’ve been weak so much in my life. I will not do it again. No matter how scary this is, I won’t run away. I want you back, Dashie.

So she kicked. Her wings catching the air. All the felt before it all escaped her. Soul gasped. She fell backwards, hard! The wind sent her flying right back where she had been. Not even able to try and stop it. No! I won’t let you. Soul flapped her wings. Opening her eyes and… saw her wings were still! Oh no, they’re locked! I… I can’t fly. Soul tried. So very hard. Putting all into just trying to move her wings. Too late.

The world spun around her. The hazy sky. The layers of snow in the crater. The rocky cliff face descending down to the mountains. Each sight changed as she tumbled in the air, flapping desperately. I need to fly. Come on, stupid wings! You were always there for me before. Don’t give up on me now. I want to go home, I want to… Soul slammed straight against the side of a large slab of rock.

Soul lost her breath. Not again. Feeling a her mind go blank and pain in her back. Able to do nothing. Nothing but watch herself fall down to the ground below.

The filly pummeled down in the snow. Buried in it. Inhaling as hard as she could, she finally managed to breathe again. Coughing rapidly, she cringed her entire body from the sharp pain exploding in her back. She actually spat out so much from her coughing and then she screamed. Falling right over. “Owwww!” Her legs moved. Trying to push her back up but gave way to let her fall back on the snow. I need… to get… “Ow owww.” It hurt to move.

I need to get up. Please. Don’t do this to me. Just being forced to watch the snow fall around her. Laying on her side. Thoughts of flying out of here, they all disappeared. Because her wings would no longer move. The wind coming in over her and she listened to it. I… I love the sky. I always did. Why? Why did this happen? This is not the sky I know. This is not the world I know. I… I can’t even fly. I just want to go home. That’s all I wanted. But it hurt so much. Everything hurt. I need to… I need to move.

1.83
Her legs actually could still shake. Really badly. Just from trying to stand up. They shook violently, barely able to just push her back up. Get up. Get up. Soul fell right back down. “Ahhhhh!” Soul smacked a hoof against the snow. Opening her eyes once more. Dark clouds were above her. Slowly moving along up there. Just the darkness and snow coming down. Not a little bit of Sun was left up there. Uh… oh no.

It was getting dark? The Sun was setting. I’ll… I’m all alone out here. No. No! I will get out of this… now. She used all her strength to pull herself back up and sit straight up. “Dashie.” I wish you were here with me. I don’t want to be all alone in the dark. Not out here. Especially when it was getting colder and she shivered. Did she really want to do this? The more she thought of it the more she really didn’t want to. I’m so cold. I want to go home. Please.

The remaining light would not last for too long now. She sighed. Looking back in the direction of the house… and Blight. I really can’t do this. Ugh, she felt her back stinging. Rubbing it a little. I have to go back. Deal with all that again. I don’t want to. I just want Dashie, nopony else. If I go back there, Blight will be there. Another chill hit her hard. She sat there. Taking in the freezing cold and all this pain running over her.

Soul sighed.

1.84
I really wish I could feel how this is. Blight held her hoof out, trying to catch one. Snow was coming down so hard. Of course not. The snow did as it always did. Just falling right through her hoof. It really is like this. I can’t even grab a single flake. Blight smacked her hoof back down. This really is all I can do.

What kind of day was this? Just watching the snow. Staring out at this empty world and wondering what can I do. For so long. I can’t even do anything with this world. Not with; she looked down at her hooves. Not with this body. Almost like nothing has changed. This world was still so silent to her. Like nothing happened for her. Not at all. All I can do is wait. Wait and watch this world out there. All that endless snow going far and wide. Freezing cold. Terrible out there. A place that nopony should ever be, but Blight found herself out in it.

The wind certainly had picked up in the coming of night with new clouds rolling in bringing this weather with it. At least the clouds could not black out the glow of blue-white light flooding in by the Moon over her. Its shine all she could see that lit up the white of the land beyond. She stopped. Looking up to the house she had shared with Soul the past day just ahead of her. It had been a long flight to get here. Must have been. Having to fly all the way back from the mountains and back here. Not something I would ever want anypony to have to do, not in this weather. I know… I know that poor filly has it bad right now. I really am sorry that you had to fly in all this.

Soul had been mad before. Oh how awful she could be now. However she was, Soul was inside well away from Blight. In there staying warm by the fire or bundled up in the blanket. Something to help her rest. I need to keep that fire going for her. As long as possible. I just hope I won’t run out of things to burn. I’ll use anything. Blight eyed the other abandoned homes. Even the houses themselves. Soul, all you deserve now is at least to be warm… but… I wish I could give you more than that. Like… a friend. Somepony you want. Because I know you don’t want to see me.

Even if the filly would not accept it, Blight wanted to at least keep her company tonight. Soul still hates me, all alone in there. You really don’t deserve to be alone tonight. Not after I saw you alone for so long, I hate knowing you’re alone right now. If only Dash was here for you. But no, it’s just me. Blight looked up to that Moon high above the world. That glowing orb. That pony etched in it. The pony planted firm in its surface. Up there, all alone.

“How do you handle it?”

1.85
She cared not to listen. Not like she would bother to answer me. No, I got to do what I feel is right. What she felt was right ended up making her go to the front door. Gliding silently down the hole in the snow that thankfully left the door open. She questioned how it was this was the only house in the village with a roofed porch to protect from being buried. Maybe all the others had the same at one point butno more. Lost forever. Perhaps. Buried now in the snow out of sight. It fascinated her in wondering what may have happened to this village. I’m just stalling, aren’t I? Because she stood before that door with the filly all alone on the other side. As much as Soulblight knew Soul would be less than happy to have her around, she could not deny what she wanted. Blight wanted Soul to have somepony with her. I guess that has to be me.

She looked at the rusted knob of the door. With a quick thought, the knob turned and the door was pushed open to send in a small flurry of snow to disappear into the filthy carpet. Well it was good to see nothing within had changed. Light still shone across the room from the fireplace and, as she walked in, she spotted a small glimpse of magenta to her right.

Blight looked over at her as she walked in. Her yellow dragon eyes met the yellow eyes of Soul. She sure does look surprised to see me. Soul didn’t even move underneath that blanket she had wrapped herself in. The very Pegasus doll she had left on the bed earlier in the day lay huddled inside her forelegs. Besides that, Soul looked… awful to Blight. Her mane a terrible mess with countless silver and violet strands just shredded and sticking up. Even having her mane covering up both her eyes now. How could she even see?

Her fur looked no better. All of it just filthy and messy. May as well be a carpet just like the one that was spread across the floor. The poor thing still has that cut on her chin. Soul did not look well at all.

She also does not look happy to me.

1.86
The filly was angry now. Felt nice to walk in here and be met by her glare. So nice. She did not speak at all. I know I’m not welcome. Blight still walked in. Silently. Saying not a word. Another thought and the door sealed shut behind her. All I can really do is just try not to upset her. Felt so weird doing this. We got along so well yesterday, not I have to just avoid her. Blight hated the feeling. Soul wouldn’t even talk to her. Don’t worry, I’ll just stay away from you. I just… don’t want you to feel alone tonight. Even if it has to be with me.

Blight trudged on over to the fire. Away from the bed. Checking on what burned inside. It looked like there was still a good enough amount of wood, blackened and charred, inside to keep wrapped inside the fire. It would need more later to keep Soul warm. An good amount of wood still sat in a pile at the far corner from an empty bookcase she had silently torn apart while Soul had slept the prior night. Not much for her to do overnight so she had made a point to search the dark house since Blight had been all alone last night while Soul slept. A lot of really useless junk. No food or anything to help keep Soul warm. The best use would be as firewood.

Blight sat down in front of the fire while keeping her back to Soul. It bothered her that the filly said nothing. So unlike what we had been earlier today. Just this morning. So much has changed. A shame. Blight really liked Soul being an energetic and playful filly. That glimmer in Soul’s eyes when she would look up at her. Almost like she did like me. It’d be nice to see that again.

She finally heard Soul mumble behind her. Almost like some little whimper. Blight had to look back. Soul was still there but… she was staring down at the bed. Sad about something. I really do pity her. Not sure what she was feeling. It does hurt me because… I did cause all this. Poor Soul.

1.87
“Are you alright?” Blight asked her in the most calm voice she could make. Soul whispered back to her. “Don’t talk to me.” That stings. Really does hurt hearing her talk to me like that. She could not let this stand. Even if the filly didn’t want her to talk to her, she needed somepony to be there for her and I refuse to let her stay in here by herself.

“Are you cold? I can go find more blankets… or stoke the fire…” She reached one of her forehooves closer to the roaring fireplace. “Maybe?” She smiled a little hoping to get something from Soul. She must want something. The filly didn’t say a word. No. She only grabbed the blanket and pulled it over herself. Hidden away under there. The filly moved a little under there and then fell still. I guess… she is going to bed. If only that was the case. So… this is what it’s like to be ignored. Blight frowned. Was it literally just last night when she let me sing to her? I really thought she liked me. I really do miss thinking she does. I don’t want… to be alone. If only we could do what we did last night again. Hmm… Blight looked over at where the filly disappeared. Should I tell her?

“Soul, you don’t have to sleep” Blight let her know.

“What?”

Soul spoke! To me. That’s right, you don’t need to sleep. “I knew you had a terrible nightmare the other night. So I made it so you don’t have to sleep just as I do. Just like with the food, anything to help you, you know?” Blight said before proudly admitting “No more nightmares.” All it had taken was a mere thought. Seemed throughout the day that it worked. Even so, the filly did prove to be able to sleep like a rock last night. Soulblight shaking her and giving Soul this gift… nothing had woken her from that dream. After what you told me, it broke my heart that you had such a nightmare. So… maybe, you would like to never have it again. Blight smiled as best she could.

1.88
The filly did react to this news. Soul reaching a hoof out from under the blanket to push it down so she could bare for a brief moment the pained face she had. She had almost said something. Nothing. She shook her head before falling back in under the blankets, the back of her head again facing Blight. “I’m going to sleep. Nothing to do anyways.”

The filly fell silent. Her body moved a little under the covers and soon enough, she lay motionless. Soulblight could not tell if she was asleep or not. She made no attempt to find out. Just letting out a sigh and going back to staring at the fire. Not even happy about what I did for her. Blight didn’t want to admit it but Soul actually did hate her. But… I still like her. So much that she worried so much now… now that Soul was going back to bed. What if she has another nightmare? What if… I have nopony to talk to again?

She rose her forehooves up to her face. Staring down at the misty fur. The paleness, how incorrect it was. She cursed this body. One incapable of touching another. No matter how much Soul despised her now, no matter what pain was between them after the mistakes, Blight still found herself thinking back to Soul’s request the previous day. Would it be possible now if she had a body to work with? Blight could almost cry thinking what Soul truly wanted now: love. A filly and she really did have nopony left to love her. Except… Blight wanted to.

She could imagine it now holding the tiny pony against her chest, wrapping her up in her legs and thick wings. The filly crying into her black fur. Exactly what she also imagined a lonely child wanting. Exactly what she knew Soul had wanted for so long. But would it even happen were it possible? Would Soul want to hug me? Soul did seem to not like that I tried to help her get rid of her nightmares. Blight heard a sound from behind.

She only glanced back. Still seeing Soul hiding underneath the blanket. Yet, her head bobbed gently. The sound came back again. A sniffle among her steady breathing.

Soul was crying… in her sleep.

Oh no, she had to be woken up. No more suffering. Blight stood up and came over to the bed. I need to wake her up.

Would she yell at me? No, no. I don’t want that. She… she would yell at me. Damn it, Soul. Why did you go to bed in the end? I told you you didn’t need to. I bet she would try to smack me and yell at me if I wake her up.

No, she would want no hug. Even if it were possible. Soul would want nothing from her and sooner leave her before anything. Hate her.

Everypony did.

1.89
Blight made the hard decision. She stepped back from Soul. Soul had to be left alone. The decision belonged to her. Blight had no right to deny that decision. I get to sit here and watch her have a nightmare. Keep the house safe even if Soul didn’t care. Just like my kindness always gets me in the end. Why bother now at all?

The wind howled hard outside. Blight’s ears perked up to listen. Sitting before the glow of the fire, It’s not even warm. Not to me. Not warm or cold. But… I feel so empty. So hurt. Blight let her wings go and wrapped them both around herself.

I see things have not changed. I do the right thing. I help ponies. I did so much to make sure she could be happy and safe. Even saved her best friend. Yet she wants to hate me. Like nothing I do is good enough for her. I feel so alone. Holding herself in her wings, Blight laid down. Curling up her legs and burying her face into her feathers. Listening to the wind and to a filly crying. Alone again.

I don’t want to be alone again.

Part 2 Entwined - Act 2

2.1
The other houses of the village certainly were very dark within. Soul and Blight had been lucky to find a house of their own whose windows still had not been entirely buried in the snow. The house Blight explored no longer had windows exposed to the outside world with piles of snow sitting on the other side of each of them. It must’ve been freezing in the house due to this and how dark it was. Blight could not tell.

It had to be her to allow light to finally grace the interior of the room. The morning sunlight shining in as a thick ray through a wide hole bore straight into the roof above her from which faint snowflakes fell in to flutter about before disappearing on the floor below. The chunk of circular wood that had been cut out sat off to the side. A perfect circle. Even so, this new light could do little to light up the house. No problem for the black Pegasus as she found herself able to easily see every little thing laying about in this mess of a home.

It had not the furniture of the house she shared with Soul. Not even finding a bed in here. No chairs. A fireplace boarded up in the corner by somepony who had time to nail the planks in place. Those very planks rotted and dark much like the tan carpet spread out along the floor with enormous holes eaten away by the passage of time in the ground. But this house had something their house did not: cabinets left behind by whoever lived here before filled mostly with junk. Looking around, these were the only things that could catch Blight’s eyes.

Yet all I’m finding is junk. Junk such as rusted silverware, cans of what could be determined as food that smelled rancid to her nose, broken or old glassware, and wood carvings of objects she could not figure out. Maybe they were toys… or a hobby? Whatever they were, makes me think of what the owner used to be like and why they are so messy just throwing things in these cabinets. Some of them even had sealed boxes within that she had put off to the side for later. That time came sooner than expected as the cabinets were giving her nothing… besides kindling for later.

So she floated back down from the cabinets. Her wings silently landing her next to the few boxes she found.

2.2
With a whoosh of air and a flash of brilliant red bursting across the room, Soulblight left a long and straight cut along the top of the first box to get rid of the tape sealing it. Small bits of glowing orange embers flared up and cooling along the neat sides of the cut in the cardboard. I really wish I could just grab this stuff. This really is the only way. Guess I lucked out.

Her dark black mist cast over the box and tearing the sliced top wide open with a very loud rip echoing in the house. She poked her head inside. Nothing?! How was the box empty? Such a disappointment. What pony seals a box with nothing in it? Really?

That box buckled hard against the wall with a quick toss. As the minutes went by, so did the number of boxes sent slamming into the wall and join the first box. This is starting to get stupid, all these empty boxes. Her angry glare met the next box. Slicing it open, she expected it to have results just like all the others. Make her even more upset with whoever used to live here. But she was pleasantly surprised.

There was a circular object with a deep imprint down its entire innards. Exactly like the crater she had seen yesterday. It was a basin. Made of solid stone it looked. Some parts of it were chipped along the sides but it looked to be in good condition. Examining it, looks like it can hold a lot in it or maybe even fit Soulblight herself. Maybe it can be used. She decided to gently pick it up with her magic and set it down under the hole she had entered through. Maybe she could use it to hold things in, perhaps things for the fire or to carry stuff in if they were to set out on any journey. Organization in the least. Something the prior owner lacked.

She went back to her work. Another box gave her an assemblage of empty bottles and cans. More useless garbage. That was all most of these boxes gave her. Garbage. But another box gave her something unexpected. Opening it up, her breathing stopped. Her eyes wide. It was astonishing what she had found. She even wanted to reach down to it and touch it to be sure she wasn’t dreaming. She even tried to do just that with her ghostly foreleg reaching in before reeling back.

She found a pillow within.

Large, rectangular with a white case around it covered in thin layers of dust. Her magic brought it up to her face. Floating before her, she watched the dust gently fall off as the pillow stretched and spread with every pull she made. It looked soft. In good condition.

But that wasn’t it. Back in the box was a second pillow! Of the exact same build as the first. What a find indeed. Remembering how uncomfortable Soul appeared to be as she slept. Maybe she can be a little happier now that she can sleep with these. For however long they would be here, at least Soul can be cozy.

2.3
The filly had woken up from her sleep not long ago. Not a word was spoken from her to Blight even as Blight looked at her from the side. Soul had just lied there underneath the blanket, staring off into space with empty eyes covered in tears. Didn’t tell me what kind of nightmare she had this time. But it surely was something terrible for it to leave the filly like that. Nothing I can do for her, may as well go search around the village. Still be here close by in case she needs me. Maybe the filly would feel comfort knowing somepony was nearby to her even if it was Soulblight. Just so, Soul may feel appreciative of her finding these pillows. That thought made Blight more enthused to search around this house for anything more that could be of use.

Out of boxes now, she flew off to linger among every nook and cranny that could hide something. There really is a lot of junk in here. All stuff she just threw aside until something loud made her flinch. Blight looked down upon the dresser she so violently pushed out from the wall and left face down on the floor. Nothing was inside it, and nothing behind it as she now saw. Oops.

As much as she wanted to find it, no food could be found. Soul did not need it but Blight could imagine the filly’s face lighting up upon seeing something delicious. Alas, nothing more could be found. Somepony had clearly ransacked the place before Blight had got here. She cursed at that. This house was now useless with only the basin and the pillows being all it could give. At least Blight had an entire village still left to search. Another time though. For now, Blight wanted to go show the filly what she found.

At least she had not left.

2.4
Blight took off for the hole in the ceiling. Upon reaching it, she looked back to be sure her magic was doing as she willed it. The large basin and both pillows floated close behind her with a black aura around them so dark that it was able to easily stand out in the darkness of the house. Satisfied, she flew out the hole. Flying right past where she left burns marks all along the cut she made into the roof. She was cautious to prevent her haul from touching the embers as they floated out with her. These small bits of flame would not last. They sizzled and flickered with every drop of snow to melt into their forms.

Finally out of that murky house, Blight could take a moment to look around at the beautiful scenery. Much like it had been the previous day. A gentle wave of snow slowly descending down upon the village from the cloudy sky and the deeply bright Sun giving its gift on the two inhabitants of this wasteland.

The weather of this place was very strange to her. The day time gave a world that any pony could claim as a winter wonderland ripe for children to play in and pegasi to fly the cool, breezy skies. Now two nights in a row had given something entirely opposite. Deathly cold winds apparent by how Soul reacted to them and torrents of thick snowfall replacing whatever snow had melted during the day and then some. Is this place always like this? It may have been by how incredibly deep the snow was. That Celestia sure did choose such a nice place to leave Soul. More and more it made Blight wonder as to what the princess may have been thinking upon doing it.

If only I could know what

I just hope she did it for the right reason. But… still, I can’t help but be disgusted. If only she had been there to stand between Soul and the princess. The outcome would be entirely different, …and maybe Soul would like her. She had to settle with the pillows for now.

2.5
Where was that filly anyways? If she were still lying in bed then she really needed to get her furry butt up. Come outside and enjoy this beautiful day. It’s not so bad out and anything can beat being alone in that ugly place they had to live in.

Looking back over at their house, Blight quickly caught sight of Soul. Not inside but out. There the magenta filly lay atop the roof of their house. She looked worse than Blight thought. Her fur was a total mess last night and now her entire body was out from under the blanket. Every bit of fur ragged and tangled. Soul’s normally wild, long tail was even worse than Blight could imagine with locks of silver and violet wrapped and linked together in thick curls, and her beautiful wings. From this distance, Blight could see how terrible they were.

Laying unfolded at her sides with her thick layers of feathers propped apart from one another and torn. No longer did they have their gorgeous rows. She didn’t care enough to fix any of it up.

The filly was silently staring off in the distance with sadness gripping her face. Her head propped up by her crossed forelegs. She could have easily done this in the bed by the warm fire but… she wants to be out here. Even sad, she still loved the open air. It was too unfortunate that she had to be sad. You really do want Dash back. She wanted her friend. Soulblight hated that she could not fill that role even though just yesterday morning they seemed to be able to be close enough for both ponies to care for one another. Even more she hated she could do nothing to bring Rainbow Dash and Soul together.

That cyan filly was somewhere out there. Beyond this snow. A realm the filly could not leave from yesterday… to go and find you. Something had to have happened to cause it. This land was too dangerous in the end for a lone filly to venture out in. Along with giving the filly the pillows, maybe Blight could inch her way into warming Soul up to the idea of both ponies going out together to find a way home. I need to try.

2.6
Soul doesn’t even seem to notice me. Blight flew in closer and the filly did nothing. Right by her side and then the mare needed to fly in front of Soul. It took her a moment to look up at Blight. She doesn’t look pleased to see me. Not even enough to say a word to her. Up close now, Blight could see the filly to be worse than she thought. Small specks of dirt lodged into her fur and mane. Grey rocks and brown dirt spots just muddying what had originally been a beautiful coat the filly sported. Something bad really did happen after Soul had left yesterday. Left to only what she could hear, she must have had an accident.

Her fur was also messed up by how bad she slept lately as well. Blight loved Soul’s admittedly adorable eyes, but after everything that had happened, her yellow eyes were so red. Bloodshot eyes really don’t suit this poor filly well. I can’t believe I am thinking this about her and I know Soul would be annoyed if I told her this.

Soul needed a bath.

The poor thing. She looked so beautiful the other day. It was heartbreaking to see her like this. As to how she could be cleaned up, Blight was left at a blank. There was literally nowhere around here to do it. We don’t even have soap or anything. That was certainly something that needed to be done if they found some way home.

2.7
“What are you staring at?” Soul’s less than lively question woke Blight up from her stare.

“You, well… don’t look so good” Blight admitted. Soul groaned a little before looking away from Soulblight. “Oh wow” she muttered. “I wonder why.” It would be nice to think the reason being because of bad sleep if only that could be possible. As terrible it was, I know you are like this because of me. If only I could just help her. I just don’t know what to do like this. The filly won’t even talk to me.

“Well I looked around one of the other houses and found a few things for you.” She had to bring up the pillows and basin wrapped in her dark magic just for Soul to see. Floating at Blight’s sides. Soul’s eyes lazily looked over to see. Blight kept watch over her. Soul was so interested in the pillows, looked like. Just as Blight suspected. Even if Soul did not get any happier, just the fact she was gripped by the pillows was proof enough she liked them. I hope she will be happy.

“Why would I need those?” Soul asked.

The pillows? Were it not obvious? “They’re for whenever you want to sleep. I thought it’d make you more comfortable.” Soul became angry. Her eyes glaring upon Blight and a curl of her lip revealing the slightest bit of her white teeth. “You think I plan to sleep here any longer? I’m going back home… today.”

“I know you want to go home, but we have no idea how long it may take for us to find a way out” Blight said. This land was vast. As far as could be seen was nothing but snow and rugged terrain under constant siege by inhospitable storms whose appearance was too dangerous for Soul to get caught in. Whatever forced Soul to return to the house last night should have taught her that the land would not reward reckless behavior. But it’s not Soul’s fault. She was just a child. A scared and upset child.

2.8
Soul just laid her head down looking off to the distance like she just wanted to ignore Blight. She sighed deeply.

“Why don’t you just leave?” the filly quietly asked. “Just leave me behind so you can be happy and not bother with me. Leave me… all alone.”

“Soul, I will not leave you.”

Soul shook her head. “But I want you to. Just leave me alone like…” She buried her head into her forelegs. “Like everypony does. We both hate each other.” So Soul was still under the mindset she had yesterday. One that made her hate me. An angry outburst that mistakes led to. Even if she deserved some scorn from Soul, being told that she hated her… it really hurt. I hope she doesn’t actually hate me. After what she did, Soulblight should be hated and it was something she needed to accept even if it made her unhappy to hear Soul say it.

But Soul thinks I hate her? That could not stand. She would not hate the filly that she wronged. Now more than ever, Soul needed somepony there for her.

Blight landed down on the roof with Soul. Sitting a leg’s reach from her. Of course Soul pushed herself away a little. A clang was let out from the stone basin setting itself down upon the snow-covered roof, throwing aside her finds just so Blight could talk to her. Because it was needed. Enough of this, it’s lasted long enough.

“Will you please stop putting words in my mouth?” Blight spoke as gentle and considerate as she could. “I don’t hate you. I want you to be happy again because it’s unbearably painful to watch you like this. Just yesterday you were so energetic and joyful that it was inspiring to watch you.” “If that’s the case then why did you take everything from me? …You took Dashie from me” Soul said.

I know I did that. Her true shame that made her slink down. “I made a mistake. I just went with the first thing on my mind and placed it upon you because… I thought you may have lost Dash if nothing was done. Yet, you still lost Dash in the end. That is why I want to help you get her back. Please let me help you.”

Soul glanced at her. The deep yellow in her eyes glimmering outside all the blood in her eyes. She blinked softly. Even beneath her horribly broken eyes covered in the strands of her messy mane, Blight could still see the childhood innocence which made itself known every moment both pegasi played together. Soul was still Soul despite her sadness. At least there is that.

2.9
Soul was actually looking at the stuff Blight found for her. “What’s with the bowl?” “Oh that. It’s…” What can I say it is for? For carrying stuff? Or something else... I wonder. Blight looked over at the filly. Soul needs something better. The basin looks big enough for her.

“It’s your bathtub.” Soul raised her eyebrow. “I don’t need a bath.” “Considering how filthy you are, yes you do. Besides would you actually want to appear before Dash like this?” Blight asked. “I can find some way to get water for you. I’ll help you clean up.” Because of how terrible her mane and tail looked, Soul certainly would need me. Surely Soul will like that I want to help her. She did always seem to like whenever that Nimbus girl did so for her. Soul may like it.

The filly stood up now and wiped all the snow off her before she just trotted right past Blight. Her hooves crunching the snow loudly as she went. She left her wings dragging in the snow a little. Blight eyed that. Worried. She really shouldn’t be doing that to her precious wings. Just about to mention them to her before Soul brought both wings to bare. As she went past Soulblight, she stopped.

“I’ll clean up later, but I want to be alone right now” she said without looking back.

No. Blight didn’t want her to be alone. Soul continued on to the edge of the roof with her wings readying for flight. Hang on. Blight reached for her. But she stopped trying to grab for her. Because… she still doesn’t like me.

“Hey, Blight.” The mare listened with the filly actually looking back at her and… and how she sounded. Not angry, sarcastic. Her voice something Blight could call… relaxing.

“Thanks for the pillows.” The filly took off to join the snowy skies leaving a tiny little magenta feather to gently float in the air. Curling and swaying in the wind to land on the snow before Blight’s hooves. For that little moment, Blight gave a tiny smile staring with care down at the feather.

“I’ll be here for you, Soul.”

2.10
What the hell was that about?

Soul could hardly believe she just offered to help give her a bath. Seriously, does Blight really think I’m a foal? I’m not even that dity. Not that she took any chance to look at herself lately, but surely it wasn’t that bad. Some ruffled fur here and there. It was her wings that actually concerned her. The only part of her body that took her attention. Those very wings flapping every now and then and then she glided along the sky. Even now, she looked back over at both of them. That stupid crash I had… and having to fly in all that.

Those beloved feathers, normally kept very well-tended by Soul herself, no longer present in their normally straight and thick plumage. Nopony will be impressed with these. If anything needed tending anytime soon, it was those feathers. So that means… I have to preen? Agh, out here of all places. I’d have to do it myself since there’s nopony that would care to help me anymore. It’s really going to hurt. Unfortunate it was like that. Yet the suffering always gifted her in the end.

Blight was right about that. If she were to return to Dash, there would be no way she would appear to her with wings such as these. Proud and high flying pegasi would never look kindly on this mess. With the weather so clear today, maybe I can try to find a way out of here again. So she flew on out into the wide-open snowfields. No going back to the mountains this time.

She figured enough time had passed for her to put some distance between her and Blight. Firt she hurts me. Now she wants to give me a bath. Like she thinks I’d trust her with that. Such a weirdo. In truth, she no longer knew what to think of the black mare. Soul just wanted some time to think.

2.11
Soul touched back down on the ground. Her hooves carving a trench into the snow before coming to a complete stop. It felt great she could fly again. All that pain she was in yesterday. Made it so hard just to even try to fly. Thankfully, her back had healed nicely. All Soul felt was a small tightness in the muscles back there.

Soul arched her entire body, pressing all her hooves deep into the snow and stretching her legs out with her back. Both her wings stretched to their fullest lengths. It feels so amazing to stretch now. Enough to make the filly groan under her breath and keep her eyes closed. She sighed her relief returning to straighten herself back out. She opened her eyes. Both of them burned. The same feeling that greeted her when she woke up that morning from another awful nightmare much as the same as the first one. How she had cried. How so very pitiful she had felt. What is wrong with me? This just isn’t right.

Two nightmares in a row.

Such a thing never happened before. Just as lonely and sad she felt yesterday morning. As sad as she was all morning. She could feel a tear in her eye. If by how bad she felt or the pain in her eyes, she did not know. It could be both. She rubbed a forehoof against both her eyes but that didn’t help. They still hurt so badly. Not nearly as much as the pain she wanted to forget. All of this just from some stupid nightmares. But I used to have them. These ones… I hate them so much.

…Dashie

They were just nightmares. All they were.

2.12
She shook a little and ignored it. Wanting to just look around. Even with the weather so nice compared to last night, thick clouds still hung and cast such darkness down on this land, couldn’t even see anything in the distance. Even the mountain range was difficult to spot with only their peaks reaching their way out of the clouds. Soul would have to fly further to be able to look around in those distant lands.

To her left were the hills from which she had first arrived to stumble across the village. Whatever was past those hills were a mystery as much as everything besides the mountain ranges. Really no telling where I should go. Guess I’ll just fly somewhere. These were open plains extending far and wide to disappear far into the cloudy skyline. They could go anywhere.

Soul could not determine for how far she would want to fly. Her hope was not for too long if she happened across a way home. Something she could use. But not as long as yesterday. No way will she allow her wings to be sore again. I’ll fly for a bit but… I guess I’ll have no choice. If she found nothing, she’d have to go back.

She had plenty of places to look around. Soon enough she would find a way home back to Dashie as she hoped for. It at least livened up her hopes to see her again. Yes. She would prove to Soul that she still loved her. They were still friends. Yes. Yes, we’re still friends. Dash would prove those nightmares wrong as well because they were wrong.

Just, maybe as well, they could be happy again.

2.13
Doesn’t take anything to do stuff like this. Pieces of boards were tossed aside. Split in two by her magic. Many tiny splinters of wood also scattered around them. Breaking this part of the bookcase being a messy project. Just making the boards of it smaller, they could easily fit into the fireplace which Blight gave pieces of the case to. They landed loudly among the already charred and ashen objects still fueling the fire that she had to keep going. Funny how the flames were buried under the boards and then those same flames quickly ate them away.

Soulblight watched as the flames found their way around and over the new planks of wood with tiny new flames forming here and there. That oak brown wood quickly changed its color growing darker over the minutes until black sears scorched it with tiny bits of white popping and crackling. She went ahead and threw more in. Just wishing she could feel what it was like. This warmth that it may cause. I have magic… but it’s so useless for just helping me feel what it’s like.

I got one use for this magic. At least I don’t need to get close to the fire. The black mist was all she needed to toss wood in there. Soul… she would have to use her hooves just like other ponies, besides the unicorns though. The same powers they used and I have them too. Guess that lot isn’t so gifted after all… hmm, a Pegasus with magic… I’d love to see how those ponies would react.

At some point all the stuff she found in the other house would disappear in the fire. But the fire had enough wood to keep it going for a while at the moment. The new pile was simply for later. Blight felt satisfied seeing the fire start to grow and intensify its Sun-like glow upon the house. The light it gave was better than that given by the Sun itself through to the few useless windows their home provided. That damn snow doing its worse in attempting to block up the windows like that other house suffered from. But I need to try and keep this house looking okay for Soul to live in. Soulblight made a point to go out soon and dig that snow away, just to clear the windows for the filly. Soul would like to have more light in here. I’m sure she’d appreciate being able to look outside better.

I would like to make this house a true home for us until Soul could return to her real home.

However that could happen.

2.14
There is one other thing. I need to find some way to do it. I’d love to redo the doorway to this house. It’s just a pain to have to fly through that tight hole down into the porch Blight barely was able to fit the basin through it and bring it inside. Thinking of that, she had an idea.

Would it not be lovely to give themselves a nice pathway up from the door to the outside above the tall snow? It’d give their little refuge from the weather a more inviting look. It was entirely possible. With how cold it got at night, the snowfall during the day always turned into ice. Fluffy and soft snow coming down every day over the icy sheets before it too turned to ice at night. An endless cycle. Icy pathways, guess that’s the best I’ll have. Something to do later.

I wish I could give Soul back a little taste of her home. Too bad I can’t make the paths out of clouds. Something more familiar to her. If only I knew how. If only I could.

All I have is letting the filly take a bath in that big bowl. Blight turned to look over at where she left it right next to the doorway. All that soft snow accumulating over the day gave her enough to keep a nice pile of the snow filling the entire interior of the basin. It looked like none of it melted at all. Maybe the house wasn’t as warm as she thought but enough to keep Soul from freezing. I’ll melt it. Her magic pulled the basin along the floor, brushing softly on the carpet until it sat next to Blight. She took a moment more to look over everything. No cracks or openings at all along its shell. Reliable enough. So she gave it one last push to set it just outside the opening of the fireplace.

It’s all I can do. Let the snow melt and… I hope the fire can warm the water up a little.

2.15
From a bath to bed. That’s how Soul used to do it. The filly still wants to do it. She has a gift now and doesn’t even want to use it. She must miss her life. Doesn’t want to stop sleeping. Whatever the real reason was, all I can do is support her. Especially with the pillows. Make a nicer bed for her.

The blanket Soul used to keep warm was left draped over the bed’s side with countless wrinkles and crevices marking it and a corner of the blanket left folded in on itself. She grumbled. Why did Soul even sleep? How terrible for her to have slept in the end and wake up with those bloodshot eyes. Whatever nightmare she had could have been avoided.

I really wish you would stop sleeping… just so I don’t need to watch you suffer.

Blight sighed. If she wanted to sleep then so be it; it wasn’t as if Blight could force her to change her routine even if it were bad. The least could be done was making it a little more comfortable. These pillows could help. With a little willing of her magic, both pillows floated up to present themselves to Blight and she made them fluff themselves. Just a little softer after so many years of them sitting around. They looked good enough now. Soulblight brought them over with her to the bed. Angling herself over the frame, she found something.

“Oh, Soul…”

“Why did you have to sleep?” Her eyes holding on the sight on a patch at the head of the mattress. A spot left darker than every other part of the mattress. The only thing left behind by Soul as her eyes gushed so many tears last night. She could only hope that they could get out of here sometime soon. Return her to the nice dreams Soul sweetly slept through. A time she deserves after all she had to go through. I want it for her.

Soulblight set both pillows down next to one another to cover up the wet spot before her magic pulled the blanket up to cover them as well. It came a little bit closer to a normal bed. Something Soul would be able to compare more to what she was used to. Two pillows for more comfort. Two pillows, …for two ponies if only it could be. Soulblight replacing Rainbow Dash for just one night to help ease Soul to sleep in somepony else’s warmth. Be that friend to her that she needed. It’d also be nice to know how nice these soft pillows feel. Those thoughts left her. I really shouldn’t think this way. I just… it hurts… too much now.

Which it shouldn’t.

Soulblight reeled back as hard as she could. Wings flared out. Her eyes stared off at the doorway. Her mouth agape. What is this? She felt it, feeling that pinging running across her head and flaring her nostrils. It made her want to scream and her mouth made attempts to do so releasing only raspy breaths. Screaming… and…. fear? But she was not afraid.

She was not the one.

Something else felt just way too wrong. Like she always feels… “Oh no.”

2.16
How on Earth could this be happening?

There was no way this could be. Soul thought it was a fluke. This world… whatever this land is, how can it actually do this?

There could be no way she could turn her wings like this. Yet they did, as hammered into her skull by the very force that hammered her wings. Made them incapable of even moving with how they were sent flailing out of her control. Flap down. The wind forced the opposite. The wind is too much. Damn it!

I can’t give up. Please. Not with her falling once again. It made her scream for them only to be drowned out by the howling wind. Fly! She looked up. The sky wrapped in a deep darkness just like a scene she had seen recently. Just yesterday. With a blink, she could see the white sheet of the ground far ahead. Tumbling down at it. Fly!

Her wings did nothing to stop this cycle. Her world twisting around in an endless spin. This really is not the weather I’m used to at home. Her wings burned. Their tender flesh torn asunder by wind so strong, impossible for pegasi to fly through it. I’m so stupid.

In her revolving sight, she could spot small traces of blood rushing by her in tiny droplets to disappear in an instant. Yet it was just a small burn. All she could feel of it. Even with how much blood rushed by. The occasional feather launched away to be lost from her wings. No, I only want to fly. To reach back up to the sky that forced her out its realm and keep her down and trapped. No response, even with the ground coming to her faster. “No! Damn it, no!” Her cries lost in the wind. This was going to hurt.

This was going to be so painful and it frightened her as to how bad it may be. Please stop. The last time had hurt so much, I don’t want it again. Just being flung into a rock. Now she had so much time. As if the world was in slow motion to prepare the filly for pain she wished to not come. It was enough to make her reach a tiny hoof out. But… nopony grabbed it. For Soul to be falling just because her wings… I thought they would be strong enough. They always had been before. Not this time. And nopnoy is here to help me. Save me.

For a pair of cyan furred legs to wrap around her own.

For wings not belonging to her to lift her back up. None came.

Her eyes widened. The snow filled her vision and revolved once more. In came the dark sky once more rolling to meet her sight. Darkness she did not welcome. In this moment, for a brief second, she made one wish to spat out and fade into existence. I wish she was here. For it to be dark wings as black as this sky to come and save her.

“Help …me.” Did those wings come? Soulblight...

2.17
It made her gag. Soulblight had to bite down on her lip just to fight the sharp pain. Seconds passed by yet they felt like days to her. Each moment she just had to whimper between her ragged breaths. So much pain and it’s in my wing. Just exploded out there all along her span.

She gripped herself so hard to try and ignore the sudden pain. Now it’s getting worse. This is worse than… whatever happened yesterday. Agh! Just stop it. Then she found herself bashing her own head against the wall again and again. Yesterday didn’t feel so bad. This time… it hurt so bad whatever Soul had done.

“D-d-d-damn …it, …S-Soul.” She gasped hard. “What did you do…!?” Her voice broke on the last word, coming as a terrible shriek. That crazy filly. Whatever foolishness she did last evening was an annoyance to Blight. Now, this was something beyond stupidity. This hurt too much and, with every passing second, the pain was all she could feel. It was terrible to her. For brief moments, she wanted to remember how very afraid she was for Soul once this pain came in. She couldn’t focus on it. She wanted to.

“Ahhh! I must …get to her.” It was like her entire wingspan was on fire. It almost made her collapse; the world around her almost hazed to white for it to come back to her. That experience made her heart race. She screamed horrendously. Her cries so loud that it almost split her own ears.

She calmed herself. Unfortunately, that wing did not. Its intensively growing agony flaring and pulsing to make her muscles tense and the bones within to creak on her attempts to move it. I have to move. Get over it. Just get over it. Her wing roared back against her. No! Her stupidity won’t get the best of me. I must help her.

She attempted to move her wing. Something pinged. The sound banging across her entire innards until it reached every thought she had. Booming hard in every corner of her ears. She coughed up spit. “Damn it!” That sound droned on. The pain went on. But it won’t stop me. Just readjust her wing. Force the pain out. She blindly felt her wing begin to move up to the point she could feel it herself. It hurt way too much now. Enough to begin to make her afraid. But she slowly brought that wing back out and unfolded at her side. Stop. Go. Stop. Go. Only stopping moving her wing right when it started to really hurt. She willed it with no idea of what to do. Didn’t help that her vision was so blurry. Just a little more.

2.18
A crack sounded within the house. Soulblight’s eyes widened.

She screeched.

Its agonizing sound blaring right into her own ears to the point she could even grow weary of hearing it. She wanted to stop screaming. Her pain proving too powerful. Powerful enough that she just fell right to the floor, letting her wing spread out on top of her. She felt it beating against her chest. Her screaming went on. It went on for so long that Soulblight herself found herself putting her face deep within her forelegs to shield her own ears as best she could from those cries.

How long could this last? Please stop. She sealed her mouth. Can even feel so much spit on my mouth. Just flowing out on to her fur. “Please stop.” She spoke it to two different things. The unbelievable pain in her wing and the ringing in her mind that still persisted. What is that? “What is that!?” She roared out a new scream. Then, the black Pegasus collapsed. Her screaming silenced to turn into slow sobs as tears fell onto the rug. All her feelings still mocking her… along with that damn sound. What was ringing? Where was it?

I’ll kill it.

It seemed as if the sound responded. Becoming more intense and louder within her mind. Soulblight was astonished. She couldn’t believe that this sound was getting to her more than the pain in her wing that still stung deep into her. Hurt her head. She was under attack everywhere now. Soul. Stupid Soul. “Stupid. Stop hurting yourself.” That ringing grew worse. “Stop hurting me!”

Her ear perked up. What was that sound? Something… different. Something …wait. The ringing was gone. Her pained wing being the only thing getting to her but could not hold her attention. Something else did. She listened carefully. It was so hard to pick out. But, there it was. She understood it.

Something… was laughing.

Laughing… at me? It sounded like… some girl. Younger? Almost like a filly perhaps. But it was no less irritating. Who was laughing? She looked up from under her forelegs. Nothing. Nopony was in front of her. Her eyes darted all around trying to pinpoint where the laughing came from. It got worse and, as it did, just getting her more angry. She could feel her brow sinking. Her teeth baring and drilling into her lip. “Shut up” she yelled. But it did not listen. “Who is laughing!?” She looked around again. It made her infuriated not finding who did it. “Stop laughing at my pain.”

All of a sudden, making her ears twitch in response, the laughing stopped. Silence. It made her cease all her movements. At last.

2.19
You deserve it.

There! I see it. A faint movement in the corner far into the shadows. Almost dark enough for her to miss it.

“Shut up!”

A blaze of light. A flash of deep red. Lighting up the entire house in its bloody glow for a split second even as the accompanying sound went on longer as Blight watched with glee as a great arc of brilliant crimson light cut its way out from her, rolling along the floor that dared to stand between her and the shadow. With every bit of ground it covered, the sound of rending metal and searing cinder was so pleasing to hear.

That arc of light, its bladed edge, struck with a mighty blow into whomever laughed at her from within the shadows. Now die. She knew just how to finish it. The magical arc reeled itself up and sliced the entirety of the corner itself, leaving behind a smoldering black line scorched deep into the wood as it hit the ceiling. Like a wave against a rock, the light exploded into nothing upon striking that very ceiling.

Soulblight smiled at her work. Her efforts leaving behind a long and smoky line bored deep into the floor, perfectly straight and bending up into the very corner whomever mocked her resided. How dare they say I deserved it. Upon thinking of this, she blinked. She did it again. This time so confused. Finding herself baffled as to how things now were. Her pain was gone. Entirely. Her right wing laying still against her side with a comforting softness descending upon it. It felt calming to her as her mind also calmed down. It had the opportunity now that all was silent. That laughter gone and only the sound of the wind outside could be heard.

She gave a sigh of relief before her smile grew larger. The mare giggled looking back over at the corner. Her laughing ceased. What? The shadows had subsided as quickly as her pain disappeared.

There… was nothing there. Only the anger induced result of her magic left in that well-lit corner.

“What? But…who was…?” She looked all around. In every corner, in every dim spot she could find. Nothing. She could feel her heart racing. What happened to me? Her eyes came across the mirror at the far end of the room. Even from this distance, she could make it out and she wished she had not. Staring at the pony in the reflection laying down just as she did; Blight’s breathing stopped.

It was her. Jet black fur, mighty wings and a misty aura, but …she drew a blank. That emptiness in her mind led to a feeling… was it fear, for what she saw. Her eyes… they made her afraid. All the Sun stricken yellow she knew entirely replaced by a whirling red. Blood. The disgusting liquid coiled around her own pupils. Inside my eyes. Those are my eyes. Both diamond pupils split into needle thin lines running down the center of her eyes. She looked like a beast. Enough to startle her.

“Oh no.” Her forehooves rubbed against both her eyes with darkness taking her sight. No, she mustn’t see me like this. Soul was a priority once again and she wanted to reach out to her but there would be no way she could come to her like this. Go back to how they had been. Soul would be terrified of seeing her eyes, and she was terrified of showing them. “Calm down. Calm down” she begged as she did not let up on rubbing her eyes. She revealed them to the mirror again. Dizzy and disoriented. Taking several seconds to clear up.

Soulblight saw her eyes again. Yellow.

The black diamonds were back. The eyes Soul knew were back. She smiled her satisfaction. Thank goodness. A few more blinks gave no indication those reddened eyes would come back. She gasped.

“Soul!” I must get to her. That pain was from her!

She finally stood back up to turn her back to that mirror and to the evidence of her intensive anger. Soul was not too far off. I can find her easily and get there right away. Just need to get there. She concentrated but, for a brief second, she stopped. Looking back at what she had done and all around the house. Nothing moved or made a sound. Turning back to face the direction of the filly, she spoke softly of the dead laughter.

“What was that?”

2.20
“Hello!? Somepony help me!” Soul cried out as loud as she could with her voice carried on by the wind to disappear in the thunderous storm. Leaving her alone. All alone laying in the trench she had carved in the snow, with the blood speckling the snow around her. She looked around for a moment till the stinging pain within her right wing made her wince. It was not as bad as it had been moments ago, enough to make the filly roll uncontrollably as she screamed at the top of her lungs while her wing spasmed. It still wasn’t enough to stop the pain in it. Stop it from twitching at her side. She absolutely hated seeing it do that.

Looking away, I just don’t want to see it. But then she saw the blood on the ground. Oh man. I want to just get out of here. She tried again to make her wing flap. It barely even left its rest upon the snow before it lashed out at her with quick pain making the filly settle it back as quick as the pain had come.

Soul grunted. “This sucks.” Looking off in the direction she could tell had to lead back to the house due to the mountain range off to her left. Still, the houses of the village were nowhere to be seen. I flew so far. Am I gonna have to walk back? Please no. Barely spending any time walking up to this point all the while her wing forced her to rest often. “Soulblight!” she screamed. Her voice slipped to a whisper. “Somepony?” The wind screaming over her, snow coming to rest upon the top of her head. The weather made her feel more helpless.

Her eyes turned over looking back at the thick walls of dark clouds behind her. The realm she had managed to escape from after it threw her from the sky. Its wind strong. Flashes of light rupturing across its dark berth in the blink of an eye. That storm was getting worse, and it was getting cold. All the more reason for her to push herself back to safety.

Her knees pushed her back up. Her wing forced her back down, the sudden movement riling up the damage within again and making the poor filly cringe. So she lay back down unable to move. Her legs trembling. Why? Why won’t anyone help me? Why and how could this be happening? Another storm. Just like yesterday. It was just like it! The same damn wind that sent her falling out of the sky. For what? For trying to find her friend? For Rainbow Dash? She could do naught but to see it as another thing working hard to hurt her. To take her down. Just… more things trying to ruin my life. It would not win in the end. It couldn’t.

“I won’t let this stop me.” Not this. …not …Celestia, or any other pony… “I’ll come home” she spoke softly down at the snow. One of her tears surprised her and landed on that very snow.

I will.

2.21
She stood up again. Taking it slow to try and ease all this pain. She let out such a terrible wail. Her muffled cries not able to stop her from standing tall even if she did wobble a little. “I can do this.” She took a step forward. That was all it took.

Her wing exploded just as bad as it did when she crashed. May as well have just slammed the wing against a wall right now. Enough to lose any footing those wobbly legs gave her. Screaming loudly, Soul fell forward with her face slamming into the snow. Her mind went blank. She could only scream and howl into the snow.

She kept yelling. Again and again, her throat was sore by the end. Sore enough to finally quiet her down and she lay her legs out to rest once more. Panting. All the pain now making Soul cry slowly. Still nopony helped. Her eyes gently looked around. Looking for any hint of the black Pegasus she wanted to desperately see at this very moment. She could care less for what happened earlier. Soulblight was the only pony here that could help …and she was gone like every other pony. Just like Nimbus and Dashie. They aren’t here for me anymore.

Nopony in sight. Leaving Soul all alone with this insurmountable pain. Just like …I left Dash… all alone. “Just like this” she said stammering. Was this the same pain I made her feel? Flying off and leaving her friend behind on the ground with a hurt wing. Just like my wing. Guess I get to see what it’s like since nopony wants to help me.

Soul calmed down. No. I can’t just lay here and think that. “I didn’t hurt her on purpose. I’m sorry.” She looked back at the storm. As if her words mattered. I just want to find her and apologize. But I just can’t. Can I? This stupid weather.

So many words spoken between both fillies only for the last words to be ones that could not be taken back. With every failure making her feel that to be true even more. These past days being constant disappointments, constant anguish. All because of me. “Because I left her… like… this.” She sank her head deeper into the snow. More pain pounded in her injured wing. “I’m terrible. I deserve this.” Soul cried. Her tears flowing out all across the icy snow. All alone in the snow, broken and hurt like I always used to be. Nothing has changed.

2.22
A terribly loud crack rang out all around. Soul screeched from it. That was terrifying how loud it was. She finally rose out from the snow and looked back at the storm, the source of the sound which rumbled and lasted for seconds on end right as lightning shot out. A thunderstorm? The thick and massive clouds just like how she would remember them in Cloudsdale. Just how loud it had been made Soul whimper and shake. Alone out here in this and I can’t even fly.

“Dashie” her voice so low, so silent that she could barely hear herself. “… Help me. I’m sorry.” Begging for that pony she had pushed away, harmed, and owed everything to. “I want to be your friend again.” Even if I don’t deserve you. Don’t deserve any friend. The sky let loose again. Such loud thunder rippling from the storm. Soul had to turn away from it. Terrified. “No!” she yelled. The sounds so loud and so close, she couldn’t take it. Dealing with it all alone. “I’m sorry” she cried out again.

If only I could fly. If only something can go right. She really did think things would be better once she was sent away from Canterlot. Free from it. Free to go back home. No… this is my home now. It’s the only home I can go back to now. To that stupid shack. Soulblight would be there. All she wanted was to have somepony with her.

Then came a new sound.

That’s… not the storm. Her ears listening closely. Something is… close. It was not thunder. It sounded more like a crunch. Something pressing hard into the snow. It came again and again like some pattern. Was something… walking?

“Hello?” she spoke turning to see what it was. Her eyes widened. Black hooves and four legs. Soulblight? No. It was something much more different. No way. I never thought I’d see anything like this here.

A deer, standing a stone’s throw away looking over at her with beady black eyes. Such gorgeous brown fur and even had a white tail. Beyond that tail stood yet another deer, taller and stronger looking. Both of them looked almost the same. Except for one thing. Soul was drawn to the incredible antlers the second deer had. Mighty and strong with many jagged ends reaching to the sky and so tall, looked like it would be tough carrying those around. The other deer, plain with nothing atop its head.

It was a doe and… must be her male friend. Soul couldn’t believe to see these creatures. Standing there without making a single move, both of them keeping Soul square in their sights. Are they even afraid of me? I don’t think so. Not that she would harm them anyways and… I’m not afraid of them. Beautiful deer like the ones and many other wildlife to grace the gorgeous landscape of Equestria. Frolicking in the lush grasslands under clear blue skies. Quite a different setting for these two.

Huh, what is the doe looking at? Soul eyed her. The female was looking down. Down? At where? She thought for a moment. Maybe… she followed what it was seeing.

She was looking at Soul’s own wing.

2.23
So they know. She didn’t like having these deer stare at her injured wing. Like their gaze was enough to make her tremble so nervously. The idea of looking so pathetic to them, she hated it. She had to bring her good wing up and over. Bringing it all along her chest and against her side. The sheets of thick magenta feathers doing as she wanted and covered up her right wing as good as they could. Shielding the sight of it from the deer.

Soul grumbled sitting there. Not the pony she wanted. Not anypony she wanted to come and help her. So now I have an audience? The doe really did want to take a look at her wing. It did not appreciate Soul covering it up. Not at all. So much that… it walked towards her.

Soul was not afraid. More amazed. I didn’t think a deer would want to ever come near a pony. They tended to flee more often than anything no matter how good natured the pony would be towards it. But here this one was, a hoofful of steps out and closing in, slowing down as she got closer to Soul. She could see the doe’s nostrils flare as it got closer. Its ears twitching and shifting, listening close. How good could its hearing even be? Even able to listen to the filly’s breath.

Soul watched carefully. The doe just steps away. Close enough to tell it was much taller than Soul was. Maybe even taller than Blight as well. Thin and its fur looking very soft. She could see nothing to be afraid of it for. Soul even thought the way its eyes gently blinked, whose wide and black pupils glimmered the faded sunlight, looked sweet. She won’t hurt me. Soul looked past her. Looked like the doe’s friend didn’t think Soul would hurt them either. The buck holding back completely calm about this.

Standing a hoof’s reach away from her, the doe bent its head down to her. Soul watched those dark eyes come close to her face up to the point where the doe was at head’s height of the filly. The filly had to hold her breath. I’ve never seen one this close before. Wow. This is kind of amazing. She was so close that Soul could feel its breath on her. Cute, little grumbles in the doe’s throat. So close but… I am not afraid. Even though this was the first time this had ever happened.

“H-hi” Soul said to it. She spoke softly. Any louder might scare it off. It was not afraid. Soul heard its breathing turn to loud sniffs, and it turned its snout down to Soul’s chest and all around. Sniffing the filly yet it never got too close. Soul didn’t pull back from it. What is she doing? Smelling me all over. I don’t know what its looking for. Or if the doe would think bad of her smell. How long had it been since she bathed?

No, it didn’t care. The doe only went over to sniff the wing she had covering her hurt one. Soul could do nothing in time to get the doe away in time before she bared witness to something she never would have expected a wild creature to do. The doe quickly pushed the tip of its nose straight into the layers of feathers her wing used as covering. Soul yelped. “Hey, wait a minute.” She could feel the doe’s nose brush against her feathers, the motions softly felt along her wingspan but it did not hurt. Not at all like how it would hurt if she touched her own wings too harshly. It just felt… relaxing. But it didn’t last. The doe actually reeled back and stopped.

2.24
Those large, black eyes looked at Soul. Looking over at her own eyes. As if it were asking something of her. Expecting something. The doe glancing back over to Soul’s wing and at what Soul knew exactly what it wanted. I get it. A smart deer? Not to mention what it was the deer wanted. She wanted to see.

The strange thing was that Soul did not feel worried about it. Something about it, she felt herself lowering her guard. I’ve never known animals to be mean… they never have been afraid of me. In the rare times she would be able to see any. But they all proved to be the same and these deer were no different. This doe was harmless and… as much as she found it hard to believe, it expressed concern over her. Even out here, they can still be nice to me.

But why would she?

“You want to help me?” Soul asked. The doe lowered it’s a head a little more and only snorted. Maybe that was a yes. The deer refused to leave despite Soul’s hesitation. Perhaps it did want to help. “But why?” Soul asked feeling uneasy. What if she did something to scare off this deer? Just another who would leave me. I… I don’t want her to. It feels good knowing they cared. “I don’t want to disappoint you as well.”

The doe breathed hard onto her. Its front legs bending and its snout reaching back towards her feathers. But it didn’t do as it did before. It held its muzzle just short of touching her left wing. Soul moaned.

“Fine.”

It took her a moment but Soul bit her lip and did it. She lifted her wing up for the doe to see. The bloody, distorted span of her right wing fully visible once more. Its feathers jumbled and bent making it look even more ugly, and the deer knew it to be so now. It was shameful. Soul feeling exposed with this ugly wing right before the deer, but it was too late to cover up again. She sunk her head in defeat upset with how the doe stared at it. Is it really so bad? Did I mess up that bad?

Soul gasped. Something touched her injured span. She turned quick to find the doe pressing its nose up against a spot just short of where her span bent so unnaturally. That leathery feeling of its nose piercing through the fur and touching the sensitive skin beneath. Wait a minute… stop. Yelling in sudden terror as quick as the feeling of being touched came upon her. “Sto...” she paused. Soul holding her mouth wide open. Stop. Soul stopped herself.

There… was no pain.

How the hell? Soul staring at the doe stroking its nose against her wingspan. It hurt so much whenever she moved the wing, how was it possible that it being touched didn’t hurt? No. It felt good. Relaxing like when it touched her other wing before. It made her smile. Soul only wanted to watch her seemingly massage her wing. The droning pain sort of died off. Soul could only focus on how nice it felt in the end. Wow, this is awesome. I… I’m loving this.

The doe rose her head slightly and moved over to a new spot along her span. Soul expected her to massage that spot. It didn’t. Instead it did something Soul never expected anything to do to her. The doe licked her fur!

This felt… great. Was this how doe’s showed affection? That’s so sweet of it. It nudged its nose back against her wing a little more. Helping it feel so much better. Just a small touch was all she needed. Like she really cares for me. It… it’s wonderful. I wish I could have more of it.

2.25
Soul blinked. The doe released its touch on her wing and brought itself back up to look directly into Soul’s face. Soul smiled at it seeing only innocence inside those beady eyes. “Thank you” Soul whispered to one she could see as a buddy to her even if it were a deer. Still something, and the doe must have felt the same about Soul. She licked the tip of Soul’s nose. Ha, that tickles.

Soul giggled. “Hey” she spoke to it. “Would you want me to be your friend?” Everything this doe did… so much more than what anypony else would do. Especially lately. Since everypony hates me. Not this doe though. It made her feel better. Something a friend would do. Like I am actually gonna be friends with a deer. What a story for other ponies, having a deer for a good friend. The doe looked like it didn’t mind. Those long ears perched atop its head angled down before picking themselves high up. A lick of its lips. Must mean something. Something good. Especially since the deer had not left her, not like all other ponies.

Aw, thank you. I wish I could do something to thank you. Something it would understand. Well, nopony is looking. Maybe I can do what it did for me. I think she’d like it, right? I want to try. It’s just me and her. Soul leaned a little closer. Quickly but not quick enough to surprise the doe. Even so, the doe did not show fear from the filly getting closer to her. Good. No reason for Soul to fear her either. You’re so sweet to me, even if we just met. Here you go. Soul licked her nose just as the deer did for her.

It tasted like nothing. Even so, it was a pleasant feeling that made Soul smile. Better yet, as she opened her eyes again, looked like the deer liked it. It took a step closer, bowing its head down close to Soul’s chin and it grumbled. Oh man, she must be happy. Soul placed her hoof upon the doe. “I’ll be your friend” Soul whispered down to it. A friend out here, at last.

2.26
The deer laid itself right against her chin. So happy that the filly was happy. Soul laughed. Oh, this deer is so nice. I’m glad we met. May as well be a pony. Soul even set her head down in between the doe’s ears. It was warm. Something welcomed in the winter. Yet even with the fire roaring in the house giving her relief from the cold, there was just something more about being this close to something that liked her. It felt much nicer. More safe. Yay. She wants to be my friend. I’ll never leave her. She will make sure of it. I left Dashie… such a bad mistake. I won’t do it again.

Soul slowly lowered her eyes. It was like she would fall asleep like this, but she couldn’t. So hard not to. It just feels so great to have something here for me. Lifting one of her hooves up to reach for the deer and wrap it over its neck. The brown fur atop its neck touching the fur of Soul’s leg, the first time she’d hugged a deer. Such a soft touch. I love it.

A brush of fur sounding in her ear. The wipe of a sound that whished across the air and rang in both her ears. Yes, something brushing. It sounded weird to her in the brief moment she had to listen.

It wasn’t from them.

Their ruffling fur against one another. Like the air itself split apart beside them and echoed with thunder. Then… a cry.

Soul opened her eyes and found herself falling forward. She caught herself with sturdy legs in time to see what had happened. The deer was gone. It was for only a moment but, Soul saw it. A blast of red, like a wall cutting across the world itself, slicing deep against the snow by her and curving into the distance leaving a sizzling trench running in the snow before it disappeared into nonexistence. Like fire ate it all away in an instant. The steam bellowed. Plumes of heat dancing in coiling up to the air. So hot. She felt her own skin blister.

Soul glanced down. There the trench bore deep in the snow next to her with something more. Her eyes saw it.

Pools of red, blood.

As haunting as it ever was and she trembled seeing it. More than just getting hurt. It couldn’t be with how much there was. Soul looked back up in shock. So dazed. What happened? She just couldn’t get the ringing out of her ears. She saw her. The doe stumbled back away from her. Its hooves pushing deep into the snow and, in their attempts to lift back up, she almost tripped over herself. But it still managed to gain its footing and turn itself away. All it needed to do was turn. Soul’s eyes widened. So much more blood.

Blood dripped all along its side. Down from… a horrible gash. Cut all along its side. From leg to leg. She didn’t get enough time to make everything out now that the deer hid its side from her and left its tail to face her as it ran off leaving trails of blood on the ground. Its crying sounding loudly and all that was left was the doe’s whimpers. What? She’s hurt?!

A black hoof stamped down in the snow.

2.27
Blight really wanted to kill this creature right about now. Her entire body boiled in anger. How dare that animal touch Soul. How dare it harm her. I can’t even imagine what would have happened had I just been a little later, and I had to come here just in time to see that beast trying to go for Soul’s throat! Right after hurting her wing. How could it care so little for a young pony? Blight felt no obligation to feel any care for it. I should kill it.

I should.

Blight held herself. No, not… not in front of Soul. The poor filly has seen enough. There was enough blood to make her point. The brown furred creature galloping away towards the second one with so much pain it cried out in. Trails of blood following in its wake. Blight could see that gash burned into it. Not as bad as Soul had it though.

I need to look over Soul, her wing looks really bad. The filly was silent. She must be stunned by all this. I understand. The filly was actually staring down at all the blood on the snow. A terrible sight for her, but not one Blight could prevent. Left behind by the one she saved Soul from. Even some of the blood splattered on her face. Just a small amount unlike the horrendous amount soaking her right wing. Just like my wing. Those beasts hurt her… they hurt me! How dare they?! I wish I could… ugh no, I need to tend to Soul. So many cuts and large wounds all over the wing. It needs to be treated. The way blood trickled down from those openings and tainting the magenta fur. All her fur a horrible mess now more than ever. Torn feathers and… oh no, her wing was bent. The bone. It was damaged.

“S-sss…” Blight stopped herself from speaking. Shit. This could not be. Her eyes widening thinking just how serious this could be. No, it could be saved. It could heal. Now that she took a moment just to think clearly. Painful for a time, yes, but Soul would have to stay off that wing for a long period. She needs plenty of care. Blight really hoped that would be it. It certainly could be worse and she would not allow it to be made worse. She had to be protected.

“Soul, I’m here.” Blight stepped in front of the pony, knowing right there she was between Soul and those creatures who watched over the two ponies. You two won’t get through me.

2.28
Why are they still here? Was my message not clear for them? She glared over at both those animals. The smaller one that had been attacking Soul standing hidden behind the larger one who seemed to do the same thing Blight did, protecting it. All she could see was the small one’s head hiding back there. It was shaking. Terrified. The other one making an attempt to look protective. How amusing. These fools had no idea. I have to hold back for Soul. All she could do was bare her teeth and stare angrily upon them.

“Blight” she heard a whisper behind her.

“Soul” Blight said back glancing over to her, being sure to not look angry to her. “I won’t allow them to harm you.” She caught a motion in the corner of her eye. The larger creature moved its leg. Was it trying something? Don’t even try. She turned back towards them.

“Get out of here!” she screamed. Hearing even herself booming loudly over the thundering storms and howling winds. Blight threw out her magic. Seeing all the waves of black lash out at those animals. A wall of darkness shining in silver striking along the snow and cutting the air. All she needed to send the snow laying around them flying in massive sheets. No doubt such a sight would scare them off. So it did. More snow rose, rising from the kicks of both the creatures fleeing away from the pegasi.

Blight watched carefully, making sure they did nothing more and only run off. Seeing their white tails bouncing with their steps until those very tails disappeared with the creatures themselves upon them merging with the dark weather beyond.

Soul was safe.

Blight felt proud. Finally I helped the filly! She must be so happy. I got to tend to her wounds. She wanted to, turning around to Soul. The filly sat there scowling at her.

What? Blight held her breath. She… she has never looked this mad before. Her cheeks twitching from how hard she furrowed her lips and show off the whites of her teeth. “What the hell!?” she screamed at Blight. “Did you just… attack her?”

Her? That creature? IT was female? How does Soul even know this and why does she care? Did I do something wrong? But it was hurting her, it had harmed Soul. Careful with her words and tone, Blight responded. “You’re safe now. Never would I allow those creatures to hurt you further.” She pointed out Soul’s injured wing. Soul stomped one of her forehooves deep into the snow. “I fell and hurt myself! You think a deer would do this to me? Idiot.”

2.29
What is a deer?

So those things had a name to them. Soul thinks they won’t harm her. But how could she be sure? She fell and was helpless. She would be vulnerable. “But what was it doing to you?”

“She was helping me! Because she was my friend!” Soul said.

Blight stayed silent now. It was… her friend? Helping her. Doing exactly what Blight wanted to do to help Soul. It was tending to her… and I… She gasped. Looking down upon the thick blood pools sinking deep into the snow like water to soil. She cursed what she just did. I really thought she was in trouble. I did. I… I was hurting so much… I just wasn’t thinking. Oh, I really have no excuse.

She looked back up at Soul. The filly was crying now. Anger still gripped her even with how pathetic she came to look. Seeing her like this, shame was all she felt. I couldn’t have attacked her friend. I just couldn’t. No. Please. I just didn’t know. She could think of nothing to say or do to try to make her feel better. I don’t want her upset. No. Could this be made right?

Blight turned herself around back in the direction both of those deer ran off to. She looked hard. Listened hard. It was impossible to spot them out in that weather. No more sight of their hooves tearing a path in the snow, just their pats far… far away. They were gone. This couldn’t be. She had to go after them. She wanted to, I have to “Oh no, come back” she called out hoping they could hear her. “I’m sorry!” Please.

Her ears flopped down. “So sorry” she whispered hoping to see them walk back. She heard something walk.

She turned around. Soul galloped off in the deep snow, dragging her injured wing at her side. “Soul!” Blight called after her. Her black wings carried her up. Blight hovered over the filly. Just wanting her to stop. Soul was still crying. Panting hard.

“Soul, I’m so sorry. I did not know.” This is really the best I can say. I feel so ashamed. What can I do to make this right? If anything could make this right. She patiently waited for Soul’s response, hovering low next to her and only flapping her wings every now and then to keep up with the filly’s slow run until Soul stopped. She looked back up at Blight. “You got rid of another friend of mine. I hope you’re happy.” She looked away from Blight. “I guess I don’t deserve friends, huh?” Soul whimpered this time. Focusing on the way back to the house which she continued her path towards. But Blight didn’t follow her this time.

I… I don’t take your friends from you. Give me a chance. I just… I have nothing to say. I… damn it! What is wrong with me? What is wrong with you? She stared down at the snow. Down at the Pegasus in that snow who looked back up at her in its shining surface. The black mare down there looked so sad, so pathetic. Even more than Soul did.

“I want you to leave me alone” Soul said up ahead. “You’re a monster.”

The filly walked off. Blight made no attempt to follow. Staying put listening to the raspy waves of wind going through her wings. Only listening. Time passing by with the filly getting further and further away leaving a small trail of blood behind. Gone.

She thinks I’m… a monster? She hates me. She really does. It hurt. No pain present along her body. Nothing close to the insurmountable pain thanks to Soul’s own wing. That word she called her echoing all over her. Like a void within her. It was so cold. Empty. Like… like it all hurt inside. Blight clutched her chest. This feeling… like there is nothing. I… I hate it. I hate being called that. “After everything I did for her” she muttered deeply but low enough that only she could hear it. She clenched her teeth. “Everypony makes mistakes, Soul.”

“Everypony.”

2.30
“I’m not a monster because of it.” Well?! What do you have to say for yourself? Blight glared down at the black Pegasus in the snow. Idiot. I’m so… so mad at everything. When she was the one who messed up. She wanted to lash out at something. Anything. Preferably at the reflection of the stupid black Pegasus below her just as it wanted to do the same to her. Blight stopped. Realizing she was growling. I’m growling and yelling and attacking Soul’s friends in front of her. This… this isn’t what I should be doing. This isn’t right. She calmed down and told herself too. “Calm yourself.” She said it down to the other Soulblight in the ice. That black Pegasus down there with her eyes… those eyes boiling in red shining all across the snow. Her dark pupils as thin as the cut she had left behind in the snow painted in the blood that had been covering it. As long as Soul could not see how awful they were like this, she couldn’t care to rid herself of that red. Red like blood. The blood she had spilled and pushed Soul away with. No, she needed to stay calm. No more anger. No more blood. All it was doing was making things worse.

Soul needed to be left alone. She needed to be alone even if I don’t want her to. At this point, I don’t think it’d be right for me to be there with her. Not after what she said to me. “This monster, …she will leave you alone…” Her eyes slid off to catch the ever-fading image of Soul still walking in the distance. Her bloody gaze holding onto her.

“…Soul.”

2.31
It sure looked like it’d be cold right about now with how brutal the snow and wind was under this night sky. How fortunate for Blight to not feel it. It was the only reason she could sit high above the land below on top of the roof of one of the other houses watching out at the emptiness surrounding this place. Storms had come and gone. So much snow fallen upon this land. With only dark clouds all that was left under the shining moonlight.

She tapped the tip of her hoof into the snow covering the roof only seeing her hoof just go right through it all. Can’t even feel the cold. Spending hours like this ever since she last saw Soul. Just up here, wanting to know what this all felt like. Doesn’t even feel like I’m sitting on anything. Like she was floating. So very strange. Not a familiar feeling at all.

It has been an uneventful night. Watching out over everything. She took another look at the house across from her. Where Soul was. The fire’s glow flickering in the hazy windows. With night fallen upon them, she could catch a shadow here and there rippling in the window. Maybe it was Soul or something else. All alone like she wanted. I know she wants to be alone, but it is hard to not think about her. Worry for her. I don’t even know if she is comfortable or tending to the fire. Hopefully Soul was doing the right thing and feeding it with the stuff Blight had left behind for that very purpose. Maybe she had taken a bath at that. She doubted it.

“I hope you sleep well tonight, …Soul.” She would not be there for her tonight. No, I’ll be here. Listening to the empty world. Maybe listen for anything more beyond, and watch for visitors. Deer, Soul had called them. What if they were to come back? That would be nice. Find some opportunity to apologize to them. Maybe they would forgive me. She really had nothing better to do.

“Such a dreadfully boring night for me.” She stayed silent and listened. The wind and the drops of snowflakes softly patting down and joining the ones on the ground. A lengthy howl managing to get through the rough sounds of the storm and reach Blight’s ears. She perked them up to listen to it. Soft and faded. Sounding very far away. Something was out there. Blight didn’t know what could be making the sound. No, didn’t sound like the weather. Nothing like what she was used to out here. Something else. Did deer howl? I wish I knew. No way she would leave to find out.

So other things live out here. All the more reason… I can’t leave Soul. I can’t leave the filly alone in this village. She would keep her distance from Soul but no way will she leave Soul to fend for herself. It’s the least I can do. Waiting and watching, patting at the snow. Listening to the world. Beyond the wind and all the storms, somewhere else far off. It felt so very far off, out of their reach.

I hear them all out there. Out in the night. None of them had any worries. Nothing to fear. They all slept in peace.

How I envy those ponies.

Part 2 Entwined - Act 3

3.1
I hate waking up like this! Like her heart was trying to beat out of her chest. She could not get used to this. Waking up to a room not her own, her body and mattress covered in her tears. I can still see her. Soul blinked. Again and again until that sight left. Until she no longer saw the rainbow mane. Her cruel words. Her cruel glare. The anger she felt. I hate feeling it. So pointless.

She set her head back down upon the pillow. Calming down slowly. Her dulled eyes slowly crossing over the wooden ceiling above her. Watching the wisps of chilled air floating about. This pillow sure was comfortable. She rubbed the back of her head over it, feeling its soft touch to her own alongside the damp spots in it. So warm. But I still want my own bed. Something that feels better. Nothing could be done about that. Not now. Not until… I can see that rainbow mane again.

The warm blanket covering her slid off, pushed down by her hooves and there she saw what it was that kept her warm last night. There lay her right wing, draped over her stomach. It had not moved a bit in her sleep. Better place than any other to let her rest that wing. She looked down on it. Feeling a little more comfort seeing how it came to look over the night. Its span still bent, many feathers torn and shredded, yet the cuts and wounds… they looked better. No more blood seeping out to coat her wing. Thank goodness. She… she still felt sick remembering seeing all that blood covering her wing. It was all dry now. Maybe it doesn’t hurt anymore.

Soul moved just a little.

Oh yeah… that hurt.

3.2
It took a lot just to sit upright. This is gonna suck. Her wing moved a little. That was all it took for it to sting. Come on, I’m used to pain. It was a lot of it. Just by moving her wing down to her side. Time to see if she could fold it back up. I hope it can. A night of rest and she could still move it.

It slowly moved up. Soul grunted. A short cry slipping through up till the point that her wing took to the air fully stretched out before returning back down towards her side. The feathers coming into one another and her bent span folding in on itself. “Owww!” Soul shrieked. More pained noises made by her. Just a little more. Her wing moved. Coming down more and more and shrinking in size. Not as bad as yesterday. Ugh, it still hurts. Suffering so much… so much but it finally stopped. Fully folded and looking exactly like her left wing, save for the dried blood. It’s over. She exhaled hard.

Those stupid storms. This awful place with nopony to help me. None she could rely on. Her thoughts floated back to the doe. Long gone. Certain she would never see her again. She being the only one who even tried to care for her injuries. Driven away. I really hate this place.

With her wing safely folded and at ease, worrying about pain could not stop her from getting out of bed. Her hooves touched the carpet. The air was so cool in here this morning. Cold and yet, the fire still roared. Throwing some of that wood in before going to bed worked in keeping it alive. That was good. Soul stepped forward. One idea on her mind. Really the only thing she could keep doing. Find a way home.

The first step she just took she knew being the first of a lot today. No way her wings could carry her right now but that would not stop her. I’m gonna get home somehow. Away from all this… and from her. That cruel Pegasus who only sought to make life difficult. An evil pony. What else could it be? What pony would do what she did?

All Soul could see was that poor doe… and all the blood covering it. Such a sweet thing and in so much pain. All because of a pony who likes to hurt others. This is really my only company now.

Soul walked right past the basin that was left there. Just wanting to go for the door. Leave this house. Hopefully forever. Because this place only gave her chills. Such as this thing here. The thing she stopped before and stared at. Something no pony could ever do. Still no way of telling what happened here, but it was a horrible thing to look at. Just something that happened… and it must be because of… her. A blackened trench cut across the floor. Singed deep in ash.

3.3
A horrible black cut, burned across the floor and right under her very hooves. It ran so long. It was hard to believe this could be made by something. How it went all across the house and ending right against the furthest corner. Soul knew this was not here before, a nice greeting when she came back last night. Something just like what Blight left behind in the snow when… she hurt the doe.

This had to have been her. I really am in the same village as a pony like that. It’s like she likes to do this stuff. “What a freak” she muttered. Such a violent mare. And… she likes to hurt me. This is my only company now. Until I can leave this place. I just don’t want to have anything to do with her anymore. Not when she does stuff like this. Hurting things. Causing so much pain. With stuff like this… the deep cut she stared at in the carpet. To think a Pegasus can do this. Some freak Pegasus. Can… can unicorns even do stuff like this? Soul reach one hoof out. Was it even real? The tip of her hoof touched upon the edge of the crevice just short of it going into the wide gash. She pressed it, rubbed it. Looking down her leg at the small bits of ash she picked up. Caught by the small gusts of air entering through the cracks, ash floating up like petals to stick to her fur all across her leg. As dark as the ash that the fire left behind.

She brought that ash covered hoof up to her face. Not able to take her yellow eyes off it. Nothing moved. Nothing but the ash that trickled down her fur like water. Trickling. Flowing. Feels like I’ve seen something like this before. And… and I want to leave it. I hate seeing this. But… where to go?

Would Dashie even want me back?

After all… Dash was the one who did… that to me. Soul stared upon the ash. The ash? Wasn’t it ash before? Or is it… it’s like water now. Water running all along her leg. Just from a soft touch to the place that hurt. When I looked down at what it was that happened to me. How much it hurt, how ugly it was to see all that… blood on me.

Why did you hurt me, Dashie?

“Why…?”

It doesn’t hurt anymore. Soul blinked.

3.4
It was gone. Just her in this house, alone. Still covered in ash. She saw it all again. No… I’m back here, I’m… I’m okay. No more blood on her beautiful fur. She loved seeing her fur back the way it was meant to be. No pain anywhere. No pain… just the memory of what she had seen.

Last night.

She set her hoof back down. No pain. None where she remembered. Just on her wing and… her eyes. They felt damp. But she could not take her eyes of her leg. Her mouth trembling. “Is this… really all I… deserve?”

One more tear falling next to her hoof.

“I hate this.”

3.5
“Careful” Blight said, not taking her attention off it. Taking so much care to keep her dark magic in check as it went up and down the side of the figure she was busy making; made entirely of snow. In the shape of a pony at that though lacking any wings or a tail. It took a while to make the four thick legs it had planted deep in the snow atop the roof. She had spent most of the morning working on this. Lots of attention being paid just to get the body right to make a tiny replica of a pony standing in front of her.

The face certainly proved to be the hardest part. Sculpting the snow to make a nose and a hint of a mane. It even took using such a tiny sliver of magic just to carve a face into this thing. Something to smile at her. It would be nice. Now she needed to get these annoying pockets of snow bulging out on the cheeks and sides of the muzzle and how… ugh, how they made it look like the head was about to fall off.

How to do the wings was still a mystery to her as well. None of this made sense. I still can’t think of how to do them. Hopefully I can finish it. Her snowpony would look fantastic. At least that’s what the kids had been calling them. That’s what they had been calling them this morning. Sounded like it would be fun. They sure all did think so. The happy sounds of excited fillies and colts doing what she could guess as playing in the snow so far out in the beyond. It made her laugh when she would hear one pony, sounded like an adult, trying to settle some kids… until they also joined in on the fun. Adults play in the snow too. It actually sounded beautiful to Blight as she listened to it. It sounded fun.

So ponies enjoy this same weather that we are in. Like it made it all bearable. Enjoyable. It was all that that had made life such a pleasure for Soul. That life out there in the distance, beyond the winds, that the filly missed. In the very least, I want to try and bring some of that here. Listening closely, she could hear one filly out there. One who could be no older than Soul building one of these ‘snowponies’ with her parents. So heartwarming.

A family.

One that actually was together. Those ponies wanted to build one of these with their own daughter. It sounds lovely. Something to do with a certain young filly. If she were so inclined to get up.

3.6
What time even was it? Late morning. The Sun high overhead in its shroud of grey clouds giving off their endless snowfall. Soul really did need to get up. She would certainly enjoy this. This type of stuff was a lot like the world she would remember. Plus, I… I really need her help with this. Now more than ever as she worriedly moved her magic around trying to stabilize the face of it as she shaved off stray snow. Something was certainly wrong. It should not be wobbling so much and with every bit of snow she got rid of to flatten the cheeks, the head sank a little further until… “No!”

Oh damn! The head fell right off. And it really had to break apart!? Just a crumbled mess on the rooftop now. Ruined. That head took hours. “Son of a…” she spat. Her shoulders sulking down. I got to do this all over again. Something she really did not want to do alone this time. So she dispelled what little clouds of black magic she had left floating about to nothingness.

If only Soul would wake herself up.

A door clanked open.

Soul’s door. Well, well. Blight looked down, over to the house just across from the one she sat atop all night and morning to see the door peeking out over the snowed in porch. It opened and then closed. She waited patiently for the magenta filly to rear her head out over the snow and see… the little gift I left her overnight. The poor filly has an injured wing, I think she would need this now more than ever.

A moment passed. “I suppose she appreciates it” Blight whispered. Soul must be admiring it. Then came the filly. Soul ascending up from out of the snow, walking at an angle to step forth onto the snowy landscape that surrounded her buried house. So she did use the ramp! As long as she kept off that wing, it was worth it.

Soul stared out towards the distant skies ahead of their village. Still… a sad looking filly. Even from over here, it hurt to watch her. Even more when she turned and looked up at Blight. Truly miserable.

3.7
But Soul did not look away. Blight staring down at her as well. Soul looked no better than yesterday. Still a mess. Reddened eyes. I would hate to tell her that… she looks broken, to be honest. Soul frowned at her. Briefly glaring at Blight before breaking their locked stares as she began to walk towards her.

Towards me?

Does she want to talk? Even if it were not particularly nice, I would be glad just to get the filly to say something to me. I sure would like to talk to her. Looked like she did want to come over. Holding her hope the filly wanted to talk. Broken once Soul turned to round the closest corner of the house she slept in and began walking off. Walking in the direction opposite the one she took yesterday. A new direction. Looks like she still wants to try and find a way home. Ridiculous. Not like searching would come to anything. It really is reckless now. If only she would just work together with me.

If only I could figure something out.

Those little ‘barriers’ still persisted. Every direction from what I can hear. No difference. All one needed to do was listen. Twice now she got hurt and Soul still did not learn. What a waste of time.

“Soul!” she called after the filly. Surprisingly, Soul stopped trudging off. Immediately after her name was called. Her hooves planted firmly. She glanced back at her. Those bloodshot, yellow eyes showing how very unhappy she was in being stopped. That didn’t stop Blight. Something a little better than just leaving me with no word. “Would you want to help me make this snowpony?” Blight asked motioning towards the pitiful looking thing next to her. “I’m a bit bad at this. I’m wanting to see if you’re any good at making one.” She smiled inside, I bet this sounds fun to her. Wouldn’t it be better than wandering around? I know the filly loves having fun. A charming part of her. Both of us working together and enjoying the day. Just like those kids.

“Shut up.”

Blight’s mind calmed itself. Her body froze. One thought after another destroyed hearing those two words completely end all her visions of putting a smile on Soul’s face and being only left with the filly’s angry face. A cold shoulder being all she could get now until Soul continued on. Stomping away with her long tail dragging along the snow behind her.

She told me to… shut up. She really doesn’t want to have any fun with me. Sharing nothing but those two hurtful words and nothing more even after both pegasi had not seen one another in half a day. She only wanted to keep pursuing this stupid fantasy of a lone and small pony making it out of this. She had to learn on her own. She only wanted to be alone and leave Blight… all alone. All alone. Her spirit dropped.

Left behind by another. Another tail walking away from her. Another pony who wants… wants nothing to do with… me.

I’m too nice. Too nice…

3.8
“I’m used to this” she said softly. Softly gripping her chest. She winced when she heard her voice break. “I’m used to this yet… why am I…” She set her hoof back down. Glaring over at the broken snowpony she worked hard on.

It glowed red. Red from her stare.

She hissed. “…so angry?” Dark and deep. Ringing in her own ears, her voice.

She heard it. I… I don’t sound right. As much as she felt. She watched that glow of red in the snow fade as she lowered her lashes. This is my only friend. The only thing I have here. Just feeling it and seeing it before her. The coils of black and… the red magic. How it coursed and snaked before her. Churning in the air. How very bright it glowed.

“I hate this.”

She hates you.

The snowpony disappeared. Soulblight watched it all, all the snow fall away. Sheets of it as the snowpony burned away… in a hail of red.

“I caused this. I deserve this. Yet… it still hurts.”

3.9
Another day, another storm. Soul standing high atop one of the great mountain peaks. All the thunder rumbling in the distance. Her eyes staring upon the sight so familiar to her by now. Yet another wall of deep black clouds coiling and rumbling in the horizon beyond the mountain range. Lightning. Heavy winds blowing against her face. Nothing different. Every day. It looks no different. I… I just can’t stand this anymore. Like the storm never moved. No matter what direction she ventured or how high she flew. It was always there.

Her little legs walking forward and then… stepping back. I can fly now and I’m too afraid to. It had been such a long time being without her wings. All the pain she felt upon trying to move them and having to walk everywhere. It was never fun to be without your wings. Not able to fly, it made the days go by so slowly. Those useless days. This day was no different.

I really wanted this day to be different because… it’s supposed to be special.

Maybe a break in the storms. Maybe a friend to talk with her. To love her. Wishes she made every day and… today was supposed to be different, please. Just once, I want things to change. Yet it never came to be granted. She had only a single wish given. As if she had only been given one without choice. The only good to happen to her in so long. That wish being her own mighty wings set at her sides. Her right wing as strong as ever.

No pain. No more struggling to fly. Going up to fly the skies and try once more to make things change. It was not enough to make her happy. This day, among all the others, a disappointment.

And I used to think this day would finally become special.

Wanting to hear somepony important to her speak her name again. She sighed.

3.10
“Should I try?” Her foreleg made a step forward. Her wing stopped her, begging her to look back at it, still covered in broken feathers and the small splotches of red still managing to stick to the fur along the straightened span. It tickled a little. Like it wants me to stop. It had just fully healed. Two falls in a row was enough and the storm today looked as terrible as ever.

“But… I want to go home.”

Home. Back there, when I thought this day would mean something. I… I still remember it, Dashie.

I looked forward to it.

I used to never have ponies around who would want to be with me for days like this. Until… she promised me. “I want to go home.” She took another step. Her eyes stung. Shivers running down her entire body. Her right wing twitched. “I… I…” Her wing began to ache. I feel it. I don’t want it again. She could feel the pain in her wing. The pain of hurting them, losing them. Again.

“No” she whispered, sitting down. “No.” She unfolded her right wing, lifting it high into the air and softly placing the feathers against her chest. The most beautiful part of her body. I won’t let it get hurt again. Not again. The filly held her wing close, softly. Placing her hooves against it. She missed being able to move it like this. To touch it. Even with the feathers torn and ravaged, she still could not deny how soft it was. How great it felt to know it was back to normal. She would not let it happen again. She couldn’t. That was the thing.

Every day ended like this.

It was despicable. Having to do this, forced to back away yet again from these storms like she was helpless. I am helpless. Backing away from… from the place she wanted now more than ever. Taken from it.

When will this damn storm end? Soul stood back up, letting her wing lower down to her side and join with her left. Fleeing from the storm. Running away from it to the only place in this land where she felt safe.

I’m so pathetic. But maybe... “I’ll… try again… tomorrow.” Strange, seems like I keep saying that same thing.

Soul flew off.

3.11
I get to go back to the house. Back to the mock home acting as a replacement to the comfort she dreamed to walk in again. Empty and secluded with just a fire being the only thing left for her there. Just to keep me from freezing to death. For times like this, it served merely as a flicker of life for her. Mesmerizing. The only light of this land. Sitting in front of it to watch its dance and even whispering to it.

I like to tell it things. Tell it how I feel. I’ve never imagined fire being the thing I have to rely on… haha. And it crackles back to me. Like it talked back. Not wanting Soul to feel all alone. Hearing noise spoken from it like a pony would talking with her… but never matching what she truly wanted. No voices familiar to her. None left. All it does is keep me warm. She didn’t need to think that as much as she didn’t want to. It was warm enough, well except for the nights. All the days leading up to this day just felt a tiny bit less cold. Getting a little warmer with every day she counted in her head from the last day she remembered back… back in the world she missed.

Sometimes I forget what days I am on. Thank goodness she could place herself right again and then… figure out that she had reached this day. Yeah, today was supposed to be the day. Now all she had was the fire to look forward to. Its warmth all she had inside the walls, as long as she didn’t have to look out at the snow. I’m sick of snow.

She looked all around at the gently falling snowflakes flurrying about her as she flew. Their fall becoming more gentle with every second she spent flying around the peaks and flat bridges connecting the countless mountains as she got further away from the wind till she could feel no chill down her spine. It all looked the same as she flew. Looking over the large buildups of earth sitting between the mountains like tiny valleys of snow from which her little shadow glided across. Some of the same ones she had flown over earlier just to get here. A path through the mountains as opposed to flying over the vast crater. Yeah, the crater would be quicker to fly over but… the filly refused to fly over it again. Maybe it is better to fly the mountains instead. See something different. Take the long way around the crater. Besides, the mountains had more than just snow.

There were a lot of dead trees out here in the range. All of them as blackened as the rest. Even witnessing a rockslide when she flew here. It was quite a sight. Being the first time she saw something like that. How many hundreds or thousands of small rocks they could have been tumbling so loud that Soul could swear she was watching an earthquake with how much it shook.

3.12
Flying back was different. Nothing happened.

Soul looked down at the world below her, didn’t even need to look to fly around the incoming rock spires. Well, at least I have some of my skill left. There were some of the trees she saw earlier. Flying by, she caught a quick sight of how they all had that charred look to them. As black as ash, nothing different from any other. Except for one. One had a deep scar carved in its side, catching sight of it easily from all the way up here. The same tree she took note of when she flew in the opposite direction.

She was on the right trail.

Flying the mountains were always like this. Flying and then retracing where she had been. It had almost become second nature now. Ha, this is my life now. It was almost amusing to her. So much that she could remember the exact mountain she always started from just by its looks. Then you can stand atop that mountain and look out to find the village far beyond. The clearer weather letting her see it from up there earlier. Flying onward to see that sad place again.

Soul.

3.13
The filly stopped. Her wings beat so hard that she came close to flipping forward from that sudden halt.

She hovered there. Listening. She looked all around her, going up and down every peak, every crevice and rock. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing was out there. But I… she looked behind her. Nothing. S-somepony just said my name? But she was all alone. Nothing was out here. Looking all over desperate to see or hear something again. Only the small gusts of wind could be heard. Listening hard to hear that voice spoken out of nowhere. Like an echo. All it was. Going all around her despite how small it was. Small. Soft. Like a tiny voice in her ears, so soothing.

She could not believe it. I’m the only one out here. No, it couldn’t be possible. Nothing else could be out here. Nothing but the wind. That had to be it. A trick of the wind. Yeah. It had to be. What pony would be out here for me? None would. Nopony would be out here to call her name. A name that… they all forgot, because nopony came for me. After all this time, all I have is myself.

But she wanted to hear it again.

A small voice just for her. So she listened. More and more, the wind screamed about her. A rock falling here, the crack of something buckling over there. The filly all alone, hovering there above the mountains in the dead silence of the land. As it always was. How it made her so sad. Soul frowned. No, there is nothing. Of course there is nothing.

It was pointless. Looking up to the vast sky once more. All alone… up here… in the sky I once called my home.

Soul.

3.14
Was that her shadow?

No.

It moved. That very moment, hearing that little voice again, I see it. A small flicker of darkness going over the face of the mountainside ahead so quick that she almost missed it by blinking. There… there was somepony! Somepony was out here! They’re here for me! It made her smile.

“Hey! Wait!” she called out, blasting off again, chasing after the small thing she had spotted. Stopping to hover above the mountainside and look over it. Every rocky gap and burrow lining it. Looking for anything. Anything to show the way. Where was it? Where could she be? Soul went up and down, floating all about desperate to try and find whoever it was. She could find no sight of something.

Why was she hiding? Soul meant no harm. She only wished to talk. There was no reason for anypony to hide from her or run from her. Say my name again. Say it, please. She frantically looked back over her shoulder at all the other mountain slopes. Maybe she had moved. Oh please don’t move. Please don’t run.

“Wait! I just wanna talk to you!” She looked back down to the snowy land below and gasped. There you… no, the darkness she saw. It was her shadow. Those wings far below flapping at the same time as her own. Listening close again. Darting her eyes about. How many minutes passed by? Just to hear it again. Too much to bear, I want to find you. Please, just hear you.

Hear you say my name… Dashie.

Tell me… tell me what I want to hear. What you would say to me. What I wanted you to say to me on this day. Oh, please say it. Please. Soul could feel herself begin to cry. Cry at the silence and how nopony would heed her wish.

“Please tell me… the words. It’s all I want” she whispered.

“To be loved.”

Soul didn’t care if she started to fall. Just letting her wings do their thing, more wanting to just wipe her tears before she even bothered to slow herself down and gently touch down upon the snow. Her rear slowly sitting back into the snow making naught but a sound and only her wings giving of a tiny little whish of feathers cutting the air. They set down upon the snow themselves. Not bothering to fold them. Not caring. Only caring to hear what she wanted. Her crying eyes looking all around the world before her. Not seeing a shadow. Not hearing a thing.

She was alone.

3.15
All that could be heard were her own cries. There was nothing out here. There never had been. Nothing out here to know her name and be there for her. No friends. No family. They all left. They are all gone. I’ll never have them with me again. I’m all alone out here. Like it was what the world wanted.

I… I remember when I could look forward to this day. I really… really wanted to. Nimbus and Starry had always been there for me and then… she wanted to as well. She said she wanted to be there for me today. It made me feel so special. Like she actually liked me. Like I had friends who would be there on this day just like all the other ponies did. So it was a lie. I wasn’t going to get it. Only other ponies do. So that they felt important and not me.

“Please say it.” Soul set one of her forelegs out onto the snow. She slowly slid down. Laying on the snow. It was so cold to lay on. She didn’t care. Didn’t even move. Just lying there with her wings draping the ground and one hoof held out to the mountains beyond. She gasped. Sniffling so badly. “Please. …I hate being alone.”

Nothing moved and only her cries could be heard. This day… today… was meaningless. Meaningless to all others… but not to her. At least… at least I can say it for me. All she did was plant her hoof deep in the snow and dug away. Pushing the snow aside with every stride she made with the hoof. Like she drew with it in the snow. All around. Seeing what it was she did with it and the words that it wrote down. The words she wanted, the ones she thought she would hear others say. One last plea from under her crying breath as the world fell still.

“Say them. Say them. Tell me the words.” Until her head slinked down. Nose firmly planted into the snow.

“Rainbow Dash… please.”

She stopped. She fell silent. Crying into the snow as the Sun continued its slow glide in the sky above her. Her only company to see just what it was she had written in the snow. With total silence and only the wind brushing by in her ears to sing their song of ease for the crying Pegasus.

A flap of her wings beat the air. The little filly flew off. Her wings left it behind. One feather that slid away from her and came back. Back to land upon the snow next to what it was she left behind. All that was left of her.

One little wish. One she couldn’t get. Taken away. Because nopony loved her.

Happy birthday, Soul.

3.16
This village again. If only its snow-covered rooftops could be the gorgeous cloudy tops of Cloudsdale’s buildings built of the same sky blue they resided in. Home to all the fellow pegasi Soul learned by now to love even more than before. An everchanging cloud metropolis eternally graced as the comfortable life any Pegasus wanted.

It was such a nice life.

Soul found herself wondering how the city looked right now as she flew in to land among the lonely houses of the village. It had only been a few months since she last saw it but she could be certain that, by now, all the little homes and mightiest of weather factories could have no more snow. Not like this place. Rooftops bare to the warm Sun in the spring weather all the many pegasi at home enjoyed. Flying free and happy with one another in it. Possibly on their journeys to bring the miracle of the refreshing weather to the rest of Equestria, out to play with their cherished friends or even getting something nice to eat. Oh what they could be eating right now. Soul wanted to know. To know all the delicious foods of Cloudsdale again. I would love to have an apple juice right now.

All those ponies were so lucky.

Thinking back to how she would always get a cold bottle of juice or water. Drinking it down in long gulps while somehow taking plenty of time to still remember what it tasted like even now. How beautiful it was. How lovely it was to enjoy after such long days and nights of training.

Walking around the side of one of the empty houses, Soul had no chance of finding any such drink. No juice. No cold water packed with ice. She sighed. Having to settle with something else not as good. I’m so thirsty. All this flying around for no reason. She took a moment to pause her heavy breathing to lick her lips a little, looking down at the snow at her hooves. Just checking to see if maybe she shouldn’t try. There could be something wrong with the snow. No. The snow looked clean. Pure white.

She knelt down on her forelegs, sitting just over the snow. All the snow so close to her face giving off a chilling touch to her fur, and with one big snap of her mouth, all she could od was eat a large pile of snow. So cold. So very cold like always. The icy snow swished around in her mouth for mere seconds before she felt it quickly melt away. The water did not taste as good as the water she loved drinking out of a cup she could hold between her hooves, but it was something. That sure had been a lot of snow. It even took a moment for her to swallow it all. She breathed hard. Still, it tasted good enough after flying so much.

3.17
That’s all she could do, eat piles of snow. Best thing out here. She wiped her mouth. Well nothing more to do now. That really does suck. Nothing to do. How boring. Maybe the fire needed some more wood. She had made an idea earlier in the month to try exploring some of these other houses for stuff she could use, either for the fire or… just to kill time. That’s the best a pony can do out here. That idea came back a lot since then. Every time just… just didn’t feel like doing it. No point in trying to even dig those doors out of the snow. Not today… again. The fire had enough. There were still pieces of wood from an old cabinet she found outside her house one day just sitting under the roof of the porch. No doubt left there in shambles by a certain black Pegasus she knew.

I would still like to go inside those houses someday. She thought this as she looked into one of the dark windows of the closest house. The half-buried window supposed to be a way to peer into the world within but the darkness inside was so much that she could make out nothing within from this distance. Not even her reflection came out clear. She could see only an outline of herself in the glass. Strands of fur here and there sticking out. Sometimes making her think they may be part of her very long mane until she realized what they actually were.

Soul brushed the bangs of her mane out of the way of her eyes. Not liking there being this much hair in her face. It seemed to get worse every day. Soul took a step forward, her eyes still glued to the window a moment longer until she summoned the strength to look away from the sad outline of herself. Stumbling through the deep snow, walking past house after house. Each one looking no different than the others. All built of rotted wood with stakes hanging about from where they fell off. Windows gone in the snow alongside missing doors. No way to get inside. A silent ruin. With only the sound of Soul’s steps able to be heard. The filly slowly walking silently.

I’ve done this so many times in this terrible place. I don’t even want to look at any of this. Better she just keep her head down and stare at the snow. Already knowing which way she should go. Having passed this way so much over the months, it was second nature by now.

“Welcome back.”

3.18
Soul looked up. Of course, there she was again. Passing by the house neighboring her own, Soul stared up to the rooftop seeing the same figure sitting up there as every day. Soulblight, still and unflinching, sitting at the very edge of the roof above her. The black Pegasus staring out into the distance without even looking at Soul as she welcomed her.

She was such a freak. How could she do this? Every time I see her, it was like she had never moved a muscle. Always in the exact same position. Just… staring out at the empty horizon with wide eyes and huge wings out. Like she was a perched bird or something. Sometimes she would even blink but never bothering to even look at Soul. Like she deserved to be fussy. It had been her who hurt me so much.

Indeed, she rarely even spoke to Soul lately. Just so focused on doing nothing up on that rooftop. It had been a few days since last she spoke to Soul. She remembered the words clearly.

Flying off again?

That had been when I took off to find a way home. Flying back at the storms, only to come back here. Just like today. Soul had ended up saying yes and, for some reason, Blight had rolled her eyes. Like she disapproved of her attempts. Whatever. The Pegasus never could get much of anything from Soul, just like now. She could care less of what Blight said. Soul frowned deeper, looking back down to continue walking over to her house. Leaving the black Pegasus behind to her business so she could get back to her doing much of the same in the boring hours of the day.

She turned the corner, going around the mounds of snow towering over her at the front of her house to find the ramp of snow between the mounds going all the way down to the familiar door below. She could still see some of the boards of wood stacked up beside the door. She could probably bring a couple of them inside.

She set a hoof down on the ramp; a little piece of work, obviously some work of Blight’s that she had to keep open often. Every day it was kept clear of snowy buildup. Blight was always on that roof. So she leaves it when I’m not around. Why’d she even bother? I can just fly to the door anyways.

“Soul! Wait” she heard Blight calling after her. Oh what does she want now?

3.19
Soul went ahead and looked up from behind the snow, looking back over at where Soulblight was. Except… Blight is looking at me. She actually took her eyes off the sky to talk to me?

“What do you want?” Soul asked her, already irritated with the Pegasus. It didn’t look to bother Blight. She kept looking at her. Moving her mouth momentarily like she wanted to say something but kept silent. So she didn’t have anything to say? Why pull her aside then? Soul just wanted to go inside. Get away from this snowy world. All it does is remind me of what I don’t have.

Soul gave Blight a few more seconds to say something. Any day now. Each moment, all it did was make Soul scowl.

Enough of this. Soul turned back to go down the ramp.

“Happy birthday.”

3.20
What?

Soul’s eyes opened. There was no way that had just been said. By who? She must have misheard that. Rainbow Dash wasn’t here. None of her friends or family were here. Nopony could tell her such a thing. But it had just been said. By Blight?

Soul had to step back out and face Blight. Her eyes wide, not able to scowl anymore. The black Pegasus still watched her with brows risen now. “Did you… say something?” Soul slowly asked. The wind blasted in. Soul’s ears and fur tossed wildly in the brief seconds it lasted whilst Blight remained unmoved. Silenced till the wind left them and only small flakes of flurrying snow danced about between their gazes.

“It is the tenth of April, your birthday” Blight said. “How old are you?”

She… she knows my… birthday? She knew it and she actually spoke out about it. But how did she know it? Something else that she learned about me. It was odd. Blight actually acknowledged it. Blight did, of all ponies, and not any of the others who likely already forgot today was her birthday. Not a single pony even wanting to say it to her. Except… her. Why her? Of every pony in the world, the only one to say anything about it being the one who wanted her to be miserable. What was the point in her even doing that? She had nothing to gain. Let alone in wanting to know her age. Why do I feel like telling her? Maybe because she had nopnoy else who even tried to care.

“I’m ten.”

Blight smiled. It actually sent a chill down Soul’s back. A tingle in the back of her head. Especially with how soft she spoke back. “Congratulations. …You should go clean up a little. A birthday girl like you should be the loveliest in the world.” Yeah she did make it a point to look a little beautiful on her birthdays but there was no point in it now. It wasn’t like anypony was going to come. Rainbow Dash doesn’t want to spend it with me. Nopony does. She didn’t need to clean up. What, another attempt by Blight to bathe her? Freak. Like she knew everything or something.

Soul scoffed. “Maybe I would clean up if there was a pony who would want to see me. So why would you care?” Blight blinked. Her head set back a little and her smile disappeared. Going back to that nonchalant face she had most of the time. She had nothing to say. Like Soul thought. There was nopony out here who would care how she looked and none she wanted to care. They were all outside the storms. Sure, she’d clean up… only if Dash and her friends could see her.

“I only care about what the ponies important to me think of me.” She paused thinking back to her life outside this prison. These damn walls. All because of Blight who pretended to care for her. I just want to leave and go back to them all. After all this time, I miss them. I want them all back and just want to leave everything that happened behind. She hoped they cared for her. It’s like every day that passes… they’ll all forget me. That was terrifying. Will Dashie forget me? When I just want to find her and show her I’m still her friend. That she didn’t hate her.

3.21
“I want my birthdays back” she scowled at Blight. “So tell me… one thing. If you know it. Tell me, how do I get out of here? Tell me if you care so much.”

Blight paused. Continuing to stare at her. Her wings slumped a little and then she looked back off… into the horizon beyond their village. Watching the Sun slowly going down behind the thick clouds building up out there. Their grey masses merging and swelling, growing darker. More chilling with the rays of light barely finding ways to pierce through and light up the faces of the houses. Say something.

“I am so very sorry, Soul” Blight said slowly shaking her head. Those dragon eyes glazed in the light of the Sun falling as she spoke. Just like how Soul’s spirit dropped hearing the sadness in Blight’s voice. Like a sad ring. Knowing what she said was not what she wanted to hear. Not what she ever wanted to hear.

Don’t say it. Please don’t say it. Soul found herself also shaking her head. Her eyes felt like they would swell as her cheeks rose. Tell me how. Please.

“You can’t leave. I don’t know how you can.”

Soul’s heart dropped.

3.22
The door slammed behind Soul. Kicked hard by her hind legs. Even more noise as she threw the planks of wood off to the side with her mouth. Wow, the inside of the house sure did warm up over the day. There still was a chill lingering but the fire does a good job at keeping this place from freezing over. Ah that fire. I sure love it. Tiny little embers floating up from it and disappearing into the chamber above while the shadows inside the fireplace waved with every move the fire made. Like it was greeting her. It sure was nice. A nice greeting and a warm house. No more chilling wind and seeping cold attacking her. All the more making her appreciate that she still had this fire going. She was able to crack a small smile.

“Thank you” she whispered at those flames. Soul looked around the room. Across the piles of garbage set out around the fireplace alongside that large basin she shoved aside. The broken mirror and her bed. What could she do for the rest of her birthday? It made her wonder what she could do if all her friends were here. What would we have done? I really was looking forward to this day with them.

She could see it now. A brightly lit room with a soft carpet underneath her hooves and those beautifully colored balloons above her. So many balloons all wishing her a happy birthday and even saying how old she was. Eight. Nine. …Ten. She loved it all. She loved how it would have been. Knowing that they were all little gifts by others that were now long gone. No matter how few they were, they were all still so important to her and did so much to make her smile. She wanted them here to make her happy. The ones who always were there for her even when they didn’t need to be. But they took me into their home and… and I loved them. Just as much as Dashie. The ones she missed so much and hated to know they were never going to be there for her again. Never happy because of her. She wanted to be happy, feeling the desire deep within even though she smiled. Smiling down at the floor. At that ragged rug that was not the one she wanted.

“Thank you, guys…” she sniffed. “For everything.” What if they would be here for her? What gifts would they give her? She wondered how happy she would be to see the gifts no matter how small or big. Just knowing both of them and even… her friends took the time to give her something making her heart flutter. It always was a good surprise. Soul never knew what gifts she wanted, never knew what to ask for. She still did not know what gifts she would love her friends to get her for her tenth birthday. They would have surprised her with something awesome. Like I would have for them.

3.23
She thought over it all. Gently strumming one of her hooves along the dirty carpet. Trying her hardest to smile remembering the birthdays she had. How she would get her own plate of cake. A nice strawberry or two sitting on the icing she wanted to lick off. That’d be nice. There would be no cake this year. No cake. If there had been one, she’d want it to definitely have strawberries. Sitting right here on the hoof she held out before herself.

She could only look over the empty space around her hoof. Oh man, she never noticed all the cracks in her hoof. When had those happened? My hooves never get this bad. This place, it sure is rough. Hell, even the fur on her leg was so long, the stuff was draping over her hoof. Filthy fur. All the dirt stuck inside that ragged fur. There’d be no way she would ever go to her own birthday with dirt covering her. She looked back to what Blight had told her. Maybe she had been right. Maybe I do need to clean up.

“I… look terrible” she admitted. It had been a while since she last saw her reflection. I never even knew I looked this bad. Her legs so bad but maybe her mane as well? The damn thing had found a chance to dangle back down in front of both her eyes. It was annoying. I… I can go check in the… I almost said bathroom. No, I don’t have that anymore. Just that mirror sitting over there. Soul looked over at its face staring back at her from the other side of the room. She could see the shadowed image of herself in it, only able to really pick out the yellow of her eyes and… some red inside that yellow.

So she stepped forward. Not the same mirror I always cleaned myself in front of. To be sure I look good. No. Not this time. She approached a mirror that was not her own. Each step revealing more and more of the pony she was as she stepped out from the shadows and she could see what was in that glossy surface. She didn’t stop. She didn’t want to. Slowly trotting close enough until she was a hoof step away from running straight into the mirror. I see. A little Pegasus. A sweet and innocent thing blinking with bloodshot eyes hidden behind the thick strands of silver hair coiling down from her mane. So many strands running down her head. My mane is so long now. So very long. All the way down to her side. Draping over her face. Just like her once beautiful fur. How I would spend so long cleaning this all up. Look at me now. Haha, I got dirt all over me.

She did look terrible. Blight had been right. Looking like this, Soul could not accept it. She smiled at her reflection and that led to a little giggle she made to it. Seeing herself like this. She really let herself go. It would be a nice joke for others. Making them laugh as well. “I think I should get cleaned up, huh?” she asked her reflection. Such an obvious answer. Give her some sort of funny answer which seemed possible because of how it smiled back at her.

“It’s my birthday. Everypony would freak out if they saw me like this. They… would.” Wouldn’t they? Right? She reached out to the pony in the mirror. Stepping forward.

3.24
Something cracked. Cracked and crackled repeatedly. What is that sound? Sounds like… it’s below me. Couldn’t even look to see before… she gritted her teeth.

The pain.

Her hoof. It stung. Soul winced and yelped quickly. Reeling back away from the mirror and then she fell backwards. Tripping over the carpet and landing hard on her butt. It was starting to really hurt then. Soul found it not nearly as bad as when she hurt her wing. Soul still cried. Hissing over the pain. She looked over to her forehoof, the little thing held in the air and waving it around. Just trying to make it feel better. Eyes set upon that hoof, she caught sight of something beyond it. It caught her eyes easily with how it shined in the glow of the fire. How did that get there? All of that. It made her eyes widen.

How did I miss those?

It was those that had cracked. Dozens of large shards of glass laying all around the underside of the mirror, all parts of the shattered lower half of the mirror. Those shards were huge. Cut into indescribable shapes edged in a gloss that shone so bright. And they look so sharp. So much that just looking at them made her cringe. One of those shards was shattered entirely on top of the others. Tiny pieces of glass turned to pebbles spread out.

I stepped on that. She turned her hoof around to look at the underside. There it was, a tiny sliver of glass stabbed straight through her hoof, forced in under the weight of the filly with thin strands of blood dripping out along the sides of that glass. It was such a small piece but enough to do this. It was actually amazing to Soul. Even more with how the pain began to fade. That was quick. Thank goodness it was. I think I’ve had enough pain lately. Such an ugly wound but so nice that it didn’t hurt.

“Oohh” she moaned. “I hurt myself on my birthday.” Maybe somepony would help her with it. Her birthday didn’t have to be ruined. She could get Blight. Go back outside and ask her for some help. Or… maybe go further out and ask her friends. If only her friends could be right here. They could be here. They needed to be. For her. Make her feel better and continue to celebrate her. “Please help me… feel better, Dashie.” Soul’s little smile disappeared.

She stared down at her injured hoof. She trembled just looking at it. Her hoof shook. I want Dash here with me. She would be the pony to make it all better. All she had to do… was go find her. Back… out…. there. She stared down at her bloody hoof. Her little tears coming down. She heard them hit. Landing right in the blood soaking in the carpet. Soaking her hoof in that ugly red color. Another drop fell. Soul began to cry. She could feel all of it coming. So much. It hurt so much. Not my hoof. But everywhere hurts. Everything hurt so badly… inside.

All I want is for Dashie to be here again. She was always there for me when I got hurt. Always made me feel better. If that did not happen then… “I’ll come to you Dashie. I… want to… I want to come to you…”

“Because I want you back so much… and I’ll never see you again.”

Soul only laid down. Curling up before the mirror. Cradling herself in her own wings with her head buried inside those feathers. The shadows blacking out everything in front of her and the flames the only light she had.

Soul cried alone. Softly. Lightly. Hiding underneath her wings. Nopony came to her.

3.25
These scars really did seem to hurt with every step Soul took but only when she stepped down. Only with the one hoof she had hurt. Even if they all should hurt. Listening to the sounds of crickets all around but she could not turn away from the blood that was left on the ground. Painting the grass red underneath her forehooves. All because of these.

Soul hated it. Seeing herself looking like this. Always getting hurt. The scars she could see in the fur of her legs.

Like every step made them bleed a little more. Trickling out and down her legs. These cuts and wounds… I am so ugly. I hate seeing them on me. I hate getting hurt. She moaned seeing them bleed so badly already. She just got done cleaning herself off just a little ways back. Well at least there were more trees. Plenty of them.

Soul edged off from the open, grassy path to close in on one of those trees. Leaning her side against the dark brown bark leading all the way up to the great canopy of leaves all arranged in a massive layer with very few openings for the starlight high above to shine through. How those stars made eveyr tiny drop of water in those leaves shine so bright. So bright just like daybreak. She lay against the tree, able to bring her poor legs up one by one. Looking over each of them, reviling in the thought of doing this again. But it had to be done. No way can the others see me like this.

See what she does to me.

I’m supposed to be strong. I shouldn’t have to worry so much about stupid injuries. I… I get hurt all the time. They just needed to stop bleeding. Soul set her tongue onto her fur. Right onto where blood pooled and soaked her magenta color. Such a soft feeling to lick her own fur but that was all. The only feeling much like it was before. It felt no different even covered in blood.

Ugh, it still tastes awful. She felt her stomach churn again. Knowing there was blood pooling on her tongue. Anything to get rid of it. That was all to it. Every time she did this, it left her amazed as to how she just couldn’t get used to it. I keep doing it. Why can’t I just suck it up and deal with it? I have to.

It was so disgusting to know she was eating her own blood. She closed her eyes and squeaked. Push through it. Just some empty feeling in her mouth, upon her tongue. Licking all over her foreleg. Thoroughly putting great effort into getting as much of it off as possible. Doing the same with the other leg. Just going between both of them. Going on until she had made the fur so damp. May as well have showered. There’d be no way that would last as it never did. Any other time. Putting so much effort into cleaning herself only with it ending in it getting worse and worse with more of this terrible blood. They won’t heal. No time soon. Not like the ones she used to have on her face… on her chest… on her stomach.

Just keep hiding… how I feel.

3.26
Her leg still hurt but at least the bleeding had ceased for right now. She could pick out those scars well inside of her fur now that most of the blood was gone. Thin blemishes tearing across her fur with so much of her delicate, pink skin pulled out and over the small bits of red liquid spilling out from within in a slow trickle. Just keep hiding all of it. Keep it well hidden and clean. It’d all be alright. Just as long as she found where Rainbow Dash was hiding out here. Once she was out of the way, the others would be easy.

Dash was so good at hiding. And I got to stay clean for them too. I don’t want them to see any of this. I don’t want Dashie to yell at me over looking bad.

No. Dash will be okay with me.

Just find them and then I get to hide. Oh she had the perfect spot planned out too. A tree she found a ways back, leaning upon that one just as she did this one, with a large hole just around its roots that had to be a burrow for some small animal or maybe a family of them. Nopony was home when she checked it. I think I can hide in that. Looked big enough. She would be the one to win that ice cream in the end. It made her smile knowing she had this in the bag. But she had to get moving.

So she did. Continuing on along the open path within the trees. Wandering slightly off the path just to check around. Nope, not behind the overgrown roots of one tree, not inside a pack of large bushes. They had to be somewhere in this tree line. The fillies never ventured far off from one another playing these games. So they must be close by. Soul’s ears listened all around while she looked up and down the heights of each tree and deep into the darkness beyond the trees, out under the night sky. Nothing.

Damn, it sometimes worked for her to just listen. One of her friends maybe making a mistake that would help her find them. A cough. Brushing against the wood or rustling some leaves. No, they were quiet now. Hopefully I can find them.

3.27
Something made a sound. Out in the dark. It even made her almost trip on herself just giving her the jitters. Listening to that sound before… she felt embarrassed when she saw it fly off and land upon one of the branches. It had been a hooting sound. That was just an owl. She grumbled at herself. Calm down, we’ve been in this forest a lot lately. It’s safe. Soul turned around, looking up, remembering exactly where she had heard the bird call out. She couldn’t help but look and watch that bird fly up into the dark canopy above. An owl coated in feathers letting it blend in so well. I didn’t even notice it. Could’ve come at me if it wanted. Lucky no owl will go after a pony. Nope. It only sat up there. Staring down at her with its own bright yellow eyes. Completely harmless. Like the forest always was.

Soul was so relieved. Nothing to be afraid of. At least I can go back to finding Dash and the others. “I’m gonna find you guys. You can’t hide from me!” Her voice carrying far. Such an echo ringing across the trees and down the dark path. She continued down it. Right up to where there was a bunch of rocks and bushes with just a small clearing in them. Maneuvering herself and tucking in her wings so not to rub against the rocks, especially avoiding hitting her legs against them. The gentle touch of leaves atop her back. But that was not a problem. She stopped. Staring at what she found after it.

There were trees on the path. No. That wasn’t it. Soul saw that the path ended here at these trees beyond the bushes. Pitch black darkness and the silence of night deep inside that line of trees sitting in her way. But the path shouldn’t end here. It was supposed to be longer. She could not have been on it for that long. She stepped forward. Approaching the incredibly tall trees looming high over her and blotting out the night sky, casting dark shadows on her. She tried to peer in between the tightly packed trees hoping to see a way around. Wow it sure was dark back there. Almost everything beyond these trees was impossible to see and only the faint silhouettes of more trees behind these ones visible to her. How could the path already end?
That isn’t right. This is already the end of the path? But I could’ve sworn there was more to this. Walking all this way and finding nothing, like she missed her friends. She had looked in every hidden spot and listened well but found nothing. Did they… go into the forest?

“Alright you guys” she yelled out. “That’s not funny, we’re supposed to stay on the path.” They had to do that, Windy told them so. Besides, I don’t want to go out in the woods. It’s so dark out there. I don’t even think I can go out there just to find them. Yet none of them responded to her call. Did they actually expect her to go into the forest when she never even tried to do such a thing before? Dash should know I wouldn’t want to do that. Of course she would, and she really is going to hide out there just to keep me from finding her. That is such a jerk move.

She listened as careful as could be. Hoping to find some signal that hopefully they were closer to her than she thought. None of them let her know as to where they were. Oh man. Just come out. Did they really want her to say it? She took one more moment to look all around again trying desperately to catch any glimpse of her friends hiding in the shadows behind the trees surrounding her. Going out there was not going to happen.

“Fine, you win” she admitted. She yelled that out, but she whispered after. “I’m too scared.”

The sound of leaves crunching. Of course, so now they’re gonna come out. Somepony walking behind her. She turned her head eager to see Rainbow Dash and the others emerging from wherever they had been hiding. They better not have been easy to find. I’m already mad. Especially… since I chickened out. The bushes that she had stepped through to reach this tree line parted and broke. Leaves pushed aside for a shine of gold to light up the dark. Like a bright star setting down to crush the grass.

3.28
That was not Dash. The gold-plated hoof complimented by a second emerging to reveal the white furred alicorn stepping out from behind the bushes.

Princess Celestia!?

Those violet eyes so lovingly staring at her, glowing under the starlight shining in from above. Glittering like the skyline her cool colored mane reflected upon the very ground she walked upon. She looked so beautiful even in the night. A night Soul found herself amazed she was sharing with the princess herself. Never expecting to find her out here. Awake and venturing the world with her to stand out here across from one another. One pony Soul felt… better to have here. Better than being alone.

“Princess Celestia?”

The princess stepped up to her. That angelic flowing mane and tail waving all across the air, like that was all that was needed to light up the world. Even with the Sun set, she still shone like it across the forest. It almost warmed her up much like the sweet smile the princess shared with her. “Greetings, Soul” Celestia spoke to her gently. “What is a filly like you doing all alone out here? It’s not safe.” Well not safe if she went out too far. The path was always safe enough for a group of young ponies. Windy was also nearby too.

Maybe the princess could get the others to come out. See if they are okay. “Well I think my friends went out into the woods, but I’m a little too scared to go out there” Soul told her the truth. Pointing out at the dark forest beyond. Celestia stared out at the woods. Clearly just as worried as Soul would be knowing they were all out there. Softly blinking. Breathing so gently. “Oh dear, they should know better than to go out there.” I can’t speak for the others, but Dashie… nothing would stop her from trying to win. She’d rush out into the woods for sure.

Celestia took a few steps towards the tree line. Her stride and flowing tail leaving Soul behind. “I shall go look for them. You should stay here, little one” she said back to Soul. Stay here? But I don’t want her to leave. What if she too got lost out there, then there’d be no way I can find them. She’d have to go after them. All alone. I’d have to find them all. That would not be something Soul would want to happen to her. What? She almost missed Celestia just about to step into the forest. “Wait!” Soul cried after making the princess stop dead in her tracks and glance back at her.

“May I come with you?” Soul asked. Celestia raised an eyebrow. Frowning over at the reluctant filly left in her shadow. “This is not a place I want you to be in. Just stay put, I shall find your friends.” But why? Celestia was here. Why should I stay here? We can go out together and find them. I wouldn’t be afraid then. The great alicorn shining bright like the Sun casting away all fears Soul could possibly have wandering out there. Staying here, I’d not know what to do. When I’d see you all again. At least going out there with Celestia would be better than sitting around.

“But…” Soul started. Staring down at the ground with the princess watching over how pathetic she began to look. “I don’t want to be left alone right here. I hate feeling alone.” Alone. All by herself in the middle of these dark trees. Her mind running wild with what could go wrong if she stayed here. They may never find me! I’d be left alone. No way to find them out here. Worst of all, I’d not know if they were all okay.

I don’t want them to leave me.

Damn it. She should not think lie that. Dashie would not leave her like that. She couldn’t. But what if they got lost!? Everything that could happen, it was terrifying. She didn’t want that to happen.

“I understand” Celestia said. More than accepting of Soul’s worries. It lifted her spirits. “I get to come with you!?” Soul asked excitedly. Certain she would be allowed. “Of course not” Celestia said giggling. “But I know a way you won’t feel lonely out here.”

What? Soul cocked her head. But there were no other ponies out here with them. None to keep her company and show her that they would all be okay. No, I need to go myself with the princess. I won’t sit here and wait. I’m their friend, I will be there for them.

Celestia stamped both her forehooves down, cocking her head down and exposing the entire length of her mane set atop her head. Casting a sharp glow from it down on Soul. Without that mane, Soul would be placed in total darkness because of how great a shadow Celestia’s spread wings would bring across the grassy plain that Soul could find refuge in the walls of trees. Seeing Celestia loom over her like this… it was… scary. What are you doing? Barely able to hold a small smile.

“You won’t feel lonely” Celestia whispered.

So bright. Soul gasped. Like the Sun rose before her.

3.29
It was blinding. Celestia disappeared. Lost in that blast of starlight burning from atop her horn. Blowing away the leaves and twigs laying about and swaying the branches all around until they too became shrouded in the light.

Her eyes burned. But she could not look away.

Feeling all her fur plastered to her skin and all the wind… how it sent her mane flying. In the blink of an eye. Till it burned.

Everything faded. Everything went silent. Soul could see nothing but that light.

So hot… then… nothing.

It all became calm.

3.30
Soulblight kept on listening. All those kids far out there, how happy they all sounded. Actually it made her laugh a little at how incredible it was and how lucky she had been to be able to know something like this had happened.

Exciting what ponies could do when they put effort into it.

But she was more happy for the filly who made all the others cheer. All the way out there, past the storms and snow, Blight couldn’t believe that pony had pulled off something like that. What had Rainbow Dash called it?

A sonic rainboom?

Such a cute, little name. And Dash was the one who could do it. How amazing. If only Blight could see what it looked like. Leaving her only to her imagination as to what kind of amazing thing Dash had done. Sounded like she had been going very fast. I wonder how you pulled it off. How much would Soul have liked to see it? Something incredible, that made the air crack and thunder. So loud that it had even made Blight wince.

And you were the pony who could challenge Soul in the air?

She sure was talented and kind at that. Standing up for others, doing this to prove yourself to be stronger than the others. No wonder Soul liked her so much. Blight kind of did too. After all, Dash stood up for Soul.

I am growing to like that pony. Dash being one of her favorite ponies to listen to out there and learning more and more… one I would love to meet. She truly was the pony Soul needed now. I only wish that could happen. I wanted to meet you too. Not just watch you through another pony’s eyes. If only things were that easy. You are so fascinating.

Sometimes… I wonder if I should tell Soul about the things you do. Tell her stories about her best friend. If I should tell Soul about a little something I learned about you, Dash. The filly seemed to be under the illusion Dash hated her. You don’t talk about Soul… you say nothing out there. I even worried if you actually did hate her. At least troubled. You two were such good friends, I would think you would miss Soul, Dash. That is… what I did think. Until lately.

Dash, I know you cry in your sleep.

Such tiny little whimpers when the filly lay under the covers. It breaks my heart to know both of you suffer. That neither of you know what it is the other feels. For what else could you be crying over, Dash? You can’t fool me.

At least you are strong.

3.31
Dash was good at being happy out in the world beyond. Just can’t keep it up at night. I don’t even think Soul would believe me if I told her. Sometimes, I worry I am mistaken. If the filly is crying over something else. When Dash’s best friend… misses her. I don’t know what to tell Soul. I can tell her about what Dash dud today.

Knowing what her friend could do may just push Soul to accomplish more. Maybe. Or it could make her fly her mouth off on Blight again for bringing up Dash. No right for me to talk about her or something like that. Not that she pushed them away from one another on purpose. But yes, yell at me anyways. Even when I know it was the right thing to do.

She had to calm herself down feeling that she was getting riled up again. Ugh, thinking that even ruffled her own feathers a bit. Again. She really felt ashamed at how quick she got to getting angry with the filly. Because it is all my fault. I only did what I felt was right for the two fillies. I didn’t know it would lead to this. I wish I had. I wish I could help. Get rid of all the storms and weather boxing Soul in. Get her back home. I feel so useless. Just as Dash was out there flaunting her amazing talents with wings most pegasi could only dream of, achieving something so spectacular and unique that… that it even created the very mark of the rainbow maned filly’s talent.

Dash’s own cutie mark.

The symbol of her talent. I wish I had amazing talents. Her very gaze coming over those black wings she possessed, now calmly sitting on her sides. These wings. Black as night, large and packed in more feathers than she cared to count. So foreign. If only… if only…

They were normal.

Normal, then… then I know I can do anything to help Soul. If only. She really didn’t like how this came about. But that was something she could do nothing about. It was settled. She would tell Soul what Dash just did. A good enough story for Soul to wake up to and show her that her best friend could still do great things even after terrible events. Yeah, maybe that would make her smile. It would make Blight smile too; it is the best I can do. Still, if only I could be talented enough like Dash is.

There was a talent that she had, she was sure of it. Soul would have one too. Both of them would be able to flaunt it proudly like Dash did. Blight’s eyes went past her wings which lifted higher to uncover her own flank. Her eyes glistening looking at it. Imagining… what talent her flank had. Her own talent. One to be proud of. Something to help Soul.

Oh wow.

3.32
Then came that earsplitting scream ripping right through her head. That’s Soul. The filly had finally woken up. Blight looked away from her flank, over to the house she heard that scream come out from. Where she still screamed in. So loud. There had been no other time she had screamed so loudly. Another nightmare.

That alone made Blight glide down from her perch. Landing with vast, black wings, knowing she had to help. Poor thing, I can’t leave her alone. Not with such a terrible scream. She didn’t stop. Running past the snow and then leaping over the mounds and down onto the porch of Soul’s house. The filly still screamed inside. So loud now. That did not stop Blight. Open up. The door blasted open before her. Casting a mass of black mist over her to clash straight into the door. Slamming hard against it. Hard enough to slam it against the wall inside with dust falling from above. She ran right inside. Nothing holding her back from stepping inside.

The filly was right there, sitting atop her bed. Cradling the blanket to her chest and crying into it. Her face hidden. Her cries muffled. Only showing her back to Blight and such bad bedhead on her. She must have had such a rough night. Truly horrible looking, pitiful. I wish she would stop doing this to herself. She doesn’t need to sleep.

Blight shut the door behind her. None of the noise she made did anything to break Soul from her suffering. “Soul, what’s wrong?” Blight asked and only got cries as her answer. Not even lifting her head up. Forget our gripes, Soul needs help. This was the worse she had ever seen the filly. The most upset she had ever been. I’m afraid for her. Pushing her to quickly walk up towards the bed, placing herself right at Soul’s bedside. Looming her neck over the mattress and coming closer to Soul. So close, she listened to the filly cry inside the blanket. Blight felt almost sick listening to how Soul cried. It sounded so terrible. Like she struggled to breathe and ran her throat ragged. Such a painful sound.
“Soul” she whispered to her. I need to calm her. No more fighting. Blight even spoke to her with such care. Anything to make her feel safe. Hoping it may calm Soul down… hear the voice that she had once thought was soothing enough to fall asleep to. “Soul, it’s me. It’s Soulblight.”

3.33
She tried to come a little closer. Soul grumbled into her blanket. Turning her head quicker than Blight could put a smile on to see the black Pegasus standing next to her. Just her left eye peering out from the blanket, barely visible underneath a wave of tangled bits of her mane, but even that was almost unrecognizable. Like that eye did not belong to the filly she knew, even with what had once been eyes shining like sunlight growing more and more bloodshot. Now… now… there was no yellow. Such a horrific sight. What has happened to you, Soul?

Just a small, beady eye staring at her in a sea of red. No light shining on it. None of the glow that gave this sad pony a semblance of life. As if it hurt just to keep her eyes open. Like she truly did suffer. I never wanted to see her like this. Oh, Soul… what have I done to you?

Blight held her breath. I… I wouldn’t be surprised if she yells at me. Hoping she did not. Looking like the little Pegasus needed somepony by her despite any objection she made. It never came. Waiting there, nothing came. Soul only stared at her with one eye. Not even blinking. Almost… haunting. She just lowered her lashes and stopped there. More tears flowing through her lashes. Damn it, I wish I could… hold her. Blight’s own legs pushed into the side of the bed. Feeling nothing. I’m so useless. Can’t even touch anything. When she wished to be able to touch a hoof to Soul’s cheek and wipe those tears away. I want to. This poor filly, all the stuff she had to go through. If only she could have somepony… if only. I want to see that sweet pony she used to be, not like this.

Felt like so long ago.

Soul finally blinked. Sniffling right after. “Did you have another nightmare?” Blight asked. Soul’s ear fell, wincing with tears. Blight got her answer. Could it be anything like the first nightmare Soul had told her about? An awfully tragic tale by what she heard that left Soul so heartbroken, and every other nightmare from then till now doing much of the same to the filly. But… they had never been this bad. I’ve never seen Soul this hurt by one. I’ve never been this terrified. Soul actually scared her. There has to be something that can be done. Anything.

“It’s all okay. It’s over.” Soul actually raised her eye a little. Hunching her shoulders. Placing her head deeper into the blanket whilst her hooves gently hugged it against her. Rubbing it up and down. Just like a poor little foal. Trying to speak but only a little squeak came out, and then she coughed so hard. Oh man, her throat must be so sore now from all that screaming. Blight hushed her. Not wanting her to talk right now and just rest. Recover from whatever happened.

Of course the filly didn’t do what Blight wanted. She muttered a little, clearly trying to talk. Nothing came out. If she has something to say, I will listen. I won’t leave her. Soul has nopony left… besides me. Tell me what’s wrong.

Blight wished she had not asked for that.

“She killed me.”

3.34
What the hell kind of nightmare did she have? How… how terrible could it be? Blight was speechless. Killed? Soul even looked over at her. Dropping the blanket. Looking into both of Soul’s tear-filled eyes. Blood red eyes. Looking deep at the black Pegasus. A nightmare where… she died? Blight gulped. H-how can I help her with that? That question on top of hundreds more now.

Soul, you are so hurt. I never could have guessed how much. Somepony killed her.

“Who?” Blight asked. Could it have been Rainbow Dash in her nightmare? No, that’d be insane. Even if Dash… had been in that other nightmare, and she had hurt the poor filly at that. Does Soul really fear Dash that much? No way, don’t ever fear Dash. Blight wanted to tell her that. She almost did.

“C-c-c… Celest… stia” Soul said.

Blight didn’t know what to say. She dreamed about the princess. She had killed Soul. I… such wild dreams. It sounded frightening. What to do? Easy to see that Soul was so afraid now. Afraid. And I’m not the ponies you relied on to feel better. I’m just me. All I can do is tell you Celestia wouldn’t hurt you. But that wouldn’t matter. Not like I can do what… what Nimbus did for you. Not with these hooves.

I can protect Soul from any danger. Even the princess. But what use is that? None when the filly was so afraid. Wait, …that wasn’t even something to consider. Celestia would never be a pony to try and attack a filly no matter how hard she was pressed. No, not after… after how I saw her. How she treated Soul.

But Soul thought otherwise. Such terror in her eyes. Her mouth trembling before speaking. “She wanted to get rid of me… everypony else…. left me…” She paused long enough to cough out violently. “…for it to happen.” “Soul…” Blight said, stepping forward a little more. Her body even going into the bed, still not letting her hold the filly. Hug her so she could at least feel protected if she would accept it.

3.35
“It was only a nightmare. None of it is real. None of it will ever be real.” Soul looked off at her blanket, gradually nodding her head a little. Biting her lip at the same time.

“I know… but… I have these damn things all the time, every night. I’m tired of having them. They hurt so much” Soul said slowly. It was so hard to understand. Mostly because… I don’t know what a nightmare is like. I tried to help the filly. She doesn’t need to sleep. Ugh, why do you need to fight me? Blight never felt a need to bring it up. If she wanted to sleep than let her do it. But now, there should be no reason for her to continue her habit if it hurt her. “Nothing nice ever happens to me anymore. Not even in my dreams” Soul said. The filly looked back up at Blight. Tears in her pulsing eyes casting a glossy sheen from the glow of the fireplace. She stared deep into Blight’s eyes. So focused. Blight actually felt a shudder go down her own spine. Deep in the filly’s eyes… nothing.

“Do you ever dream, …Blight?” So calm and soft. Soul stared at her. Soulblight was flustered. No clue on how to answer a personal question like this. Asked by a pony she was sure hated her. But she wanted to know it… from her. I don’t dream. I don’t know if I can. But…

I feel like I did at one point.

Weren’t there little stories my mind once showed me? Every time, she recalled how they left her happy. Enough to make her smile like a foal. Times she had very little recollection of but it was still true. “I …” she chose her words carefully. “have.” Soul sniffed. “What was the nicest dream you’ve had?” The nicest? Such a question. Soul was so strange. She wants to know… about me? That nightmare really did do something to the filly. Soul has not been this open to me in a while. I need to answer. The nicest? Something that made me smile. I feel I know it. I do know it.

I still… feel it. The time when I smiled.

As beautiful as the wonder in Soul’s reddened eyes. One image, one dream. I did dream once. So long ago. The feeling of it. It made me feel… like a pony.

For one moment… I was happy.

3.36
“It… was… a flower” Blight admitted. “Glowing bright like the flames themselves. I…” her eyes trailed off, trying hard to remember how exactly it looked. “I remember how its red and orange colors looked like they danced with one another across many petals. Petals colored bright in the Sun, falling so delicately upon the earth. Wind blowing those petals away to… land on me. With a gentle touch. It was all I could see. Those petals blowing about, above and around me, and… I could feel nothing. Nothing but happiness. Nothing sad at all. None of the bad things that made me cry… none of them could hurt me in that wall of petals. They protected me, flying all around the sky, the land, …the world. Until the darkness was all that was left… then… all I remember is…” Blight shed a tear.

“The cold.”

I… I didn’t even know I was staring at her this entire time. Sorry. Blight looked away from Soul. All those visions of red and orange still present and receding in the corners of her eyes. As if she had really seen it all again. Felt it all again. Enough to make her crack a small smile under her tears.

She saw Soul. Her eyes widened a little more also staring back at Blight. Unable to say anything. Blight understood. Everything she just said did sound a little too much to understand. Even I don’t understand. Understand why it made me happy. “That’s all I remember” Blight said.

“I had a really nice dream at one point as well” Soul said. “It made me… really happy. I was so happy when I woke up. It was nothing like what you just talked about. A little more simple.” Soul wiped some of the tears off from under her eyes. She actually began to smile. “I was just… eating ice cream. A whole lot of it.” Soul chuckled a little. Eating sweets? That even made Blight laugh just a little. “Were they good flavors?” Blight asked. Soul nodded. “Raspberry, …chocolate, oranges, and strawberry. They tasted good” Soul giggled again.

Soulblight loved seeing her like this. She didn’t know what those flavors tasted like but it was good that Soul was at least smiling remembering this stuff. It was almost miraculous. Now that’s what it was: a miracle as Blight saw the filly smile. Smile and then… it faded as she began to cry again.

3.37
“I miss having those dreams, they always left me so happy” Soul said. “You don’t need to worry” Blight said. “I’m certain those beautiful dreams will return.” Soul frowned. Closing her eyes slowly and putting her head down atop the blanket. Like she may be going back to bed.

“No they won’t” she whispered. Sadly. How sad her tone became made Blight even feel sad. “You said it yourself, I can’t get out of here. So… I guess I have nothing happy to look forward to” she began to cry again, the last few words she spoke barely able to escape her lips before she started weeping. Closing her eyes off from Blight. That was too much for Blight to bare. She felt too sorry for her and shame for herself. Why did I tell Soul the truth? Of course knowing that would hurt her. There was no need to utterly crush the filly’s hopes. Soul… she was giving up. No. I don’t want you sad.

“Don’t say that, Soul” Blight said leaning in closer. “Have a little hope that things will turn around. You just need to work towards it. Everything will turn out okay.” Soul shook her head. Wiping her tears to soak into the blanket. Crying harder and harder. So much she could hardly speak in response. But Blight was able to pick out what she was saying. “Just… more nightmares… no friends… nopony loves me.”

“Soul…” Blight started. She was cut off by a painfully long cry the filly let out. Soul threw her face back into the blanket. Such a horrible cry. Screaming her pain away. Blight held her tongue. Let the filly let it all out. So she let her cry for right now. Standing close by her bedside not wanting to leave Soul’s side. Hoping that maybe her presence would help to calm her. Unsure what dreadful thoughts could be in Soul’s mind and, in truth, she had nothing to say that could help. Would a story about what Dash did even help right now? She couldn’t think of how it would. It might just make it worse now. Make her angry with Blight again in this time: the longest Soul allowed the black Pegasus to stay near her in months. Blight could only listen.

Soul’s crying growing stronger and then dying down to a whimper, and then repeating. How pained her breathing became. It was too much.

Blight closed herself off. Turning away to focus instead on the fire, cursing herself for not knowing what she could do. I’m so stupid. If only I could do something. Other than watching this damn fire. She bever felt so angry at herself. Doing everything to push away those thoughts. Listen to her own breaths. Soft and gentle.

3.38
She stood there waiting. So long. So very long. All the pain of listening to Soul cry, it was hers alone. Until Soul slowly quieted down. Please… calm down, Soul. Listening to her whimper. Such a sad sound behind her and nothing that Blight could do. Nothing.

Soul stopped.

Blight didn’t dare to look at her. Continuing to watch the fire. Wanting Soul to calm herself. It would be better that way. I’m not the pony she needs to feel better. So she would stop feeling hopeless and lost. Even so… I should be the one to help her. I have to be. But I don’t know how. I’m an adult. I should know what to say to her. But this was too much. She had nothing.

I’m not the pony you want.

Soul sighed. Blight listened.

“Why did you do this to me?”

3.39
That was all that was needed. All the words she could bear to hear. I can’t believe it. After what I just did. To come and help you. Soul still hates me, and I still… I still can’t handle this. Blight could feel it again. She was angry. Angry at Soul.

Their little conversation was nothing. Soul still hated her.

Everything… is still my fault. Blight heaved a heavy sigh. Just need to calm down. Soul was very upset. She deserved to be, and having nightmares to reopen fresh wounds. It was natural. Yes. All her anguish and loneliness. Their fights. Of course it never would work. Not this soon. She will always hate me. Blight felt foolish to think she got anywhere with getting Soul to trust her again. I can never be the pony to make her happy again. She had nothing to say about it because there was nothing that could be said.

I should be happy, happy that we could talk for once. For a brief moment. But so quick. Soul will never forgive me. She did not want her around.

“I’m sorry” Blight said. Her voice coming out sadder than anything she could prepare herself to even make. Truly ashamed. She turned away from the pony she had harmed the most. “I’ll go.”

I want to stay. Please. She had hope Soul would call out for her. Something to stop Blight from leaving. Plead her to stay with her. But she didn’t. She does want me gone. Staying silent as Blight slowly walked back to the door. Head kept low to the ground. No more happiness left in her. The little joy she had of being able to talk with the filly.

She reached the door, swinging it back open with a burst of her magic and setting one hoof outside. The filly still remained silent behind her. Blight took one last look over her shoulder, seeing Soul back on her bed. Her back to Blight. She sniffed once and her wings dropped a little. Silent like the rest of the room. I’m sorry, Soul.

Blight left her.

3.40
Her hoof slammed hard into the snowy surface. She really wished she could feel what it was like to crush that cursed snow under her hoof. Nothing! No joy in it. Just wanting to unload. Nope, couldn’t even get that satisfaction. Now she was the one who needed to calm down. She slammed her hoof in again and again hoping for some result that never came all the while she scowled down at all the snow building up along the entrance of Soul’s house.

No… I’m so mad. Mad at what she said.

“Why did she feel the need to say that?” I thought... damn it. I came so close. So close to making her happy. The filly even smiled. I made her smile. But no. It made her blood boil. No matter what kindness she ever attempted it always led to this. Soul always will hate me; stuck in her own little fantasy that I’m… what? Some sort of evil creature out to harm her? So she wants to shun me.

“Does she not know those words really hurt me?” If only she would stop saying them. Just shut up for a moment. Listen to me for once and stop attacking herself. They could work together. Make this not so bad. Like we did before. Remember, Soul? When we had fun that one day. We had fun. We had hope. But no, she always pushes me away.

Because she hates you.

Blight exhaled hard. Shaking her head furiously and stopping to stare back down at the snow with ever more anger. If only all this would go away. This worthless snow and terrible weather. This terrible place. Then Soul would love me. We can be friend, yes. Friends who loved one another. To help this filly that… she harmed.

“Damn it” she screamed. She watched all the snow blow away from her, blasting like flames of black exploding out from underneath her hooves and getting rid of this useless snow. Blown away. Just a little. Sending all that snow flying and pelting the houses, smacking down upon the ground. Cast off in snowflakes all around her. Those flakes calmed themselves down, returning back to a gentle descent alongside their brethren to carpet the world anew. Work to get rid of any evidence of what Blight had just done. Refilling the crater she had just made beneath herself.

3.41
She breathed silently. Watching all those tiny flakes coming down. Landing upon the earth with nary a sound and only the subtle hint of wind giving any life to this cold and innocent scene. Like none of this could truly harm anypony with how these snowflakes touched down upon the others already making their home on the ground, so nicely. It looked calm to her. Watching it even began to make her feel better with all the anger in her heart melting away. Giving her a moment to just breath.

This snow was not at fault. This world was not at fault. Soul suffered, her loneliness too much for Blight to watch, her sadness great and it was the fault of one being.

It’s all my fault. She looked down at her forelegs. Watching the many thousands of fur strands swaying in a sea of pitch black coming down to cover a misty sheen of silver ringing around her hooves. These hooves. Looking up to see the falling snow once again, mixing and swirling with the remnants the dark mists sparkling like stars all around her. My magic. It was those very things that had hurt Soul. All carried out by my own will. I’m the one who killed those Changelings. I’m the one who did this to her. I’m so sad. Sad because I thought I did the right thing and now… she will never forgive me. I have no right to be forgiven. Soul…

You’re another poor life I have ruined.

A life filled with promise and happiness, left to cry alone in that empty house. I regret leaving her in there. Even if she hates me. But just having me around, all it does is make her sad. I don’t want her any more sad than she already is. She did not want to hurt anypony anymore. Too much pain. Too much heartache for her to bear.

I just want you happy again.

Blight began to walk. Rounding the corner of Soul’s house and scaling the steep mounds of snow built up all against the side of the wall until she reached it: the window, half buried. Still not tended to by Blight. But the snow had not covered it yet. Slowly looking through it. Peeking in at what was inside.

Right underneath the window, Soul sat there in the bed. Buried under her blanket. All Blight could hear was the muffled sound that pained her own heart. Soul crying. All by herself. Left to her sorrow under the glow of the fire and what was left of the sunlight to shine in over this cold and lonely land.

3.42
Blight couldn’t hold it back anymore. She felt so pathetic. A tear ran down her cheek. Ridding herself of this with a swipe of her hoof, but it could not rid the pain of what she saw. It hurt her. Over and over, I keep getting angry at Soul. How many months have passed now? How they fought with one another. And neither of us have been able to smile. When… when I remember you used to smile all the time, Soul. I… I loved it.

Bright and happy. A young Pegasus with so much happiness. If only that Pegasus could come back. How I want to bring it back. If only I did not get so angry all the time. If only she was not a coward. Stop hiding from Soul. Stop it. She is not my enemy. I shouldn’t be afraid of her, but… I am. She makes me feel… so useless. Powerless.

“I really am an awful girl.” She meant it. Hating herself for it. Only saying it because she was alone… alone. Of course nopony is here to pity me. Just to shun me.

Like they always used to do.

Soul is no different. When I thought she would be, it makes me cry. Holding it all in even as tears started coming back inside her eyes. But she would not cry like Soul did. She could not. I do not deserve to cry over this… because I deserve to feel terrible. I deserve to… feel alone.

The black Pegasus laid down. Holding her head tightly inside her forelegs. Huddling her entire body beneath the cover of her wings.

Alone… again.

3.43
“Why did I have to say that?”

Soul smacked her face so hard. Screaming at herself. Blight was actually being nice and I… I wanted to keep talking to her. The black Pegasus sounded so sweet talking to her like that. Listening to her, and she… listened to me. I didn’t even do anything to show her I liked it. No wonder she left.

Seeing just how much her dragon eyes lit up while she talked about that dream she had. It sounded beautiful to Soul. What kind of flower was it? Why did it make her feel happy? No, instead I got angry again. I made her feel bad. I hurt another pony.

She had driven Blight away when they finally got a chance to talk. Just being able to speak with her, I forgot the nightmare for a minute. Now she was gone. Just like Soul wanted every day prior to this one. This one, being the day she actually wanted another pony with her. She hurt Rainbow Dash, Celestia hated her, now Soulblight… another one to leave her side all because of her. Soul smacked herself again. Stupid. Angry at herself. More angry than she was with Blight over the months.

She lifted her head out from the blanket. Glancing off over to her left, over to the spot that those beautiful yellow dragon eyes had met her own. Empty. Like the forest. Was that why Dash left me alone in the woods? I did something terrible to her. It’s what I always do. Every single pony always leaves me. They want nothing to do with me. So… the princess got rid of me. Everypony got rid of me and I know why. I do. Because I… I can hear you. The sound of somepony crying. Outside the house. The voice she recognized… Blight. I make them miserable.

That’s why… that’s why… “Mommy left me. Why Nimbus and Starry left me… why Dashie left me.” They are all better off without me. Rainbow Dash was probably so happy now. She had to be. Soulblight would be happy as well. No need to cry any more. Blight was not the one who had to cry. I should be the one who should cry.

I don’t want Blight sad anymore. As long as other ponies were happy, she would be happy. They needed to be happy. That was why Celestia sent me here, right? Because nopony was happy with me.

3.44
Soul grabbed hold of one of the pillows, crushed in from her grip. Held between her hooves, she tossed it. Sending it flying across the room until it smacked hard against the dusty wall at the far end of her room. Feeling her anger slip away. Ease her back to placing her head back against the blanket once more. A comforting spot for her to cry again. Silently letting her tears.

I still remember that nightmare. Remember every nightmare. I feel so terrible. I was always a jerk to the ponies I loved. The ponies she will never ever see again and never get her chance to apologize to them for all the pain she put them through. They were all gone. I miss them all. I miss them so much. I miss… you, Dashie.

I will never get to tell you how much you mean to me. Never even got to tell her goodbye. Just like with mom. Just like with Nimbus and Starry.

Just shadows. All she saw. Flickering in the house. All that was left of them. Fading and disappearing. Never to be seen again. I want to apologize to them all. Show them I am better. Give her that chance, and she would be a good pony for them all. A good pony. All I ever wanted to be for them.

Soul cried.

Never letting go of the blanket. Rubbing her nose against it as it warmed her. The only thing left that could embrace her. Love her. She spoke into it. “I love you all so much. Your little pony loves you all.” All I ever wanted was… to be loved by you.

3.45
Deep in the blanket, looking into that darkness, she could still see it. All that was left of it. That tiny glimmer of yellow light blazing bright at her. Trying to grow stronger and cast out all the darkness but, ultimately, could not. If only she could touch that light. A little light casting it’s starlight down upon her. There was no touching it. No feeling it. But she felt something from it. Watching it blink on and off, trying to come close and warm her, it was soothing. I can feel it.

Soul stopped crying. Giving her a moment to lick her lips and breath. Opening her eyes again. That light disappeared. Only the darkness was left. Waking up from that warming light. Gone with its soft glow. The only thing she had seen in the dark. A dark that surrounded her.

One moment. She had felt it. Something different. Like when she last saw that blinding light. When I last felt… something different.

I felt it… before I woke up. Wasn’t it? Yes. It was… something different.

That light… I didn’t feel lonely.

“Celestia… was… right. I didn’t feel lonely… at all.”

I don’t want to feel lonely anymore.

Part 2 Entwined - Act 4

4.1
Well this could be considered a find. It certainly was different from all the other junk she found throughout all the other houses. More and more of this crap that could be used for the fire, but maybe she could spare this stuff. She considered this staring at the item she held aloft before her face with just the faintest hint of her magic. It surprised her to find it and how familiar it was.

Another little pony doll. Much like the one Soul had found. That lonely little Pegasus she found hidden away in a box. Finally finding a friend in Soul. Blight wondered if that tiny Pegasus still kept her company. Give her some semblance of having a friend. Something to help her make it through the day.

This pony doll on the other hoof, left behind in this bleak and dark house, a lot different. Because the box it was in actually held dozens of them. Somepony had a hobby. Even if they were… kinda amateurs at this, I still wonder who it was that used to live here. What kind of time did they have on their hooves to do this and why did they do this? Was it actually a hobby or practice for something more? Perhaps they did it for a nicer reason. That very Pegasus may have been built by the pony who made these, a gift perhaps for some child who meant something to them.

Blight tossed and turned the pony, examining it all around. Given light for her to see thanks to the hole she cut into the ceiling. It really is the best way to get into these houses. She could see a lot of it. Very small pebbles used as eyes fastened tightly into the sides of its head that actually shined a little in the light. All the countless fibers well woven into place to give the impression of facial features on it including a cute little smile. Even well-trimmed patches of fur attached to it to make a mane and tail. No wings. Not like Soul’s. This was shaped into an Earth pony. Even some unicorns in the box. Strange… no pegasi. Weird.

I wonder what was wrong with whoever made these. Why no pegasi? Only the one Soul had. Oh well. This collection was good enough. They made her smile for once. It felt good to smile again. Days passing by with nothing but sadness. A sadness in her and even more. I still feel the pain in my heart. In Soul’s heart. Not one moment passing by where it stopped, and all the happiness she could tell happened on the outside beyond the snow. Happiness Soul longed to be a part of. I can’t bring it back.

How happy Rainbow Dash was out there only broken by those brief moments in the night when that rainbow-maned filly sadly cried under her blanket.

4.2
Maybe these little dolls could bring a little happiness to Soul. Ha, I bet she would love them. Act like such a kid with them. So far-fetched but it was nice to believe in such a fantasy. How Soul used to be. That extremely happy and carefree filly laughing and smiling at things I never thought were even interesting. Training. Food. Exploring. But there was a certain charm to it all. Just how happy stuff like that could make a child. Blight loved every moment of it. If only she could find some way to bring it all back. Seeing that little, happy version of Soul playing with these tiny ponies. Even if she would not do that in front of others, but someday being comfortable enough to want to be her true self around me. If ever. A beautiful dream.

She placed the doll she held back inside the box, sifting through all the unicorns and Earth ponies. So many of them. It really is incredible how… wait, I found one! A Pegasus at last. She had to pull it out from under all the other ponies. Huh, not that special. It was… just another Earth pony. Those wings it had were the only real difference between this one and the Earth ponies. Except, this one did have considerably large wings. Held up by wires to give the impression of it flying.

Flying like Soul.

Happily gliding through the air with nothing to weigh her down. If only she could fly like that again. Be free and doing everything she loved to do. Blight would do it all with her. …In some fantasy world where they could be friends. That was all Blight could do. Bringing another hidden Pegasus doll up from the box, holding it next to the other. Seeing that fantasy in the eyes of these two pegasi. One with large wings, the other with small ones. Both side by side together with a smile on their faces. Happy to see one another with no more hate. She could listen closely to it all. Looking at both these pegasi. I hear it. Laughter. She could hear the little laughter of a filly alongside that of a mare. A mare laughing in a voice she knew.

I wish I could laugh right now about. Just like I would if that dream could come true. How did Rainbow Dash say it? She recalled. A good interpretation for it all like how these fillies talked.

“That would be so awesome.”

Blight laughed at herself for saying that. A world under a glistening light where all was happy for her and for Soul. Why could it not exist like it should? Asking it to the happy world that shined bright in the beady eyes that stared back at her.

4.3
Soul could see the entirety of her world shining back at her. She saw this world all about her every single day but there was something different about seeing it in a reflection. Seeing her own face surrounded by the darkest and most dreary of surroundings with nopony around her. Only the darkness around her. She hated seeing this world. Where the only bright thing in it was the red of her eyes staring at her. Just a sea of blood surrounding her big, black pupils and they don’t shine anymore.

Why are they so red all the time? I’ve never seen them this bad. Maybe because I don’t want to sleep anymore. Haven’t slept for days now. Spending all the dark hours of the night sitting in her bed. Fed up with everything, and the days being much of the same.

She had not seen Blight in a while. What could she be doing? That roof she liked to inhabit remained empty every time she looked. Maybe she left. It wouldn’t surprise her. That would be best for the black Pegasus. She doesn’t need to worry about me. Everypony doesn’t need to worry about me. She turned her hooves. Her reflection grew longer. Better room to see her entirety and how greatly miserable she could now admit without hesitation that she looked.

“Wow… I look like crap.” Saying that actually made her giggle a little. She wanted to keep laughing. Force it out as hard as possible. It was a long laugh. Long and… it hurt. Her throat burned just to laugh. Just to speak. Hurt to laugh over nothing. Well aware she actually was not happy but it felt a little like something to know she was still capable of laughing. What if Dashie sees me like this? That would be something. Maybe she would laugh about it. Like I look like I just flew through a storm or something. At least then she’d put a smile on another pony’s face. But she was not. Oh how to make them all happy.

She looked back up to face the dark wall she set herself in front of. Tapping the hooves of her hind legs against it and joining that sound with that of her forelegs falling like logs on the floor, and she sat there. Staring. Bringing her hooves up once more before her and holding them close. She wouldn’t let go. I can’t let go of it.

Just listen. The sound it made as she ran a hoof over the thing she held. A little ping and a scrape. Ringing in her ears. I can’t get enough of it. I’ll never let it go. Holding it firmly between her hooves. She wondered if she should look at it again.

See her reflection in its edge.

She could laugh at herself again but, then again, all it would be was just an ugly and broken little Pegasus who needed her friends.

4.4
That was the entire point of it. I need them. I want them so badly. But they don’t need me. None of them, not Dashie, not Celestia or Blight. Nopony needed her. It was the truth. Why else does nopony try to make me happy? They only leave me.

All that time she spent with Dash coming in and leaving so fast like the wind, exactly what it was: the wind. It was not meant to last. I just hope Dash is at least happy now without me. Just like mom was when she left me. Along with Blight. Blight could move on and be happy without Soul on her mind, much like what she wished. They could all be happy. Soul wondered if Dash had new friends now. Were they pegasi or maybe she ventured out to other places and met new ponies? If they were pegasi, they were in for a rough ride, haha. Dash will probably challenge them to racing. No pony could ever surpass her in flight. No pony can ever be as good… as her.

I once thought I would be a pony worth her time. I used to be great. Now look at me. I was supposed to be strong, strong! For what? Strong enough to take all this? No. Dash was the strong pony. No matter what happened, Dash always found a way to surpass everything and prove herself to be successful. It was in her nature.

I never want her to know disappointment again. Feel she let others down even when they assured her that she had not, and I was the one who promised to be there for her. …Why did Dash never tell me how much of a burden I was on her all this time? She only needed to say something and Soul would gladly leave… leave her to be happy without her and be successful. Leave for every pony to be happy without her. Free from her mistakes, from her stupidity. Free from this weak pony.

They were all free now and I want to be happy for them. They deserved it, I don’t. It was the right thing for her to give any sacrifice to make them happy, …but it still hurt too much. All these days going by, disappearing in the blink of an eye leaving so much pain inside her and it never stopped. It hurt. Everything hurt. All these happy ponies in the world not troubled by her, leaving me alone.

If only it could be different.

She wanted to feel happy for them. With everything that had happened. All the heartache she left behind which was made right with her leaving. I still… would like to know one last time what it is like to have a true friend.

That calming touch.

4.5
Soul raised her hooves. Her eyes came down, doing everything in her power not to look at herself. Prying deep into the crystal-like thing she held. She gently glided the tip of her hoof along its side, careful not make any mistake and hurt herself. She was already in too much pain. Glancing around and over the many spider webbed cracks along its entire surface. Whatever struck this really did so very hard to cause so much destruction to this and every other that fell from the destroyed mirror. All the tiny pieces left laid strewn on the ground surrounding the few that actually were still whole. Of which, this was the largest one.

A thick sliver of glass near as long as her leg, tipped in jagged corners where it failed to hold onto the other pieces when the mirror was destroyed and many other spiny curves and thin cuts along its long edges. It sure looked sharp. Sharp enough to have caught her attention. Examining it for hours, turning it about in her hooves watching as the light from the fire shone like starlight on the edges and cast faint lines of light about the house. Touching and poking at it with a fascination for how strong this large chunk of glass was. It really was strong.

It felt sharp.

Confident it could easily cut. She could even imagine it being capable of being used to cut a cake. Like those big knives that would cut my birthday cake. What nice times. They were such small moments, but now… now I really miss them. They always made me laugh… and smile. It was not till now that she realized she never actually deserved those moments.

Remembering it, staring at this massive shard of glass, all she could see was one tiny glimmer of light as everything went blank. The wind outside, it stopped. Just looking at that shine in… in the glass. In the… blade.

I don’t feel afraid. It was all gone. I can see it. Haha, my birthday just as I wished it. So bright. Happy. With ponies there to finally be there with me. Oh how would it be like?

It would be her mother who would cut the cake. A father to give her the plate and pet the top of her head. …A sister… to play with her and be by her side at all times. Funny, I never thought like this before. Never imagined this. Me with a mom and dad, sure. A sister? I… I never thought about a sister before. Not till she looked into the gleam in the glass. A sister, a best friend. Closest pony who came to that was… Rainbow Dash. No, that wouldn’t happen. Never. She’s not a sister to me. She would never treat me like family. I want somepony to see me… as their family. Who would love me.

Wasn’t that my wish?

4.6
“Would that pony actually love me?” Whoever it would be. She would never know and that hurt more than anything else. Does my mom love me, wherever she is? Did Dash? I really wish I knew. Please be here to let her know she was special. Even if everypony hated her, even if they wanted nothing to do with her and would rather leave her all alone with nothing to hold on to, she still wanted them to at least let her know if she had any worth. If they could at least look past her countless faults and see a truly special little Pegasus who only wanted to be told one thing.

Am I a good pony?

I’m tired of feeling pathetic and useless. That really was the story of her life. “I would still love them” she whispered. Her head lowered. Soul felt her tears coming down. Tears falling into a damp puddle set in the carpet that had plenty of time to build up. She wanted to lay down. I want to go to sleep. Find some world out there that is better than this. As good as the one I lost. Something in my dreams. Where it was warm and nice. No more pain and loneliness. No more knowing that I am a failure. How I want it.

She held still. Feeling something cold against her throat. So cold. As cold as this land. But… warm. Was it warm because of the glow of the fire inside it? She couldn’t understand it yet, somehow, it felt comforting. Like a hoof rubbing under her chin. So, perhaps it would be like this in the end. A nice and comforting feeling left as all she could feel. It would feel better in the end. Just like in her nightmare. I won’t feel lonely or sad anymore.

No more heartache.

No longer being alone.

Just like Celestia said. I really won’t feel it. Just some brief moments of darkness and then… finally that little moment of relief. Nothing more to care about. Celestia was right, and when it was all over… I’ll feel happy.

So happy.

Soul felt that cold push into her throat. So smooth against her skin.

…I will not be sad anymore. Like I always wanted. But… I was never strong enough to do this. Never strong enough to do what is right. I hurt Nimbus, Starry, so many ponies. I hurt Soulblight. I hurt… Dashie.

I won’t make anypony sad anymore. Just like mom wanted.

How odd, it did not hurt.

I can’t feel it. Just… the cold. The smooth cold touching against her fur. Tugging her skin. An icy chill to her beautiful skin. She could feel it all against her skin. No matter how hard I push it… I don’t feel anything else. I never knew what it would be like to do this. I never thought of it. Because for so long… I never thought I would feel so… so sad.

I never… ever knew what it would be like…

…to die.

4.7
Celestia said I won’t feel lonely anymore. She would be happy… finally!

All the ponies could move on. They had to move on. I won’t be around to hurt them again. I won’t feel terrible for it again. There would be no more pain. It made her smile at the thought. Feeling something warm touch down against her hooves. Like water running in a thin trickle along her skin under a light rain. She wanted to see. See what was happening. Am I right? Will I never feel pain again? Just a glance. To see what she had done. To see she really had done it.

So much red. Tiny little streams driving paths along the shard she now saw. The shard planted under her chin. Red flowing along that shard, like a river. Dripping down upon the carpet below. Join with all her tears.

I’m bleeding.

It… was happening. The same blood I used to see so often. Ha, I’m pretty used to hurting myself… and then ponies would help me recover. Such good times. Everything always turned out good in the end when that happened. It all would work in the end now as well.

Soul pushed a little more. She could feel more. Something… inside her. Under her chin. …Just like they all wanted. No more pain…

So… why am I still so sad?

She could not stop crying. Even if this was the right thing for her to do, it was too much. She felt too sad. That feeling she wanted to get rid of. I just need to try hard and it will all be over. All the sadness would fade and die. Everything that made her cry would do the same. Like the greatest pain she had in her heart. Bursting harder and stronger than any other pain she could dare to feel. I know what is is.

Regret.
Her final feeling left. The last regret that I have left. Rainbow Dash.

If Dashie doesn’t want to see me, doesn’t want to love me… I want to at least see her as my best friend one last time. Tell her how very sorry I am for hurting her and not being the friend she needs. One last farewell. Just one last moment for our friendship.

I… want to hold her one last time. One final hug.

Together, for so long. Like nothing else was there. Never feeling cold. Never feeling alone. That is what I want to feel one last time… one last time. And I’ll never feel it again. Soul cried.

Her hooves pushed the blade in a little more. Just a little more… just a little more… and it will be over. Get rid… of this pain. Go away. Like all the blood streaming along her fur. Blood staining patches of the fur on her legs. All that was left of that fur she loved. Her beautiful wings. There for me since the start. The only things I had… but could not live up to what I wanted them to be. To be that symbol for all pegasi… no more.

I can’t live up to my dream. A lonely Pegasus… can never prove to others that she can overcome anything. Because I can’t. That dream died long ago. Long ago. My wings. My dream. My life.

Goodbye.

One more push. So many tears. So hard to whisper the words she had left. I regret never being able to tell them to you.

Soul smiled.

“I… I… love you, …Dashie.”

4.8
“I love you too, best bud.”

4.9
I thought I was awake.

All this time. Another dream. All the skies. All the towns. All the forests. Each one different from the last and always ending the same way. Could this be it? Another ending to a world unknown. Another one to mock her, to make her feel worse than she ever did when she would finally woke up. Soul wanted to believe that was the case. For this entire icy world to be simply another nightmare ending as it always did. With her, of all ponies, here to… make me feel worse. To hurt me.

But it did not come. She had heard it. Plain as day. From a pony behind her. In a voice she longed to hear say the very words that made her ears tingle. Like a cool breeze washing over the tiniest of furs lining her ears. Tickling and soothing in a way that only she could do. With those words.

It can’t be.

All it took to make Soul stop.

She looked down upon the shard coated in thin blood, slowly wandering away from her. Clasped between her hooves and shaking. All the pain that did not exist, only the feeling of the soft carpet on her rear… and another growing deep inside her. This can’t be real. When was the last time somepony said that to me?

That they love me.

It felt so long. It felt too good to be true. A wish of hers told… by the very pony she loved. She turned around.

Rainbow Dash.

4.10
Like the eyes of an angel that made Soul hold her breath. Staring. Looking deep, not able to look away from those glowing eyes. Wrapped in the shimmer of a bed of tears growing beneath those magenta orbs, her eyes… a sea in a sunset. Blinking. Watching Soul. From where they stood… across the room. In the door that let in the icy wind… yet nothing stopped the pony over there. Nothing stopping that pony from walking to her.

A little smile on her face.

Every step swaying that tail she thought to never see again. Coated in the many colors of the Earth shared with her mane propped in messy strands and loose bangs which betrayed how well she actually tended to her beauty just because of how perfect she was with her thick cyan fur and countless feathers set straight and shining along the wings folded at her sides. Wings that looked stronger than how she remembered.

It was her.

It was her voice that said she loved her, and she smiled. Like a true friend with so much care. Is this really a dream? This is… the Rainbow Dash I know. That I always knew.

She took several more steps to her, such a small filly bravely coming up to the magenta filly in the shadows. Standing in the glow of the fire. She lowered her head, never letting her smile go even as she wept. She spoke again in that same voice. …That same, raspy voice that she always had. Sounded so real. So familiar. Like nothing a dream would give her.

“I… really missed you, …Soul.”

“Dashie…?” Soul whispered. She blinked hard. Dash would not disappear. That lovely smile never went away. This pony… my best friend, she never left. This is her. The very Rainbow Dash who stood waiting for her to stand up after every fall and every mistake. When I sat in the street with a hurt wing… this was the Dashie that didn’t leave me there, and the entire world sitting still when she hugged me. Like a true friend. Who can make me forget all the pain.

Ignore the pain in her wing… the pain… in her neck.

Soul dropped the shard, looking down at her bloody hoof which slowly reached towards her and set itself upon her throat. Feeling the thin cut running along it pushed straight into… into her own soft fur. It hurt. Every second she touched it made it hurt more. Feeling a little more blood drip out onto her hoof.

So it did hurt.

I feel it all. The heat. The cold. My own hoof touching my neck. And all the pain. All the shivers running down her spine. It all felt real. This… was no dream.

No nightmare.

4.11
“Dashie!” Soul pulled herself together. Is this real? I… Soul stepped up. Getting up on her legs that felt like jelly. Rainbow… is it really you? I knew it… I always dreamed you would come for me… you did. Dashie.

Soul tripped over her own hooves. Falling back to the floor, her chin landing with a thud. Then it really stung. Soul’s eyes widened. Such horrible pain in her throat. All along her neck. It made her loose her breath, it made her scream. Lunging backwards onto her back with both her forehooves set upon the long opening she could completely feel across her neck. Holding it tightly and hissing her pain.

Holy crap it hurts. She couldn’t even think straight. Not anymore. Seeing all the blood on her hooves. Her own blood. Why does it hurt? It wasn’t supposed to. It wasn’t. Remembering how good it actually felt a moment ago. All the stinging pain blistering over her neck. Right now, and I can’t even think… agh. So… is this all a trick? Is any of this happening? She had to be seeing things.

Soul looked up.

Rainbow Dash. Staring down on Soul with her face stricken in worry. “Oh man, …that looks bad” she said looking down under Soul’s chin. Rainbow is… so close. She… she is right here. Soul couldn’t move. She could see every detail of her face. Her beautiful fur. Her gorgeous mane. She even smells… just like the rain. Exactly as she remembered it. That smell of freshly fallen rainwater. She never smelled like anything in my nightmares. Looking deep at whatever terrible wound Soul inflicted on herself with eyes buzzing all across her neck. Just watching Dash, like the pain was going away now. Soul could only watch the Pegasus, not able to say a damn thing. Everything standing still in an absolute dream. For Rainbow Dash to be here right now looking up and down at her.

The pony I want… she had come… all this way just for me? For them to finally be in the same room with one another. Soul began to smile. I… I can’t even tell what I’m feeling anymore. Seeing that rainbow mane again. Seeing those eyes that began to drop little tears down to her. Dash cried along with Soul.

“Lift your hoof” Dash said in such a pained voice. Soul did as she said. Setting her hoof down at her side leaving her neck fully exposed to Dash. Rainbow’s sad face returned to a small smile. She wiped a hoof over her own tears and sniffed. Smiling so brightly. Soul so happy to see that smile again. Lost in the moment as she lay there on her back, and Soul… smiled as well.

4.12
“Thank Celestia, you’re gonna be just fine!” Dash said. She cleared her face of more tears. She’s crying for me? Because she was worried about me? Dash was happy that Soul was okay? That couldn’t be it. But every single tear falling from the beautifully smiling face covered in relief. How Dash never left her side, standing there above her. Dash was happy. I missed being able to see that. I missed it so much. Like I actually made her happy. Just being okay was enough to make Rainbow happy.

Dashie is here for me.

Rainbow began to cry harder now. Letting out loud breaths with chilling tears falling from her closed eyes and onto Soul’s very body. “You damn moron” Rainbow cried out. “Why would you do that?!”

I tried… Soul’s eyes opened as wide as they could. …To kill myself. Right in front of Dash, the pony I always wanted back. The pony I thought hated me. But… she cares? Dashie wasn’t mad at me. She… the filly was so happy to see Soul was okay. She actually was caring for her right now. Making sure she was safe. Yelling at her not in anger. That is fear. Rainbow Dash was afraid for me… and I almost killed myself.

Soul touched her throat again. It stung. All her blood warmly seeping into her fur. Out of all their time together and all the injuries either one sustained, looks like I’m the one who hurt myself the worst now… and I did it on purpose. I’m… I’m so ashamed Dashie had to see me try to do that.

“Dash…” Soul started. Looking up at her friend’s sad face. Soul turned away, rolling her body over to lay on her side so Dash did not need to see her work or anything else wrong with her. I don’t want her to see how terrible I look. “I’m so sorry. …I…” what can I even say? There is no excuse. Only able to say what really made me feel this way. “Thought you hated me.”

Soul rubbed her cheek against the floor. Bangs of her violet mane fell into her eyes, touching the tears streaming down the side of her face and along her muzzle. Somewhere behind her, she heard the little steps Dash took walking around, coming closer to where her head sat. She could not see her, but felt like Dash was right behind her. The fur on the free side of her head stood up. A presence swirled around up there. Dash spoke softly into her ear, close and with care.

“I never hated you. Soul, …you’re my best buddy in the world.”

4.13
Soul turned her head over, seeing Rainbow Dash right above her… so close to her nose. The cyan filly hesitated to do so at first but leaned back to give Soul some space. Never stopping to smile at her.

“I’ll always love you, Soul.”

Soul’s ears perked up. Her heart skipped a beat and tingled so much. That tingle ran up Soul’s entire spine. She felt it well. She felt… happy. That was it.

Happiness. Nothing else.

Not even her tears could take root anymore and she could only smile as wide as she could. Both fillies smiling up and down to each other and neither could cry anymore. Rainbow smirked. “And I’ll always need you there to get crushed in a race.” There she was. She still insisted that she won their races. Oh but not for long. Sooner or later I bet I will finally win a one of our races. No more ties. That snarky Dash did not bother her anyways. She just laughed. Rainbow joined in.

Rainbow backed up a little, sitting down near the bed and letting out a sigh of relief. “It’s so great to see you again!” Soul pushed herself off the ground and sat up as well. Turning to face her beloved friend. Soul wiped one last tear still sitting on her cheek, careful she avoided putting any of the blood on her hoof to her face. But just so happy. So very happy. Rainbow is here with me!

“I missed you too” she said with her voice doing nothing to hide how truly happy she actually was. “You and you’re bullshit.” Dash laughed. “You know I always beat you,” she said back. Both of them laughed just like they used to. All the times I used to laugh with her. Nothing bad happening to us. Just the good times. Both fillies quieting down, calmly staring at each other. Soul lost in Rainbow’s smile. The same feeling she too felt. Still trying to piece together if this really was a beautiful dream or the real thing. Her throat pounded in pain. Rainbow Dash was here with her. It’s like nothing has changed. Dashie is actually talking to me. There were no more nightmares. No more sadness. Just her and her best friend together in this snowy land. To think I almost took this chance away. Dash, you’re an angel. Her first and greatest friend. And she will always be there with me.

“I missed you so much” Soul repeated herself forgetting she already told Dash that. Rainbow smiled wider. “Friends stick together no matter what. You couldn’t expect to stay away from me forever.” Rainbow found me. She found me because she wanted to. Soul could hardly contain how happy she was. Letting out a little huff hearing that being said. She had to do her best to hold in her tears. No more crying. She cried enough. She wanted Dash to see just how happy she really was. Nothing else. Even her need to not look messy in front of Dash still held firm. Using one of her hooves to gently glide along the fur of her other leg to try and even out that messy fur. With a little nudge of her leg, she pushed some of the bangs away still sitting on her face. Dash said nothing. Good. I look like a total mess after all of this.

4.14
“How on earth did you find me?” Soul asked of her. Dash actually brought one of her forehooves up just short of her own face. Slowly rotating it about before her as she stared with pride at it. She spoke with that very same pride. “I asked around. Some certain princesses get a little loose around sweets. Besides, …” She turned to face Soul and pointed her hoof right at her own chest. “You know how unstoppable I am when I want to be.”

Wow she really figured it out on her own? She did it all on her own. What an amazing Pegasus. Rainbow actually found a way to get to me… through all the storms. Through the snow. All that distance. That sounded impossible. There’s no way Dash could get through all that if Soul could not. “But how did you get through the storms? That was the reason why I could never come to you” Soul said admittedly. I just hope Dash understands that, I always wanted to find her. Please see… how hard it was for me to try. Dash snapped her hoof to point at Soul. “What’d I say? I… am… unstoppable.” Soul didn’t question it. Dash’s wings did look much stronger than how she remembered and nothing ever stopped Dash from achieving the impossible. Perhaps she did love Soul as greatly as she hoped. Strong enough for her to risk herself and push through the storm. However she managed to do it. It touched her deeply.

Soul had no words for how touched she was. She sniffed the last remnants of her crying. Shaking her head at how silly Dash was with what she was saying. I got to stop myself from crying again. Well if Dash could get through that storm, then so can I. We’ll go home together. Go back home to Cloudsdale and all the other pegasi. If Dash could accept her then the others could to. They could leave all this pain and heartache behind. Be together again. Fly through the clouds. Reach for their dreams side by side. I can have my dream back. Our dream.

Soul was going to break through those storms with all her strength no matter how hard it would be.

“Whatcha want to do when we get home?” Dash asked. Glad we have the same idea. They really were going to leave together! Soul was happy. Her mind raced with the possibilities on what they could do. So many things that they missed doing together over the months. They could eat ice cream. Play with the other ponies. Have sleepovers again. Maybe go to camp together. One thing shined over the others. If Dash wanted to do it, then she would get it.

“I just wanna race you again” Soul said. A chance for us to fly again. Dash burst out laughing. Almost falling back into the bed. “What…?” she started. “You think you’re gonna win?” Soul accepted that challenge. “Why not? Now that I’m back, …you’re not gonna have it so easy in the sky.” “Oh we’ll see about that.”

They were silent for a few seconds. Broken by both of them laughing just like the old times.

4.15
Rainbow stood up now. Taking a few steps over to the open doorway. Looks like it’s time, time to leave this place. I should find Blight, at least tell her goodbye. Thank her for keeping me from starving, I guess. Had Dash already met her? She hoped not. Blight certainly was an odd pony. Wouldn’t surprise me if she would be freaked out by her. I will still try to say goodbye. Find a way to keep Dash busy while she did so.

Soul tried to stand up to follow Dash but her friend shot her a glance and stopped her. “Hang on, buddy” she said. “I’m gonna go get some water. We should clean you up first, …you sorta got blood all over you.” Haha, yeah I think I do need to get cleaned up now. Certainly need to after this. It would be too weird to return home covered in all this. So much blood. So much pain. That injury still pulsed its stinging pain. Soul said nothing more, even if she wanted to admit… she wanted Dash to help her clean this up. Her friend probably wouldn’t do such a thing but maybe there was a chance. Rainbow was certainly that same caring pony she remembered her to be. A side that was missed deeply. Nothing like those terrible nightmares. All the Rainbow Dashes seen in each and every one of those heart wrenching moments that every single night gave. This is the real Rainbow Dash. I never want to see that mean one again.

Soul loved it. She loved her. Watching her best friend in the whole world head off towards the door with that beautiful tail wagging the happiness of a pony finally made real, I want to show her how much she means to me. I want her happy. To know I still care for her after all of this. After waiting for too many months, she could touch her best friend again and… and finally apologize.

Soul wasted no time in standing back up, running towards her rainbow tailed friend without her even noticing. Too focused on the snow outside the door to realize Soul was leaping straight at her. I want to hug you again. Catch me. Or not. I don’t care. Rather us fall to the ground together. Anything. Just to show you how much I missed you. How she longed to do this.

Her forehooves outstretched to grab hold of her best friend that she fell forward with a quick flap of her wings and Dash barely able to turn around in time to see Soul fall upon her. Right into her. At last!

“Dashie!”

4.16
Soul hit the ground hard, bashing her nose straight into the floor just short of landing right outside the door.

What happened? Soul blinked. Looking down her nose. Seeing the open door ahead of her. All it was. Wait… but… Soul winced at the pain in her nose. Laying there on her belly with legs outstretched, she groaned. “Ow…” She placed a hoof to rub her nose and rubbed it. Continuing to do that as she stood up. Did I just miss Dash? That was impossible. I went right at her. I was supposed to hug her.

I know… something is wrong. Turning around not letting her hoof leave her nose. There was Dash except…

Soul gasped.

What is this?! What am I even seeing. Like all the cyan fur was ripped away and floated about the air. Waves of it swirling and ripping straight from Rainbow’s very body. Flowing about and disappearing into the air exactly like smoke from the fireplace would do. That’s what it was… smoke.

Rainbow Dash fell apart.

She disappeared into the world around her, staring at Soul. All that was left of her, Soul watched… watched those eyes disappear before she could even breathe. That filly’s body churned and faded. Her stance broke. Her silence turned to a small sigh coming out strong. Not Dash’s own. Another voice. So disappointed.

This has to be a dream, some crazy thing in my head… no way this can happen. No way as her best friend… melted away into the air. Gone as fast as she could try to reach out to her. Seeing all the cyan and rainbows of her gorgeous friend bleed away into mist carried high and far around them both before popping out of existence itself. Blasting away in a slight breeze that made Soul’s own fur wave. All those colors disappeared. Everything I wanted… gone in the wind. That wind that flew away.

Dash was gone.

A black Pegasus standing where Dash had been. Soulblight.

4.17
She just stood there facing away from Soul. Head kept low to stare at the ground. She looked upset. Displeased. Over what? As much as I want her to say something. She would say nothing. Tell me now… because now… now I am seeing what you just did.

Tell me what you just did. Apologize to me. She had to apologize but Blight did not. Why wouldn’t she? Soul becoming more angry hidden under how shocked she was. There could be no other explanation: Blight tricked me. But it was Dash. There was no way it couldn’t have been. Every word she spoke sounding just like the filly. There was no difference in it. Talking to her just like she did when they played together. Yet… she was gone. A trick.

I have never heard of magic like this.

All from Blight. Because of this, her rage boiled. But she was surprised how it did not come out. She did not want to yell. She only looked back down to the same carpet Blight stared at. Seeing the few droplets of blood staining the carpet between her bloody hooves. Still lost in everything that had happened. Still remembering that soft and loving voice of her best friend.

“Do you not wish to yell at me?” she heard Blight say across from her. She glanced up still seeing Blight refusing to make eye contact. Soul did not say anything. It actually made Blight wince. “That’s a surprise for I can tell how mad you are at me.” That was not far from the truth. I want to scream at you. There are so many words I can throw at you. Finding it fit to simply stare at Blight sadly with none of those words able to come out of her weak mouth. Only one line could escape in a hushed whisper.

“Blight…, why?”

Soulblight shook her head. The black Pegasus so uneasy before her. If she was angry, she had no right to be. Tricking Soul with such cruelty. Those dragon eyes rose to meet her own eyes.

“Why?” Blight said. “You ask me why? Soul…” Blight backed away losing any semblance of her being angry. She turned to the fireplace. Sending her hoof out to cut the air until it pointed to something behind her. Soul followed to find the very thing she had dropped. That shard of glass still laying on the carpet with her own blood soaking it in the middle of a pool of red spotted right into the carpet. “Soul, …why would you do that?!” Blight yelled. “Do you have any idea what you tried to do?” I do… and… Soul stopped. Stopped when she actually smiled at Blight. Could feel herself smiling.

Her little smile even making Blight reel back a bit. Shocked how I really don’t care? I’m not disturbed. Disturbed over how… nothing had changed. So she said it. “I wanted to get rid of the pain.” Soul looked up. Anger blaring in her eyes even with her smiling. “So I could cause no more pain to others.”

4.18
Soulblight said nothing. Soul watched that damned monster as she stared wide-eyed back at Soul. Her brilliant white teeth, the only other deviation in her dark color, standing out in her gaping maw. Why would she even be shocked? Not like Blight cares. It was not like she liked her. Not at all. Nothing had changed. Rainbow Dash is never going to come for me and I was stupid to think she would, even if I really want that pony to come in for me, just like I just saw moments ago. Her actual best friend. Not a trick. No damn dark magic that could allow this beast to take the look of her friend. Take her voice, her personality. Take everything she wanted from Dash. Just to play with me like this. She really was a monster. But Soul’s heart paused momentarily from what her eyes caught.

She saw another little tear sparkle in the light of the fire. A sparkle falling through the air let loose by Blight herself. She was not angry anymore. Blight shed a tear out from the darkness and shadows of her fur. Through the silvery mist. Through her blistering eyes. Her lips curling as she huffed and sniffed. “Soul…” she said. “You tried to end your own life.” Her dark hoof slammed down on the ground. Going straight into that carpet and beyond with no sound at all.

“Do you… have any idea… how sad that would make me?”

Just another joke. I could see that. She could. But… those tears. Blight was actually crying for her. It was… just like the ones… I saw Dash cry out. The Dash that made me smile just a minute ago. The same tears. Standing above her examining the wound that was meant to take her own life. Blight, so you were the one crying. But she had done so much just to make Soul’s life terrible. She took Dash from her. All her friends and her life gone. There was no way she could care for her. Blight was wrong. She was a damn liar.

“Idiot!” Blight screamed. It made Soul jump with how sudden it was. “Think about Dash…” she wiped away her tears. I… I can’t stop myself from crying. Dash is all I think about, and she is why I wanted to do this. There would be no way she could ever bring happiness to the filly she loved. No way she could deserve it back. “Rainbow Dash is your best friend. You are hers” Blight said. “How do you think she would feel if she found out you were gone forever? That she may never have any chance to see you again?”

4.19
“She would not want to see me again!” Soul yelled at the top of her lungs. So loud that her voice broke. All her anger flooding out finally in that painful sentence. Dying down to a whisper. “It’s why she never came for me. …And I can never come for her. She doesn’t want to see me anymore.” Soul looked away again. Down at the bloodstains below. More appearing since she last saw. If only it were even more. Enough to end it all. So I don’t need to feel so sad now. Stronger than before. Building up so much that it hurt.

“Soul…” Blight whispered above her. Blight was there. So close now. Hadn’t even noticed her. Just a leg’s reach from her. Soul backed away till her tail was almost out the open door. Stay away from me. Don’t you dare come near. Blight did nothing more to come closer. She sadly watched the filly back away from her. She spotted movement behind the black mare. Deep in the shadows of the room but shining bright like the Sun. The glass shard. Floating on its own through the air. “You’re so selfish” Blight whispered. Nothing more, just the glass shard launching into the fire. Disappearing in that blaze with all the blood covering it. All the evidence of what she did. To crackle and break under the intense heat.

“I would understand why you think I don’t care for you. I understand why you think you are so alone… because I know you have not had a friend for most of your life. But I do not want you to die. …And neither would Rainbow Dash.” Soul watched the Pegasus wander over toe one of the windows. Standing between her and the fireplace. Staring out at the world beyond that half-buried window.

“Do you know how I was able to take on her appearance?” Blight asked.

Something with your weird magic. I don’t know, not like I’m a unicorn or a weirdo. Maybe this freak had some skill. Or maybe something like a Changeling? None of it made sense. “Because I know how she is all thanks to what you saw in her” Blight admitted. All I see… is the Dash I am afraid of. The one I hurt. All because of you, Blight. I don’t see the one I miss. The one who flew with me in the skies. Blight had replicated that pony exactly. Soul could tell.

That was Rainbow Dash.

“Every night, I listen to her” Blight said. Soul… couldn’t say a word. Because she just heard that right. What? Blight spoke. “Did you know that your best friend cries at night?”

Just like… me? Rainbow cried? I… I never could imagine her crying at night. Those beautiful tears. She wouldn’t cry at night. No. Dashie has so much to be happy about. She would never go to bed sad. Never. Blight is lying. She has to be. Right?

“You listen to her?” Soul questioned. Are you lying to me? Blight never took her eyes from the window. She nodded. Sighing so deeply. “You more than anypony understand me as capable of such a thing. I am a “freak” after all.” That was actually… hard to hear. Why would she call herself a freak? She’s never said that before. I… I never called her that… except… well…

She felt bad. I do call her that, but I would never call her that to her face. Yet… does she know I do think that of her? I’m… I’m sorry. I…

“But yes, …she cries at night. I listen to her whimper under her covers. Do you know why?” Blight asked. Soul slowly shook her head. “The same reason you cry at night” Blight said. Turning to face Soul directly now.

“Because she misses you.”

4.20
The world stayed silent as Blight continued to talk. Soul could not interrupt her. She won’t dare. Dashie cries for me? Blight...

“She wants to see you again… yet you expect her to find you!?”

“Rainbow is a child just like you. No matter how much she wants you back, you can not seriously expect her to find you on her own. That is why I want to help you. I truly do. Yet… here you are… trying to kill yourself.” Blight scoffed. Rainbow was a filly. A strong one but still a little girl… just like me. I lost all hope of being able to get out of here and see her again. Because of this damn land. If I can’t get through those storms… then… Dash could not find her either. “But I’ll… never be able to leave. I want to see Dash again” Soul said with her tears fighting so hard to flood out. “I can’t leave. You said it yourself.”

“Not right now” Blight said. The mare heaved a heavy sigh. Setting one of her huge wings down upon her chest. Softly brushing her hoof over the feathers she carefully stared upon. Like marveling in her own wings.

“Let me tell you a story, Soul.” She said still patting her wing. “Your friend, Rainbow Dash, is an undeniably amazing pony. So amazing and confident. It was because of that that she flew faster than she ever did merely a few days ago. Some move she called… a sonic rainboom.” A… a sonic rainboom? So Dash has started naming stunts. Whatever it was, it must be fast, and Dash had achieved it. Such a great filly. I wish I could be like her. I wish I could be there to see her do this stuff.

Blight continued. “She went so fast that I doubt anypony could ever hope to come close to topping it. A record that left countless ponies across Eqeustria amazed at her talent, and she was just a filly doing it all on her own… because she did not give up. Yet you’re standing in this house…” she pointed a hoof at the fireplace. At the shard tossed inside there. “Giving up all hope.” She stopped. Sitting down. Setting her wing back to her side and sighing deeply. Closing her eyes and not opening them even as she spoke. Soul waited. Couldn’t do anything. Just hear Blight talk about her best friend like this. Talk so passionately.

“I don’t want you to give up. I only wish to see you achieve what you want. Overcome this obstacle that fate has given you. If you choose not to, then you will never know how much Dash loves you.”

How much she… loves me.

4.21
Soul stepped outside. Her hooves going over the threshold of the doorway and right back into the cold of the world outside where the wind was always there to greet her. I can’t think straight anymore. I can’t… do anything. My neck hurts so much. That pain that never went away. But… I know what I should do.

She stopped. Looking back around the doorway to see Blight still sitting in her place. She looked so sad to see the filly leave. No need to be sad… at least… at least I want to tell you one last thing. She deserved that at least.

“I’m sorry” she spoke softly. Blight’s ears drooped down. “I just wanna be alone right now.”

Soul split her wings. Taking off. Leaving it all behind.

4.22
I really did think I had finally gotten through to Soul. Finally shown her not everything was dark and dismal. I came so damn close to stopping all this, so close. Then it all had to be ruined from one stupid mistake. How could I not tell Soul would want to hug Dash? It was natural. The filly longed to see Dash again. I’m an idiot. At least… she finally came back to that point for just a brief moment where she came close enough to hugging a pony she loved. But Blight could never fill that role no matter how much of a façade she could make to try and desperately keep Soul happy.

Walking outside the doorway, Blight stopped. Looking back down at what was left of the little filly who left her. Those tiny drops of dark blood stained right into the carpet. The highest point of a sadness Blight could not imagine Soul was going through. To think… just by seeing Dash, she lost all that sadness for just a moment. But…

If only I could make those dreams come true too.

There were no words to describe how much joy she felt seeing Soul happy after so much time. The last time being that distant memory of the two of them laying on the mountain top together. I really thought if I could just be that pony she wants, I would make her happy. But no, it was only her friend. Only Rainbow Dash. Because she still hates me even though I saved her life. Bringing some joy to her for a moment, even if it was just a lie. Still doesn’t appreciate it. No love. If only Soul had not left. I would be there for her. I will not leave her. I will be the one. To be her friend. But looking out and about. Far into the distant grey sky under a light cloud cover, she could not spot Soul. She could not call out to her or go after her because Soul would not want her to. She wanted to be alone even if Blight offered her company and help until the filly could finally go home.

That is why… I am so sad.

4.23
Soulblight wandered past Soul’s house heading back to the house she came to mark as her own. That dark and lonely house. Walking past, she spotted something out of the corner of her eyes calling her attention. That was right. I can’t leave that laying here. Best to just put it back in her house where it’d be safe, otherwise it would just get buried out here. The box of pony dolls, left sealed by the window on the side of Soul’s house. Left by her sitting atop a mound of snow.

She walked over to it. This box she never got the chance to give to the filly. That plan ruined when I saw her through the window doing… that. Ugh, if I had been a minute later. I should have paid attention to Soul, how unhappy she has been without Dash. I did a good job at being Dash, but… I can’t be her for sure. It was a good job of making Soul feel bad in the end, me feel bad as well. All I did was trick her. I can never be her best friend. As much as she wanted to. The gift of Rainbow Dash was not what she was. It was not what these dolls were. Dash was the only pony who could make things better. Not these dolls. So Blight wrapped them up in her magic, keeping them in tow as she trudged back to her house, head left hanging close down to the snow.

If only I could be her best friend. If only I had not made everything so difficult and destroyed any chance of being Soul’s friend. Finally make the filly happy and not feel so alone. She could not fill that role. Looking down at her black hooves gliding in and out of the snow. The hooves of a monster who only made things worse for an innocent child.

And all I wanted was… to feel loved by a pony.

I don’t deserve it… but why not? Walking past the dark wall of her own house, she stopped. Raising her head up to glance into the window giving vision to the darkness within. A darkness her reflection blended in with to the point where it were like she had none at all. But she could see her eyes at least. Blinking back at her. Each second, staring at that sight in her eyes. A boiling sea of red. All that red flooding where her yellow eyes had been all around needle thin pupils… my pupils.

Every time she saw them. Every moment when I feel like this. They make me disgusted. Sitting herself down to watch them coil about in the window. All that color that was not her own. Her eyes were not that of the very blood that Soul left behind. They were supposed to be beautiful little stars. I always thought myself to be beautiful. I… loved it when Soul looked at me. She looked at me like I was beautiful. A lie. Only because I was wearing Dash’s skin. She never earned such praise from the filly.

I won’t ever.

4.24
I want to be told I am beautiful too. I want to feel like it. At least… for Soul to think so. She could never match the beauty of a true friend. She brought her tail forward, holding it close to her side before she finally grabbed it with her hooves. Gently caressing the countless soft hairs that made it so long, long enough to near drag on the ground when she walked. Long enough to be so elegant. So black with the most tiniest of silver lines gleaming like moonlight.

These colors aren’t right.

They weren’t correct but… I’ll care for them anyways. Always keeping them thick and straight even if none of the earth could touch them to ruin her work. She petted her tail, loving it like none other. Loving her work that she put effort into all over. At least I think I am beautiful enough to be loved. Unlike what Soul thinks. Not at all.

“She doesn’t like how I am” she spoke down to her tail. Seeing that that black finish of her tail now shining red. Ha, must be from my eyes. Growing stronger and stronger like fire. “I can’t be one she would want to be around.” I know just how she feels about me and I really, really want to change that. Every effort she put in to make Soul happy if just for a moment was never enough to change that fact. The fact that… “She thinks that…”

How would you say it, Soul? Like this?

“Soulblight is a freak.” Hahaha, I sound just like her. I’m surprised. I can do a good Soul impression as well. A perfect replica just like my Rainbow Dash. Her own voice only coming back as a sigh of relief to calm herself. It was at that moment that she fully realized the weight of how angry she was. “I can’t be mad at her…” she said lifting her hoof up to her face. “Because I am a freak. I am evil.” It was all because of her. If she had just kept her stupid mouth shut than Soul would be home right now enjoying herself with Rainbow Dash at her side. Even if… in the end, I would never get this chance to speak with Soul. At least I wouldn’t have ruined her life.

Dash would be dead.

4.25
Was that really right? That is why I did all this in the first place. Everything that led up to Soul’s life being like this. All because I just wanted to protect their precious friendship. Soul knew that. She had to. She was the one who agreed to it. Neither of them saw any other way. I had to take over what she wanted…!

I had to kill and Soul allowed me.

Yet she wanted to put all the blame on me.

She hates you.

She hates me because I hurt her. Maybe it was the right thing to do but that did not make it justified. Rainbow Dash was gone anyways. Everything she tried to do was for naught. Their friendship was destroyed and now that little filly was all on her own to try and fix it. When I am supposed to be the one to do that. She had to be the one. It was the only way to make things right. Because Soul was just a filly.

That’s right. She was just a filly like Rainbow Dash. Neither of them could do anything to reach back to one another. They were gone forever, and so Soul tried to kill herself. She tried to do it because of all I did to hurt her.

She tried to do it because she’d rather not deal with you.

Blight stared deep down at the snow cast deep in such a horrible red shine. Not even from the Sun, haha. No… that’s all because of me. These damned eyes! My eyes. I.. I can’t even do this right now. I hate not feeling like I am worth anything to her. All her mistakes. This blasted body. The fact that I am not Rainbow Dash and never could be. She could not fill the void. No matter how much good she wanted to do, …it never did work in the end. All because she could never pull it off.

I guess that’s the reason why I am never good enough. Never good enough to earn love. Soul abandoned me. She abandoned me like everypony else.

They never loved you. They never needed you. She does not need you.

4.26
But why don’t they need me? All I ever did was try so hard to make things right. Oh please could Soul just come back? Just tell me how much she at least appreciates my efforts. All I’m doing is trying to make things comfortable for the filly. She could only do so much. Trust me, I wish every day that I can find a way to bring Dash back. Do something right. But no, I keep messing up. I do my best. My best to give Soul what she needs.

But I need Soul.

Yes! I need her. I want her. I wanted so much to be able to talk with her and now… now she hates me.

Then leave her.

I will never do such a thing. It is because of me that Soul is like this. Even if I get nothing out of this from Soul, I want to feel like I did all I can to make her happy. Something to make it feel like I have some sort of talent. Not caring what that talent to be, even if it were making others feel happy. I must help her.

Such a trifle never stopped you before.

4.27
I… will… never abandon her. I can’t leave her to suffer… I need her. I want her to be my friend. That is all that I ever wanted.

I spent so long. So very long wanting that. So long that it made my heart ache. Always the same in the end. They always left me alone. They always were the ones who hurt me. They always hurt me. That actually rang hard inside her. Made her silent. Made her still. Because… because Soul could do that too.

Please don’t leave me. I did everything. I helped so much. I saved the filly because she deserved to live. But… like always. It was worthless. She does not need me in the end, …even if I want to help her with all my heart. No pony ever needed her.

If she does not need you… then…

4.28
“Get rid of her.”

Blight heard those words. She could swear she saw them too. Saw them escaping in the window she stared upon. Let loose into the world... by her own mouth. Blight gasped.

I said that. Through my own mouth. The mouth she could see grinning back at her. Slithering out from her own tongue between those gleaming fangs. Her… fangs. As white as the snow that laid around her. Laid inside of a mouth that uttered such a sin. It froze her heart. To see those fangs… once more. Saying something so terrifying. So horrible. Blight stared. Stared until she could not look at herself anymore. Go away.

Go away.

Go.

Get rid of her.

“No!”

4.29
The Sun was beginning to set. It was getting colder. The wind began to blow harder. Made worse by how high Soul was sitting at the top of her favorite mountain peak. Staring down at the village. The tiny little dots of the houses in an endless sea of white. Not much had changed of this scene over the hours.

Soul’s mind laid still watching the scene. It actually kept her calm. This being the most calm she had been in a while. It felt kind of nice. Not having to think of any nightmares. No angry ponies yelling at me and nothing making me feel bad. Hell, sometimes I even forgot what it was I almost did. It tried its best to remind her, still stinging and drawing her attention to gently rub the wound. She no longer felt dirty now that the blood had finally stopped flowing. All the blood covering her body having time of their own to dry up and stain her fur. It was all quiet now. Quiet enough for her to finally be able to just sit back and watch the clouds pass by overhead. Stare in awe at the wide-open sky.

I never have taken any time to just sit back and look out at this sky, not like I used to do back home. Vast, blue and inviting. Even if it were bleak, this world had a sky. One that no other ponies but her could fly through. But it would be nice to still share it with Dash.

So somewhere out there, my best friend is still flying, huh? Flying high and far just like we did side by side together every chance we had. A sonic rainboom? What did that look like? There was no telling how amazing it could be. That really was just like Dash. Somewhere beyond all this snow was the pony she loved still working hard to carry out all her dreams. Soul really did want to be there to watch her do just that. See what this rainboom was and be there every step of the way to see her friend achieve her dreams. Dreams that we shared. Flying around out there with Rainbow Dash, really my only dream now.

But this world was a barrier. A barrier she could not think of how to get past. Probably can’t even get out of it at all. Just like she did before… the incident. The wind blowing over her reminding her of how dangerous it was. No matter how much she wanted to show how much she loved Dash it was that gnawing fear that kept her grounded.

4.30
Even if she could return, there would be no guarantee it would work. Besides, all those ponies probably still hate me. Celestia will try to get rid of me.

What if Dash still hates me?

That possibility remained. That would be something Soul could not imagine. Do so much to get back home and see that nothing changed. Sent right back to being all alone. Dashie still being mad at me. But… I can’t get it out of my head.

That Rainbow Dash that likes me.

A Rainbow Dash who tended to her wounds, who laughed and joked with her. Played with her and made everything seem like all was perfect. Exactly what best friends would do. Was that not how things were before everything that happened? There could be a chance that she was out there, her friend who still cared for her. The happiness she could bring. Even if it was all a trick, Soulblight did do one thing with her little show. It was a little thing that I forgot.

The feeling of being happy.

She was happy for the brief time she saw Dash, standing in the doorway of her icy house. She was happy at the idea of finally being able to do all the fun things they used to do. Hearing Dashie talk exactly like she did before they fought. She did… Soulblight did sound just like her. That was the Rainbow Dash she loved. Not the ones who make me cry at night… or the one who told me how much she hates me. Who would abandon me. There was a Rainbow Dash who did love her. She was out there. She would be out there every day and every night like the night that would be coming. Would she cry tonight?

If it were true, …did Dashie actually cry at night? Oh Dashie, do you… do you have nightmares just like me? Do you miss me? If only I could return home. I’d come back to you and fly right into your room. Anything to stop you from crying. I can already hear what you would say. To finally hear you say it again. “Soul.”

I may not even be able to stop myself from hugging you. Let you know that I am back. That I will never be mean to you again and beg you to forgive me. They could be friends again. They could live a perfect life again. Spend so many nights with each other. Be there for one another until the end of time. That is what I wish for. As much as I want you to be there for me. I will be there for you too.

There is a Rainbow Dash who wants to be there for me, I know it. The same Rainbow Dash from before.

Soulblight was right.

4.31
Soul stood atop the mountain. The wind blowing through her devastated mane, gently flowing along her neck. She followed the path of the wind blowing over her to where it went. To the crater behind her. To the walls of storms behind that whose darkness hung high over the mountain range at the far side of the crater. Somewhere at the other side of that storm that never ended was Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash out there working hard. The one who never gave up. Who always managed to achieve her goal in the end no matter how many things tried to stop her. The pony that I rely on. She was beyond that storm never letting herself give up.

…Soul felt it. She felt completely ashamed. Inside this world of ice, she had given up. That is where you beat me now. I never let you beat me at anything… but looks like I failed this time. I was the first to give up. Give up in a way that she now forced herself to call selfish. I am selfish. Dash is out there crying for me, and… and I actually tried to take myself away from her. If I died… how many ponies would I hurt? Even if there was a chance it could happen, in the wake of all the possibilities that Dash still hated her, Soul would never allow herself to even try and bring pain to a Rainbow Dash who cared for her by taking herself from this world. All because she had given up when Dash had done her best to teach her not to do that, and… it would make Soulblight sad too.

That mare saved me. Saved me from making a terrible mistake and I would have never known how bad it would have been if I did make that mistake. Soulblight was the one who had woken her up. “I’m not selfish. I’m not a coward.” I will do anything to prove I am not selfish. If it had to start with her showing love to the ponies who she cared for, then so be it. She would work for it. She refused to give up. If she did, Dash would win that contest. There’d be no way that could happen.

Soul whispered her little voice into the wind, letting it be carried to whatever ends of the Earth it may go for any pony to hear. “Thank you, Blight.”

I won’t give up. Never.

4.32
“I still love you, Dashie. No matter what!” She shouted proudly to the sky. Staring up at the chilly sky which licked her body with its cold. But… I don’t feel cold at all. I feel… warm. So warm. After so long. I… I feel so happy now. None of what happened today matters, I am still happy. Because Dash is out there for me. Then we can fly together in the big, open sky. That sky above her, opening up and she saw it. One little ray of sunlight shining through the clouds. A rip in the darkness. One little light… shining upon her.

I see it. Like the Sun itself was there for her. That light shining bright among the wind all around her. Disappearing just as fast as it came. Leaving Soul behind. Seeing what was left of that gleaming light in her eyes, remembering forever what happened this day. That I still love Dash. I always will. It felt beautiful. So much that it tingled all over. A little sensation flowing all about with all that was left of that warming light… and all that was left…

I feel… weird. Like… only my… my flanks!

I’ve never felt this before.

Warm and hollow. Calm and exciting. All at once. Flaring all along her hind legs. Such a brief feeling, like nothing before. She had to see what it was. That warmth along her flanks. The first time she ever felt that.

What is happening to me?

Soul looked. Over her shoulder and past her wings. Her eyes widened. Never expecting to see such light. Light glowing along her flanks. Burning bright in red. Beating and pulsing… swirling with the wind around the one part of her body she would never expect to see bring this light upon the world. Her flank.

So that’s… what it is?

Finally.

4.33
This village really was too quiet. Even more noticeable in the coming of night such as now. If only it did have inhabitants who could go about their daily lives and give it some sense of being like a city. Soul had to be the one who broke the silence. Landing with a crunch in the snow, she hummed a gentle and soft tune. It just sounds nice. A little bit of music to remember how things used to be because I remember this song did help me fall asleep once. But I only know some of the lyrics. Though she hummed it anyways.

Soulblight’s song. There is no way I can sing it like she did. Not a chance. I can’t even sing. But… it still sounded nice enough in her head. Soul did want to know where the song came from. Maybe it would be worth it to ask tonight.

Trotting to the front door of her house, she took a leap and glided down the hole to reach her doorway. Preferring not to use the ramp. She spotted something to her left. Sitting next to the door, on top of the concrete porch was a pile of wood. Freshly laid out with barely any snow on them. Boards to be exact. Looking like they came from some piece of furniture. Cut apart and left there. More firewood. Another gift of it from Blight. Maybe she was inside!

Soul hurried to push the door open with both her forehooves, landing back down upon the soft carpet within. The fire still kept her house lit and warm enough. Looking all over, she found only her room.

Empty. Save for the pools of dried dark red blood left to mark what would have been her greatest mistake.

I want to clean all that up. Get that crap out of my sight. I never want to think of that… that thing that would have broken Blight’s heart… and hurt Dash so badly. Soul would not want this blood to be here for Blight to see if she came into the house. Though, honestly, I would have liked her to be here already. I have something to say and to show her. But she was gone. Leaving Soul’s house behind. Maybe she really did not want to see the blood. It must have been hard to see me do something so terrible. Probably at the house she always was in.

4.34
Soul flew out from the doorway and straight into the chilly sky beneath the moonlight. Hovering just over the rooftops of the village, just looking down at the other house. The one next to her own. If only I could tell if Blight is there. A light perhaps. None. Well, shouldn’t be surprised. Blight never needed light. Never did anything normal. A lot of freaky things. Oh, …I need to stop thinking of her like that. Blight is different but she is still decent. She did save my life today.

Was there even a door to Blight’s house or was it buried? She normally did spot her going in and out of the house through a hole in the roof. Soul wanted to make sure. Might be best for me to use the door. She glided back down, close enough to see how deep all the snow was around the house. Nearly up to the roof with the remnants of a window here and there peeking out from above the snow. She flew around the house. Looking at every window. Couldn’t even see through them. It was too dark in there. Besides seeing the moonlight shine in there. It was not enough light.

Soul rounded the corner again, finding no door. Nothing. Just… the roof that she looked up to. I can’t be afraid, I need to tell Blight something. That would be good enough. There’d be no reason more to disturb the black Pegasus any further tonight. Not after what Soul did. Being mean to her and almost breaking her heart. I completely understand if she’s mad at me. Just peak in and tell her.

4.35
Soul stopped. Wait, what’s that? Just saw something gleaming. She turned to find it. It being… another window. Huh… it’s destroyed? But… I never noticed that. All the other windows were perfect. This is the first window around here that I ever saw destroyed. A big hole burst into it like somepony threw something at it. Lots of rigid and sharp remains of glass still jutting out from the sides of what was the window, all around that huge hole in it.

No going through that window. Looks like sharp glass, I’d hurt myself for sure. And… I know how bad that glass is. What a sad house for Blight to live in. With all these holes in it, it must be cold inside. It sure was cold out here. I really do hope she can’t feel the cold like she said. She had no way of really telling for sure.

She beat her wings to fly up over the roof and it was easy from there to spot the hole perfectly cut in up there. There really was a lot of snow on top of the roof. So much, anypony would slip on that. The filly had to gently set herself down on it. As slow as possible. Keeping her wings ready to catch her if she fell. Give it a few seconds. It was safe now.

She carefully walked over the icy surface until she reached the hole. From there she could finally peer inside. Leaning her head in, she spotted the circular body of moonlight cast on the carpeted floor below, and that was all she could see. Everything else was too dark. Sometimes it looked like something moved in the corners. She could not pick them out. Soul squinted, looking left and right and slowly walking all along the edge of the hole. Trying to spot anything. Nothing.

Is she even in there? “Blight” she called down in a soft tone. Something moved! She could barely catch it in time to pick it out from all the other dark shadows down there. She knew what it looked like. Looked like ears flopping up. Listening to her call. I… I can see her. A tiny shimmer of silver in the dark… connected to more of that silvery glow so small she could easily miss it if she were not looking so hard. There was a pony down there. Blight.

She did not respond. Didn’t even look like she cared. She could not see those yellow eyes of a dragon. Blight never turned to her. Never even said a thing. So she is upset. Upset with her. I feel so ashamed. I called her so many names… and she was only looking out for me. I regret being so stupid… again. I make a bad habit of it. Blight did mess up too but… I know that what I did today… it hurt Blight just as bad as she hurt me. Trying to kill myself. I hate what I tried to do.

She did not want to leave Blight empty-hooved like this. Even if she had no right to go down there, Soul could at least say something. Tell her the thing she wanted to say. Maybe it would make things a little better. Blight did not deserve to spend the entire night sad. She readied her wings to go back home so as not to overstay her welcome. But not before I tell her something.

Soul gulped. Saying it in the most sincere whisper she could manage.

“I’m sorry.”

4.36
Blight listened close to the sound of the filly’s wings flapping as she went back to her house. Continuing to listen. She was gone. It was safe. Blight opened her eyes, casting the deep glow of a bloody hue on the empty wall she sat before. Thank goodness Soul had not come in. I have no way of explaining why I look like this to her. There would be no explanation for what she had done.

Rubbing one of her hooves over the soft fur of her chin, then she felt it. Those things in her mouth. Long and sharp. Running down her face. That smooth surface ending in a point that hurt to touch, making her reel her hoof back. But couldn’t stop her from running her tongue all along the dozens of them. They were all still there. They had to go away. Blight could not go around looking like this. If Soul sees them… Blight hushed herself. Thinking about the frightened filly shivering in terror, hiding in a corner away from her. No way she’d want to talk with a pony who has all these… damn fangs.

No. No! I never want to see her afraid of me. Seeing me like this, nothing any filly should ever see. No she could not. Even if that apology was meaningless.

4.37
Even looking like this, I should be the one who apologizes. I have so many things to apologize for. Because I was wrong. Wrong in thinking she would be different. I did all this just…

Just so she could have that pony she dreams of.

It would be best to just leave the filly be. It was what Soul wanted. Nothing bad could happen in that case. Nothing.

I shouldn’t apologize. It’s meaningless. So meaningless, just like Soul’s little apology. Meaningless like if I were to apologize… to…

All the others.

Hehe, Soul really was a bad pony. No different from any other.

Funny, Soul would never accept my apology if she knew what I was thinking.

4.38
Soul wiped her face off to clean what was left of her tears. Rubbing her eyes. So dizzy this morning, waking up to the bright sunlight shining in. Took a while to clean away all those tears. All those terrible things she had seen. They hurt so much more tonight than they used to. Just… want to forget them, though it was hard.

Soul smacked her hoof against the mattress. The hit even bounced her head a bit against the tear-drenched pillow she slept on. Sad but now, now I’m mad. Angry that it happened again. She could not hope to put her hoof on why. That is not Rainbow Dash. It never was. But there was something about seeing her… her like that to me. Only in my nightmares. It hurts so bad. It did not make it hurt any less to hear her yell at her either.

“Stupid nightmares” she muttered. She kicked the blanket up with her hind legs to send it flying. Draping it down the foot of her bed. Raising her head, she could look back down at her pillow seeing the large spot darker than the rest of its white surface. I really want to stop crying at night. Stop waking up to this. It feels so terrible. This was not the day she wanted to feel terrible. This was supposed to be the start of something good. The time had come to see Dashie.

…A nicer Dashie… I hope.

4.39
Get out of this damn bed. Leave behind all the sadness and loneliness the night gave her. So Soul leapt out of it without a moment’s rest. Standing on all fours under the glow of the sunlight, awake and ready.

Today is a new start. I know what I need to do today. Keep going at it and don’t shy away. In the end, I know I will get what I want. I’ll prove it. Even starting with a nice stretch. Just loosen up her legs and wings. They had to be readied for today. Especially her wings. They would have a lot to do, and this always feels amazing to do. It was stupid of me to not do it for so many months. A nice return to it.

She breathed hard. Smiling about how good she felt. Wiping away what was left of her tears, she faced towards the fireplace. Still burning behind the large basin Soul had set out in front of it before going to bed. But it looked to be smaller than it should be. It needed more fuel. I need that thing to be roaring! She brought the pile of wooden boards inside just for this. They lay there propped up on their sides against the edge of the fireplace. Neatly set up by Soul before going to bed. Better than sitting around feeling like shit over the stupid things I did yesterday.

She walked over to them. Gently brushing her wing over the side of the basin, whose edge was as high as she was. Low enough for her to look in as she passed. Good! The snow had all melted inside it. All the hooffuls of snow she dumped into it all gone, doing just as she hoped. All night long, plenty of time for it all to melt. It looked to be enough. It actually made her pause. Curious to see how well her plan worked. Reaching one of her hooves high over it edge, she dipped it in. Part of me is scared it’s gonna be freezing cold water. Though she was not expecting a miracle. Nothing like the bathwater back home, how VI miss that. But it felt okay as it was. A mildly lukewarm feel to her hoof. As good as I can get it. In due time.

She continued to the fireplace right behind the basin. Alright this won’t be as hard as last night. Just pull them over and toss them in. No dragging them halfway across the room.

4.40
She tapped her hoof against the closest board, pushing until it finally fell over with a clank. Rushing over to the head of the board, reaching down and clamping her mouth down on the board’s tip. Pulling with all her strength and a tiny grunt to move the board, twice her size, in front of the fireplace. Whatever Blight got these from certainly was from somewhere new. These were the largest chunks of wood yet. Was this some sort of test? No, Blight was probably just running out of small stuff. I just hope we won’t run out of things to burn. That would be hell having to… deal with all this with no fire. Just hiding under the covers. No way.

Soul reached down with both forelegs, edging the tips of her hooves underneath the board’s underside until she was able to prop it up and slide her legs underneath. Like she was hugging it. She knelt down to firmly place her chest against its length and let her wings loose. Floating up with ease. No big board could beat these puppies.

Good enough. No need to go too high. A kick of her hind legs and the help of her wings, then she was able to throw the board in. Landing it right in the fire to bury beneath it what was left of the ashen wood already inside. The fire roared. Looks good.

She was able to toss in a few more boards, enough to keep it going for a while. And I’m getting tired of picking these damn heavy things up.

“Alright.” Turning her head back to the basin. She ran around it and set her hooves against it. Pushing hard to get it to move, which it did, slowly. It certainly was a lot of water. She kept pushing. Stopping when she heard it clang into the rock finish of the fireplace and could go no more. That should keep it warm. One last thing. I need a rag.

4.41
Ah, that’ll do. My blanket. She ran back to her bed. Pulling the blanket down, firmly placing both of her forehooves down on it and moving till she found a clean looking part of her blanket. She pressed down harder to keep it in place. Sorry, blanket. You have been serving me well, but gotta use you for something else. Her teeth grabbed hold of the corner of it. It wasn’t too thick and certainly was old. This should be able to work. Still keeping it planted on the ground, she reeled her head back with a hard tug. Strong enough… the blanket tore so loudly. There was a big tear in the threading now just below the corner she bit down on. This will work.

A good wind up and she tugged again. Then another. Each time, the blanket ripped further. Her legs readied for another big pull. Put her entire weight into it. One more time. She pulled hard. The rip was so loud. Oh crap! Soul stopped herself from falling back with the piece of blanket now torn clean off and dangling in her mouth. Ugh, finally got it. Soul shook her head. Breathing a bit fast. Man, sure has been a while since I did any work like this. Pushing and carrying and pulling all this stuff around. I haven’t worked out in a long time. That was pretty bad.

This piece of the blanket will do. Soul brought it over to the basin. Gently placing it down over the basin’s edge. Another test of her hoof proved the water had no gotten any warmer. That’s pretty bad. Please don’t be too cold.

4.42
Soul climbed over the edge. Be really careful climbing over it. It would still be a disaster if this fell over. Just like it was a disaster that this water wasn’t warm, stepping down into it. Oh my Celestia! That is cold. Almost made her leap out. Reeling back a little from the feeling. That was pretty chilly. But I’m not getting out. Already starting to get used to it.

Now… I need more than just my legs. It sounded terrifying to her. This was going to suck. But just at first. She knew this. What was a little moment of cold? Anything to get out of this whole mess. Time is here to turn things around, go back to how I know I should be. At least get clean first. Blight always did say how messy I am. All this blood on me… it’s true. There’d be no chance of going back to Cloudsdale a filthy, bloody mess. I’ll come back the same way I left so Dash will never see how bad I got. Like nothing happened at all. Alongside that, she would actually start to feel better. So just jump in.

Soul kicked her hind legs against the ground, pushing herself up and over the basin’s edge. Her entire body falling right in the water with a splash sending water to soak the carpet surrounding it. Not even fully in the water and that was hard enough. So c-cold. Enough to shiver and she gasped for air. Just the shock of it. Her whole body freaked out just like her wings. As if they were trying to take her out of the water. That was not gonna happen. Soul stayed put. Suffering through the almost painful amount of freezing chills coursing like electricity throughout her. Grinding her teeth and squeezing her eyes shut as her body shook, …then, thankfully it calmed down.

Soul sighed. Slowly opening her eyes. Feeling total relief that her body at last got used to the water. Very quickly actually. She actually sat down now. Dragging her tail down under and pressing her back up against the wall of the basin. Wow, it felt like it was beginning to warm up. Take a breather. Watch the water swish around her wings and shoulders. Silent. Peaceful. Then it came. She liked it now.

“Ahhh” she moaned laying back a little more. It had been too long. Too long since I took a bath. That lovely feeling such soothing water. It would be better if it were hot though. Sitting in this makeshift tub, only makes me want my big one again with all the steam and hot water. Like a sauna. It was awesome.

I really miss saunas. Stuff like that, it was all back home.

4.43
Soul splashed her hoof around. Lost in the motion of the water splashing and moving about with her. Watching in wonder at how all the small little pieces of dirt and debris lodged in her fur so naturally came out and left to float or sink in the water. Feeling cleaner already. She brought both her hooves together underwater, quickly bringing them up and splashing a wave of water right into her face. That cool touch making her jump a little. Feeling all that water rinse down her face. It still kind of felt good. A big shock of cold to her and then… like her face felt better. She splashed it up again, only to get her mane wet as well. Got to get used to how cold the water was. Close enough.

“Well, best get started” she said. She eased herself further in the water and slid sideways to lay on her side. Now she could actually reach her back. Taking that rag in as well. She clasped it with both hooves and went ahead scrubbing away. Not even a minute… she paused and stared. Wow. The water was almost brown now. Going back to scrubbing all along her side and to her wing. Going around her wing and getting every single spot. Her back proved to be difficult, but she managed.

I wonder, do I have to clean… that? It was still relatively new. It shouldn’t be dirty. But I have to get under my wings. Oh, I should clean it. I admit… hehe, I want to see it again. It made her so giddy. Just loving any moment she got to look at it. There’d be no reason to not be in love with it.

She raised her wing. Presenting the filthy fur tucked in down there alongside a patch that was as black as ash.

But that was no ash.

Seeing it in all its glory hidden from the world beneath her large wings, like a brand to her flanks. It is so beautiful. Soul smiled so wide down at it.

Her cutie mark!

4.44
I just love how it looks. No way this wasn’t her cutie mark. It has to be. It took a long time trying to figure out what it had been ever since yesterday. I never knew what it would be like to get one. That shining light and warm feeling. Then realizing what it was. She got to go to bed smiling last night.

That glow of red with the great black bursting across her whole flank. Looking down at it, seeing the beauty of her mark shining bright from three things deep inside the mark. Three bright, red hearts, one below the other two. Looked like they were in a triangle… but upside down. Burning bright upon her flank. Gorgeous and… surround in darkness. That is what she didn’t get at first.

Blackness all along her flank. So much of it flowing out of those hearts. It was even scary to look at at first. But now… now it looked so cool and… strange. Never thought she would have such a huge cutie mark. It went all the way down her thighs and even, a little embarrassingly, along her butt. Coiling and writhing like vines, …or maybe fire. No… it looked like thorns. It really did. Black thorns left in a trail around and behind the triad of hearts. It’s so weird. Hearts and vines? Red and black. And why is it so big?! My own cutie mark.

But none of that mattered because… it sure was cool!

I could not have asked for a better mark. The hearts looked so cute, sure, but… the vines. Black vines! So awesome. Yeah it looked cool but… she looked away from it. The problem...

That’s all I know about my mark.

Everypony always said you get your mark when you discover your special talent. But…

What is mine?

It just… appeared. What did I do special that day? Besides trying to kill myself. It was an eventful day. Yet nothing that happened fit with this mark. That was scaring her. Hearts and black vines? What the hell does that mean? What talent is that?

“What did I do to deserve you?” she asked of her cutie mark. Maybe the other ponies were wrong. Or not entirely truthful. This only happens once a lifetime. How am I supposed to know anything about it? Did I discover my talent? Or… it hurt to think about. I have nopony to explain this to me. She wished she knew. She really wanted to understand what the meaning behind this awesome mark may be. Have something to say to Dash when she showed it to her. Since Dash and I needed to still discover our talents. I finally got my mark, yes Dash would be jealous. But… I got nothing to say. Dash probably will already have her own mark too. Something cool as well. Finding her own talent. Whatever it is. I just wish… you would tell me what my talent is, she looked down at the mark. I want to know.

I want to feel special.

4.45
She gently scrubbed the rag over her mark. Being sure to clean it well and caressing the feel of it against the newly recolored fur of her flank. Keep it nice and clean. This cutie mark, even if it meant nothing right now, it still is important to me. She turned herself over, cleaning her other side as well as she did the previous. Lifting the wing on this side now to reveal her second cutie mark. A perfect replica of the one of her other side to mark her left flank. Putting care into cleaning this one as well. Two marks, no talent. Soul sighed. I was happy to get it and sad to not know what it was.

I need to go home, figure it out. The greatest moment of any pony… it’s mine now.

I have my cutie mark!

I’ll figure it out. I know I will. All ponies learn their talent. I will too. But… just need to get home.

That was the best she could do to clean herself. Just get rid of the dirt and move on. To her legs this time. She went over each one from thigh to hoof. Massaging her fur and scrubbing out all the blood stains. Get that crap off my beautiful fur. Next came her tail. Running the tips of her hooves through the many hairs and pressing down to try and straighten them. All she could do. Not like I have shampoo or anything I used to use. Just water. My tail will never look as nice as it used to.

The same had to be done for her mane, which she was well aware what she’d have to do. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and dunked her head down under. Just staying submerged for a few seconds to get her mane drenched and she lifted her head back out with a long gasp. Opening her eyes to find her violet mane left dangling down against her face. She flipped it back, running her hooves through it all to do her best to fix it up. Push some strands aside. Pull them back. Bringing some into a thick mess that she worked hard to straighten out and pull them forward. Happy to see some of her mane coming down in thick bangs over her eye just as she liked it.

Would be nice to have some conditioner!

4.46
It wasn’t perfect but… I feel so much better now. Looking up and down her fur and tail still soaking in the water. They were good looking at least, no dirt or blood. No tangles! That’s a relief. But now came the hard part. I still have to do that. I used to always leave this for later. Wait till I absolutely needed to do it. But… this damn place. It sure has done a number to them. I have to clean them.

Her wings.

This was going to be the worst. She could tell just by looking over them. All her feathers were a mess. Some even broken and in need of being pulled for new ones to grow. Then came the spans. Their fur as messy as the rest of her body had been and some hints of blood still sprayed across the right one. It all needed to be cleaned and settled.

These… these are my pride. The best parts of my body. I always loved them. Maybe loving these wings more than most pegasi or all of them, and I haven’t been taking care of them?! After all the effort to make them look good back home. Make other pegasi glitter-eyed. No excuse to slack off here. They need to be beautiful. Because they deserve it. No matter what.

4.47
Her right wing unfolded. Its great length reaching high out of the water and folding over to place itself before… before her mouth. So close. Able to see everything. All the feathers sitting there in the untended rows just waiting for her. Like the entire wing was begging her. Only one thing was holding her back. How painful this will be.

She looked all over it. Peering deep into the thick fur blanketing the tender flesh beneath. Soaking in the ‘tub’ had worked well enough. No dirt was left. Just glossy and wet fur. At least I don’t need to mess with those areas. Good news. One that did not last. Soul’s heart plummeted when she looked to examine the flesh on the underside of her span, right where all her feathers protruded. It was so red. Swollen. With tiny marks and blisters present everywhere. Some worse than others. Looking the worst just under some of her damaged feathers whose roots had been pulled or broken.

Oh why? Irritation and it had to be around the most sensitive parts of her wing. I always hated doing this. Even just soothing around a hoofful of feathers was tough enough. She literally could see dozens of feathers working together to irritate her skin. All these very same feathers needed to go as well with how damaged they were. The thought of pulling all of them, oh… sickening. She gulped. “Come on, Soul. You can do this.” Do it for Dash. Do it so my wings look as awesome as they used to be.

One moment. She breathed. Three more moments. Okay… here I go. She reached down a little more. Feeling the soft touch of her magenta feathers against her nose as she buried her mouth deep into their midst. She guided her way to the closest feather that had to be removed. Grabbing onto the feather with her teeth. Could already feel her mouth shaking in fear.

Just pull it out. Just pull. A second of pain is all it would be. She tugged a little, feeling the skin of her span rise up with the feather and warn her. Oh… man. That alone made her wince. Okay…

Do it for Dashie.

4.48
Soul shrieked in pain, her forelegs cringing and her wing twitched once. She let out a strong gasp and yelped again.

“Ahh!”

The broken feather fell out from her mouth and glided to land on the water’s surface. Silently floating. It still hurt. Dying down quickly but still there. Forcing the filly to keep her eyes shut and curling her lip. Until she slammed her hoof down in the water to splash some against her face as everything calmed down. The pain was gone. As if the stinging she was just feeling had been numbed.

“One… down.” No rush… to get… to the next one. So she guided her head back in to where the first feather had been rooted and began to gently lick the reddened skin. I remember how to do this. Took a lot of time to learn it. I used to suck at this as a foal. The only painful part of preening now was what she had just done. There was still some pain from her touch but not enough to make her stop as she softly glided her tongue to sooth the blemishes on her skin. If only a day can come when I can do this with no pain at all. Such stupidly painful preening. I miss how it used to be.

Nimbus… she was always the one who did this for me. She was so good at it that there was almost no pain. All because of how sensitive these wings are. But that mare did it so skillfully. Always trying to teach me how to do it but I always needed her in the end.

I miss her.

Doing this, it only reminds me of her. I have to do it all on my own now. Just trying to do it how she did it for me. Nimbus… you really were so nice to me. So caring.

I wonder how my mother would have been teaching me how to do this. Would she be gentle? Would it even hurt? No, don’t even think that. She’s gone. I’ll never have a mother to teach me. Never… she wiped a tear away. From the pain… or something else. All I can do is try to get home.

Another feather came out in her mouth. As awful as the last. Soul shook her head this time. Racking her brain to ignore the blaring pain so she could start licking the spot this feather came from. Her eyes glanced over down the rest of the length of her wing seeing all the other damaged feathers. It made her groan while she licked. Anything for beautiful wings.

4.49
Wish this would go faster. I always did suck at doing this. Just to have gorgeous wings. Hmm… gorgeous wings. I wonder. Does Soulblight preen too? She must have at some points. The black mare spending a lot of her time hiding away in her house, …or, well, me hiding from her all the time. Those black wings of hers, they are always so beautiful. I admit, when I grow up, I hope I have big and lovely wings just like those. Thick, always straightened and set in such curved edges that the feathers themselves looked like they could cut through wood. Soul could not recall any time when she spotted anything wrong with Blight’s wings. Like she tended to them often or something.

Wonder if it’s painful for her as well.

All pegasi were born with some natural sensitivity to their wings, her fellow black Pegasus must be sensitive as well. It was hard not to be jealous of pegasi who claimed it didn’t hurt them at all to preen. Saying it actually felt good. Hard to imagine such a damn thing. She would love to have wings like those. Where it could be fun to clean them instead of it being a chore. Making keeping them beautiful something she would look forward to doing a lot. Then maybe my wings would look perfect all the time.

Maybe Blight was one of those pegasi. She had to clean them often so surely they had to feel good to make her do that. So lucky. I need to ask her sometime, she may even know better ways for me to do it. Maybe learn a thing or two to get her wings like Blight’s. That was a nice thought. Sad though. It would have to be when she isn’t mad at me. Not after yesterday. Pull that shit off yesterday and then come to her for beauty tips, Blight would not be happy. I still can’t help but be jealous of her. Blight really was a pretty mare.

All I got is my messy self. Out came another feather.

4.50
This could not come soon enough. Finally being finished.

So glad the last feather was now out. I did well if I do say so myself. It took a while. Straightening out all the other feathers, bending and aligning them. Thickening them up. Both wings left to soak in the water a little with all those removed feathers just floating all around her. Stupid feathers, you were all such big pains. She took a moment to unfold both wings and hold them straight ahead of her face, lancing high into the air. Her eyes went everywhere. All along her spans, noting how all her flesh looked and how the red began to cool down now that they were freed of the feathers that caused all the pain. Each and every feather set one upon another in an unbroken pattern with no gaps and no way to tell that she was actually missing a lot of feathers. I did a pretty good job covering them up. Such a good job.

She smiled widely. Eyes glistening and she was lost in her love of her wings, brought back to their full glory. Oh, what the hell. May as well. She had to lean in and kiss both of them. “We made it, buddies” she said to them with her teeth bared in a grin. She folded them back up. I’m gonna get out. I feel good, I feel cleaner. As good as I can get.

She stood up, her body emerging and then rising up as her wings took flight. Lifting her up and over to set her hooves back down on the carpet. …And it was freezing. Soul shivered immediately. All wet inside this cold house. I forgot how cold it really was in here. I couldn’t even find a towel or anything. The blanket? Might be a good towel. But… oh… I’d soak the blanket. That would blow to have to sleep in a damp blanket when night came. Try to keep warm in… that. I didn’t think this out.

Soul cocked her head. Really? Is that the best way I have to dry off? She sighed.

4.51
“Do I really gotta do this?” This is the best way to dry off. I wish I had a towel. There looked to be no choice. If only we had found a towel or something in another of the houses. Soul stretched her legs out as far as they could go while keeping herself standing. Extending her wings the same way. Exactly like she were about to stretch again. One deep breath. Two. Soul opened her eyes and began to shake herself. Violently. Her entire body sent into a spasm that left a rain shower of water to fly out in all directions from her and soak the carpet and splatter the nearby wall. The fire sizzled with each drop that landed in it.

Soul finished up. Felt a little embarrassed to do that. Oh well. I feel a little drier. Still a bit wet. Looking around at how much water came off her and made a mess of the house. Whatever. Not like I’d do that outside. Going outside while soaked to the bone, that sounded more frightening than preening again. It got the job done. Just let the fire do its work for right now. Soul stepped over to the mirror. Careful not to step upon the small shards of broken glass still laying about underneath the mirror. None of them were big at all, …but they served as a reminder. Making her lurch a little. She shook her head and looked away. Not wanting to have to see them anymore than that. There was too much blood splattered on the carpet anyways to remind her.

She took a good look at herself. Raising her wings, turning her head about to look at every angle of her face in the mirror. Make sure her mane looked good. Everything looked good. She patted her hoof down on her mane to get rid of stray bangs. Even had that spiky look on top of her head. I feel normal again. I look normal again. Her long mane sitting back down over her shoulder and down her chest. Just like I used to look. It made her smile.

One… more thing. Another reminder but one she had to be sure of. I want to know how well it is getting along. She walked in a little closer and raised her head so that her throat was fully revealed to the mirror. Her hoof came up, sweeping aside tufts of fur under her chin till she revealed it. There it was. She could see her wound right there. Her first time seeing it. So this is what I did to myself yesterday. A very long cut dug deep along the entire width of her throat with red and black scabs formed over it. It looked so bloody yet no blood flowed.

This was supposed to make me not feel pain anymore? Looking at it, she felt only pain. Pain seeing such a hideous mark on her soft skin. Such ugly red to stand out in the middle of all that magenta fur. I want it gone. All because I never want anypony to see it. Dash should never have to see this. How long would it take to heal? For this blemish on her body, symbol of her stupidity, to go away. She could only do one thing for now. She hid it.

Setting much of the fur alongside the scar to lock and link until they covered it up completely. She did the same with the rest of her fur. Gliding her hooves along herself to pat down all the fur sticking up so they may all dry without looking like a mess.

4.52
She ended with the fur around her left cutie mark. Happy to see herself completely cleaned and like nothing had happened. Like a whole new pony! Just check one last spot.

She brought one of her forelegs up and examined it. Blindly peering down at the skin underneath the fur and then, …she frowned. “What?” I… I’m being stupid haha!

There… there is nothing on me.

That scar on my neck, that is the only thing I have. There is nothing wrong with my body. It’s just… she lowered her eyes. Still fresh on her mind. All those nights. Seeing all those terrible things. How much it hurt. I… I can still kind of feel it, staring at her leg. Last night.

My nightmare. That’s all it was. None of it… was real. Never.

She shook her head. Get rid of those terrible thoughts. Get rid of them. This was not the time for it. It was best to feel good about myself. I mean, look at me now. She stared at the mirror. She looked beautiful now with wings renewed. Back to the way they were that made the other fillies and colts wide-eyed, and now… now I can do my best to try to get my life back.

Today is the day. The start of it all. Start and keep going until I figure out how to get home. Just like she used to do. It all started with one thing. She turned to the door.

Smiling about it. Step outside as a new pony. She giggled over it. Her legs came to a stop. Planting down hard to make her skid to a halt. She stared dumbfounded at the door.

“That’s right…” I’m still pretty wet. Okay… I’ll dry off first before anything else.

4.53
“Why am I even doing this?” Soulblight asked herself. Wondering it but still not stopping me from doing it. This is my life. There would be nopony to impress with cleaning up these houses. Digging out all the snow keeping them buried. Like she was doing a service to the ponies who used to live here. Sure, I did have this idea a long time ago… not much reason to do it anyways. Soul could just fly down and out of the hole that the porch provided to reach her doorway. Blight had her rooftop hole, and not like we need to look out the windows. So why even bother?

Blight just kept asking herself this as she sent another hail of snow flying with a quick burst of magic, further removing the buildup of snow around Soul’s doorway. Not much of a hole anymore that led to Soul’s door. She spent a good portion of the early morning working on this. Throw all this snow about. Listen to the ponies waking up, I can still hear a lot of them out there. Some less than happy to wake up. Sometimes breaking herself out of her concentration on them to see what progress she made to the thing she envisioned. A staircase of snow leading down to a wide, open area underneath the porch. Wide enough, maybe even wide enough for some chairs or something.

Ha, why even make it look nice? I don’t know. Maybe the idea of having the only nice looking house out here. Something how I would want my own home to look. If I had any house like all those others ponies have. A big space maybe. A yard. Early morning and I got to hear lots of ponies out there going about tending to their yards and homes. Even heard some kids not too happy about cleaning. Sprucing up a house, not at all what a kid wants to do… Soul.

It made her laugh a little inside. How on earth would my own yard even look? Certainly some places to sit. Chairs? No, benches are what they called them. Large enough to sit multiple ponies it seemed. Set out under a tree in the middle of freshly cut grass. Laying there on the bench whilst listening to the sound of the unicorn fountain that shot water out in a geyser from its horn.

…These Equestrians had a unique taste.

I would probably have something more subtle in my own garden. She could not find names to plants thanks to these ponies, just descriptions. Not enough. If anything, I want those red and orange flowers. They sounded beautiful. Keep them well watered and spend time with them so they can grow strong and gorgeous. Look at me. I’m like some sort of giddy mare. Those ponies out there don’t help. Filling my head with this fun stuff. It’s so unlike me. But… I do like it. It sounded so simple. Fulfilling. I can’t help but envy what those mares have.

Someday, I don’t know, Blight smiled. Someday I can see myself like them. Sitting out on the bench and watching younglings play around in my yard. Sitting next to somepony else on that very bench. Just what those two ponies sitting on the bench tell each other. My, my. Whoever that other pony is, sure does sound important to those mares. Just the things I hear. Like they really do appreciate those mares. Stay by their sides. Never leaving them.

I wish I could have that.

Somepony by my side to not to leave me… and, well, to know that they will comfort me when I feel down. Let me know every day that I am special… that there is nothing wrong with me. It sounded… so normal. Something she lacked. Each time she thought of these ideas, each coming as one and making her smile, they were squandered because of who she was. I really… really want a pony in my life. Something like that. Maybe they can take care of Soul with me. Haha, Soul… our young one, oh how foolish. I’m no mother… but it does sound interesting. All of us spend time together… then that pony can take me to bed and… and we could kiss.

4.54
I am totally blushing now… ugh. But it makes me so happy to think that stuff. Even if it could not happen, be unable to feel what the sensation of another’s lips upon her own was like, let alone one able to tolerate her. There was still some sort of solace in the wishful idea of her finding a pony out there who could accept her enough, care for her enough, and actually enjoy her company enough to lead to them being able to kiss and hold one another. Make me feel special after everything. Be together and stand side by side through anything like those ponies did. Soul certainly had a pony out there for her who would do just that.

Being normal was so… easy.

All I can do is hope somepony will not find me too weird. Not try to kill themselves at the thought of being with me. Actually love me. Then I will gladly accept them. All these mares and normal ponies taking such life for granted. Those mares have no idea. Some of them seem too unappreciative. I know I would be the best mare for somepony. Because I will work hard to earn ponies that like me, not waving my tail around at stallions. But…

Whenever one came around to actually like me like that… Blight grinned naughtily.

Maybe I will let them caress my wings. Just have to earn it, they do.

She blushed again but had to laugh anyways. Laugh to ease away that desire in her to wonder what it would be like. Oh… it is hard to dream for things that seem so impossible. Especially after all I have done. What ponies see me as. A freak. Best for them all to leave me like they always do. It would be for their own good.

She kept laughing and laughing until the blush went away. Until all the indecent and hopeful thoughts left her. Just laugh at herself. Just get back to making the village look nice. She raised her head back up.

She saw the yellow eyes.

4.55
Soul was right there. Blight clamped her maw shut. Shutting up for the filly hovering in front of her. Shit, did she see how I was acting? Oh please no. Was I laughing in front of her? I hope it wasn’t too much. Maybe it was all in her mind. But Soul looked a little too lost if that were the case. I was acting like a fool in front of her, wasn’t I? So caught up in her fantasies that kept her going, focused so much on the idea of her having a life made possible by this world, Soul had completely slipped her mind. Not even able to hear her until now.

Soul actually seemed a little happier.

Well I hope she is happy. Took a lot to make her smile. Like making me sad. That really was all it took. Just the idea of leaving Blight behind and rejoining her real friends. Soul had even cleaned up for the occasion. Blight’s eyes going all over the filly’s body seeing just how different she was. Some dirt here and there but her fur was tidy again. A mane back to the way she remembered it. But what really caught Blight’s attention was her wings. Soul had fixed them.

When was the last time they looked so beautiful? All the feathers set back to straightened edges and placed neatly on one another. No more holes or breaks in their midst. Just perfected sheets of the lovely, thick feathers the filly sported. Soft and neat. Soul must have been awake for a while already to have found the time to do all this, and it was still early morning. She was clean, bright and shining with a little more cheer in every move she made. Like a happier filly.

A happy filly? Well… she reminds me a lot like the kids I listen to. Was Soul now like those children? Soul, a happy little filly rising bright and early to enjoy the day and spend it with her family and friends.

If only. It just reminds me… of what she had long ago. Able to wake up and… have something to look forward to. Friends, fun, family. So much has changed. I wish you can be like that again. I wish I could do something for you.

4.56
“Good morning, …Blight” Soul spoke softly. Blight looked up to her. Stunned.

She… she actually greeted me? This should be good.

I don’t know why she sounds so happy saying that to me. A good morning. Sorry but I find it hard to believe she thinks any morning nowadays can be good. Always seeing them more as a chore or an obstacle to get past every day prior to this one. Soul was even smiling a little. The filly still flew there just staring at Blight with that smile. She looked so innocent.

“…Good morning” Blight said back with much hesitation. Somepony want to tell me what is going on? Soul is never like this. Soul giggled. Making Blight widen her eyes. The filly setting back down on the ground right in front of Blight. Leaning forward with that little smile on her, looking up at her and Blight looking down at her but with a frown to meet her smile. Looking up and over her as her attention was drawn to how Soul still flapped her wings in little flutters. Fully presenting them to her. They really did look nice up close. The filly did an excellent job cleaning them.

I suppose she wants me to say something. About what? Her looks? Soul looked to be showing her wings off. Proud to show what she did. Why would she care what I have to say? As long as Soul were satisfied with her own work, it should be good enough. Dash would like it. But the filly did not relent. Still leaning in on her like she were trying to get a hug. Just for a compliment on her wings. Why?

It’s not like Soul ever compliments me. Nopony ever complimented me. I so wish to have a special somepony who would compliment me. Having friends who would appreciate me. That was what Soul wanted?

Her tongue moved against her commands. “You look lovely today.” Soul’s smile grew wider. Damn near ear to ear. Leaning back to normal and holding a hoof to her smiling face. She giggled into her hoof. Those wings standing straight up in pride. Blight still could not smile. Still not happy, but she had to admit it. She was warmed that Soul was feeling better.

Soul did not do this for me. She did it for others.

She did all this for ponies she thinks are worth a damn. Unfortunately, that’s not me at all. Soul made it painfully clear yesterday that my feelings don’t matter.

4.57
Soul folded her wings up, turning to face all the snow around her. Her curious look made it apparent she noticed that Blight had been doing something based off how much snow had been removed around the front of her house and all the new piles of snow laying everywhere. “What have you been up to?” Should I tell her about my fantasies of making all the yards around these houses look cute?

Soul leaned over the edge of the hole. Seeing that something was truly different in how wide it looked now. “I’m… making space” Blight said. Soul walked along the edge leading down to her doorway, running a hoof against the smoothed-out surface Blight had meticulously carved to make a perfect angle. Blight watching her pass by. Her eyes glued to the wings that fluttered mindlessly at her sides. Rising and lowering with the most subtle of care. Rising more. Really they are beautiful… what… Blight’s eyes widened.

The filly’s wings raised. I… I never noticed. What was that? I know I saw something there.

Something black.

Those wings lowered again. Wait… I… I wanted to see. Because… I, there is no way. I must have been seeing things. But maybe… maybe not.

Could it have been…?

“Wow” Soul said. She turned back to face Blight. “You gave me more space! So you’re trying to make a porch for me down there?” Blight looked up to her. Umm but I… she looked back past Soul and to her wing. Trying to see if she could see it again. No. Hidden so well under the feathers along her flanks. I really want to see. …Blight nodded her response.

Soul walked over to where the remains of the ramp were, buried in all the snow fallen over the nights and from where Blight dropped some of the same snow she removed from the sides. Her wings lifted her up so she could hover over the openings and look all around smiling. She was a little too cheerful. There was something about it that was odd. Did the idea of seeing Dash again really have that big an impact on her? Or actually cleaning herself up for once, both maybe? Wish I knew.

“I can see it now” Soul said still examining everything from above. “We could have stairs going up here” she motioned to where the ramp had been placed. “And then maybe find some furniture in the other houses, put them around the door. Oh! And a blanket overhead. Maybe a fire pit.”

Soul knows about this decorating stuff? Sounds like better ideas than what I had. Her excitement was amazing at being able to do this stuff. Like they really were trying to impress somepony or the satisfaction of actually turning these ramshackle houses into homes like Blight could see. Soul flew over to where Blight stood. “Do you think we could?”

“I see no reason why we can’t” Blight said. Soul calmed down. Her smile getting smaller, her eyes glowing. There was something wrong about her face. Or right. I think I have seen this before. Though this time it lasted for a second, it was etched in her eyes. Soul’s… adoration. Just like when we first met.

“Thank you” she said to Blight sweetly. “If you want, I can help you with your house.”

4.58
My house? You mean… that old thing I spend a lot of time in? Oh, that’s not… my house. Was there a reason to improve that one? It was ugly. Barren. Blight saw no reason in having it improved. Maybe a little… Wait.

Soul wants to help me?

I had to have heard that wrong. Never before did Soul offer her assistance in anything. “You want to help me?” Soul laughed a little under her breath before turning to fly off in the direction of Blight’s so-called house. Her eyes watched after her to see the filly land near one of the closest windows with wings outstretched. Baring her body. Baring it… and Blight looked.

She… she saw it.

No way.

It feels like my heart is in my throat. I never… never expected this. There it was.

Soul, she did have a cutie mark.

When did she get that?! Blight stared. Three red hearts and… so much black. All along her flanks. Clouds of black as dark as Blight’s own fur reaching and coiling about her flanks and across her rear. That… that is what a cutie mark looks like. I’m sure of it. Soul had one. Her unique imprint just like Dash had gotten. The sign that both fillies had… so Soul was growing up.

Soul… she must love it and… I didn’t get to see how she loved it whenever it first appeared. I never even knew it appeared. No, that filly just showed it off to her over there. Soul patting her hoof down into the snow that rose to almost cover that window entirely whilst keeping her wings out to expose her colorful flanks.

“Come here” she called for her. Blight did as she asked. Slowly trotting to where the filly waited for her, eyes set upon her flanks and marveling as she got closer to see them until she was in hoof’s reach of them. “See, look” Soul said to her once the distance between the two was closed. Her hoof scraping at the snow, making Blight turn her attention away from the mark, but not before taking one last glimpse of it. Taking it in.

Soul chipped down on the ice built up under the fresh white layer. “Your house is real dark. We gotta get rid of all this snow, open your windows up. You got all this ice on them too.” Her hoof scraped against the ice all over the window. Tiny chips of ice sent flying. Open them up? Well that ice would make it bothersome to lift the windows were they to even unearth them. “It’s gotta be stuffy in there for you. Let some fresh air in and some light. Then…” Soul cut herself short. Quick on her hooves, running past Blight and around the corner until she was out of sight.

Speechless, mindset on this completely different pony, Blight slowly walked after her. She too turned the corner to find the filly snooping around the front side of the house. Feeling her hoof around against the length of the wooden wall just underneath the rooftop. “Your door has to be around here somewhere” Soul said.

I need no stupid door. I do just fine with the hole on the roof. From which plenty of starlight shone in during the night. Even if more could grace her as she sat in there alone if she could have windows open to the world. …A doorway… would give it that little comfort of a home though. It sounded pointless to try and fix up this house, it’s not even my house. But… Soul, the way she acted, it was kind of charming. Like she was being the start to making some place Blight could live. Her thoughts went crazy, in love with what Soul may be suggesting. Even if it were unsightly, turn this ugly place into something else. Haha, it would be like I do own my own home.

“You can have a nice place to live” Soul said. It would be nice. I can even grow that garden if I could. Have the yard I want. Who knows? It could be fun. I know I can use magic to do something for all this. It had done so much in the past. Maybe it could make this dream a reality, and with Soul’s help. A nice inside with a table, chairs. A comfy bedside to lay herself upon… and sit in front of the fireplace… with Soul, sharing a blanket. Not let that filly be alone. Know what it is like again to feel like somepony is there with you. Just… like… she imagined before. Before all the loneliness both pegasi had gone through. We could still care for one another. Be together. Just like those hearts… the ones on Soul’s flanks. Big, burning hearts. Just like how Soul was right now.

This is… that loving filly I remember her to be.

4.59
“It does sound nice” Blight admitted. Looking down at the filly she approached. Watching with joy at the sweet innocence of the little one poking about at her house like an adventurous child. She really was a child again inside of a maturing body. Being kind to her? Do I even deserve this? Perhaps… I did do something right yesterday.

Soul sees that… that I do care for her.

So… we can be friends? She won’t be mad at me when I try to help her. Pretend to be like family to this filly.

Yes, Soul. I saw how you thought so highly of me back then. Back on the mountaintop. Blight found a semblance of comfort knowing she could perhaps be something to her. It was cute that Soul wanted me to be there for her. She could feel a tear go down her cheek which she rubbed away from her smiling face. A smile she was unaware she had. Proud of the filly who had changed so much both inside and out. “I’d love to have your help.”

Soul looked back up. Her mouth open seeing Blight’s face. Yes, I know, I am smiling for once. Soul… she smiled back.

Blight walked past her to look over the face of the wall. Trying to find where the door could be. Completely buried under the snow. I know I can get rid of all this in probably a day but… for Soul, I’ll make an exception and let her help. It did not matter how long it took as long as I can finally do something with this filly after so long.

She bent her knees to lean down at Soul’s height. Looking the filly in the eyes. “It could take some time to get rid of all this snow. You best not pass out on me while working and leave me to do everything.” Soul took none of that. So confident. Glaring up at Blight, matching her smile.

“I don’t give up. You’ll see.” Soul turned around to walk out towards the open snow beyond. Such a strong stride. I… I can’t help but feel so proud of her. She came a long way from yesterday. “I’m gonna get even stronger” Soul proclaimed. You will, and I’ll be there for you.

“Strong enough so I can return home.”

Blight felt empty.

4.60
Soul… returning home. Of course, that is what she wants. She wanted to go back to her original life. That was why… she tried to kill herself. Because she does not want a life with me in it. Being around a freak like me. Never what Soul wanted.

Rainbow Dash was her friend, not me. Not after what I did to her. I feel so much shame for thinking she would ever like me, so stupid to think I can get a friend. There was no way Soul would want me around in her life. It would not come to pass. Soul was going to eventually find a way to return to her original life and leave all this behind. They would not have a home together.

Not in Equestria.

Soul would have Rainbow Dash.

Better to choose her best friend than the one who did nothing but hurt her, even if… if I did try all I could to help her. Even if I was the one who saved her best friend.

Blight felt a tear come down. No, stop it. I have no right to cry. Even if all she wanted was for Soul to just see her for who she wanted to be. Stop believing there was no happiness until she found Dash again. I have so much I can do for her too. Not just Dash. The day would come when Soul would be free… no longer burdened by me. Free of the scars that plagued her, marking all the torment she had to go through just to be able to hug Dash again.

…I want a hug too.

4.61
It was so hard to hold in her tears. Just… just all that filly has done. It’s too hard. Finding her with a damn blade to her throat. Just like now. She felt it all again watching Soul walk out into the snow with her wings outstretched and her snout high up to sniff the morning air. She really is walking away from me. Of course.

Hide it.

Blight breathed deep and wiped her tears. Enough… to be able to speak without her voice breaking. “D-do you want to start now?” They could at least spend some time together. If Soul were actually inclined. She would not force her. She would not force her to be her friend. But maybe, just maybe they could be side by side for a little bit. Just for a little bit until… Soul does not need me anymore. When she was strong enough to fly away. Leave me and all the pain I always bring to ponies who know me. She could be happy then, for those brief periods. Couldn’t she? All these ideas making her cry so hard inside, underneath the fake smile she put on for Soul. Hide away all the sadness Soul was causing her. It hurts to do it but… so what. Let it punish me. Anything to make me see… that I really am an idiot. Just more sadness… and loneliness.

It’s what I… deserve. …She deserves to be happy.

Soul looked back at her. Still smiling, unaware of how much Blight wanted to scream. Seeing nothing wrong. So cheerful. “I can’t right now. I got to train today.” She flashed her wings ever more. Reeling them up and stretching them out. Their feathers blowing in the wind. “Need to get back in the routine.”

Training to go back home. Of course. Keep training until she could fly out and destroy the barriers to her life. That… that could be something we can do together. I can show my support of her wanting to get back to training. She could learn a thing or two from the filly and they could spend some time together.

Blight stepped up. Her will shared with her wings as they too rose and stretched out to cast a great, black shadow over the snow and down upon Soul. “I will come with you” Blight said, almost pleading. “We could train together, it will be fun.”

Soul, what’s she doing just staring at my wings? Come on, tell me you want me to come.

Blight could not hear the filly breathing, she held it in. Soul looked up to her, frowning. Looking almost sad. She did not need to be sad, I’ll be a good flight companion. I promise not to get in the way. Not to hurt Soul. But Soul shied away. Humbly rubbing her leg with a free hoof.

“Blight,… umm… I wanted to train alone.” Blight could feel her eyes explode.

4.62
“I don’t mean to be rude, but… you’re not as good a flyer as me. I don’t think you’ll be able to keep up.” Don’t say that. Don’t say that. There has to be a way to change her mind. Yeah, I’m not so great and yeah you will leave me in the dust, but… I can do other things. Make her laugh. Keep her company. Anything so I can be by your side…

For these last moments we have together.

Soul backed away, head low to the ground. Her eyes hidden behind half-closed lids. “We can do other things together. I just want to fly on my own for a bit.” She turned around. Her violet and silver striped tail slowly flowing in the wind between those two trails of black fire that gave Soul purpose. A feeling Blight lost more and more of the longer their distance grew. She wanted that purpose too. Purpose in another’s eyes that Soul never wanted to acknowledge. That sense of worth placed upon her body too.

“I promise we can work on the house when I get back, you should rest for a bit. Looks like you’ve been working hard all morning.” Her wings beat hard. Sending gusts of snow out to be carried away in the wind and Soul joined that wind. Rising higher above Blight.

I feel like… I’m about to cry my eyes out. She just watched her leave. Not saying a word which was not what she wanted. She wanted to call out after Soul with words left on her tongue under the tears she hid inside that began to escape. “I’ll be back” Soul yelled back as she flew off high into the sky. Turning into a little dot growing smaller the further she got as she left on her way to return… home.

The first step she took, leaving me behind.

I will never be allowed to join with her, not after what I did. Don’t go. Please don’t leave. Don’t fly away. Abandon me… like everypony else! I want to feel like I have worth. Please tell me I’m good enough for you.

She stepped out. Walking in the direction Soul flew. Her great wings held up for as long as they could and they slid to fall on her sides and into the snow. Laying limp just as her head gave way and tears fell down to the snow. Stop… hurting me.

And she shall leave you too.

No. Not like all the others. Please, …love me too.

Soulblight sobbed.

“Come back.”

4.63
“This seems high enough.” Soul came to a stop. Hanging high above the vast expanse of snow below with their village becoming tiny ants from this high up. It felt good enough.

She could feel the wind striking her harder than that pitiful breeze blowing through the village. Not nearly as bad as the wind of the great storms but a good enough mockup of them. She could definitely use it. Something nice to train with once again. Not too tough but… I can feel it will be tough enough to fly through.

Weather like this was nothing to strong pegasi. The Wonderbolts practiced in worse. Just like when I was taken out to train in flying through nasty storms and learn how to beat them.

It’s been so long. But… I know I can do it again. This wind now, it was doing nothing to her. Nothing to throw off her flight. Her newly remade wings doing very well, her muscles fighting back and winning. Even better was how the wind was coming at her from the very direction she wanted it to. Straight in from the mountain range. Every time I trained, I needed something like this. A good training ground.

Those mountains would do just that. Something for this training routine. Ones I have to come up with now. Nopony is here to train me. No, I need to do it myself now. Think of ways to pull this all off. Do a real workout just like I used to. I will train just like I used to. I will do it all again. Never give up.

Nimbus… you taught me well. Even if you aren’t with me anymore, I still remember all you told me. I… I promise to perfect it all. Every technique you entrusted to me. I won’t neglect it anymore.

You wanted me to have a friend… well, I will again. I will train just like you taught me and use everything to return back… back to my home. No light workouts. No fooling around. Out here, I will do everything. This world… it will be my training ground. It gives everything I need and then some.

4.64
She spotted the tallest of the mountains far ahead behind a veil of misty clouds. Its great, white peak rising high and strong over all the clouds. Just as she wanted it to do. I’m gonna fly in this weather to it. But that was not enough. More was needed. I know what to do.

“Two minutes.”

One hundred twenty seconds to get there. Yeah, that sounded like something I can do. It only seemed to be only like a city away. She could fly the expanse of Cloudsdale in less time. A longer distance, this weather, perfect.

Soul glanced back at her wings. Their elegance and beauty betraying how strong the muscles were that she spent years working on, and they would get better. Good enough to take her all the way home. So big and strong that no achievement Dash had done could allow her to talk any trash when they were home together.

Home. I will do anything to have my life back. I will beg Dash to forgive me… and then I will do the same for the princess. Explain everything and the princess would let me stay home. I will do it all with these wings. Her love for them as strong as ever. Her encouragement for them to do their best returned to do all they did back when she trained daily.

“Alright, gals. Make me proud.” Two minutes. Starting… now!

4.65
Soul blasted off. Straight ahead at the mountain beyond.

It closed in slowly. Soul watching it, trying really hard to keep her eyes upon its mighty expanse for she was really tempted to shut them. But she would not. She had to be strong even as the icy cold wind lashed her face with a tear sent out to disappear far behind her. Back in the great trail Soul left behind. Her wings flapping and pushing. Legs reaching out to the vast mountain far beyond. Cutting right through the air. She could practically see the clouds rip apart as she ran into them. With tiny snowflakes sent to pelt her fur and chilling water splashing hard over her, and she would not stop.

Ten. Eleven. Soul counted in her head. Keeping her mind set on those numbers and her eyes glued on the mountain which, had been far away to begin with but looked to be very slowly getting closer. A little worrying. It’s taking too long to get there.

No. There was no time to be worried. First rule of high speed flying: never get distracted by anything. Focus on the goal. The mountains, two minutes. Twenty. Soul spotted a group of clouds ahead. Darker and wider than all the others. Filling her vision while the mountain top rose up and behind them. All the snow coming down around them in a great flurry with even more snow falling from above by the thick blanket of clouds even higher than Soul was. Overcome it.

Soul ripped right into those dark clouds sending gusts of intense wind to tear apart the snow. She kept her concentration. Fifty. Her wings wobbled. Great blasts of wind spiraling like mad around her with every step she covered in that dark world within the clouds. No longer could she see the mountain or anything below. Just grey darkness of fluffy and soft puffs of cloud zipping by her. The sight of them swaying and listing as her wings struggled to keep her straight in all the intense wind. Almost like all this crap is trying to fight me. Trying hard to push her back. Yet Soul lost no speed. I can tell. Her mane whipping in her face harder. Wings pushing harder, and Soul readjusted her legs to straighten herself out. Fighting back against the wind. This was no worse than the storms back home. I can do this. She was stronger than before and her practice would prove it.

Soul squinted. Her wings and body fully adjusted to angle the oncoming wind simply over her and she tore in through the clouds in more and more. Ninety. Only thirty seconds left. Come on, wings. We can do this. Flying though continuous streams of cloud, staying on her path with no deviation in her wings which got used to it enough to begin flapping harder and the wind struck her face worse in response. Getting faster now. Keep it up! I can do it. Watching ahead to make sure nothing changed in her flight. Her hooves still firmly in front of her face piercing the clouds like lances. Until she could see light. She could do this!

Ten seconds left.

Ten seconds and… Soul could feel it. Oh no, my wings. They felt weak. Already! No, no, Soul pleaded them on. “Come on, buddies.” Keep doing your best. We never gave up on this stuff before. Fly like I always used to. Like we used to.

Her face lighting up as the clouds tore away to give way to the light of the Sun… and the mountain top sitting amidst its range…

Far away. Soul frowned.

4.66
The filly landed atop the flat surface of snow that marked the mountain. Her favorite mountain from which to stand upon and watch the snowfall on more quiet days. All four of her hooves gently set down with soft pats and her wings came to rest at her sides.

One hundred and eighty-six.

Soul finished counting. All that was left was to breathe. Breathe and shake her head. All that work and intense flying tuckered her out leaving the filly to fall back on her rear and pant. Tongue laying on her chin. A hoof to swipe at the sweat that was actually built up.

Now I remember how it is to fly in bad weather.

It sure was an experience and really worked wonders on the wings. Their spans beat from their workout. I swear though, I got too tired too quickly. I should never have gotten so sore that early. It really has been too long since she worked out. Long enough to fail in her goal. Her wings had failed. But she was not mad. Soul actually began to laugh.

“That’s what I’m talking about!” she screamed.

Oh Celestia, I can feel it again. The adrenaline. That rush. Like electricity over her bones. She missed this feeling. Damn near forgot how it was. Always loving it after all her training with Nimbus. That training the two pegasi always did leave her feeling just like this. Like I did something amazing. Even if she failed, she felt accomplished. Her wings were tired. Her heart racing.

Back in the saddle. Like I’m back in Cloudsdale. Just like her first time training as an incredibly young filly just out of her foal years. I… I’m back at it again. Hahaha, how I missed this!

I flew like this long ago. Like my first goes at flying. This feeling. And wanting to get better, I just need to keep trying. Just what Nimbus always told me. Her wings would get better. She’d be able to fly through bad weather like that with ease.

Soul stood back up, walking over to the side edge of the mountain looking out at the vast and dense expanses of giant mountains flooding out into the distance before ringing over to her right and joining with the mountains on the other side. This great ring surrounding the empty crater. So much open space in these mountains. So much potential. Some ponies could say this messed up looking place with all the stuff in the way and hard places to fly through was something like… an obstacle course.

That was it!

4.67
I have an idea. I can use them all for that. An open sky to train and a clustered course created by nature itself. She smiled giddily. Intense obstacle training just like the Wonderbolts. They had speed, yes. But Soul knew she needed more. They had more. All great Pegasus flyers had more.

I need to get my stamina back, for sure. No more tiring out so easy. Fly these mountains as the course they were to provide her with the same experience she would get twisting and dodging across a hazardous training ground. Wing control, precision, most importantly: agility. She could use all of that. Dodge the hazards of the great storms while her speed did the rest and not get tired till she reached the wide, open world of freedom. I slacked for too long.

“Endurance.” What did that? Soul thought of something.

She leaped back to a roomier part of the mountaintop, good enough to stretch her legs out before she did the same with her wings. Both of them falling and placing themselves upon the snow under her. Setting the tips of them firmly in the snow until it were like she had an extra pair of legs. That did not last as Soul’s forelegs curled up and she held them tightly to her chest. A Pegasus holding herself up by her wings.

Alright now Dash, we used to do fifty for warmups at camp. I’ll do sixty. Soul fell down to the ground, letting her wings buckle and she careened close to her chin slamming down. She stopped short. Her wings grew strong again and they pushed her back up. Then again. Again. Soul kept it up. Counting each time she pushed herself back up. Feeling the burn run across her wings and over into her back. Like a flood of hot water. It felt good. Each time she let go serving as a chance to exhale deep into the snow, and then inhale as she pushed herself up.

Good, old fashioned wing-ups. A real warmup. Those silly colts always doing this just to impress the fillies with such small numbers. I used to always do it alone. For this very feeling. Like my wings are strong. Like they also missed feeling this way. Pushing her up faster as each number went through Soul’s head. Fifty-eight, fifty-nine, sixty.

Soul’s last push stronger than the rest to send her body jumping up in the air and land back upon her hooves. Haha, I can feel it. Soul looked at her wings. Both of them shaking. Damn near pulsing. Working out after so long. That would not be the end of it. No more being lazy with them. Soul ran back to the edge, her intention to look over the mountain range being the one thing stopping her from leaping off into flight. Smaller ones there, large one there, very twisty turns all over. A piece of cake. It took Soul hours to fly the length of this range before, but that was just a stroll. Full power now. Back to the good ol’ days. Wings pumping at her sides ready to go. I can do this in no time. Get to the other side. Simple. Avoid all the mountains and keep on the path. Just like dodging clouds.

So Soul took off again with a smile on her face.

4.68
“Whoa!” She almost hit that mountain. Turning hard around the previous one had kept the next one hidden until she was right on top of it. Yes, I was able to sense it!

I still have it!

Her wings throwing aside incredible amounts of wind hitting the sides of every peak she passed around. Hearing snow fall from mountain faces behind her. Blasting by them and rumbling the earth. Every mountain she skillfully dodged around making her laugh. Turning the corner of a pair of tall peaks presented even more that she curled around, keeping as close to them as she could with her back almost licking the side of their snowy faces. Sheets of snow rippling and sent flying by the force of her flight.

Left. Right. Left. Left.

Soul maneuvered perfectly. Making only a few close calls that made her heart jump and turning that moment of fear to thrill. Thrill that made her cry out in excitement. Her voice carrying far and wide through the mountains. Like flying through clouds again. Dodge and dodge with none of the obstacles able to stop her. Mountains and then passing those blackened trees that dotted these mountain ranges. Her eyes quickly glancing over to her side in time to catch the trunks of them wobble as she passed. Another good obstacle. I am loving these mountains!

Soul looked back in time to spot another peak she was about to plummet right into. So close she could touch it, …plenty of time.

Soul’s wings skidded to a halt and beat hard on a rightward path sending the filly off on a sharp turn just short of slamming right into that mountain. It was too close. That turn coming soon enough as Soul could feel for a split second as the tip of her left wing scrape the side of the mountain. Its edge scraping away portions of rock to tumble to the earth below. Soul hugged the face of the mountain. Letting out a sigh of relief. That can’t happen again. Don’t get distracted. Just look all over constantly, never lose my attention for even a second.

Know… everything that is around me… like I did long ago.

Take it all in. Soul closed her eyes. Sighing.

I got this. All thanks to you, Nimbus.

But I was better once. I need to be that way again. No mistakes at all. Keep practicing, try over and over until she could do this with no error. Soul took a quick glance at the mountain she skimmed along. Not too close to it, …but I just know I will be as good as I used to be. Better. Good enough to fly these parts with no trouble. I can do it.

The closer she was, the harder to see what was ahead as she turned the corners. But she did it as is. Laughing with glee. Feeling truly alive and nothing could hold her back. Not even herself. It would not happen again.

4.69
She kept hugging the mountains. Going through so fast, there’d be no way ponies could see me fly by when I go this fast. It’s almost like how I used to be. The same feeling I used to have.

How I love this.

Flying high into the sky with a shriek of joy. “Oh yeah!” Her hooves stretching out, swaying in the air even as she turned her wings to circle her belly-up to the sky and come back down. Her face going right to the top of a mountain coming in so close. Looks like I would crash, ha… but I have this. Something to laugh about.

Coming in fast with her tail whipping in the wind, all her fur flowing like grass in a breeze, …and it all came to a stop. Soul’s wings tugged the air. Propelling her right-side up. Gently falling down with small flaps. Landing neatly on the snowy mountaintop as well as she did the previous one. Panting just as hard as she did back there. Accomplishing all of this with skill and grace. I did it.

I can’t believe… I still have it. After all this time. Nimbus would be proud. I’m proud. Proud even as she stared out past the mountains she stood among, past the open plain of white snow beneath the mountain ranges from where lightning crisscrossed the sky in a thunderous boom. All the black clouds ahead setting upon one another, weaving an endless veil standing between the filly and freedom. Soul laughed at it.

She laughed feeling all her pride with how great of a flyer she truly was. This being just the beginning. My wings feel so strong again. They were going to get stronger. Just that storm wait and see. I’m going to kick its ass. That storm will be no worse than the mountains I just beat. I just need to be perfect, and I will do it.

Her forelegs folded up again. From her new vantage point, Soul did her wing-ups. Sixty more. She counted, laughing in her head with a big smile on her face. Wind blasting over her and sending all the fur and hair of her body in a frenzy that could not stop her from her training. Never stop her again. I’ll never stop!

I will train every day again. I will get better every day. Until the day comes when my wings are so good that no storm can stop me. I will be the fastest… I will be the strongest. Just like in my dream. My dream. It never did die.

No matter how bad a pony can have it, they can always become the best. I will do that, I promise. I will do it for you, Dashie. “I’m gonna do it.”

Soul stood upon her hooves, looking out to the sky beyond. The sky… over this snowy land.

“I’m gonna do it! …No matter how long it takes!”

Part 2 Entwined - Act 5

5.1
One window left and then the door. That door was found to be just to the left of the window she stood in front of. Soulblight dug up enough snow to reveal the very top of a wooden doorframe. Just a little more work and the snow would be removed from this window just as she did with the previous ones. Four she had counted. This making five. All these houses seemed to have that many. None of them had any more. A few had just one less. Every day revealing more about this village with a little bit of each house being removed out of mountains of snow.

Soulblight took her time with this house today, spending most of the afternoon slowly and diligently clearing away the buildup from a pair of windows. Magic was all that was needed to burn away the ice built over those windows. It would be nice to have some help. That had been the whole point this plan was made. Yet, it always proved to be a disappointment with Blight forcing herself through this task that gave her something to do while Soul was away training.

She still had not come back. Typical. She did this every day. Any time I want to spend time with her cleaning these houses, the Pegasus would keep herself busy in the mountains doing her own thing. The slow work and painfully dull conditions left each and every day feeling like an eternity. Just a stupid thing to get through as she waited for night to fall so she could look at the stars. Peering through what breaks in the clouds existed so she could see those tiny, twinkling orbs overhead. Like they winked at her. It always was tantalizing.

That would not be the case tonight. The Sun is setting. Looks like my plans today are ruined. At least that won’t be the case tonight.

Black lances of magic slashed away more of the snow, sending it flying to the sides to pile up with all the rest Blight made during the day. That was enough room.

5.2
Another slash of black. Several thick chunks of icicles fell from their perches hanging at the very top of the window frame and impaled themselves in the snow below before more of Blight’s magic sent them toppling down and away to clear a view of the window. Plenty of room to look through now.

She peered in against the glass. Looking inside to find a better angle from this new window. She could see the other cleared windows at the other sides of the house, shining in streams of sunlight and now… now she could finally see things inside. She could spot nothing to the left save an ugly carpet on the floor. That was not good. Seems all these houses have so few things I can use to keep Soul’s fire burning. No matter what Soul feels, I will keep doing my best to make life her comfortable. Everything had been running dry after so long of burning things away. Blight even considered starting to use the logs that made up walls of the houses. But there was nothing small she could use that did not involve her destroying the village. Although, I guess I’m also to blame. I kept using stuff to practice my magic on for a… certain task.

A little special something she had in mind for tonight. All she had left were some strips of leather stripped off from old, torn clothing she found and the pony dolls she kept close to her inside her house. She desperately needed that leather for tonight.

Her eyes went over the floor down below. Finding nothing. Well that sucks. She strained to look over the right side of the house. Much darker over in those corners. No windows present in the rear of the house to shine any light over there. But looks like something is there. Hard to see but she could pick out the outlines of square objects stacked up against the wall in the darkness. Perhaps more furniture. Something good that could be burned to keep Soul warm. Although I kind of hope it is some more furniture that I can use for my house.

She still anticipated living here for a long time. Having some nice furniture that could give certain ‘guests’ a comfortable stay will go a long way.

He deserved it.

All I need to do is free the door. Two things at once. Free the house and get inside to see what surprises may lay within, a break in the dullness of life. Blight could not wait. She did not need to, not like Soul would want to find the time.

5.3
Blight’s ears perked up. Great, I hear them. Striking in the wind. Rapidly bashing in a near endless repetition that cut the air and broke the clouds with a thunderous clap of wind behind them. She knew what it looked like the last time she saw it. A massive streak of white vapor bursting and expanding in all directions going across the sky. Like a knife carving right through butter as clouds were torn in two. She could not see it, not from this side with the houses of the village blocking her sight. One thing was clear.

She is back.

Listening to those wings close in as fast as Blight’s ears twitched and thunder erupted across the entire village. Almost shaking. With streaks of air washing high overhead and shaking the rooftops. Even some of the snow that sat on those very roofs slid and fell. So she came back anyways. Another day we could have spent together but she chooses to use it to get closer to her goal. A goal that kept Blight staring in agony at the sky during some nights. Not looking forward to the day I will be truly left alone and Soul no longer needs to deal with me. I’m not what she wants after all.

In she came. Soul Serenity walked around from behind one of the distant houses to stand in the snow-covered street laid strewn in the light of the setting Sun. Distant and dark but lit enough to keep that magenta Pegasus square in Blight’s glare.

Not at all happy to see the mare arrive.

5.4
I watched through the years… watching that sweet and sad filly go out every day to train. All the days that passed. And every time I saw her, she changed a little more. That filly who was not even up to my flank, …now she is this creature walking to me. The magenta Pegasus with her long tail and mane. Flowing in the wind as a sheet to cover the grey of the sky. Twinkling in shining silver hairs running long down her face with her gorgeous yellow eyes struggling to peer through and stare at Blight.

The closer she got, more and more, I see how much she has changed. It is amazing just how much has changed. Some days even feeling ashamed of their differences. With how Soul, who had cleared the distance and stood close to Blight, stood taller than her now on those long and thin legs. The gorgeous sunset shining behind her, and feeling the mare’s shadow down upon her. I’m not the tall one anymore. All I am… is the runt now. Soul, you grew tall enough to make me have to look up to you. To you, with the Sun shining over your head. Moments like this leave me with nothing to say. Just left to stare in amazement. Even if Soul was not my friend, I can still admit she had grown beautiful. A sight a mother would love to see of their daughter. Remembering everything there was about their little girl and witnessing the miracle of nature. Their child growing up. Even making Blight grow tears in her eyes on mornings she would see this mare sniff the air and stretch in the rising Sun. Tears she could feel from how immensely strong the pony became, and also knowing she was no longer that filly she met in the dark of the house whom she came to love if only for a brief time.

I just know Soul loved it more and more as she became the mare she wanted to be.

I can’t help but care. Especially when I see her smile. But Soul always left that care to die away because of times like this. That was why… Blight was upset to see her.

She walked past the Pegasus she loved, leaving what little was left of the snow covering the last window so she could press on to the doorway. Let’s just finish the task. I’ll have it done for tomorrow. But Soul stopped her. Her soft voice, still locked with that tiny twang of a young filly coming out from smiling lips. “Alright, I’m here.” Soul stepped up towards the house. Rearing up to clap her hooves together before landing back to the snow. “Let’s get to work.”

5.5
Blight looked back. Seeing that Soul glanced over at the windows of the wall Blight just left. The mare frowned. Coming back a little and slowly turning to lock eyes with Blight. Soul’s lowered her head, sadly, it looked. Blight wanted to scoff… I better not see you pretend to be upset.

“You… finished already… I see.”

Blight nodded. Of course I finished already. How many hours did I have? Maybe Soul should get in the habit of sharing some time for me during the day. Even more irritating how Soul sounded disappointed. That sad look on her face. I even asked her about us spending time together today and Soul even told me she wanted to. But it always ended the same. Just like when she first started training. Getting back home was her priority.

I have no place in her schedule. No place in her life.

All the years passing by, and I just see more and more how Soul thinks of me. Like she doesn’t care. Not at all about how… how sad I am. Sad and tired. Tired of crying at night while Soul ignored her. This will be a great glimpse into what it will be like when Soul leaves.

But not tonight. I won’t cry tonight. I have plans now. Like I do every night. No need to cry. But those thoughts were not something she could keep on her mind for long thanks to how angry she was. An anger left to boil in her mind. Why do you leave me all alone? She thought it yet would not say it. Something else came out.

“How was your training?” She saw Soul’s face light up. It enraged her. Of course she would be happy about training. All because it was going to lead to the day when she was free and the two of them would be apart.

“My wings are pooped” Soul said flashing her wings up. Seeing them again made Blight’s heart skip. They always were impressive. Even as a filly but now…

How can a pony get such massive wings?!

May as well be tree trunks blistering with feathers. Great and wide. Sometimes… I admit I want to touch them. I want to know how they feel, …all those muscles on them. I just… don’t know how these things are possible. I always thought I had big wings till Soul got these. They were the most treasured things Soul had. Years of work put into them to build them up to this point, Soul loved them. So much that Blight caught sight of the mare giving them a kiss before she went to bed a while ago. Sleeping with them while she cried under the blankets. Using her great wings to wrap herself up.

I admit, I am a little jealous.

It must be nice to have such amazing talent in one’s wings. Such… gorgeous wings.

“I did a lot of low altitude aerials; low angular thrusts to keep the wind guiding me along completely straight” Soul said while swiping one of her hooves across the air in a straight path cutting horizontally. She made a swoosh sound as well. “The wind was pretty tough today so I had to keep my wings perfectly level to ride it. I’m getting good with the weather… and that wind resistance today! Great training.”

5.6
Ugh, you really think I care for this flight jargon?. It is so boring to listen to her talk about this stuff. I always have to put on an interested face. Not like I should hurt Soul’s feelings and act callous to her favorite thing to do, even if Soul does that to me. She decided to egg her on as she examined the snow burying the door in.

“…And, did you manage to beat your speed record today?” Soul sighed. “No… still at four seconds getting back here.” Four seconds. Blight snorted in her head. That really was something. Doubt any other pegasi could fly that fast, …besides Dash maybe. Seems like that mare could fly as fast with how I sometimes listen to her out there.

I do wonder if I could ever fly that fast with these black wings. It’d be nice to try and see if I ever could feel whatever that speed is like. …But not like I have any to train me. Soul never wanted to fly with her. Each request ending the same as the first time until Blight all but gave up on asking her. Soul did not want to do anything Blight wanted to do and she did not allow Blight to do anything Soul wanted to do. It makes me so angry.

Days coming and going with Soul always making me feel this way. Sometimes I feel my hoof twitch. Because I want to smack her. If only my hooves could strike. But… if I did… we would never be friends, ever.

I… I don’t want to give up on that. The only thing that keeps me going out here. The only thing that keeps me from leaving Soul. No need for me to get violent even if she hates you.

Blight sighed.

5.7
“Looks like you still got the door” Soul said. She walked up beside Blight and leaned down alongside her at that door. “I can help you with that.” How generous. It made Blight grin even though she kept a hidden scowl at the snow. So nice of her to wait till the end of the day and we can spend what few moments we have left to do something. All they could do before Soul went to bed to rest from her hard day of training. It is like she wants to piss me off. Almost… condescending. Pretend to be nice to me just to save face when Soul knows she is wrong. I hate it. Every… single… time. They would always just spend an hour or less together, barely speaking while Soul dribbled on about everything Blight could not give her. Fun. Happiness. Freedom. A friend. Like Soul just needs something to do to get through the rest of the day. She always is so eager to part with me in the end.

So she must be eager again tonight. Get it done quick. I don’t you worry… I’ll get it done quick for you.

“Back up” she said to Soul and Blight herself stepped back. Trudging through the snow and feeling she cleared enough distance. Reluctantly and confused, Soul followed her. Coming to stand beside her. Blight’s long, black mane swayed to the side as she quickly turned her head to face Soul and then looked back. That mane flowing in all its glorious lengths to nearly swipe Soul. It all moved. The snow, every bit of it covering the front of the house’s wall moved with Blight’s head in a quaking rumble. Mounds of it all sent flying in sheets, pelting the open area between the other houses in hails of snow. Chunks as big as a pony or more.

Soul herself trembled watching this. Possibly scared of how loud the sound of piles upon piles of snow sent flying and landing at once was. Blight could not care. Just watching her work. The results of it. A great, open hole with inclines of snow going up and down at the walls. Deep enough and open enough to fully reveal the doorway that was hidden beneath. That looked good. Good enough for Blight to get in there and a fully presentable house made ready giving her that little sense of accomplishment she got whenever she finished unearthing one of these houses. Progress with the village a little more. A job well done.

Her wings clapped together at her back and she did her best to look and sound proud. “No need. It’s all done.” “Oh…” Soul said softly. Her head banking down and wings sinking. Blight did not want to stick around to hear anymore. The Sun was setting. Night was coming, a time when I at least will feel appreciated for all I do.

“You should rest” Blight said as she began to walk away in the direction of her house. Keeping a smile on herself. Knowing Soul was back there watching her. Blight’s ears caught whiff of a sound coming out Soul’s mouth. Just like she wanted to say something. But she stayed silent. Of course she does. Nothing to say to me again. More of the same. They had nothing anymore. But I still will at least have the courage to tell her something. Say something for the pony I once wanted to be friends with. The one I hurt, and now… now I guess it’s right for me to hurt now.

“I’ll be inside if you need me” she whispered. “…Good night.”

5.8
“Good night” Soul whispered. She stood there like a stump watching Soulblight walk off back to her own house. Say something. Oh… and I had a nice plan for us tonight. After so many days of me not being around to play, I wanted to take today to do something. Not hard to notice the black mare looked down, like something was on her mind. Soul really wanted to try and make her smile tonight. How she walked. How she snapped at her. It’s scary. I really hurt Blight’s feelings.

It was always too hard to talk to her. Blight was always angry… and she tried to hide it. Just like last week, when Soul spotted Blight sitting on top of the roof to her house in the dead of night. Staring up at the Moon. Soul could only watch from her window as Blight cried. But every single time Soul built up the courage to try and ask what was wrong, the mare would do something like this. Leaving Soul as she did now. Feeling like Blight did not want anything to do with her. That she really does hate me.

She never forgave me for what I tried to do.

She could never take it back. Every chance she thought of always being ruined. I thought tonight might help. I wanted to ask her if she wanted to spend the night with me inside. In front of the fireplace together. We could’ve talked about anything. I don’t know what… whatever Blight wanted. Anything to break the silence between the two. Earn Blight’s friendship again. But Blight wanted to be alone and that… that just ruined it again.

She kept her head low to the ground watching Blight’s black tail sway with her steps up till she disappeared from sight. Leaving Soul all alone again. “I guess I deserve that” she mumbled. “I was a jerk to her.” I never can do anything to show how sorry I am. Well… nothing that worked out in the end. Just like with tonight, wanting to spend time with her in her own house. Nothing to do now.

5.9
My wings are so tired but… I know I don’t need to sleep yet. Honestly, I don’t want to sleep. Her attention turned to the house Blight had uncovered, the one they were supposed to do together. Always did sound interesting to explore these houses together. Each one Blight would open up proving to be some sort of experience for her. She just wished to explore them with Blight. She would not want to though, Soul must be too hard a pony for the black mare to be around.

I understand. Lots of ponies have a hard time being around me. It would be wrong to force Blight to do something with me.

She approached the doorway. Using her wings to carefully glide down the hole to reach the bed of icy snow beneath where she stood face to face with the doorway. Blight carved it out well with whatever magic she used. The snow dug out all the way to where the foot of the door sat. There was the doorknob. A rusted little thing made of something with golden coloring only ruined by that brown and red chipping on it.

She jumped up onto her hind legs and clasped it with her hooves. Kind of hard to turn this thing. Very old and grinding. Fighting back for just a moment. Soul finally got it. It turned and the door pushed open. Wide enough for her to fall back on all fours. Walking in with the snow flurrying inside with her.

Wow. This house is barren. Light shone in allowing her to see a grey carpeting going over the floor and that was it. She stepped in, looking back behind the door to see if maybe something was hiding behind it. As empty as the rest. She looked around, walking to and fro.

Kind of lonely in here. I never find houses her completely empty. Somepony must have cleared it out. But there was something over there. A fireplace. Looked to be made of stone like her own. She walked over to it, looking into its gaping maw and finding the darkness within. Small bits of black ash left hanging on the walls inside and piles of it sitting around the stone floor. It did smell like ash. Ugh, disgusting smell. She backed off to breathe again. Glancing off to her right as she coughed. Her eyes widened.

Hey, there is something! Hidden away in the darkness at the far end of the house she could see hints of objects placed in the shadows. Whatever those are, they’re all that’s in here.

5.10
Wait, is that… it is! Wow, this is the first one I’ve seen in this whole village. Four legs, a back to it covered in dusty red cushions top and bottom and as wide as she was. A little sofa with a few boxes sitting on top of it. Am actual nice piece of furniture here.

Small boxes left open, their flaps spread so Soul could find nothing but empty space within. Somepony did clear this house out. Pillaging whatever had been inside these boxes. But… that sofa did look comfy. Soul swatted the boxes off. Oh crap, all the dust. It made her start coughing again. Old boxes but… the sofa though. The sofa was in good condition. Those cushions on it very thick. Like big pillows firmly set up.

She pushed it then kicked the legs. Sturdy. Seemed like a pony could sit on it. I have just the place for it! My porch. What a find. This might make my house look a little nice. Lots of these houses just had junk in the form of broken furniture. Years had passed and many ideas came up for how she would want her porch to look. She changed it often simply because she never found anything to help make it a reality. But how heavy was this find?

Soul set her teeth on the arm of the sofa, gripping down tightly and she pulled. The sofa budged in response. Coming out a little bit with her tug. Rather light. A pain to drag home, but… I have my wings.

She reeled her head back up and looked over her shoulder at the two limbs gently swaying in the air exactly like they were ready to do some work. Very good. These strong babies would make this easy.

5.11
Soul kicked the door to her house open. Breathing deep the warmer air inside. This comforting little house that greeted her every day she came back from a hard day of training. The best she could get. A nice welcome home hug would be the best. That was just another desire left at the wayside with everything happening. A little thing she imagined often. Landing in front of her house and resting her wings. Coming down to the porch where… somepony would be there waiting for me. Like things used to be so long ago. Well… there is one pony I would like to see waiting for me.

These days have been hard. Hard on my wings. But… I still would find a way to give a certain pony a hug with these wings.

Hold that black mare.

Give her that sweet Pegasus hug I miss so much. Spend time together. Play games, run around and talk. Anything more than what Soul would have to do now that she was alone. I’m so afraid of sleeping now. I can’t sleep at all. So many nights, spent awake. Just sitting there lost in her thoughts. Thinking of Dash, Soulblight, her training for the next day and going over what she did the current day. Everything. A very lonely time. Man, I miss the old days.

But maybe I have enough to make tonight a little different. She had a sofa out on her porch now and it was very soft. Maybe I can try something. That little thing I see Blight do all the time. There has to be something to it. Sit outside and watch the stars. The way the wind felt right now, might be good enough. Tonight would not be too cold. Ha, I remember when the cold used to be really bad to me. Soul smiled. Spending nights outside now. Even if it were lonely. I wish that wasn’t so bad to me as well.

Closing her door, she knew she would be alone again. Waiting in here for night to fall. If only Blight could be here.

5.12
Soul sat back against the side of her bed. Planting her rear in the soft carpet and resting her wings up and over the top of the bed behind her. Letting them feel some comfort rubbing along the soft mattress. Watching the fire at the other end of the house and softly sweeping her forelegs down across the carpet and she waited there. …Silently watching time go by. Slumping down more and more. Even forgetting to blink sometimes.

She sighed. Dropping her head back to recline on top of the mattress and stare up at the ceiling. “Oh Blight.” I wonder what you may be doing right now. Are you doing exactly what I am doing? How dreary. I know the mare is unhappy, always pushing me away but doesn’t stop me from wanting to help her. It’s a shame that my plan tonight is dead. If only things could be different.

Too many years had gone by. Both ponies so distant and Soul hated it. She had no idea if Blight hated it. Too often showing Soul she did not want her company. It felt terrible. Just like when Dash said that painful line still fresh in her mind. A moment I just can’t forget. I have to get home and apologize. That alone was a hard enough task.

No matter how much I train, no matter how much effort I put in, I keep trying to prove myself able to overcome this land… but I always end up falling flat on my ass.

Even getting hurt a couple times.

Those storms were still too strong and Soul had no idea how long she would have to wait before she could fly through them.

The day that Blight and I can leave.

Blight is so lucky that she doesn’t have to worry about the weather. Soul had to work, ... and how hard it was made her scared of how long it would take her to return home. Just to become friends with Dash again.

5.13
I can’t imagine how hard it will be for us to be friends again. Like when I was a kid. For those few days we weren’t at each other’s throats. But she could not blame Blight for being mad. I called her a freak. Made fun of her and called her names. Told her how much I hated her and… and I even tried to take my own life… when Blight wanted me to live. She did nothing but go against Blight.

But… I still have hopes of us being friends again.

If only they could play together. Soul’s mind cleared when she felt something. Her hoof hit something. Realizing it had ventured underneath the bed. Hitting something beneath. “What?” She fell to her belly to look under there. Deep into the darkness she found what she hit. It made her gasp.

Wings sitting on top of a four-legged body with a long mane between two big ears… and a big smile to greet her. Laying on its side.

“Oh my…” She reached in and dragged the thing out. Presenting it to the light to reveal it.

The Pegasus doll.

When did it get under there? I… I remember the last time I saw it. I lost it long ago… when I was a filly. I used to sleep with it until it disappeared. So long ago. So this was where she went. A welcome surprise for Soul.

She sat up holding it in her hooves. Gently petting the tip of her large hoof over the soft mane that was so small and fragile, she worried she may break it. She had grown so much, the doll much smaller than her own hooves now. All this time. I still want to show her love.

“It’s been so long. When was the last time I played with you?” She turned it so its smile could face her. It must have been lonely being under that bed for so long. Abandoned by her friend. That friend being… me. I feel bad. How could I leave it like that? Forget her. It was a tiny and innocent thing that needed somepony with her.

Still a little kid, a filly who needed her friends. Who needed love.

If this were real, I know she’d be mad at me. I’ve been too caught up, I didn’t even try to find her. She brought it close to her face and placed her cheek against the tiny cheek of it. Hugging it softly with the tips of her hooves set on its side and she rubbed its cheek. “I’m sorry, can you forgive me?” She held it back. Looking sincerely into its smiling face. Seeing the glow of the fire in its beady eyes. The smile made her smile.

“I love you too.”

5.14
Soul fell onto her back. Holding the doll up into the air with both hooves carefully holding it over her. Moving it all around like it was flying. She smiled, imagining it to actually be flying. Like a child. My own child perhaps. Teaching it to fly. Haha, wow… I never think that stuff. Maybe one day. The day when I finally have the skill and power to reach my goal with wings beyond any other. I could train many pegasi. Young and adults. Standing before Wonderbolts recruits and barking instructions on proper flight patterns. That made her giggle. Oh if only that day could come. I damn sure can be a great flyer they can look up to. At least I think so.

She had to settle with this little one whom she made roll again and again like she were doing tricks. She could see herself in it back when she first started. When she never got any praise for doing well by anypony. “Good job” she said to it. A pony who can pull off great things should be praised. Soul pulled it back down to her and pressed the soft doll into her chest. Giving it another loving hug.

“You have… great wings.” She set her head back down. Keeping the little Pegasus comfortable in her fur. That would be nice to be complimented on my own flying. I sure need it. I have great wings. I have talent. But nopony is left to assure me. This little Pegasus is so lucky to have me there to assure her, some ponies don’t get that.

Could somepony at least say how good I am doing? So I can feel like I am making progress even… even though I keep failing. I’m the only one left who loves my own wings.

Soul rolled over onto her side. The doll came up to face her, held in her hooves. Soul’s right wing came up. Curling the span so the feathers dropped down over the doll’s head. She stroked it with her feathers. “Do you like my wings?” Rainbow Dash would. Wouldn’t she? Did Soulblight? I keep them clean. Make them look very strong and beautiful. But they constantly failed.

How would it be if she did have ponies who liked her?

I would proudly show my wings to a pony who would appreciate the work I put into them. Wings like these… I already know how things will be. Those Pegasus mares, they’d all be so jealous and the stallions… I know they’d blush. I’d feel some sense of accomplishment. Some sense of love.

If only Soulblight could be the one who loves me. But she would not. Not after everything I did to her. I don’t deserve her.

5.15
Soul cleared her mind. Finding out she had been crying this whole time. I have to stop thinking like that. It could not be helped sometimes. This was not the first time she found herself slipping into sadness. Nights like this were always hard. I have to keep fighting. Don’t give up. No matter how many years it would take. I will find a way. When I will finally find somepony who will want to be around me. So I can feel good enough in their eyes.

Well, tonight I have somepony. Her hoof stroked the doll again. Its smile making her a little better. Like it was her who made the Pegasus happy. It will make her feel a little happy too. Soul curled her body up, bringing both her wings forward and casting a great shadow on the wall above the bed.

“Could you keep me company?” She didn’t wait for an answer. Pulling the doll deep into her chest and placing her chin on top of its head. Bringing those mighty wings in to curl over the doll and herself till her entire body wrapped itself in feathers and she could only see the doll in the darkness she hid her face in. Safe under her wings, she held it tight. Just as I want somepony to do for me.

“I’ll keep you company. We can watch the stars together. Together till I earn a friend.”

5.16
Soulblight could hear Soul breathing softly. Sounds just like the Pegasus was sleeping. It sounded a little different. Closer. Like… huh, could it be?

She creeped in the night towards the edge of the hole that led down to Soul’s porch. Listening closely, it sure did sound like Soul was asleep. Maybe that is the only reason I’m daring to even come close to her house.

The magenta Pegasus was there… on a sofa under the cover of the wooden porch’s roof. Where had she gotten that sofa? Soul was curled up along the length of the red cushions it sported with only her ears and a twitching hoof all that could be seen from under those wings. What the hell? Since when does she start sleeping outside? I can’t help but feel she is cold. No. The Pegasus was asleep. Her wings… they must be good enough to keep her warm.

Blight tried to step away but caught sight of something in the corner of her eye just before Soul would leave her sight. She looked back. A tiny tail jutted out from under Soul’s wings. I recognize that. The woven fabric. A doll. Just like the ones in my house. It must be the Pegasus one she saw Soul slept with as a filly. She still did that? Sleeping with it. It… was kind of cute. But…

I can’t dwell on it. No, it only makes me feel worse.

Because… I wish I could be good enough for her to… to keep me warm in those wings. Well, if I felt cold. Just shows me… there is no point.

It is best to leave. She backed away. I want somepony’s company too. At least… I’ll get it tonight. In my own way.

5.17
She came back to where she left her little gift for the one who did make her happy. Laying out on the snow, a wide and thick blanket woven of purple threads. Spruced up to Blight’s liking with golden squares patterned over it. Inside those squares were the bright red hearts laced in golden outlines that took a lot of effort to try and create. Almost like the ones Soul’s cutie mark had.

It looked so precious. Taking her the better part of the evening to make. Taking a lot of concentration and effort but it came out perfect in the end. Those leather strips did their job well.

Her magic grabbed hold of the blanket, lifting it high in the sky and pulling the corners out till it stretched itself before her. Giving her one last chance to look over it before setting off. Make certain nothing is wrong. No signs of lose threads, no mess-ups in the colors. She circled it checking rear and front, keeping it so still that the wind had no power to ruffle it. It looks great! So great that I actually want to touch it. If only. I know I would just fall through it. Still, it’d be nice to be able to snuggle up in it. I just hope it feels good enough.

Her magic folded the blanket up. Ready to hit the skies with her. Soulblight walked out into the open plain of snow. Readying her wings for flight. Keeping the blanket hovering just behind her open left wing. So close. Some way to protect it from all the falling snow. Coming down sideways.

She stopped. Freezing up. Because she heard it. Soul’s voice broke. A small whimper. Listening so closely. Her breathing still gentle, rhythmic, she still slept… but she cried. Another nightmare. More torment in the night.

“Please… don’t leave me” Soul whispered.

I… I hate to hear that. Every time she says it. Her heart beat hard and rose into her throat. She cries… just like I do. A nightmare where she was alone? They never did relent. I always feel so sorry for her. Very sorry Soul had none of her friends and they could not be friends. Not after everything they did to one another. Still… I… I would love to be the one to keep her company. Guide her through the night so it were not so hard for her. She only glanced back in the direction Soul slept.

Her wings kicked the air.

5.18
Soulblight shunned her ears away from the sounds Soul made. Rather pay attention to where she was going. To a place so familiar now. Over the hill lines.

She left the village behind. Flying over the steep hills that loomed over the houses. Funny, these are the same hills Soul arrived at on the first day. Neither of them came to use this area, up till now. Soul had her mountains. I have the open plains out here. They always were beautiful. Nights like this being rare when the clouds parted enough to bare the heavens down on the snowy world. All that glorious starlight making what should be white snow shine blue instead. A scene reaching out for so far across this wasteland.

A wasteland. One you would think would have nothing to it. But I know the truth.

She followed the starlight, the same light that guided her curiosity days ago. Flying low with the blanket kept close to her side. Swaying and dodging to avoid the wafts of snow sent flying in plumes from the ground thanks to how strong the wind was. Certain she would not run into that snow. Not to keep herself safe from it. Her only purpose being to keep the blanket safe. She listened all around. Slowly. Very slowly. Checking in every direction ahead of her to hear anything to tell her where it was. So much snowfall. Each time I come out here, it always looks different. Higher hills of snow. Worse ice banks. Impossible to know where you are. Except for me.

I can’t hear it. Sounds of wind and snow. Avalanches in distant locations. Sleeping ponies. Her wings pressed harder. Flying a little bit further in the snowy world with her ears kept open to any and all. Just trying to find the one familiar sound.

She turned. Wait… I think that is…

Blight smiled.

There he is. That little breathing sounding closer than all the others. The one that I know so well. She adjusted her flight. Flapping faster to disappear in the snow to break it with a little laugh of excitement. It’s pretty loud now. This must be it.

Skidding to a halt. Hovering above the open nothingness below. So empty and barren that anypony would easily be fooled by what wonders may be hidden. A wonder Soulblight picked out as a small sliver of darkness splitting the blueish white snow. That was it.

5.19
She came down closer. I can see it. That little sliver was actually it. An opening. A small opening of rock cut out through the snow with icicles hanging from the top of its mouth. Barely rising higher than the even ground itself. So easy to miss. I’m so lucky to have found it in the first place. No wasting time.

She landed with the blanket in tow. Hmm, the hole is still kind of narrow. Most ponies would need to kneel down to crawl in. Well, I don’t need to. I guess that’s the only advantage to… to being immaterial. Don’t need to worry about running into things.

She bent down and folded her wings in. Her hooves stepped in. Upon the hard, rocky surface inside. No snow at all in here. Beds of stone expanding out and around, going down at an angle to the dreary environment ahead. Dark but lit up enough by the moonlight shining in from the entrance. Blight could see all the grey stones that made up this little cave she came to know. So small that the back end of it was just ahead. An easy deception again.

She walked in. The blanket following, her silent steps pushing her on into the darkness. Her eyes set upon the wall to her right, just ahead of her. That was where it was revealed. A little alcove cut into the side, well hidden from anything that may peek into the cave. Having only to walk in and look to find something truly wonderful.

It lit up Blight’s eyes seeing that thing again.

5.20
A room she had built herself. Heaps of dusty, old blankets stacked on top and draping over one another making a comfy makeshift mattress like the one Soul slept on. These blankets rolling out from a large box. Laying on its side to keep the torn open top facing out so there could be a door into this little shelter to protect anypony from the water dripping from the ceiling. Like the little guy who lay inside right now.

There he was.

It always makes me smile. Her fellow four-legged friend with hooves just as her. Perky little ears and a tiny tail. But no pony at all. Blight recognized it the moment she saw it days ago. When it was laying in here with nothing but the hard ground poking into its tender body. A body covered in bronze fur with bits of adorable white spots running over its back.

This is the creature Soul had called a deer. Not like the ones I saw before. When I… attacked them. I have no reason to want to do such a thing to this little one. A youngling. Much too small to be compared to the adult ones. Thin fur and a small face. His sounds so subtle and light. He was just a child. A child Blight came to like.

“Hi, Spots.”

She was sure to speak to him softly. Gentle with him. Talking to it exactly as she would talk to a child much like she used to do with Soul. Hoping her little voice kept it calm. The deer she came to call Spots never feared her. I’m glad. He is comfortable being around me. Laying there watching her walk up to him. Placing his little head down on the soft bedding she made for him. Poking his nose out of the opening in the box.

Soulblight knelt down further till she nearly crawled across the ground. Pulling herself into the blankets Spots laid on. She couldn’t even move the bed, good thing too. Nothing to make the deer feel fearful. No, he likes me. I’m certain of it. She could come right up to him and, as she did now, place her nose down just in front of Spots’ own nose. So close. Enough that I could kiss that tiny nose of his if I could.

“I missed you.” Spots let his tiny tongue out like he tried to lick her nose. Not at all surprised to see that pink tongue go right through her nose before going back in his mouth. He missed me too! It made her giggle.

I still don’t know if he understands a word I say. I think he might. Sometimes, it looks like he responds to my words. If only I knew about deer. Do they talk? Maybe sometime in their lives. Maybe something they grew into. Spots had said not a word since she met him.

I can still tell what he may be saying to me. “I love you too.”

5.21
Blight laid down, keeping her head down so she did not tower above the tiny deer. Looking over his body. Taking note of his ruffled fur. Being sure he looked no worse than he did when first meeting him. He looked good. He looks like he is checking me out too. Sometimes glancing over past her. Probably can see my tail wagging back there.

“Looks like you fell out of your blankets.” He really needed to stop doing that. This kid sure was energetic. Refusing to stay in one place, protected under the covers of the blankets she tucked him in every day.

He had to stay in this cave. A good enough shelter from the hostile world outside. That did not mean it wasn’t cold in here too. The little guy was still smart enough to make this place his home where he sat in all alone away from the cold. Staying here to rest and unable to leave. Maybe he will like the new blanket. These ragged, old ones were not fit for him.

She presented the new blanket over her head and placed it right next to her for Spots to see. “I got you a present, I know you must be cold.” Spots twitched a little. Turning head around and lazily throwing it down on the blankets just to stare over at the new one. Too lazy to even turn his body. But Blight knew the real truth why he could not. She could see it in his eyes. A small shimmer of water filming over his black eyes.

He must be in pain. I need to check.

Her forelegs pushed her back up to sit over him. Her magic did the rest. Its black presence washing over the sides of the blankets. Pulling them out of the box, bringing Spots out with them. His forelegs kicked a few times for a moment. Settling back down when Blight hushed him. “Shhhh shhh, It’s okay. Mommy just wants to check.”

Oh it makes me feel so weird when I call myself that but… I like it. I probably am the best he has right now to a mother. I’m okay with being that for him. This precious little deer would feel the same as well. He needed his mom yet she never came back. Blight always finding Spots all by himself. I want him to know he is not alone anymore. I hope he does think that.

The blankets pulled him free of the box so he could lay sideways to where Blight sat. Presenting his bandaged left hind leg. A feat she pulled off using strips of cloth she set aside for this very purpose. He kicked that leg a little. Whimpering when he did that. Worrying.

“It’s alright” she pressed again. Whispering softly to calm him. “Mommy will be gentle.”

5.22
Her magic came over that bandage. Curling over it till it too created a new layer of color standing out from that lovely fur. Slowly and diligently untangling the knot Blight had fastened to keep the cloth in place. Happy to see that knot undo itself easily. The last thing she needed was to struggle or force the cloth off.

It became lose enough for her to gently slide the cloth off so she could see the injury beneath. A long cut starting at the bottom of Spots’ hip and running down the side to end at the start of his joint. Ripping away the fur and flesh. The poor thing still bled from there. Small pockets of it slipping out now that the bandage was removed. I still don’t know how this happened. It was the very thing that made her decide to care for him in the first place. Sad that he could not run or walk. Having a hard time standing up even. His parents just left him hurt. Abandoning him for reasons unknown to her so he could suffer all alone. Sadly, I empathize with you.

Her care helped him get a little better. At least he could move that leg again. It may take more time before he could walk on his own. I will be sure to help him heal, with all my power. She glanced over past the box. There sat the strips of cloth she left to serve as replacements for bandages. She brought a fresh one over to hover just above Spots’ leg. Nice and clean to help him along. She leaned down a little closer.

“Stay still, Spots. Mommy will be as gentle as possible.” He trusted her. Not reacting when a wash of Blight’s black magic grew upon his hoof and pulled his leg down. Straightening it as slow as she could go. She could feel her heartbeat. Very quick. Even made her nervous. I don’t want to hurt him. Like I always am when I do this for him. I fear ruining his trust in me. His leg just needed to be straight enough for her to wrap it again. Not too much. She still gulped. Feeling the tension over this. Silently watching her magic do what she willed it. Taking a breath only when his leg was unfolded enough to actually be able to do this now. She held it there. Bringing the cloth down upon his leg. Set out long enough to cover the wound completely.

She began to fold it. Wringing it around his entire leg once then twice. Three times. Gently tightening it so there would be enough pressure before she took hold of the threading sticking out of it to tie into a knot to keep it in place. She let his leg go and he brought it back up folded against his belly.

The deer looked up at her. Licking his lips. “See? No pain at all.” Blight brought her head down to his own. Smiling at him. “You were so brave. I’m proud.”

5.23
I really wish I could give him a hug for his bravery. Something about how cute he is to me. Some gnawing thing in her driving her to react like a star struck filly every time she saw him happy. But Spots needed to eat. He must be starving, …and this is the best chance for me to try out my new trick again before I start really going crazy with it.

First, she looked back into the box that served as Spots’ home. Checking to be sure he did as she asked. It was clean. He finished his food. She had been forced to leave him a meagre helping of some roots she pulled out from the ceiling of the cave the previous day. Leaving a painful feeling in her gut seeing such food as being a terrible substitute for a true meal for the child. It forced her hoof, being the only thing she could find to possibly feed him. No way would she allow him to starve. I need to make sure that was the last time he would eat that garbage. I feel like I can do it. Practicing just for this occasion. Her final attempt being so successful she was able to present the new blanket for Spots to sleep with. It was all thanks to those unicorns who are so generous with being vocal about their spells. A little trick they seemed proud of. I’m proud of it too.

Little did those unicorns know their magical tricks would be the thing that would bring happiness to this suffering baby deer.

She looked around the cave. More roots hanging from above. She winced seeing those ugly things. Feeling more shame she fed them to her precious baby. He deserved better. Then she saw something better. The rocks.

They floated over to her. Setting down on the blankets between her and Spots. A hoofful of them barely larger than Spots’ head. They would do. “I bet you’re hungry” she said to him. “Mommy has a treat for her special boy.” She smiled down at the rocks. I can do this. Just do what I did at home.

But what would work? That or that? No, not that. What can I do for this? Not certain what a baby deer would like. What would… she like? Now that as a dumb question that she tossed out. What would Soul like? So damn obvious. Every time I saw her eat back in the good, old days. I remember what she likes. Apparently, they were good. They sounded good.

Perhaps Spots would like them too.

5.24
Blight closed her eyes.

Ah… I can still picture those rocks. She took a deep breath. Exhaling. Twice more. Focusing on the image of those rocks. Feel the flow of magic just like always. Just like whenever I cast a spell. Yes, there it was. Just as I ask of it. It followed her every command. Just keep those rocks firmly planted in her vision. Do not let her eyes open. She had to do as she did before, just like what the unicorns did. Close out all distractions. Ignore the sounds of everything. From Spots’ breathing to the sound of the wind outside.

This was going to work.

Everything was working just like before. Nothing changed in her routine. Only let the rocks be the focus. Imagine them. Know them. Don’t let anything look different from how I remember them. …And then…

Remake that sight anew.

She opened her eyes. She smiled.

It had worked.

Days upon days of trying and she could do it at will now. So successful, I… I can’t believe how good I got at it. Almost making her want to scream in excitement. The rocks were gone. Left in their place were the leaf topped red orbs Soul taught her to know as strawberries.

Food, real food for her baby. All made possible thanks to those unicorns. The magic they called ‘transmutation’. A way to feed this deer now. She willed her magic to push the orbs closer to Spots. Close enough so he would not need to move too much to get at them. “Go on, eat up.” He sniffed at one of the fruits. Curiously picking at the leaves before… he bit it! Oh yes! Seeing him eat the leaves and then move on to chomp away at the fruit itself. He likes them. Eating the first one up and wasting no time to get at the next. Bits of juice left dripping from his mouth.

Finally he had real food. Just what my baby needed. I can’t believe I have the talent to do this. A trick she wished she knew earlier for when she could have fed Soul as a filly. Maybe then, that filly would grow up to like me. Just like Spots here. His constant companionship. He must like me caring for him. He’s gonna love me even more for feeding him.

One by one the strawberries disappeared. He kept going while Blight watched. Fascinated to see every reaction the deer had while he ate. How his ear twitched. A little chortle in his throat that sounded so sweet. Then he paused to look up at her. Locking eyes with Blight. Lovingly smiling back at the deer. She could see her own dragon eyes reflected in those shimmering black beads he had. Never at all afraid of looking at Blight.

5.25
Spots finished eating. Leaving just four behind. He is probably full now They were food for later then. Blight could not be here forever. I don’t want to go home but… I have to. Now that I know how to do this, I have work to do.

Make a real home for Spots.

My home may be just as cold as this cave, but I can make it so that he would feel more comfortable than inside a reeky hole. Now that he was eating well again, I hope he’ll get strong again soon so he can walk around the house on his own. When he may move without being in pain. Until then, I need to keep him here.

She placed the remaining strawberries into the box along with the old blankets, pulling them back in. Spots found himself safe inside the box once more. A strip of bedding reached up. Gently petting itself over the deer’s head. His ears fell down and he cocked his head. Blight loved it. He loves me for sure.

“Mommy loves you so much.” She brought the new blanket forward. “Let’s not forget your gift. Keep you nice and warm.” Her magic tucked the edges of the purple blanket into the box. Doing her best to fit as much in as she could and keep room for Spots. It curled over the back of the box. Going up and down. Essentially ringing the deer in the soft bedding. She brought it down over his body. Tucking it in under those little legs. Only his adorable face popped out. Nice and snug. He even yawned thanks to it. His voice squeaking just as he did it. The sound alone tantalized Blight’s ears.

“Aww are you sleepy? So you’re telling me you did not sleep all day? Not at all?” Blight pressed him. He blinked slowly. Keeping his little eyes sheltered beneath half closed lids. His answer. “Oh, alright. I’ll send you off to dreamland.”

5.26
Blight set herself back down on the blankets that still hung out from that box. Rolling over onto her side. Her head placed just outside the box so she could watch him drift to sleep. I love watching him fall asleep, especially when I help him fall asleep. The little guy needed his rest more than anything. What can I do to help him? Everything she did always sent him off. He listens to me sing and talk to him. He is a good listener. So quiet whenever I talk to him. It would feel nice to talk to him again about things.

Tell him about the day? What happened. I wish I had more to talk about. These boring days being so lost onto her yet he always kept himself awake to listen to her. Did he find interest? Why not?

“I dug out another house back at the village today” she started. “A lot more snow than the others. Even some of the windows were completely covered.” She made an impression of snow covering the opening to Spots’ box with her leg rising from below and all the way up to the top. Not knowing if he understood the motion. But she kept going anyways. “But this one had icicles. You know what icicles are? Weird little shafts of sharpened ice hanging from the house’s roof. Like it had fangs. I admit, I was kind of worried they may fall on me. But none of them did. I was even able to get the door cleared out too.”

She looked back at Spots. He had not moved. Keeping his head raised and nose pointed right at her. A twitch of his ear and a curl of his lip. “No, I didn’t get the chance to look inside so I’m not sure what was inside.”

She sighed. “Soul came at that time and… made me angry again so I had to call it a day.”

This is only the second time I’ve told him about Soul. He knew nothing about her. Just a name on a pony that I live with. One I never like to talk about with him. Even if he were a good listener he would have nothing to say about Soul. Nothing that would help Blight feel any better about the mare. But… he should know more about what happened today.

Soul was a better pony anyways. Not a freak like Blight with nothing good about her. Nothing worthwhile to say. I know this. I bet Spots would love to hear about her.

5.27
“Soul had a good day” she said. “She’s a Pegasus pony just like I am. Locked away here with me, away from all her friends and family. But she still has her wings. She trained today, trying to get better at flying or something… trying to get fast and strong… so she can go anywhere.”

Spots grumbled a little. Shifting that tiny head of his. Catching Blight by surprise with his reaction. Like he were saying something. She could only improvise. Continue to tell a good story to him. “No, I did not train with her.” Her left wing, free to breath the air unlike the opposite that was squished under her body, rose up to flaunt the massive length of it. All the brilliant black feathers as large as Spots was wide. “But it would have been nice. She doesn’t like me to train with her… or do anything really because I just get in her way. Nothing like we used to be when we were friends.”

Her eyes left those of Spots. I’m losing track of what I was saying. It easily came up. Every time I think of Soul, everything always comes back. All the pain and sadness. The life I could have had with Soul, now gone. It is so painful to remember how things used to be so long ago. How I wish for them again. Those few days when Soul and I were friends and we played together. Grown into a mare who only ignores me. I won’t earn that trust back after all I did to her.

Spots set his head down on the blanket with a little squeak coming from his closed mouth. His eyes strained up to look at her, and she looked back. Seeing herself in his eyes again. With yellow eyes shining thanks to tears. I never even knew I was crying. Wiping the tears away with a hoof.

“Oh Spots. We used to be so good to each other. Sweetheart. That’s what I called her. She even wanted me to be her family. I miss those days. Soul is such a kind girl; with so much love to give to the ponies she cares for. She works so hard to make them happy. She’s even training just so she can make her best friend happy again because she earned Soul’s affection. …I would like her to make me happy too. Like a whole different pony around me. Resentful, selfish. Leaving me all alone all the time because she has more important things to do. Leave me like every other pony. She even… makes fun… of me.”

Soulblight let herself go. Damn it, I’m crying in front of him. Feeling disgusting for acting this way in front of him. I have no right to tell him how I feel. Spots was the one who was alone from his family. A sweet and innocent little thing with his love taken from him by something he could not control. He had all the right to be sad… and upset with whomever… hurt him. Still Blight continued to cry. Holding her face inside her hooves. Don’t look at me.

But she heard a little sound. A ruffle of the blankets making her peek out over her legs. Spots had set his own leg out. Reaching out from his comfy coverings and out to her. Landing just short of being able to touch Soulblight’s nose. Close that her long mane even went through his hoof.

He still cared. After everything he went through, he still cares for me. Soulblight could just imagine if he could have reached. If things were different. He’d be petting me, wouldn’t he? I would love that. Something out there to love me and care for me. “Thank you” she whispered. Spots laid down. Keeping his hoof reaching out to her. The little deer fell asleep. Soulblight also laid her head down. Looking back down, down the length of her stomach. Free to the air for a moment. Her left wing coming down to blanket her own body. Seeing it perfectly. Watching down in the depths of her dark body.

So much room, I can certainly hold somepony in my wing. I want to hold somepony. Keep them warm while they slept. They would be smiling all thanks to me… just as what I wanted to do with Soul back when she was just a sweet little filly. Soulblight could still see it after all this time. She whispered.

“She does not know that I still love her after everything. That filly who made me smile for the first time.”

She lay there silently in the cold of the night.

5.28
“Nine hundred ninety-seven. Nine hundred ninety-eight. Nine hundred ninety-nine.”

Soul pushed herself for the final blow. All the strength in her wings welling up even if they had been exhausted to the brink of buckling on her. Looking like that may happen at any time. Just like always. Just shows I’m doing this right. Those wings were all that were keeping her up off the ground. The only thing doing that. All four of her legs she kept folded against her gut. Then… it felt so much better when those wings pushed her back up. Happy and confident she had the strength left to finish it all off. Her magnificent wings extending as far as they could go in this position to throw her back up.

“One thousand!”

She let go. Her entire body slamming right back down to the snow. So much snow flew up into her face when her wings plummeted to the ground as well. Breathing so deep. Almost panting. She had to lap up some of the snow in front of her. All of it melting right in her mouth. Icy cold. Tastes good. Gulping it all down over and over. This being her first water break since morning. Melted snow tastes like shit, but… so much better after these workouts.

The evening Sun already was out. Another long and strenuous day in the mountains. But no workout was too much. I failed too many times, so just need to work harder. Five hundred would not cut it. One thousand. Less water breaks meant more time for speed training in the middle of her bouts of aerial maneuvers. Today giving her the task of circling clouds fast enough to tear them apart. It felt good seeing those dark masses get shredded. Also leaving her a little dizzy. More go’s at dodging and going back and forth over the looming crater carrying a heavy boulder in her four hooves, refusing to let her wings tire out and keep her speed the same with every lap. All of it went so well.

She could finally reward herself by just resting. Rest atop her favorite mountain and watch the Sun. Panting hard to regain her breath and letting those wings lay still. Five minutes. That should be good enough, then I can go back home. I’ll have to see if I can beat my speed record this time.

5.29
Four damn seconds. To and fro, every time I try, my wings just can’t push me past that time it takes to fly back home. That was just not fast enough. It had been proven when she hurt herself testing out the mighty storm clouds, and it had to be improved. No more. No more nightmares. No more being all alone. I promised myself this.

Yet… I still fell asleep last night. Nice and comfortable on the new sofa watching the movements of the sky like it were some sort of lullaby. Damn things made me fall asleep and… and I got to do it all over again. Another night. Another nightmare

Rainbow Dash...

She doesn’t hate me. She didn’t. It’s just not true. Not how she would be. I don’t care if every other pony in the world hates me, but I can’t ever let Dash hate me. I will fight for her. The more I fail, the longer I will be away from her.

No, it won’t last long. I will return to her. Rainbow Dash. Soulblight. Even if both of them don’t like me, I still like both of them for all they did for me. Damn it! I did it again. No, they do like me. Stop failing. Stop feeling all alone. I was a jerk to both of them and need to earn their friendships again. An attempt she tried with Blight early this morning.

Right at the crack of dawn. Hoping to find the black Pegasus out and about in the village like normal. She was shocked to not find her at all. Not even in her house. Possibly out flying. Even though Blight would always be welcome to fly with Soul. Blight is a Pegasus just like me, she must need to satisfy that desire too. I never did find her. She must be avoiding me. Like Dash is.

I will do anything I can to be friends with Dash again, and with Blight. Soulblight will be home. She had to be by now. Once Soul got there, she promised herself during the day to ask Blight to fly with her. No tricks or training. Just a nice ride in the wind. Spend time with one another. There would be no way Blight would turn her down. Offering the Pegasus to partake in the very thing Soul loved to do the most. What a treat! Maybe she would be able to fly back home faster than her record too.

I just know I can do this. Two things in one day. All thanks to these awesome wings of mine. Already recovered from their workouts. They both seemed just as excited as she was. Both wings arcing out. I’m gonna it. Today!

“I’m gonna break my record.”

5.30
Soul stood back up. Ignoring the pain in her legs, what little discomfort was left in her wings. They could fly again. Just do a little more for today then they would be allowed a nice and gentle rest flight with Soulblight. She pushed them so hard all day long that one more flight would be such an easy thing. I’m a strong Pegasus. I can do this.

She stepped. Shrieking when one of her forelegs gave out. Oh crap!

Her wings caught her. A flap so embarrassingly strong she that she almost fell backwards with how much force she put into it. She saw that mistake, adjusting quickly to prevent it and getting back on her hooves again. Haha, oh man. That… that must have looked funny. I’m sort of glad nopony is out here. My wings are too strong. A good sign.

She walked back over to the ledge overlooking the vast plain of snow below from where her and Blight’s village sat tucked away. Way down there and so very far away. The distance alone, no Pegasus could look at it and think they can do it in a few seconds. Easy to scare them off. What babies. I will do anything for the ponies important to me. Even achieving these wings. Fly to Dash, fly with Blight. All possible thanks to these harrowing flights.

This vast expanse of snow between the only two things out here. I want to try and cut my goal in half. That should be fast enough to get right through those storms. Two seconds. Two and I can do it. With four seconds, I do better against the storms… until I fall right on my butt. Speed was not good enough. Her awareness not good enough. Constantly running into clouds so dark she could not see. Unable to stay on the narrow openings of the storms.

I need to keep training.

As hard as it may get. SI will do it. Bring myself and Blight to a better life than this. “I will do it. For my two friends.”

5.31
Her wings came right back up to life. Willed to do what she wanted. One last push for today she readied for.

Kneeling down prepared to push herself forward over the edge. With the wind striking at the back of her wings. Unmoving. Their intensely strong masses keeping straight until she wanted otherwise. Which would come… three.

Two.

One.

She kicked herself off the mountain. Those massive wings kicked in. Back into the feeling that she loved. All the wind and skies around her. The clouds before her. All the dreary sights of winter split by what little sunlight could grace it all exploded around her. Blasting past her faster than one would be able to see. Like no pegasi could experience. Not even when I was younger.

The clouds tearing to nothingness before her, sunlight warped so much it seemed to fall flat along her vision. As if the Sun itself was dying. Even the wind itself. She could practically see it. All the bands of blue and white coiling about in an endless scene going by so fast she could miss it if she blinked. Yet it was too exhilarating. Too much to be able to blink. All the sights and sounds of her immeasurable progress. Perfectly catching sight of every single flake of snow passing her by quick enough that they flew past her sideways. No more illusion of them falling to the earth. I can see everything. Nothing… nothing can escape my eyes and… going this fast, oh what a thrill.

The sound of thunder behind her. Booming loud in her ears each time she felt her wings flap. Like they were beating drums rather than the air. A boom pounding away in every direction she heard. Listening to it all like a powerful song as the village flashed in closer. Like it grew to life in front of her. Getting closer and closer and the air lost its dark hue with clouds freed of her path. Just seeing that blur of blue around the village. A village she saw entirely.

There was her house. Blight’s. Her porch and the sofa. She could even spot the doll she left to sit atop the sofa. So far away. Closing in faster than Soul could think of anything besides the numbers she counted. Coming clear as she forced her wings to a screeching halt. Ending the entire sight of a world of blue and lights. Angling her wings in a snap to come in for a landing right at the location she pinpointed in her flight.

Her hooves rammed so hard into the snow, sending sheets of the icy liquid flying about her. The earth shaking and rumbling. But Soul felt just fine.

One shallow breath.

An easy flight. Still didn’t make her any less angry.

“Damn it!”

5.32
Four seconds again.

And it was right as I landed too, like always. No improvement.

What was supposed to work? I’ve been training so much and did so much work. So many hours that I could have spent with Blight. Forcing herself through till the late hours of the day just to get past that damn number. I never can get to it. Like her wings were not getting any better than had been for months. …And they…

Soul winced.

Screaming loudly and almost falling to her knees. Keeping those very wings she worked on high in the air, trembling. Their spans twitching. Soul tried to clear her mind. Tried to. It failed and she hissed loudly. Her wings hurt so much right now. She felt all of it. A piercing sting going down her entire spans, not even noticing it till now. Celestia, they hurt just as bad as when I started training for the first time.

She had to let them calm down. Just run the course of it. Let them suffer through the pain for just a moment or two before she got used to it. This was nothing. I’ve felt worse in the past. It was still terrifying how bad it could get. Pushing them too hard today.

MY wings know I want to improve and they do their best. And I ignored them all day. Soul hated what she did to them and now they repaid her. Oh they are repaying me for sure. The pain was subsiding now, but… tomorrow. Soul shuddered at the thought. Just like before. It really was like everything was punishing her now. How great. I never give myself a break.

Soul shook her head. Ignoring it to the best of her extent. Slowly placing both wings back down on her sides, keeping them unfolded and laying on the ground. No flying or moving them for now. Just let them rest. She needed to find Blight first, that was the priority. Ignore the pain. I want to hang with my friend.

5.33
She wandered around outside her own house with wings dragging behind her, taking a peek in her window to make sure Blight was not holed up inside. Not finding her, she continued on to look all around her house. Looking over at every house in the village. All of them in plain sight from where her house stood.

Looked much like the same as she remembered. No new houses unburied. All of them vacant on the outsides. So Blight had not tended to any of the houses today? Weird. She seems to like doing that. She may be distant and angry a lot, but Blight did have a cleanliness side to her.

Soul glanced over to Blight’s house. Its snow topped roof over walls with fully uncovered windows. A scene reminding Soul of her first great disappointment. When she came back the first day of training to find Blight had already done what they were supposed to do together and no intention to do any further. Soul being left to fend for herself for the night and lay in her bed sad with nothing to do. Those windows… always leave me sad that I rarely do anything with Blight,

Tonight would be different.

Soul trotted over to Blight’s house. Going around the corner to where her uncovered door sat. The new opening for her house, replacing that ugly hole in the roof Blight patched up. Again without Soul. A door much like Soul’s own. These houses all really were the same. I still don’t know why mine is the only one with a porch.

Wandering past the window next to the doorway, her eyes glanced in. Just for a moment. That was all that was needed. She gasped.

“What the hell?!”

5.34
Soul sent the door flying open. Its wooden make slamming right into the wood of the wall, followed with the sounds of Soul’s hooves stepping onto… soft carpet.

Soul was speechless. Stunned completely at what she saw. Looking left and right to take it all in. Like a whole new world to her.

It… was pretty.

A house unlike any other she had seen in the village. Because none of these houses could look like this. Is that… a table? Set in the middle of the room, …even with chairs! Four of them! With padded cushions. More tables to her left. Smaller. Set about next to the sides of a rosy red sofa that was… huge. W-what? It’s big enough for like three ponies! Its surface lit in the glow of pairs of candles set on the little tables. Lit with tiny, flickering flames.

I… can’t believe what I’m seeing. It’s like… I’m in a house now. A real house. There was so much in here. Empty bookcases, shelves hanging on the walls. Sitting behind the large table in the middle, …and was that…?

A chandelier?

Hanging right above all this from a chain in the middle of the ceiling. Soul backed away at the sight of that. Amazing… and, that’s a bed! A huge one. Just like where my bed is in my house, and it has blankets and… what the hell?! How did… where is Blight?

Soul felt dumb. There was Blight, right there by the bed. The black Pegasus set down with her eyes glued to the bed but she gave a little glance back to Soul. “A knock would be appreciated” she said. Saying it like this was normal. A knock? You sound so casual. How can you even talk like this? None of this was right.

Blight’s house always had been empty. A dark little room that always made me feel bad that Blight lived in it. This room, now it really was like something from back home.

Slowly walking in, she even saw the very carpet she walked on had changed. Reeling her head back in astonishment. Completely patched up, no holes in sight to blemish the tan color of it. It felt soft to her hooves. Soul just wandered past it. I just can’t believe what I’m seeing.

This was amazing. Soul actually wanted to smile about it. It was all too excellent. Like a little taste of home. The home she missed. Looking just like what real homes are like. This would be a nice place to live in. Even seeing the cushions of the chairs she walked by had little bows tied in the shapes of hearts to keep them in place on the chairs set in a black finish that matched that of the table they surrounded. All the furniture being black. As dark as Blight herself. Like a little piece of her in each one.

5.35
“What are you doing?”

Soul shook her head. Turning to look back at Blight whom she did not even know she wandered by. Blight looked a little concerned. I must have looked weird. Humiliated that she got caught up in the sights. Just talk like nothing happened.

“Blight, …where did you get all this stuff?” Blight did not answer immediately. She glanced her dragon eyes down. Oh no, I know what she’s looking at. Soul folded her wings back up.

“…I found them. You’d be surprised what things are hidden away in this village.” So this had been the rewards of cleaning up the village? Did Blight get all this stuff from the houses I didn’t help her with? That was terrible. Now I really regret not helping her. I should have pressed harder. Not run away from Blight whenever she got mad at me. Insist on staying and helping out. Even if they were to work in the night. What wonders they could find together.

Soul and Blight together uncovering the treasures of this village. Laughing in excitement together when they found a house full of valuables to them. I missed all of that. All that fun. No wonder Blight was always mad at her. Spending all that time together, wasted. Not anymore.

All this stuff in here, …surely there must be more in the village. So many houses still left buried in snow. We can work together and totally make my house look good too. But with what? I want a new bed. More blankets. A comfy and large sofa to put in front of the fireplace so we can sit on it together. Curtains with imprints of a skyline on them. That would look so nice.

“You found all of this? That’s amazing.” Soul walked away from Blight. Careful to step over a pile of fresh candles left on the floor for a place to sit. Coming back over to where the table was. She felt the cushions the chairs had. Feeling how soft they were. Poofy. Stuffed to the brim. Like she could bounce just by sitting down on them. “These are so nice.” She took another look at the heart knots Blight must have done. “These cushions are so cute. You’re such a softy, Blight.” “Umm… thanks” Blight said.

5.36
Soul walked past the chairs. I need to get a look at this couch. I gotta… Soul winced. Yelping suddenly. Another sharp pain in her left wing this time. Kneeling off to her side about ready to fall over if she had not caught herself. What was that?

Soul looked back down at her poor wing trembling at her side. Right there… next to the chair she had passed. She ran right into it. That was not going to be good. She had enough pain not to look forward to tomorrow. Hitting her wings would not help. She wanted to shrug it off. More so now that Blight was watching. No doubt seeing how much pain that strike to her wing caused.

“So your wings are hurt” she said.

Damn, she noticed. Please just don’t be too concerned about it. I really don’t need Blight worrying. I’m a strong Pegasus. I will get over it like I always do. Don’t let it get in the way of our fun. No, just ignore it and check out this sofa. “Never mind that” Soul said. “I love this couch of yours.” She ran one of her hooves over its length. It’s amazing how soft it is. Soft and large enough for her to even sleep on it. It really did feel as nice as it looked. Especially with how Blight put those tables next to it with their candles. Somepony could easily lay on it and read. If they had books. Maybe there are books hidden away somewhere! I’d love to kick back on this thing.

“It looks so nice. I never thought you’d be into fashion.” Blight must be blushing back there over that, I bet. Blight actually talked a little quick to that. “Yes, it is nice. I picked up a few things.” Well whomever it was who taught Blight how to decorate, Soul would be just fine having the black Pegasus tend to wherever she could live when they went back to Cloudsdale. I’ll help too. It’d be a nice thing for them to do together. Just like now. That was it!

5.37
“Hey Blight!” Soul said turning back around with a jump. Slowly wagging her tail just behind her large wings. “I can help you fix up your house. Add a little of my charm.” Whatever my charm is. Gotta figure that one out. But it would still be nice. We can finally do something together. Nothing spells a good friend like helping somepony fix up their house. I’ll totally help. Then we can go flying in the starlight together. I don’t care if my wings will be hurt, I’ll power through it. This opportunity could not be passed up.

Blight glanced down at her carpet. Not meeting Soul’s eyes. Her expression actually disheartened Soul. She looked upset. Like she had bad news. But…

“Soul, you injured yourself today. I think you should just rest for the night” Blight said in a low tone. Soul felt her heart also drop.

No, no, no. If only she did not notice my wings. If only I had not been stupid today. …Or maybe… Blight is pushing me away again. No, please don’t.

“I-it’s alright. I don’t need wings to help you” Soul stammered. “I just trained too hard, it’s no biggie.” They really weren’t. Even if they stung a little as she spoke, she could ignore it. Ignore it and Blight would not have to throw me out. Don’t get rid of me. I’ll be a good Pegasus like all ponies want of me. I’ll be good company for you. …I need her company. I don’t care. I’ll put up with it, anything to be a good friend for you. I just want to make another pony happy.

I won’t do to you what I did to Dash.

Soul eyed the candles still laying on the floor and walked over to them. Picking one up between her teeth. “I can help put these up. No hurt wings will stop me” she said. Looking all around to find a good place to put it. “Oh we can put some up on these shelves” she said pointing to the ones sitting along the wall. That would look good. Fly up there and make Blight happy with her work.

So she did. Bringing her wings back up no matter how much it hurt. Both of them pounding in protest to her moving them. Yet she still flapped them. Gradually getting off the ground and grunting with each move they made. Trying hard to get closer to the shelves above her.

“Soul” Blight said sternly. It made her freeze.

“Stop it.”

Soul looked back down at Blight. Her eyes gazing up at her and she frowned. Those dark dragon eyes and how disciplined her voice was sounding. Something about them. Soul felt worried of disobeying them. They… they scare me.

All the pain and worry, it all made her come back down to the ground.

5.38
“You need to continue your training” Blight said. “And I’d rather not have you act this way, it only interferes with your real goals.”

But my goal is to be with you.

“I know you want to work even harder tomorrow, and I can’t stop you, but your wings take priority over anything else. I know you love them very much.”

I do but not as much as friends.

“Night is coming, so just go home and lay down. Leave me out of your mind and focus on what’s important.” She was saying it all so sternly. Like she is demanding this stuff. Soul kept her head low to the ground listening, and thinking over it all. Over the truth in the matter. I’m being pushed away by her. Again. Just like yesterday. Yelling at her. Getting her back for all the mean things I did to her when I was a kid.

I hate it, but… I deserve it. All of what Blight has been doing to me. Because of what I did to her.

Ending the friendship the two had. Calling her a freak. Breaking her heart. I took her heart and stomped on it. I… I really was terrible to her. Destroying the beautiful relationship they had for such a short time. It was all my fault. It’s like nothing I do can heal it.

All she wanted to do was spend time with Blight. Dash could wait.

Everything bad that had happened to the black Pegasus. All the tears and anger. That great distance between the two. All of it is my fault. She deserved to be punished. Just like… with Dash so long ago.

Soulblight hates me.

5.39
“I understand.” Soul whispered. “I’ll leave.”

She slowly dragged her hooves along the carpet. In the end, I only got one thing out of all of this. Soulblight’s hate.

She doesn’t want my company, but I want hers. Even if I fail, I vow to keep trying. I will keep trying till I prove to her that I am here for her.

…But why would it not stop hurting?

Silent and lasting. Beating hard in her heart. Building deep within and unable to leave. She would not let it. Blight did not need to see.

She shut the door behind her. Walking back out into the snowy world that was her only companion. This… this is my world until the day I can prove to the ponies I love that I am there for them.

The ones who make me hurt so bad.

Soul cried.

Soulblight cried.

5.40
“Ah man I really screwed up” Soul said. Pacing all across the snow for the hundredth time. Leaving a hefty trail of hoofprints scattered along the thin snow layering the wood of her porch. “Why did I have to walk out?” I completely messed up what I wanted to do. Now night had already fallen and… and Blight was still all alone in her house, and I’m alone out here.

So what if my wings hurt? All I needed to do was insist. Let her know I could play with her and just ignore the pain. Rest the next day even. Anything to spend time with her. But no, I chickened out. I was a coward again! Now tonight is like every other night. Lonely. Failing again.

“I’m such a coward.” Even if Blight hates me, I just need to do anything to show her that I am still here for her. If she had to stay up all night to do that, so be it. Think of something, anything that would not leave Blight angry with her. But how? “What should I do?” She asked, turning around to face the one she hoped had the answers. Her Pegasus doll standing in the middle of the sofa. Quiet and just giving her back that same smile. Nothing to say.

“Yeah, …I got to do this myself.” She sat herself down, finally resting her legs after all this walking. Ugh, and now my wings hurt again. Both of them stinging all of a sudden. Able to be folded up again but no less in pain. They keep just getting sore so randomly now. It made her wince, …and angry. Damn wings. Why could they not succeed? The sooner they got stronger, the sooner I can make things right with Dash and I can stop getting hurt so much. It’s all their fault Blight is so upset with me. Blight must have been so mad I got hurt again and couldn’t play with her. I bet she wanted me to help her but of course I went against it.

Just like… when I betrayed Blight’s trust. …And now I can’t even trust myself.

How ugly. I can’t believe this stuff I’m thinking. My wings aren’t to blame. They were her glorious babies. She was just being too stupid. Not trying hard enough and being too reckless. Now those would never let her succeed in the Wonderbolts if she ever got the chance to join them.

I hurt my own wings. That is what ruined my chances to play with Blight. I’m so selfish to blame my wings.

5.41
Just let them rest for a while. Take it easier on them tomorrow because they were going to be even sorer when the Sun rose than they were now. An easy day of training. Haven’t done such a thing in a long time. Just practice her speed, nothing more. Besides…

I want to try that new technique I’ve been working on.

A little something from the old days when I used to fly super fast. I don’t know if it would make any difference now. Maybe I can still try. What’s the harm? Anything to try and escape. Escape to when she could find Rainbow Dash and prove all those nightmares wrong. Dash does not hate me. I will show her. I will do anything to make things right and Dash will be my friend again.

No more angry Dashes… making fun of me.

She rubbed a hoof along her other foreleg. Still feeling a little pain set deep in her heart. Maybe… it would be best not to sleep tonight. Just relax. Anything to avoid them. I’d rather train tomorrow with none of that crap on my mind. Nice and clear. Spend a few hours training and see if I can do something with Blight. Or… even better.

Soul had an idea. She doubted she could fly with Blight tonight… but tomorrow.

“I’ll train her!”

Blight wanted to do that in the first place. The first thing she asked to do with me when I decided to start training again. It could work. She has huge wings and all but… I don’t think she can do intense tricks. Not like I can do them too when my wings are like this. Just give her some pointers. Start her up and maybe she will be able to fly with me like a master in the future.

Alongside Dash and me.

Surely Soulblight will like that. There was nothing else to lose. Blight refused to allow Soul to partake in the things she liked to do, maybe she wanted to do the things Soul liked to do. She certainly needed to rest a little bit. Have her wings in better shape so as to at least impose the appearance of an impressive flight instructor rather than an injured rookie. She did just that. Jumping up onto the sofa and laying down along its length. Setting her little doll close to her, held against her side with a hoof. This sofa really was comfortable but not likely as much as the one Blight had. Still, it was hard to not want to fall asleep in it. Much like last night. The beautiful night sky and waiting for time to pass, did not help one bit. Tonight looked to be just as bad.

The night was so pretty. Looking up at it, Soul left her mouth agape at the lovely scenery the night imposed. With thin and dark clouds slowly passing by high overhead, clear of the gaze of the Moon. Its blueish white light given a chance to completely cast its glow on the Pegasus. It did look extra perfect tonight. The engraved mare along its berth shining bright blue in the shadow of a crescent surface shielded in white. It actually looked brighter tonight. Brighter than any other time, looked like. And all the stars flickering around it. Kind of like… the sky is smiling at me.

Maybe Blight will end up playing with me tomorrow. For a long time, I hope. Fly together till the next moonrise and they could sit below an incredible scene much like tonight. But what to do? What training would fit Blight? She was not fast and I have no idea if she had the skill to fly fast or pull off high altitude stunts. Or maybe just the basics.

That sounds so funny. Teaching an adult Pegasus the basics of flying. Like I’m Blight back into flight camp.

Now that would be cool. What if… that did happen? Soul thought. Soulblight… what if she had been a filly with me back at camp? That sounds funny. I’d love to see how she would look as a kid. How crazy she could be. It made her giggle under her breath.

Click

5.42
Soul silenced herself. Listening with raised ears at full attention. Did I just hear something? I swear I did. Sounded like a door being gently shut. Kind of loud. From Soulblight’s house.

She turned herself to face in the direction she knew the house to be. Hidden from her view thanks to the walls of snow grown around her porch. But she still saw it… high over the mounds of snow.

Soulblight.

The black Pegasus flying high into the sky, near blending in with the black of night. Her darkness shining silver in the glow of the Moon. Flying high… and away. She was leaving the village.

What, why is she leaving? She shouldn’t leave. This had not happened before. Blight never left like this. Oh no, did I hurt her feelings that much?!

No, she’s… she’s leaving me!

Leaving to find her own way out. She must have had enough of me. No, it couldn’t be. We still need to play tomorrow. I still need my friend! Not another one leaving me. No!

She leaped off the sofa and ran to the ramp. Coming up it to stand high atop the snow above. Watching after the dark figure disappearing into the night sky. Soul’s razor-sharp eyes still picking out the faintest hint of silver light. What can I do? I need to chase her, but… would she get mad at me? I can’t let her leave. I’d… I’d be in her way but… I don’t want her to go. Don’t leave me like… like mom.

“No, don’t leave me alone.” Soul took a step forward. Breathing rapidly. At a loss on what to do for there was nothing she could do. She had nothing to offer Blight in staying. My friendship means nothing to her. No enough to keep her here. But I still want her. I need her. Don’t leave me behind. Like they all did.

Don’t… I don’t want it to happen again. Her legs picked up, her wings spreading. She did not move, frozen. Her eyes shimmering in the light. Like when… I watched… her leave me so long ago. I stood there like an idiot, crying for her.

“I… I…” Soul knelt back. “I’m sorry.” She walked forward again. Halting. Stepping back. Keeping her raised hoof high in the air with nowhere to put it down. Go after her. Let her leave. Leave just like all the ponies in my life.

Just like Rainbow Dash.

“I don’t know what to do… to make you happy.”

5.43
Soulblight nudged another strawberry over the length of the blanket to nestle it right in between Spots’ legs where the little deer found it easier to nibble away at them. Still a messy eater though. Getting juice all over his face. She brought over another batch to set down next to him before she too sat down. Keeping herself close to him while he ate. Just like a protective mother, may as well be the case. Performing her new favorite magic in the corner of the cave as a way of hiding it from him. Give him a surprise when she turned around and he surely was happy. Surprising to see him actually jump around in the blanket when she presented the fruit. Like he were trying to stand up and run at them.

Sadly, she found his leg did not improve much over they day. In need of another bandage change soon.

“Eat up.” She pushed another one over to him. Again and again. Watching him eat each one. The food he needed to heal. Plenty of them too be able to last him the night and the coming day. But soon… soon I’ll bring you home and you can have a much nicer place to live in. “Mommy worked on our house today.” I’m so proud of how it is turning out. The transmutation was such a great spell, and I never run out of stuff to transform. Decorate and make it all look nice. But… I don’t know if I like it. All décor stuff, I know nothing about it. Luckily, there was a pony out in Equestria who did, and she was always so nice to overhear. Though she is a bit to descriptive with this stuff. Nonsense to me. Choosing to stick to a more simple design based of what she heard. Enough to make a comfortable home for Spots.

Finishing up another strawberry, Spots looked up at her. Licking his lips in satisfaction. If deer could smile he probably would right now. Happy hearing about all Blight was doing for him. She really was earning his love. “I even made a nice bed for us, these rags will not do.” She rubbed a hoof through the blankets they both lay on. Watching her hoof going within the threading themselves like they were nothing. All of these blankets besides the one she made yesterday were too ugly. Better to leave them here. Bring the nice one home when Spots could come home too. Then we can lay under the blanket each night and I can send you off to sleep myself. Because he is the only one who actually wants my help. I’d love to! Anything for a darling like him!

Oh, …I need to calm down, haha. Still though, I wish I could do a lot for him. Someday, I hope I’ll be able to actually touch things. I can’t hug him at all, not like this. No, I can only do so much. Stay by his bedside and sing him to sleep. Not very ideal.

5.44
She had nothing else to say about herself to keep him interested. Just not enough to really talk about. If only more happened in her life. In his life. Enough for him to talk about. Instead he finished up the last of the strawberries. But… today was a little eventful. Not in the way I would have liked it to be. Disappointing. All thanks to Soul who must have had quite a day. A day that… really got to me.

“Soul did some more training today. The fool hurt her wings yet again.” She really did need to stop doing that. How many times now was it that she got hurt. It always sucks when she does hurt herself. Hating feeling when Soul hurt herself, like that sharp pain I had earlier today in my wings. Of course it was Soul.

Spots took an interest. Leaning closer to her. Keeping his long ears up so she could see the long fur within them. Happy to hear everything she had to say. How kind of him. Unlike Soul. “Trying to get through that storm again today.” She rolled her eyes. “She keeps failing in reaching that goal of hers. Gets hurt so much yet she always recovers and tries again.” That was Soul’s temperament anyways. A trait I can never get rid of, even if I sometimes do want her to give up. Those huge wings Soul had being the evidence to how much the mare did not give up. Soon enough, those wings would accomplish it. That… is terrifying. “…But she will succeed eventually” Blight said sadly. You and I will be the only ones left in this dreary place. A nice buddy to have around and keep me company, but… he’s not the same. He’s not the pony I wanted to be friends with. A friend I saw long ago in Soul. What she needed from the pony. And that pony is going to leave me behind, I’ll never be her friend again. Leaving her as angry as she was now. Angry like she had been when she saw the proof of Soul’s attempt to leave her today.

“I don’t know what to do, Spots.” She lay down. Crossing her forelegs together. Keeping her eyes planted on the lonesome rocks set along the sides of the cave. Dark and rigid. Hardened. “She’s making so much progress and eventually we will be apart all because I can’t earn her trust.” She slid her head down onto her legs. “She’ll always hate me, until she forgets me entirely and I can’t think of anything to stop her. Stop her so we may start over.” Those wings of Soul’s are so much faster than me, I can’t catch up. Faster than I can even think, and they will do it. It will happen. Soul would be free of me and back home before I have any chance to show her I am there for her. Keep her around long enough to be able to change Soul’s mind about me.

Just weather her hatred.

Work hard to make everything right with her and it will all work out in the end. If only Soul did not ruin our chances. If only Soul did not hate me… and always do everything to avoid me, hurt me.

“What do you think I should do, Spots?”

5.45
The deer stared at her. Blinking once before looking over at the same rocks Blight had been staring at. His dead stare gave no answer. He would not know what to do anyways. I’m the adult here. “Yeah, …not really anything can stop her from leaving me…” Blight blinked. Looking back over at the rocks. Unmoved seeing them like this. Even as Spots shuffled in his blanket. He started mumbling. So what? I’d rather… not deal with him right now. As the cave glowed red. Disappearing whenever she blinked. “Nothing I can do…”

…Besides… clipping her wings.

Soulblight gasped. The red ran away from her sight.

What? No!

She shook her head. Get rid of the thoughts. Do not ever be that way. Not like before. I’ve gone so long without thinking that way. So many years passed by with no incident. Can’t let it flare up again.

Hurting Soul is wrong. It is wrong to think that way. Soul needed love and compassion. That was the only way to fix this. Even if the mare never accepted it, anger was not going to work. No getting angry at her. The only pony I need to be mad at is myself, I’m such a sick pony thinking about…

Cutting her wings off.

Blight gagged. Ugh, no. I can’t even imagine it. She calmed herself back down. Let all her anger go away. Instantly. It is not what I should be. Not what Soul wants in me. …But she had failed to hide it. Immediately noticing her dear Spots flailing in his blankets. Trying desperately to kick himself away from her. Wait, did he?

He had seen it!

“No, no. It’s alright” she whispered to him. Extending a hoof to the deer’s face. She hushed him. Smiling down at the baby deer and keeping calm. Get rid of all the anger and fear. Do a good job at showing him she was still the kindly Pegasus he knew her as. “Shhhh” she pronounced as her magic came to life. Grabbing hold of the purple blanket and gently bringing it forward to Spots. Wrapping the soft and warm bedding around his tiny body and covering him. Make him feel safe. Show him she still was his nice mother, and she waited. Don’t get angry again. Insisting on him to quiet down and assure him everything was okay. He believed it.

The deer stopped kicking and laid still. Setting his head down on the blanket wrapped around his chest. Looking back over at Blight. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’m not angry. It’s okay.” She exhaled hard.

A lie.

5.46
Blight let enough time pass for Spots to completely settle down. Feeling comfortable that he saw her as a good Pegasus again. I just hope he forgets what I’m like when I’m angry. Damn and my eyes must have looked that way again. Hope he just thinks it was my magic. Anything to not let their bond be destroyed. I don’t think anything bad happened. Spots was fine with her approaching him again. Bringing herself right back up to where he lay so she may lay down as well. He still liked her. So I can still tend to him. Make sure he never felt the same way she did.

“I’m sorry. Did you still want me to stay with you tonight?” He did not protest. That was why she loved him. He forgives me and wants to be with me… even if I can do so much to harm him and others. I will never let him know what I can do.

She placed one of her hooves close to the injured leg, left to jut out from underneath the blanket. It still had to be tended to and she needed to do whatever it took to keep his trust. “I’m just going to check your leg for you, make it feel a little better.”

Her magic came to life. The calm and soothing sights of her darkness giving no reason or feeling to cause him discomfort. Only there to help him. She went through the same process as yesterday. Careful removal and examination of his wound. Not much better. Blood still continued to leak out and drip down the fur of his leg. A continuous sad sight for her in how much pain he must be suffering from. What if he was thinking he may never walk again? I hope not. Much like the mothers in Equestria always secretly worried over their injured children no matter what reassurance they gave them. No matter how minor the injury. I feel the same way as them.

She groaned. “Oh… if only I weren’t so useless.” Spots reeled up to look at her directly. Like he were telling her not to say that.

…What did those mothers do for their hurt children?

That was right. Maybe I can try that. It sounds so silly, like really, what is it supposed to do? It just confuses me whenever I think about it. There just seemed to be no purpose. Well… maybe. I have an idea, maybe it is because… the kids like it. Would you like it too?

I think he would feel better if I did that for him. I don’t know but may as well try. What’s the harm? I can do it.

“Mommy will help you feel better.”

5.47
Blight came closer to the injured leg so she may bring her head down close enough to keep it right above the wound. Her chin fur nearly touching his own fur were it not for how her body was. That left her a little disappointed. I’ve never done this before. I don’t know how it will be. This was for Spots. Not for me. The deer didn’t even struggle or move away from her. He did not care about her being so close to his wound.

Well, …here goes something.

She reached down. The sight of the blood and the ugly opening being plain as day in her eyesight. So close to see every detail. It disgusted her. Damn near forced her to feel sorry for him knowing his body being blighted by such a sight. He had to feel better. Do this just like those mothers. Does it even matter where I do it? Blight knelt closer and looked along the wound. Careful to not tower over him. Freak Spots out seeing just how huge she was to him. Coming closer till she stopped. Just short.

I guess… here?

The brown fur was so close. The bloody wound filling her vision and she did it.

Setting her lips down upon the cut. Give it her kiss.

I did it! Wow, I actually feel… good doing this. Glancing up seeing what she wanted. Spots himself staring over at her. Watching this miracle she doubted a baby deer may ever experience for a Pegasus like herself to kiss him just to make him feel better. It was nice. So nice Blight wanted it to last as she closed her eyes. Letting this go on and on in her mind with only the sound of dripping water and the wind still connecting her to the outside world. But she still had to let go. Hearing the small sound of her lips smacking slightly when she released them and lifting her head back up to smile at him. She could swear he looked a little sleepier now. Not upset at all. Nothing bad having happened.

I feel so good. I… I think I did help him. The silence of the night broke by a sound.

Blight looked down.

5.48
She looked back down at his leg. Horrified.

What was this?

I don’t… Blight gasped. Darkness all around that leg.

My magic!

But I’m… I’m not controlling it. I still have my magic. What the hell is it doing to him? I just...

A cloud of black mist warping over the entirety of the wound. Seeping inside and flaring out strongly to send the fur swaying. Oh no, I did something wrong. This had never happened before. Her magic never could do this. Yet here it was doing it. Defying her will for it to stop. Even no magic escaped her body to try and stop it. Speechless while it all spread over his leg till nothing but darkness remained. His beautiful fur gone and it made her cry in fear. What did I do?!

None of her magic responding. No way to stop it. No. No. No! I can’t let this happen. Blight stood tall over him, trying her hardest to take control of it again.

I have to stop it. That’s my magic. I can’t let it... it will kill him.

“No! Spots!” Blight came in. Roaring her wings out to bring a great shadow down on him. As dark as the disease spreading over his leg. Her own legs coming in and stopping to simply pierce through his body with no effect. Not even able to hug him. No way to comfort him. When all I want to do is show him how sorry I am. Because I can’t… stop this. Nothing. She could not stop her magic.

“No, I’m so sorry.” She looked down at him with tears in her eyes. Her massive body dwarfing his own like she were a tower over him. Trying to keep him protected from a threat she could not defeat.

She cried… but he was quiet.

Wait… he’s… calm? The deer blinked and stared at her. Not even panicking. No, just looking at her with those normal, black eyes of his. His cheeks rising.

What? Was that…?

The little deer gave her a tiny smile. So small she almost missed it. Smiling until the darkness dispersed.

Blight gasped.

5.49
It was all gone. All the wrong colors covering the deer’s leg. The darkness disappeared with no trace left behind. Nothing for her to feel out and believe it still existed. It really was completely gone leaving only the brown of his fur, …and only brown.

Spots’ wound was gone!

“W-what?” She had to look over and over. Going up and down the length of his leg. Nothing. It was gone. I have to be seeing things. Blinking rapidly to try and get rid of the trick. Gone. She backed away to give Spots some room. Sitting down lazily. Staring with disbelief that this happened. Then Spots did something amazing.

He rocketed up to stand on all four of his little legs. Letting the blanket fall right off of him so he may jump out and take a few steps to the entrance of the cave. His entire body shook like electricity took him. Wiggling that little white tail he had before he came right back over to Soulblight. Walking all on his own right up to her to try and touch her. His black nose setting itself to her chest only to go through her. But that did not stop him from trying to rub her. Me? The pony who cared for him and now… now I did something like this!?

Soulblight had to smile.

“Spots! You can walk!” He placed the side of his little body into Blight’s chest and he galloped right back to his blankets. Jumping happily on top of them. That injured leg itself more animated than all the others up to the point where it stilled itself so he may face her directly. Staring at her. Standing. Like nothing wrong had happened. So happy. Because… I did this for him. This was me.

Kissing him did do something after all. Nothing like what the mothers in Equestria could do. Is this really what I can do? My magic? She felt a hoof against her own lips. Rubbing them amazed at what they just did. I never did anything like this before. Kissing… did this? I’ve… never done this for another. I never knew my kiss can… do this. But Spots was right here completely healed. I really can do this. I did it for him. Finally something worthwhile! I’m not a monster or a freak. Haha, I’m this deer’s hero now. She had to laugh. That deer still jumping around her. He really does want to show it off now.

I’m so proud. Finally, …something. I can be a good pony. I have something good about me.

Her ears perked up. Spots’ ears perked up. A hoof struck the floor.

5.50
“So this is what you’ve been spending your time doing.”

This night just kept getting stranger. Stranger when Blight turned and saw… Soul. All out of breath. Exhausted yet still able to smile. Soul is… here? What… did she… did she see what I just did? Why is she here? I hope she didn’t see. I don’t know how to explain it. Soul even stepped in, coming up to her. No, all she did was make Blight look down. Please, I don’t want her to know. She… she would think I’m more of a freak. Don\t say it.

Soul walked past with a big smile on her face. Over to Spots. The deer himself standing still unsure what to do of this new visitor. Afraid of her or feeling lucky to have so many pegasi coming to meet him. Soul was as happy as he would be if that was the case. In fact, she even squealed in excitement. What? Soul just scampered over to Spots. Laying down before him. Like she did not want to scare him.

“Oh wow!” she said. “You found a little fawn!” She bent in closer to him, trying to bump her nose into his but Spots backed off a little and turned over to face Blight like he wanted her advice. I don’t know what to say. One question did come to her mind. “A fawn?” Blight looked Spots up and down again trying to make the comparison again. He did look like those two. “I thought you said these were deer.” Spots did not move when Soul’s hoof gently set down upon the top of his head. She laughed. “…You goof. Fawns are what the babies are called” Soul said. She slowly rubbed the top of his head. Blight entranced in how much care she did in petting him. Using only the tip of her hoof to scratch from the middle of his head and go down to behind his ear. Rubbing back there and making the ear twitch. Spots cocked his head. “Awww, …and you found such a cute one. I love him already.”

Soul knelt down till she lay on her belly. Opening up a space between her forelegs that she lightly tugged Spots to come too. As if the deer would do as she wanted. …But he did! I can’t believe it. Spots simply walked up to her and placed himself right into a cozy looking spot against Soul’s chest. The mare continuing to rub behind his ear and laughing. Soul, the pony I want to be friends with, she’s actually petting my ‘fawn’. The way Soul smiled. How much Spots liked her. Even more when Blight saw as Soul came in and kissed the top of his head. The fawn loved it. Wagging his tiny tail briefly when she did it. It looked beautiful.

No, I don’t think Soul saw it. Not when she is acting like this. It’s… lovely. She did not see hate in those eyes. The yellow of them portraying to her only love and compassion the likes of which she had not seen since…

Since Soul wanted me to love her.

5.51
She was at a loss of breath. Forcing herself to sit down and just watch the two enjoy each other’s company. Blight could not give the fawn the satisfaction of being loved like this, Soul herself filled in that void. So naturally. Did she come here just for this? To love Spots alongside me? If that were the case, she must have known about this cave for a while. “H-how did you know about this?” Blight asked.

Soul glanced over at her not wanting to stop showing attention to Spots. No ceasing her care for him. “I ran after you because I wanted to know what you were doing.” What? She actually cares about what I may be doing out here? Oh how embarrassing. I didn’t even know she would be curious. Ignoring her for so long. I forgot how Soul is.

Soul went back to Spots, still talking to Blight. “…I… was worried about you. I couldn’t help but be curious. Sorry….” Worried? Blight heard it correctly. She wants to know what I do out here? And she actually came after me. Was she even… scared for me? Worried that I could be in trouble or something. Now she is here, talking just like she used to so very long ago. Acting just like this. “I’m so glad I found you.” She’s… glad? A Pegasus who came in panting and exhausted from running, whose wings were injured. She should be resting tonight. But she didn’t. Just because she wanted to find me.

Blight was at a blank. Soul was not. She shot another look back at her. “Hey now… don’t try to chance the subject. …When were you gonna tell me about this little guy? What’s his name?” Blight managed to listen to her questions, even harder to answer them. She found a way to do it with everything that was happening. “His name is Spots.” “Spots!?” Soul said. She looked down upon him for a second. Taking a look afterwards across his back over the tiny white spots dotting his fur. Whatever it was made her laugh. “That is too funny. You gave him that adorable name? It just makes me love him even more.”

Her hooves wrapped around the fawn’s entire body, just able to bring both of them together at the back of his rear so she gently pulled him right into her chest with the biggest hug she could give him. Rubbing her chin along the top of his head beneath sealed eyes. “Who’s a little Spots?” she spoke exactly like some sort of baby. No. Like a mother to her little one. “You are. Ya cutie.” There was something about this that left Blight feeling… happy. I kind of like seeing this side of her. Hearing this and she could tell Spots did too. All that was left of the intense anger she felt earlier at the thought of an angry and condescending Soul Serenity wiped away in this moment of time seeing nothing but a loving and kind Soul Serenity. The Soul I love. It was weird for her, but something that felt like it… was right! …And for that, she laughed.

5.52
Some time passed. How much she had no hope of telling, hours maybe? Whatever it was went by quick. Time spent well in this cave with Soul and the deer they both loved leaving only both pegasi still awake. Soulblight keeping her gaze squarely on the sight of her beloved fawn doing something she cherished upon seeing. He slept, left to dream against Soul’s chest with her fur keeping him warm much like that of her legs firmly wrapped around his body. Holding him just like a baby. Like he was Soul’s baby. Sitting back against the rocky wall across from Blight carefully and softly stroking a free hoof along the top of the head she kept her long gaze on. Watching the fawn sleep snugly against her and she giggled at it.

“Shhh” she said as quiet as could be. “He’s sleeping.” Like them talking will wake him up. He did a good job staying fast asleep even with Soul petting him. But it still looked very cute the way she did that. The way she reacted to him. It is amazing how Soul is now. Like she is a different Pegasus. “I had no idea you liked animals” Blight whispered. Soul and her locked eyes. “I always have. They always seemed to like me as well.” Well Spots took no time in falling in love with her. Maybe that was true. Sounds like there is still a lot about you that I don’t know. A love of animals coming as a surprise. I never thought you loved them like this. You are always so shy and such a worry wart. You’re not shy around animals?

“Do you think Spots likes you as well?” Blight asked her pointing at the tiny fawn sleeping in her hug. Making Soul look back down at him and arching an eyebrow. She hummed for a moment. “Hard to tell. …Maybe not.” Both pegasi giggled. “It really is a cute name you gave him” Soul continued. Is it? I was worried it sounded stupid. I don’t know how to name things. Not like Soul who gave me my own name. But Soul thought it was cute at least. Maybe it sounds a little cute to me as well.

“Giving him such a cute name like a loving mother.” How incredible she made that comparison. Really, has she been spying on me out here? “I… have been taking care of him for a while” Blight said. “So you are his mother!” She set her head back down on top of Spots’ head. Gentle and slow. Not enough to wake him. “Well you did a great job making him like this. …Hey! Could I take care of him too?” What would possess the Pegasus to ask something like this? Blight was more confused now than any other point this night. There was just something really off with how Soul was acting. She isn’t talking to me like she usually does. She is talking to me longer than she usually does. She could catch it right there. Soul certainly was different. “I promise to be nice to him.” Soul looked back up. Rearing the side of her head over to Blight and winking at her. “Maybe I can be his aunt if you wanna be the mother.”

…What?

5.53
“I’ll play with him all the time.” She stroked his head further. Putting her attention back on the fawn she treated as her own family just like she hinted at. A family… with me. “And we can love him… like his… parents would.”

Soul… what are you saying? You never talk like this. You never act like this. What… what has gotten into you?

What is making her cry?

Soul’s tears went down her smiling face. Smiling, holding him close, and crying onto his head.

“Soul… are you okay?” “Yeah” Soul reached her wing over her own shoulder. Wincing momentarily but still able to use the tip of her feathers to wipe the tears away. “I’m just happy… we get to have a new friend we can both love.” Soulblight saw it in her eyes. Eyes that still swelled no matter what she did to dry them. She is lying.

You are sad out here, you will only be happy when you leave. Her future was going to be great… especially when I won’t be there to join her. So they sat there quiet. Both watching the fawn sleep and listening to the sounds of the wind outside. Some of it coming in and swaying Soul’s fur but not that of Spots. The Pegasus who saw herself as his aunt protecting him from the cold.

The wind died.

“Do you think he was lonely before we came?” Soul’s question was without a definite answer. There was no telling how he felt. I actually want to know how long he has been without his parents. I hope it was only for a few days. How lonely and sad may he be with none to be alongside him for a long time? If they had been gone long, it was easy to guess. “Maybe. I think …he could have been” Soulblight said looking up at Soul just when the mare looked up at her. No tears in her eyes. No sign of sadness. Only a frown. “Soulblight, …um…” Soul fidgeted a little. Uncomfortable. I am too. Because I don’t know how to take any of this. I don’t know what is wrong. What to do.

No, Soul was the one who broke the silence.

“Do you miss your parents?”

5.54
Blight’s world went dark. Something with that question… it rung hard in her ears. The words… how they played in her head. Her thoughts wrapped around it all.

My parents?

I never thought about such a thing. Soul, why ask me that? You know… as much as I do, that… I am not like you. Blight looked down. Because… it feels wrong. Out of place. Leaving her in the dark as black as her fur simply because she could not know. I never thought about such a thing before.

My… parents.

Who would they be? I never remembered them. Me having parents? Ponies who care for their child. Love them. Want them to succeed in all they do and stick with them forever. Me… having that. I’ve never heard anypony talk to me like… like the parents I’ve come to know out in Equestria. I’ve never been touched lovingly before. Tucked in and sang off to sleep. Show me that… that there are things to love about myself. Somewhere… I know… I have parents. Lost. Forgotten. Disappeared.

Who am I? What am I?

I don’t know anything except for when… the dark disappeared and I saw you, Soul Serenity, for the first time. I had nothing before that but… but did I? Parents. Two ponies. Birthed me. Raised me to become the pony I am now. Like all the parents out there do for their child. Just like every pony has experienced. Did I?

“I… never knew my parents.” She leaned her head down. I never knew them. I don’t know them. I don’t know of anypony out there who ever loved me like that. And now… now I miss it. Because… Soul, you made me think about it. What would it have been like to grow up with two ponies who loved me? Would they even be ponies? That is what hurts. There was nothing she could see to fit that image she wanted to imagine happening to her. All those lucky colts and fillies out there had that image going on for them right now. Even Spots had it. Me being his mother and he has real parents out there somewhere. Soul hugging him too. Both of us being his family now. I want that too.

I’ve never had a pony there to hug me.

“Blight” Soul whispered in a rasp. She caught the mare staring at her with wide eyes growing with tears. “I’m so sorry.” What… my face? I’m crying too. I… I don’t know why. I just…

Blight wiped her tears. “Why?”

Soul wiped her feathers over her face too and sniffed. “That’s what we have in common. Blight, …I also never knew my parents” Soul said. Soul, …that is what we have in common.

5.55
You have no idea how sorry I always felt for you. You were always so happy when I first saw you with your beloved friend. Like there was no sadness in your life. Your life, fresh in a world that you began to love with so few ponies there for you. But they always were the ones you needed. But I still saw it. Deep down. That longing you always had… for the two most special ponies in your life. It always made me cry for you.

I hate to know you grew up without parents. And I saw it for myself. I only wish things had been different for you. Soul, you always did a good job at hiding it to others, but not to me. It was all a good ruse. How very sad you were inside. Underneath that smiling face.

As sad as I am because I want to know what it’s like to have two ponies there for me to love me.

Blight said the same thing for her. “I’m so sorry.” Soul sniffed. Again. Wincing with a tear coming down and she could speak again. “My parents left me behind when I was a foal. I spent most of my life alone because of that even when I was taken in by my… teachers.” Your poor and lonely tears. How I hate to see them fall. How lonely. How sad. I never liked seeing you cry. And there is nothing I can do to stop it. If only… if only I had been there long ago. Do something for you. Not take all this time to come to you. If only… I would have stopped them from leaving you. What you had was never enough. You wanted more.

You wanted a family.

“Those ponies, …the Changelings hurt?” Blight asked. Hope she isn’t upset about me bringing that up. “My teachers. The ones who took me in” Soul said. “They always were there for me. Always supported me. Always came to me when I needed them most. Someponies even thought they were my parents.” Soul laughed amidst her tears. “I wish they had been. I wished so much from them. I wanted them to be my mom and dad. And now look… now they’re gone.” She shook her head. “I don’t even remember their names anymore. Funny, huh? So terrible of me…”

"Starry Veil and Nimbus Swiftshot?" Blight asked. Funny how I remember them. But is she telling me she forgot them? Soul paused... staring down at the ground. I guess she did.

I could tell they meant a lot to you. This dream you had for them to be more. I hate that it was taken from you. Enough for you to forget… after all these years. How much else do you suffer? How truly unhappy are you? It seemed impossible. Soul had been so happy. Happy enough to want to protect the one life most precious to her at all costs. She even let me take over to save the life of that pony.

“No…” Soul paused. Looking off at the dark world outside their cave. “You know Dashie really well. You know she is my friend?” “Of course I know.” “I love her so much. I always did since the day I met her, I saw something special in her and knew I had found something. Even though I have not seen her in years, I still love her.” Yes, you two are great friends. I know. Blight frowned. I only wish you saw me as the same. Look at me, indulging her.

“You two are really good friends.” “She is, isn’t she?” Soul said. “She’s kind and funny. Loves to play with me and joke around with me too. She accepts me. …And she was the first pony to ever accept me.” She brought her attention back to Blight. Crying deeply. “Dash was the first pony to ever give me the love I wanted for so long. My bestest friend back home.”

5.56
Soulblight flinched. It’s amazing how strong the love between two ponies can be. So great between you two that… sometimes I thought it was more. Your greatest love is back home, not here. It is what made you happy. All the terrible things in life, that was the one pony who made you happy. And to think… I was considering taking you away from her forever. When it is my fault you two are separated. Soul’s greatest love. Dash’s greatest love. More than you two know.

No wonder you hate me.

Yet I am so lucky that you actually want to talk to me now. Are you alone and need somepony to talk to? You choose me to tell these things to. After taking something so precious from you. I know I would hate anypony who took such a love away from me. I would hate them deeply. It’s why I’m so ashamed.

But Soul isn’t yelling at me.

No, Soul… she is smiling. At me. Why was she smiling? She did not need to. There was nothing to smile over. Being around the pony who hurt her. Blight widened her eyes. Seeing Soul extend her hoof to her. “I know you must be as sad as I am. We’ve both been so lonely, and you don’t deserve to be sad. I bet you want exactly what I want.”

I… I…

I do.

But I don’t deserve it. Not from you. Not after everything. But I so deeply want it. Find some way to earn it. Let it happen so I can finally feel what I have always wanted after so… many… countless years in the dark.

“I want a best friend too” Blight muttered.

Spots moved. Both pegasi seeing the fawn begin to wake up in Soul’s hug, gently kicking his legs and reaching up to lick the bottom of Soul’s chin. It made her smile even more. A smile she shared with him and then too Blight.

“I think you don’t need to look far, Blight.”

5.57
The entire cave lit up. Cast in the glow of a great white light shining in from outside. The glorious streaks of light blistering among the snow outside the entrance. So bright. So intense. Making Spots leap out from Soul’s grasp and walk over to the entrance before he ran out! Out into the snow beyond. Both pegasi called out after him. “Spots!”

Soul wasting no time in coming to her hooves and running out after him with Soulblight taking off behind her, keeping that violet and silver striped tail in her sights. We need to catch him. I won’t let him get hurt. She readied her black wings. No way will I let him venture out into that dangerous world. A world they both ran out into together… where Spots sat by himself. Waiting.

Cast in the same shine of white light that lit up the entire world. So bright as to rid the darkness itself. The snow glowing as it fell and even the mountains shone bright in the distance. A light he ignored as Spots looked up. Both pegasi looked up after him. Into the night sky. Soulblight stared in awe at it all. Wow.

Neither of them moved. Both watched this world above. A world where the heavens split in the lights of blues and whites streaking across the endless dark. Not even the clouds could cover it. Nothing could prevent them from seeing this marvel. I’ve never seen this before. Great streaks of light running over them. High in the stars themselves that shined as bright as them. Hundreds of them were still. Hundreds were not. Moving fast above them with their eyes watching each one fall upon the world beyond. So very far beyond. Going across the black of night to light up the horizon behind the veil of darkness. Out into another world far away from our grasps. But I know… both our worlds get to see this wonder together. Hundreds to thousands of them lighting them both up. Cast bright… from the Moon itself.

The Moon glowed. Shimmering. Wrapped in that brilliant silver light that blinded the world below. The Moon could get so beautiful? No…

I know what this is. I… I can feel it. I can feel… her.

Darkness.

5.58
The Moon was dim. Barren. Empty. With nothing but the light of its blue covering it. Nothing more and its reflection of the stars dying off with the last of them falling far and beyond. Out of sight to the world I know Soul wants to return to.

The same world another now returned to.

I hear it. I feel it. All the things I have heard about it and… how different it is. Would Soul even understand? She looked to the mare staring off into the distance beyond. I don’t know. I remember you used to think yourself no different from that pony. You are wrong. You, Soul, as I listen to that pony cry far beyond, you are nothing like her.

You don’t know the pain.

“The Moon” Soul said. Her neck craned as high as could go so she may watch its empty surface above them. Its tiny shine enough to bring a ray of blue upon them both. Both to experience together while they sat down next to Spots. Next to each other. Blight closed her eyes.

“Your princess is back.”

She could feel Soul look at her. Amazed. But it is true. Even out here, you still got to see it happen. I got to see it too. But both of them still managed to smile. Looking over at one another. Together as darkness fell upon their world once more beneath the glow of the Moon that shone so very high in the sky.

“Do you think she will have a friend to make her happy?” Blight asked. Soul looked off in the direction that the stars had fallen. Somewhere far out there.

“I think she will.”

I hope so. Because… you don’t know… what it is I feel from her.

Part 2 Entwined - Act 6

6.1
“What? You want me to train with you?” Blight asked, finishing up wrapping Spots in the blankets. Tucking him in in the safety of his box where he lay fast asleep from such a long night. He can sleep the day away, but we got stuff to do. Soul was not even tired. “Yes I do.” Besides, we spent all night with Spots, I think Blight may be okay with spending the day with me.

We had such a good time, it was a bit of a surprise. Hehe, I kind of liked spending the night with her. Blight probably liked it too. Oh who am I kidding, I know she did. That big smile she had all night long. No harm in asking her to fly with me. For both pegasi to be able to be able to do what Soul loved to do and that Blight wanted to do with her since day one. We have time now. But Blight hesitated.

Right? You want to still fly with me, right? Blight lowered her head. Sadly. “I should not” she said. “I will only hold you back.” Hold her back? But I… oh… shit, I did say that to her a long time ago. I just… wanted to get used to training again without worrying about somepony else. It took too many years for her just to establish her flight routine. In truth, I also didn’t want to look like a fool in front of her. But that was then, and Blight still remembered it.

No need to hold back. I got it all down now and would love to show another pony how to fly like I do. No worries. Soulblight had nothing to fear. Soul wanted her to know this. “You will not! Come on now, it’s been way too long since we flew together and I wanna show you what I’ve learned.” Blight wrapped the purple blanket up and over Spots’ head so that only his little face popped out from the coverings that were meant to keep him warm while they were out. Happy with her work, Blight simply walked past Soul. She caught sight of the black mare’s sad face in time before she glided by with nary a sound to head for the entrance. “You should train. I need to go finish up the house for Spots.”

6.2
Oh for Celestia’s sake. There she was going again. I’m not gonna sit back for this. Not this time. After all we did throughout the night and how much fun we had. Even if Blight did not feel as close, Soul would do anything to make her feel the same. Finishing up renovations for Spots. That’s a stupid excuse. The house looked great from what I saw and we have lots of time to spend together now.

I won’t let you be alone today.

Her wings pushed her forward. Shooting across Blight and Soul skidded to a halt in front of her. Blocking the way out of the cave. Staring at her, Blight was so surprised to see her do this. But it did not surprise Soul. Not like how they both acted last night. This was going to be their world together. If we are going to be friends, I need to make her see she doesn’t need to be alone. Do everything to make things right and introduce Blight into my life. Starting with my greatest hobby. But that was just short of the real truth she wanted to tell Blight. It evaded her words anyways. Too cowardly to admit it. So much that it shamed her while she spoke.

“Today’s a rest day for me, …so… I wanna train you instead.” She stomped her hoof into the ground. “I won’t take no for an answer.” Well she knew it was not entirely a rest day. She had plans for later on but for just a little bit. I have a lot of time to spare for her before that. No more running away from it. “You won’t take no for an answer?” Blight said shocked and frowning. Soul winced.

Wow, I… I actually expected her to swat my aside. No, I shouldn’t think that. Damn it. I’m being too blunt. I’m pretty much demanding her to do something. What if she doesn’t want to do it? But I need to be strong against her. I can’t let her push me away. No more. I’ll tell her what I want to do and it will be final. If she did not, then Soul braced herself for the Pegasus to yell at her again. Just like the other days and she did a pitiful job of hiding her fear.

Feeling her body begin to shake. Looked like it would happen. Soulblight sighed and shook her head.

Please don’t hate me. I just want us to…

6.3
“Then please accept my yes” Blight said. Smiling at her now.

Soul’s eyes lit up. She had to smile as well. All the fear and shaking disappearing. She wants to fly with me! Just like back then. After all that has happened, she still will do it with me. I’m… I’m so happy she didn’t say no.

Oh, but what to do? What training should we do? Soul hurried herself to think of something. No way she could allow herself to mess this up. Look like a fool in front of the pony she finally got to come around to her. Just like with Dash and the other ponies she had met. I need to show them all just how much I appreciate them. Soulblight did not wait though.

She scooched her way past Soul with her great, black wings extended and flapping. Ready to fly off. Leaving Soul behind but… the black mare looked back and nodded. Blight? Soul turned after her. She wants to go. Follow Blight. No! You follow me. Soul sprang into action, running past Blight with her own wings ready to fly. Still a little sore but not enough to keep her grounded. Actually, her wings felt a little more lively. Perhaps they were excited too. So excited that she giggled running past her new training partner. A partner who laughed too behind her.

“Would you want to take me to the mountains?” Blight asked. No way. I have a better idea. She shook her head. “We can train just outside the village” she said. No need for Blight to tire herself flying so far. Keep her around the village she called home. The wide and open plains of snow outside the houses offered plenty of room for Blight’s first training experience. An experience Soul still tried to come up with.

Soul’s wings beat once then twice, harder than before and she took to the air. Taking it a little easy on her wings so they could rest a little. Keeping herself low enough and at a steady pace that she was happy to see Blight behind her able to match them. The black Pegasus still smiling. But different. Soul caught her… with such a huge smile. The black mare staring down at the snow. Like she didn’t even know soul stared back at her. I’ve never seen her this happy before. I… I did good. That is the same mare I remember when… when we first met. The same happy Pegasus. Yes! I think I did it. I actually made her happy. Soul looked back towards the snowy plains ahead of her. Off to the village.

6.4
They both managed to land in unison on the thick layers of snow that made the entirety of everything that surrounded their village. Soul saw the specks of their houses rising in the far distance. Probably just a few minute’s flight for both of them. Being so close to something familiar, hope it makes Blight feel comfortable. I always felt comfortable when I trained at my old house… so long ago. I don’t want Blight nervous. I hope she isn’t. Training with another pony. But Blight has no reason to fear me.

They were all alone together with no crowd to watch them. No pressure. Not like what I got to go through all the time at flight camp. Ugh, I always feared performing in front of others. Took so long to beat that. Just the smallest mistake and everypony would see it. This will be much different. You and I, training together. And looks like she is actually excited to do this. Blight still had that smile on her face. Just standing, watching Soul. Waiting for her instruction.

That was right. She still had no idea what to do. Blight did not know, Soul was the expert. An expert at flying, not training another to fly. Don’t mess this up. I still don’t know exactly what to show her first.

“Should I do tricks or something?” Blight said, cocking her brow. Is that a joke? This early. No, not tricks. Even I know that stuff should be for later times. I don’t even have a lot of tricks down par yet. It all was in the form and skill. Always took such a long time for a Pegasus to master. Wow, thinking back on it, I really have come a long way. I… am kind of proud of myself. I was a big newbie. Wait, that was it! Do what I had to do when I first started high flying training.

Soul laughed over what Blight had said. The most fake laugh ever because Blight’s comments weren’t exactly funny. “No. I’m not gonna make you do anything hard for your first day.” “First day?!” Blight said. “Do you plan to train me on other days too?” Not exactly but that did sound good. Maybe I should do that from now on. Setting aside the mornings to do this with Blight and doing her more intense exercises later, or something like that. Until the day both of them could fly together doing the most daring of exercises. Do them alongside Dash. That sounded lovely. In a time when both pegasi escaped from this prison.

6.5
“We can, …if you want” Soul said. Blight just smiled and waited. No answer from her. Looks like she doesn’t even know what she wants. Well then, I’ll take over then. For this once, Blight as the one who had none of the answers. It’s all me. I know exactly how to start this. “Sit down” Soul asked her to do. It seemed to be an odd request from her. Soulblight hesitated to do it. Might have made her uncomfortable asking her to do that. I guess I could have been nicer in asking that of her. Tell her what she wanted to do. Still, after a moment, that black tail set down on the snow. Its hairs blending into the whiteness to disappear somewhere beneath just like the fur on her rear did when she planted herself.

There she waited. Sitting like a well-mannered student. Wrapping her black tail around herself to sway gently in front of her. “Thank you” Soul said. Happy that she actually did sit down. “Now… could you raise your wings up for me?” Damn, even I feel a little bad asking for that. Because I am asking her to do what I hated to do on my first day. Even if nopony else was here, I still am. Would that be too much pressure? Too embarrassing? It seemed not when those big, black wings rose high into the sky behind Soulblight. Extending far and wide to dwarf her entire body and cast a great shadow across the snow and touching Soul’s hooves. Like she wore a mighty crown over her head.

“Too high?” she asked.

“No, that’s perfect” Soul assured her. Now to make her feel comfortable, unlike I was when I had to do this. Something Soul would have said no to if she had the chance to avoid everything that made her so scared. “May I examine your wings?” Blight cocked her head. No sign of fear or surprise. She gave no reason to make Soul think the request was too much. It still was an odd one. “Why?” “I want to check them to see how strong they are. I need to know what they can do” Soul explained in the best way the memories of… of… Starry’s request for the same thing had served for him. I hope to give her the same treatment, to know she is good to go too, so she won’t feel pressured. Just like he tried his best to do for me. I’ve never been shown anything about wings, but… I tend to my wings enough to know what makes wings tick.

“If it will help…” Blight leaned forward a little, lowering her wings slightly so they would be at a perfect angle for Soul to look at them. “Go ahead.” Wow, Blight was really confident. The absolute opposite of Soul. Yeah my wins have gotten big and strong but… I’d still be a bit nervous having ponies gawk at them. Just like back then. Fear of them finding a flaw. Making fun of her over it. Blight had no problem in that. Openly inviting another pony to examine her. If only Soul wished she could be just as confident in her own body.

6.6
So Soul made her way towards Blight. Walking around her to find a perfect position to sit back there between both her massive, black wings. Blight made no indication of being uncomfortable. Sitting perfectly still. Only that tail moved. A little twitch of her ear. Yet those wings stayed still. Spread out before Soul so close like a flower in bloom. That’s exactly what it was. A flower.

So pretty.

Being close like this, taking time to actually look over them, …they are… flawless. Left and right wing. They both may as well be perfect mirrors of one another. Not a single thing out of place on either of them. I wonder if they both have the exact same number of feathers. All those black feathers, hundreds, arranged in countless rows down the lengths of her spans. Thick and layered. No blemish or ruffle in their designs to the point where the spines themselves shone of glossy silver devoid of any taint. Bright enough to bring their light upon the black of the feathers and the fur of her spans. I know wings are a private spot for us pegasi but… I really want to touch them. Stopped only because she knew her body would simply fall through them. Shocked she thought such a way.

I never ever wanted to touch another pony’s wings.

They were too beautiful, the most beautiful wings I have ever seen. I have no right to touch them but… damn they must feel good. Blight, you lucky punk. Having such killer wings. I bet you’d get all the stallions.

She took her attention off those feathers and over to what counted. To her long wingspans. Long and thin appendages they were. That was the problem.

They were so thin.

Like they never had any prolonged period of intensive use. No presence of muscle anywhere. Just well-tended black fur coating what she could pick out as flawless skin hidden underneath going from where they joined her supple back to the very tips of each span.

Hidden under all that beauty and perfection was a pair of really delicate wings.

I guess it is easy to say now. No way would Blight be able to do the intense exercises I do. But that was good. Easier on Soul to think of things for her to do to get started. Something that began to happen now with a good picture of what Blight’s ability should be with wings like these. An easy start on the way to her being a great flyer too. Not a total disaster at all. Blight’s body could easily be worked with.

Taking one final look over them and down to the very bottom of her feathers hanging just above her thighs. But… she glanced down. Spotting something. Past her feathers and down to the mare’s thighs. Soul’s eyes widened.

“Oh, wow.”

Blight looked back.

She had to snap back up. Stop looking at what she had seen upon those flanks.

6.7
Soul stepped away from those gorgeous wings so she may walk back around to find Blight’s curious face. Her black wings instinctively going back down to fold up again. “Anything wrong?” Blight asked. Not at all.

Nothing is wrong, …with her wings.

Soul wanted to focus on her wings. That was the entire point of this. It would be mean to bring anything else up that she did not know how to handle. Her wings. Oh man, I feel giddy looking at them. Soul would even freak out now and fawn over them like a child. But no, I need to be the teacher here. “Not at all. Your wings are looking good but I’m guessing you never did any training for them?” Blight’s eyes fell. Her entire body bending down like it gave up or something. Even those wings fell a little. She was sad. There was no need to be. Soul understood. Not many pegasi do what I do. Some even waited till their adult lives to begin working on their wings. She recalled overhearing the mares in Cloudsdale talking about trying to get into shape and look beautiful. But that was just because they wanted to try and find a pony who would want a tussle in the bed with them. Nothing about having strong or great wings. But that was not like Blight. Her wings were weak but she clearly cared for them so much even being alone. She had no reason to feel like she failed in making them strong as well. She failed nopony. In fact, Soul was all the more willing to help her.

She doesn’t need to have wings like mine, but… someday I’d like her to have wings she can be proud of and not look sad about them. Blight must feel bad about not having incredible wings. Well, we have years and years to work together on that. She walked in closer to Blight. Leaning in so her face could peek in under that black mane to find the yellow dragon eyes hidden down there that soberly looked down at her. “It’s alright. I’ll do my best to help you.” But only if you want me to help you.

Soul leaped back up with a flutter of her wings. Landing back far enough to give her space to lift her hoof into the air in triumph. “It’s gonna be awesome!” Watching to see if her chipper attitude cheered Blight up as well, seeing the black mare raise her head back up with a tiny smile. “Very well. Just go easy on me.” Yes!

6.8
She had Blight on board. Excellent! Everything was going so well. This has to be the longest time we have spent together. I hope we get to hang out a lot more. Going easy was exactly what needed to be done to keep Blight happy. Soul had just the idea.

“Alright, I need to see your form first. Pretend you’re flying.” Soulblight did just as she expected, she looked confused. Probably questioning what the purpose of this could be. There was no purpose in this for Soul. The entire purpose was for Blight so she may see exactly what the difference was going to be between her flying and what Soul was going to teach her. She raised her hoof to Blight as a signal for her to get started which she did after a brief pause.

Those wings came back out again and began to flap exactly as Soul predicted her to do in this way. Their widths outstretched towards Soul, angled forward in a similar structure to how her back sat. Soul watched the beat of her wings, counting how many flaps she made each second, How smooth they were flapping, how much control she looked to have. It was a perfect flying pattern. Set to how a Pegasus would fly normally like on a leisurely flight. Well a little more than that because Soul did notice how Blight patterned her flaps almost robotically. Precise with no deviation. Some ponies may see that as weird. But… it’s kind of interesting. The coordination it must take to make both wings flap in perfect unison. None of the feathers even left the paths they took up and down. Easily able to slice the air. Very impressive for normal flying.

She raised her hoof back up. “That’s good. You can stop now.” Blight stopped. Confused as she had been, staring upon Soul with a lost look. I hope she doesn’t think my training techniques are weird. I don’t know any other way and this is how I was taught on the first day. How she taught herself. It would be really bad if somepony judged her way of learning. But that did bring up a question on how Blight may have learned to fly.

She never knew her parents. I have no idea about her past. How did she come to fly so well? Have such a perfect control over her wings. So routinely. Nothing akin to what Soul was to teach her though. Her own special way. “I’m gonna show you how I fly during training” Soul said. We’ll see how she does.

6.9
Soul stood up straight, keeping her tail and rear high with all four legs bent out like she were preparing to take off. Her wings reacted normally. Willing them on into the position she developed worked best for her. A little different from how other ponies flew, and only Dash got to see how I used to do it. But… not anymore. My stance is much better now. Perfecting it after so many years. Without even looking, she knew they were positioned correctly in her way, stretched out at her sides with their shadows right in the corners of her eyes which she kept glued to Blight. Watching to see how she will do it. If she could do it.

“Do just what I’m doing now.” Blight heard her request and reacted… flustered. Rushed. Soul’s razor-sharp sight caught how her dragon eyes quickly went over Soul’s entire body taking it all in. Clearly not paying full attention when Soul assumed her stance. But she did what she asked of her. Blight too stood up and bent her legs in a mirror image to how Soul did it, without her tail and butt raised anyways, and she brought her wings back up in the position Blight had her wings in normally. Not lasting for long though.

Soul watched her make little adjustments to her wing positions. Exactly how Soul had her own wings. Angling the spans past her neck so the feathers pointed almost out from her sides. Almost at a perfect level position. Completely straight, no bending or contours anywhere. Both wings completely symmetrical. Soul’s stance. Exactly. Angled in the way she found helped best at controlling the air flow around you. Prevent as much air resistance as possible. Blight did it with no effort. A slow start but taking it in fast. Soul was surprised at how she did that. Wow was her sense of perception amazing. It’s good that she can do that.

“That’s perfect!” Soul shouted. All the worry and confusion on Blight’s face disappeared. She looked so happy that she managed to pull it off correctly. “That’s how I keep my wings during high altitude flying.” “I think I understand how it works” Blight said. She looked over her shoulder to examine the stance her wings made. “The angle pulls the air up over the wings instead of into them and moves it around the wing before pushing it out behind me. All that wind pushes me forward, right?”

That… was exactly how it worked. Soul never got into the science of how it worked. She could care less for that part but still understood the basic workings of how she flew. Soulblight here, she broke it down into such detail. She’s telling me how I fly. Hahaha, Blight, are you some osrt of smarty pants? I like that. Smart and beautiful. Even if Blight was no perfect flyer capable of high-risk maneuvers, she had plenty more riding for her. She really was smart.

Perhaps that was her real talent. Soul did wonder.

6.10
“Remember that form” Soul advised her. “I expect you to fly with it today. …But first, we need to warm up.” Soul relaxed her wings, noticing Blight do the same right after her. Shadowing her moves. Like a good student. Time to really see what she could do.

Wings looked good enough. Form was good. Time to get them ready for a display of skill and Soul figured out just what to do. Exactly as she did to warm up but nothing as intense as she could do. Still, a tolerable number of them for wings as frail as Blight’s needed to be done.

“Drop and give me twenty” Soul asked of her with confidence and she was rewarded with Blight arching her brow. “Twenty what?” Okay, even I admit I sounded stupid when I asked her to do that. Why did I expect her to know what that means? The whole training thing seemed to be getting to her. Getting too excited over the fact that another Pegasus listened to her instruction and wanted to learn. This isn’t Dashie. I’m not training an expert.

“Sorry” Soul said. She moved her wings down far enough for her to feel them touch the snowy surface. The cold touch of it chilling the tips in a feeling she was familiar with. Every day, this was the same feeling, the same procedure she did as she assumed the form she did to do her wing-ups. Wings down, forelegs folded up, hind legs planted far behind her. No way would she ask Blight to do these wing-ups without the use of her hind legs as support. It even took Soul some time to be able to do them with only her wings being the sole things touching the ground.

“Wing-ups. Do just what I’m doing.” “I have no idea what these… wing-ups are” Blight said as she moved her body into position. Soon enough, in the same position as Soul was in with her black wings disappearing into the snow but nonetheless held up. Anchored somehow. Whatever would work to allow her to do this. “They’re meant to get your wings ready” Soul explained the best she could. “You keep yourself like that and just lower yourself down to the ground, then right before you touch the snow, push yourself back up all the way with only your wings.”

Blight gulped. Rushing to look back up at Soul. “And you wish me to do twenty of them?!” A quick nod being the answer. Maybe I am being a little too rough on her. Soul sat back to give a little relief to her wings which began to sting a little thanks to yesterday. Twenty may be too much for a beginner. They could just skip it and go straight to some flying. I have some easier things she can do to get started but, man, do I want to see if she can do twenty. I want those thin wings to prove me wrong but it could hurt Blight. Make her exhausted. Or she might hate me again. It took so much time to finally achieve a day like today for it all to be ruined by rushing things. Soul fell silent.

“One.”

6.11
Soul returned her attention to Blight in time to see her black wings unfold back out straight to propel her fully into the air, then buckle again to let her fall. A descent stopped by a quick lock of those wings to repeat the process. Up she went again.

“Two.”

She… was actually doing it. Slow but sure. Soul left in a daze as to the determination that was being shown before her. There was no real need to do this. Blight looked so terrified to do these just seconds ago. Why did she change her mind? Why continue it? Going on to her sixth repetition and soon enough came the tenth. It was that one that Soul saw her black wings begin to shake. Hard to see at first with how much they were moving but they were there, very subtle. They were getting exhausted. Soul knew that reaction well. Especially since Blight’s face grimaced badly on her eleventh one.

It still was amazing. Soul cheered her on within. I’m surprised. You looked so scared to do this. Way to prove me wrong. I’m actually a bit proud of her. How much she persisted. How she slowed down each time she pushed back up. Going onto the fourteenth one with a slight bend in the left wing from how bad it began to shake. So her left wing was weaker. Both of them not that strong. I don’t think she will be able to make it to twenty. As much as she hoped that she could pull it off. There was no telling how accomplished Blight may be upon finishing this. Still, it would not be a total loss. It was amazing to see a pony not give up and try to push herself. Do it for me. A lot more than what I would expect of a pony I wronged. Soul having no right to demand anything of her, anything uncomfortable or hard to do, and Blight still did it. Feeling happy over it even when Soulblight fell right down to the ground.

Her wings slipping out from under her and no more strength left to keep her up. Falling right after her seventeenth go. She lay there on her belly with both of those trembling wings set out beside her. Moving like she were about to raise her head. No, she looked away. Breathing so hard. Her back rising and falling so quickly.

“I failed you” she muttered.

6.12
“N-no you didn’t. You did seventeen, that was great!” Soul said. Her assuring voice doing well to hide how very terrified she felt. Blight did not fail me. Not at all. She impressed me. I’m not here to grade you or pressure you. Certainly not to make her feel like a failure. This was all for something else that would help both of them. Help them have fun together. If Blight was upset… upset like I was… when I was a filly. When I trained or… or flew for others.

Frightened.

Afraid that I will fail the others. Make them hate me.

…Make them… hurt me.

I don’t ever want Blight to feel like I would be like those ponies. I never will be. I won’t be like them. I would never mock her. “I think you did great, Blight. Come on now. Don’t feel bad.” Soulblight sighed again and looked over to face her instructor directly. Looking up at her with disappointed eyes. Sad with herself. Like she really was defeated. Like I used to sometimes think. No way in hell I’ll let her feel that way for long.

She leaned down closer, smiling at her. Putting her hooves close to Blight’s. “You know I did worse when I first started. It’s your first day and you’ve already done really well. So come on, don’t leave me to fly alone.” Even trying her best to ease the situation, there was no change. Blight still looked upset over her performance. Staring, breathing deep. But still able to stand back up level with Soul. Keeping those black wings folded. “Fine” she whispered. “What’s next?” Oh man… she sounds sad. I hope I’m not messing up. I don’t want to push her too hard. Making her do things that she did not want to do. I must be making her upset. But what could be done? I said I will train her and I can’t just walk away. Call it quits and let her leave. Not after how well they had been doing up to this point. All of it to be ruined by leaving her to be alone. Like I am telling her that hanging out with me is a bad idea. Proving what a terrible friend she was. Provoking Blight to hate her more.

There had to be some way to make this up. To help out the pony she wanted to be her friend again. Give her something to smile about. Stop messing up. No more tough stuff. Soul thought thoroughly on what could be done that could still be considered training without making her student feel bad. A student that was very observant. That was it.

Blight could do synchronized flying.

6.13
“How about we fly together now? I’ll do some maneuvers and you do them just as I do.” “Okay” Blight said with a nod. Alright, I have her still on board for this. But how to do it? There must be some maneuvers we can do that won’t exhaust a beginner. Which ones even would be exhausting for a Pegasus of Blight’s stature?

I really am not fit to be a teacher.

It’s kind of worrying.

Both their wings came to life. Soul flying up into the air while keeping tabs to be sure Blight was still behind her. A nagging part of her expecting her new student to just fly off. But she didn’t. A relief, but… also a problem because I still have no idea what to do for a beginner Pegasus. Those thoughts kept going till they both stopped at a tolerable altitude. Not too high but not too low. Just enough for them to be able to see the entirety of the village in the distance.

Hovering there within the flurry of the snow. The brush of the morning wind. Chilly and uncomfortable to Soul’s touch even if it was easy to ignore by now. She glanced over to Blight whom she found not much better next to her. The black Pegasus fidgeted with forehooves crossed over each other against her chest and how very nervous she looked to be. A state she abruptly rid herself of upon noticing Soul seeing her like that. Not quick enough for her teacher to catch it all.

She’s as nervous as I was. It is amazing the similarities we both have. When she was just a filly nervous about impressing others. About doing my best and never feeling like I had a pony there to look up to and rely on. Until I finally had a real friend. I want to prove to Blight that I am that friend for her. Their friendship will come back. I will be sure to be there for her.

Dash taught me well.

“This is gonna be fun. Nothing too tough, just stay by my side and do everything I do.” Soul flapped her wings hard to the side giving her enough momentum to glide over to a close hover with Blight. So close that their flapping wings nearly struck one another. Times like this, I would hug Blight to make her feel better. Feel more comfortable before our flight together. Show she can trust me. But no. All she could settle with was try her best to show she would be a Pegasus that will not leave her hanging and try her best to cheer her up. I won’t leave her side and will never say anything bad about how she flies. Never.

Soul smiled and winked at her flustered student. No.

Not student.

“It’s alright, …flight buddy.”

“…Flight… buddy?” she heard Blight whisper as she turned away to ready herself for their flight.

6.14
Luckily it was a beautiful day. Well as best as it could be compared to the usual weather this land experienced. With few thick clouds high up, it looked like it would be a good flight in the open sky. Basking in what little warmth the Sun gave while cooled by the chilly wind that let the snow flurry all about. Soulblight can get to see the type of flying I like to do. They really could go a bit higher.

“Keep up with me.” Soul readied her wings so they sent her off high into the sky. Doing it as easy as she could. Her wings hurt a little. Not too steep an angle as she ascended. Feeling the wind breeze over the lengths of her wings, her spans slicing the snow leaving small pieces of themselves behind to wet her fur and be flung off her with her flaps. This felt like a good speed. Soul glanced over to make sure. Exhilarated to see Blight keeping up right with her. Not even deviating in how close they had been to one another moments before. Beating her wings in the position Soul taught her with clear determination to keep up… and… am I seeing this right? Soul looked at her own wings to make sure. Wow, she’s flapping in unison with me? It took only a careful observation to see this was true. Those black wings moving in the same way that Soul willed her own wings to move. Soulblight too took a look over at Soul’s own wings before looking back over at her instructor.

Very well done.

“You’re doing great” Soul commented loudly hearing the wind blowing in her ears. Made worth it just to see her student smile. Soul brought her gaze back ahead of her. Letting her forelegs stretch free in front of her in preparation for what was to come. A move she saw those black hooves do right next to her.

“Get ready.” The thin layers of clouds came in. High above the world but so close to the pegasi that cleared the thick cloud cover that failed to block out the Sun. From this high up, the wind was strong. It was so thick you could begin to see the faint whispers of wind making a thin film beneath the flurrying snow. I wonder if Blight could see it too.

6.15
Soul counted to three. After three… looks like that would be too high for Blight. No, this is perfect altitude. They had plenty of time. Three seconds was good enough to avoid that layer and, on three, Soul made her move.

Tilting her wings so she may fall whilst pushing the air to do what she wanted. Not as fast as the Wonderbolts but she still felt the thrill of it. Falling at a steep angle while keeping her back to the horizon and her side to the ground. All the wind blowing against her belly and making her mane flop over her head. But all was under control. Spiraling down like this, head nearly to the earth, it was a true joy that made her begin to laugh. Even more happy seeing Blight right alongside her. Those black wings of hers doing very well in controlling her own spiral. But… she couldn’t keep her black wings in unison with Soul’s anymore. Not with these conditions. Spiraling down like this, this fast, that’s a bit much to expect her to be perfect now, Still, Blight laughed.

She’s doing it! Yes.

Soul levelled herself out with a quick kick of her hind legs that flopped her tail and whipped her wings back up into an angled descent towards the grey clouds. Falling fast. Just as their spiral was meant to do. Not a problem for Blight at all. She’s keeping up with me. Both of them cutting through the air in a total copy of one another closing in on one of the clouds.

“Hope you don’t mind it getting dark” Soul called out. Blight probably doesn’t know but… we are about to head right into…

Both pegasi shot right into the dark cloud they fell down into.

Poofs of the grey breaking apart around them. Wrapping around and falling to pieces with both pegasi going through it all. Carving a clean path through it. No way any Pegasus could see in this. No worries. Blight just needs to follow me. I’ve flown clouds enough now to know how to deal with it. Always turning out okay and letting her do some fun tricks with those very clouds. One I want to do with Blight. Even though it was dark, she saw the black shape of her new flight buddy keeping up beside her. The cloudy surface passing right through her but her wings still brushed bits of them aside.

So she can make her own gusts of wind. Great! It could be done and I hope this will be fun for Blight to see what we can do.

6.16
Soul kicked her wings down so hard. Sending her up into the cloud. Watching all the darkness shoot past. Very quick as to show how fast she was now going and she then turned again. Pushing her wings up. Not losing that pattern. Not too quick. Not enough to destroy the cloud but to do something else that now was set in motion just like it did when she first pulled off this move. A move I did so well but… now I got a partner for it. Her body spiraling back down and up again. Changing the course of her wings nearly every second and beating well enough to make enough wind to spiral with her.

“What are we doing?” she heard Blight call out. Soul had to look to be sure she was still keeping up with her. Any change would ruin it. Oh, I’m stupid. Of course Blight is with me still. Still able to keep her wings so very close to Soul’s. Keeping up. But she looked so nervous. Doing something like this really was not like what she was used to when flying. A good experience for her then. “You’ll see!”

How many rotations had they done? Twenty? No, it was twenty-four. No way to tell how it looked on the outside. Taking a lot of rotations to make it work and at much higher speeds. Maybe the addition of a second Pegasus had a better effect on it. No way of telling. Just need to keep it up. Turn over and over inside this cloud. Completely enthralled with the feeling of freefall that came upon her with how so very fast she was going. Looks like it’s good to fly up out of this. All it took was one little turn of her wings.

The Sun shone down upon her. Blasting out from the cloud. Free of the darkness and out into the vast and open sky once more. Hope it went well. We circled around a lot in there. It needs to go well. Blight might be unimpressed if it doesn’t. Wasting her time.

“Astonishing” she heard Blight say next to her. Her dragon eyes looking back at where they had been and drawing Soul to look as well to make sure they did it right. …And we did. Soul smiled with Blight laughing, both of them seeing their work taken form as what was left of the dark cloud spinning out of control behind them. Its surface coiling and circling like a funnel centering around an opening both pegasi had emerged from. Spinning violently to send sheets of its cottony surface jetting out in every direction with no rhyme or reason to their paths. Some of those pieces even spun themselves. All a part of the cloud tearing itself to pieces to a point where it was no more. Awesome! And that cloud was bigger than normal. Always keeping the skies over the mountains so clear for training.

“That was incredible” Blight yelled with a smile. She enjoyed it! I guess I am doing a good job. “Am I a great weather Pegasus or what?” Soul smirked. Sure as hell gets the job done. Forget busting them like those real weather pegasi do.

6.17
Levelled out now and back in the free air of the sky, Soul blasted off forwards in the direction of the mountains looming high and tall far ahead. Going so fast now but it was so easy to go this fast. I can feel all that momentum. Damn we flew so hard in that cloud. Enough momentum for some real fun as Soul spotted the next set of dark clouds. Coming in right at them so she adjusted her altitude. That seemed good. They had to make their adjustments fast to keep up this speed. But not fast enough… not like normal. No. I can’t see that tear in the sky. Though the cloud closed fast.

Upside down now. Soul beat her right wing very hard, no doubt sending a strong gust against Blight with no effect to her but sending Soul off to curve upwards off to the side. Bending her body and wings to glide herself onwards. Blight doing the same. Turning, and Soul’s entire world spun around, and stayed that way. With that funny feeling now setting in. Looking up to find the snowy ground above her and the sky below her. It really did feel weird up till one got used to it. Then it was fun flying upside down. Seeing how Blight was reacting, with her mane and ears pulled down to the ground below, she was frightened. Not at all used to something like this. Oh will she love it in the end. They both kept themselves fixated on the incoming cloud. Coming at them like it were below them. Sure hope my student isn’t feeling nervous by now. This type of flying is nothing. But I’m not gonna leave her worried. I know better.

We are going the right speed. Right direction. They’d be high enough and it will feel great. Then the entire land below them turned grey. Just like Soul planned. Feeling the soft touch of the cloud tingling the tips of her ears reaching down to it. So gentle and subtle it could easily be missed. But she felt it and heard the soft emptiness of a world within those soft poofs of cloud with no intense wind or snowfall to ruin it like it did deep within these clouds. Nope, she could just lay back and feel her ears cut the surface of the cloud. So close. Its bulk passing by fast and always a wondrous experience. Like the sky itself had changed to nothing but a cloud. If only Blight could touch it as well. Maybe she would like the feeling of it tingling her ears. But she just flew there next to her. Eyes just glued down ono it. She better be paying attention still or she will miss this.

The edge of the cloud came up and Soul reacted immediately. Letting her wings quit their glide and pushing the wind up from her. Turning like she did as a filly. Skidding right along the side of the cloud, going downwards. Careening to the ground below with the darkness continuing to scrape at her ears. Soulblight doing just as she asked earlier. Coming down with her and then turning again in unison to bring themselves upright under the cloud with a huge burst of speed coming along with them. The feeling came in. That thrill of going super fast. Exactly like I like it. Lots of speed from that freefall. Fast enough to pass by the underside of the cloud quicker than they had done going over it. Clearing its shadow to fly out into the sunlight. Space Soul used to glide herself up.

6.18
Rocketing straight up into the sky. Steep and fast. A great angle that would give them one hell of a ride. Blasting right up to the Sun above. Tearing apart the thin layers of cloud and mist with all that great speed building up to this point when the wind rushed down right into Soul’s face. I never hate the cold air when I do this. Times like this, I love it. Flying in it. I really love it. A cool and gentle kiss to her face making her ears flop against her head and her mane blow wildly in front of her. Feeling how much pressure was on her wings to try and force her back down and knowing how much she loved this thrill only helps pull this all off. Hearing her wings flap rapidly. Cancelling out to glide for a second before resuming. In pace with the thunderous flaps of Blight’s wings alongside the pants of her flight buddy. Even Soul’s own heart raced a bit.

Welcome to my new sky. A much colder, but gentle place.

One final spin. Letting the Sun warm her belly and the world turned around once more. Turning to face the white paleness of the plains below them. Far below. So far that the houses were the specks they should be at heights like this. Down below ready to welcome her back to the earth. She beat her wings once and let all her speed take over.

Coming down hard. Feeling something like she did when flying at incredible speeds. Speeds like this, always able to fly such massive distances in seconds with it. Just let her momentum carry her with her wings outstretched to guide her in. Coming in fast like the houses that grew. A true and total freefall. Oh Celestia, I love it! This feeling! Like my stomach is going into my throat. I love it so much. So fast that the oncoming wind could not even let her turn her head to see how Blight was doing. But that was what was fun about this. An experience few pegasi could have. To go so fast and feel so free at the same time. Free of the burden of working to achieve this and knowing that the beloved sky itself that all pegasi cherished was there to cradle them in their descent. A feeling I love getting out here. All the wind churning around her. Like a funnel itself that she fell through. Plummeting right down it to the welcoming Earth from the heavens she loved. Coming in very quick.

All of it a total thrill. Her heart beat furiously.

6.19
…And stop.

Soul brought her wings back to life. Turning them into an angle that let their entire widths shadow the ground flying at her. One great and final beat of her wings lashing down to the snow below. Feeling all the wind left in her wake rush past her body like a shower of water. Thundering so loud. It cracked in her ears.

Coming down fast while she screeched to a halt with hooves just above the snow. Snow that was sent flying. Wind howling and blasting in every direction underneath her exactly like her wings themselves made an explosion that drilled itself down into the snow. The beauty of nature. All the snow in sheets of white blasting out all around from the force. All it left was a huge crater in the snow beneath her. Ringed by mounds of snow built up by the flurries still flying about all around her.

Such a sudden stop. I really was going pretty fast. Haha! I love it. It’s like I’m a kid again. So fun! I always missed times like this.

6.20
A second explosion rang.

New streaks of light blasting over the wind and sending all the snow flying. All the mounds she created. Becoming but wisps in the wind to disappear together in a torrent of black.

Darkness everywhere. Soul flew up. Oh shit! Just missing all that black mist coming over the snow below her. Like the entire land was shrouded in darkness. What is… Soul looked over. Hearing it.

Blight hung there next to her. Surrounded in that darkness. Where all the darkness kept her floating. Churning and weaving around her… her trembling wings. The Pegasus hanging there… shaking in fear. Staring down at the ground. Is she… oh no.

That darkness split apart. Cast away into endless wisps of glimmering cinders to die across the snow. All of it dispersing so as to allow the Pegasus who summoned it to land safely in the snow with wings held aloft. Stuck in place high above her head. Their feathers swaying not from wind but from how violently her entire body shook. How terrified she really was. Soul was silent, landing next to her.

Her flight buddy held her eyes wide and staring past Soul. Panting so hard. Exhausted. But… all Soul could see was her dragon eyes pulsing. How bad her body was shaking. So timid looking and struck. No more fun, no. Soul felt her spirits plummet. Seeing Blight like this. Something was so wrong, and I think I know what it is.

The move we just did. So lost in how great it felt. Pulling off speeds and pulling off a trick that any stunt Pegasus loved to do. Soulblight was no stunt Pegasus, though.

We were going so fast and… I made her do something so dangerous. Fall right down at the ground at that speed… shit. My flight buddy is terrified.

Soul offered a hoof to her. “Blight, …I’m…” She received a shake of her head in return. Blight cutting her right off. “Oh no, …I-I-I’m okay.” Saying that with a shaky voice. Her body continuing to give off how absolutely terrifying that stunt really was to a beginner. Not at all easing Soul from what she just did to her. I was so focused on how much fun it was for me… I didn’t even think about her. So quickly at that. I really am a terrible friend to her. Soul remained speechless.

“I messed up.”

Soul looked right up at Blight. What? Blight thinks that was her fault? How the hell… no way. “I-I should not have used magic. I’m sorry, please forgive me” Blight pleaded of her. The magic she used to save her landing? That was not a problem. Soul shook her head. “Blight, …I’m sorry.” Come on, I need to say something. Something that will ease her. Why can’t I think of anything? No, her mouth just trembled. As bad as Blight’s body shook.

I messed up. I should not have made you do that. Please forgive me for forgetting how you may have felt. Say those to her! But her tongue curled in on itself. Terrified that she just hurt this pony again. Please no, did I just break her trust? What can I say? Soulblight broke that concentration with a whiff of air brushing against Soul’s cheek when her student walked past her. Head low, wings still raised. Passing with her tail twitching behind her.

What? She was leaving. Her path heading off in the direction of the village still visible in the far-off distance.

She had to be angry. Angry at me. Not again. I didn’t do this on purpose, I just lost control and forgot. Soul cursed her learning gap with Blight. Why does everything we do always end like this? Always. And it’s always because of something I do. Not again. Not another pony to walk away from me. Blight may as well just tell me right here that she hates me.

No, I never want that to happen again.

6.21
“Wait!” Soul called after. Kicking her hooves right after the black Pegasus. Sending snow flying behind her, not even allowing time for her wings to fold up. Their lengths cutting the snowflakes that she passed. Catching up to her student who stopped her walk but still did not turn to face how sorry Soul was. “Don’t go.” Soul rubbed one of her hooves over her foreleg. Trying her best to look over past the wings of her student to get a glimpse of her face. Hoping to not see how angry it may be. Grabbing her attention but no words to say. I need to say something. Please. I don’t know how to make this better.

Blight spoke instead. Catching Soul by surprise. “I’m sorry, Soul. I can’t fly the way you do.” Just because she used magic to save herself from something that may be dangerous? Soul thought it all over again. There is no reason to doubt Blight is a good flyer. So what if she could not perform a scary stunt? There was no way.

“That’s not true” Soul finally spoke out against her. “You really impressed me. Keeping up with me and doing all the same moves as I did. You can be a great flyer.” She walked up past Blight’s side. Creeping over to try and see her student. Those glimmering dragon eyes she found hidden behind her wings. “This was the first time you trained with me. It’s tough for any Pegasus.”

“Is that right?” Blight asked softly. Her face turning to gaze over at Soul directly. No longer gripped in fear but a frown beneath eyes caught in sadness. Solemn and longing. Even as she grimaced her face. Leaning in close to Soul. Stepping forward to close the gap, so close that Soul reeled back a step fearing they may bump heads. Blight’s voice became venom. “Perhaps it may have been a different story in the end were I to have the talent for flying. Right?”

W-why did you say it like that? You have talent, just not for flying. At least not right now. I see so much potential in her, even if it isn’t flying. Anything that she may do and show off. …And Blight should know it. She is good at a lot of things.

Blight lowered her wings. So low to touch down to the snow below her. Low enough… that Soul saw it once again. Again… as the black Pegasus turned around and showed it. No longer hiding. Her wings not there to cover it, and the Pegasus glared upon her.

“I know you saw it earlier.” I did see it. Earlier and now. Her eyes stayed on it… but… they shouldn’t. No. Soul looked away. So ashamed of herself. She is so angry at me. I’m sorry. I never knew you felt bad about it. I didn’t mean to stare earlier. At this thing Blight had upon her flank.

A blank flank.

6.22
“Well?” Blight yelled. “You saw it. Now you know I really am as much a freak as you claim.” Shaking her thigh to Soul a few times as if showing it off. Huffing with anger and turning her back on Soul. Eased off from her fright of how angry the Pegasus was just by how her voice slipped off to a whisper. One wrought in pain. “I have no talent. For flying or anything. That’s why I did so bad with you and why I can’t fly with you. Can’t do anything right! And you… such a damn goodie two shoes with your damn cutie mark and all your talent.”

Soul dropped her wings. My cutie mark. Down there on her own flanks that her soft feathers touched. Planted there on her. The day I got them. The day I hurt Blight. Her marks. As black as Blight’s own flanks. As black as that day. You’re wrong, Blight. I have a cutie mark. But… I… what’s the point? What is it when I don’t even know my own talent? My talent seems to be making other ponies mad at me. Like I did with Dash. With Celestia. …Now with you. Again.

I’m so sorry I made you fly with me. I’m so sorry I made you feel like a failure at flying. And I’m the one who gets the cutie mark even when I have no talent myself.

“So yes, I am that freak Pegasus” Blight spat. “One with no talent for anything, …nothing to make you happy.” I guess I deserve her yelling at me. I made her feel this way. Making her feel so bad about herself. No matter how untrue her words were. Because you did make me happy. You really did. And that’s why I can’t stand this.

“Shut up!” Soul yelled. Breaking her silence. No longer wanting to hear Blight’s sadness. Even making Blight jump quick. Soul ran up to her. Standing side by side. Her hoofsteps catching the black mare’s attention. Coming face to face with her instructor. So angry about this. Both ponies so angry at one another. Glaring back at the other. Neither could let it go. But I’m not angry at Blight. I’m so mad but… not at her. I’m made at myself.

6.23
“It’s not like I absolutely want you to be a great flyer!” Soul yelled. “Maybe that’s not your talent. After what you just did…” she pointed back to the craters both pegasi had made. One I made. But one… that huge one. I could never do that. That was done another way.

“And everything I know you can do, …you can be a master wizard or something for all I know. Hell,… a wizard Pegasus. You think that’s not something?” She shook her head. Turning away from those angry dragon eyes. No longer able to stand it. To believe she was making them even angrier. “Damn it, Blight! You’re even great with animals. Spots loves you. You take good care of him.”

“…You take… good care of me. Why do you think you would make me unhappy?”

Everything we went through together. How much we both hurt each other. So much pain. It’s like it’s been burned into my heart now. Years upon years of heartbreak and loneliness. Of failure. Pain. Sadness. All leading up to this day. The past night. That was the one time. The one damned time we both sat down and talked like nothing was wrong. Like nothing had happened. Feeling so much like the first time I met you.

“You made me happy today…” Soul smiled. Bringing all her strength to look back at her companion. Her companion for so many years. Whose anger had subsided. I have no idea why you have no cutie mark. You have so many talents. So many that this Pegasus should be proud of. Her intelligence and skills. Her beauty. I only wish I knew why you had no mark. Because I don’t want you to feel bad about not having one.

I hate seeing you like this.

“You are good at a lot of things. Don’t be sad about it. Hell, …I don’t even know what my talent is.” Soul patted a wing against one of her cutie marks.

“You don’t?” Blight asked of her. “Nope. It just appeared when I was doing nothing. I still don’t know what it means.”

Soulblight smiled. How bright it looked, even under all the black of her fur, so radiant. Soul sighed. See, I’m not so great too. But we both have things to be proud of. Cutie mark or no. It doesn’t matter right now. All that matters is for Blight to feel proud of herself. I hope she does because she is smiling again.

Blight brought her head just short of Soul’s. Looking down but keeping her eyes leveled to gaze out through that long mane. “Do you think I can fly alongside you someday?” “Yes, you will. You already got the wings for it.” She caught a glimpse of those wings fluttering at Blight’s sides like they were happy to hear her kind words. Soulblight laughed. Backing away to give them some space. Her ears fallen to the sides of her head and that beautiful smile never left. As beautiful as those wings. Really, it’s like every part of this mare was beautiful. Even inside her. No matter what, I will still see you as something beautiful.

“I really do like those wings of yours” Soul whispered. “I think they’re pretty.”

A tear fell from Soulblight’s eye.

6.24
Soulblight wiped her face. “I-I’m going to go finish up the house for Spots” she said. That was fine. We’ve done enough for today. It was best for her to rest. Soul accepted it. “Alright. I want to train for a little bit, …how about I pick up Spots as soon as I’m done?” Soul offered. I want to see that cute, little guy again. Blight got to be with him all this time, time for me to join in on it too. I want to help care for him.

“This afternoon?” Soul continued. “I’m fine with that.” Soulblight turned away. Soul still able to get one last glance of that smile before her companion walked off towards the village. Stopping short just a few steps away.

Soulblight whispered behind her long mane. “Why did you want me to fly with you, by the way?”

That was easy to answer. Just a little reason I’ve had for so long now. It had nothing to do with training at all.

“Because I wanted you to have fun with me.”

Blight didn’t turn to look at her. Soul saw no reaction. Not seeing Blight’s face again but anypony could tell, like Soul could, Blight was happy. Finally, we got to have fun together after so long. I… I actually made her happy. Blight didn’t need to say a thing. I can tell. The black Pegasus flapped her wings. Flying off.

And I’d love to have fun with you again.

6.25
I really should get to training. How long has it been? Even though I know I need to get back at it. Spending hours sitting on the mountain to watch out over the vast crater. Not lifting a wing since she got here. I just can’t stop thinking about today. Always getting in the way. No, not today. I just don’t feel like training.

It never really came to her this whole time. Just wanting to wait the day out, looking back at what had happened. Blight is something else. She really is. I… I only wish I had asked her to spend more time with me. Not for training or high-speed maneuvers. None of that, but just to fly. A gift she continued to think may be something that Blight could have as a talent. It wasn’t impossible. Her coordination and reactions were amazing. She flies well. Well enough that I want us to fly a lot more together. Besides… I can’t get it out of my mind. I really want to find out what her true talent is. Soul hoped it was flying. Something involving it. Something that the Pegasus failed to realize in her life. I really want to help her figure out what her talent is. Do something nice for that pony who has spent so long taking care of me. What better way to help that mare with that problem than for her to discover what beautiful mark could be upon her flank? Something to lift her spirits. I guess that has been on her mind for so long now. I never knew she was a blank flank. I don’t even know how long it may have been upsetting Blight. And all I could do was compliment her on how great she is.

But that isn’t enough. You and I really are the same. We both are so good at certain things but we never feel proud. Here I am with an actual mark and you have none. I’m so ashamed I ignored you for so long. I even called you a freak. Oh how terrible of me. After this passing night, this day. I see her nothing close to a freak. Even if you are an adult with no cutie mark. You are no freak. You are a gorgeous mare with so many talents. I only wish I could be like you. Really… Soul stroked her long mane. I want to be just as pretty as you. Just as great.

6.26
I think you are so great. And… do you think the same of me? I remember all the nice things you used to say to me. How kind and caring you were… and you still are. Do you think I’m great too? Good enough to want to play with me? Because I want to keep playing. I want to be with you. Tonight. With Spots. All three of us together. Then the next day, and the day after. Even after Spots was grown up and could go out on his own. When Soul was finally strong enough, and both pegasi could fly out of here together. Returning to Equestria to spend days under the warm Sun in a familiar land filled with ponies. All those days I want to be with you. All the time I want to spend with you.

I will find some way to make it all possible. It is my turn to make things a little easier for Blight. For the pony who helped me make it this far in this wasteland.

Who saved me from myself.

I owe her that much. There was a way out, and all I need to do is keep on practicing. Just go back to training for a little bit. Not too much, that was something to do for tomorrow and not at all anything she looked forward to. I’d rather spend all night and tomorrow playing with Blight and Spots. It was so exciting. Nothing at all she imagined in the recent past. How great for Blight to love animals just like I do. Better reason to get the training done fast. Get out of here and go find that little fawn. Play games with him. If he’s good, I may even let him ride on my back. I’m sure Blight would be able to protect him just in case, but I’m sure I won’t let him fall off. After all, I’m not the filly I used to be. I’m a mare now and… I am damn good at flying.

How I would love to sleep in the bed that Blight has tonight as well. I bet I can get Spots to sleep with me. I’d love that so much! Wow, I really am such a sucker for cuties. The only thing missing would be Blight. Soul did like the idea of sleeping with Spots. Yet, …what if…

No… that’s kind of weird, isn’t it? I don’t know why I’m thinking that. Just… how I… held Dashie long ago In bed.

What if… Blight did that for me?

No more nightmares. No more loneliness. I… I want it, actually.

I should get to training. Because I sure as hell want to go home soon.

6.27
She stood back up, giving her legs a much-needed stretch after staying still for too long. No chafing in her wings. Not sore at all after all the stress from yesterday. Good, means there is nothing in my way of getting this done quickly. Then she may blast off to where Spots hid and surprise Blight by giving them a long evening of fun. All I need to do… is try out my old trick. It being her whole purpose for coming to the mountain in the first place.

So high up in the sky. Higher than earlier.

Blight, thank you for letting me fly with you. Our little flight… it gave me a good sign of how to do this. This time, I’ll do it so much higher. More height, more speed.

She looked up into the sky. So high up there, like when I was a filly. I… still know how to do it. Exactly like you showed me, Nimbus. The best way to get your speed going. Well, how about more than that?

“A dive is the best way to gain your speed.” That’s what Nimbus taught. Enough speed to give you the momentum for any stunt or series of tricks you wanted. And I always pulled it off perfect. How the wind would crack. Feeling all the pressure on me. Falling and falling from the skies above, and I always was so fast. So tell me, Nimbus, wherever you are. How do you think I can do now… with these?

Soul let loose her massive wings. Reaching high for the sky. All those hundreds of feathers fluttering so delicately in the wind. Blistering in the layers of muscles that years of work had created. Wings unlike any other. And it is true.

Nimbus, I used to always be so jealous of how great your wings were. I remember it. How they looked. Such lonely golden wings glittering in the Sun. Larger than even you were. Well-tended and tough. Strong enough to pull of any stunt. Wings that befit a master flyer like you were. So jealous of them, and I was so jealous of Blight’s wings too. But… let’s face it. Soul smirked.

I’ve put so many years into these wings. I took every technique and lesson you taught me, and I perfected them on my own out here. I had nopony left to help me. I did it all alone. Every day, I was left exhausted and aching. My wings were always in pain. I never gave them a break and always made it harder on myself because that is exactly how you would have trained me. I’m no longer that little girl anymore. No, Nimbus. I’m a mare now. I’m the woman I wanted to become. And now I have the wings… unlike any other. Flying is nothing to me now. No effort. No worry. No fear. When I fly, it’s like the entire world is nothing.

It’s why I believe I can do it now. I can do the unimaginable. That no other Pegasus can do. No matter how much practice it will take, I will reach a speed that no other can reach. Ever again. Because it is all for one simple reason.

Nimbus. Your training. Everything you told me. All the effort you put in from me. I never forgot it. And I still… love… you for it. So much that I did all this for you. These great wings I have now. I did it for everything you taught me. But most importantly, I did it… for what you gave me. A life to look forward to back home. I will fly into the sky… and I will reach a speed that no Pegasus can dream of. No matter how long it takes. I will do it.

Soul wiped a tear from her cheek and smiled. I really have become one with the sky now. I see what it is you tried to teach me. And I will go so fast that no storm can stop me. Like busting through the clouds, I will destroy all those storms. All by myself. Because that’s how it is. It’s all up to me to make it all right, and I will do it for the ponies that I love. Do it no matter how many times it takes, and the day will come when all three of us are together. Out there, beyond this world. Dashie… Soulblight, and me. Laughing together in the warm skies above Equestria.

Three pegasi as best friends.

I’ll make it happen. Soul soared into the clouds above.

6.28
I know I told Soul she would get to take Spots home but… I just can’t help it. I really want to see him right now. I’ll just stay here with him and keep him company until Soul arrives. Oh the look on her face when she arrives to see me waiting. After all, I know Soul wants to be the one to take him home. I’ll let her carry him. But, in truth, Blight wanted to do that too. Curse these legs that could not touch anything. But I think it will still be nice to spend more time with both of them. Ease the night away with them in my house. Under the glow of the many candles she left lit for house guests tonight. Even making a whole new layer of blankets of the exact make she did with the one she gifted for Spots and laying them neatly across the bed.

I can’t help but imagine it. It all sounds so nice. Making her giddy just thinking about it as she flew in towards the cave. I already know what Soul wants to do tonight. She wants to sleep with Spots. Haha, of course. It sounds so beautiful. Both of them sleeping so peacefully. I want to join them too. Maybe take turns holding Spots in my hooves. Keep him warm and cozy.

Again, impossible.

She sighed in disbelief. Soul gets that honor. But… it’s okay. Because I got something amazing today all thanks to Soul and what she did. Spots needed to know. I want to tell him everything we did this morning. Pass the time telling him stories until Soul arrived. Tell him that Soul was definitely not the Pegasus I’ve been saying such bad things about. Regretting every terrible word she spoke of her. Painting a picture of a cruel and unforgiving Pegasus for Spots. The fawn must have seen how wrong that all was when Soul cared for him so well last night, and he saw how wrong Blight had been. So very wrong.

6.29
She almost missed sight of the opening in the snow below her. Caught in time for her to make the quick adjustment to her flight and landing just outside the opening. Her wings settling and folding back up against her sides. The wings Blight felt more care for than ever before. Only because… hehe… they’re pretty. Blight… she blushed.

Oh Soul, you sap. I didn’t expect you to say that to me. I… I love to know that. I do spend a lot of time caring for them. I’m glad you appreciate them.

These wings, hehe, I don’t need to care for them. I honestly don’t care much for them. After all…

They aren’t my wings.

But… a Pegasus can make herself feel pretty every now and then, right? Her being pretty enough to get a compliment. Being wanted enough to be asked to spend time with another. It gives me hope.

Soul, she really is not like the others.

It made her smile so much. I have to tell him. Let Spots know everything I said was wrong. Soul was a kind pony. She was so nice. Maybe I do have a talent for animals. Like Soul said. I do care for Spots so well. Just like I really am his mother. He loves me and appreciates me just as much as Soul does. I find myself caring for both of them. I want that to keep going.

She lowered her head to crouch in through the narrow opening and into the dark cave within. Stepping in without a sound. Hoping not to scare Spots with how silent she was, she whispered “Spots, mommy’s here.” She listened. Perking her ears back up to their maximum. Hearing the soft drops of water in the cave, the wind outside. …A thunderous burst in the distance. Far off. Possibly the storms far beyond the comfort of these snowy plains. Unfortunately, she heard nothing else in here. She heard nothing at all. Just the drone of that thunder far outside. The rush of wind splitting the air all across the land.

Pretty loud thunder.

He must be sleeping. Such a silent little sleeper. He doesn’t even snore. I never even hear a murmur from him when he sleeps.

6.30
Blight turned the corner to where she left the little alcove for Spots to sleep in. His box placed gently against the rocky wall with all his blankets stacked up inside in a neat and sizeable space for him. Topped by the purple, heart covered blanket she made just for him. I have more beautiful ones at home just for him. All made from her inspiring moments of the morning.

Oh, he was sleeping. Such a cute little guy. She spotted the bulge in the blanket. Looks like he has been tossing in his sleep again. He may be a quiet sleeper, but not a still one.

“Spots. Wakey, wakey.” Blight crawled in low enough to avoid the ceiling. Moving onto his blankets, careful to avoid getting too close to where he slept. Not wanting to fall into him. Yet her magic instead went over the blankets. Coming over the entire bulge in the blanket. “I got our house all ready. You don’t need to sleep in this cold place anymore.” No more. We can all be a family together now. One with plenty of love to share. No more hatred or loneliness for anypony.

No more hatred from Soul.

It was almost too good to be true. So good that I actually cried after Soul and I parted this morning. It’s been so long, I missed feeling Soul cared for me. I… I want to give something back for her. Her and Spots. Because they both deserve it, and… I honestly feel I deserve it too now. Things really have changed.

She pulled the blanket back eager to tell him about all this. Removing the covers to find his little ears twitching underneath. She saw it, but her eyes froze…

From what she would have seen.

6.31
Spots?

He… he had been here. We left him here all wrapped up. I know we did.

She moved the blanket up and over, tossing it aside with a loud smack of it hitting the cold, hard wall with such force. Caring not at all of whatever may happen to the blanket she worked to make. It was useless. As useless as everything else in here. Get out of my way! Blight slammed the box over with a burst of magic. Tossing aside all the blankets and pillows. Frantically looking all over it.

It was impossible. No way he could be gone. No way.

She looked all over the blankets again and then behind her. All around the cave. “No. No. No.” Another blanket went flying. He must be somewhere in here. She readied her ears again, trying to catch any sound. Hiding somewhere. That must be it. He was playing. He’s got to be. Because… he wouldn’t want to make his mommy so scared… hehe. Don’t do it.

This box, damn thing, get out of my way! It flew off with another blast of black magic. Crumpling it against the wall. Sending the remains of his strawberries flying from the wind.

He was not here. Not in the bed. I… I…

I can’t even hear him. I’m the only one here.

Blight turned around back to face the entrance of the cave. Out in the sunlit world beyond it. “Spots!” She took one final look all around the cave. No, please no. I hate this feeling. Spots! Stop it, you’re scaring me. Her heart beating so hard she felt it like a swarm of butterflies deep within. I told him to stay in here where it’s safe. He never attempted to leave before… before…

I healed his leg.

He ran off.

6.32
She ran right back out to the entrance of the cave. Stopping short upon entering the sunlight. Staring out at the endless horizon of snow packed with waves of tight pockets of snow curling in droves all about within the sheets that came down. He can’t be out here. He’s just a baby. Nopony with him. Too cold for him, too empty. Nothing for him.

“Spots!” she screamed. Her echo carried on with the wind. Heard by her ears, still tracking everywhere. She focused as hard as she could manage. As far as she knew possible. Taking note of everything. I hear it all. I hear Soul out there flying. I hear the ponies beyond. Even further beyond that. I hear everything out here. But I don’t hear you. I should hear you. Where did you go? Why did you leave? Why…

Blight sniffled. Why are you making me cry?

Not again. Please not again. I never wanted this to happen again. Please. She looked all around. Unable to even breathe anymore. I don’t want this again. Please, Spots. Don’t leave me… like everypony does.

“SPOOOOOTTTTTSSSSSS!”

Her voice rang out upon the land. So loud. Blight’s throat stung. Ceasing her scream only when the pain in her throat grew too much to bare. Only able to whisper… and cry.

“Come back… to mommy.”

Her legs gave out. Her entire body giving out. She collapsed to the ground. Not even stopping herself. Only letting herself do one thing. She cried. Cried behind her long, black mane draping against her face.

Spots. Where are you? You… you left me. Don’t you see? Don’t you see what this is doing to me? H-how pathetic I look. I know you are out there. You have to be. See how pathetic I am. Please come back… take pity on me. She couldn’t stop crying into the snow. Leaving her wings and legs set aside. She managed to find the strength to even push her mane off her nose with a careful swipe. Freeing herself to see again. See something… right in front of her, in between her legs left sprawled on the ground.

Tracks.

A clean stride in the snow.

Blight jumped back up. Tracks! They must be from him. Follow it. Yes! Bringing her attention back to the entrance of the cave where she found the tracks started. Little dots pressed into the snow. Shaped like a few small dots around a larger one, arranged together to form a track she saw belonged to four legs. …And another.

…Another.

More.

Many, many tracks from the cave. All together. So many of them… Blight was silent. Staring at them all. All these prints… the exact same. What? All of them going out into the snow beyond. Disappearing out there in the wall of snow that shrouded the land.

“What?” She looked back down at the closest tracks. So many. Who made all these? All the same tracks. Are these even Spots’ tracks? I… I wish I knew. I never took the time to look at his hooves. I didn’t think I needed to. I wish I had. To tell which of these are his.

He did leave, he was gone. Left with others. Others… like him.

They came back for you. Spots… you went back to… your parents. Your family.

And right when you could walk again. All thanks to me. You left… right after we left you. Reuniting with the ones he loved. …The ones… “Who deserve his love.”

So that’s how it is? Is it? Wow. I never saw it before. But, it’s clear as day now. You leave me now. After all I did. Blight grinned.

I see now. Hahaha. “Hehehe.” I feel it. Like… I’m being bitten all over. Her tail twitching to strike at her buttocks, making her nose flare each time. Staring down upon those tracks. Not even blinking. This is what you leave me? You leave me feeling like this? And now I see that…

I am a “complete fool.”

6.33
Oh… how lovely. How great. She hissed. I want to get rid of it all. I want it all burned away. Burn away the lies that I was taught to believe in. Let it all go away in a sea of red. One so deep she saw it in her eyes. Turning back to do just that. Looking upon the entrance to the cave.

We spent so much time together in there. I was the only one who cared for you. You were the one who made me feel special. And now what? You leave me like this. I want it all gone. Taking the steps towards the cave’s entrance, and yet… she cried. Even with so much anger burning in her. Feeling it all rising back up after so long of it being gone. So very sad. Like… like I can feel my heart ripping. I don’t want this at all.

Not Spots. Not anypony else. I was abandoned.

She stopped in her tracks.

I don’t want to see it again. Crying so hard. I don’t want to be so sad. I don’t want to see it. …My… my gift for him. That beautiful blanket I made for him. Just for him. Even if it were to burn, just seeing it… I can’t. I don’t want to see it. Any of it. No more reminders of it all. No more. Another who would rather leave me than love me. You are no different. No different than all the pain inside me that it’s like a damn scar in my heart. I feel it writhing. All those scars… you are just another. You would rather be another to make me feel this way again. Alone.

I was not good enough… for him. He did not even see fit to say goodbye to me.

So yyou go back to you parents and your family and leave me like this!? This is how I’m repaid? You get what you want from me and then leave. And that is all that ever happens to me. I hate it. Giving so much. Wanting others to feel happy and getting nothing but hate in return. They pretend to like me. Such an insult. So very insulting.

You should not have given him the opportunity.

Why was that right? It was always right. No matter how much I hate to hear such things. How much I want to ignore it. Everything that made the past so difficult to deal with… and it was always right in the end. I am always wrong. I’m tired of being wrong all the time.

Why did he have to leave? Why must all leave me? Will Soul leave me?

Yes.

6.34
Please don’t leave me.

I don’t want my last friend to leave. Not again. You are my friend, right? I don’t want to be alone again. You’re out there in the snow, right? Training. You’re the last pony I can rely on. You want to be my friend? Right?!

Or… is it just because… of all that I do for you?

I always am just something to be used. No matter how nice I am, it never pays off. I never got what I wanted. Soul… that Pegasus, she is just like Spots. Everything that happened today. Just like now. You only did it because you miss your precious Dashie. That little bitch.

That’s all. Nothing more. Nothing to expect from you. And it will all happen again when I have nothing left to give. You will leave me too, and all I will have left is darkness once again.

“Spots… I love you” she whimpered. “I love you, …Soul.” She shook her head. “Why do you all not love me?”

Blight looked away from the cave. Not wanting to ever see it again. Walking away from it all with nothing left. Her mind a blank. All that there was left was sadness. As empty as this entire world. Crying endlessly.

These tears. The same ones I cried for so many… countless years… in the dark. Again.

You don’t deserve them.

6.35
The Sun had gone down quite a bit. Still hanging high though. At least it’s not too late right now. That was very good. Thank Celestia. I was scared I overdid it on the training. Just a few more tries. Oh… how many times did I tell myself that? Then a few more turned into so many more. Then dozens. I did it over and over again.

And I can’t be any happier with myself.

I did it for you, Nimbus. I hope you are proud of me. Because I am so proud. How much I improved. I just know I can do it now. Just need to keep practicing it and, soon, I will reach it. Hehe, I can’t believe how fast I’ve gotten.

She could still hear the ringing in her ears over the harsh wind coming in now. Loud but still able to hear. That move really was a pain to practice. Not bad enough to keep her grounded. Her wings felt better than ever. Stronger even after yesterday. I still feel so raring to go. Flying off in the direction she remembered her and Blight spent the night together with that cute fawn. This should be the right way.

I just know Blight will be happy to see that I kept my promise. Come home with Spots just as she said she would and not at all too late. Enough time to let Blight finish up the house, make it ready for their ‘little baby’ as Soul grew more fond of wanting to call him. Going over the hill lines as quick as possible without making too much of the thunderous noise she had quite enough of today, she neared the location she remembered. Easily missed by many ponies no doubt, but not her. Able to spot the tiny rising of rock where the cave’s entrance was all the way out here. Picking up a little more speed. Keeping her wings quiet as well. No need to scare him. Keep it steady. Making her wings slow down a bit when she came right up to the point she saw the entrance clearly.

A lot of snow sure has built up around here over the day. Deeper piles of it sat atop the rocks making up the entrance. She landed on that snow. Shuffling her hooves quickly and making bursts of the snow skitter away with the force of her landing. Not too loud. Not loud at all. Soul was happy with her good landing and hopeful she did not surprise him with that.

6.36
Right over the entrance, she looked down in there. Lowering her head. Low enough to not bang right into the rocks over the entrance. Looking into the dark cave within, no sign of Spots. Damn. I was hoping her would be there to see ol’ auntie Soul waiting for him. I imagined him being so excited. Welp, that’s not happening. Guess I got to go get him. If he was not roaming about the cave, he must be in the back alcove Blight made his bed in. Still sleeping. He had been up all night. Time to wake the poor thing up.

Soul dropped down from above and landed on the rocks at the foot of the entrance. Creeping in on the tips of her hooves as silent as could be while keeping her wings and head tucked in so as not to strike any of the rocks decorating the cave. “Spots” she whispered to let him know she meant no harm when she rounded the corner. “Auntie Soul is here. You wanna ride to your new home with me?” How exciting! We all get to have a new home now. I just know Blight will be happy that I want to help her take care of him. Even more happy when she hears the news that I might have a way to get us both out of this place soon. That will be a truly happy day.

She went around the corner. Finding right where they left Spots. Except… why was his bed destroyed?

All the blankets, old and ugly, the beautiful one with the hearts as well, all tossed asunder. One left draped against a rising in the rocks. Many others resting about at the feet of the walls. But it was his box that left Soul wondering. Flipped over and crumpled a little on the ground. …And no Spots. He… isn’t here.

“Spots” she called out. Looking back behind her and all around the cave. Wandering to and fro to check every part of this cave. Where is he hiding? Behind the rocks, under the blankets, nothing at all. Oh no. This… she looked back all around her. This whole place is destroyed. Did… did something bad happen?

No, that could not be it. It can’t be. There is nothing here. Maybe… maybe he just made a big mess of his bed. Or he was a very feisty deer and played around with his blankets. Yeah, that had to be it. He is a playful guy. Still likely having so much energy in him being a baby and all.

…But where is he?

He’s not here.

Did she…

6.37
“Damn it, Blight.” Did she really come and pick him up? I was the one who was supposed to do that for her. I want to help too. Anything to show I have her back and she can rely on me. Did she really just steal that from me? Now she had to think of something else. I got to think of something new to do for her. Maybe… maybe food? Why not? I can go search for any plants that Spots would like. Let Blight take care of him while I do the hard part. Yeah! I got killer eyes and speed. I’m sure I can find something even if I have to dig up all the snow in this land. Anything to show Blight that I am a good friend. Something that she can praise me for.

Why did Blight have to make this harder for me? Like it was some kind of test.

Soul reeled around and scampered out the cave, nearly bumping her head into the against the low lying rocks. “Damn it” she said one more time before taking flight. Blasting away with such a strong flap of her wings. So low she saw the snow on the ground sent flying underneath her. Clearing the hills and taking but a measly few seconds to clear the distance between the cave and the village. Right upon the houses she came to know now… except… something was wrong.

6.38
She landed right between the houses. Staying there… staring.

What is this? I feel… weird. Something isn’t right here. Like… it’s kind of like… Soul looked all about the village. All across the houses. These homes where the wind flew over and churned the snow. Yet… it was heavy. That’s how it felt. Such a heavy feeling out here in the air.

The entire village was quiet. So quiet.

I… I never noticed how eerie this place can be. Weird. The way the wind blew over right now, going over her ears and stroking her mane, barely any noise to it at all. A mere whisper. Whispers going over and around every house. Chilling. Haunting her. Making Soul tuck her wings tightly against her. Covering her back and sides up in those huge feathers. Striding slowly towards the entrance of Blight’s house.

This was too weird. Everywhere she looked, the village felt so… off. Like… just the way this feels, it’s like I’ve never been here before. Like I’m being watched.

I’m being watched.

Soul looked back. Nothing.

I swear, like somepony is behind me. Like I’m… I’m afraid. It’s…

That’s what it is. Soul stared down at the snow she stood on. This deep and cold snow. Lifting her hoof up and watching the snow fall from it. This terrible feeling. It’s just like how the crater feels. I can never get used to it. Even when I train. That was it. It’s so strong. She looked back up to the house in front of her. So strange. Does Blight know what’s going on? I need to ask her.

Soul stepped up to stand before the door. Gently tapping a hoof against it several times. Just a tap? Soul smacked the door now. Why was I being so afraid just to knock?. Don’t be so afraid. This is our village. Blight and Spots are in there waiting for me. Waiting to have lots of fun. Enjoy the rest of the day together. With my new friends. All three of us together in a new home. Like a family.

6.39
“Blight?” she asked knocking the door a little louder. “I’m back.” No answer. Is she even here? Maybe clearing away one of the other houses or playing with Spots out in the plains. No, I know I would have noticed her. Everything being much too quiet. Maybe they were resting. Spots sleeping in there after a long night and Blight must be frustrated that I’m… I’m banging on the door. That shut her up.

Soul grabbed hold of the knob with both hooves and pushed the door open. There was Blight’s house. Much the same as when she saw it yesterday. Not any different actually. Did Blight even do anything? None of the candles were even lit. Actually it’s so dark in here. Kind of creepy when she stepped inside. But… she looked in and saw…

Soulblight!

Except… it was her back. The black of her fur rising and lowering with each breath she made. Her face hidden with those beautiful wings of hers raised high like she was ready to take flight. An odd thing for her to do while sitting. Sitting in the center of the room between the table and the bed. Making not a sound. Not a move. But I can hear her breathing.

Soul waited. Is she okay? Blight? Soul cocked her head. She isn’t even turning around. Not even when Soul placed a hoof down upon the floor and heard the boards creak beneath the carpet. Soul spoke out. “I… finished my training. We got the whole rest of the day together.” Soul smiled. Smiled but… I… I feel so weird now.

There was something wrong. Blight did not move. Didn’t even speak in response. Nothing. Is she ignoring me? I didn’t do anything. Did I? Maybe she’s busy. Oh no. I hope I didn’t wake him. Her knocking must have woken the fawn up, …now Blight must be mad. Maybe trying to put Spots back to sleep, holding him behind those vast wings the mare had out.

Soul wanted to see. She stepped forward a little. Eager to see the sight of that precious fawn lulled back to sleep. I need to help as well. I can try to sing to him. Yeah. Or something. I don’t know.

“Is Spots here?”

6.40
She stopped. Blight moved. Her ear, …it twitched. Just once right as she asked that. Soul raised her ears. Blight?

Soul widened her eyes. Is that…? I hear her. I hear it. That little sound behind those big, black wings. Crying.

Soulblight was crying.

What did I do? Soul looked around. At the bed, over at the furniture. The house was empty. Empty. Is…? Spots? He’s not here.

“Blight…” Soul whispered. Nearing her head over towards Blight. Not moving at all, keeping her distance. Because now… she felt it. Afraid of something. Not of the feelings of terror building back up over her, but of what she saw at the cave. Of Blight sitting here crying. It made her legs shake. “Where is Spots?” Blight’s wings twitched. Soul’s eyes jumping immediately to them when they did. What is…

“He’s gone” Blight said softly from behind her wings. “He decided to leave me.”

What?! He’s gone? When did that happen? I… Soul shook her head. No way. Spots had no reason to leave. He has both of us to play with and look out for him. He has no reason to leave. “What… wh…” Soul lost her train of thought. All the feelings of grief coming. Spots could not be gone. She looked down. He can’t. Did Blight even look for him? No, don’t ask that. Stupid. Of course she did. Blight likes that fawn as much as I do. No, she likes him even more than me. Caring for him. Seeing herself as his mother. All the mess back at the cave. That must have been Blight. Looking for him. Running out and looking all over. Now here she is, crying in front of me. So silently. Soul wanted to cry too but couldn’t manage it. I’m not sad. I’m… so angry. At myself.

I should have been able to spot the little guy. I should have gone out looking for him myself. This is all my fault. Damn it. If only…

If only I had not taken so much time training.

I could have caught him before he left. Stupid, stupid idiot. Once again, I failed again. No. Please, no. Don’t tell me I failed Blight again. I made her sad again. No. I can’t let this happen. I’m going back out there and finding him. That will work. Soul did not care about anything else. Run out there and fly. Fly until I can’t fly anymore. Search everywhere.

She motioned herself to do that, prepared to run outside. Stopped short when she heard the voice behind her. “Did you train well?”

6.41
My training? That was not important at all. Spots needed to be found. What the hell was wrong with you, Blight? What is… I know. Losing Spots, it really did hurt you. And I hurt you to by not keeping Spots safe. I can tell in your voice. You’re about to yell at me. Just a happy and carefree Pegasus enjoying the day while another so close to her suffered without her knowing. So selfish. I am so selfish and now she hates me again. Just like I did… with Dashie.

Y-y-yes” Soul muttered. Lowering her head. Terrified of whatever Blight may do. Feeling her own legs begin to shake. Just ignore it. Focus on whatever it will take to make Blight happy again. Leave. Leave and find Spots. Leave and make them happy. Do something other than focusing on myself. I need to show her and everypony else that I care. Why can’t I move? My damned legs can’t stop shaking. Her whole body trembled. Not when she watched the black mare in front of her. Blight glanced over. Like trying to look over her shoulder to see Soul but stopped by her own raised wings.

All she did was giggle.

A chill ran down Soul’s spine. Soul froze. Her shaking finished. Just hearing that giggle. That softness in Blight’s voice. “That’s good… I guess it’s all working out for you. …How nice.” Soul saw it. A bit of black. What the...

6.42
The chair smashed into the floor in front of her. Soul jumped back with a cry of fear. Barely clearing the splinters of wood and flying cushions wrapped in the remains of the magic that belonged to Blight. The whole thing tearing itself apart from the impact. How hard that thing struck the ground. How fast it came at her.

…And Blight did it.

Soul looked back over to the black Pegasus. Terrified. Not scared of her own stupidity anymore. Soul was scared of Blight. She… she just tried to... That chair and all the fury it was delivered in.

Soulblight hates me.

The black wings she loved rose higher. “Then you can leave!” Blight screamed. The fury in her voice. The pain. How bad it broke while she yelled it. Hitting her so hard.

Soul stepped back. Shaking. Whimpering. Hearing it in her voice. Like she heard it in Blight’s voice. I hear it. No. Please… don’t get rid of me. I didn’t mean to… no, don’t be like Dashie and Nimbus and… mom. When I failed them all. “Blight…”

Soul gritted her teeth. Slamming her hoof down onto the remains of the chair. Hearing it crack under her, and her tears fell. No. Please no. I don’t want this again. I… another pony hates me.

Soul closed her eyes. Not looking at the mare again.

She ran off. Not wanting to turn back. I don’t want this again. I don’t want to feel it again. I’m… I’m such an idiot. I don’t want to see another pony who hates me. Blight… you’re just like Dashie.

Soul ran out into the snow again. The only thing left. The cold embrace of an unforgiving world. All that was left. I have no friends. All I have left is this. I’m such an idiot.

It’s just like I remember. Just like that day… when you abandoned me, Dashie. I get to live it again. Now I see. I see it now. What Celestia did. What Nimbus and Starry did. What you did. This is all to punish me.

Such a painful truth.

Soul ran. Ran to her home. The last place left that was safe in this lonely world.

Part 2 Entwined - Act 8

8.1
These mountaintops, this was the last place where I ever thought the two of us would return to someday.

The place where it all began. Standing on this very exact mountain together, back when Soul was not even up to Blight’s shoulders. When she was so weak and frail. Way too much has changed to be able to stand alongside Blight once more on this mountain. Eye to eye, both ponies with wings as magnificent as the other. That being the biggest difference between then and now. That terrible beginning had ended. Now was the time to get rid of any trace of those terrible times. The day when they may finally leave.

I wonder if Blight knows what my plan is. Bringing the pony all the way up here to look out from the mountains and towards the vast snowy wasteland where only the rolling snowstorms and the village beyond was all this land could be. Out to the very edge of the roiling winds Soul heard tickle her ears.

“Still such a wondrous sight.” Soulblight was found staring off to the crater behind them. Looking all about, even meeting Soul’s eyes. “It’s been over twelve years since I’ve been here with you. It’s still beautiful to see all of this again.” So does that mean she doesn’t know why we are out here? Maybe, she always able to guess what it is I’m thinking. Maybe Blight didn’t want to know. Hopeful for a surprise possibly. Just like she did with that birthday.

Soul didn’t question what Blight said, even if she felt different about this world. If it was a beautiful sight then that was a plus for bringing Blight out of the house and into the wild open land of this icy tomb. Soul giggled at her. “Not the reason I brought you out here.” Soulblight’s eyes did widen a little. So curious. Unless she was faking it, she must really be interested. I will be sure to deliver. Because, right now, I will show how much I am willing to do to give us the life we both need.

All the training I’ve put in for years now. I won’t fail this time.

“I’m gonna show you the move I’ve been training for.”

8.2
That pain on her head. She had failed too many times now. Two years of not even practicing it but it was still down in her head. All the techniques that needed to be done to make it happen. I know I can do it. I have the wings for it. I have years and years of training, and I still remember all that Nimbus taught me. I am no amateur. It should work, or, if not, I will be one step closer to finally doing it.

So long ago, I came so close. I could feel it. I know I almost reached something that Nimbus would be proud of. A feeling unlike any other. Ever since… since the day when I felt I had finally known what it was like to be one with the air. To believe I can truly reach my dream and do all this for every pony. Even the ponies who thought I was not good enough, show them all what a Pegasus can truly do. Those times, they all led to this. To what I am now. I truly believe I can pull off moves and fly at speeds that no other can go. Today, I will prove it. No more practice. This time it will be a real go. Just for Soulblight.

“You have a new move?” “Yup, I’ve been training all these years to do something like it. If I get it right…” Soul turned back to Blight. Showing her exactly how confident she was in herself. “We have a one-way ticket out of here.” I want to do it. But… if not, someday I will. But now, you will see just what it is I am trying to do. What all my training has been for. It will be the perfect way to end such a great day. Spending it all with my true friend. Oh yeah. Now that was cause enough to push her to do this perfectly.

“If you get it right?” Soulblight said sharply. “Are you saying you never attempted it before?” Well that was how it worked when training for advanced moves. There always came a time to put it in play for the first time. So Soul nodded. Though it certainly can be a dangerous one. Every time Soul reviewed the steps, some little part of her warned her of all the things that may happen to ruin it and get her hurt. I hope I don’t get hurt this time. Not like what happened the other day. Can’t believe I got knocked out for two days. Quiet those thoughts down. No way to tell if this can be done if all she did was sit here and worry. Years spent for this moment, and no matter how many more it may take till it was accomplished. Doubt must die.

But… Soul noticed it. Oh no, Blight… she has that look in her eyes. Her motherly look to her. Is she going to shoot down my idea? “I don’t want you to get hurt” Blight said. Sounded like she was. Yes, I know it can be risky but that’s what happens when you want to become a great flyer. You have to put yourself at risk sometimes, and I’ll do anything to get us out of here. She’s not going to stop me.

“Do you know who you’re talking to?” Soul asked determined to hold her ground on the idea. Soulblight on the other hoof was not at all impressed. Raising one of her eyebrows. Wait, I guess that’s not the best way to put it. Soul giggled, embarrassed. “Never mind what I just said. But I still need to try.” But the thing was that Blight didn’t say anymore. Though her expression never changed. Still being authoritative pony who liked to be some sort of guardian angel. It was a genuine concern that was actually kind of charming, …but maybe just this once she can let it slide.

Soul leaned in closer to her friend. Doing her best to make the most pleading eyes she can. Even seeing herself reflected in Blight’s dragon eyes. Oh man, I hate having to beg her to let me do things. With a little shimmer of light in her big eyes. Frowning deeply. “Please.” Soulblight rose her eyebrow higher, shaking her own head in displeasure. Of course. Well she is only trying to look out for me. It is nice of her to worry about me. Still though, I need to do this. I need to prove to myself that I can become an amazing flyer. Hopefully Blight did not take it to personal when I fight her over this. Almost readying herself to just blast off the mountain right now… and she still needed to stretch. Damn, she has me. Flying right now, that will certainly hurt later.

“Give me a good show.”

What? Blight smiled. Not even anymore of that concern on her. No, none at all. This mare, she pushed a hoof to Soul and nodded. Blight, you’re not going to stop me? You aren’t fearing that I could get hurt? The look in the mare’s face.

Blight believes in me. She actually wants me to do this. Just like Dashie would do.

Blight smirked, all that Soul needed. I will prove it to you.

8.3
Soul stretched her legs and then her wings. Not caring if Blight was there to watch her stretch. It still felt good doing it. Not as good as seeing that there was a pony here who was confident in Soul. She actually thinks that I can pull this off. If Blight had confidence, then Soul’s own soared in response. I can do this.

It didn’t seem so hard. I know everything I need to do to prepare for it. I always could pull it off in all my training but this time, this was the time to see it through to the end. No cutting it off right before the moment of truth. This time, there was an audience. One that wanted her to give them a good show, just like the Wonderbolts. Hehe so this was a good time to act like one. Training for those days that seemed just above the horizon. Just pull this off and it will happen. One more time.

She reviewed the move. Feeling as confident as before, so why did she feel butterflies in her stomach? Was that from excitement or fear? Sounds like it can be both. Calm it down. There can be no distractions for this. Soul took a very deep breath. Letting it out as she made her way to stand right at the ledge overlooking the valley. Her hoof kicked the edge, she looked down upon it. Down to the abyss below. One more step was all that was left. One more deep breath. Two more. Three. She relaxed. Her wings relaxed. Still holding strong at her sides with their thick feathers flowing so gently in the wind. They still felt calm. Felt so strong. So ready. All these months and years that they didn’t get the chance to fly like this, both of them were more than ready to do it again. Waiting for her to give the go ahead.

Just like old times. I get to show another pony exactly what I can do. And I know she will love it. Soul made sure to see what Blight was doing. Watching her friend step up next to her and sit at her side. Glancing at her as well with a cute little smile. “Be careful” she said. Blight, you really are a great friend. That’s why I’m gonna do this for you.

“I will.”

Soul’s wings rose high above her. Presenting them out. The wind coursing over them. Facing out to the world beyond. Ready to fly again. It will be just like any other time. This moment. The one where Soul buckled her knees. Ready to push herself over the edge. Ready enough that her hind legs itched. This is a moment that I always loved. It will be a moment that I will always remember. The day when I become the fastest.

Taking one final look around the world that could only be seen from up here. Taking all of it in. From the empty void out there to the mountain she stood upon. If this succeeded then all this snow, these mountains, the crater, their village, everything in this land that only served to remind her just how miserable Blight and she had been for so long, all of it will disappear. She will break through the walls. I will return to the life that I lost.

I will open those walls and we will see the world beyond. We will both leave together.

Yes. Yes! Just for that. I do it for that. Soul closed her eyes. The world went still. Only hearing the last breath escape her mouth.

This is the day I make you proud, Nimbus.

Soul kicked her hind legs. Freedom.

8.4
There was something different about the air. Like flying into a warm and welcoming home to escape from the cold of a winter day. So very odd. Flying into this same winter cold she ascended into. Seeing all that chilly wind whish past her in a hazy cloud that endlessly flowed. Glancing back down at the beds of snow far below. This whole world was nothing but that icy winter.

Why did it feel so nice now?

All of this being something to escape from. It felt comfortable. The sky above it all. So accepting to her. All the wind that flew by. Nothing stopping her. Just a lone Pegasus able to fly high up into the clouds. Passing them all. The greys and blues of the sky. Those very clouds began to hide the world below from her. Up here, so very high, to look down upon it all. Seeing the endless sea of grey clouds below her. High above the land. One just had to keep going to see the true beauty that the sky had up here. Up here, where she could see the clouds in every direction. From the gentle streams of grey clouds to the black thunderheads far beyond that rose into the heavens. Beyond that, high above her, was something… she always loved to see.

Soul flew up into the clear, blue skies above the clouds. Kicking up into her flapping wings that so effortlessly carried her higher and higher. All this wind, it felt nice. Nice like the sky. Nothing like the icy cold that bit her every day before this one. It almost carried her onwards. This wind, it was a true friend. It was going to help especially with how strong it was. Keep flying up to the point where the wind was at its strongest. So strong that she felt her wings shake at her sides. The wings that did not give up, and soon... soon a new wind will blow across the land from those very wings.

I love being able to think like this again. Flying high up into the clouds and feeling all the wind circling and tearing apart the air, only to give way for her blasting right through it all with sharp strokes of her wings. All that she lacked was to see the Sun, not in this dark void of empty, blue sky up here. Where even the Sun could not shine bright in the haze of the sky above. But I will see it again. I will see a land once more, one with such gorgeous skies. Where I can always think like this and love the sky… always.

8.5
So high up here. The wind was getting a little violent now. She heard it. Howling so deeply around her. Visible plumes of vapor roiling about within this realm of darkness. Far above the thick blanket of clouds that covered the land and reached out to the deep and dark storms far beyond. It was all so dreary, it always was. So different from the skies she once flew. Like those lovely, Sun-drenched skies were nothing but a memory for her dreams. But it was a sky all the same, and it always would welcome a Pegasus like her.

She held her place. Nothing that could stop her from hanging over the world below with such gentle flaps of her wings. This was where she needed to be and the sky knew it. I know it. This is the best place and the best moment for me to finally pull it all off. Silly Celestia, thinking I would be stuck here forever. Too bad… there are ponies who give me courage. Blight, I’ll do this for you. Even if I have to die trying. Best to avoid that last part.

Try, try, try until it worked and this time it will. There was no reason to be nervous after all. I have this. Welp, I think the only thing I should worry about is hurting my ears, this is gonna get loud.

Alright. Soul made one last look around her to be completely sure she was high enough. The sky was so dark. Up inside a world where it was so cold that she started to shiver. Where the wind was so violent to make her mane flap furiously in her face and her own ears beating against her head. The only thing that felt normal anymore was her wings. This is it.

She looked down upon the clouds below. This is the height I need. I am really doing this. So many years in this land. So long away from the world I miss. I am finally here. Ready to do it.

It’s like a dream. Soul put a hoof to her chest. A real dream.

On this day, I will show just what it is that all the training in my life has done for me. I am no ordinary Pegasus. I am not a scared filly anymore. I am not alone. I am Soul Serenity, and I will be the greatest flyer of all. It all starts today.

Soul let her wings do the last of their light flaps, she held her breath. Staring down at the clouds below. The clouds that she faced. With both her wings stretched out. Today is the day. She tucked her hind legs in against her belly. Today is the day I pull off the impossible.

Her wings stopped. Soul sighed. Listening to the last sound of it. That wind… that flowed through those feathers. Ticking off… with her heartbeat. One, two beats. Just for you, Nimbus.

She heard those wings, both of them. The last sound of the world up here, and all changed.

8.6
That was the last sound. How calm the wind was. How it howled silently. How it gently touched her. That was all gone. So quick did it change. So quick did the world change. Becoming just a plain of grey exploding up to her in so many miniscule little bits put together, only to break apart in an instant right in front of her once those clouds that they were were torn to shreds by a speed unlike any other. Beating her wings so quickly and so powerfully. Is it even possible? Possible to not even hear the rhythm of those wings anymore?

It was terrifying just as it was before. When I used to hear the wind as I flew. Not anymore. I know what it is. …I can see it.

The trails of endless waves coursing past her. Curving up and under. All around her. Leading so far down into the dark below with countless clouds passing by as quick as the wind. Droves of it. An ocean of wind that she tore through. Feeling it left behind with her flailing tail and it did not change. None of it had the chance to. Not in a sky that went this fast.

Everything passed by, faster than she could blink. It is gonna happen. Oh yes it was. Soul felt the first one hit her. A big bump of air slamming straight into her face. Being smacked was an understatement. It hurt. Just like all the other times. Sending all her mane wildly about her face. All her fur gone crazy, even seeing her own tears burst out from her eyes and lost behind her in that infinite void of wind and clouds in her descent through the sky. Gone with the snowflakes she no longer could see. Gone with the wind that cut at her flesh.

…But that was normal.

It will all be okay. All of it is how it needs to be. This was exactly how it was supposed to be.

8.7
Another burst of air hit her. Buckling her wings ever so slightly. Beating them against the aftershock of that impact and hearing the result. It did sting her ears. The sound that she knew. How I love that sound. Thunder roared behind her. Somewhere far behind her now. It was such a powerful sound. Something she did want to look back at and see. No, I can only look forward. Listen to the power her wings let out behind her with every burst of air that struck her. Hear it and see it… to know… just how fast she was going, and what it was she was capable of.

I am no longer that filly. That speed I had so long ago. My talent and technique. Nothing now. Now, …I think this is a moment that only Nimbus could know. To see the streams of air and wind coursing by her in an endless flow. Like the sky had changed. Becoming nothing more than a tunnel to follow. Blasting through the clouds. Through the air. All it was, it was just an endless void that became her own.

So much air hit her. Hearing so much mayhem behind her. Thunderous cracks across the sky behind her. A huge burst of thunder even louder than all the rest. This is it. I’m doing it! This is the right speed. It was working. Just keep going. It took all her strength to prevent her hooves from trying to wipe away the tears building up in her face. How much her poor, little face hurt. Everything hurt, except her wings. Keep going.

More clouds burst apart. Lighter than the others. Perfect. My speed is perfect. I can… feel it. Even after so many months, I still know how this should be. That the wind… it was perfect. So that meant… yup! No more pockets of air slammed into her. All of it left behind way up above. Soul still heard the traces of her thunderous results left up there. Sounding right under the glorious sound she waited to start hearing. Her wings. She could hear them begin to flap even harder. Even stronger. That soothing sound they made. It’s all I can hear. All it was as the world blanked out, and she closed her eyes. Listening only to the sound of her wings.

It’s so silent. I hear nothing else. No wind. No thunder. Not even my heart. All I hear, it’s like… like my wings are talking to me. A calm and gentle voice that assured her that all would be okay. That this was all correct. It’s like the air is no longer here. No. This is the feeling. That small feeling I had so very long ago. When I first could do it… in my very first race at camp. This is the technique. Nimbus… all thanks to you.

No more feeling the air. This… Soul smiled. I am the air.

She felt all the clouds pass her. Opening their doorways to her. A constant void of silence in the dark. I don’’t need to open my eyes. No. Let it last forever. This soothing embrace. As if an eternity could pass when all that was left… were mere seconds. My speed. My control. She giggled. A calm in the dark. A calm. So calm that… I… I can see it. I can see the world open up in front of me. It all opened and beyond that… the glow of light… a glow of her fur. A great blur of magenta light.

It all flowed. All of it surrounded her. Inside the dark, that was all that was needed to know that… she had done it.

“This is the power you always wanted for me. This is the path you wanted me to take. When I was just a filly who could do nothing right, you took me in and showed me that I can do anything. That I could become this. I have become this.”

Deep in this void of magenta light. Where the world shook. Where the sky was no longer a limit. I feel the calm of the sky. I feel… my power. The power to go faster than any other. The power to do anything in the sky.

I know what to do. I know… the time is now. I can see the ground coming at me. I don’t even need to open my eyes but I want to. I want to just to see what I have done. As this entire world comes back. I feel it all around me. I feel something coming. That magenta glow… it never left. That soothing feeling where the sky was still like a dream. This is the feeling I love. This is the moment I show just what you wanted to see from me, Nimbus.

Soul opened her eyes.

“I am a master now.”

8.8
“Is she okay?” Soulblight could not stop herself from worrying. Biting down on the tip of her hoof. Craning her neck hoping to see some trace of anything up there in the clouds. Where should I even look? I… I can’t even hear her. Up there in the deep clouds. All she had to go on was the sounds. The thunder. Going off over and over up there. Perking her ears up every time they went off, how loud it had gotten. How often it was happening. I hear it all.

Soul, this is your power. I can feel it. It’s... it’s such a gentle touch to me. Like electricity down her spine. What kind of Pegasus do you need to be to… to do this to me? I’ve never felt this before. This sensation. Blight gripped her stomach and ran that hoof up along her chest. Here… in my heart. Such a gentle feeling. I can feel your power. So serene.

Soul, how is it you are able to become this? It’s like nothing can ever stop you from reaching your dreams. All the times I watched you, all the moments when I thought you could not succeed, you did it. You always pushed to do what you wanted. How very jealous I am.

This is what you can do. You are the pony who devoted years just to reach this. Even if I can’t see you, I can feel you up there and this… this feeling. All these chills. All these… soft touches. It’s like I can feel what you feel. This is the power you wanted. The strength to do this. This and so much more when we can finally leave this place together, and you can achieve that dream you wanted for so long.

Princess Celestia. We have not met. Not yet. But do you realize how foolish you are to try and remove this pony from your land? Even if you thought it was right, you should know that Soul Serenity can not be stopped. She will do anything to make others happy. Someday you will see it. Even if I must force you. For you shall see the Soul Serenity I know. Who can do anything. Who can reach this level. Blight’s ear twitched.

She looked up to the sky, smiling.

You shall see with your own eyes, as will all of Equestria, just what she can do. And I shall force all of you… to accept her. Then you will sit by me and witness… this miracle.

The entire sky burst apart.

8.9
An enormous flash of brilliant light was all that could be seen. A flash so bright… to shine the sky in Soul’s own color. It happened so quick. So amazingly quick. Soul deep inside it. I can feel her, and I know she has done it. You… Soul Serenity, just did it too.

The sky tore itself apart in that burst of light. All those clouds, all the clouds that had blanketed this world, they all split and tore apart in the force of that light. Such brilliant rays of magenta light shining down upon the world. Splintering out. Shrouding the land beneath and rings of rippling magenta. Soul, I can’t believe you did it. You… you are… amazing. Only one other pony… has done this. And now… I get to see it too. I get to see you do it. I get to watch these glorious bands of light blister across the sky. So bright that she had to close her eyes. In the dark of her eyelids, she saw only the glow of magenta light blooming. The sounds of wind rushing past her, making her take another look at this brilliant sight of an entire sky covered in the color she loved. Like a flower coming into existence above her. Reaching far and wide with a deafening boom being the one thing to be left behind to destroy the entire skyline.

Clouds disappeared. The wind silenced, and the Sun shone bright down upon the land in the hole that the explosion left behind. Leaving only a vast hole in the sky. For just an instant. A pillar of magenta light careening down faster than she could blink before it too disappeared into something magnificent. Soulblight gasped when it struck the ground with a thunderous impact even louder than any before it. All the sounds from above, any sound that may exist, all of it disappeared from the shock of this… the loudest of thunder. To see it, to feel it. I… I feel it.

Soul, your power.

The light split. Split apart for just an instant inside that pillar of magenta. Split by the two great wings of the pony who did all this. Shooting through all that intense light. The entire sky blasted away by their power. Casting it all away and… Blight could see her. …Soul.

Just for a moment. That mare who reached out to the ground below within that pillar of light that shot down upon the land. All of it disappearing when another explosion of pure magenta light sent wild with shockwaves that Blight heard and even saw in the form of violet streaks crisscrossing the pluming dome of light given birth right where Soul fell right into the ground.

Too fast. Too fast to think. To even see, before all her fears and worry were dashed in the sight that came out from that explosion far out in the distant plains. Soulblight smiled. You did it.

There Soul went. A massive streak of that magenta light, like the one still hanging in the sky where she dropped out of, it blasted off out of that explosion. Sending off waves upon waves of snow that threatened to swallow the land in their sheer size. Tidal waves of snow. Torn apart with one final ring of light rippling across the world behind Soul. Joining together with the magenta light that blotted out the Sun. To think that one Pegasus could do this.

This is what you did, isn’t it. And now Soul did it too. Soulblight laughed. Watching Soul shoot of in that blinding light. Far off beyond the hills. Beyond the plains. Blight could no longer even see her. No longer even hear her inside that violent wind. All I know, looking out upon such and amazing and terrible display of speed and power, is that I can feel her excitement. Such pure happiness. So much so that Soulblight did something she never expected herself to do.

She cheered. “You go, Soul!” She called out after the pony who disappeared into the distant world. Silence falling over the land. With that magenta light shining even brighter across it than even the Sun could hope to. Casting its warmth on the snow that settled back down all over the plains in the wake of her move. Its glow set right upon Soulblight.

This is the pony you have become, Soul. This is the Pegasus that no other can become. Except… for one. And now I see. I see it clearly. I must do anything to make sure you can do this again… for all ponies to see. In front of the world. To see a spectacle like no other. And you two may do it together.

“A Sonic Rainboom.”

8.10
I never knew it could become something like this. No idea like this. Just to go so fast. But, …upon looking all around her. Feeling the air comb through her mane. How impossibly still the world seemed outside of this realm she now travelled across. Never did she imagine it’d be flying this fast.

There was no way to describe it. Nothing at all like she had ever seen or felt before. Not just the air, like all the world had calmed, nothing at all could touch her. Even going so fast as to leave all her own worries behind. All her problems. Leaving only the pure joy of doing such a thing. This was too awesome.

Oh, there it went. The village just zipped past her. She almost missed it. Right on the other side of this stream of wind circling about her in an endless hail of magenta light. A shield to the world. Not even able to hear that very same wind. Nothing at all outside. The quietest it had ever been. Her wings beat so hard, still the only sound that could be heard. Then they straightened themselves back out, gliding with the wind. Feeling all the air just slip over them. Like the most gentle massage of her wings. Neither cold nor warm. It just felt sublime. Relaxing. Like she needed to put no effort into flying this fast. Just let the wind carry her so she may marvel at how amazing of a move she just pulled off.

How did it even look? Surely it must have been a fantastic sight for Blight back there, that was half the reason of pulling this off. With how calm everything was, how slow the world moved, I think I can take a look. Right over her shoulder, she saw it. What am I seeing? What did I do?

A massive burst of light exactly the same as the one that surrounded her given life by so many rings. All the bands of light casting out over the world behind her with their violet streams that rushed out to the world around it and cleaved the very air itself. Like something really did blow up back there. I did that? Wow. It was too amazing. All of it was. I never knew I could do something like that. Some sort of mystical light show that she made streaking across the sky. I… I don’t even think Wonderbolts do that. I never heard of it.

Rainbow Dash is gonna be too jealous.

Everything back there, it all rushed away. Gone. In an instant, nothing left to see. Not even the mountains could be seen. No way Rainbow Dash can go this fast. She laughed hysterically at this point. So great! This speed must be enough. Enough to get through this damn prison, …enough to finally beat Rainbow Dash. I did it. I actually did it. Haha! I’m not a failure.

“Yeaaahhh!” she screamed out again hearing another great thunderous explosion left behind in her wake.

8.11
It had to be coming up now. Her chance to test this move out to the fullest. How many hours did it take to reach the wall at her best speed? One or maybe two. She lost the exact timing, but this speed, I can get there in seconds. I know it. Plenty of time. Soul glided her wings back up to their maximum position possible while still keeping them able to ride the wind. Curving them slightly and her entire path arced down just as she wanted. Soul banked down to the snow, it immediately blasting in all directions sent furious with how much power she left cutting the very surface the skimmed over.

“Woohoo!” she called out. Turning her body and watching the world circle around her in a spiral of magenta light. Curling and rolling all about in the air, just missing her crashing right back down into the snow. Something she avoided by curving right back up at an angle so fast and impossible to do at any normal speed, flying right back directly into the sky and levelling herself back out.

This is so crazy. I’m not losing any speed. It feels just like I’m flying normal. And I can tell, I just keep getting faster and faster. The air started to crackle around her. The clouds roiling and shaping in a great vortex everywhere she went before they imploded inside of a massive crack of thunder. To be able to shape and destroy the very fabric of nature around her, that really did seem too impossible to her. Forget going through the storms, I bet I can go all the way to Equestria and back to Blight before sun fall at this speed. I’ve never even dreamed of going this fast. I didn’t think it was possible. To reach this point in her flying ability. Just able to tear to shreds all the world around her with her speed alone, blowing aside any and all. My training never came this close. Lucky to even notice a flash of air rippling about from the force of her speed, now changed to more clangs of thunder behind her.

All that training I did, ten years of it, all the pain and mistakes. So many crashes. So many strained muscles. All the times she felt like it was all for nothing only to pull herself together and pretend she never thought that way, and then getting hurt again. Yet, her wings still grew. Her talent improved. Her entire ability to fly, it changed. I’m no longer that filly who could do nothing right, left alone in that alley.

I will leave that pony behind and become a new one. I have this in the bag.

Two years of slacking off, that changed nothing. I was always capable. All because of the pony I do all this for.

Approaching many mounds of hills and ravines that marked the approach to the storms, she wondered. What would have happened if Blight and I never became friends? If I never realized just how much I mean to you? Soulblight, I’ll do anything for you. My beloved friend. I do this for you.

Then she saw it. The darkness.

8.12
I did not miss seeing these damn things. Two years without seeing them. Too bad it still hung around. Still ringing this entire land, all around and high into the sky above. I knew I would see it again. That darkness I saw high in the sky when I was up there. How absolutely terrifying it looked. That damned thing that I need to beat. This move will do it. Pierce right through those clouds that layered atop on another in so many countless stacks creating the wall of darkness rising as far up as she could see. Bursting and pluming among the streaks of lightning coursing here and there.

Somewhere right ahead of her was the wind that always ruined her attempts. No matter how fast I go, it always messed me up and never let me through. This time will be different. It’s not going to push me away. I will push it aside and destroy it all. Bust those clouds. With this speed. She heard the thunder she made behind her. So loud. So gentle and calming to her. I know I can do it.

I am a powerful Pegasus now. No storm can stop me.

8.13
So funny, I’m getting so close. So much closer. Am I… I’m just now starting to feel it. There it was! A bump in her flight. Then another. I am just now feeling the wind. Amazing. I’ve never gotten so close to the storms before.

It filled her vision. Passing right through the walls of lighter clouds preceding the heart of this beast. No loss in her speed at all. But not without change. The wind was definitely getting noisier… and she could see it now. How dark it was. Grey and black streaks of vapor cutting right pass the path she made in her magenta streak. It is still frightening to see. How so much of it went wild just outside the still world that whatever it was her move made for her, like it shielded her. I just hope it can hold. I think… it will.

No, I have never gotten this close before. I just know it, I’d be thrown to the ground by now. Maybe even hurt a lot going through this. She let herself calm down a little. No, I’m going too fast to be stopped. Because of so many more layers of clouds passing by her and getting close enough to the very darkness of the storm, she could feel it in her bones. A rattling feeling. Her teeth chattered a little. Even her body began to shiver.

Why am I so afraid?

But her wings were not. They kept beating the air, going faster than before and she blasted in at the storm. Right into the void that shook her to the core.

Wait… that shaking…

8.14
I can feel it.

I’m not the one who is shaking. How these clouds, how they’re going by. How the wind was acting outside her barrier of light. No way.

Soul adjusted her wings. Raising up a little more and extending the feather as far out as they may go. Control my flight. I have it down. Letting her hind legs curl back up into her belly and straightening out her forelegs. This can’t fail. I have to keep going. I will drill right through it all.

So close. She felt she may kiss them soon. Their world rumbling in so much violence that was now being shared to Soul. How the wind felt. How it all felt.

I don’t… feel it anymore. Soul blinked. The calm, …it was gone.

I didn’t think it would get any easier getting so close. So very close to where the storm blotted out the entire world around her. So close. I’ve never been this close. But now… now I feel it. The sensation in her skin. In her feathers. This…

This is not natural. This… is a storm I have never seen before.

What… is this world? I… I can’t even control it. This pathway she flew down, all the light she made and so much power she left behind, it was falling apart before her very eyes. Shaking mercilessly and even beginning to spin. Churning air outside. Going crazy. Like all that was out here was threatening to lash at her.

“No, don’t give up. I have to do this.”

Everything Nimbus taught me. All I want. For Dashie. For Blight.

She readied her wings even higher. Beating them so very hard. “I’ll do this!” The storm was right there. One more second. One more blink. It will be soon. Go right through it. I am going faster than anypony can dream of. I have to do this. Just keep control a little longer. Just a little.

She bucked up and down. A spine shattering feeling coming close to making her freeze up. That was too close. She straightened herself out again. The bumps doing their best to fight back against her. This is the worst storm I have ever had to fly through. It wasn’t going to be easy. Still, keep it up. Almost there. Even more bumps. Soul screeched when she flew off to the side. Listing. Soul darted back into place.

Oww! She felt the sting in her neck. That was too hard. Such bad whiplash. It did hurt her neck a little. Ignore… it. I have to… do this.

Soul glared forward. “I got this. I got this.” Keep going. The storm was right there. One more push through all this hectic wind. All these clouds. I am not afraid. I am not supposed to be afraid when I fly.

I need to be… calm.

Her wing stung.

What?

The entire world in front of her turned upside down on itself… and the snow. It- it was coming right at her.

Oh no! Straighten out. Straighten out! What the hell?! She looked and saw it. The sight of it… it made her heart sink. My wing...

Such a deep cut running along it. Feeling all that wind cut right into her. No…

8.15
The snow had its time to settle down now. But there was no other sign that Soul succeeded. It was a brilliant sight, …and that was it. Soulblight felt nothing to tell her exactly what was going on. I thought something might happen by now.

She listened. She looked. Much too far away by now. So much noise, she heard the sound of thunder rippling across the sky and a droning sound winding in her ear that she knew was what whatever that streak of light had been was giving it off. But that was it… Soul… she was silent in the sky. Going somewhere off in the distant sounds of roaring storms.

Soul already has reached the storms.

I’ve never felt her get so close to those storms before. That was it. I don’t know what to expect anymore. Just sitting here and listening for some indication on how well Soul was doing. Expecting her to do something like maybe destroying those storms with her speed alone just like she did with all the clouds overhead so that an impossibly sunny day now reigned in over the plains. Break apart those storm clouds as well and return here with a smile on her face. Was that what was supposed to happen? The worrying was killing her. Literally anything could happen. Hope for the best to happen. Soul will break through those storms and we can both leave this world. I’m so glad she wants to include me in it. Maybe one day I can make it up to her. May that day come soon.

I just hope I get to see her do more stunts like this. It did leave her feeling really giddy seeing a Pegasus pull off a stunt so incredible. So much effort and talent needed to pull off something like that. I finally got to see what this rainboom thing is. Soul can do it. Oh, I just know she needs to do it back in Equestria! I can hear it now. Crowds of hundreds cheering her on in the stands of Cloudsdale to see a pony like Soul able to pull this off. Soul always did have great things to look forward to. I hope I can have such a great future too.

Oh so much to do. Way too much. Celestia needs to see how wrong she was in banishing such a great Pegasus. Maybe just show her this move and it will change her mind. Foolish. Sadly, I know it will take more. But for now, Soul, just know that you… you are the most talented Pegasus I can think of. Something to feel proud of.

I wonder though, what can I feel proud of? Can I do something great like her? A special talent that only I can…

8.16
She winced. No. What is… Blight screamed.

Ah! My… she glanced at it, and saw it. Seeing it, she couldn’t breathe.

My wing… it hurts. It’s… no, it’s not my wing. Soul… did she…?

“Soul..!”

Blight stood up. Silence. Silence her left wing. It only spasmed. Beating so hard against her side. It hurt to do even that. So much so. Blight just fell right onto the snow. Soul… she looked out into the world beyond.

No, she didn’t. She hurt herself. Soul! I need to… she fell right back onto the ground. It hurt too much to do anything. Rolling onto her back, clutching her poor wing against her chest. Please calm down. It hurt right along the span. The very edge. Like her bones were twisted and flaring up in even more terrifyingly ugly pain when she tried to feel along the span just to try and soothe it. That just made it worse.

Just getting worse. Growing so much while she rolled on the ground. Whimpering and begging for it to stop. Damn it! “P-please… stop. Stop!” Stop so I can find Soul. Why are you fighting me? Why is my damn wing fighting me? Stop it.

Stop it! I will protect Soul. I will. Don’t fail her. I need to get to her.

Protect her.

Soulblight slid back onto her hooves, taking all her might just to try and stand up again. …My wing… it’s hurt. …My wing!

I have to protect her wing. I have to protect my wing. I don’t want… want to see it again. I never want to feel that pain. Like every bone in my wings is being crushed. No more. My wing. I will never see blood upon it again. I will never see my bones break and shatter. I will never let anypony else feel it. Soul, I’m so sorry, I know it must hurt too. I… I will get to you. I mustn’t let her suffer longer. I have to protect her.

She gasped. Hearing it break.

“AHHHHHHH!”

8.17
Soul let out the last of her scream. Running her voice damn near ragged till it hurt too much just to let out her pain. Let out all her fears. All the fear in the world. Too much pain. Too much… not even able to scream anymore. But… it was not the pain. Not the pain that made her scream. It was the fear.

She could not let go of her left wing. Holding it so gently in her hooves, cradling it close to her chest. Not even caring if it hurt to hold it. Anything to show just how much she loved it because of how so very afraid she was for it. Because her wing being like this, nothing at all she ever wished to see.

This… this is the worst. I’ve never done this before. Agh, damn it all. She hissed. Staring down at the horror before her. Is the entire world against me? Sitting here in this hailing snow, Soul could not think of anything except for what just happened. Nothing else. But seeing it all happen before her once more. Landing right down in the snow with so hard a thud that she even lost feeling in her wing for a brief moment. Coming right back so she may experience so much frightful agony pulsing across her span. Crying down onto it, and then seeing it like… this.

No. I… I don’t want to look at it. I can’t stand seeing it like this. My beloved wing.

That span, torn and bent. Bent… upwards.

Right at the middle where she could see it now. See her bare flesh along that span… as every feather along it… were all now off in the wind. Torn clean, leaving just a naked wing. It looked so small now. My beautiful wing. That damn wind mocking her. Blowing hard into her face. Tormenting her scars. Blood pooling out and sent flying in little drops. Too many scars to count on her wing along a big one running right down the width of it.

No way. No way this can heal. No, I’ve never done this before. It’s never been this bad. Owww. I… I need a doctor. Oh no. That alone was enough to make her cry so much.

No. “No! No!” She slammed one of her hooves down on the icy ground. Regretting letting go of her wing. She brought that hoof right back up to hug it again. Let her tears water the what torn feathers remained of her wing. No longer caring that it hurt. There was no way. It will never happen.

She looked back up at the titanic wall of black clouds looming over her. It never left. Always sitting there… laughing at me. Thundering. Louder than any thunder she could hope to make. …Never to make again. So much lightning flaring out. Flashing in her eyes. Damn you. I hate you so much. This is what I get? I… can’t even fly anymore. Oh please… no. Please, don’t think that… I can never… No! It’s not true.

Soul shot a glare at that storm with her teary eyes. “What!? Are you having fun laughing at me? Just like all those jerks!” All the ones who laughed at me… when I got hurt. Just laugh at me while I sit here. Because I failed. Again and again. What was even the point anymore? What is the point?

It didn’t work. I have nothing left.

What can possibly work now? How many more years do I need to practice? Years stolen from her now. Thanks to how terrible her wing did look. It was not going to fly. Not with it hurting her so much to just try and move it. Somepony, please tell me it’s all gonna be okay. Help me. Help.

8.18
Anything, save me. Please… something. Stop being mean to me. Stop just watching me. This horrible world.

Let me fly. Let me fly for others. I only want others to be happy. Happy with me. Come and help me. Be with me again and help me reach my dreams. I can’t do it alone. Not anymore. All of my efforts, every single time I tried, it is all just some cruel joke. A joke. I can fly so fast and so perfectly, but it means nothing. No way to be able to fly like that again. No reason to if it meant nothing.

She shivered. It was getting colder. So looks like the world does hate me. Nopony is here for me. I’m alone. Even when reduced to nothing more than a filly. Nimbus… Starry… somepony… I need you. Hold me… please. My wing. I… I… tell me I can fly again. Soulblight. I need you.

“Blight! Soulblight!” She looked off to where she had flown in from. Far off in the distance where Blight must be. “…Help.” She held her wing closer. Blood trickled down from it and onto the fur of her legs. There was no way. There’s no way I can get back there all by myself. Soulblight will help, …but she… she is so far away. I… have to walk all the way back. Like this. Her heart lurched, as painful as her wing. Walk so much and for what? I have to tell her that I failed. That I’m useless. Can’t even get us out of here. Our dreams aren’t going to come true. No happiness.

This really is a prison.

It will break Blight’s heart. Fill her with so much disappointment. I can’t repay her for all she’s done for me. We will be stuck in this place… forever. Till I die. No. Please no.

8.19
Another chill ran right down her back. Not helping at all. I have to walk. I’m gonna freeze out here. What a way to spend what was supposed to be a great day. It started so great. Of course it ended like this. So very miserable.

It took every bit of strength that Soul had left to get herself back up on all four legs. Moaning and screeching when she felt her left wing gradually fall down the side of her body and linger along the snow. Laying pitifully down at her side while she tried to move it back up. Able to lift it a little. The pain was too great, having to let it go. I just… just need to walk away from the storm. I’ll find the way back. Eventually.

“Shit!” she yelled out. This was going to be a long walk. All alone out here with her wing dragging across the ground. It must be done. Where better to cry about her wing than in front of the fireplace? Sitting there with Blight while she only disappointed the Pegasus she only sought to impress and give hope to. Better than freezing out here… barely.

She made her way past where she crashed, wincing every step of the way. Just dragging her wing over the tiniest of bumps in the snowy surface being enough to make her screech in pain. Oh man. What am I gonna do when I need to go down a hill? How am I supposed to do this? Slide down, that was really going to hurt. It’s like everything was there to make this… a true nightmare. I can’t stand this pain. My poor wing. She looked back up. Determined to push herself on back home no matter how much it was going to hurt in the end. Anything to see Blight, to see my best friend. Walking onwards. She looked back. Just once. Seeing that trail of blood she left behind. It’s not going to stop bleeding. Besides, that she kept her eyes forward. Trudging through the snow as best she could. The most miserable she had ever been. This is what I am now. A Pegasus who can’t fly, and I need to drag my beloved wing on the ground.

She tried to raise that wing back up. Tried… it fell back down. I can… I can deal with this pain, but... she tried it again. The pain was not it anymore. As soon as it rose up, I have no strength left. Letting it fall right back down. Sad with how weak it became. Like the energy was being sapped out of it. Her wing could only twitch upon the ground.

She kept going. Looking out into the stormy horizon, past the thickets of hanging clouds heaving constant snow upon her. Blanketing her back. Blinding her in the intensity of how thick it all was. Just keep going straight. Don’t venture off… keep going and I’ll make it. …Wait.

Soul stopped. Staring.

What is…? Her wing pierced with pain, making her wince but never taking her eyes of what she saw. Is that… it… it can’t be.

Just when I thought I would be alone. I’m not alone out here. She saw it. A figure further ahead of her. Somepony hiding in the thick sheets of falling snow… and they were coming towards her. Walking to her upon… she saw four legs. A black figure. Did she…? Soulblight? She found me! How in the world did she get here? Did she really fly after me? No way she could catch up that fast. Or, magic? She did something. Oh, I don’t care… I’m so happy to see her. Thank you so much for coming after me.

Forget all the pain. Forget the shame. Soul could only feel relief at seeing that… she never was alone. Blight is my best friend. She actually came to help me. She worries so much for me, she followed after me. Thank you. “Blight!”

8.20
Soul picked up her pace. Almost falling right over with how much pain responded to her hurried movements. Bringing herself right back up to scurry off to the pony up ahead. She saw that same pony began to run. She’s coming to me! Blight… I’m coming for you.

I don’t care anymore. I’m gonna hug her. Anything for the pony I love. Cry into her shoulder and listen to the pony hush her. “Blight, I’m here!”

She got closer. Running now through the thick walls of snow and right out into a swirling line of wind that cut between her and her friend. Ready to run right out into that freedom beyond and escape this terrible storm. So close. “Blight!”

Her friend emerged in front of her. My… friend? Soul’s heart froze.

She skid to a halt, screaming. You’re not not Blight. That was no pony! She barely evaded it. Rushing right back away from its jaws covered in so many gleaming fangs that were the first things she saw.

…Fangs shining off of a pitch-black body whose fur sat tangled and strewn about.

It growled at her. The sound of it. The looks. She was completely frightened now. Scared of those teeth and the hate filled eyes hidden in the shining blue of the sky. Those teeth… I almost… she shivered. Staring at the thing. No way. I didn’t think these were out here.

Standing on four legs like a pony, with a tail run ragged. All alone with it. …With a wolf!

Soul backed away from it. Rushing with all her might to keep herself balanced while the pain in her wing fought back. It hurts so much. She had to scream when the pain exploded. She fell right back onto her face. Collapsing down into the snow. Of all the times… to not have my wings.

She heard it. Turning back to see it. The wolf prowled forward to her. Striding on silent steps with hunched shoulders rose high above its head. Growling in anger. Soul only saw its teeth and how much saliva fell from them. It was so tall. Looked far more fierce than any creature she ever saw before. I… I can’t fight it. What can I do? Soul flipped herself over. Laying up on her back, frantically pushing herself away. Nothing a Pegasus can do. Not without her wings. Damn it.

She tried to make her wings start flapping again. The right one hit the snow and struck the air. Not to be said of her left wing. The wolf barked. Soul looked upon it again. Rabid noises coming from its mouth. Soul turned herself around. Setting her forehooves firmly in the snow to push her back up. Those hind legs stood up, and then… buckled along the snow. She fell right over again.

“No, no!” She looked back at it. “Please don’t hurt me.” But her heart… it skipped a beat.

8.21
So many wolves. Five, no ten. Dozens maybe. All of them coming right out from the walls of hazy snow to join with the one leading them towards her. All of them looking exactly like the first. Angry, rabid. Such thin stomachs with guts hung right against their spines. No less vicious than the first. W-what am I supposed to do? What!?

Soul watched many of them run around her. Circling her. Just a hop away from her that she could see all the anger in their eyes. None of them closed in. What? They aren’t moving. Are… are they not going to hurt me? Please. Something… good. I can’t… I can’t do this anymore. She shook in fear. Feeling all the tears come down her face. What was this feeling? Like everything inside of her plummeted. Not able to breath anymore. Not able to think. She wanted to scream. Building up so much pressure in her chest it may burst. So that’s what it was. Panic. Shivering in total fear. Looking at all of them. All of these angry critters towering around her, then back to the one right in front of her. The closest wolf. The angriest. How so very scary it looked. How much she was afraid of it. Why do I need to deal with this? Princes, …why?

“Please…” she begged it. Holding her forehooves close to her chest. Curling up. Wanting to hide her head behind those hooves. “Please… don’t hurt me.” I’m sorry. I’m sorry for being such a failure, such a bad pony. Please… I don’t want to get hurt. The wolf growled. Soul opened her eyes.

…Coming right at her. A blur of black. No. NO! All those teeth. Soul turned around. “Please no!”

8.22
Soulblight screamed out once more. Sounding loud across the sky. Hearing herself scream like this till it became such a horrific roar, it hurt even her own ears. Just so much more.

She slammed her hoof against her cheek. Desperate to calm down, and that pain only got ever worse. An outright explosion of it tearing across her entire span. It feels so terrible. I… I hate this. She saw it, her left wing twitching wildly. Not even able to stop it. Just when… when I almost had her. I had it. Soul is out there. I hear her. Begging. Don’t hurt her. Who the hell dares to hurt her? Who the hell dares to do this to her wing? To my wing.

She hissed in such ferocious anger. Smacking her face again and again. “I… have to… get to her” Her hoof slammed hard into her nose. “Ahhhh!” She cried out. Falling right back on the ground again. Rolling and whining atop the mountain. Something… thinks it can do this to me. To my best friend. Oh, …Blight shrieked. Glaring out upon the sky. It… it has no idea how much of a mistake that is.

Such a fool.

Blight grinded her teeth together. Not her teeth. It hurt to touch them across her gums. Her fangs. The dozens upon dozens of razors in her mouth. Tearing and shredding. Oh she felt them piercing right into her skin. As something pierced right into her wing.

She grunted. Got to focus. I need to find where Soul is again. I found her. Just need to concentrate. Just need to… oh I swear that I “will get rid of it!”

Nopony attacks Soul’s wings and gets away with it. Nothing will harm my beloved friend. Nothing will ever harm the pony I love! The… one… I must… protect. Must protect.

Give in to yourself.

“I’m there for you. I’m there for you, Soul.” Blight clutched her wing right back into her embrace. Calm down, you piece of shit. Just for a moment… so I can find her… and I’ll end this. How much longer must it go? Can’t even focus. Near blinding pain now. It must be terrible for Soul. I need to stop it. For my best friend. She did not deserve to suffer like this. Somewhere out there all alone suffering just like I am. And she had to suffer for years now. I will never let her suffer again. Never.

Stop… it. Focus.

Soul, seeing that magenta fur in her mind and… so much blood. Oh no, she is hurt badly! No! She screamed out in pain once more. Feeling her wing shudder. It may as well be something tearing the bones right out of her wing. Sending the black Pegasus into a panic. Feeling so miserable with how she flailed about in the snow.

I hate this world. I hate it all. I hate myself! Why can’t I do this? I need to. I can’t fail my friend. I can’t let her down again. Not after finally becoming her friend. It’s like my wings don’t want me to. Better to just cut them off. Anything for you, Soul. I’ll be there for you. Her body did its best to carry that out. Getting up and falling back over, repeating it all over again. Constant failure. Not at all able to see anything beyond this tiny world of her own pain. So selfish. My pain is nothing. I need to stop hers.

…So just stop it.

She opened her eyes to the snow below her. Snow wrapped in the blood of her eyes. It glowed so fiercely. So strong. “I can’t stay here, so stop it” she commanded of the pain in her wing. You can’t stop me. I won’t stop. It mustn’t be. I have to do this or… I’ll be too late. All the pain and fear, I know… something is happening. I am not going to lose my precious friend.

Blight looked up with tears in her bloody eyes. “I won’t lose you!” If I can’t protect you, then I don’t deserve you. But I want you. Slowly but surely, she lost sight of that precious friend of hers. She is gone. All because of me.

Give in. Be the pony you truly are… and you will finally protect her.

Yes.

“Soul Serenity. I…” Blight smiled. “I’ll do anything for you. Even… become this… again.”

8.23

This can’t be happening. Please why did this have to happen? Why me? Never before did anything like this happen. Impossible for it to. Constantly trying to stop it. End her suffering, but it always failed.

The wolf growled. Not even able to run away. As hard as Soul tried to pull herself away on her forelegs that slowly lost all strength. Much like her entire body. Her entire world. Just to be dragged right back. Nothing left but all the fear that made her cry. Great enough for her to start screaming. Her screams going on and on.

I can’t even feel… anything else.

Stop it. Soul turned around, slamming the length of her hoof right across the wolf’s face. Reeling right back when it hissed under its blood caked mouth. Refusing to let go. With all its teeth burrowed right down… into her wing.

Oh no, no… no! She turned away. I can’t look at it. My… wing. All torn apart. Was there even any of her fur left, buried under so much blood. Ragged wounds running right across it to where the cursed animal bit and tugged at her. Seeing it alone, that hurt even more than feeling it.

My precious wing. No!

Soul tried again to drag herself away. Putting as much strength she had left to planting her forehooves right down into the snow and pulling. Kicking with her hind legs left prone on the ground. Desperate to get away. Hopeful something may happen. Maybe the wolf will get tired. Have pity on me. Just stop hurting me. Stop it, please.

Another huge burst of pain ripped across her wing… and… a crack.

Soul screamed at the top of her lungs. Kicking frantically even more. Feeling her hind legs go right up into the wolf’s abdomen. Striking it over and over. It fighting back with a jolting tug at her wing that allowed her to hear the most sickening of sounds as the flesh tore around her joint. It’s… it’s gonna tear it right off.

“Soulblight! Somepony help!”

Soul kicked her rear hooves right back into the wolf’s stomach again. Hoping it may give up. Just looking back, she saw how angry it was. How hungry. It’s gonna tear me to shreds. No! I’m just their food. Is this what I…. ahhh! No please. Not me. So much pain ripped across her wing. Hearing all the damage being done to that which she worked so hard to achieve. It was going to be lost. They’re going to get rid of it first. They’re gonna take my wings. She could see them devouring her beloved wings right before… no.

Please. Sweet Celestia. …At least the pain was dulling.

Wait. What?

Soul looked right back at her wing. Oh dear… Celestia. She almost felt it. She almost threw up seeing it. Seeing her wing… stretched out from her. It was still there. Why… why can’t I feel it? Why is life so cruel to me? Not even able to feel the pain anymore. Only able to see it. In all the blood bubbling out from her torn span, little pricks of white jutting out through the skin. Cracking. Another tug revealing more and pulling her right down onto her back.

I can’t look. I can’t see it like that. My wing. It’s not beautiful anymore. Not even strong. Like every year she spent improving it was entirely reversed. Wasted. Not something she can feel proud of. It was going to be lost… and there was nothing she could do. Not with all her strength being sapped out. Not even able to move anymore. Staring right up into the dark clouds, reviling the sight of her wing. That terrible nausea. Nothing but her entire body in pain.

So this is it.

Soul tried to move her legs one last time. So terrible that they refused. Just able to feel the warm blood they rubbed against in the snow. Another tearing sound in her ears. I’m gonna die like this. Left alone staring out into these clouds that won’t ever let me leave and go back to the life I want again. Forgotten by everypony. Not even Soulblight will know what happened to me. Oh no, she’ll think I left her. She’ll hate me. All because I am so weak, so what was the point of even trying anything else? Her actual punishment for all the mistakes she made in the past.

Huh, which is worse? Dying young as a failure or living to see that I will never reach my dreams again. I’ll never repay Blight for all she did. I can’t… I don’t want either.

The sky above moved. Was it moving? No, she was moving. Another tug at her wing off out of her vision. No longer wanting to look at it. Why are these beasts doing this? Another one walking up right over her, filling her vision in its black figure and how angry it looked. Ready to pounce at her. Defenseless. Soul wanted to lift her legs up. Curl into a ball hoping to shield herself. The only thing that was able to move were her tears. Crying up at the vicious animal. Well, at least I can feel one thing. One last thing other than sadness and regret and how pitiful she has become. She could feel that dear thing lifting up along her right side, the feathers brushing her side… before it came back down into the cold snow. At least one of my wings stuck with me… my beautiful wings.

The one last thing. Like it is telling me something. It still loves me. Enough for it to fight till the end. Trying to flap and get her to fly away. Such a shame it was all alone in its efforts.

She blinked. Seeing all the wind cutting and curling over her, over the wolf. How it danced its lullaby-like rhythm to her. Swirling and straightening out to flow past them in a gust that sent her mane flying over her eyes. The wolf’s fur in a flurry. Never able to ride that wind again. How terrible. Even if it keeps making me fall and hurt myself, I still love it. It was always my companion in the sky. The soothing feeling… of freedom. Something… I’ll never have again. And I was never able to share it… with the two ponies I love.

Rainbow Dash. Soulblight. Please forgive me. I… I didn’t want it to end like this. I wanted… to be able… to hug both of you. One… last time. Before we can all fly together in that sky. Together in the wind. Now, I guess… it’s just a dream now. All I can do… is just watch that sky that we all were supposed to fly through. It will be my last sight. My… last…

So sleepy. So soothing. Such a calming wind. Fall asleep feeling the warmth gathering under her back and the cooling feeling of that wind brushing on her face. Cool… and then… warm.

So warm.

Soul wanted to smile. At how the wind blasted by over her. Howling. Such a terribly strong rage that… gently caressed her as her eyes slowly closed. Seeing that wind… how it made her mane fly wildly. How the fur on that wolf’s head flew… before…

Its head flew.

8.24
It was gone. The wolf. Just a blur of black sent flying. Covered, disappearing inside the wind. That warm wind that gust over her.

Howling. Roaring. The wolves howled and whined. She could feel it.

She heard it. Turning her head with what little strength was left to see… I’m free?

Her mangled wing. It was hers again… and an explosion of snow bursting out right across from her hiding what was left of the black figure. …What was left of the wolf. Buried under the snow with all the others hesitating behind it. So many black figures held still. What are they doing? Soul braced when it all came over her. What is with all this wind? How much of it blowing across the snow swept break in the storm making all the wolves back away just by its force alone. Soul turned. Facing away from it.

Then… it all stopped.

So fast. Just her and all the black figures still in the snowfall. With but one movement to break the stillness. A black leg crashed down next to her, making her shriek. Taking a moment to see it and how much well-tended fur lined it to cover the hoof set right at her nose. Something so different. Something… beautiful.

Because of what it was.

Soul glanced up at the figure over her. Right at her side. One blink, all that was needed to see.

Soulblight.

As dark as the wolves were. As small as Soul was. Just like Soul… but not anymore. Oh no. …It’s… she could see it. See it in that pony’s face. Staring up at her. She… Soulblight… she looks just like the wolves.

It… it was back.

The wind glowed in its vicious red hue. She is just like… how she was before. That fury unlike any other. How haunting it really was to see Blight like this. Her eyes taking one glance down at Soul, wrapped in that terrifying red glow. Shining as bright as her fangs. But… it made Soul freeze.

What is this? Looking up into her eyes. Both ponies staring upon the other. To see Blight… as she was before. But… this is different. I… I didn’t feel this before. Blight… what is wrong with you? Is something wrong? Enough to make Soul shiver with that horrible feeling running down her back. Nothing at all like she felt before. No comfort left in those bloody eyes. So terrifying.

Her dead eyes. Blank… an endless void behind that sea of red… no life left to shine in them. Not one hint of that sad Pegasus.

Her voice, her beautiful voice… “So what kind of creatures are these?”

Are… are you serious? I… have no idea what is happening, you… want me to… I don’t know what to say. Blight, this is not you. My best friend, the pony who protected me and cared for me. Who was there for me when I got hurt; laying here with my busted wing… and she’s with me again. She is here to help me. To care for me.

Such a lie, …this is not that pony.

“W-wolves” Soul muttered.

“I take it they are not friends.” What the hell was that? Soul heard it. Shooting her gaze upon the pony again. Her voice. It… made her shiver. For one moment, that was not her voice. Her voice… it never made Soul’s heart hurt like this. That terror in it. Deeply hateful. The bitterness that rang in her ears. From a pony whose voice… had ripped the air, and all felt… so empty.

Soulblight, …what happened to you?

8.25
Not friends indeed. I don’t need her to answer me. These damned beasts doing… this. Soulblight made enough of an effort to glance back down at the blood-soaked wing pulled out from where Soul lay and left strewn on the snow. Barely held in place against Soul’s body. All the tears. All the wounds. So much blood. …So much. Like so much before. So much suffering. Oh… how furious that makes me. They tortured her.

They tortured my best friend.

I just know she is devastated. So very devastated. Her beloved wings, the ones that I also love. I always love seeing her so proud of them. Love them so much that I want her to finally hold me in them like she did with her precious Dashie. Like Soul wants me to do for her.

Oh so unforgiveable. …And I felt… all of it. All the pain Soul suffered through as they tormented her. Soul had to go through all of that with her. Because of these ‘wolves.’ This pain they made me feel… haha…

You will all have to make it up to me.

How many are there? Soulblight let her attention fall back to the sniveling creatures just standing around them. Guiding her eyes across their ranks and feeling oh so filled with pittance towards them. So very weak. Three dozen it looks. They really need this many to go after such a weak pony like Soul? Cowards.

It was too funny to see them all acting like this. Baring their own fangs to her and even hearing them growl. They sound so pathetic. So useless. Whining, rabid creatures that sound no different than those hounds in Equestria. I can’t accept these beasts. No, I won’t let them be. Not for this. Not for hurting her beloved Soul laying still at her side. No longer able to fly. No longer able to carry out her dreams. That must be too painful, even more than the torture they did to her. Soul deserves to suffer no more.

But… I know who does.

Soul, you’ve dealt with enough. So… I shall grant you one moment of relief right now. Because… I can feel it slipping away and I have no idea what I will do now, not with how much… thinking about it… makes me ache, how much I want it. How it made Blight bite her lip. I feel so dirty now, and I need this. So much, so badly. Poor Soul being here to witness it. That won’t do. Not till I’m done having fun.

“Soul, I need you to do one thing for me.” She waited for some response from the Pegasus. Certainly not herself anymore. Soul was too quiet. Say something, my friend… while I still can think straight… hehe. Hurt them… ehehehe. …Not in front of Soul!

She took one last look down at her friend. All the sadness and remorse inside those beady yellow eyes staring back up at her. Soul must be suffering. Her silent mouth left agape proved it. Shocked over all the terror she must have gone through all because Blight failed to get here in time. Now I will make it up to her once again.

“Look away and close your eyes.”

8.26
Well, do not hesitate. Stop staring at me. Those eyes of Soul’s looking so sadly at her. It even began to make Blight feel sad. Even more sad for her best friend. Another growl. Blight listened to them, those cowards would not dare to move. Of course, she heard no steps. Just childish ravings of useless beasts. Oh so mad that I hit you? They have no idea.

Just look away, Soul, and it will all be over. “Please.” The word slid out from between her fangs. Soul whimpered for just a moment. Ducking her head down a little and looking off at the mangled wing lying next to her. All she did before… she did as she was told. The magenta Pegasus rolling onto her side and up on her belly, looking away from Blight. From the wolves. Hiding her little head beneath her forelegs.

Good girl.

Soulblight took one last look at that wing. Reviled in how terrible it looked. Can’t believe I let this happen. Stupid foal. Always letting bad things happen to those I love. Not anymore.

She wanted to look away from the proof of her mistake. So why did more proof show up? It caught her eyes only because of their shape. All four of them, right where the wolf was standing over her friend like it was some sort of domineering creature to an innocent and defenseless pony. Those… they… they were not the same prints. Or… she saw them. Little rounded balls dug deep into the snow. Small dots arranged around one center one and little imprints of the claws these creatures had.

They… they look so familiar to me. Now why is that?

Why? She felt her blood boil.

With… Blight widened her eyes. These creatures. They viciously did this to my best friend. All of Soul’s precious blood flowing out from the mouth of that damned beast.

They did it? They did it. The same tracks.

Soulblight turned herself to face them again. Hating how they bared their fangs at her, she was sure to do the same. Burrowing her fangs right down into her gums. No need to care if it hurts. Because these creatures dared to hurt me so much. They are still alive, they still walk this land… after it. After all the pain they caused to me now… and before.

How dare they. How dare they hurt Spots! You are the ones who took him from me!

“They took him from me” she whispered. “T-they… they must…” Soulblight glared up at all of them. I just don’t care anymore. No pain matters. Not even Soul’s or mine. Let it all die. None of it mattered. Not how her wings twitched. How her eyes went into a spasm. Digging her fangs in deeper. “They must…”

…all be punished.

8.27
Now that’s what I like to see. All of those wolves, how they suddenly lost all their will to act tough towards her. So funny. So hilarious. Soulblight wanted to laugh. Seeing them all begin to back away from her. Just little strides she matched, walking towards them. Feeling just how very afraid they were. Tasting it. It tastes so good.

Oh ho ho, this must be what it’s like when Soul eats her sweets. How it tastes. This is so sweet. Their shaking little bodies. Trembling like the measly creatures they know they are. Aww is one of them crying? Too bad. Soulblight just kept coming towards them. Eager to get close and see the fear in their eyes up close. What a great punishment. Maybe I’d leave them like that… hehe, if I was a nice pony. Not at all. Fear is not enough.

It feels so good. But I want more.

Just let yourself go, it will feel good.

Yes it will. How I missed it. Wait to feel it again after so many years. That release… I can taste it. Or was that her own blood? One tends to lose track of these things. One last thing.

She looked back to be completely sure. Yes, the Pegasus still lay there cowering under her hooves. Stay that way, little pony. Soulblight will not want you to see this.

She heard them scurry off. Their tiny little steps sent in a crazy flurry across the snow. They sense it. Good. I love fleeing prey. So adorable to witness it. How their tails hid between their hind legs that kicked so hard in the snow. All of them running off in such a thick pack, no way to catch up with them. No way. What will be a good way to solve this little problem? Giggling under her breath. Oh yes.

She bent her knees. Eyeing just ahead of all of those fleeing animals. Feeling all of it inside her and rushing forward. All of it.

8.28
Her eyes lit up. As did the world. Birthed in a great lance of pure light rushing up to the heavens. Bursting the sky apart. Tearing the clouds. Listening to them sizzle and all the snow melt in an instant around the great pillar she watched reaching out ahead of the wolves. Rising so high. So wide. Basked in so much red and orange from those flames. The wall of flames that lit up this world.

That must have been a frightening sight for the wolves. A glorious one. So much beautiful fire. She saw it reflect off her glossy fur. Lighten the snow in its fiery hue. Roaring louder than any creature may wish for. A pained howl. She drowned it all out. Ignoring it all, hearing herself laugh. Such stupid creatures. Seeing so many of them fall right into it. Too late for them to react. Too late to avoid it. They will sate me. How well it did in the end.

She listened to it all. Watching it all as flesh and fur burned away as fast as she blinked. Can’t even see the bones anymore. None of it can be left. Pathetic hounds disappearing forever inside a sea of fire that grew ever larger and ringed around every direction she saw. Filling the air in its flames as the smell of charred flesh and burnt muscle did the same. Wow, that smells good. Blight took the deepest sniff of the air she could make. Letting it all come in and rush through her. All across her. It felt great. Smelled so amazing. Making her lick her lips. Damn, it has been a long time.

“Ohhh I needed that. Hehehehahahaha!” She laughed her heart out. So very pleased with the results. Laughing at the many wolves still left standing between her and the ring of fire that rose tall behind them all.

“Sorry, boys” she directed to all of their disgusting faces. In all the terror they were engulfed in. “There will be no running.” She motioned a hoof at the ashen remains of all the foolish ones who failed to escape. “Do stay a while.” Please stay, boys, and give me such a good time. Even more. So much more. It already feels good. So good… she felt her hind legs twitch from the feeling. I need more. So much more.

Several of the wolves seemed to respond to her. Seeing all the fangs being shown to her. So defensive they became. So filled with confidence for once. So bad on their parts. It is so good to see the weak and wretched believe themselves to be so powerful and strong, not knowing what they face. It made it so much more satisfying to see them burn. Bleed. Disappear in all their follies. No more mistakes for them to make. No more pain to give to me. Forever punished in the end. But go ahead and fight. Try me.

Soulblight smiled so deeply. It even began to hurt to smile so wide. So much anticipation, she could feel it in her loins. These wolves just made it too good to be true to be able to experience this rush again. Come on now. Attack me. Try and bite me, tear my flesh with your fangs and drink in my blood. It will feel so good to watch you all fail.

8.29
“Hahaha…” Blight lurched her head down. All the tingling in her body. So much desire. Satisfy me. “Hehehehahahahahahahaha! G-go on now.” She looked back up at all the wolves. Looking over each individual one, seeing not much difference in their anger towards her acting as a mask for all the fear she smelled. “Come now.” She let her wings open up at her sides. See my wings. See my pretty wings that Soul says are beautiful. Pretty wings for a pretty pony. A defenseless and sweet Pegasus, like me. That’s what I am to all of them.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Maybe let one of them try it. Realize how pointless it all was before she ended it. Will that feel good? Blight weighed all her options in her mind. Sitting there, staying that weak Pegasus just like Soul had been for them. Exactly what these creatures liked. I can give them what they like if they give me what I like. What more can I do? Shall I flutter my lashes? Or maybe wink to them? Flaunt my flank to them? Those playful things all those foolish whores in Equestria like to do. The prey always loves it.

One wink and it did.

Blight immediately saw the movements in the corners of her eyes. All the wolves rushing at her. Left and right. Surround me? So cute. Keeping her eyes firmly locked on the group standing still in front of her. Knowing all was so well. Too well. All I need to do is listen to you all. Their rushing heartbeats. Their ragged breaths. Even saliva dripping down to the snow below before being trampled by rushing paws. Where was the closest one?

…There you are.

Soulblight took one final look around her. Feeling it all built up in her body. I can already see it, I can feel it. My magic, so warm. She had to look and see it all. Right at her sides. Slick and sharp. Bursting in red glowing upon her fur as bloody as her own eyes she saw in the reflection that Soul’s eyes gave her. All these red tendrils she had ready waiting at her sides. Growing up from the snow itself to curve about her wings in a howling madness like music to her ears. Eager to taste blood for themselves. You’ll get it, sweethearts. Maybe something a little more creative. What shall strike so much fear?

…Yes.

8.30
She heard the closest wolf land its paws upon the snow ready to pounce upon her. To the left. …Right… there. And now… suffer.

She didn’t need to look to know it happened. A rush of wind slapping the air inside a crackle of energy that even made the frosted environment in front of her ripple in its heat. Now there it was. Sounds of bones tearing. Flesh pierced and a yelp of pain silenced immediately. Even more, more and more. Listening for all the wolves who dared to come too close to her and silencing them in the same ways until she failed to hear anymore paws coming towards her. So many more still there, left in place. I can taste their fear. You all got to see what I will do to you… just look at your friends.

All the wolves saw it. Losing what little hope they had trembling again. …Yes. She giggled. Looking off to her left. Past the spiny tendrils of her lovely magic still hanging on her wings. Focused on the black figures held aloft in the sky above her. Motionless. Silent. Not able to touch the ground even though their limp legs reached back down to it. At least their blood was able to land upon it. Pooling out from those gaping wounds cut through them along those pillars of red grown out from the ground. Risen up from the ground. Holding all those wolves in the air upon their long and sharp shafts. Sizzling with the snow landing upon them. A good skewering was so nice.

It all blinked out of existence. Letting those lifeless corpses fall back down with hard thuds to rejoin their scared brethren keeping their distance from her now. “Sorry, you have to work for me. Who else would like to try?” Taking her time to watch the expressions of each and every wolf that still stood. No trace left of them wanting to fight. So they give up that easy? Not even enough to satisfy me. Such a shame. No fun in it if they don’t want to fight back.

She sighed. Guess they are all gonna run from me and I have to hunt them. Chase them in this little ring she made for themselves, unless the wolves were so inclined to charge headlong into the fire again. How it billowed and boiled behind them, no way they will try it again. So uncreative. It’s much more fun to do this with more… intelligent creatures. At least they fight back. At least they cry their little shouts of hope.

Her ears perked up. Did one of them just whimper? That whiny little cry sounding so high to her. To the right.

8.31
Soulblight let it out. A fast lance of energy rushing out from where it spiraled around her wing and off to where she heard the sound. Left strewn in the yelps of so many surprised wolves who had to watch it happen. A little thing she caught a glimpse of, seeing one wolf’s head fall right down by itself into the snow. Gone in a hail of blood to drench the fur of its body that fell with it. Silent again. None of that.

“Down, boy.”

So they revert to crying. Whining for their pitiful lives. How disgusting. How infuriating. It’s like nails in my ears. Like they paid any heed to when Soul was crying. If they were going to start crying for their lives, then perhaps it’d be best to end this now. No satisfaction in weaklings. One move is all I need and then I can go back to caring for my best friend. No more need to cry or fear, not when I’m here. I will protect her always. I’m such a good friend, …if only all these wolves would shut up. How many more heads need to roll?

She glared upon every one that began to join the first one in crying. Not at all learning their lessons from her example. What? Am I supposed to show pity? Such a fool’s errand. Did anypony ever show it to me!?

Besides, you all showed my friend no mercy. Well, no reason to start now. “What part of down do you all not understand… hehehe.” Soulblight brought the rest of her energy to bare. Seeing how it gleamed. Rippling and shocking the air in front of her in the glow of the red fire around her. Like her own fur may stand up from it where it ever so inclined to. Burning it all away. Turning the ice to water at her hooves. Preferring the sounds of boiling water and so much steam rising around her to that of the shrill whines of the wolves.

“Come on now” she called out to them all. Looking around at all of them. Each one set in the illumination that was so graciously provided by the ring of fire, coiling energy and burning bodies. Is this even real? Some of them even began to back off. Holding their heads low under their forward shoulders. No killing intent left to be felt from them. Unbelievable.

“So many of you and only one of me… and you cry” she mocked, making her way forward towards the group of wolves set ahead of her. “Oh boohoo.” Cowardly little runts. So anger inducing. Like this was all so pointless in the end. So many years left without it and this was the best? How or even why did it make her laugh? Letting it ring in her ears like music. At least it all gave her a good chuckle, and the scent of death still hung strong. So much potential for it to thicken.

“Pathetic.” Doesn’t even seem they are listening. Perhaps at least one would give me some theatrics. A nice last stand. A retort. Claim to vanquish me. It all used to be so much better. Whatever. Best to end this now and I can go back to my precious friend. So much love waiting for you. Hehehe.

“Very well, I’ve gotten bored.”

Indulge yourself.

8.32
First came the sound of howling wind blasting off out of her wings with every bit and piece of her energy let loose to do what they did best. Much too quick for any wolf to respond. Much too quick for anything to respond to how strong she let them feel. How powerful it feels. Power to know and see where all of it went. I can see it all. Seeing it all just before it happened. Right before the first strike, with her heart elated, it captivated her. Hearing flesh rend and smolder. A plume of blood rising. So much… blood soaring. Such lavish ecstasy.

One body fell. Oh yes! “Yes!” Another. More and more in an instant. None of these wolves having any chance to react before several more of their brethren fell in the most artistic fashions Blight could think of. Wrapping and coiling her lances of red energy about their flesh. Searing the fur right off on their paths and removing limb after limb in a hail of cries and blood to finally silence them. Nonstop… delicious smells filling her nostrils. Making her lick her lips with each anticipated kill. One there and one there.

Hahaha, just let it do its work. Dance for me, my magic. Dance. Letting more come out to play as well and entangle ever more victims in that dance. To see so many die before they can do anything. Fountains of blood. Painting the sky and the snow alike. So fast and intense, even she now realized all it took was for her to blink to see the entire scene in front of her chance to a field of limbs and charred fur left scattered in a bloody heap while her clouds of magic, as red as the blood itself, hung over it all. Hungry for her will. It must love it too.

Not at all what I expected, killing cowards still had its effects. As cowardly as the remaining wolves who, in the wake of seeing this massacre, looked like they had enough. Hoping to escape from me? Fleeing off towards the walls of fire. Maybe desperate to find some way out of it. Really wanting to keep their useless lives. Such was her love of it. Doing everything she could to keep this image of fear and desperation in her sights. I didn’t even know it makes me feel this good. Everything going through me, ah… lovely.

Damn it, if Soul wasn’t here, I’d let it out. All of it, that feeling. Enough that she desperately wanted to moan. It feels so good. Not befit of a lady. Not befit at all, so let’s end this quickly.

8.33
So few wolves left and how they ran about let it be apparent how very frightened they were. Strides wide and strong. Frantically leaping and attempting to nip at the walls of fire. Pushed back by their own fears with how hot it must be to get so close to it. At least fall in it. I want more of that burning smell. Yes. She tracked a group of them running off to her right. Straight at where the clouds of her magic hung ready to strike at something. How creative can I be? Maybe a little… no.

All the snow in front of her split apart. Cast away by the blast of wind curving out from right in front of her. Such power, not even the winds of this land could compare. Closing in fast, sweeping any and all away with it just as she wanted. To see it do the most indulging of acts. Prove to them there was no running. That wind did its job. Sending all those wolves flying. Careening right into the wall of fire, joining all their fallen friends in a short yelp of pain. Lost forever in the wind that continued to howl, carrying the cinders of black. Tainting the air, and the smell... as strong as before. Locking right into her nostrils and beyond. It smelled just too good. Felt too good, enough to wag her tail. Oh I can feel it… that feeling… back there. She couldn’t stop her hind legs from grinding along one another. I feel so filthy doing this in front of others but… such pleasure. Don’t stop. You all dare to hurt me… so now you will make me feel good.

“Oh yes! Give me more” she cried out. Summoning another burst of reddened mist around her chest and circling the snow she stood upon. Kill them all. It did exactly that.
8.34
Bolts of that glorious red light arced out ahead of her. Rushing. No way they could see it coming. But I can. Right before it happened. Piercing lances of red-hot energy blasting out everywhere her eyes may grace. Siphoning the cool air’s pale blue aura with a sheet of red painting the sky, painting the ground. Splattering all about. With every limb and body, falling to it all, left to carpet the snow. All that snow that Soul hates. Get rid of its presence. Drowned in a sea of blood.

Too bad I can’t paint anything else in it. So much red. So much excitement. Ah… I love it. I feel it. I’m gonna lose my mind. She felt her knees buckle behind her. Unable to care for such a thing as just standing when so much blood and agonizing screams tantalized her body. Tingling and tickling.

Cut them all down. Yes! Legs flew. Bodies torn to shreds and burnt away in a cloud of red arcing all around the ring of fire. Silencing each, one by one to become even quieter. More and more. I can feel it. Haha! Just a little more.

The last body hit the ground. All fell silent. All except for Blight.

“Yeeeees!” She screeched out. Happily heaving such a long moan. Here it comes. Exploding, the best pleasure in ages. I can hear myself, how dirty I sound doing this. Hearing myself moan. How dirty I am. Hehe, but who cares? I love every second of this feeling and it just keeps coming. The feeling that made her collapse to the ground, twitching… with all that was left of such pleasure coursing along her.

Blight panted. Calm, calm. Her legs twitched again. Curling her tail along her body. Smiling so deep into the snow. Oh… thank you… it’s like my body is rewarding me. Oh, so good. So very good. It’s been so long since I could vent. Hahaha… I can’t believe I just did that… haha. Ahh… she felt herself blushing. But it was almost as good as the last time I could do this. I just… she felt her body twitch one last time as it all died off. She could, at last, stretch her legs out again. Lay there grinning under the long bangs of her mane. Giggling upon the snow. Giggling and then laughing, reeling her head back up. Glaring upon the icy sky above.

I feel… so much better now. All the pain is gone. I needed that.

8.35
Soulblight looked out at the silent and still world. Calm and empty. Gone with the flames. No more of that magic left… like vapor to the wind. Falling back down onto piles upon piles of ashes all around her mixed in with the nearly unrecognizable figures of those wretched creatures left in a bloody and broken heap. Such a lovely sight. I deserved that. After all that pain, I was so due for a good time. “Ehehehe.” I am such a naughty girl. Not a good one at all. Hahaha! I never am. But even a filthy mare like me should get this calm and silence. So soothing.

She put her head back down into her forelegs. Feeling her soft touch rubbing right against her cheeks. An empty stillness. Just another feeling. A feeling of this world that no longer mattered to her. Such a pitiful reward. I’d rather somepony come here and hug me for this. Hold me tight. “Hahahahaha!” She lifted her head back up. Too bad. Perhaps soon, you spoiled filly. Soon I can get it.

…She paused.

…Wait, who is that? A little, tiny whimper crying out there. Somewhere in that field of blood and flesh and bone. Why, …it sounded like a wolf. How cute. So a little more fun perhaps. I need to see this.

Blight stood herself back up, bracing right when her legs shivered in pleasure one last time. But she stood. Standing tall over all the corpses. Just gliding herself over the blood in the few steps before she saw it. So I did miss one. Sloppy. Guess I was having to much fun. I missed, just sliced its legs off.

One lone wolf laying down on its side. Only the stumps left where its legs should be. Flowing blood, mixing it with that of its friends. At least it should feel some comfort in still being connected to them. How cruel of me to leave it all alone. Too bad.

“Awww, do you miss your friends?” Soulblight asked it, walking a little closer to get a good look at it. I wish it could talk. Coming close enough and just seeing its mouth spewed not words but its haggard breath pooling out with blood dripping ever so vibrantly from between its fangs. If only it did answer yes, though she didn’t need that to be obvious. Of course it misses them. Possibly its family. All its precious little brothers.

Blight made her way around it, give it a good look of her. Closer than any other wolf had gotten to her. Standing right over its face, hooves to both sides of it, slamming down into the snow with nary a sound. He on the other hoof, sounded so pathetic. Whimpering under its breath just begging to be left alone. Why do that? Does it not want to rejoin its kin? I can think of some ways to make it happen.

She leaned in closer to it. The sound of its desperate breathing growing more and more. Her ears twitching in delight. So good to hear it suffer from so much pain. How it cried. Give me more. “Or shall I just leave you here, all alone with nopony to comfort you?” It bore its fangs to her. Is that supposed to be a growl? Intimidating? What was that? This beast had no idea just what it was trying to do. The last vestiges of pure hope left behind in the hopeless shell of a defeated fool. They never learn. It even encouraged her to lean down a little closer, hoping to show it just how little of a care she gave. All the best to hear it squirm and cry beneath painful breaths. Such a proud yet misguided little boy. Oh yes, he did want that. A good reward just for being a little brave.

Be brave, then show me how brave you are and lay here to suffer. It makes no difference to me. Not like it deserves anything. This creature actually is getting some of my time, after what it did to my beloved friend. …My own family. Without mercy. Without pity. Soul just being left without a single ounce of power left in her most precious of gifts. Because of him. If these wolves wanted to get rid of my friendship, then I can do the same to them.

“I think I will leave you. Right here, by yourself” she hissed right in its face. “Nothing but those little stubs of yours to be your companions as you slowly bleed out in this cold… all alone. …It won’t be so bad, …trust me.”

8.36
“Blight! Stop it!” That… is not this wolf. No wolf at all. So charming it will be for it to start begging. No heed shall be given. None to them… but I will to her. Soul? Serenity?

Blight froze. Is she…? No. She had to turn around. Leave the wolf to its misery. Get all of it out of her sight. Seeing the one true thing in this entire wasteland. Beyond the blood and scent of death she adored, the pony more important than all of it… and she was staring right back at her from across the blood-soaked field. That pony’s tears watering the snow. Standing over all the bloody waste. Like all her pain had left just to see what it was that Blight had done. Looking at her. At all of it. When I told her to look away. Her entire world fell apart and she felt her heart plummet.

I can’t believe it. When I told her. When I… did all this. Soulblight looked around her at all the chaos she left behind. All her work. Blood everywhere. Everywhere. Was that even Soul’s blood that coated the wing of the magenta Pegasus or did I just cover her… in my mess? Dripping down with her tears. I did that to her. I-I-I made her cry.

“Please just stop, Blight” her voice soothing but still packed in the pain obvious to seeing all of this happen. No, I never want such a sweet and innocent Pegasus seeing what I can do. We’re supposed to be best friends. Even though I did this for her… or is that the case? Did I do this for her… or…? She still felt the last of that sickening pleasure that made her leg twitch. Did I do it for myself?

Now Soul needed to suffer for it. That made her look away in shame. I don’t want to see her. I don’t want to. But she couldn’t escape it. Everywhere she looked showed it. Reminders of what she did. Not one area clean of her mistake. Even behind her with the crying wolf right at her tail.

I guess I got too angry… huh, Soul…? I made the mistake. I let it take me over. All my disgusting hate. Again. Wow, I really am a jerk. Exactly befitting of the pony who ruined Soul’s life with no second thought and I did it again… in front of that same pony.

Now she knows.

She knows it all. Am I even capable of being nice? Being merciful to those who need it? Or do I just make everypony suffer?

8.37
Another cry rang out from behind her. Stronger than the last. So he cried too, as strong as Soul now was. Just like what I want to do. Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m so deeply sorry. If only I could say that to this wolf. Resorting to just staring over him. Down upon his blood-soaked eyes, barely holding on to any sense of the life that must have once held in them forever. Shining in the sunlight no longer. The only light shining from them were from her own eyes. Bringing that light upon him. Not of blood… but… she saw it. Her eyes glowing as bright as the Sun once more, deep in the eyes of this wolf.

“I’m sorry, I… guess I’m not capable of it.” To really be her friend. Or anypony’s. Not like this. Not how I am. Please, may things just become different for once. How many stupid decisions were needed, and how many friends did she need to help her see otherwise? Especially when no other pony needed it. Only able to rely on herself. She had to do it all by herself. Make it all right.

I’m not evil. I’m not a monster. I’m not merciless. I’m a sweet little pony… that pony I see, in the wolf’s eyes. Seeing those yellow eyes glow in red once more inside that wolf’s eyes. I am a sweet pony, and… I will show you all. You will be better off. Since you have nothing left in this world. I will help you… she looked at her maniacal self in the wolf’s eyes. That lifeless, dying sight that were her eyes, no longer her own. No better than that of these rabid animals. It’s like I really am one of them. Except… not a monster. I am capable of mercy.

She looked off to the bared chest of the wolf. So much blood but not from any wound upon it. Rising and falling, slowly losing its pace while it suffered. I am a better pony… than all of them.

Soulblight closed her eyes, seeing what was left of a flash of burning red rushing down at where she had stared. Blacking it all out. Listening to that wolf’s last breath escape into the rush of air and wind. Joining it all and chilling the land. The last mark of this mistake.

8.38
Soulblight walked away from it all. Past the bodies. Past the carnage. Not wanting to pay any more attention to it or even to Soul. At least the mare’s magenta color showed itself in the corner of her eyes when she walked past her. Off in the direction where she heard the crackle of fire. Not of her mistakes but of one that warmed the very pony she loved.

Time to go. Leave it behind. Let it die off in my mind. Just another blank slate hopefully. No matter how bad it is that she had to see what I can do. Who I am. Not what I want to be. Unfortunate. Just lead her on home. To a place that was safe and disconnected from the troubles of this frigid world. May she say not a word. May I say not a word.

Soulblight made a stop right before Soul left her vision. Turning back to see only the poor wing left dangling upon the snow. How very sad it made her to see it. It may as well have been caused by her. It was… since I could not protect her. Then none of this would have happened. Please, please may she forgive me enough. If I ever deserve it, I’ll still make things right for her. Strange, able to stare upon that wing, but not even able to lock eyes with Soul herself.

I guess I am not powerful at all. I am a coward.

I don’t want to see my failure.

“Let’s go home. Please, …do not look back.”

8.39
Nightfall always did bring out the total silence of the village each time, good enough to sleep in if Soul wanted to. Good enough to show just how empty and desolate this place was were it not for Blight. So why did she need to make it seem so much quieter than normal?

The wind felt like it hung still thanks to how calm it was though it still blew against her mane with the same force as normal. Her only companion to whisper to her in hushed tones for the entire walk back, and still Blight refused to say anything more than what she asked her to do when they began their journey home. One of silence and regret.

All night, it seemed that may be the one and only thing left. Despite her own desire to speak with her black-furred friend, Soul found it too hard to do even that. Descending down to the porch of her house with Blight right behind her. Probably still keeping her head to the ground. I wish I knew what it is you are thinking, Blight. After what I saw, I don’t know what to think anymore. An event Soul still tried her best to make sense of. Too much sadness. Too much pain. Not even able to fly her worries off. Not anymore. It made her sigh silently when she slowly opened the door.

Thankful for the newfound light her house was graced in and a welcome change from the dark and still night. She stepped in. Her birthday setup still intact. With the table and chairs left behind for the remaining dishes of her cake and their dolls she happily shared with Blight left standing with one another together on the floor. Both Pegasus dolls exactly as before in the midst of all of them. Side by side. I hope nothing is bothering those two, at least. Along with the fire burning bright and keeping everything nice and toasty.

Just stepping inside reminded her of all of it. Seeing the flames clearly in the firepit. How warm it all was. Way too soon. To see it again. Wrapping her home in the bright light of flames, warming any and all who came close inside of a torrent of painful laughter she heard echoing inside. I just can’t get it out of my head. That… terrifying laughter I heard… from the pony who I always thought had the cutest laugh. I bet… that is what troubles her too. So terrible for her. Experiencing all the same things I did. This day… I just don’t know anymore. Nothing but pain… in my heart. Just as Soul suffered with the dead weight of her wing left to drag upon the carpet, she could only imagine the weight of being the one to laugh so painfully, so dreadfully inside a wash of red coming down upon both of their eyes carried out by the black Pegasus.

Soul turned around a little wishing to look upon her friend once more. Just as the door began to shut, with the black Pegasus right behind it. Her sorrowful eyes softly blinking over at her right before they disappeared behind the door. “Good night.”

8.40
Soul gasped. Wait. “Blight, hang on” Soul demanded. Frightful to be too late before the door closed, rushing it just in time to slide her hoof in front of it. Good enough to get one small glimpse of her friend still standing outside. What, does she think she can just slip out of here with no word at all? She needs to stop this. Don’t be this way, Blight.

“Come on in” Soul asked her. “Please.” At least do something I want you to do for today. Asking me to do so much. So many painful things. Suck it up and join me. At least, that’s what she wanted to say. Soulblight stood out there for a little longer, still on the other side of the door. Looking back finally to peer in. A little twitch of her ears and a flick of her tail while she stared off to the side. Not even able to look me in the eyes before trying to run off. Blight must truly be afraid.

Blight nodded. So why did she walk off to the side? Somewhere alongside the porch and out of sight through the crack in the door. Well she wasn’t leaving it looked like. Soul tried to see what it was she may be doing thanks to a sudden commotion outside. A pop or two, something sliding across the wooden surface. Only able to see the black tail before a wall of grey filled her vision quickly. She backed away almost having it run into her. Freeing the door up to open again with a quick jolt of black mist. The same mist carrying in… my bathtub? The same basin she used for so long now to clean in. Sounds of splashing water inside left behind when she washed her face the other day. With something else next to the basin. A clean looking wash rag. White and looking much like a soft little towel that it should be, also held aloft by Blight’s magic. The pony herself coming inside right behind them. Closing the door behind her, leaving the house all to themselves inside the warmth of the fire.

Soulblight gently set the basin down by the fireplace. All the water inside splashed about, bouncing up into the air and coming right back down. A nice and satisfying sound it did make. Even better once Blight placed the rag underneath the clear and cool water. What is she doing? Soul watched her. Is she planning to wash someth… oh…

Soul eyed her devastated wing. The most sorry sight she ever did see. Hours of walking did nothing to help it. All the blood, given much time that it became apparent it was drying up beneath fresh streams coming out of the long and deep wounds all over it, bloodying the carpet. So much dirt along her feathers. Melted snow dampening the fur. Just like the blood also did.

In all my life, I never thought I would see a wing of mine… look like this. That it made her heart lurch. Such a useless thing to do. No real reason to clean it. …It was done. Just when I was trying to forget it. If only there were a doctor instead, not a bath. Though, does any doctor in Equestria even know how to fix something like this? I just… want it back. Back to normal, not like this. My wing and Soulblight… why did this day...

“Come on over here” Blight interrupted. She sat there waiting for Soul, pulling the rag out of the water with her magic and squeezing out so much water that drained back down into the pool. Soul sighed, she stepped forward. Taking her place next to the basin with Blight. Sitting just as she did. Staring away from this scene. I don’t want to see any of this. I… hate this, like… Blight is so miserable right now. I don’t want both of us to feel bad. I miss the Blight from this morning.

8.41
There was still a way to tell something was happening off to her side. A little pulling sensation on her side, right where she knew her wing was connected to. A little glimmer of pain cropping up in her ravaged tendons right at the joint. I wish I could feel her touching my wing. Even if it hurt, from the wounds or from her sensitivity. She didn’t care. I just want to know that my wing works. All that hard work. All my dreams… shit. It’s not fair. Nothing at all was fair.

She heard the faint sound of water swirling right when that puling feeling left her. Dripping and splashing. Soul looked back over. It made her wince. Seeing just how quickly that blue water, where she could see the very bottom of the basin before, quickly changed to red. Spreading like a disease across the water around where her wing was left submerged, and in went a burst of that black mist as well. Right in front of Soulblight. Intently staring down into the water. Soul had to suffer through this agonizing moment for way too long. Feeling more and more pitiful. Completely defeated the longer her useless wing soaked inside the water that let her know how bad this really was. Really, how much blood will it take before this water is not even water anymore?

You may as well rip my wing off. I… I don’t care. It’s useless, like I am. My wing is gone. Just dead like her dreams. Even making Soul tear up. Why did Blight even care for it? Why is she not telling me anything? Speak to me, please. I lost my wing, and now… you don’t even want to speak to me. A nice conversation. But I have nothing left to say. Nothing left to make Blight feel a little happier since she too had nothing happy left to give. A true shame. Blight must be suffering. Stop with that strong pony act and talk to me about it. Be the pony I know you are.

8.42
Her wing rose out from under the water. Freeing itself from all the blood. Wow, it actually looked a bit cleaner. Not as much blood on it as before. Not at all taking from the fact it was a hideous sight. Made worse now that… oh Celestia!

Soul wanted to really barf now. She even had to bring a hoof up to her mouth in fear of it since it stirred right inside of her stomach. Like it went upside down upon seeing the bones visibly sticking out from her wounds. Damn it. It really is that bad. I’ve never seen anything like this before. I really do need to… forget this wing. Oh no… I can’t. Tears went down to soak the carpet. No. No. They’re gonna have to remove it. Separated forever from it. But it looked so ugly. So terrible, a total failure. This is my wing? Nopony will ever want to see this. I don’t even want to. Never even want to touch it. I will never have anypony able to touch it again. No loving mare to show me how to touch it without it hurting. Nopony would want to touch it.

She couldn’t stop crying. Cringing in anger over what happened to her when just earlier in the day, this wing was as gorgeous as her right one. As good as Blight’s wings were. “Hold still.” Another short response. Just another command. Cold and direct. Unlike what Soulblight was doing. Soul found her destroyed wing held aloft inside of a cocoon of her friend’s dark magic. Caressing across the feathers and swarming around the bones, torn tendons and skin. Holding it right up with lots of water dripping free of her feathers. At least it was not ugly enough for Soulblight. …Well, holding it with her magic. Touching it now with a gentle rub of the rag going up and down the middle of her span. A little scrubbing sound and plenty of reddened water dripping away so Soul began to see the magenta fur again right where she was scrubbing. Freeing it up from her black magic and all the reminders of their terrible ordeal.

So strange. Soul watched how soft and gentle Blight held her wing with that magic. How it made the rag be just as gentle. Especially around the exposed bones. Cleaning the areas up very slowly and gracefully. Soulblight… she is so gentle with me. It felt a little relaxing to watch her clean her up. So this is what it’s like to have another pony care for me. So odd. For Blight to be the one. Do I even like this? A pony like her… like she’s giving me a bath. Even so, still nice to watch it. Ignoring any sign of her wounds and just watching the rag work on its own to clean her. Maybe, if Blight could hold it herself, …would she do it? Would she hold my wing? Soulblight did not look disturbed at all by it. By any of this. Just sad and silent. Still. Watching the rag do her work. With that magic of hers. Magic that tended to Soul so carefully. Slowly cradling her wing inside a warm wrapping of the black magic just like a mother would hold her baby.

Why am I now seeing this? How caring and gentle her magic is? I don’’t remember it being… Soul paused. Now that I know… just how powerful and terrifying she can be. I see. Blight’s magic cleaning away all the blood, Blight’s magic dirtying the world in blood. Not even anything Soul believed possible with magic. Can unicorns do this? Do that? Can Celestia? Using their magic to carry out common practices every day, Blight using it for everything. Just a gentle and perfect little talent they had. Soulblight… you really are different.

8.43
So just talk to me about it if it hurts you. I know it was bad for you, I know you didn’t like it. No matter how much laughter Soul remembered. That mad smile. I even saw you… feel good… from it. Soul gulped. All that while… I don’t want to remember. I never thought anypony could do that. You did it so terribly and you got off on it in front of me! Celestia… Soul gritted her teeth. But…

That is not the Soulblight I have come to know all these years. That was not my Soulblight. Not those eyes. This is Soulblight. Gentle and nice. So caring for me when all those other ponies left me. Soulblight is my guardian. So stop pretending I don’t care and just say something to me. I’m tired of sitting here pretending nothing happened. Talk to me.

Stop rubbing my wing. I can see the sadness in you. In your eyes. Just looking past her wing in deep into the yellow dragon eyes lowered and somber. Lost to whatever was going on around them. I’d rather see that terrifying smile than this sad face.

You are sad, you are suffering. So tell me why. Why try to hide it when you did all that earlier? Inside the dead and still eyes of her friend. Just a small little shine inside of all that darkness. With a little tear. One little tear that shimmered… deep inside of Blight’s eye. I need to know. No longer feel at all useless, with this ugly wing and her constant failures. I can still be a good friend for this pony. She just wanted to know if it was something that Blight needed. She did need it. No matter what the black Pegasus must tell herself. Just like before all of what happened today.

Soulblight needs me again. Now more than ever, so just tell me what is wrong because I have not a clue on what to say. Nothing can be said about what happened because that was not the Soulblight she knew. It never was. Please just talk to me. Please… “talk to me.”

8.44
Soul smacked a hoof up to her mouth. She… she said that out loud. Oh no, I don’t know how to deal with this… please may she have not heard me. Not now. Until Blight was ready to talk as well. …Of course she did hear her.

Soulblight looked up from her work. As surprised as Soul was. For different reasons no doubt. “What did you say?” That almost worked. But Soul was not going to get out of this. Blight knew exactly what she said. It can’t be avoided. I-I need to stop doing this. Soulblight did a lot to be there for me and always put herself out for me. The least that can be done is to be there for her. No matter how many times it was required. I need to be the one to make her feel better like she always did for me. To make all of today possible. Just grow up and be a true friend for her.

“Please talk to me… about what happened. I want to know” Soul said. Though she had a lot more to say. Being the hardest words she had to say.

Now it’s your turn, Blight. I’m here for you. So why all the stillness? Soulblight was only going on with cleaning her wing. Not even changing how well she gently scrubbed it and revealed more of what hid beneath the devastation. What, are you ignoring me? Because minutes went by of her just cleaning. Or… am I being too pushy? I shouldn’t get too involved in other ponies’ businesses especially with something like this. All that must have been so bad for Blight. Having to cry through all that senseless death. Don’t pretend to hide your feelings. I know you were very sad doing all that, and the face Blight wore after it all. She is very troubled. I… shouldn’t pressure her. Or… oh Soul wanted to scream right now. \

Here I go again. Stop thinking that. Two years of that thinking. What did it do? Hurt both of them. Tears, pain and loneliness. When must it end? When I stop being an idiot. So be there for her like she was for me. It’s time that I start caring for her. Another stroke of the rag along her wing. Stop it. Soul could not lift her wing away but she could still do this.

Soul kicked her legs against the floor to stand back up. Bringing her wing with her out of the water. Free from the rag. Gone with the magic that held it in place. Anything to get it away from Blight. Now was not the time. Time to be an adult. Time to be there for her. It still hurt to have to glare at Soulblight.

“Stop it” she commanded her friend. “And talk to me.” It sounded a little good to talk like this for once. But did it hurt Blight’s feelings? Maybe it did. Oh, this really is too hard. Why is it too hard to be a good friend for a pony like this? The hardest ordeal. Especially for her, for this, her friend that was more troubled than anything she thought possible of a pony.

Just tell me something. Anything to work with, and I swear to make it better, just for you. Because we need to stop pretending that everything is alright. Nothing is alright, I saw it all today.

8.45
“About what?” Blight muttered. About what? Well about everything for starters. So Soulblight was trying to dodge it. Not ready to talk just like Soul was not ready for. Damn, Blight. Why are we both so alike? It’s like arguing with myself. It only goes on forever. Can we please stop acting like this, just be open with me. I’m not scared anymore. You should not be either. You’re as much an adult as I am. As troubled as she was. …As immature as she was. So that was it. She needs to grow up too, and here Soul was just now starting it. I have to guide her along. I never thought I would… be… the mother for somepony else. Like… Nimbus used to do for me. Anything to make Blight happy again.

“About what happened back there.” Soulblight let her guard go. Sighing strongly and even standing up just as Soul did. So she was ready to start talking? Not acting so uptight. Just a little semblance of weakness in her shimmering eyes.

“A mistake, and all it was” Blight said. Not even looking at her to deliver her answer. So the wall was better company right now. “Cut it out, Blight” Soul needed to raise her tone now. This needs to stop now. Soul will never let her cherished friend go on like this. Too long on the walk home. No more sadness. Give me anything but it. She did give her something.

Soulblight giggled.

What the hell? Soul listened to it closely. It was chilling. As was her friend. Not even looking sad anymore. But it was still her. A little cover up. Soulblight, I know you’re upset. Talk to me about it. Stop acting strong when you’re not. Not with this. With that strained voice inside her laugh. A shudder along her abdomen. Even Blight’s hind legs began to shake. Like she actually was a scared kid. Terrified of something. You can tell me.

“Cut it out? Oh, …Soul, you know I wish that I can. This stupid game you and I play together.” Soulblight cut off from her. Walking away. Just leaving Soul with that… and the door. It opened. Soulblight was trying to walk away from this. Oh no you don’t. You’re not leaving me with that.

Soul didn’t even bother to make sure her steps were careful to keep her wing from getting any more damaged. To hell with it. It can endure it, as long as Blight stopped this. “You thought I hated you before…” Soul called after her. Remembering just how bad of a situation they both overcame. Leading to this situation. Soul ran off after Blight. Much quicker than her. Like Blight did nothing to stop it. Even after what she had seen earlier, she knew it now… nothing could get the drop on Blight. So why let Soul do this: why let her get right in her way? Blocking the doorway from the black Pegasus. Keeping her side fresh to the chilling wind blowing inside. Staring at her friend. With Soulblight left in silence. Silence and a smile. One that trembled. It was too apparent. Soulblight really was hurting inside. Just as her tears did tell her before. “Tell me.”

8.46
“Oh, please” Soulblight shook her head. “Do not pretend to care. Not after what you saw.”

“What I saw?” Soul yelled after her when Blight turned back around. Just walking away. Not even sure if she knew where she wanted to go. Just trying to avoid me. Yeah, I saw a lot. Seeing a scene like that. Nopony can ever dream of the wildest nightmare scenario to even come up with that. I bet I’m the first in Equestria who got to see that. Just like what we did together… long ago. We both killed. Terribly. You did it with me for the right reasons. So… what was that earlier? What was that horror show? Tell me now.

“I saw something that was not you. Not anything like the pony I accepted as my friend. You’ve been sad, we’ve both been sad. Yet, …I saw something else. …Blight, you weren’t sad… you were suffering. That’s what I saw, and… stop walking away from me!” Another terrifying laugh let itself roar across the room. Coming right from Blight. Stomping her hoof down and doing just as she asked. She stopped walking away.

“Hehehehahahahahahahaha!” she laughed on. “Suffering? That’s what you saw in me?” Blight turned her head a little. This chilling atmosphere. Did the fire die or something? Or was it just how Blight was standing. Her crooked legs and flailing tail. The harshness in her laugh. In her questions. So cold. May as well be just snow hailing upon Soul. “Soul, you are such a great friend. You can see something like that in me? Yet you still did not see how wrong you really are…”

Blight turned her head. Stomping about to face back at her. Face to face again, for the longest time. Staring into Blight’s… eyes, those glowing red eyes. Just like before. Staring deep into Soul. Like they burned of fire.

Blight, you are suffering. I’m not wrong. Just look at you. This is not you. “Not me?!” Blight yelled.

What? How did you…

“That is why you are wrong.” Now Blight was the one who was yelling. Soul no longer felt it anymore. Whatever assertiveness she had, gone. How to deal with this… how? Blight, stop being this way. “Take a good look at me” Blight spat. Then she saw it when that pony bared her mouth… and the countless fangs gleaming in it. It froze Soul’s heart. Looking into her mouth with countless daggers lining it. She may as well have the same teeth as the wolves… and they got closer. Blight placed herself right upon Soul. Shoving her own eyes right into Soul’s. Staring deep into that blood. The darkness of her pupils. An entire existence inside of fading light and dying hope. Pure darkness. Soul could swear she felt a little queasy seeing that. Never being this close to these eyes before. These, they aren’t Blight’s. I see… true suffering.

“Look at me… and what do you see?” I see you, Blight.

“You see Soulblight. Because this is what I really am.” Soul gasped. A tear. Blight, …she was crying. “I am that monster, that freak you claimed me to be. These are the eyes of a monster. …And monsters can not be friends to anypony. Not after what I have done. All the death I have caused. The horror I can make. You even got to see me get off from it, didn’t you!? You saw it. Was it a good show? Seeing your precious friend reduce herself to a whore just to finally feel good about herself!?” What… I…

Blight glared. “You don’t know anything about me. And now you got to see.” This was all wrong. All of it. She is wrong. Soulblight, you can’t be like me. I don’t want you to feel so sad for so long. I won’t let anypony feel what I felt. Because you were the first pony who made me feel like I matter.

So, I do know. I know everything about you because I had to deal with it too. To be different in all the worst ways. So what if it was for differing reasons. I was always a coward, never able to stand up for myself. I always had to lie to make it look like I was happy. Even my parents didn’t want me. I was born a failure, and today I felt like I could have finally stopped being that. Soulblight, we both need to look past our problems, it’s the only way we can do this together. I need to overcome my failures, and you need to do the same. And the way you act, I can tell… they are bad.

The things I saw from you and how scary you can be. She did make a mistake, but that was not what defined her. Twelve years together, I had time to see it… to see the real you. I will prove you wrong. It was wrong. The pony crying in front of her was the one who was wrong. Just as you taught me that I was wrong, I need to teach you.

8.47
“Shut up!” Soul yelled. “Shut up, listen to yourself.” Soulblight back away. No, you’re not getting away.

Soul followed right after her. Pursuing those blood red eyes. Keep them right in her own eyes. “You’re so stupid, Blight. As stupid as I am. Here I was thinking we made everything right… and you go ahead and tell me that? You’re a freak?” I need to let this out. Thanks to how these twelve years have gone. I’ll let you know about my fault.

“Well I’m a failure. This stupid…” Soul kicked a hoof against her dead wing on the floor. “Wing of mine. That’s my mistake. I make so many… you think I care if you make one? Two? Three? I don’t care at all.”

“You…” Blight began. No, don’t even try.

“I said shut up. We’ve been together for twelve years. That’s a helluva lot of time for me to see you as something else. Here you are claiming to be a monster when I saw more. You cared for me, this entire time. You did everything to make up for the mistake that both of us made. Protected me, comforted me, you even gave me a birthday party.” Soul motioned to her crippled wing again. “You cleaned me. And you didn’t have to do any of it. A monster… would never do any of that stuff. Because you are not a monster. You are not a freak. You are kind, gentle. You’re like the…”

…Damn it. Just say it. I have to tell her… how I’ve felt about you. It’s been bottled up for so long.

“You’re the family I never had.” Hope you like hearing that because now look at me. Soul cried. Her heart exploded saying that, it felt too good to say it. Yes, that’s right.

Soulblight began to cry even harder. Let it all out.

“You made no mistake. You never failed me. I failed you… for not getting us both home. So why is it you still accept me, despite that?”

Blight sniffed. Taking her time to say something. It must be hard to talk with all those tears. All that sadness. “B-because… I…” She had an answer. So did Soul. Soul just had an easier time saying it. It was so clear. Because we are both the same. “I spent my entire life never accepted by others, so I’m not going to be a pony who shuns another. I’ll never do that. Especially to you. So go ahead and tell me… what should I see you as? Are you a monster?”

8.48
“I-I… am…” Soulblight wiped a hoof over her eyes. “Am…no…”

You don’t need to say anything. I will be here for you. Soul hushed her. “I understand. I understand you… because I bet there is one thing… you think you don’t deserve. Tell me what it is.”

Blight broke down crying. Worse than before. Her voice, how it broke, wailing like a poor little filly. She sounded so lonely. This must be what actual suffering sounds like. To hear a mare turn into this. Clenching her eyes tight but the tears still escaped. “…A…a-a-a… f-friend.”

I knew it. You and I, we are both the same. Never think that way again. If you need a friend, you have one. Just like what you gave me. It will be like this forever. I will make sure of it.

“Then I will be your friend. Soulblight, …I am your best friend… and I accept you.”

Soulblight opened her eyes up again. Closing in a little more with Soul. Soul stood up to her. Offering… her hoof to the pony. Wanting to touch her at the least. I will do it anyways. Because friends care for each other. We are best friends.

Soul rose her forehoof up. Aiming right for the furry, black chest of that pony. Her family. Soulblight.

“I accept you for who you are, Soulblight. We’re the best of friends.” Soul pushed in.

It touched.

Silence…

8.49
She… she felt so… Soulblight… Soul lost herself in it.

Feeling it. Upon her hoof.

A touch. Was this a dream? The best dream ever. No longer a nightmare. No longer any sadness or loneliness. To finally have it. To see it. Her hoof… touching Blight. Right in the middle of all her black fur. How soft her chest felt, more than anything else.

So this is the reward. After every fall and failure. All the mistakes. All the suffering. Together with Blight. Being one at last, in the end. A touch. After so long. She finally felt it. All from her.

Soulblight.

8.50
Soul shot forward. Yes, I can finally... Twelve years. Show her just how much she means to me. Nothing will stop me. No more barriers… and it felt so great. With her hooves slipping around and behind that slim neck of her best friend. Connecting together. Able to do the most cherished feeling she loved. Pulling Blight deep into her. Her chest touched hers, her cheek to her cheek. Rubbing along and Soul set her chin down upon Blight’s shoulder. Tugging her in tightly. Not caring about anything else but to remember the feeling of this.

“…S-Soul.”

“Blight… you have no idea how long I’ve waited to do this.”

She felt it. Blight’s chin… set upon her shoulder. So soft. Like all the love in the world was her own right now. You are this important to me, Blight. No matter how much she shivered right now. How much it tingled her skin. It didn’t matter.

“Soul, why are you… shivering?”

“Shut up, Blight.” I don’t care if you’re cold. You don’t need to be perfect. You are who you are and I already accept you. I accept this too. “Just hug me.” The feeling. I can feel it. Going up my back. Blight’s hooves went along it, grabbing her. Just as Soul did for her. Connected, finally. Just like Rainbow Dash. Exactly how I remember it. I’ll do the same for you.

Soul tightened her grip a little more. She felt Blight do the same. I hope you love this, because I love it. “Thank you, Soulblight.”

“Thank you, …Soul Serenity.”

Soul closed her eyes. Blight, I finally get to feel what I wanted since I first saw you.

Soulblight closed her eyes. Soul, I finally get to feel what I’ve wanted for so long… in that darkness.

8.51
Soul could see her feathers again now. Just as damaged as was expected. Like she may have spent years not even tending to them thanks to how many splits in the roots there were. How many fibers were torn off. Ragged. Her mind wandered off to how bad she let her wings get when she was a filly. All the cleaning it took to get them perfect again. Now, Blight was the one who seemed to have that intention. An idea that still left her asking herself why. No point in protesting ever came up though.

Soul was just too mesmerized and adoring of how careful her friend was in cleaning her wing. Enjoying every moment of it simply because of this new miracle.

The way Soulblight combed her hoof through the creases in her feathers, how they welcomed her touch. Parting around her hoof and softly rubbing it.

It must feel really nice to Blight. Maybe she did enjoy it. Taking her time, she must like touching my wing. Or that may just have been because she wanted to be thorough. Hard to tell.

She was doing a great job. Opening up her feathers to make room for the rag to slide in and wipe away all the dirt and blood that creeped in. That very rag wrapped firmly around her other hoof. Both of them working in tandem so Soul may see the natural colors of her wing once again. Still wishing the whites of the bones would go away. As well as all the wounds and torn flesh. Ripped open so she may see what really was inside of her.

It disgusted her.

Not Blight though. She even had touched those very areas. Gently massaging a hoof around the wounds, wiping away the torn strands and dirt right before she wiped over them with the rag. Getting rid of as much blood as she could until more slowly trickled out. Something she kept doing. Her intentions were so genuine. Something that allowed Soul just to do as she did now: sit back and adore the thoughtful work Blight did.

She caught it. Right when Blight slipped her hoof under the feather. For just a second. Blight softly touching the skin underneath that wing. Not even a place that was dirty. It was cute. She probably likes being able to touch things now. She doesn’t even need to use her hooves. It was good though to do this. Soul wished to feel it, having to settle simply with watching Blight touch that lifeless wing. That was satisfying to her.

8.52
Going on for possibly an hour with this. Even having to dump the basin and replace it with fresh water, along with Blight using a little pop of magic to transform a horribly bloody rag into a clean one. Twice. Anything to keep up this pampering.

Her right wing twitched as well. Really wanting to be cleaned too. Shame it was in such good condition as opposed to its sister. Though that didn’t matter that it was in good condition. I don’t think I can use it again. Not without the other.

Strange, this cleaning she was getting. Watching Blight be so gentle to her wing. This may be the last use she will ever get out of her left wing. What a way to go out. I get to watch it be cleaned by her of all ponies. Soft and perfect, as if Soul herself was fragile. Soulblight really did know her stuff when it came to preening. Soul easily forgave her for not using her mouth. I actually don’t want her to do that.

If only my wing could feel, I wonder just how gentle she is being. Would it be painful like it usually is? Or… is she so good that… this could feel better?

“Thank you so much. You’re doing a great job” Soul complimented. That was all she had to say. At least it made Blight smile. Not taking her eyes off the cleaning she did. If only it will mean so much more in the end. This hour of watching her clean, it did do something else. When she saw how the joint of her wing was connected to her body. Just sagging down against her side, no longer perked. Like no mass was in it anymore. Just a sliver of bruised flesh. I actually do want to touch it, see how it might feel. She still didn’t do that. Because she knew the hard truth that sight told her. …But Blight still did this. Cleaning her up. Just as Soul would clean her own wings for the purpose of exposing these beauties to the world. Now just a single beauty.

It really was going to be alone now.

8.53
Wow. I won’t be able to… to fly for the rest of my life.

That stilled her heart.

So dumb. It didn’t sound as bad earlier. So why now? Why when she saw her friend tending to her wing? I even kicked it. Now that was something to regret. I would never do that to them before, I would even hate for them to just get dirty. Now… it was gone. What will even happen now?

Blight is caring for me…. But why? Because nothing was left for this wing now. It… it will probably have to be cut… oh no, I can’t think of that. It hurts. I don’t want to lose my wing. Just dead weight left behind at her side. A sad sight to drag around while she witnessed all other pegasi enjoying the gift of flight. Even Soulblight will be able to fly. And I…

I can’t believe… I…

Soul heaved a horrible breath. Staring down at the floor. Years… years. Is that what’s going to happen? After years with them. I… no. No, there has to be a way. There must be. Us pegasi, we hurt our wings all the time. There will be a way, right?

“Soon, it will be good as new” Blight said off in the background. So distant to Soul right now. It actually brought her back a little. Blight, are you supposed to be mocking me? Soul wanted to call her out for that. But, she hesitated. Blight, she never said stuff like this just to mock her. Maybe she was just trying to give hope. That is what she really needed.

“I just hope I’m being gentle enough for you.”

Soul sighed. Calming herself a little bit. She… sounds like she wants me to think of something else. I can’t ignore her. Not right at all especially with them being best friends. “Yes, you are… really good at that” Soul said. “I hope I am. I’ll be as gentle as possible for you.”

Blight brought her eyes slowly up to meet Soul’s gaze. They both held that. Confusing. Blight didn’t look right staring at her like that. There’s something about it. She just looked off. Staring deep at her. “You did say I was gentle… among other things.” I did call her that. I called her gentle because she is. That didn’t need any further proving.

Blight wiped away for a little bit longer. Taking some time before Soul had to take her eyes away. Since Blight’s stare was getting a little bit uncomfortable, and out of the corner of her eye she also saw Blight turn back down. Back to the work she did with her wing. Soul took another glance over to it. So many feathers were visible again… or even, …all of them. Soulblight had entirely cleaned each and every one of them by now. Just a little bit of streaming blood coming out along the ghastly tears in her actual flesh that the rag did a good job of wiping away before they could taint those feathers again.

She did do a good job. Well, that was half the problem done. But how badly her wing still was… so what if it looked good. I don’t think I can… do anything for our dreams anymore. I don’t know if I can even be a Wonderbolt now. Not able to fly alongside Dash at all, or Soulblight. I can’t fly with them...

I can’t… Blight, no. I wanted to teach you how to fly better. Are you gonna need somepony else to teach you? Maybe Dash will become a better flight buddy for her. But I want to do it.

“You also said that you were a failure.”

8.54
Soul perked her ears back up. Blight too had come to attention again and she did not look that happy. Was that on Blight’s mind? Ever since she blurted that out. That terrible feeling thanks to many years of disappointment. No matter what I do, I just could never pull it off.

Blight let the rag drop off her hoof. Exposing the black fur once again, and she did something Soul almost tried to stop her from doing. Blight touched it against one of the open wounds in her wing. Rubbing it gently and then stopping. Just holding her hoof atop the opening, as if trying to cover it up so it may not exist. “Do you think that because of this?” Blight asked. Softly stroking her other hoof underneath her span.

Among many reasons.

This wing, it’s my greatest mistake. So many countless mistakes that all needed to be fixed. So Soul nodded. “I knew it, you love your wings. It must be so hard… for them to be gone. I understand.” Blight… you think… they’re gone? That can’t be. How many times have I hurt them? Too many to count. They will recover. They need to. How else can I… kiss them anymore and tell them how much they matter to me? They are so important to me. Do not tell me my wing is gone. May as well be both.

I need them to bring us back home. Blight deserved that happy life I want to give her. As much thanks that Blight deserved. But I failed.

It’s why I did all that work. And now… now I can’t feel happy anymore. I don’t even feel sad. It’s... “Blight, I’m afraid.”

Don’t you see? I’m so afraid of never being able to fly again. If I can get back up again. Yeah, sometimes I need help to get back up, but how can I do it without my beloved wings? I need them. Forget making another pony happy. Truly, truly happy. Stuck like this. Because I need my wings to make all ponies happy. So they can see what a pony like me can become. I don’t… want to be flightless. No, please.

How sad will Dash be if she saw me not able to fly with her again? I can’t let anypony else down. Not again.

8.55
“You don’t need to be afraid, Soul. You taught me to trust in you, so can you trust in me?” Why are you talking like this, Blight? I’ve never heard you so happy. I don’t know how you can be happy. The little subtlety of strength in her voice. She even smiled talking like this. But… this is Soulblight. The kind and gentle one who took care of me. No pain left. I do trust her.

“Yes, I do.”

“Good” Soulblight said. “Then believe me when I say you are not a failure. I mean, look at us. We’re the bestest of friends… and that move you did earlier.” Soulblight giggled. Coming a little closer while she did so. “I loved it. You’re a perfect flyer, Soul.” “I am?” Blight nodded. That’s… what I like to hear. Not many ponies think that about me. I don’t think Dash does. Not anymore. Not like how she was when I could tell she adored my flying. But… not after what I did to her.

It’s been so long since I heard somepony say something nice about my talent. I… like it. This was the best compliment ever. It made her so happy. Even if she did make mistakes, if her flying never did come out as planned each and every time. At least it was good enough for a fellow Pegasus to compliment her with something that nice.

I… I really do love my wings. They are what earned her this warm feeling thanks to Blight. Soulblight lifted up the wing she had been holding this entire time, and she pushed it towards Soul. Softly, slowly and not even disturbing the skin still attached to where the wing set upon her body.

“Take it” Blight said from behind the feathers. Pushing it even closer. Offering that destroyed wing back to the one who owned it. There still was plenty of blood dripping out from the many openings torn into it. A complete difference to the wing Soul knew. Not even the same as its sister. But… that didn’t stop her. I will take it. This is my wing. I still love it.

Soul let her own hooves take the place of Blight’s hooves. Sliding one in under the feathers to wrap it around the other side with the other one softly rubbing along the side of the span. Getting a nice grip. Feeling the contours in her flesh. The openings that should not be there. A sickly feeling of warm blood soaking into the fur of her legs. Her own blood. From her wing. Soul took it as her own. Pulling it in and cradling it against her chest.

“Just hold it still” Blight asked. The black Pegasus had stood up and walked around the basin. Coming around so she may take a seat right in front of Soul. Face to face.

Soul did as she asked. Keeping the wing held firmly in her grasp. Stroking one of her hooves along the span. Not caring if she disturbed the wounds. I still love this wing… so much. I will always love it. “What are you going to do?” Soul asked.

Blight giggled. Gleaming her eyes so bright. Like… there was something in them. Her gentle smile and soft lashes fluttering. Like a glow in those eyes that made Soul’s heart skip a beat.

8.56
“Hold still.”

Blight leaned in. Setting her own hoof upon Soul’s hoof. Chilling the skin. Shocking Soul in its comforting touch. With how both of them now held hooves along that wing. Soulblight brought her head down, passing right by Soul’s face. Not out of sight at all. Soul glanced down watching her friend come right down next to where both of them held hooves.

What are you…?

Soul gasped.

I never… never got this… from anypony. I’ve always just got to read about it. Hear about. Something to dream about. Here it was happening right now when she felt her friend’s cheek brush against her hoof. Soul’s heart leaped. No more thoughts. Nothing seeing this dream come true. Right under her chin, Soulblight placed her lips right on her wing.

Parting the fur. Slipping through the stream of blood coming fresh and reaching the skin below. When her wing, and her lips, they both touched. A little touch. So short… and Soul could not stop staring down at it. My own skin. Like time slowed down. Watching… seeing that somepony would do this for her.

I used to always dream of this. This touch. How I always wondered when it could happen for me. If I could ever get it. I always got to watch the other fillies get it from their parents. I always got to hear about it in stories. Whenever I saw it… like those kids didn’t care, but I was so jealous. I never had a parent who would do it for me. I never even had a friend… who would give one back to me. After all I did for that friend. After how much I wanted it from somepony. That love.

…Soulblight, do you know what you have done?

You are the first pony to kiss me.

Her heart fluttered. Not able to look away from the pony who kept her lips softly touching that poor wing. The same wing that Soul kissed just like this. This must be how I made Dash feel. I… Soul gulped. I don’t know what to think. I… I think I like it. I do like it.

It’s all like I finally have the pony I always wanted. Rainbow Dash, Nimbus, Starry. The ponies who were there for me. The ponies who left me. But now, now I have a pony who I don’t think will ever leave me. I’ve never had a friend who made me feel so loved. Enough to make Soul begin to cry.

8.57
She came back up with that sweet smile on her face. Nose to nose again with Soulblight. Even though she saw Blight right in front of her, Soul still saw the image of her friend kissing her burned right into her eyes. Still feeling her own heart pounding so hard in her chest. It felt good. Another pony kissed my precious wing, I have no words. No way this would have ever happened before today. Not at all. I never thought we could get so close. I never thought I could earn this from you. Soulblight’s kiss.

So much has changed. It made her heart soar. I haven’t felt this happiness in years. It feels so good to be kissed. Looked like Blight liked it too. The way she giggled and smiled. Such a cutie. I love that about her.

“You know, you’re blushing right now” she heard Blight say. What? Soul actually had to touch a hoof to her cheeks to first notice something was off before she started to feel it. Her cheeks were very warm. Oh shit. Soul looked away. “I am not!” Her eyes did wander. Back to where the mirror stood watching her, and she saw herself plainly. With Soulblight still snickering behind her. I look so stupid. So much red running along her muzzle. I couldn’t help it. I never got this from a friend. Nothing that she expected to happen. Don’t laugh at me. Oh I do look stupid. No wonder Blight was laughing.

Soul just had to sit here and wait. Watching her reflection hoping that red will go away. But I just can’t get that out of my mind. Her kissing my wing, oh sheesh… Blight. Only made her redder. Soul pulled her mane down over her watery eyes and red face. Lucky wing. At least it got to feel those lips touch them. I didn’t get to feel what it was like. I want to feel a kiss.

You damn lucky wing.

It’s like it was waving at her. Just a flash of magenta spreading up and back down in the reflection. Waving its feathers at her, making fun of her. If wings could talk, I bet it’s laughing at me… not able to feel that kiss. I wonder if there will ever be a time when I can feel it. It was just another crushed dream.

I can never go back to Equestria now. I want to be kissed again. I don’t know if Blight would…

8.58
Soul glided her eyes back along the mirror. Right to where she saw it.

No way in hell.

I… I felt it. It... is my mind playing tricks on me? That had to be my other wing because… Soul looked back.

Forget the mirror. She saw that magenta color right in front of her. Then it moved. It felt. It felt great. It looks great.

No, no. This is my right wing… my other wing is… Soul looked over. Her heart stopped. My other wing…

It’s perfect.

She looked back at the other wing. The… left one. It moved. That sensation of air coursing through her feathers. Stroking the skin. …Both wings. All along it, she felt the air. It touched it. Even the fur moved when her wing went up and down. Is this not my right wing? Because… both of my wings feel… she could feel the tickle of air along both. There’s no way. How did...

All across her smooth skin. Her beautiful span. Her wing, made anew.

My wing… it… it is real! This is… Soul held that left one up before her. Looking all along the… the perfect wing. Like it used to be. That soft and gorgeous skin beneath perfect fur. The many rows of hundreds of neat feathers. Nothing… nothing is wrong with it. This is real!

Soul no longer held herself back. Flapping her wing over and over. Laughing watching it go. Unbelievable! It’s back. Not even any wounds! Responding to everything she wanted. Feeling just like its sister. Becoming a smooth surface of perfect magenta fur and feathers that Soul could easily glide her hoof right over. Pet it. Make it feel how much she loved it. Soul held it close to her. So what if it hurts to grab it, she kept hold of it.

Yes! My wing! I have it back. Soul felt her tears fall onto it.

She heard a grunt, from the pony who stared upon her. Soulblight. Smiling down on her. Soulblight… you did this!

You did this.

Soul smiled at her. No words could be said. For nopony would ever know what to say for this. Soul only showed her. She kissed her wing. She felt her own lips against the skin of her span. Kissing it. Exactly like I love to do. You did a good job, my beautiful wing. I missed you so much, and I’m so happy…

Soul felt the intense urge to fly again. Cold and wind, who cares? I’ll do it anyways. Because my wings need it. The air being their companions. Soul being their lover. But… Soul turned. Smiling right back at Soulblight. You did this. You had to have. You made this all possible. This damn talented pony. What can’t your magic do?

Just a kiss.

Such a show of love, she did this with just a kiss. Just a kiss, and you brought my wing back.

“So now you can give me more shows” Blight whispered. She wasn’t fooling anypony. I know you are happy I have it back. Not doing it for a show or anything stupid like that. Screw that stuff.

Soulblight, you like me, don’t you? You’ve proven it. You…

You are the friend I always wanted.

Forget flying. That can be done later. Right now, I… I have something else in mind. Something… I only would have done for one other pony.

Soul let her wings go. Holding them both out. Two mighty behemoths to shadow over both of them, and she smiled so deeply at Blight. “I’m gonna dry off at the fire.” Soul offered her her hoof. “Come sit with me.”

8.59
Soul listened to Soulblight sigh. She looks so comfortable down there. Laying her head back against Soul’s chest. A little flick of her ear tickling the magenta fur running along her. Anything for her.

Soul tightened her forelegs a little more around her best friend’s chest. Hidden somewhere underneath the wall of feathers, keeping her safe. Keeping her warm. Like a true blanket. Anything… for my best friends. I did this for Dashie, I will do it for you too. Anything for the nicest pony I’ve ever met.

She looked so sweet and innocent down there. So disconnected from everything. As she should be. I’m no idiot. I know how much you wanted this from me. Holding her best friend close to her, gripping her with all her care. Keeping her snug beneath her wings. Feathers so thick and plentiful, only Blight’s head was able to pop out from under it all.

Going on for so long, even her wing had dried off. Good thing, too. Soulblight only deserved the best and damp wings during a Pegasus hug, I won’t have it. Soul placed her chin down against Blight’s massive mane. Burying it deep inside. Just as soft as she wanted. No matter how cold she was. None of that mattered. I just want to keep hugging her, like I wanted since the first day I met her. You were always in reach, but so far away. To finally feel that black fur touching her own fur, another pony held inside of her warm embrace. Just like I imagined it. …So long since I could do this for another pony.

I hope Blight likes it after having to wait so long. But I won’t keep you waiting anymore. Not after all you did.

Cleaning my wings and healing them. Nurturing them. These aren’t just my wings anymore. Hugging Blight like this, they are hers too. They will always be hers as well.

The fire cracked. Warming Soul’s wings. Just a lovely feeling to accompany a lovely sight that both of them watched. Soul loved it. Watching something so simple as a fire, just how it flurried about inside that pit and lit up the entire room. Casting a bright glow upon her and Blight’s faces. Silently watching it dance for the two pegasi.

I have my wings back. I can try again to get us home, but… for now, I’d rather do this. No matter how many more days it takes to do it, I’ll be fine spending hours doing this. Maybe take turns. I like hugging her and all but… maybe… well Blight has pretty big wings too and they always looked so soft. Maybe one day. Maybe tomorrow. Having those great black wings come over her. Shelter her. It was all possible now.

This day could not have come any sooner. It really was a miracle. Having this kind of friendship again. It felt nice, just like how she felt her friend’s soft mane rub against her chin when she slid herself further back into Soul’s grasp. Leaning off to the side with another pleasant sigh. Hearing it helped to make the world seem so peaceful.

Soul closed her eyes. Burrowing her chin down into that soft mane. Forget the cold feeling. Forget the worries in the back of her mind. At this point, Soul felt she may just be able to fall asleep like this. Only a world of darkness listening to the soft sounds of the fire and the steady breathing of her friend right under her. “Are you comfortable?”

8.60
Soul waited for an answer. Blight did slide down a little more into Soul’s embrace. Making not a single noise. But… is she…? Oh my Celestia, she is actually doing that. Blight nuzzled the top of her head along Soul’s chin. Damn, you’re adorable now. I guess that’s a yes. Fantastic!

“You know, I wanted us to do this since we first met” Soul said. “Can you imagine, my little filly wings holding you? I definitely would have tried.” Soulblight chuckled under her breath. Soul was unsure, but she may have felt the soft touch of feathers rubbing against her belly. Blight’s wings. They must be moving down there.

“If I recall” Blight whispered. “You wanted me to be the one holding you.” “Yeah.” That time can’t come any sooner. Blight still had those same fantastic wings hidden down below Soul’s wings. Not at all changed since they first met. Not losing one bit of Soul’s desire to be wrapped up in them. Too bad she missed that chance when she was a filly. Such a shame this day had not been sooner. Then all the days to go by with the two of them able to hug as much as possible. Be the best of friends for years. It would have all been so much easier. But, better late than never. Soul loved it in the end. Twelve years of waiting. So worth it.

Though, I guess I should have been her friend from the start. When I learned she protected Dash. I’m glad I get to repay you now. That was such a nice thing you did, like all the things you did for me.

“What? Would you like me to hold you right now?” Blight asked. Soul opened her eyes back up. Just tightening her legs even more. Sliding them deeper under Blight’s forelegs. Locking the pony down. As tempting as it was… “Not right now. I like this.” “I like it too.”

I want to do this for you for a while. Holding her for a little longer was not even a sacrifice. We have plenty of time. Even more times I can do this for you. Even if you are cold, I can get used to it. Just like the weather. Just hold her throughout the night, even if Soul was beginning to get a little tempted to go under those nice-looking covers on the bed. She did have another thing she wanted to do with Blight, the same as with Dash.

I wonder if she’s up for it. The night was still young.

8.61
A chill actually ran down Soul’s spine. Yup, those blankets will be nice. But she refused to let go of Blight. A little fact that started to make her feel how her hind legs began to shiver a little from the touch of Blight’s own hind legs snug between them.

“So why are you shivering, exactly?” Blight asked. Moving her head up a little. Trying to get a look at Soul. Soul only saw the very tip of her dragon eyes glancing up from behind her long mane. Along with the feeling of Blight beginning to move. Like her legs were pushing up.

No! Soul pushed her right back down. Keeping her legs and wings locked, not allowing Blight out from her hug. “Soul?” “It’s alright. You just feel a little cold” Soul admitted. “But it’s okay.” Soul assured her. Rubbing her forelegs up and down Blight’s cold chest.

“I’m… cold?” Blight lowered her head back down. Soul had to see her shoulders slump. Yes, she was cold. Not as cold as outside but… I still wonder. Why is she cold? I remember how warm Dash was when we hugged. When Nimbus hugged me. Soulblight is different, and I wish it would be… a little warmer. But, she is a very different pony. One she accepted. She will accept this too. Any fault of Blight’s. Besides, it did have one redeeming factor. The main reason why Soul continued to find strength to hold her. Blight is very soft. It may as well be as good as hugging Dashie again.

“Don’t worry about it. Let me keep doing this.” “I’m not going to if it makes you uncomfortable” Blight said. You selfless pony. That’s why she started hugging her in the first place and being nice like that only made her want to do it more. “I really like it. Please.” Soul kept her grip strong. Hoping Blight will not try to fight against it. She assumed that may be the case. No more struggle or any movement from her friend. Blight slumped back down into Soul. Relaxed.

8.62
“You know, I’m happy you’re so strong, Soul. Because I really like this too.” “Oh yeah?” Soul asked.

“You asked me not to laugh at you before, so I’ll ask you the same.” Blight glanced back up again. “Don’t make fun of me.” What is there to make fun of? I think I was the one who asked for this so what’s the problem? I am the one who is being such a dork… giving in like this. Letting you use my wings like this. I won’t be a jerk to you. Not something she will do.

“Okay?” Soul replied. “Ever since we first met, I wanted you to do this for me as well” Blight said. Bringing her head back down. Gently sighing her approval. “And I love it.”

That was exactly why Blight needed to stop with the whole strongpony thing. This was exactly who Blight was. Just as sweet as I always saw her. But Soul had no explanation for how happy hearing Blight say that made her. That there was a pony who wanted this from her for so long. Exactly what I also wanted. They really were the same. A fact that Soul cherished deep in her heart.

“I am very glad you and I got the chance to become friends” Blight said. “We almost didn’t get that chance” Soul admitted. “We came very close to missing it. But, I’m so glad we didn’t. I’m so happy I met you.” “As am I. We can be there for one another.”

Damn. If only I had met her earlier. I would have had the two greatest friends. One who will be there for her all the time. One this incredible. So what about the age gap? I’d be proud to show the other kids that this mare was my friend. I know Dashie would love you too. The three greatest of friends. We missed that. It never… never could happen. In the past now. At least we didn’t miss this last chance. Having the chance to meet her at all. Meet a pony as amazing as Blight was. As impossible as she was. To feel such happiness with her.

It’s been so long since I felt this way. Blight, looks like you wanted to feel this for a long time too.

How long?

“Tell me something, Blight.”

“Hmmm?”

“What was your life like before we met?”

8.63
Blight, she never seemed to know much about her past. You had no parents that you remember and you… you don’t even know where you came from. But how long… were you like this, before you met me? I want to know, how long were you alone? Am I really so important to you?

Am I as important to you as you are to me?

I had no friends for so long. I was the one who got rid of the only friend I had. I made so many mistakes and everything just lead to this. All that pain and loneliness ending like this. Tell me your story, let me know how beautiful this moment is for you too.

Too bad Blight took so long to do anything. The fire being Soul’s only companion in the midst of that long silence. It was a little worrying. Looking down at her again. Blight was just staring off at that same fire and, unless Soul was imaging it, Blight slowed her breathing. A little worried? Very worried now. A request like that, maybe it was a little too personal. Soulblight was not an ordinary pony with much being lost on her. But the silence. That was very different from the ‘I don’t know’ line.

Do you have a story? Unless it hurt… just like my life… hurted. There are so many things she probably doesn’t know about me. She never did get to learn a lot about me. It’s wrong to ask her life story. So she doesn’t…

“I guess… I owe you. I do owe you an explanation about me” Blight sighed. “You told me that I can trust you. So, Soul Serenity, I trust you with the story you want to hear. No matter how hard it will be for me to tell it…” She spoke the last of her words in a frail voice.

8.64
“Especially after what you saw me do today.” Soul’s went silent. How can anypony ever imagine another pony to do what was seen today? I’m… a little afraid now. What does she have to say? Do I even want to know now? Whatever she must be ready to say, after twelve years of being in the dark over this pony, it must be so terrible. I want to forget. I really do. It’s so hard to. Get rid of that terrifying and obscene image of her friend over this image of her being a nice and friendly little mare huddled up in her wings. Such a shame both sides fought with one another. I’m ready to be there for her. Even if Soul easily could tell she was about to hear something terrible.

I won’t think less of her. No matter how bad the events of today told her that Blight was truly unique in ways… ways that nopony may have ever been able to pull off in all of Equestria. She closed her forelegs ever more tightly around Blight. Hold her tight. Still, her friend remained silent. Just under her staring at the fire. Continuing to stay quiet when Soul even rose her wings up a little higher, bringing Blight deeper into their embrace. Let her take her time.

Whatever it is, it can’t be easy.

8.65
Soul listened on to the wind blowing outside. Loathing over an itch all along her flank that she could never scratch. Popping up waiting for her best friend to find the courage to talk, and Soul could not even scratch. Not if it meant letting Blight go out of her hug. Somewhere down below her, under all the hairs of that long, black mane, Blight must be suffering. So afraid of talking about it.

It will be alright. Whatever she says, I won’t treat her differently. Even if the scene was still in her head. Never able to get rid of it. Soulblight… having to watch her with me being so helpless. All those bands of red cutting down all those wolves. All the crying I heard. All those howls. And she just laughed. Laughed so much. I watched her laugh. On and on until she… she started moaning like that. Right before…

Oh, Blight. What happened to you? Tell me what made you do that.

Such a hushed tone, so innocent. So shocking. Blight spoke.

“Can you imagine me as a filly?” Soulblight as a filly. Strangely, Soul found that very heartwarming. Loving to imagine a small Blight being so happy, learning to fly. Making friends and learning all about the world around her. I don’t want her to be the same filly I was. I hope she wasn’t.

“I used to love reading little storybooks when I was a filly. You know, the ones with the pictures? They always made me feel like I had something to enjoy.” Something to enjoy. “Because I enjoyed all the things they told me. Nice things, have you ever read something nice that inspired you?”

Inspired me? Reading those biographies… no. Dash, she is the one who comes to mind. All those Wonderbolts books she had. So inspiring for that pony. That was the closest she got. Soul shook her head along Blight’s mane.

I can tell you used to read a lot. Especially with how skilled you are. Hehe, it’d be something if she learned magic from books. Now that was getting ahead of herself. “It’s so dumb” Blight whispered. “Everything is such a blur to me. I… I recall reading lots of books. Hearing so many words but only one…” She paused. “There is one thing I do remember that inspired me. Told to me by a pony with so much love in her little story. Because she had so much love. It was that no matter how bad things may seem…”

“There will always be a pony out there who cares for you. A true love that will never die and last throughout time. Doesn’t that sound nice?”

That… that sounded lovely. I would like something like that. “It sounds beautiful” Soul said. Snuggly rubbing one of her hooves along Blight’s chest. So long. I wanted it for so long. Does Dash still love me? The first pony who ever did. Is she still out there? Out there crying for me.

8.66
“It was also a total lie” Blight muttered, staying Soul’s breath. No way. What possessed her to say that? It sounded beautiful, why say such a thing? Just saying it was a lie, that isn’t true. Everything that Soul knew back before all was but a hail of snow. If it was a lie… this would never have happened. Did Blight even realize that? How terrible to say that. How terrible things must have been. Maybe I shouldn’t have asked her to tell me her story.

“I took that line to heart. Because it sounded so gorgeous. So different from what I knew. Hehe, it made me into a happy pony. I had no parents to love me, no family. But I loved the idea of there being somepony out there who could fill that role. Because I did need it very badly.”

Blight’s voice broke. On the verge of crying. Not after all the beauty they just shared. No need to cry. Soul continued her strokes across Blight’s chest. Soulblight took a deep breath. Letting it out softly into Soul’s feathers. The chill of its air making her span shiver. The fire flicker. Fading briefly and then coming back. “Soul, I’m sorry you went through so much loneliness in your childhood. If I could go back, I would just to make you feel happier. Because I hate the idea that you went through all that. Ponies not accepting you. Choosing rather to ignore you. But… you are lucky in one regard. Those mean ponies bullied you. I would rather have dealt with that.”

Soulblight, you have no idea what you are saying. Being bullied and ignored. It was so painful. I was afraid all the time. It made me a coward. She had to have been around to know it. You must know how painful it was. Remembering it, it hurts. I was so alone for so long. A time she never wanted to go back to. Never wanted to wish such a fate on another pony. Never ever let Blight feel that way.

“No, you would not have wanted that” Soul said. “And I’ll be here to make sure you never do.” Soulblight giggled underneath a harsh voice. One wracked in sadness. Soul heard it. Spending too much time with Blight by now, able to pick out when she sounded sad, and now was one of those times.

“Oh Soul, if only we met sooner. Maybe none of the bad things I did would have happened.” Blight’s own hoof touched against Soul’s foreleg. Rubbing it just as softly as Soul rubbed Blight under all those feathers. She shared the same idea. It would have been nice if we had met back then, so long ago. Too much time wasted. Time to be used to find that true friend. I found Dashie. But… if I had known…

I would have done anything to be your friend too.

8.67
“Ponies hated me” Blight said. “Because I was different.” They… hated you? Oh no, please may she not have experienced the same moment. Sounds of Dash saying those terrible words reminding her of it, and her doing the same. “Imagine my shock when all the nice things I did to try find that friend I needed only rewarded me in pain. With all the mean words, …and when they hurt me. They hated me enough to even hurt me… and I didn’t know why. I didn’t know what I did wrong.” Soulblight said. Not able to see her down there, but Soul could hear her starting to cry.

“I didn’t do anything to them. I was… I did everything I could to show ponies that I was a good pony. That… there is nothing wrong with me. I was not bad… but they saw me as a monster.” Her wings flicked up against Soul’s chest. “And they hurt me for it. Not even stopping when all I wanted was to be their friend. Just hurting me over and over… all I remember is the pain across my body. In my heart. And none of them cared. I… I even begged them. I remember crying about all the pain. It is still something I can never forget. I had to cry all alone.”

Blight stopped. Staring… she lifted her hoof out from under those feathers. Staring upon the gleaming edges of it, and she huffed. Putting that hoof to her mouth. Blight? The mare bit into her own hoof. Nibbled on the edge of it… and she cried. “All I wanted… was for ponies to love me. All I wanted was for them to look past my faults and see that I really did want to be the nice pony I dreamed of being. But… it never happened. All the pain. All the loneliness. All the regret. I…” She squeaked. Reeling her hoof back so fast. Did she just bite it? Blight…

“Ponies only saw me as what you saw today. That was who I was to them all. So…” Blight giggled. Soul’s ears went up. Oh no. Are you… Soul held her closer. So tightly. No, it’s all okay. I need to tell her. “You can…”

“I gave them the pony they saw me as. If I am a monster than that’s what they got. Why be nice for ponies like that? No… so I did it. I gave up. That sweet little mare they always hurt, not so sweet after all. Why be nice to them… when I found something much better to do to those that hurt me. Something that felt so good that I lost myself to it.”

Blight gasped. Right when her own ears perked back up. Falling silent. Blight? Soul shivered. Not from the cold. Not at all. Her legs shaking against Blight. But never letting go. Not letting go of the pony who glanced back at her… with golden eyes shimmering in tears. Not the eyes… that Soul had feared. They were the eyes of such a kind mare. “Soul, I’m… sorry. I… I hate to remember it. Because it…” She shook her head. “They killed all my happiness. And I… I made it happen, I was the one who ended up… killing”

“Stop it!” Soul cried. “Don’t say it.” I already know. Just cry. Let it out. Don’t be angry anymore. “You don’t have to be angry, I’m here for you.” Soul held her tightly and Blight said no more. She let it all out in her sobs. Crying streams of tears down so Soul could feel their cold splash against her wings. Soaking her feathers anew. Just as her own tears soaked Blight’s mane. This was too painful. I never thought… that could have happened to you. They hurt you. Soulblight, you poor filly.

This black Pegasus she held, in all the love and care she showed for her, there can be no way to imagine that she had to suffer something so cruel when she was a pony exactly like this. Exactly like Soul. I had it easy. Being different? I don’t think I suffered as much as you did. Here Blight was with such a weight on her heart and still able to be so strong. Able to care for Soul. The weight of so much pain in her. No telling how great it was. Her heart must be so scarred… if she is reduced to this.

Soulblight cried. Burying her face into those magenta feathers, and Soul could feel it. That cold flowing along her feathers. Until she started sobbing. Tightly holding Souls’ feathers.

It must have been so hard to say that stuff. Am I the first pony you ever told that too? Am I the only one who knows how bad you suffered? Being forced to see Blight in this new light. It made her feel for her. It made her love her more. Since there was a pony out there who suffered worse than her, when Soul thought she had it rough. Not even close. I’m just a coward. I really did think there was no other pony out there who had a rough time like me. I thought I had it so hard. So hard that I even wanted to do bad things. To myself.

Blight suffered it all. Even more. Remaining a stronger pony than Soul was. You’re so strong, Blight. Even if you are just a filly inside. I don’t think I could have been able to deal with it. I got lucky. I had such an easy life. A harder life, it would have destroyed her. No wonder Blight needed so much help. She needed so much love.

I will be there for her. She needs my help.

8.68
“You don’t need to tell me. Blight, I’m so sorry. So sorry I never saw how much pain you were really in.” Not until she saw it deep inside those dead eyes. A little flicker of a crying pony hidden inside this shell. One who cried over so much. So many things that Soul needed to make better. Blight needed friends. Soul will be her best one.

“I’ll be there for you. I promise to help you.” Soul let Blight cry even more into her wings. Stay like this for a while. Just hold her. Let her feel how much Soul cared for her. “I-I’ll be there for you too, Soul.” Thank you. Thank you for saying that, Blight. We need to help one another. We have to. I think that’s why we became friends. All the things that happened. They had a purpose. You suffered just like me and was alone for so long. Moments that felt useless. Useless enough for her to try and leave them behind when they meant something more. They were meant, from the start, to make this day happen. You are the pony for me.

“I’m so glad I met you” Soul said. Just for them to reach this point. It was a miracle.

“I waited so long to meet a pony like you” Blight said. “I never knew that little filly would grow up to be my best friend. You made me smile after so many years of just remembering all the pain, alone in the dark with it. I felt I could leave it all behind finally.”

“You can, you don’t need to cry anymore, because I will never let you feel that pain again.” Soul rested back. Keeping Blight right in her hug and pulling her back with her. She felt the black pony squirm a little and then came to a rest. Letting herself fall back with Soul. “Come here” Soul whispered and both of them collapsed down to the floor. Soul keeping Blight held gently under her wings, resting atop her belly so both of them may stare up to the ceiling and the stars beyond that. Imagining seeing that dark sky of twinkling light. Something Soul now saw them able to do when they returned to Equestria. Watching the open skies. Together. Just like this.

Soul heard herself yawn. Still so much energy inside her. There was just something about laying like this with another pony relaxing on top of her, like her own blanket. Too comfortable. Soul loved it. Anything for Blight. I will hold her as long as she needs. Keep away all the pain of the past so she may not need to cry again.

Blight lowered her head to the side. Soul turned to look, seeing her best friend scooch her head aside. Placing it right in the crook of Soul’s neck. Softly rubbing her cheek with that black mane of hers. Staring up just briefly. Soul felt her heart skip a beat when Blight glanced over at her with a smile. Both ponies sighed.

8.69
“Years” Blight said. “Years and years that I waited. To get some sort of happy ending to my story.” She glanced back to Soul. “I guess this is good enough, huh?” Soul smiled. Nodding her head. I think I did it. I gave you that happiness you wanted. Close that chapter on Blight’s life. I want to make a new chapter for you.

“I’m going to make that happy ending for you too. We’re going to get you home” Blight said. If she had said that hours ago, Soul would certainly not have believed her. Years ago, she may have even thought that Blight mocked her to say that. Now, everything was different. She had her wings back. She had a friend. Such a talented friend who really did like her. So she did believe her.

“If we work together, I bet we can” Soul said. She turned back to meet Blight in their hug. “Did you still want to come to Equestria with me?”

“I would not miss it for the world.” That’s what she needed to hear. Now, this is the best day ever. It made her laugh. “Yay” she cried out. All those dreams… we can do it. I will make them happen. As reward for this pony that she cared for so much. So what if it will be hard? They will do it. They overcame this. Everything else, that was all child’s play. Rainbow Dash, Celestia. Nothing was out of reach. For when the day came when both of them could call Equestria their home and really regain the life both of them deserved. One without sadness. Rainbow Dash won’t hate me and all the ponies will accept me back. I have to make it right for those ponies. To see all their smiling faces that she made possible. Work for it. So Blight… she can have a life back home too.

“I’ll help you with Dashie, okay” Blight said. “Alright, …would you still want to meet her?” Soul asked. Dash isn’t so bad. I think… both of you could get along. Anything to make life even more happy for Blight. She didn’t say anything. Just staring off back to the ceiling. Soul could see it.

She looked worried.

That’s okay. I understand. So she placed her hoof right up against Soul’s chest and patted it. As if to tell her just that. I won’t push her. This was entirely up to Blight. Besides, she was taught one thing from Blight’s story, it made her see so much more of herself in the pony. A little thing both of them shared. She was shy and for good reason.

“We don’t need to rush it” Soul assured her. “I do like the idea, …but… maybe later” Blight said anyways. Turning back and smiling at her friend. “After we get everything done, okay?” Silly Blight. No need to sound so professional like that. But sure, I get it. We have a lot to figure out first. Work together to make everything right. Maybe after it all, you won’t be so afraid to make some friends. Even just one. No matter how hard it will be. How much Soul will have to do to make up for the bad things she did. They will find a way together.

Soul nodded. Clutching the pony closer to her chest. Never wanting their hug to end.

8.70
Soul opened her eyes back up. What… what just happened? Finding herself looking right up at the ceiling and the shimmer of flames illuminating it. Alongside a little strand of black hair rising in front of her face and tickling her nose. Damn, like she forgot how it felt to be hugging Blight exactly as she was still doing. Nice to see they still shared it, and Blight laughed a little next to her. “You awake now?”

What? Oh. That’s why. Soul leaned her head back down to the carpet. “How long was I out?” “A few minutes. You even started to snore.” Wow, I fell asleep. It was alright. She still felt how soft and comfortable it was to hold Blight to her. Laying down with her. It was exactly like being on a bed. She probably likes this a lot too, and… I can’t believe I fell asleep next to her. I snore? I don’t snore.

Soul noticed her feathers began to ruffle. Pushed up at the corner of her eyes. Because Soulblight let her own black hooves out from underneath all the feathers. A little push against her wings. Telling Soul exactly what Blight wanted. So she allowed it. Though she really did not want to. Preferring to keep this up well into the night. Her wings unlocked. Settling gently along her sides and watching her best friend reel back up from against Soul’s chest. Sliding out from their hug and sitting upon the carpet right in between Soul’s hind legs. Soul also sat back up. Wondering why Blight got up. I hope I didn’t do anything wrong.

Soulblight flexed her wings. Giving a nice and satisfying sigh when she stretched them out, placing them right back at her sides. Turning around so they may finally be face to face again. “How about you get some rest. We got a long day tomorrow” Blight asked of her. She pointed a hoof back to the bed over Soul’s shoulder.

A long day? I have nothing planned. Unless, …she really wants to get us home. Soul thought over it. Maybe I can take one day off from training. Enjoy a whole day with this pony.

“You know I’m not tired” Soul pointed out. They had plenty of time to train later, just spend some more time for right now being together. Just do that. Soul was just about to ask for it.

8.71
“Now, now young lady. You need your beauty sleep.” It was the way she looked saying that. Blight trying to impose on her. Sticking her nose right into Soul’s own nose. It made Soul burst out laughing. Pushing Blight away with a gentle shove of her hoof to her chest. Now… there’s no way I can say no to that. Soulblight, you’re too much. Me, beauty sleep. Who was she trying to kid? I’m already gorgeous.

“Fine, I’ll get some sleep” Soul said. Standing up. Her legs had almost fallen asleep themselves being so relaxed for so long. So maybe it will be nice to sleep herself. Soulblight really had been cozy. Just like a nice, warm bed would. One right behind her. Complete with that same gorgeous blanket she wanted to try out. It looked so very thick and soft. Soft like a certain pony. Fine, I’ll go to bed. But... on one condition.

She walked right on over to the bed. Placing one of her hooves up to touch that purple blanket. Feeling along the top of it and all the heavenly softness of its surface. Her hoof bumped over the little heart patterns stitched into it, those as soft as the blanket itself. Exactly like this thing were a poofy lamb. I think Blight would love this too.

She grabbed hold of it in her mouth to pull the covers down. Giving a nice, big spot for her to fall into right against the pillow. Clambering on top of the bed. Settling right down into it. Giving herself plenty of room to stretch out her big wings, them and her hind legs sliding right down under the blanket. Wow! It felt so warm. It took till now to fully realize how uncomfortable and rough the other blanket had been. She could fall asleep like a baby under this, already hard to keep her eyes open.

Blight really made this blanket for me? She is so nice. Like it had been made especially for her body. For nopony other than her. Just for me. Well that can’t stand.

Soulblight still sat back where she had been in front of the fireplace. Actually having turned around by now and watching the fire. Probably not at all aware of what Soul wanted. I doubt it. You probably have the same idea, no need to be modest. Not around me.

8.72
“What are you doing, Blight?” Her question did catch her attention. Blight glancing back to her from over her shoulder. Shining a bright yellow dragon eye in the glow of the fire. Soul patted a hoof down against the bed.

“Hop on in.”

Soul shoved herself back a little more, carrying a pillow in her mouth so she had a spot to sleep right along the wall and leaving a big, open spot in front of her. Keeping the blanket folded over right there. There was a free pillow right there.

“What?” Blight asked. She turned a little. Holding a hoof up, almost touching her chin with it. Looking very surprised. She should not be. This was going to happen anyways. I’m not letting you go that easily. “Come sleep with me.” Soul smiled. Giving her friend an innocent little laugh. Patting the open mattress again. Inviting her friend all the more. No way you shouldn’t be able to enjoy this too. Blight was the one who made this blanket, she deserved it just as much. Besides, hugging her again… sounds so good.

Please just do it. Soul wanted to plead it to Blight. Waiting a few seconds of just patting the bed. Looking for any change in her friend’s eyes. It was not her eyes. Her lips. Blight smiled. In that sweet little way that Soul adored about her. “You’re serious?” she asked. Standing right up. Turning around with one hesitant hoof still held high like it wanted to start walking her towards the bed but something held her back. Don’t be afraid. Soul stopped patting the bed. Laying down on her side and kicking more of the blanket away. Giving even more room for another pony to fall into.

“Come on, goofball.”

8.73
Soulblight put her hoof back down. Slowly walking right up to the bed. Standing right over its edge. Looking across the soft mattress. She actually came. That is… Soul smiled. She’s going to sleep with me? Soul waited. For this moment, when one of her black hooves rose from below. Setting down upon the mattress. She saw it. A little flicker inside Blight’s dragon eyes as soon as she touched the mattress. Blight smiled. She loved it.

Another hoof joined the first and, soon enough, the black Pegasus pulled herself up. Jumbling the bed about under her weight while she walked over it for a few steps. Coming a little closer to Soul. A quick turn. Then, she too, finally lowered herself down.

Laying down right next to Soul. So slowly laying down. Eyes darting all across the bed and a little gasp once her stomach set down. Like she was a filly or something. Guess this is her first time in a bed for a while.

“Oh wow” Blight said. “It’s nice, isn’t it?” Soul reached her hoof out. Softly tapping Soulblight’s side, right under her wing. Giving her a gentle nudge and Blight did what she wanted. The black Pegasus leaned over, falling right down on her side. Placing her own head onto the pillow right next to Soul’s. So both of them may lay there, side by side, facing each other.

Soulblight stroked her hooves along the bed. Like she was entranced. Just looking all over. Rubbing her cheek against the pillow and kicking her legs along the blanket laying by her tail. “This is very nice” she sighed. “I’m… astonished you even want me to sleep with you.” She stared over to Soul now. Raising her eyebrows. “You… are aware I don’t sleep, right?” I don’t either, thanks to you, but I still do. But that’s not the reason I asked her to sleep with me.

“Yes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t just be together. I want you with me all night long.” No more being separated. Soul and Blight, neither of them needed to spend any more nights alone in completely different houses. From now on, until we find a way home, I want her with me on every cold night. Someday she might invite me over to that house of hers. All that loneliness was done and over. Time for a new change. It started with this.

Soul kicked herself a little closer to lay almost on the same pillow that Blight used. Close enough for her to reach out with one of her hooves and touch it against Blight’s free shoulder. Tugging at it, wanting Blight to come closer too, and she did. So slowly. Like she was nervous. But Blight did it. She came closer. So both of them now lay right at the edge of their own pillows. It’s all gonna be okay.

8.74
Soul rose her right wing up from under the blanket, revealing the vast swathe of feathers that once, so bery long ago, did this exact thing she wanted to do now. Once more. With Dash.

Her feathers came right down along Blight’s side. Masking her own free wing and all the darkness of her fur. As if Soul’s color became part of her. Just wrap her up and pull her right into her warm chest. Do for her what I did for Dashie. Because… I love you both… the same. Wrapping her in that magenta.

What?

Soul stopped… when she saw her wing become black. What is… no, that’s…

Blight’s magic.

That darkness surrounding her wing. That wing did not do what Soul wanted. It did not wrap Blight up. It rose back up. Quietly moved right back to lay against Soul’s side. Not at all moving the way she told it to. Blight, but I want to hold you, why are you doing this?

“What’s wrong?” Soul asked. Why do you not want me to do this? She just kept smiling back at Soul, and her black hoof came up. Touching right against Soul’s shoulder exactly as Soul did with her.

“You never let me finish my story earlier” she said. Now was not the time for that, there’s no need. I don’t want to hear anymore and you don’t need to say it. Hearing more of that sad and tragic past of hers, it will only ruin tonight.

“It’s okay. You don’t need to finish it” Soul advised against it. Let’s just hug and forget all the bad stuff for tonight. “But I want to, so you can know something very important. You can hold me after.” There was no fighting it. There’s no way to stop her if she really wants to. “Because it proved a point to me, …so do you want to hear it?”

A point? Anything to know exactly what her new best friend was feeling. So Soul nodded.

8.75
“I don’t remember much after that terrible time of mine. I guess… I’d prefer that. Who knows how bad things had been? Stuff I would need to carry with for the rest of my life. I went on, carrying the weight of having done so many terrible things and terrible things being done to me. The only things on my mind, my only memories that mattered while I sat in the darkness.” Soul listened attentively but found it hard to really understand what she was talking about. Or why she talked like this. Her voice, like she reminisced. Staring off to something behind Soul. Like looking back into whatever dark she spoke of and how little it made sense. So why was it fascinating to Soul?

“I waited so long inside of an endless darkness… I can’t… can’t even understand it. Like being trapped. Alone with what I did. Never able to escape it.” She spoke as her voice softened. Her stare came back to Soul herself. “It was all I knew… even with the world, every voice, every sound. I heard it all… but all I heard inside me was the pain. Crying to me.”

That was it. Please stop. I don’t want to hear any more about it.

“Then I heard you.”

Soul stopped. She heard… me? Like what she described before? “After so many years of being alone, you were the first pony I ever actually heard. The only one who caught my attention. Watching your sadness as you attended camp. Your loneliness with your foster… your guardians, and how happy you became with Rainbow. I don’t know why, but I liked it. I liked you. I learned so much about you, and I liked it. You were the first pony I bothered to actually listen to, and I felt I could trust you. When I opened my eyes and saw what you also saw. There was some sort of connection I felt to you, one I wanted to experience even further. So I learned about you. I learned how much you loved having a friend, …being with them, …laughing with them, …hugging them. I wanted to be there for you too. When I finally heard the one thing you wanted more than anything else. That moment of fear when you finally admitted what it is you wanted, I wanted to grant it. I wanted to be your true friend.”

Blight giggled a little. Rubbing her hoof along Soul’s shoulder. How nice it felt. No matter how cold its touch, Soul enjoyed it. Listening to her talk like this and the affection displayed in her eyes. This connection we have. It sounds so great. I feel the same way. You aren’t the only one who feels like we have something deeper.

Soulblight continued. “Many, many years I waited to get my own hug. …You were the pony to give it to me. I really did love it, Soul.”

“How many years… did you wait for somepony like me?” Soul asked. Curious over just how great of an achievement she just accomplished in giving Blight her first hug.

“Hehe, you would not believe me if I told you.” “Try me.”

A long pause went by. Give me something good. Maybe not too long. How terrible it must be to go so very long with nopony there for you. I should know. Blight, you should not have to wait so long… for somepony like me.

8.76
“When I first heard the word, I had no idea what it meant. Because it was not something I knew existed. It took me some time to figure out what it was and what it meant. To learn how it came about. See how it came about. A kingdom of ponies? That concept never existed for me. A concept called… Equestria.”

No way. Soul’s eyes widened and her breath fell short. “I knew that would be your response” Blight said. “Did I surprise you?”

“Blight…” Soul held her tongue. That can’t possibly be true. Never would she ever believe anything like this. She didn’t know what Equestria is? It didn’t exist? But, how old are the princesses? Ancient. I always read they were around since Equestria was young.

No other pony, she… she could not believe it.

Another pony being as old. Nothing like that was possible.

No Pegasus can be… and I just forgot who it was I am talking about. How can she even question a pony like her? A Pegasus with magic. Whose kiss could heal the worst of injuries. As sad as it was, kill so terribly and horribly as she had done. Not even being able to touch her till today. She was not a pony like the others. She always was very unique. Even more unique now than before. Admitting it to herself now. I wish Blight was lying… because if she is right, than that… that made her only regret.

She waited… so very long… for somepony like me. And I was so mean to her for so long out here. If only we had met sooner. You would not have to go through all this. Soulblight, she was so very strong. Much stronger than Soul gave her credit for. I could never do what she did, and she managed to do it. She waited all that time. For a friend. Forget the twelve years they had been so distant. That had to be child’s play for Blight in the wake of so much loneliness. Still, I should not have made her wait. We should have been friends, if only I knew this was how you truly are. I could have helped her sooner, I’m… I’m no better than those mean ponies she told me about. Making her wait. So selfish.

I should never have gotten mad at her. She only wanted to be my friend.

Not anymore, I won’t ever let her go. I swear it. You will never feel lonely again, Blight. She will be there for her. She will be the one to hug her when she was sad. The one to congratulate her when she succeeded. To laugh with her when they played. No more years. Not one more minute. She will suffer no longer.

8.77
Soul whipped her wing back up, ready to take her right back into her hug. So why did she stop it again with another burst of magic?

“Blight…!” Soul shrieked to her. Please let me hug you. Soulblight shook her head.

“I know you also waited a long time to get a hug as well. To have a friend. Rainbow Dash was that special pony for you. Dashie finally gave you what you wanted for so long. You already gave me what I wanted for so long, and now… please allow me to give you it too.”

Soul gasped. That black hoof on her shoulder. She felt it. Go around her. Slink right in along the back of her neck. A shock of cold. Cold and softness. Cold and then… soft. So very soft.

Soul was speechless. Speechless as Blight scooched in, casting a great shadow down over her. A shadow that came down upon her. Alongside the greatest feeling Soul ever felt.

“The thing that I learned out of my story, is that what I was told was true. There really will always be somepony out there who cares for you. …I care for you, just like you care for me.”

8.78
Soulblight tightened her hug. Wrapping all those thick, black feathers around Soul’s entire body. Pulling the mare in closer. Right in, into Blight’s chest, where Soul rested her nose right down into that soft black fur.

Speechless. Lost in the feeling. She never anticipated this feeling. The best one in her life.

Blight… you finally… are doing this for me. Keeping her snugly locked inside of her free wing. Soul glanced down into the dark depths of the space between the two of them underneath that wing. The space, it closed quickly. When she was pulled right against her best friend. “You are my best friend, Soul. I will never leave you either.”

This… this is exactly how I imagined it. So much that Soul started to cry. It wanted to get out. It just felt too nice to cry right now. Just love it. That is exactly what Soul did. Falling right into her friend’s most beautiful of hugs. The best one I ever had. Exactly like my dreams. I always wanted this from you, ever since I was a filly. We… we have come so far. That is why she let her tears out right into Blight’s fur.

“Thank you… so much” Soul said. For all of this. For the greatest moment in her entire time in this wasteland. No other moment in her life better than this one. Finally, to be held by a pony like no other. Held inside of vast and open wings that loved her from a pony she truly now felt did love her. Her most cherished friend. The best thing to come out of all this time here. She endured it all. Everything, for this moment to happen. To get this chance. Feeling this. Love like this.

She could easily fall asleep in this. Especially since the cold began to warm. Warmed with the thick blanket that came down over both of them, pulled right in with a little gust of black mist so it may settle in right under Soul’s neck, and she looked up. To the Pegasus staring down at her with a lovely smile. Seeing all the care in the world in that one smile. I want to fall asleep like this.

She buried her face right into her friend’s thick fur. Lost against her chest. Finding comfort in the cold touch she gave her leathery nose. “I hope you had a wonderful birthday, Soul.” This really was. The best birthday of all. She could not have asked for anything better. Drifting to sleep. No better way to do this. And in the morning, I want to have fun with you. With my best friend.

Soul rubbed her nose against Blight. “Can I ask you one thing, …Blight?” “What is it?”

8.79
“When is your birthday, so I can do the same for you?”

Soulblight giggled above her. Tell me, before I fall asleep. So I can know. And make you truly happy for your special day.

“I’m sorry, I don’t remember” Blight said. That was okay. Soul will ask her now. She had one final question. Please say yes. Because I had this idea… and I think you will like it. Something no other pony can share with me like you can.

“Can we have the same birthday then? The day we became true friends?” The tenth of the month. Two days ago when this should have happened. But the spirit of that day remained. Soul could not care about the day. It was supposed to be her birthday when both of them had become friends, and so it shall be. Forever.

Until… the last birthday we have.

Eternal happiness with her friend. Grant me my wish. “I will have it no other way.” Blight clenched her hoof tighter around the back of Soul’s neck. Whispering right down into her ear. “Your birthday… can be ours.”

Soul could fall asleep to that now. Feeling all the satisfaction in the day and the coziness of her friend’s hug. The friend she will always have by her side no matter what.

At last… what I’ve always wanted.

“Happy birthday, Soulblight.” Soul closed her eyes, feeling the touch of soft fur rubbing along the top of her mane and the gentle sound of Blight stroking the back of her neck. Soothing. Calming. Like nothing bad can happen. Not with the sound of her voice dancing in her ears.

“My lovely pony, know not of fear. Rest in the warmth of my care.”

“Sleep my sweet pony, I’ll hold you so near. Cradle the love we’ll always share.”

8.80
Blight held her tongue. Letting her song die off with the wind howling outside. So that may become the one noise both of them may hear. Silently, so it may ease her off, and Soul too joined the soft sounds of the night with her steady breathing. Rhythmic and subtle. Gently flowing over her chest and how great it felt.

Soulblight held her closer. As close as she dared. So that the sleeping mare may dream sweetly with the feeling they shared. Together. Sleep on. Sleep peacefully. I promise, we will spend a lot of time together tomorrow. For you, I will do anything. To have this friendship with you. So both of them may have more nights like this. More moments like today. Many more hugs that Blight wanted to give to her. Hoping Soul will be inclined to give her just as many.

Remind me, I finally have what I wanted.

This day will lead to many more, and I will fight for them and for you. Do everything to show you that you can trust me forever.

She leaned her head in, resting it right on top of Soul’s head and looked off to the wall behind her friend. Letting herself enjoy this as much as she could. The soft sounds Soul made beneath her. Feeling the softness of her fur along her leg left wrapped around her neck. Though it was strange, were ponies supposed to feel warm? Wasn’t Blight herself supposed to feel warm as well? Though Soul shivered earlier. Saying she was cold. Hopefully she was not too cold right now. Maybe the blanket did its job and helped keep her a little warm. Or maybe like me…

I feel nothing… nothing cold… or hot, however that is, from your soft fur. But I don’t care. It is lovely.

Every move Soul made felt nice. A tiny little kick of her hind leg somewhere under the blanket against Blight’s span. One flick of her ear along Blight’s chin. Probably listening to the wind. Or something pleasant. It must be nice for her too. There was one feeling Blight liked a lot right now. It sort of told her what she assumed meant that Soul was happy right now. A little beat against her abdomen, right where Soul’s chest was burrowed.

Aww, she’s so sweet. Soul’s heart. I can feel it, I can hear it. Like it pulsed through Blight’s body. Little, subtle vibrations ringing in her body. They felt calm, comforted, and she was the one who delivered this nice and beautiful night to Soul. The most lovely night for the pony in years. Soulblight was happy.

8.81
Happy with herself. For doing this. For Soul to become the first pony in all her life that she was able to make happy, and Soul doing the same for her. It’s not what I expected to happen, not at all. Sitting in front of that door this morning, I never thought it and only thought you left me. None of it had been true in the end. I was wrong to think badly of her, and it only made me mad at Soul. May as well have been just as bad as she had been to those ravenous creatures she forced this pony to watch her slaughter. Yet, none of that mattered in the end.

I have a friend now. She likes me. It had to be Soul Serenity. The first pony to like her, and treat her like a good enough pony. Not a freak. She doesn’t treat me like all the other ponies do. I feel like I am a good pony… all thanks to her. For doing this for her. Unheard of. Nothing to ever anticipate. So… Soul, she needed to be rewarded. Blight will reward her with all of her power.

She rubbed her nose across the soft and cozy mane of Soul’s. Hoping this wonderful Pegasus could feel it in her sleep. But not caring if she may hear her. Not at all with how comfortably she began to snore again.

“I know we said that we will work together to make things right again” Blight whispered down to her. “But… you’ve done enough. You made me happy, so I will do the same even more.” She planted her nose right down against the hidden skin under her friend’s mane. Keeping it there. Smelling the scent that was akin to the snow outside. Drenching her mane and giving it its scent. “Leave everything to me. No matter what, I will be there for you and help you, …my dear friend.”

Soul, you will be the one I will never leave behind. Never ruin again. No more lives. No more pain. From now on, I’m gonna be that good pony you deserve from me. Your guardian. A better guardian than before.

I made that promise before to another… but I won’t fail this time. I won’t fail her. I promise to protect her, …Spots. I won’t fail, like I failed with you. No other innocent life will be left behind because of me. None of them will suffer. It will be her reward for everypony. All of them like this wonderful one she shared the bed with. They need it just as much as I do. If it meant more moments like this. All those ponies will see the pony I want to be, they will never see me as what Soul had to see today.

8.82
Funny. I find myself… wondering… Blight looked up to the window overlooking them. Shining the brilliant glow of the full Moon upon both of them inside of an endless and vast sky of a dark ocean. With all the stars twinkling at her. Listening to her. What may have happened if I had let my anger out on her. Would all of this even be possible? Soul… she was so kind. Such a loving pony with so much potential in her. She forgave me for something so bad. Something no other pony would do. But she didn’t. She was so forgiving. Perhaps, …she may have forgiven me. In the end. …After a very long time. But it would not be the same. The same as now, …it will only be like the day she forced Soul to experience all these years of pain. All over again.

I should never have even thought of doing those terrible things to such a sweet pony. Built up upon the mantle that hung over her for twelve years. Twelve years baring that responsibility. No. Soul, she may forgive her. But if she knew, if it happened… Blight, she could never forgive herself. Never for wanting to do it. For hurting this pony she adored. Who hugged her. Who snuggled with her. I will never forgive myself… for all the bad things I do to ponies like her…. Staring up to the stars. The stars that she hoped heard her.

So yes, do not worry anymore. Never worry again, Soul. I will do everything in my power to make things safe and correct for you again. “Just leave Celestia to me” Blight told her. Seeing the sight of that white alicorn firmly planted in her vision. In all her grace and power. A shine like the mane that flowed along her stride. Soul will be protected… from her. Anypony who wanted to harm her. Leave her to me. You, you just focus on your beloved Dashie. So you two can be happy together… and I shall be right there by your sides. I made you a promise, and promises must never be broken. Just like Soul said. So sleep without anything left to harm you. No more pain, and no more suffering. Sleep. My best friend.

Soulblight lay there, listening to the calm sound of Soul sleeping. Nothing else to end this happiness she left her friend in. With the Moon as their witness. Blight welcomed it. In all the silence of the night. …Silence?

Silence?

8.83
Blight opened her eyes back up. That… that is odd.

She perked her ears back up. Listening closely to the silence droning over Soul’s snoring. So peaceful. Like nothing bad was even happening around them. Nothing like it should be. Nothing that felt right. It was wrong. She listened closely. No, that… is weird.

Where… where is the wind?

I don’t hear it. For minutes…? Or longer? Listening… and it stilled her heart. I don’t hear any wind. No sound of it outside, …not when that… that didn’t happen. Not one moment before now, the wind never ceased. Never stopped chilling anypony that may step into it. It made them shiver… just like she now did.

This feeling? I’m… shivering? Just like what Soul does. This is…

This is what cold is?

Blight rubbed her free hoof along her side. Right under her and up along the mattress. Like nothing at all existed to keep her feeling… like she was normal. It had to be what cold felt like. Exactly like when Soul complained about it. Her same reaction. I… I don’t like it. Why am I… feeling this? Why am I so cold?

Blight lifted her head away from Soul’s, hopeful her chattering teeth did not wake her. Scared when she saw how her wing shivered along Soul’s body. How am I getting cold? Especially under the blanket. Isn’t this supposed to keep me warm? Garbage. May as well be outside in the… Blight looked back up. She froze.

Accepting the cold. When she felt it… she felt so very afraid seeing it. Just outside the window, high up in the sky.

How did I not notice this?

8.84
The Moon. This was not right. The sky was all wrong. Witnessing this unbelievable thing right outside of the window that shone in an endless stream of blue moonlight. Cast upon both of them. Like seeking to warm both of them. Warm the world. Above the sounds of so many chirps and clicks. Ringing out all around them.

An end to the silence.

An endless chorus. The chirps of creatures out in that wasteland. Singing their song outside. Coming in as the snow allowed them to. Ceasing.

There was no snow.

None! No clouds!

A big, empty sky swirling around the Moon. Soulblight looked all over it. Not able to take her eyes off this sight. Off the sounds. Those of a world that was not right. This… is not right. This was not it at all. Not the night of this winter world. Not at all the night of a resentful world. Harsh and hateful. This night. It’s the one… I saw through Soul’s eyes so long ago. Outside of Rainbow Dash’s window. Beautiful. Fulfilling.

I… I can’t stand this feeling. Looking at it all, it made her shake. How her stomach dropped. A tingle running down her spine joining her shivers that conquered her body. Blight followed the twinkle of the stars. The shine of the Moon. Glowing in all its glory. A Sun in the night. Shining its dance upon the world below. Chilling her to the bone as she watched it.

She looked back down to Soul. Tightening her grip around her. Doing her best to feel everything she could, be sure her best friend, the pony she vowed to protect, did not suffer the same as her. Soul did not shake. Did not stir. Are you warm? Damn it, I can’t tell. What is… Blight held herself. It’s… so cold.

Just silence. Listen… listen to Soul snore. Undisturbed. As long as you are… she looked back out to the world outside.

That world looked back.

What is that?

8.85
Soulblight froze.

This feeling. I… it’s been… never been like this. Staring out upon it. Like it burned. Hurt. Hurt to feel it. This feeling, It’s the same I felt when I thought she was going to die today. When I felt it. But… why? Why is it… worse? Fear.

I’m so afraid. Why? Just looking at it. What… are you?

I… I have all the power I need… and… but why am I terrified? When I need to protect Soul. Seeing this thing. The thing staring back at them from atop the hills looming over their village. Never expecting it. Never wanting it, yet it stayed.

Soulblight looked out to the figure standing alone. All alone on the hill. Beneath the moonlight that refused to shine on it. A lone figure of darkness. A shadow. Not moving. One that never left. …But it looked back at her. Above the flick of a tail whipping in the darkness between four legs. Blinking with one solitary eye shining as strong as the Sun did. As red as the snow under the cries of suffering wolves. One light. One thing. Breaking the stillness of the night and how it blinked, Soulblight was terrified.

8.86
Soulblight took her eyes off it. Staring right back down at Soul. I-is that another pony? Who can be out here… staring at… me? Watching me?

This is not right. This whole world was wrong, and this was the most wrong of them all. No, there was no other pony out here. Never, did she hear it. Notice it. They were alone in a wild world. Maybe… another critter? A wolf? What, do you want revenge for your friends?

Soulblight glanced up again. Not too far, just enough to see it. The shadow still hanging up there on the hill. Watching them. Violating her. No, this was wrong.

Soulblight lifted her wing up as gently as she could pull off. Releasing Soul from her hug. Slowly and quietly. So she may slide right off from the bed. Taking one look back to be sure Soul did not wake up. She succeeded. Soul still slept as sound as a baby beneath the blanket. Leaving Blight to make her move.

8.87
The door creaked open. Pushed gently by Soulblight until she was confident the door had been released from its latch. Not too much noise in the process. Soul still slept, thanks to a quick look back. Good, I need to see to this. Nothing will threaten my friend. Drive it off, if not see if it was friendly. Friendly…

But why am I feeling this… this fear?

The emptiness in that red eye. I’ve never felt anything like it. I’ve never felt this before. I… I need to get rid of it.

She opened the door. Shocked when a light gust hit her face alongside a burst of snowflakes. Not stopping her at all. Running right out and letting her magic seal the door on her way up, flying right up out of the pit and onto the open world right above. Landing on all four hooves. Baring her wings, and rising to meet the gaze of the hill and all the snow churning and hailing around it beneath a dark and dreary night where not even the moonlight was allowed to shine through the clouds.

Nothing to light up the hill, like it ceased to exist. Everything ceased to exist.

Soulblight found herself alone out in the middle of a raging snowstorm. Whipping the village in its cold. Howling over all the rooftops. But not even able to make her shiver. Calming… confusing… while she stared off to the empty darkness that did not stare back at her.

“Hello?” she called out. The wind howled.

8.88
Soulblight closed the door behind her as softly as she had opened it. Taking one final listen to the world outside on the other end of the door. All the wind blowing. Snow striking against the door. The fur on her hooves brushed thanks to a small gust she could tell ran in.

She sighed. That terrible feeling. Ugh, it made her shiver again. I never want to feel that again. It even made her rub a hoof over her foreleg. Looking around their room. Being certain nothing was here. Nothing hiding in the shadows. As far as the fire lit the room, nothing moved. It let her stay at ease. Placing all her hooves back down.

I should get back to Soul, watch her tonight. Make her feel comforted and protected, because she certainly needed it now. I… also need it. I need you, Soul. Something to make me feel better. Especially after all that.

Soulblight turned back to the bed. Ready to jump right back in and hug Soul. Hug the pony… the pony that… was crying.

Soul?

Blight held her breath. Seeing this. No...

This can’t be.

I… thought I made things better. It never changed. Not now. Not how she saw it happen right in front of her. Soul, was crying again. In her sleep. Tears going down her cheeks and soaking the pillow that both of them had shared together, and that moment failed. I failed.

Not another one, not another nightmare.

Blight made her way right up to the bedside. Placing a hoof back up on top of the mattress. Sliding it in just short of touching Soul’s chin. Where a tear came across from below. Slithering around her magenta fur before finally joining its companions in the bedding below. Oh Soul. Blight climbed back up onto the bed… with tears in her own eyes. Careful and silent. Taking her place again. With her nose just short of touching Soul’s. Laying there, watching her best friend cry in her sleep. No longer snoring. Just… whimpering.

I… no. All the pain. I see it. Soul is suffering. Damn it. I can’t help her. She’s still suffering. Still!?

Soulblight took Soul in her grasp. Pulling the pony closer and letting her fall right back into her chest so she may cry into her black fur. Please stop crying, I’m here for you. I really am. Always. Never let you go. She wrapped Soul right back up in her free wing. Covering her up again, then bringing the blanket back over them. Not one bit of comfort she returned to the pony, nothing stopped her from suffering right under her chin. Crying right into her chest.
8.89
I… am not the one she needs… to stop this. This all started long ago, and I know the truth. Soul had love. She has my love. But she needs more.

The mistake to be corrected.

Another love. Her true one. The one I saw from the start. Even if… you are so blind to it, Soul. Soul… you need Rainbow Dash. A pony gone. Out there in a free world. One that I don’t know how to bring you back to. With no way to do that. So Soul may continue to suffer like this.

Dashie, …you need to help me… help her. I can’t do this alone. She still loves you. Please, I only hope she can hear me… somewhere out there.

She stared off outside the window again, back to the raging snow. All the darkness beyond, and the help that was out of reach. Out of her grasp. Out of Soul’s.

I can’t do this alone. I’m not enough for her. I… never was enough.

“Soul, …I love you. And she loves you. Please, just be happy with her love. The pony who actually means the world to you.” Not… me.

Soulblight sealed her eyes. Listening on to the wind outside and her suffering friend. All she could see in the darkness… was that eye. The one of blood.

Part 2 Entwined - Act 9

9.1
Oh, it’s all over! Forget everything. Clear it all out. Just take in the shining Sun that was so blurry.

Slowly lifting her eyes open. Thankful of what she heard. The wind. Only that. Along with the dimly lit darkness right in front of her nose. It took her a second. Clearing up her dizziness. Waking up from the terrible night. But still, Soul was able to wake up to this. Soulblight’s black fur rubbing her nose.

She took a moment just to stare at it. How it shined a silvery sheen in the sunlight beaming in from behind her. So glossy. Shining thanks to… she saw why. That’s… I did that. Blight’s chest… completely drenched. Drenching her fur along with Soul’s own fur all across her face. So… I started crying again. I still had one. It still stung so badly. Hearing everything that made her cry. Seeing all the pain that anypony may inflict on her. All night long, and she did it in front of her best friend. Soiling that black fur.

Soul gave herself a light push. Surprised when she was stopped suddenly. Only her head was able to move. Move to look back. Blight’s wing. It still hung to her. No trace of Soul’s own body to be seen buried under all of those feathers. It’s cold and also… warm. So gentle. Waking up like this, it felt normal. Until she recognized the soft touch and Blight all along her and her friend’s forelegs wrapped around her neck under those feathers.

She’s still hugging me. I’ve never woken up like this. Like it really was something good to wake up to. Something for getting through the dreadful night.

Rainbow Dash.

Another harsh pain along her body. Harsh words stinging her heart. Like none of that could hold for long waking up like this.

9.2
Soul looked up. There she was. Catching right on time. Soulblight was there, her eyes closed. Her chin brushing on Soul’s mane as she moved. Just a face of total darkness. Like she had no eyes. Until they opened. Two split Suns to greet her. Fully awake. Shimmering yet comforting. She spoke.

“Good morning, sleepy head.” Looks like this actually could be a good morning. Not like any other. Not waking up as she did. But those were other mornings. Waking up alone. Tears flowing as they did now, the backdrop of the night to be vanquished quickly now that it was gone. This morning, Soul smiled. For a terrible night, it led to an amazing morning. Not alone at all.

“Good morning, Blight. Did you sleep well?” Soul said. She shuffled her forelegs out from under Blight’s feathers. Freeing them, they rose up. Wiping all along Soul’s face. Doing her best to clear up the water hanging in her eyes. Don’t want to look like a total wreck. Hear her soothing voice more. Something great to clear up all that happened. Blight also rose one of her own legs out from below. Surprising. It tapped against Soul’s own foreleg. Pushing it away, Soul allowed it. Letting her friend do what she wanted.

Soulblight took her place. She wiped her black hoof against Soul’s cheek. Massaging it. It felt good. All it was was just to clear away those tears. I hate having to look like this in front of her.

“I was awake all night. Just watching out for you. …But you did not have a good night.”

Soul lowered her head. Staring off to the ceiling, not wanting to keep their gaze on one another. Actually feeling a little ashamed. Blight watched me cry all night long. Was it painful to watch? Such a terrible idea. Never should any friend have to watch me like that. Did it make Blight cry? Soul not awake to notice it. Not able to see any sign that she may have, though the bed was soaked. Was it from Blight’s own tears, or Soul’s only? So very bad it must have been. I’d cry if I had to watch Blight cry.

A little guilty. A little upset. Maybe even angry at herself for letting her imagination go wild. As angry as Dash had been. As… she was when we fought. I’m so stupid. Regretting every moment of it, wishing it had ended sooner. Why did she not wake me up? Just holding me all night long? Keeping me company. She… she was trying. Soul should not get mad at her, because she also knew that if she had the choice… she would not want to wake Blight either. Let her feel her hug during the nightmare. Soul hoping the moment they shared may even settle her within her sleep, unlike what happened to her. For that, she was still grateful that Blight never left her side.

9.3
“I had another nightmare.”

I hate you.

Soul paused. Hearing it again. Remembering. A slap to her face. All alone to cry in a dark corner. So real… like all of them were. Like what she always remembered. So bad… every time I hear her name… I still hear those words. If not right there then later. Like… when she slept. A cruel game it felt like.

“Would you like to tell me what happened?” Blight asked. Aww, just like when I was a kid. Maybe she had the same intention. The same result. Soul felt she may need just a little comfort. A night of cruelty. She earned a kind word. A kind word for all the countless nightmares that came before. Endless. Somehow able to remember them all and how she felt.

“The usual…” Soul said plainly. She sighed. “Just more of how much ponies hate me.”

“Was it Dash?”

Well if you want to be specific. Soul nodded. It is always Dash. Because her words spoke true. No matter how much Soul wanted to forget it, they still hung around. Because she did do something terrible. I’m just so afraid that nothing has changed. If it’s true. I want her back and I want her to feel the same for me. But what if that’s not how Dash feels? What is right? Both could be the case. Return home… and she just tells me she still hates me. Maybe go down exactly like they did in her nightmares. Oh, her cheek will really hurt. Really, really hurt. It made her feel like crying again.

“It was just a nightmare” Blight said. “Rainbow Dash is out there, and she still is the same pony back when you were together. She is still your friend even this far away.”

“I wonder… if she has nightmares too” Soul said. You say she cries at night, like me. So was it the same? Is she afraid of me? Just like how Soul was afraid of another Dash. All of it to be a lie. Exactly like what happened with Soulblight. For it all to turn out just okay. Nothing to have changed. Not while Soul was stuck here. That desire to leave. Get out of this place with Blight and prove to Rainbow that nothing changed. Rainbow prove the same to her, and all their pain can just be some silly nonsense in the end.

“I hope they’re not as painful as mine.” Soul rubbed her hoof along her foreleg. “They really hurt me. I don’t want them to hurt her.”

“Dashie is strong. A strong pony, just like you. If she does, she won’t let any silly nightmares get in the way of your friendship” Blight explained. Hope so. Still such a dream now. Wondering how it will be when we can see each other again. But… it did sound a little silly to expect too much. Nothing incredible. Just something like yesterday. When her heart was warmed. That day can not come any sooner. “Do you think we will get back to Equestria soon?” Soul asked.

She watched movement in the corner of her eye. Blight let her go. Her black wing raising up and returning to where it was meant to be, folded up along her own side. Freeing Soul up to the warmth of the blanket. Though she missed her friend’s comforting grip. “If we work together, we can. Just don’t give up, because the sky is the only limit.”

Blight rolled over. Placing her slender back firmly facing Soul. Staring back. Still smiling at Soul. “Not like the sky ever stopped you.”

9.4
Soul joined Blight in getting out of bed. Wiping her face one last time when she set hoof on the floor. Feeling a little better. Especially since the tears stopped. The memories did not. Like always. It was never easy to just get rid of these nightmares. She had to make an extra effort today.

What can I do? Taking a seat on the carpet. She looked off to the left. Right to where the window next to the doorway hung above her and the outside world as well. The Sun really did shine in. Wow. This had to be the brightest day yet. Even with a nightmare, this really was quite a different way to wake up. A hug and then a nice and inviting world outside. Why, it looked ripe for some flying. Clouds still flew by. Thick and heavy. Snowflakes flying right into the window. Not a dark cloud though. Just a bright sky.

“Wow” Soul mused. “It’s a beautiful day, huh?” Blight called out from the other side of the room. “At least we get that for once.” No kidding. Maybe it was a little warmer out there. It was still cold inside, but… Soul was fine. Not a single chill. Actually, a little happy. Maybe thanks to the fire, or what she hoped to really be a glorious day. One filled with training. That had been the plan. Well, the only one that made sense right now. I still want something else. Later. For now, a lot of training and exercise. It has to be done. Get better at that move. As befitting of a ‘perfect flyer.’

That made her giggle. It still sounded so nice. ‘I’m a perfect flyer.’ Perfect flyers need to keep practicing their moves. The one that will make me faster than all others. I came so close. So very close, and failing, it’ll be just like when I trained as a filly. Just get back up and try again. The success of bringing happiness to all the ponies in her life that deserved it. Something she needed to do.

So many clouds, all destroyed by me, and I’ll do the same to that storm. Do the same to blow away all ponies in Equestria and show them all that I can do anything. Even getting back home… but a little help will be nice. Thank you, Soulblight.

9.5
She turned around when a loud clank rang out from across the room. Right past from where she had eaten her cake. Soulblight was before the fire. Seeing what that noise had been. A fresh board thrown right in the middle of all the flames with another one just as large hanging in the air inside of a wrapping of black. Soulblight threw that one in too. Nodding to herself in satisfaction. The sweetie that she was. Soul very appreciative of her best friend doing this just to keep her house a little warmer. Though, it’s more of our house now. Blight is always welcome. Every day, every night. Never needs to be alone again. Anything for that mare to keep her lovely smile. Spend days like this in a more comforting and inviting environment filled so much fun. All the fun they can have back home, not at all like here in this cursed tundra.

Soul watched on. Looking like Soulblight was examining the fire. Swaying her thick, black tail along her hind legs. Perhaps satisfied with her work on the fire. A little burst of magic there. Pushing a board around over there. It’s like we do live together. Soul laughed a little.

“And what are you supposed to be laughing at?” Blight asked. She turned around. Making her way past the table. Stopping, both of them staring at one another with their happy smiles. “I just like having you around. A good change, it’s fun!” Soul said. “Oh” Blight said while she continued on her path. Standing right next to Soul. Standing out, eyeing the window that Soul had been looking out. She kept up her beautiful smile. Soul happy to see her happy. Lively. So lively.

“I’m glad I can be so fun” Blight said. Taking a little time watching the clouds roll by outside. Basking in the glow of the sunlight. How it welcomed them. Nothing to keep them from going out into it. To a good day. No bellies rumbled, none that Soul could feel or hear. Nothing to do in here. So Soul stood up.

9.6
Making her way past Blight, she took a look back. Just to be sure. Yes. Blight turned around as well and followed after her, right to the doorway.

“Let’s go outside. Enjoy this day” Soul suggested. She waited and then she saw. She saw that Blight did not object. Great! A good and long day. Time to get some training out of the way, Soul taking a moment just to try and figure out what techniques to work on. So difficult to figure out. What part to even try to do better at? What could even be improved? No idea what even happened to make her fly like that. Momentum alone? No way. Something else. Or maybe I really am such a natural. No, that sounded like the easy way. The hard way was to train in that move.

“What did you want to do today?” Blight asked behind her. “Train” Soul answered. Leaving it right at that. Placing a hoof on the door, ready to open them up to the world outside. Not long from now, they could fly together. Find some way to be together while doing this. I want to try to give her something easy to do. Practice while I try my move again. Even give her another good show. Stuff… she already did with her. Useful stuff… but it did sound boring.

“Really?” Blight said. “I thought you wished to do something else.”

Huh? Soul hesitated opening up the door. Do something else? What does she mean? I mean, I do want to do a lot of things but what can we do? Soul turned back to her friend. Arching her eyebrow. Confused at what she saw, just at first. Soul saw exactly what Blight was meaning. How she smirked. Her dragon eyes, they loomed at her. Mischievous.

I get it.

Training? Hehe. Soul opened the door next to her. Feeling all the wind rush in at her. A small chill, a sudden spark of subtle warmth. Welcoming her and Blight to do just as they wanted. Training could wait. Soul laughed.

“Let’s have fun!”

9.7
“Alright, your choice. What are we gonna do?” Soul hoofed it up the snowy steps. Stopping right at the top one. Eagerly awaiting an answer from Blight. She also stepped up the stairs. Catching up to her, and so both of them may leave the hole to their door together. Stepping right out onto the icy veil. Tapped generously by lightly flowing snow. Doing a terrible job at making this place the winter nightmare it had been for so long. It kind of felt like the summer months had come around.

In this world, Soul breathed deep the air. Happy over it and the little hint of what she could call warmth that flooded over her. The Sun shined bright amidst the clouds. Then, Blight came into her sight. Walking around her, she huffed. “You wish for me to decide?” Sounded a little shocked that she had the honor. “Uh huh” Soul confirmed. “I decided the last fun things we did together, so it’s your turn.”

Soul stepped right up to her. You know what I want to do, so now I want to see what you want to do. We never did anything you wanted to do. No way to even tell what Blight would like to do for fun. Time to turn that around. Blight knows so much about me, time I learn a lot about her. Whatever she wants, we will do it. Something Soul can carry with her when they returned to Equestria and regained a normal life. Soul had fun ideas to do, but Blight must as well. Such an interesting pony, she has to have something awesome in mind. So Soul stood awaiting it. Practically placing her face right into Blight’s. To turn that concerned frown into something more fitting to the day they had in store.

Come on now, Blight. I won’t judge. Give something and we will do it, no questions asked.

9.8
Blight took her time. Eyes shifting about. Probably thinking on what to say. Only coming up with a simple “Ummm…”

Oh come on now. This shouldn’t be too hard. Don’t leave me to pick something to do, it’s supposed to be your turn. As much as Soul had some stuff in mind right now. They were best left for later. Until then… “Whatever you want to do. I’ll play with you.” Soul guaranteed her position.

“Okay… well…” Blight glanced down. Soul followed her. A black hoof going right along the powders of snow. Carving a fresh path right across. Pushing a good amount of snow aside and some even sticking to Blight’s fur as well. An incredible thing to see. Filling Soul with glee that this did happen. No more ghostly nonsense or whatever it had been. Blight was real, real enough for them to do any activity together. Do anything back in Equestria.

“You remember what I wanted us to do… back when you were a filly?” Blight asked. She had looked back up and a small smile returned to her.

When I was a filly. Such a long time. Sweet Celestia, Blight remembers something from that long ago. I don’t even remember.

Something she wants to do with me. Training? That could not be. We already did that, and Blight doesn’t seem to like it a lot. If that was not it, Soul tried her best to find out what. More ashamed than provoked to think over it. Ashamed she did not remember. We really had been so bad to each other back then. Enough for Soul to forget so much. But it was a time that was worth forgetting, except for whatever it had been that Blight asked her about. So she had to say it. Not at all proud to do so.

“Sorry, I don’t” she whispered.

“Yeah” Blight said. “You did just turn ten on that day. Quite a while ago. Well… it involves…” Blight paused. Returning her sight to whatever was below her and Soul immediately learned what it was when it struck straight into her. Surprised indeed when a swarm of snow burst up with a quick flick of Blight’s hoof. Sending all of it right into Soul’s face. The chill. Snow tickling her lips. So confused.

The snow? Oh no, does she already want to do that? Damn it, Blight. Don’t…

“Using all this” Blight said. “Can you teach me how to make a snowpony?”

9.9
So that was it? Oh that was right. She did ask me to help her build one. Blight was up on the roof that day with that sad looking snowpony. Such a funny looking snowpony.

Not my best moment with Blight. It never did occur to her before when it happened, but it did now. How it stung a little. She was so polite with me and wanted my help, even offered to be with me. Keep her company on her lonely birthday. I yelled at her. What were the words? Forget them forever. Just that she took everything out on Blight. Rejected her offering of friendship. She really had been such a stupid and foolish kid. If Blight wanted to learn, then that was fine. I will never make that mistake again, I will be a good friend to her.

“Okay, that sounds good.” It will certainly help. I can see us being able to make snowponies back home. In Equestria’s better winters. Not as cold as here. So many snowponies we can make and have lots of fun in the snow. I see it. And I hope we can do it… before we can go inside after and spend warm evenings together. Like a dream. Spending time with friends.

Funny, I wonder if Blight knows about Hearth’s Warming. It had been a while since those times came up. Building these snowponies and spending good times with so few ponies, all for the sake of them enjoying a day as trivial as that. Just to celebrate togetherness. A day I could do once with a true friend. Still, getting cozy with Blight and their friends in front of the fire, that made its way to her thoughts anyways. Sure. Let’s celebrate us being together. Right now.

Soul nudged her hoof into the same snow Blight had been prodding. Feeling how right it was supposed to be. Not too hard. Very soft, deep. Her hoof could bury itself when she pushed hard enough. All the way down to the ice beneath it all. Yup. The snow felt good. Plenty of it too. No reason why it should not be able to make a snowpony. One we can make together! Yay!

A little decoration for the house. For our village. How nice, if anypony were to come out here. First thing they would see is our snowpony in front of our house. It will look so cute. As all snowponies had been.

Maybe make it look like Blight?

9.10
“We can start right here” Soul pointed out the big open area both of them stood at. She backed off a little. Swaying one of her hooves back and along the snow. Picking up lots and lots of the white sheet. Balling it up and rolling it along. “The first thing we need to do is the legs. I don’t know how tall you want her, …but…” Soul stopped her gathering of snow. Shifting her hoof’s position so that it now pushed the large ball of snow right back along the path her hoof had taken. Gathering more snow. Pushing all of it right up to where their little creation should be.

The first scoop of many. A lot of snow would be needed, and how it all clung together in the ball. That was a good sign. “I think about as tall as you” Blight said. As me? Well we can do that.

“I did have the legs down, but…” Soulblight stopped. Soul turned in time to see Blight come up to her. Looking down, not at the ground. No. Soul watched Blight slowly stride around her, staring at Soul’s body. Staring. What is she looking at?

“I couldn’t get the head right and I have no idea on how to do the wings” Blight continued. Well wings were certainly the hardest part. Pegasus snowponies are the hardest ones to make all because of that. Those wings can easily fall off. But Nimbus once showed me a little something long ago.

But… why the fascination in me? Blight not taking her eyes of her. Going all over up until she stepped closer and stared right at her cutie mark. “What are doing?” Soul asked. So uncomfortable. I don’t exactly like being gawked at… especially at my flank. It made her take a step away. “Well I need to know how to make her look” Blight said. How to make the snowpony look by looking at me? No way.

“Wait, you want to make her look like me?” Soulblight nodded.

9.11
She’s going to make a snowpony of me. That was unexpected. Not what I wanted. I was hoping we could make a Soulblight. It sounded so much cooler and Blight would love it. So why did it make her heart tingle? A little honored that she got that kind of consideration. Why, nopony ever made something based off me. Another pony wants to make something look like me. Why, she was speechless. Happy. So happy she no longer cared about Blight staring at her flank, getting more of a look at her cutie mark. Staring at her. Her mane and her tail. Just stepping all around the smiling Pegasus. Taking in everything. She really is serious. Well… this was Blight’s activity. So if she wants to make me… who am I to say no?

“I think I can do this” Blight announced. “With your help, of course.” She made her way right past Soul. Pushing along her own ball of snow the exact same way that Soul used to gather some up. Learning fast but… “Wait, what about my wings?” Soul asked. They are so large… would it even work? “Maybe we can make them a bit smaller” Soul suggested. Easily seeing large wings of snow just plummeting right off of their creation.

“I think we can make them the correct size” Blight said. “As long as we work together.” Soul sighed. Maybe. I guess I can see if it’ll work. Damn, I hope I can remember how to do this. Wings like my own. How beautiful Blight may make them.

“Did you need to see my wings?” Soul fluttered her wings along her side. Ready to unfold them. As the most complex part of the snowpony, they should be the main focus of Blight’s attention. “Why?” Blight asked. “You know how they look, …and so do I.” She gave a couple more shoves to the ground. Sliding her forehooves along. Pushing more and more snow in to join the piles they had already made. “You gave me a good sight of them last night anyways.” Soul stayed her wings. Well if she had it all ready then, time to get started. See what we can do. Stepping right up to join Blight at where a pile of fresh snow had been built. “I’ll get two legs and you get two.”

9.12
Soul started up the task she set up for herself. Pushing some more snow up to her, right in between her forelegs ready to be built up into the first leg. So easy to know how to make them. Blight was correct in her struggle. The head and wings were the hardest parts. Legs, the easiest, and it came back naturally to her.

Running her hooves up and down a pillar of snow she continued to shape. Building up and thinning it out with the snow she had to work with. Not enough for all of it but enough to get it started. Soulblight joined her. Taking a seat in the snow with a satisfying crunch once her butt landed. Soul saw that Blight actually was watching how she made the leg. Studying maybe? Well I hope she learns a lot, and I hope I can do this.

It turned out alright so far. Soul fastening a layer of snow around the lower rim of the pillar. Carving her hoof along, up then down. Making out the image of a hoof. Patting it down. Happy that she made it silky smooth, not a single flake dared to jut out. Easy! Same thing for the rest of the leg that Soul prepared for by grabbing a fresh mound of snow between both hooves and putting it right on top of the snow hoof. Let’s get going. Show her how to do it.

Right as Soul began, …she stopped when she first heard and then saw it. A rush of air roaring right in front of her with none she could feel or see. She did see how Blight was the one making it with… a black burst of magic flung up from the ground. Right behind the leg Soul had been making. In an instant. Soul had no time to even blink when it cleared up. Replaced with white standing in front of Blight’s black chest. A leg! She already made one!

Soul looked past her own leg, at the finished one. A hoof exactly as she made her own hoof, connected to a pillar of snow ending right below Blight’s chin. Heeled and bent as it should be. A hind leg… and it wasn’t even smooth. She… Soulblight, how did she do that?

Soul leaned in closer to see them. Make sure she was seeing what she thought, and they were. She made fur. Cutting out little flakes across the length of the leg. Like she had pulled them out and kept them hanging with little bits of snow to push them upwards. So none of them fell. But, it was fur nonetheless. Hundreds of strands. All for one leg. She… did have time to figure things out on this. I don’t even think she had fur on that snowpony she was making twelve years ago. She made that in a second and I…

9.13
She hurried herself back to her task. Shaping her snow, curving it and scraping off excess snow so it didn’t fall. Not nearly as quick as Blight. But, she still felt a bit confident in herself for having finished it as quickly as she did. Though she had no idea on how long it may take to get the fur. One furry leg and a shaved one. That was not right. I didn’t know we were gonna give it fur.

“Umm…” Soul muttered glancing down at her creation. “Don’t worry” Blight said. More black appeared, over the leg Soul made this time. Doing exactly what had been done to the one Blight made. A second furry hind leg. Done in a flash. Well, looked like Blight didn’t need any help on that. Just with the wings and head like she said.

Still though, did she even need my help?

“I’m sorry” she heard Blight say. What? Soul looked right back up at her. Getting rid of all her pitiful looks. Because Blight looked sad now. “I should not have used magic. Better to use these.” She rose both her forehooves up to her face. Oh no, did I make her feel bad? Like what she did was wrong? That was not it. I’m just… I’m a little jealous that she can learn so fast. Jealous and worried. But there was no reason to be worried. I can still help and this can be like no other snowpony. Both of them working together on it. Plus, the fur was pretty cool. Another thing Blight’s magic made her skilled at. And she says she has no talent, pfff.

“No, you can use magic” Soul advised. “That fur you added is really cool.” “I’m just not used to using my hooves for anything. So I figure I can start by making this.” Blight grabbed even more snow with those very hooves and started doing exactly as Soul had done to make her leg. Building up a new pillar ahead of the hind leg she had made. Soul joined her and began her second leg as well. Taking a glance back and forth. Seeing the progress and it made her feel a little happy with Blight. If that had been true, then she did a good job with using her hooves to make the snowpony. Keeping up with Soul as they made the forelegs. Still though, her magic was her unique thing. I hope she doesn’t think she can’t use her magic around me. Or that I’m afraid of it.

“You’re doing great” Soul said to reassure her. “You know… you can still use your magic. Go ahead.” But Blight shook her head. Continuing on with shaping the upper part of the foreleg she worked on. Doing a good job and maintaining the same thickness in the snow that Soul did with her own foreleg, and she smiled. “Maybe just for the fur, alright?” Blight said.

9.14
Two forelegs done. Basked in black and given the same furry coat that the two hind legs were given. Much to Soul’s ecstatic joy. Happy that they had created all four of them so quickly. Probably no other pony could make them as quick and even give snow fur to them.

“Do they look good to you?” Blight asked. “They look awesome!” Soul laughed ready to continue on, but first. “Do you like them so far?” This is a team effort after all. MY teammate has as much say. That teammate responded with a “Yes!”

So time for the body. Soul brought more snow up in large clumps, placing them right on top of her two snow legs. Patting them out really well along the tops of them. Pushing, crunching, she made tightly knit balls of snow sticking right down onto the legs that supported them, and Blight did the same. A quick look and Soul saw that Blight was watching her work. Taking a brief second every now and then to pause and examine how Soul did this. Then replicating it perfectly. As long as she got it down, …and as long as this kept going. It’s flattering that she is learning from me. Studied. Like a connection she was having with her best friend. It was really paying off. Inside and out. Soul did feel a little warmer inside.

Keeping up her work even more. Working alongside Blight and forming out part of the body. Connecting both sides to each other and their hooves worked in tandem to bring both halves together. Molding the snow and patting it down. None of it to break. Soul picking up on what Blight did to her as well, looking over momentarily to watch what her friend was doing. How she tried her best to carefully shape the snow with subtle swipes of her hooves and caressing it all into the larger masses that built up the shape.

Blight made little mistakes here and there like when she accidentally flicked her hoof along a portion of the torso that had been made and sent some of the snow flying. Not so careful with her hooves, she’ll get it in time. At least she was trying and that’s all that can be asked. This was supposed to be about learning to make this in Blight’s eyes, maybe. But to Soul, this was all about something else.

9.15
“Have you ever heard of Hearth’s Warming?” Soul asked. Beginning her work on the tail of the snowpony now that they spent plenty of time on the body. Carefully shaping out a hardened chunk of snow to make the first of many long strands to poke out around the tail exactly as her own tail had. Building it up and satisfied with how pointy of an edge she made, all the while waiting.

Blight did not answer.

She glanced over to where Blight was working on the snowpony’s back, her hooves were stayed. All because of one thing when Soul looked to see what was wrong. Soulblight no longer payed attention to their project. Not even looking at her. Her dragon eyes set off to something else. Longing and intent. Not at all leaving her gaze. Soul did the same, looking to see whatever it may be that took her interest. Expecting to find something. …Was there supposed to be? Soul found that they were just staring at the hills rising over their village. Nothing changed about them. Nothing in the sky.

Soul looked about. Not finding a single thing to have taken Blight’s attention. Nothing to get her own.

“Blight…?” The black mare blinked. Glued to those hills for a second more and then she shook her head. Eyes wide. Front and center for Soul to see her again. “W-what did you say?” Soul hesitated. Huh, what’s wrong with her? She isn’t usually distracted. Something on her mind. But she gave no indication. Returning right back to her normal self. Smiling and all.

“I… asked if you ever heard of Hearth’s Warming.”

“The holiday?” Blight responded. “I remember the one you had, and… all the ones I overhear. They are… interesting. The little shows the ponies do as well, they are… rather amusing to listen to.” So she learned about it, shows? She probably meant the plays. Damn and now I’m jealous you got to listen to a play. Even just being here, Blight had a front row seat to those plays. I kind of want to go see one myself.

But… I’m still lucky. I got to have a beautiful Hearth’s Warming with my best friend before all of this. It really was such a magical day, I can never forget how it made me feel. Blight, do you understand what it is?

“You’ve listened to them, do you know what they’re about?”

9.16
“The founding of Equestria” Blight said. “Harsh days with ponies at one another’s throats over the simplest troubles. Until they came to work together for once. It sounded like the concept stuck.” Well that sounds like the bare explanation of what the story was meant to tell. Hehe, she probably has never celebrated it. I never knew what the feeling of the holiday was all about until I got to have one… with friends. Together…

She applied more snow to the tail she worked on, now strewn in many little strands of long snow hairs. A thing that Blight joined her in making now that the snowpony’s neck had been finished. Her black hooves mimicking Soul’s own moves and creating more to the tail on her end. “Equestria would never have been founded if ponies had just kept to themselves and ignore the right thing to do. They always did find it too hard to accept all the stuff going wrong” Soul explained. “Equestria would not exist today if thinking like that kept going. All the ponies not able to be together. The unicorns with their smarts and ambition, the Earth ponies with their strength and courage. Us Pegasus ponies with our passion and skill. We all work together to make something really… different. Coming together as one to make a beautiful creation known as Equestria.”

“I… know that…” Blight said. Staring at Soul. Feeling how moved Blight was just by how her voice shook when she spoke. A little way that Soul had to explain it that the plays did not. All because of what I see it to be all thanks to them time I’ve spent… with ponies like you.

“If all the ponies did not share in their lives together, I don’t think any happiness could ever exist. Everypony will just ignore one another. Be so very mean and hateful. That won’t help at all, help nopony. They will always be mean to one another.” Soul crunched her hoof down into the snow at her legs. No longer paying attention to what her other hoof did along the tail they made. It was being done well.

Blight no longer watched her own work as well. She looked intrigued. Ears perked higher than normal. Listening. Even her mouth dropped a little. As did her eyes, but she still listened on.

“When ponies are mean and hurt one another, it just makes more and more pain. More sadness, loneliness. Nothing at all will be happy. Just a harsh and cold world.” Soul swiped her hoof along the snow. Feeling just how cold it was. It made her voice fall. Till nothing but a whisper came out. “Harsh ponies and a cold world. That’s what everything was like before Equestria. They make it out like Hearth’s Warming is meant to teach the joys of friendship and tolerance. …Well… I see it as something more.”

9.17
Much, much more, and… I ignored it for so long. I really was no better than all those cruel ponies. Twelve years of it, and those ponies had done it for generations. Up until one little moment. Whatever it had been. Whatever caused it. They changed. They all decided to drop all the pain and loneliness and just come to one another… as friends. Build up everything that Soul now knew. Her home. All the love and joy it gave to her for such a brief, yet beautiful time. All of it she may have waiting for her, and all of it here.

This world reminds me of that world in the stories. So cold and dark yet… I found it. It did take me too long to find it. Just like back then with Dashie. This is what Hearth’s Warming was always about. Maybe Blight will see it too. She was smart. Open. Both of them were the same. Frowning over there while listening to Soul’s story. Depressing ever further, and it all changed once Soul smiled at her. She smiled back. Her black wings fluttered at her sides.

“I think it’s about togetherness” Soul said. “Gifts and food… just a way to bring us ponies together. Even closer. …Just like right now.”

“I hope we…” Blight paused. Going right back to her work on the tail. “We get to do stuff like this a lot more, when we both get home. Back to Equestria.” She blinked. “I think I understand now. Don’t you worry, Soul. I feel it too, and like I said before, we can do anything together. As long as we are friends, we will both make one another happy. Together just like this. Just to make this snowpony.”

There will be so many more in the future. I want to show her how a Hearth’s Warming is supposed to be whenever we can return home. Something like this, just without the cold. Nothing but warmth. Doing stuff exactly like this together with ponies that will actually care. All the ponies I hope will treat you well too, Blight. We can make so many snowponies together.

“Just so you know” Soul said finishing up her portion of the tail with Blight right behind her. “I’m happy you asked me to help you with this, best bud.”

9.18
Much of the head had been finished. Soul diligently pressing down up the curve of an ear and smoothing out the shape of it. Finished up with a little tap of her hoof digging the necessary lines and holes to make it look exactly like her own ear, and to look just as detailed as the one that Blight made on the other side. Placed around the nearly finished snow mane that stuck up and about, rising and then falling down along the pony’s neck. Stuck to her snow fur firmly. Good enough to drape down from her body.

Soul did have to take a look at her own mane just to see. Blight was very good at this. She had gotten the mane at the right length. The longest strand ending right where Soul’s knees began. She had done the same for the snowpony and moved on to work on the muzzle just as Soul advised. Careful and smooth in her work, it didn’t hold up on her face. Blight looked so nervous. She did say she had a hard time on the head. So this must be what she was talking about. Of course, it was the muzzle.

Soul had a hunch. Whatever snowponies that Blight made ended up with their mouths falling right off all thanks to the weight and little support. Not a problem. Just shape it out and leave it to me. I have a special technique for it. One best used for making large snowponies like this one. Not those small ones that were child’s play.

Until then, Soul worked on the eyes. Leaning up and over where Blight was working so as not to get in the way. Very simple of a task. Just using the tip of her hoof to cut out the shape and design of her own eyes, with a little desire. One to try and shape them into… dragon eyes. But no, she wanted to make one of Soul so best to do that. Next time. That will be a better challenge.

She finished these ones in no time. Just in time with the muzzle getting done. Almost that is. Soulblight was a nervous wreck. She did a great job making the nose and a little smile along its width. No fur added to it yet. No, too busy with what she was doing now: gripping the chin of it with her black hooves. Holding it up.

“I… could use your help now” Blight spoke up to her. Not a problem. Soul fell back down onto all fours. Hooves she started using to dig at the snow below her. Shoving aside large scoops of soft and fluffy snow. Not what she wanted, it'd be further down. Feeling out the snow with each scoop she made at it. Not that, not that. Soul hit it. Not far down at all. All thanks to how cold this land got at night, it made it like this. All the snow fallen during the night laying right underneath the fresh snow of the day and it made a nice and hard layer. Snow she dug at and pulled right out in between both hooves. Luckily, what Soulblight was doing worked perfectly.

“Keep holding it up” Soul said while she came right back to where the snowpony’s muzzle hung. Holding a decent amount of snow up in one of her hooves. This should be good enough. Putting it all right along the throat of the snowpony. Maneuvering her hoof around Soulblight’s hooves and getting the harder, icy snow in to every point along the chin and throat. Smoothing it out, burying the ice right inside the softer snow that she draped over it.

“The ice is gonna freeze the snow and then…” Soul patted it down a little more. Making sure it was smooth. All in place.

“Behold my handiwork.”

Soul pushed her own hoof into Blight’s and she did as she wanted, hesitantly though. Don’t worry, it’ll work, and it did. Just as it should. The mouth and head made no movement at all. Held right up, nearly peering to the sky with its smile. Soul felt even more proud of herself. Thanks more to how Blight was very fascinated by it. Leaning in to look under the snowpony’s chin.

“Wow, that’s how it is done?” “Yup. It’s an ancient technique passed down to me and I am giving the secret to you” Soul boasted. Smiling over it. “Please…” Blight moaned as she began to do with the face what she did with all the rest of the body. Building layers of snow fur all around it.

“Fine, Nimbus taught me it.”

9.19
Building a snowpony was a really nice change.

The Sun managed to move a little bit in the time it took to finish the wings. Plenty of time Soul spent making this masterpiece alongside her best friend. Something no other pony she knew of will be able to make. Not alone that is. Not like this. We totally need to do some snowpony competition in Equestria. Blight and me, nopony can stop us. Forget the unicorns and their magic. They’d have no chance to do this special touch up Blight did to it. I never took her for an artist. A team player just like when they flew together. Making something beautiful. Just like the wings of their finished snowpony, and they truly did look just like Soul’s wings. Even having to unfold her wings just to compare, simply because there was no way Blight had got it down so accurately.

But her magic did.

All along the great spans of its wings she had made countless thick feathers. Even arranged in ways the likes of which Soul had never paid attention to. Like there was a pattern to her feathers, but she saw it now, …and Blight got it right with them unmoving all thanks to Soul’s help. The snowpony held them out as great monuments to bring a shadow along the entirety of the snow around it. Thick and gorgeous, they looked soft and real just because of that. They are my wings. My mane, tail, eyes, everything. Incredible. Like a mark for their village, exactly as she wanted it to be.

Haha, guess this is the best thing to show I was here. Better to do this than carve her mark along the walls of the houses. And we made this together.

Never, upon staring at this beautiful thing with a smile alongside her best friend, could she imagine doing this with Blight. Not at all. Not one day that passed did she think they’d come to this moment. Soul did think what may be going through Blight’s mind as she glanced over to her friend who was also proudly staring at their creation. Hopefully the same thing, and may she have had plenty of fun doing this.

“We did a good job” Soul said. “Yes” Blight looked at her as well. “Shall we do more of these… during Hearth’s Warming?” Back in Equestria during normal winter months. A normal life. One that I miss so much. One that Blight wants too. I will make sure we can do it. So much fun. Even more. “We’ll make all the snowponies you want” Soul said. Because I want to have a lot of fun with my best friends. Like we did when we first met. Like with Dashie too. I will do anything for you. Soul felt the cold snow rolling along her hoof. Sifting it over the snow. Feeling a smile come over her. And I think I know exactly what we can do now.

Something that you’ll love. Soul flung her hoof forward.

9.20
A jet of snow did as it should, flying right past Soul’s face thanks to the force of her throw. Landing it right where she wanted, and Blight’s black face was covered in it. Making her leap back. Wings flaring, eyes just poking out from beneath all the snow.

Yes! Got her. Mission accomplished. “And I just made you a snowpony” Soul mocked her. Running away now that it had been started. Running right off towards the house and to safety behind it. But not for long.

Soul kicked her wings into action. Feeling all the snow wash out around her in its cooling gust so she may take to the air. Listening behind her. Waiting for it. Waiting while she flew off towards the other houses past her own. Not too fast. I love hearing her whining back there.

“Oh you asked for it!” Blight yelled out from behind.

Yes! Here we go! It did start up fast enough. Soul heard it coming right in from behind her. Even before she had a chance to wind up her wings, but she managed to pull it off anyways. Barely.

Soul turned herself around the corner of her house and zipped along its side, looking back in time to see the snowball fly right by and smack into the house that had been ahead of her. No telling where Soulblight was going to come at her from now that the real fun was going to happen. Hopefully just like the last time they did this. But now, Soul grinned. Not going to be as easy for you this time. One little thing has changed.

I can hit you now.

I’m totally going to win this time. It made her laugh. Flying right past her house and weaving up and around the others beyond it. Not too fast, no need to blow over all the houses, and to give that slowpoke a chance. Only one chance. No more.

Soul arced herself down close to the ground. Holding her forehooves right out and skimming the ground, just short of colliding with it. She still managed to get close enough to scoop up a new batch of snow between her hooves and brought it right up with her into the sky. Molding and shaping it. Perfect. Just like… the one coming right at her.

“Whoa!” Soul barrel rolled her body up. Practically able to see the snowball fly right under her as her back curved up and over the path it took between her and the ground. Almost losing a grip on the snowball she just formed. But she managed it. Leveling herself back out and flying right up into the air. She could see the black pony zip below her. With several more snowballs held aloft all around her body and wherever she flew. All those snowballs. So many. Right behind her. Soulblight right on her tail now. She’s following me all the way up here. Okay then. You’re in my world now.

…And I can sense them.

One. Two. They all flew past Soul. So easy to avoid those snowballs. Even more snowballs she had to dodge from behind. She really has a lot and… Soul looked down at the one she had.

9.21
“Using your magic? That’s not fair, you punk” Soul yelled back to her. Soul listened closely behind her. One more coming right in. She dodged it, and no more sounds. Blight was not ready.

Good. Soul let her wings flash out to catch the wind, doing just as she wanted. Slowing her right down. Listening to be sure she would not collide with the pony chasing after her. Too quick for that to happen. Soul turned herself around in time to almost see the black of Blight’s pupils right in her face. Her target, that she sent her single snowball right at. So close to one another and… Blight dodged it. Using her own wings to fly off to the left. Carrying her snowballs alongside her.

Damn. She’s gotten good. Whatever. I can still get her. Flying right back down to the ground using just one quick flap. Enough power. Rocketing down for the layers of snow decorating the empty space between the houses. Easy enough. Very easy flying. She let her wings catch the wind again, right in time to pick up a good breeze carrying her over the snow. Grabbing more snow and blasting right off to the open plains.

“You think that’s fair?!” Blight yelled out after her. What? Using my superior flying? Well then, try to beat it, slowpoke. I won’t make this easy for her. She had speed on her side and it was going to help her big time. Allowing Soul to have enough time to shelter her freshly made snowball in a cradle within her foreleg. It was joined by more. She grabbed hold of more snow with her free hoof. Shoveling it right up and quickly shaping it in her hooves. Stowing all of it within her leg ready to be used. Even the playing field, Soul will get her with one of these. Still though, it’d be easier to use magic to carry all these. Magic just gave too many advantages. But… there has to be a way to beat her.

Just like I beat her last time, and she knows I won that time. Hehe, magic or no magic I’m gonna… Soul shrieked.

9.22
A wall of white.

What the… it took her too long to figure out what it was. A whole layer of snow. A wall. Growing out from the ground right ahead of her. Almost about to run into it. Right in her face… and then along her stomach. Her hooves barely touching the cool mass of it and cutting through it with one quick move of her wings saving her from running right into it. Sweet Celestia! Soul glanced down at it. Did she really just make a wall?!

Blight really did want to win this time. Using tricks like this. Unbelievable she can make this stuff. Conjured by the same pony she got a full glimpse of in a blur of black in the corner of her eyes, and she was laughing. “Got you!” Another snowball came right in. She caught up. Too bad for her.

Soul curved herself. Leaving the wall of snow behind so that it may take the snowball intended for her and she flew right at her target. Not Blight, but the clouds above her. “I’ll get you” Soul said. Not sure if Blight had heard her. They were close enough. Soul just flying right over Blight. Bobbing in her flight path. Skillfully and quickly. She dodged the snow tossed right up at her.

You missed, now it’s my turn.

I got plenty of time. Letting a few of her snowballs slide down the length of her foreleg and right into her free hoof. Clasped between her hooves, she put all her strength into it. Sending all of them careening down at the pony. Her black mass running right to where Soul aimed. Got you. Too bad for you, Blight. You’re too slow.

9.23
Then more black appeared. Shining and roaring.

What am I looking at?

Like a film of black larger than the pony it covered. Shiny and silvery. Like the pony Soul saw under it. Flapping her wings casually in the brief second Soul had to see what it was as Blight flew underneath her. Like Soulblight didn’t care. She didn’t.

Soul gasped when she saw it. How the snowballs burst against it. Is… that...

My snowballs hit her but… they didn’t. The hit. Exploding into bursts against the layer of black. Protecting her. Soulblight… she. I know that that is. Now that… that is something I know unicorns can do.

She made a shield!

Soul shook her head. Oh… shit. She turned herself and flew in the direction of the mountain range with the last of her snowballs in hoof. Dumbfounded by this event. Wow, this… is… gonna be hard. How is she doing this? She never had this before. Blight using walls and shields. What next? How to even hit her like that? Soul had to clear her head. Nothing was ever easy. I got better at flying, Blight… she’s better at magic… somehow.

I have to find out how to beat her. This was just a game after all, fun to be had, and Blight had been laughing. She was having fun. So Soul had to find a way as well. Not to fail. She still had her wings at her side. Her little buddies to keep her having fun, and this was fun. Exhilarating, in fact. A real challenge.

Blight wants to go hard, I’ll go hard. She laughed, clenching the pair of snowballs she had firmly between her hooves. One. Two. Plenty to make something work. Have it work alongside her wings. “Hope you can catch up to me quickly.”

9.24
Soul flew off at the great peaks of the mountains striking out to the sky within the clouds. Giving her wings a few extra flaps. Hitting the wind and catching it all the same. Get into the mountains. Soul thought it out thoroughly thanks to all her time spent inside these loving mountains that helped to give her the wings she now had. They carried her on. Picking up more and more speed, enough for Soul to begin seeing her favorite sight again when she flew. All the air whishing to her face and arcing all around her. White trails dancing all around. Leading her to the risings of the mountains. A simple endeavor. Maybe not as fast as normal, not nearly as fast as what she accomplished yesterday. Yet there was one fact…

I’m just better at flying.

I got the advantage up here. Forget the magic. Closing in fast on it. So fast. She quickly started to see all that lay behind the tall spires of the mountains. Some of that ominous crater reaching out to the world ahead and all the more mountains gleaming in the far distance in the middle of a heavy cover of clouds whose grey surface even reflected the shining white light of the snowy mountains upon them.

Soul watched the tip of her favorite mountain peak pass under her. Her cue.

She kicked the air with a quick hit of her wings and shot down towards the mountains below. Down to the vast swathes of open snow-drenched land between countless risings and pillars of rocks where wind swept in alongside her. Scorching those rocks and the very faces of the mountains in their cooling embrace.

Soul slowed herself down. Looking around to find a nice area to loiter around. Wait for her to come for me. I know she will be able to find me. Not able to know the little trap Soul had in mind, though. It made her giggle. All these rocks and bunches of debris and solid mayhem that was the mountain range, she had it in the bag. No way Blight can maneuver around here. She can’t dodge me in here, not with all the obstacles. So much wind blowing up here. My sanctuary. An excellent sky to crush anypony who wanted to beat her.

9.25
Wind chilling Soul’s ears as she flew down towards the bed of snow in the midst of the rocks. She sniffed it. It smelled good. Felt good. The wind blew much harder up here, maybe a little more than she remembered it to do. As was its chilling touch. She could feel the cold harshly licking at her, but no shiver. None from the wind. She shivered from excitement. Ready for the real fun. Not even able to contain her excitement. Squealing in joy. This is so much fun!

Back up here again with all the wind. Blowing in her ears. Blowing and howling. Soul almost missed it. Turn!

Soul beat her wing hard. A hard right. Away from where a snowball flew by from above. Coming right down, and Soulblight along with it. Flying at her. Her glistening smile as white as the next snowball to leave her side. Coming at Soul with all the fury of the wind. It took Soul a moment. Looking like it was not even moving. But it was. Coming for her. She blinked. Diving out of its way and back down to the rocky world she had been trying to get to.

Gotta lose her. Lose her? Shouldn’t I have already? There was no way she already caught up to me. Just popping in like that, a quick glance showing the black Pegasus on her tail again. The distance widening thanks to how fast Soul was. Those black wings had no chance of catching up to her.

Literally just coming in out of nowhere, that’s all Soul saw. S-she… is amazing. I wish I knew how she could do this stuff. Her magic. Just like yesterday. …And before… what even is that? Soul tried to think on how it was Blight must be doing moves like that. More crazy abilities of her insanely skilled magic. Wait… why even think on that?! She was here. Ready for a fight. Whatever. Soul could do what she wanted to do before.

Now I don’t have to wait. Time to win!

9.26
Soul is just too quick. The snowballs flew true but both of them ended up much like the rest of them, decorating the rocks and all their pieces sent flying when the magenta Pegasus blasted by them in her howling flight. Almost too fast for Blight to see her. I can’t really rely on seeing her. Useless eyes when having to track something so fast and having to find out where she herself needed to go. No, it was too quick.

But her ears twitched.

“Very well, run from me. I’ll still get you.” I won’t let you win this time, and looks like you won’t let me beat you. Soul using all her speed and agility to her advantage. Darting in and around the countless network of stone and debris scattered carelessly about the narrow passages all around these mountain ranges. Not a sight she had time to marvel in, though they were quite beautiful. As beautiful as Soul with a face-full of snow.

Soul better not be counting that little surprise she gave me back there as her hitting me. I’m gonna get her back, two snowballs held ready in their protective black aura at her sides. Panting in her frustration over not being able to get a hit in on her despite all she was doing. My wing ache and it’s hard to breathe. Heart racing. Like she’s trying to tire me out. Anything to win for the first time in their snowball fights. Suck it up.

She flapped her wings harder to chase after where Soul had flown off to. Right down into the chaotic embrace of boulders and spires. No sight of her. No sign of her. But she did a terrible job of masking herself with the noise her wings made. Over many of the expanses of rocks, further ahead. Much further. A slush of snow. A patting of a hoof.

I guess Soul has some idea on how to hit me. Do try and surprise me. I’ll give you a chance. Much like the mare deserved. Anything for her to have fun. And, even if I’m getting tired, I’m having a lot of fun. It’ll be even more fun when I win and Soul has to admit I am better than her at these snowball fights. Make that happen.

9.27
She was flying all around the outer parts of this chasm. No pattern at all in where she flew. Soul was just flying out there. Blight took a hard right around a sharp corner and off down an open trench to where she heard Soul’s wings flapping further off. She sounded like she was turning and then… up. Must be trying to find a way to surprise me. Well I have a surprise for her. Anything to overcome Soul’s advantage. Soul is damn good at tracking but… Blight eyed off to the left. Noticing several more trenches hidden behind the walls of the one she flew through thanks to how messy this terrain was. Perfect cover.

She took one more moment to listen. Soul sounded further off to the right, exactly where Blight looked. Looming high over the trench she flew down, with its great shadow cast upon her, one of the taller mountains, and… a dash of magenta rushing across its snowy face. Oh no.

Blight turned herself, letting her wings carry her right over to the face of the trench’s wall as more cover. Hope she didn’t see me. I need to make this happen. Soul’s wings hit the air sharper than before. A quick turn and… she rose. Somewhere off behind her and up into the clouds. She must have something planned. Something she made happen now. Does she know where I am? She is so fast. Wouldn’t she jump on me by now?

Blight skidded to a halt, continuing to listen and took a moment to relax her wings. As much time as she had left needed to be taken. Before… before Soul blasted by overhead. Her wings howling through the clouds so high above her, behind her. She’s flying off to the other mountains. She’s trying to find me. You’ll find me when it’s too late. Just the thought of it was fun. Exciting. Blight needed to contain herself from just giggling outright. Not when she needed to concentrate. Somewhere off behind the wall of her trench and all those rocks. Soul was flying across the sky so very high, so high that she should be able to see it.

Just like I can see it.

All the rocks and snowcapped boulders she heard the wind tapping over in her ears. Hearing just how much they were curved, all the wind had to tell her about them. Rushing in really fast, faster than before. All the more easier for it to tell her its story of the where and what. I see all of those boulders and I know just what to do with them. All it takes… is one thought.

Good thing Soul was flying away from it. Thundering high across the sky almost too quick for Blight to hear where she was going, as fast as it took her to learn that Soul was coming right towards her.

I think she might know where I am. She probably saw me. As scary as it was, it was immensely satisfying with how her heart pumped fast. Her enthusiasm sky high. To make this work. If you want something to see, take a look at this then.

Blight opened her eyes. Still seeing those boulders burned into her eyes. Imagine it.

Blight smiled… when she heard the explosion.

9.28
Just as she wanted. Just as it should be. Hearing it ring in her ears, echo all across the mountain range. So loud, louder than the rush of snow that began to stir along the mountain faces. Than the wind that picked up and rushed away from it. Quick like her own magic.

The boulders did what she wanted.

Blight grinned. Watching the explosion of dust and snow rise all across the horizon hidden behind the wall of rocks that shielded it. A plume of it. All the results of the explosion. Great and powerful. Loud enough. Distracting enough, and it did just that. Exactly as Blight was fixated on this burst of rocks and debris across the distant sky, Soul had stopped dead in her tracks.

Soul was up there… staring back at the explosion. All I need.

I got you.

9.29
Blight kicked her wings back out. Holding both snowballs ready at her sides. Right to where Soul was. Right exactly where she was. As she crossed the threshold of the rocky wall, seeing the little tufts of magenta fur swaying in the wind, Those magenta wings beating the air so hard, and the pony flying in. Faster and faster towards her.

Blight blinked.

…Wow, Soul you got me. …You are too fast. Faster than she could think.

In an instant. Before she may even reel her magic back just to get the snowballs ready to fly and stop her. Soulblight had to let them go. Let them fall to the ground as she now did. Wrapped up in an embrace of magenta feathers covering her vision above happy yellow eyes and all the fur around them sent flying like crazy. Blight felt her own fur sway wildly; her wings giving out… letting Soul’s own wings carry them both. Curving them both up. Catching all that wind, like the world itself slowed down. Slow. So she may feel Soul’s legs wrap around her neck before she felt herself falling. Falling and slamming down on something.

What… happened? She blinked again. Seeing the magenta Pegasus standing above her. Falling down on top of her and her great wings came to a rest. Nothing moved. Blight just listened to herself and Soul panting.

I guess it’s over. I guess we can rest. Besides, I can’t beat you. Just lay here and rest with Soul on top of her.

Soulblight stared up into the cloudy sky. How fast Soul had gotten to have pulled this off. Why she even pulled this off. It was bizarre. I thought we were having a snowball fight. Trying to see who could hit who first? So why this now? Yet I like this. Love the feeling again of Soul rubbing the top of her head against Blight’s chin. Resting right against her black chest and all her black fur giving way for Soul’s soft touch to swarm all over her body and a tighter hug wrapping itself around her neck. Soul gently sliding her hoof under Blight’s neck and hugging her.

You sure are huggy today. Alright, fine. She smiled down at the Pegasus laying atop her with her eyes closed. Rising up and down with every ragged breath Blight took. She really does care for me. Exactly as Soul was. It was nice. Nice enough for Blight to just lay there and give up. Forget trying to beat her. I never was that competitive so… Soul can have this win.

We are even now.

She deserved the win with how amazing she had become with her wings. Those big, soft wings. How fast she now was. Faster than I can even see. She really has come a long way. I’m so proud of her. Proud of the pony who stirred against her chest. Raising her violet and silver mane up below her.

9.30
Darkness blanketed Blight’s vision. Right when it became obvious something struck her face. A dull feeling. A darkness making her close her eyes. Not even able to see Soul anymore. But she heard the Pegasus was laughing. Laughing at… she didn’t.

Blight rose her hoof and swiped at her face. One quick swipe was all she needed. There was Soul leaning right over her with her free hoof held out. For a moment before she brought it back down to help her stand up over Blight. Blight saw the traces of snow in the fur of that leg… and all the snow falling down from her own face. A mess she wiped away with a few more swipes. Seeing snow sliding down her own nose.

“Looks like I win” Soul said.

Blight held her hoof up in front of her and saw all the bits of snow lodged within her black fur. Did she just… and when I was letting her hug me?! Caring and talented. No matter how nice Soul was, she was too much of a troublemaker. A mischievous little pony. Unbelievable. Have a good laugh, punk.

“You tricked me… and you call me the punk?” Blight said. Like it was wrong of me to use my magic. Well if Soul wants to do this then I have all rights to use my magic.

“Hey” Soul said finally giving up on her laughing but not on her smile. “I’m the younger one so I get an excuse to play around with you. Don’t get mad.” That was a new one. Blight never heard of such a mentality before. Aww man, she sounds so innocent. Soul, you may have changed so much but you’re still that filly I met. The one I love. I still love it. I’m not mad at all.

Blight let herself relax. She may be a troublemaker and a young pony, but she knows how to make me smile. That smile made its way back onto Blight’s face. Making her laugh. Joining in Soul’s own laugh.

The young one? What, so you’re calling me old? I’m not old, I still have reason to have fun, especially with Soul. This fun-loving Pegasus standing over her. Any day was a good one with just being around her and Blight will never trade moments like this in. Never want them to change.

“You’re the younger one…?” Blight sneered. Bringing her own hooves up and grabbing hold around Soul’s soft neck. Pulling her right back down. Soul didn’t fight back. Happy to lay back down. Soul able to rest again on top of Blight’s chest. Enjoying their hug as much as Blight did. “You need to be young to play around, is that how it works?” Blight asked down to the pony resting against her body. Soul did respond. Exactly as Blight predicted her to do in this way. With a nod.

9.31
Soulblight leaned back down. Letting her own head rest against the soft snow crunching against the back of her mane. So amusing. Happy with Soul. Like the days of the past really had left.

Both of Soul’s hooves now slid in behind Blight’s neck. Such a nice hug. Just like last night. Sure. I’ll accept that. Accept that Soul was so childish with these games, but still able to do stuff like this. Giving Soulblight excuse to just lay here and enjoy the moment. Close off her ears to everything else and listen to Soul’s soft breathing. Very well, she earned the win. Just for this. I will accept the hit she made, even if it’s cheap. But I will get her back one day. One day. Until then… just rest.

“Hey Blight” Soul whispered. “How’d you use so many tricks?” Rest, Blight wished of her friend who she cuddled up in her wings and no longer have to worry about trivial stuff. Slowly but surely, all the layers of black feathers from her two wings came up and around Soul’s entire form. Meeting together at the base of Soul’s back. Soul gave in. Burrowing right against Blight’s fur and letting off a relieved sigh. Just relax. Laying like this beneath the few rays of the Sun that could get through the layers of dark clouds rolling in and letting all its snow out upon them.

Such a lovely peace. Like nothing bad was left. I get to keep doing stuff like this. Fun with my best friend. The friend she loved. So she answered. With the truth.

“Because I feel like I can be myself when I’m with you.” It felt comfortable to do so. Fulfilling to do so. She is the pony who doesn’t hate me for who I am. She doesn’t care about what I have done. No matter how much I don’t deserve it. She never needed to but she did. So that was something. Something that meant a lot.

As long as life is like this, I could rest like this and watch the snow. The snow that slowly whitened the black of her feathers that sheltered the pony who she loved.

I feel so comfortable around you. So content. We can have so much fun together. Play together. When we get home, when everything is made right. When I make it all so. We can play. You may be a total dork but… you’re my dork.

9.32
“You could’ve won. But you blew it” she heard Soul say below her. It took Soulblight a moment to realize what was just said. Way too comfortable to care that Soul said such a thing. Really? Nopony knew how long they lay there together and this was the first thing to come out of Soul’s mouth to break that silence that only the rushing wind tried to do. Blight actually did have to heave a heavy sigh because of it but refused to open her eyes. Just let it sink in for a little bit. Tightening her wings around where she felt her friend’s soft fur touching against her spans and a little tap of Soul’s hoof running down the length of Blight’s neck.

For talking like that, Soul gave no relent to how much she was loving this. Even her heartbeat had slowed down to something so soothing. I could have won? At what point? Soul is way too fast. A much greater difference in the way they played before when she was a filly. Not even my magic could keep up with you. Not against such a skilled Pegasus.

Not this particular magic.

Blight asked. “How could I have won?” “Really? I was giving you a chance to hit me… when I ran into you” Soul said. Wait, that was supposed to be the time? And letting me win? Letting me? I thought she was gunning for a hug.

I had no idea that was when I was supposed to hit her. Besides, she expects me to believe she would let me win. No, she is too fond of succeeding. Not even allowing Rainbow to get any upper hoof. Even so, why the hug? I don’t know why I didn’t take the chance. I never thought of doing it. Was it surprise or… was I really just wanting her to hug me?

“But nope, you gave up in the end.”

9.33
Wow. Is she trying to make me feel better of is she just gloating? Because it was that classic Soul Serenity she remembered to talk to Dash like this in their heated competitions. Always packed full of stuff like this and then ending much like this alongside with both fillies sleeping in the same bed together like nothing happened. Like it was just how they were, …it was just how Soul was. This is how she is. Her innate love to ‘talk smack’ as these ponies called it. Oh I should feel honored that you are shit talking me. So much so that it made her snicker under her breath. Amused at Soul’s claims.

Gave up.

I never give up on any challenge. A strong gust of wind slipped over her nose and cheeks just to confirm her own claims. Making her fur dance against her face. “Well I thought you were the one who gave up, I never expected you of all ponies to make such a cheap shot and call it a win” Blight said. Smiling of her boast against Soul. “S-stop your crying. You’ll get a chance in… the future to finally win against me” Soul muttered.

Oh! Was that a challenge? With her completely false claims. Why, it even sounded like Soul was nervous of the possibility. The way she stuttered. It was cute. For her to think this way. You now know I am wanting to beat you. Very well. She may think that she won the last time. But it wasn’t true. Soul never hit me. We both used our advantages.

Their own talents no matter how unique they were.

I won the first time and… She took a breath. No. Soul was going to win this round no matter what.

“I suppose you saw me?” Blight asked. She did get her confirmation in a slow but strong “Yes.” No way that could be avoided. Soul, your senses are insane. Easily able to catch something as obvious as a black Pegasus in the middle of a trench of white. Soul could see that so easy. Fine, one for one. But that won’t stay at it for long.

It’s funny, I usually never get this worked up over another pony. I never have been like this. No reason to do it. I actually want to get back at her. Back home, in Equestria. Soul can be the best at flying but… I know, someday… and I don’t know when, you won’t be able to match the pony I am

Soul, you are rubbing off on me.

9.34
“But your magic. It-it was pretty cool.” Sweet Soul. That’s the reason I love you. It made a smile go across Blight’s face. That meant a lot from the pony whose flying capabilities felt second to none. Who had real talent. Who claimed Blight herself to have talent.

Don’t you worry Soul, we’ll figure it all out together. When we get back. When I fix everything. We will both have something to feel proud of upon our flanks. No matter how long it took. All of it to lead to the day when Soul may be so very happy with all that Blight saw the sweet Pegasus capable of.

Blight curved her wing up. Running the tips of the feathers along Soul’s back. Up and down. Sounded like she liked it. Hearing Soul mumble for a moment and feeling her shudder. How she shook. Pleased with it. Soulblight let one of her ears lift up, eager to listen to every nice sound she made the Pegasus want to express. Sounds like she likes back scratches. Her little reward for being so nice. Being such a good friend.

Soul exhaled, again and again. Slower. Shorter with each one that passed. Each one lost into the breath of the strong gusts of wind blowing over them. Doing their best to hide how happy Soul sounded. How much she moved and shook. As her teeth struck against… one another?

Soulblight opened her eyes. Still staring up. Staring right back up to the sky. The very different sky. Or was it even a sky anymore? Am I looking at the sky anymore?

Darker. Thicker. I can’t see it anymore. Lost forever inside of a veil of dark clouds.

When did this happen? This dark. And… all this snow. All of it coming down upon her. It made her jump. Holding herself back from freaking out just because of the pony that lay on top of her. Soul!

9.35
Blight leaned down. Seeing all the snow. Running down from her head and all along her black fur. Just a quick glance, she could no longer see her wings. Just like a mound of snow. Moving when she wanted her wings to move. Until it all fell off. A wave of thick snow coming down from where it levitated to reveal her black wing that had been right under all of it. The same as her other wing. Holding up a wall of snow, above… Soul.

She lay against her belly. Just a little peek of her magenta face sticking out blowing a plume of white air to where Blight stared in horror.

Soul looked miserable. Her nose covered in snow that shook. Shaking and… shivering. But she still managed to look at Blight with those cute yellow eyes. Some semblance of innocence in them. A feeling Blight did not share.

How long were we laying here?! Blight looked all around her. Trying to get her bearings. Amazed with how much snow had piled up around them. Right up to where her chest rose and fell with even more snow hailing in in a massive sheet of white she could barely see through. Carried in sideways it looked. The wind roared.

“Shit!” Blight yelled. Returning her attention to Soul. “Soul…” She let her body rise up. Carrying her best friend up with it, just to try and get her to move. Soul did not move. Her hooves rose out from under Blight’s black fur and stretched. Trying to grab hold of the snowy surface they lay on. “Get up.” It took her a moment. Soul did manage it. Leaping right off of Blight’s stomach so she may stand up on her own four legs. Blight joined with her. Coming in close and touching a hoof to Soul’s side.

Soul, is she okay? Oh no. She’s shivering bad. Her wings shaking at her sides, limp. Even little speckles of ice had grown across her fur like some sort of disease. Just standing out in the snow, no longer covered by Blight’s wings, her back began to sport little white dots. Building up quickly.

She had been suffering like this?! This entire time! Wh-… why?! “Soul! Why didn’t you tell me anything?!” Blight yelled. Regretting what she said. It was just going to be a waste of time. No time to sit around here arguing. All this snow and wind. We’re in a blizzard!

There can be no way it was already night. No, we did not lay out here this long. It couldn’t be. But a blizzard nonetheless. One that Soul was exposed to.

Blight looked all around. Seeing nothing where she looked past Soul. Everything too packed in hazy cloud cover the likes of which she had never seen before. The same could be said of every other direction she looked. No, no. I can’t believe this. I can’t see a thing out here and… she looked over to Soul, barely standing next to her. Shivering madly. Her hooves crunching in the snow and then… she fell against Blight.

“I-I-I’m sorry. …I got t-too… I didn’t want… us to… to leave.”

Stupid Soul. Don’t give me such an excuse. Don’t blame yourself. Damn it. Here it was again. I’m not gonna blame her for this. No! It is my own damn fault. I should have noticed it. I should never have closed my eyes. I was so lost… not Soul… and I’m wasting time!

Soul shook even harder against her side.

9.36
“We have to get out of here” Blight advised the obvious. Ignoring what Soul had said and trying to look again for some way to make it happen. Not any easier. The snow is so heavy. Just a glance aroundt, Blight saw her wings at her side starting to get completely covered in snow again. A problem she shook right off.

Just find a way out of this. More wind. Blowing right against her back and rear. It struck so hard. Sending a shock down her entire body. The feeling of so much force rushing her. This must be torture for Soul. That wind and cold. However bad it may be, I can’t let her stay out in this.

“T-the…” Soul muttered. Making Blight look at her. Finding that Soul was slowly lifting one of her hooves up to point behind where Blight stood. “The… way home… i-is over there.” Amazing! Good job. Just guide me and I’ll get us out of here. Excellent job, Soul.

“Let’s get out of here” Blight said. Prepping her wings right up. Sending even more snow flying off of her. It took a moment. It felt weird, like her wings had locked in their upward angle. Scaring her for a moment. Soulblight’s heart did jump on top of how fast it raced. Given a little comfort when her wings began to flap and how her hooves lifted off the ground. Bobbing and swaying, she levelled herself to the best of her ability. So hard to do so. This wind. Like she might get blown off course. Threatening to send her careening off into the unknown.

This is nothing. I’ve dealt with worse. She flapped harder. Feeling her muscles begin to work more than they should. It payed off. Able to keep herself held aloft. Easy to do, especially for Soul and her far superior flying. Soulblight turned around. Let’s go…

She gasped.

9.37
Soul still stood on the ground right below her. Not even moving except for the violent shivers running across her body. She had her wings out, ready to fly. So why did she begin to whimper? Please stop scaring me. More afraid than ever before. Because of what Soul was telling her. Not even having to say it, it was etched in her face. Soul looked up to Blight. Chattering teeth. Ragged breath and what Blight could pick out in her deep yellow eyes. Hidden behind her mane that waved wildly in front of her face.

Those eyes. Soul was terrified.

Soul’s wings shook in place. Covered in snow and ice. Every bit Blight could see, nothing but chill across her beautiful wings. Soul took one step forward. Her wings bounced up just a little and then… Blight winced when Soul shrieked. Right when her wings fell to her sides. Her entire body crumpling up. Close to falling in on herself.

Blight came right back down. “Soul!” Blight slid her hooves under Soul’s chest. Locking them together and pulling. Bringing Soul right back onto her hooves. Face to face with her again. Close to see all the pain in Soul’s face. How very afraid she was. She’s ass afraid as I am. Not even able to see her reflection in Soul’s eyes. “Come on, best buddy” Blight said. Shaking her own body now. But not from the cold that eluded her. She wrapped one of her wings back around Soul’s neck. Turning and pulling Soul along, she followed. Guided by Blight’s wing. Off in the direction that Soul pointed out.

This isn’t good. This can’t be happening. What could work? What to do now? Soul’s wings were frozen! Laying right at her sides, dragging along the snow and just building up even more ice on them. Damn it. I feel like… like I’m about to cry. Soul suffering. No, I can’t cry in front of her. She is already afraid. I just need to get her out of her. That was it. We need to find shelter. Wait out the blizzard. There has to be a cave or something out in these mountains. A cave. Yes, like the one Spots had been safe in. Find one like that.

“We’re gonna get you out of here” Blight begged of her friend.

9.38
It was the most painful thing to listen to right now. Please, anything else. But having to listen to Soul’s hoofsteps in the icy surface. Slowly crunching down into the snow. Much like Blight’s own hooves did. Not even caring about how hers sounded. Like only Soul was the one walking. When they should have been flying. No telling how long it’d have to go on like this.

“We’re looking for shelter” Blight said looking all around her. No luck I can’t see anything. All the snow and wind coming down, it was awful. She felt bad having to ask this right now, …but it must be so. “Please keep an eye out for something.” Soul, we have to rely on your sense. Her precious talents. Use them to the best of her ability. Right next to her, by Blight’s side.

Blight pushed her along with the soft embrace of her wing. Walking and not hearing anything. Nothing. “Soul!?” Blight yelled. Looking over at her. Soul rose her head back up just in time for Blight to see it happen. Cringing with her cheeks. Teeth fighting her in how violently they bashed against one another. Only managing one little squeak. “Ok.” We’ll get out of this. Come on, Soul.

Blight pushed her on. Cradling her and assisting her to the best of her ability to keep her going. Not at all making this any less agonizing. Fears piling up on top of fears. I’m gonna outpace her. The magenta Pegasus was slowing down. Blight noticed it. Her steps, her strides smaller now. Forcing Blight to change as well. I will never leave her side. Never. Fear of how cold she was getting to cause this, and it changed again. Soul picked up her pace. Coming right back to the long steps she had been making to get across the snow. Good job. Keep fighting.

Because that’s what you are, Soul. You’re a fighter.

I want to smile. I really want to. To make Soul feel proud or accomplished… whatever. If only Blight could feel the same. Not even able to force a smile. Not with all this fear. It managed to keep at bay. Just managed, just manage it. As long as she felt Soul rub her own fur against her. That was all that kept Blight from letting out her panic she felt. I need to stay strong for Soul. She was such a good girl. Persevering like this. Blight could even hear a strong breath coming out of her mouth despite all the suffering she was enduring. Still so strong. That is why I love you. No matter how weak you get, you still stay the same. That same loveable and strong filly who had to suffer so much to get to what she has today. So what if she has to suffer more? As long as I’m here, you’ll get through it and come out stronger like always. This will be simple. Find some shelter and prove to everything how strong Soul was.

Just like a good pony.

Keep it up. Just keep going… it’s why I love you. Soulblight shuddered. Not as bad as her best friend. Stay strong for her. Just like she is. We will both be strong.

9.39
Just another test of this cruel life. Testing how strong we are. We beat everything before this, we can beat this too. Just like they navigated this. Blight stopped Soul in her tracks and guided her to the right. Stepping around a large boulder hidden in the wind and continuing on. Circumventing that and even more walls and rocks like it. Nothing yet to shelter the poor Pegasus from the snow. Is this the best I can do? Just guide Soul. What a terrible task. Not save her. Blight’s mind raced.

How can I save her?

No, not save her. She will be fine. Stop thinking terrible thoughts. Just… find a way to make things more bearable for Soul. Anything other than just walking. Staying by her side. Blight thought. Something to cheer her up. What? There has to be something I can say. Anything. “You…” Blight shrieked. Amazed at how bad her voice broke. Actually feeling her mouth tremble when she tried to say how much she adored Soul’s strength. Damn. She… she really was afraid. Her body itself, it was telling her what she wanted to deny. Fighting her, but she will not let it out. It always led to bad things. No reason for Soul to get scared too. But why does it need to be like this? Blight couldn’t understand it. Everything always leading up to this. Not able to just keep things happy. Always needing to suffer. To lose. Feeling so much loss. Why, why can’t I just go on without stuff like this happening? We just deserve to both be happy and now this. This had to happen? She has to suffer? I have to suffer alongside her. Fearing for this. Just wanting to get some little glimpse, one hint that they will be safe. Safe from her own stupid mistakes. No! Stop thinking that way.

“C-come on, Soul. We’re gonna get home soon” Blight said to the pony at her side. Leaning her head over to her, it only stopped once it set down on the side of Soul’s head. “Then we’re going to have so much fun just like you want…” She could feel Soul wipe her head up and down along her cheek. She was nodding. Good. Good job. I must do a good job too. No more fear.

“You’re such a strong Pegasus, so… of course we’re both going to beat this. Together, and I’ll have so many rewards for you when we get home. Because I’m proud of you.” So many. Whatever she wants. If she wanted to play, sure thing. Whatever she wants. Even do some training alongside her. Whatever food she wants, I will make it. All the kind words and reassurance she needs. Anything Blight may do to make her feel comfortable and all the hugs Soul would want. She will get a big one once they got home. Her reward for being so brave and overcoming this. Because she was a strong pony.

Because she is my best friend.

“Blight…”

9.40
Soulblight’s body froze. As did her mind. Her soul. Everything screeched to a halt. Making her eyes widen when she too stopped. Held in place. Locked right where she stood. No longer able to walk forward. But she could feel it. Her wing was left behind. Holding against her friend. Just her span, set still along Soul’s still body.

There was something about this feeling. Blight felt it all over her. A shock. A shudder. It tormented her. That they were not moving. That nothing was moving. The feeling making her want to cry. Or was it because of how painfully silent Soul was calling her name out. This is… true fear.

She had to look back. Slowly. “Soulblight…” Soul. I’m right here. What is it? Do you need something? I’ll give you anything just to make you happy. Anything to make you feel like you are truly a success, because I know you are and nothing will take that from you. Not while I’m with you. I will always be with you. Like I am now.

Blight turned around in time. To listen to Soul’s plea. Wanting to know what she wanted. A moment frozen in time.

That magenta fur fell.

Swaying in the wind. Joining with the snow below as it did with all the snow atop of her. Atop of her still body. Only her mouth moved. The one thing to move in this frozen scene burned right into Blight’s mind. Making all her fears come true.

“I’m… so… c-c-c-cold…”

Soul collapsed in the snow.

“Soul!”

9.41
Soulblight rushed right for her. Not able to believe any more of what was going on around her. Not caring for any of it. Not wanting to care. Just as she wished that the sight in front of her was different. One that she did not need to care for. It was not meant to be. She had to cry.

Every single tear she had burst right out the instant she made it. Right to Soul’s side. Setting her hooves upon Soul’s still body. Grabbing her. Come on, move! Move. “Soul! Come on get up. Get up! …Get…” Blight couldn’t talk. Just because of having to see this. When her hooves shook Soul’s body. Desperate to get her up. Not able to see that sight. She saw this instead…

Soul’s head fell limp. Moving only when Blight moved her. Nothing else.

Her tail was still. No longer able to sway in happiness. Her wings no longer flapped in freedom. Not even her eyes may see her. Sealed behind her silence. No. No! She’s faking. Stop playing around. Stop it. Blight heard it all as screams to the pony. Eager, powerful screams she wished to yell right at her. She could only sob. Sob so loudly.

This isn’t the way. This isn’t what we should be doing right now. Let’s go. Soulblight picked Soul right up, holding her forelegs with her own and letting Soul’s heavy body collapse right into her chest. A rush of movement. Almost like… Blight looked down. No yellow eyes to greet her. She didn’t move at all. A baby, sleeping against her chest with every possible thing about her not even giving Blight the moment she sought after right now. To prove to her this was not happening. That she was faking. She must be. She needed to be… so why?

Why are you not moving?

Not shivering? You need to shiver when it’s cold. That’s what ponies do. That’s how you all react. So, …do the same thing, Soul. Move. Move!

Blight leaned back, carrying Soul back with her. Feeling how her limp legs fell right down and slid against her sides. One of them even went on and touched the tip of her wing.

Soul. I know what you want. Blight knew it. I’ll give it to you… if you stop making me cry. Watching as all her tears came streaming down in an endless wave. Falling upon the pony below her. Shimmering and shining. Leaving her as water. Crashing to sharp pieces once they landed on the mane of her best friend.

I will give it to you. She rose her wing up. The same one that Soul had touched.

9.42
“I’ll… I’ll keep you company. I’ll protect you.”

Her wing wrapped the pony up. Shielding her. Keeping much of that accursed snow away from her. Let it taint my body, not hers. Soulblight allowed it. Placing Soul right down against her chest. Holding her close. A nice hug. Just like Soul loves. You love this. You do now. You look… so peaceful like you… you always do… when I hug you.

I have the honor of being so important to you. You are so happy when I hug you. Be happy. “It’s all going to be okay, Soul. I’m here for you. See, I’ll hug you when nopony else will. No matter how tough the times will be.” Like everything that awaits us. “They will be tough, …but they will be good as well. Tell me,… Soul. Tell me all the good things you want us to do together.”

You want me to fly alongside you. You want me to cheer and praise you for your flying. Let you know just how great of a Wonderbolt you will be. In a time without any pain. When both of us may have so many friends. Beloved, beautiful friends who will never betray, never leave us. Always love us. Just like I will be for you.

“Tell me.” I will do it all for you. Make it all happen. Anything you want. Cheering is easy. Birthday parties, holidays together, playing together. I will even train with you. My wings could use some good exercise. Then we can eat and drink so many sweets together just like you wanted. Whatever they may be.

“Tell me, Soul.” We can even do that stuff with Dashie. You remember Dashie, how much you want me to be friends with her? We will make it happen. Rainbow Dash, she seems like a nice pony. A good friend. I think I can get along with her. Anything for you. I want to see you smile… when we are friends. We can all be best friends. For however long it may last. Until the time when things will change. They will change for the better. Soul has so much waiting for her. Beyond anything the Pegasus had any knowledge of. It was going to happen. Just tell me what you dream of… like you did so long ago… what brought us together. The words you wished for when nopony else was listening.

“Tell me and I will make it happen again.”

The tears still kept coming. Stronger. More and more like they may never end. Never force Soul to stop this. Grant Blight’s request. “Tell me all the things you love. All the things you want.” They will all happen when we return home. Not here, not in this wasteland. Where all the snow flurried about them. Rising and hardening. Till they were but walls around where Soulblight clutched her best friend. This was not the place for anything. We can’t stay here and just hope for it.

“You must tell me what you want from me, I will make it happen so that you will be happy. We don’t have time to play around. Not when there is so much to look forward to. So much that you haven’t even started yet… that… I want to s-s-see you experience. We will make it happen right now, so please… Soul, stop laying there and please… wake up. Wake up.” Soulblight screamed. Stop making me cry.

Protect her.

9.43
Cast Soul’s coat in the color of her own blood. Glowing bright. Looking down at all the red she made glow upon her. All the pain she brought down upon her and how very much it made her want to lash out. At everything.

“I…I…I vowed to protect her.” Blight licked her lips. Feeling all that awful snow stinging her tongue. It felt better to just let her fangs pierce her tongue. Anything to rid that feeling. It did hurt. So what? Anything to get rid of this pain. I hate crying. Stop being so stupid and do what I need to do.

“I will protect her. I will never let anything bad happen to her. I swore it.” Forgive me, Soul. Reducing you to this, but anything needed to be done to protect her. I have to get you out of here. Out of all the snow that had already piled up around them. Walling them in. Showing just how bad of a blizzard this was to Blight and how truly terrible it must be for somepony like Soul. All this snow on her, poor thing.

Blight let the pony slump down in between her legs leaving just the top of her head and all her mane to drape Blight’s belly. Exposing her to Blight. Imagining it. I… I hope this works.

Blight watched… watched her magic. That darkness swarming all over the pony. Shining of that black light. I know you would hate for me to do this to you… but I need to move you.

Blight clenched her fangs. Watching the pony lift off from her. Gotta… get you out of this hole. Get you… you… home. Blight stood up. Keeping the pony right in her sights. As if Soul were flying once more. With her wings laying limp at her sides. Feathers uselessly flowing in the heavy wind and snow. Hold her up. Gotta… get her moving.

Blight let her own wings loose. Following out behind Soul and back up to the flat surface of snow, floating with the pony, and… she grunted.

This… this is hard. Blight bit her lip badly. Tightly closing her eyes. Just concentrate. I… I need to…

She felt it. Opening her eyes just in time to catch sight of it before it happened. Her magic grabbed hold of Soul again. Keeping her from hitting the ground… and only her.

Blight plummeted to the ground. Wincing but… not giving up. I can’t give up. Even if this hurts to… I… when did I get so weak? When?! I can’t…

She looked all around her. At the horrible wind blowing all about. So much wind. So… she looked back at the pony barely holding on in the air above her. Blight’s eyes widened. Widened when she saw the magic burn away… and then come back. All over the pony. Just having to see Soul, the limp pony, dangle so helplessly in the wind. Blight shook her head just as she felt the pain inside her. She had to put a hoof to her head. Damn it… I can’t.

She let Soul go. Laying her back down upon the ground. Letting all the magic disappear and then she held her head tight. “Damn it all!” Ah! Just… wait for it to stop hurting. I need to… she looked back at the pony laying there. Then at all the snow coming down around them. This can’t be. When did I get so weak? I can’t even lift a pony. This is not possible. I was never this weak… before…

Curse this… she slammed a hoof into the snow. This damn body!

She gasped and looked back up. Shut up. Shut up! I need to get her out of here. She is all that matters. Some way. I just… need to remember which way it was. Soul pointed… this way.

I know Soul would not like being babied around right now…. But she would need to deal with it. Exactly like I need to deal with it. Anything, anything to protect her. Even if it means… flying her out.

I hope I’m strong enough to do this at least. Please. Keep going. Do not stop. Blight came back up to where the pony lay. Quick to circle around her. Looking at her real quick and then whipping her tears away. Okay… I think I can do this. Kneeling down, she was able to slide all four of her hooves under Soul’s belly. It scared her to try this. Let me be able to do this, please. Get her out of this mountain range, fly her back to the house. No matter how many hours it may take. As long as I can get her out of here. Nothing else matters. Not even me.

9.44
Soulblight brought her wings to life. Flapping harder and harder. As hard as she could make them go. Starting to hear the sound of her own wings begin to overtake the terrible cry of the wind, and it did make her body lurch up. Clamping her legs hard around Soul. Wanting to see some indication of them lifting off. Looking all around. Lighting up the snow with the red of her eyes. Amazed, shocked at how nothing changed.

Nothing!

I can’t panic. I can’t… panic! Blight let her wings go into a flurry. Beating them harder than ever before. It hurt to do so. Some sharp pain blistering along her spans. Working together with how tired her wings were getting. “No. No. No. Come on! Useless things.” Despite the insult, they managed to beat faster. Inflicting more pain upon her. It made her wince. Squeal with how much it made her heart race. Staring on to the shrouded sky ahead of her. Hoping to get close to it. But, no matter how hard she tried, no matter how tired she got, it all was made useless in the end. As useless as her wings. When she found herself going forward towards the sky she wanted to fly to, only for it to disappear and transform to a snowy surface that Blight faceplanted right into. Falling off of Soul and skidding along the snow all thanks to the force of her wings. She didn’t even have to stop herself. She skid along the snow. Until she finally stopped.

It stings. Making her cry more. For all the pain she was in. In her body, and in her heart when she looked back to find Soul still laying there all alone with nopony to help her. My wings are useless. Always so weak. Why do I have to be so weak? Now was not the time, but her wings felt like they no longer existed. Just laying at her sides. Twitching. Barely able to get up at her whim.

She found the strength to stand back up. Scurrying back to Soul. Standing over her and looking all around for something she may use to fix this. No, I’m on my own.

“Damn it! Soul, I swear I will save you.” Just have to find a way. Protect her from the cold. Her mind went wild. Flashing through everything and anything. What will work? No, no, a shield. Damn it, she stared at Soul. Thinking over it. Groaning at herself. How? How to make a shield for her? Blight had no idea. How can I make one for her?

How did I use to do it?

I… I used to be so strong. I know… my magic used to be so much more than any of this. I feel it. I… I hear it in me. It was so simple. What happened to me? Why am I so weak and useless? Not now. Useless magic. Everything useless. It made her growl. Angry at it all. At herself. For having to do this while her best friend froze in front of her. All because of this weather.

9.45
A burst of flame erupted. Blasting out from the snow that she stared upon. Coiling and running all around in an instant, burning in front of the pony she loved. Rising. It separated her from Soul. She needs warmth, something to deliver her from the harsh weather. It… it always was this she relied on for the past twelve years to do just that. So do it again. Have fire! Please!

Soulblight did not care how it swayed and beckoned back to her. All the flames going wild, cinders and streaks of light bursting out and flourishing in front of her face. Barely missing her. Watching their glow shine across her. The glow cast itself out from the midst of this dark and unforgiving veil of cold that wrapped the two pegasi. Burning. Blistering and crackling. She could hear the snow begin to boil at its base. Yes, keep burning. Warm my friend up.

Blight ran around it. She’ll be awake now. She will be so happy that I made her warm again. Soul loved the heat of fire. How it comforted her and protected her from the cold. So… why will she not smile? Blight neared in on her, seeing how much the fire glowed along her friend’s fur. It didn’t glow in her eyes, not with them still sealed. With her still not moving.

“Soul, it’s okay. See… I got a fire going.” She planted a hoof along Soul’s shoulder and rubbed her graciously. Trying to get her attention. Pointing another hoof at the fire. At its glow that flickered and dulled. All along Soul’s body, it lost its shine. Blight could only turn in time to see the last of the fire die away. All its embers and light sent flying away in the wind until there was nothing left save for the cold that took back its rightful place.

What?! The wind blast over Blight’s head, sending her mane flying into her face. Trying its own best to drown out her screams.

Another fire. Then another. She made them all come back. Bursting out their glow from the snow. Pillars of it constantly coming back to replace all the others. Others that died off even faster than before. Meeting the same fate as the first. Warm my best friend! Stop this! Blight stamped her hoof down into the snow. Letting out one last cry, screaming at the wind and all the hailing snow with a ferocity matching the flames she summoned in a final attempt to make it all work. A wall she could not care to see, keeping her eyes closed. A tiny glimmer of light making its way in for her to see until it too died away, and any presence that they may have ever had went with it.

Blight no longer knew any such light. Gone in this darkness where Soul was the brightest thing in it. A light that also began to die away, covered in the darkness of so much snow. Soulblight found it impossible to look upon her anymore like that. So much snow on her. This can’t stand. My.. my best friend shouldn’t suffer. Not when she has so much love to give. I want her to hug me again… but she can’t.

So Blight needed to be the one to do it for her. Swiping her hooves across Soul’s body. Angrily spiting the snow that flew off her. Getting rid of as much of it as possible. She saw her magenta fur again hidden underneath. A great weight taken off of her. So much for Blight to slip in on her and hold her back upright. Hugging her with both her forelegs, clamping Soul firmly to her body.

Never to let go. Not until Soul is safe, and she fell back. Right onto her rear and carried Soul with her into an ever-warming huddle. I wish I could warm her, all I can do is be here for her. Lost together in this winter storm that Blight lashed out at. Witnessing streaks of light blasting all around her, she never left her gaze off of Soul. Not needing to see how her magic sliced out in heaps of red to try and cut down the falling snow. Slice the wind. Burn it all away. Sizzling and howling to try and open the sky once more for Soul to fly in. Yes, warm her up again in the end. Then her wings may fly once more, Soul will be happy in the sky again. That was all that was needed. For Soul to be able to fly again, …and… Blight will make it so.

She looked at her friend’s snow-covered wings. How they lay there unable to move anymore. Just useless things to plant the ground. Useless when they were supposed to be the most precious things of her best friend. Blight stared.

I… I have to make them fly again. I must do it.

Is it right… to do this again? Blight blinked. I think I can still do it but last time I did… I ruined her life. It put her in this situation. All led up to it, and she seriously had to consider doing it again. For Soul. For her happiness.

I can’t feel guilty.

Forget what this did in the past, because it will save her. Save her like when she saw it happen through Soul’s own eyes. Made it happen behind her eyes. It can be done again. It will be.

Soul… she is not here… to hold me back this time. I will take control… completely this time.

Forgive me, Soul. I don’t mean to intrude.

9.46
Blight closed her eyes. She isn’t here to stop me. No need for permission. Just concentrate and do it again. No need to fear. Do it just like last time. When Soul let her do it. I can do it.

Watch Soul, watch I will do for you. This feeling. I can do it.

Blight opened her eyes. Soul was gone.

This feeling. Against her chest. A harsh breath. Slow and painful. It was there. She recognized it in the midst of all the wind blowing over her. That was her only presence. Her only way to still be here. Still connected to Blight. She listened to it. To the sweet and innocent voice in that breath she took. Like it was the voice she recognized. I feel it all. All that you feel. All that you suffer. I feel it… Blight touched her chest. So close to me. So personal. It’s been so long… so very long since I last felt this personal with you.

I’m back home.

Back to a time when both of them were lonely. Afraid. Not anymore. We are together as friends. Soulblight blinked. Soul truly was gone. No Soul. No Soulblight. She saw only the wind and all the snow and herself alone. With nopony at her side. Except it was not true. Soul is still here. So close.

I can feel the tears. Under all the pain. All the memories. Everything rushing to Blight like a sickening feeling that made her stomach lurch, and then soothe. Soothing as she ran that hoof along her chest… and up to her face. For her to stare at it… like she once did before.

I’m back.

9.47
Magenta fur. It worked. I did it. I did again. Soul, I’m sorry for doing this to you without permission. Please, don’t be able to see this. To feel this. All the memories of when this last happened, like how Blight felt it all now. Painful… crippling, like it tried to stop her from the reason she did this. It can’t hold me.

Blight shook her head. Seeing how her silver and violet striped mane swayed in front of her before it returned to blowing in the wind. A wind that made itself very well-known across her body. She even felt a shudder run up her spine from it. A wonder on how bad it may feel to Soul who was the one having to suffer from this. All the more reason to get her out of her. An easy task, it must be. No Changelings to kill this time. But there is still a pony I need to save like last time.

Stand up, it happened. All four of her hooves coming out and bringing her right back up to stand in the middle of all the snow, all alone in it. It felt so wrong, every move she made. I’m not moving, I’m… making her move. She has to do… what I want. I feel so sick doing this.

Soulblight took a quick look back to make sure all was ready. Two massive magenta wings sat down upon her sides. Draping and carpeting the snow below in their feathers. Fully exposing the cutie mark that they should have hid. The one of hearts shrouded in black.

Come on, babies. She urged of those wings. They even twitched in response. Take me for a ride. Exactly like if Soul would want to carry me. They were going to. She wanted them to do it, so they did. Smiling when she saw them slowly rise up from the snow. A hard task the entire way. Like the wings were trying to fight back against the motion. Just wanting to sleep. Fall back down on the ground. They will do no such thing. You two are going to save the pony who loves you, and I know you both love her too.

These wings may be mine now, but they still serve Soul. How they finally came up, ready to fly, it made Blight smile more in a smile that was not her own.

9.48
Blight clenched her teeth. Putting as much force as possible into it. With her first flap and how loud those wings struck at the air. Sending sheets of ice and snow flying away from her. It feels powerful. Sounded powerful. Should it not be more?

The first flap alone made her move. Followed by another and another. Blight flapped those wings as hard as possible. More than she may ever be able to do with her own wings. These ones were truly different. Something incredible. Like she may be able to do anything with them. With this much strength. I feel it all…

Soul… she must feel so proud when she flies to be able to know this. Blight had a hard enough time just trying to lift off. But, no matter how much force she needed to put into her flaps, it was enough to naturally lift herself off the ground. Amazed when her magenta hooves left the snow. She was flying. In this weather.

Soul was flying now.

I need to get her home now. Out of this, and it will be done by the very wings that Soul adored and cared for so much. I adore them too. She pushed herself forward, not putting any fancy tricks or whatever into it like Soul may do, just fly. Plain and simple. Get out of here, and it was a rough start. So apparent to her. How her body bobbed in the wind. The wings buckled up and needed to be forced back into position to keep her aloft. All the weather doing what it could to stop her. Foolish. This wind isn’t fighting my wings now, these are Soul’s wings. Just how amazing of a flyer she was, pulling all those tricks and developing such impressive wings, it’d be easy to fly through harsh weather like this.

While they did at first, Blight noticed something. It really was becoming like these wings were fighting against her. Why? Are they supposed to be this hard to control? They’re just wings. They should be easy to use. No. She flapped the wings even more. Keeping herself hovering in the middle of the wind, and not able to do much more. It became even harder to do just that with how much resistance the wings were putting out. Their spans slowing down in their repetitions. More and more but she did not give up.

Blight put extra effort into it, believing herself to succeed when she budged forward. Those magenta wings carrying her right into the air and she flew forward against all the wind blowing into her. Stinging her face. Whipping that violet and silver striped mane back. It even stung her eyes. Especially when snow itself flew right into her eyes. There was no telling if Soul was suffering from this as well. No way for her to cry out. Everything was silent. Nothing to know… if this was right. Anything. No, she only had to go off of what she may guess. Soul was suffering, because her great wings did suffer.

Blight could no longer feel any response from them though she heard them flap. Slowing down and a ripping sound as well. Cracking. She took one look back, only able to keep her eyes on the wings for a moment before the wind forced them shut. Seeing a small glimpse of ice forming over the flesh. Breaking. She tried to flap them harder to clear it off, nothing worked. Oh no, no!

So… that is what Soul went through. That is the punishment she has to suffer because I was not smart. I made her feel this when I should have done so much to keep her out of this. But I didn’t notice it. Now Soul suffers. Now, …they got to suffer together thanks to everything Blight felt. Desperation. Desperation and defeat when she saw the sky fall away from her. Not able to feel it happen. It became obvious.

Soul’s wings gave out.

She found herself much of the same as Soul was. Laying on her back in the snow. Helplessly flailing her legs and wishing for her wings to start moving again. They only creaked. A small twitch. Their last attempt to save the pony that they loved. You both were supposed to help me save her. What is wrong? Why am I so useless? Not now. Please not now.

I can’t do this. Watching… until the cold no longer allowed Blight to even move her legs anymore. Her entire body froze. She blinked.

9.49
There was Soul. Laying in front of her with her back to the ground. Helpless. Stricken. Give it all back to Soul. It’s pointless. T

My magic is worthless.

Nothing I can do works. Even thinking of the insane idea of just walking Soul out. Let her lay on her back and let her ride home. Just walk… down the mountain in the middle of a blizzard while every last bit of her best friend disappeared. Stupid. Such a stupid idea. I’m stupid. I’m useless. Watching her friend waste away in front of her. So much snow covering her. Not even moving anymore… and… her chest. It rose slowly.

Slower.

Soul Serenity. Please don’t do this to me.

Blight knelt down. One thing leading to another, she fell on her legs. To lay down with her best friend. Crawling on top of her and sliding her forelegs around her body. Secure. Comforted. So she may pull Soul back up onto her rear and fall right into her chest. Holding her close to her. Soulblight did not let go. I will never let go until she is safe.

Such a fleeting thing.

Leaving her. Leaving her… along with her happiness. None of it was left. I was always so happy when I hugged her like this. Soul should be happy too. “I’ll make you happy.” Blight closed both of her black wings around Soul. Giving her the one last thing she could hope to do. Clenching her tightly. Smothering Soul under all her feathers and fur. If I’m cold… so what? It’s all I have left. The only thing left to give you. All of my love. Given to Soul in all her soft and comforting grip.

Soul did not return it. Blight wanted her to. A feeling she missed but she gave it to Soul. Her favorite thing to be granted from great wings such as Blight’s, such as Soul’s. When Soul did hug her this way… last night. Before the warm fire that kept Soul going.

Blight couldn’t get that sight out of her eyes. As she began to cry again. Burying her face right into Soul’s mane. Not wanting to see any more of the white death all around them. She knew it.

I am no idiot. I know now… just how useless I am. And I know…

That… was the last hug I will ever get from her. My last friend. Gone.

Soul’s heartbeat against her chest, it slowed. Is it there anymore?

9.50
“Soul!” Blight screamed into her mane. Not wishing to hold anything more in. Acting like things were different, pointless. I can’t change it.

Soul, …you always were the one. You overcame everything before. Why? Why can’t you do the same here?

“Soul, please… please don’t leave me.”

Don’t leave me. Don’t make my fears come true. Please. “You told me you were not going to leave me. So… why are you breaking that promise? When I need you! I need you so much. Is it because I am so useless that I can’t even save you? Tell me. Tell me why you want to leave… leave when we have so much waiting for us. …Leave like all the others left me!”

I can’t… do it. My heart… it hurts. Stop making me cry, Soul. Stop making my heart cry. She cried so much, seeing it now.

Soul, your smile. I still see it. It can never leave me. You are the most loving pony I have ever met. You are my only friend. Don’t let it end. I want it to last forever. Don’t leave. Please, no.

“Come on, Soul. You can’t leave. Remember… remember how happy you were when played. I adored how you were… when you got to eat your favorite foods after so long. How much you smiled. The smile of a birthday girl. …Don’t tell me I never get to see it again. Don’t you dare! Stay with me and we will have so many more days like it. We can do whatever you want together. Anything. All the hugs you want. I will give them to you. Remember, Soul? How much you loved it when we did this.” Blight tightened her wings more. “You were like an angel. Such a beloved angel.”

Blight ran her nose against the mane of that angel. Sobbing so hard into her hairs. So hard to breathe now. My heart. It hurts. Stop hurting me, Soul. “You still have so much more. So many more hugs I can give you, and so much happiness ahead. All the games we can still play. I…I still need to beat you in a snowball fight. I thought you liked those. Playing with other ponies. …Rainbow. Rainbow Dash. You know Dashie wants to see you again and play with you too. How much will she cry if she never gets to see you? If you leave?”

“…How much will I cry?!”

9.51
It was that, the true terror. No. Not again. I don’t want to feel it again. Losing all, never again. Right when I had a friend. A hooffull of days in the midst of countless thousands of years without one. Go through it again? Is that my fate? Soul… she’s going to leave me… when I never wanted to feel this again.

Endless days in darkness, crying. I still remember it all. Like it was burned into my mind. Don’t put me through it again. Not after meeting you. Stop it. Stop.

I feel it…

Because Soul was gone.

Soulblight bit her fangs down into her own tongue. It hurt. Good. Bite harder. Anything to rid the pain. This pain in my heart. Soul does it to me. All ponies do it to me. The world does. And I want it to end. Because I feel it. Like… my heart… is torn. My flesh is scarred. I feel it all.

…They never left.

“I could not save… even you. I can never make anypony happy. …When it should be so easy. I could save you, my precious Soul Serenity… if I…” Blight beat her wings hard into the ground. Feeling a shock of pain rip across them. Up and down her spine. Good. “I weren’t like this. This useless body of mine. Then I could save you. Save you from all of this. But I can’t because I’m useless. …Soul, you lied to me… I don’t have any talent. None at all. You only said it to make me feel better about myself. The way you praised me, I loved it. But it was never worthy of you. Never! It can’t even help you! So… why even do it?”

Why say nice things to me? None of it mattered when it all led up to this. I failed you. More pain, more mistakes. When I must protect you. Protect your wish. You wished… for me. I will do it, you just need to stay with me.

“Stay with me!” Stay and I will make it happen. Prove I am not useless. Not that cruel pony who destroyed your life. Destroyed countless lives. All I want is another chance from this rotten world. To stop treating me like this.

Soul, you were the one who gave me that chance.

You gave me a chance and I ruined it. Put you in danger. Just so I could hug you longer. A loving hug that Blight missed and she knew, for certain, that right now, Soul wanted to hug her back. Somewhere deep inside of that still body, Soul comforted her. Her fur was so soft.

9.52
Another moment now when Blight may feel the love from her best friend with all of it slipping away with the wind. It was a moment she could put into a picture… to last forever. Hang it on their wall over the fireplace. I see it now. Looking at it. Mounted above me. A picture… of you and I. Together. For it to last forever. From whenever the picture may be taken to that point where both pegasi hugged in front of a warm fire where no harm may ever come to Soul. A time when everything may be forgotten. All the pain and suffering that had been inflicted. Gone. Made way for something beautiful all made possible by Soul. From the pony that nopony would ever expect to become what she is.

That is what makes her strong.

I admire you. I want it to be possible.

Soulblight cried the last of her tears into her mane. No more to spare. Feeling it… slip away. The feeling. It’s leaving. I can’t feel it. Running slow. Slower and slower. The breath of that pony against her chest. A cry in the wind. My only company… as all my dreams disappear. Right in my hooves.

I can still see my dreams. Us hugging in front of the fire. Never let go of that sight. The last thing she could hold on to as all her anger and fear took hold. The last vestige of her happiness. Of Soul… Soul Serenity. Her best friend. Her family. Rubbing her cheek against Blight’s. Sticking with her till the end. Into the dying night… both friends entwined. Together in the warmth of the fire. A moment to be made true.

I feel it.

It all ends with one final thing. The words I would tell you. Tell to the pony who I would hold. Who would hold me. Bring Soul to that moment. One to cherish forever. Her reward. For all the things that Soul gave. It was all worth it… just to tell her this one last thing.

May she hear me. May it soften against her heart. So it can ease her while I suffer. …Again.

“Soul Serenity, I love you.”

9.53
Did Soul love her back? Words never to be spoken. Not to be known. Not now when the entire world did hate her. It should. But… when Blight opened her eyes, she saw only light. Light and silence, sliding in through the cracks of Soul’s mane.

Shining light. Blinding. To brighten up the pony she held.

As if… the Sun had come out. Shining over them. Bringing its warmth down upon Soul, hearing exactly how Blight pleaded and doing its best to end her suffering. End Soul’s suffering. But that could not be. All her time living, nothing ever worked out. I always had to struggle and suffer to make things happen. Just to get one shred of joy. Do you want to take it from me again? Give me some useless hope with this light? Even if it looked beautiful. Even if what she heard made her ears twitch, and that was nothing at all. Like the wind itself stopped. Ceased its flurry of terror around them.

Ha, maybe it was a break in the storm. A chance for the warm days to bring life back to her best friend. It all sounded ridiculous. Nothing will change… with how that light shimmered and danced in the shadows of Soul’s hairs. All she had left. All I will have now.

My last light before it all goes dark again. Never thought I’d see it again.

As I leave you, Soul. Please… never forget that… I love you.

9.54
That noise. Something… cracked.

Blight stopped crying. All her pain. Ending it all when she heard it come up again. More of it. Like such a soft song. Where the wind could not even howl over it. This sound, I know it.

It’s impossible…

She looked up from her burrow. Seeing exactly what it was in front of her, right behind the still body of her friend.

The fireplace and its flame roaring and leaning close to where both pegasi sat on the old carpet.

She had to blink several times. Regain her bearing before she realized exactly where they were. The table and chairs with the plate that Soul ate her cake off of. Soul’s bed with the messy purple blanket on it. Soul’s dolls. We… we…

We’re home?

Blight was at a loss of words. Staring all around this scene. Up and down the walls and back down to the body of Soul laying inside of her wings. Right beneath her… and… she breathed. One little burst of breath coming out of her open mouth and tickling along Blight’s chest. Not waking up at all. Laying there as still as she had been in the blizzard, and Blight… she could now hear that wind again.

It took one look. Right to the closest window to see the hail of snow pelting the glass out in a dark and terrible world. One that they were safe from inside of this… their sanctuary. It’s like…

She looked back. Seeing it. This scene. One of two pegasi… hugging in front of the fire.

Blight had to raise one of her hooves up. Staring at the black fur that covered it. Seeing how her shining red eyes made it glow of blood even as she no longer could feel her fangs with a swipe of her tongue.

Did I… do this?

9.55
This… this is what I wanted. I wanted it so badly. For a warm and safe place for Soul. Freeing both of them from the worse of possible things to happen. It… did not.

Soulblight took the time to just sit there and wait. Feeling it. Soul’s chest rising against her body and then falling off again. Slow. Tired. But she still breathed. Not gone at all. Both of them were right where Blight wanted them. All because of me.

“I did this.”

Gone were the mountains. Gone was the snow. All the terrible things that wanted to take you from me, they’re gone. All gone. It almost made her want to start crying again. Feeling it. I never knew. Knew that this was possible. I never knew I could do this. Not like this. But I did? I feel it. How her stomach churned just a little right now and a coursing presence slithering through her body. Her magic. It stirred and comforted her. Before it faded away once more.

I did something… good. Because of my magic? Something really good.

She looked back down at her. Soul, you’re safe.

This feeling. I know what it is. But I never could tell I could do it… for another.

9.56
Soulblight held her breath. Staring upon the fire… and she smiled.

I… I… I can do it now? Hehe, I can do it! I can make everything right. I do have the power. All for you, Soul. All the power you want… it’s mine to give. Anything for you. Blight held her so much closer. Together in the warmth of the fire. I did it. I know how to do it.

I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for teaching me. For showing me… what it is I want, and I swear to do anything for it. You were the one who gave me this power. You are the one who is my true friend. I’ll give it all to you, Soul. And that is why… I’ll accept the life you dream of for both of us. I will make it so.

…You’ve played your part. Let me play mine now.

“Soul.” Can she hear me? It doesn’t matter. “I’m going to reward you so much for being so strong. I get to grant your wish.” Soulblight tightened her hug. “I love you.” Rainbow Dash will too. Now that it was possible.

Soul can go home.

The unicorns, they call it…

Teleportation.

9.57
“You’re… a lot heavier than you look.” It’s hard just to float you around. Soul did provide a good workout. Blight readjusted her hooves, holding her gently in any way she could to help lift the pony up. Pushing her up the side of the bed with everything she had left. Clenching her teeth, she let out a harsh breath and forced herself to pause just for a second. Enough to catch her breath again. She went back to it. Getting Soul up to the edge of the bed and then, one quick stamp of her hind leg, she pushed Soul up and over it. Feeling relieved as the weight of her friend was lifted off her so Blight may fall to the floor. Panting heavily. She swiped a hoof across her forehead. Actually sweating.

“There… we go.” I wish I could rest but I can’t. Soul needs me. That alone forced her right back up on her wobbly legs, standing over the bedside. Watching Soul lay there on her side. Like she was sleeping. If only that were the case. Her breathing, it’s still so slow. She looks like she’s in pain. Like she really is suffering. But… it looks like she will be okay. I will make sure of it. Doing anything to comfort Soul back to good health.

Blight leaned over the bed, placing her hooves around Soul’s torso. Exerting herself even more just to push Soul further back onto the mattress. It took a lot of effort from her just to do it but she did. Pushing Soul to a nice position in the center of the bed where she was confident the Pegasus will not fall from in her sleep. “Hang on, Soul.” She brought one of her hind legs up onto the bed, closing the distance for where she may grab hold of Soul’s head. Raising her head up. Enough room for the pillow to slide in under it with a burst of magic. Letting Soul fall right back down onto it. Nice and comfortable. Anything for her. She needed to be warmed up. Given whatever she could use.

What can help? There’s not a lot to work with out here. Glad you’re asleep, Soul. I’d hate for you to know that I have no idea what to do. Besides just warming her up. Keeping her safe.

9.58
Soulblight willed it so and the bed answered. Bringing the blanket to life, and it came forward to the base of Soul’s neck. Wrapping over her. Covering her entirely. The best of which Blight’s magic could do for it, the rest she decided to tend to personally. Using her own black hooves to feel around the creases of the blanket. She tucked Soul in. Hope it’s warm enough. If only you could tell me if it is. No way for that to happen. None. She could only go off what she knew of Soul, and that told her that she did like it.

I bet you would sing my praise.

What more can I do? Should I kiss her nose or something? I don’t know. No, I don’t think that is needed. But it sounded lovely. Something she certainly could get especially if Soul knew exactly how good of a day this did turn out to be. All the good news Blight had in store for her. Maybe she would… give me a kiss. Whatever. Just as long as Soul woke up soon, to see that lovely smile of hers again. Exactly like how Blight could not contain herself from smiling so much, ever since this was made possible.

Soulblight walked over to where the fire burned. Noticing that it seemed rather dull. Dying off since this morning. That will not do. It has to be like it always is. This cozy little world in this house. The wood from this morning had entirely burned away to nothing more than heaps of blackened chunks no longer recognizable for what they were supposed to be. That they used to be with those piles of wooden planks she left scattered about the side of the fireplace. Looks like the fire needed to be tended to as well. A task she did without question.

She used her magic to toss in a few more boards. Happy when the fire seemed so gracious and rose back up to life in the embrace of its newfound food. So it may burn bright once again, and it did. The room looked noticeably brighter to Blight and whatever warmth it gave off was lost to her. Just feeling the same nuances of stillness in the air. A curse Soul had not to worry about. She had enough already. The warmth looked good. Gracing Soul in whatever feeling it may give. However nice it was.

9.59
Blight took a deep breath now that the fire had time to build up. Inside of this fireplace, she stared at it. This… this may be the last time we will need to use it. All these boards she set out next to it, enough to last weeks. Never did she think that building it all up was going to prove to be a waste of time. This was the last chance that this fire had to keep her precious friend warm, and it burned so bright. Maybe even stronger than she had seen it do before. It looked beautiful. Crackled nicely inside of its glow. Like it knew the truth and did its best to deliver. Their final parting.

Why… I never imagined it to come so soon. Amazing. Like some sort of trick it may be. All the good things that had been happening, even if they were so few. Blight had to shake her head. Not in disbelief, no, she felt something more. It is astonishing. Twelve years and now… all this. A hooffull of days and everything has changed. Still leaving her to question it. Becoming friends with that beautiful pony she listened to rest in the bed. To this. This thing that made her look back down at her own hooves. Herself.

I… I finally am something.

I’m something to Soul, and I can’t wait for her to wake up so I can tell her. All that can be done is care for her till it happened. I think I can do a little more for her.

Blight eyed around the room for something she may use for it. One of the boards seemed tempting until she caught sight of the table and the silverware she had left on it from Soul’s birthday party. The plate.

She walked over to it. With so many crumbs of cake still left behind on it. The place where Soul had enjoyed her first meal in years. All thanks to Blight, it made Soul so happy. Delivered her so much comfort. Fitting for this plate to do a little more of the same.

What can be done with you? Closing her eyes and keeping the image of the plate firmly in the darkness of her sight. This is so easy now. Confident it will work and, when she opened her eyes back up, it did.

9.60
That plate had disappeared and a dish of the same color, the same material. It looked only like the plate had just simply morphed its shape. To become the cup it now was. With hints of steam rising out from the top. Soulblight stepped up to look into it. I did it right. Seeing her handiwork. Nothing too over the top. Just one simple thing that can help Soul.

Blight’s magic grabbed hold of the cup, bringing it right to her. The hot water inside of it sloshed about. Eager to escape. It stilled. Hovering in front of her nose. Watching the wisps of steam begin to die off as it cooled. But she did take a moment to sniff it. Does this stuff smell like anything? Soul always drinks this stuff. No, …it didn’t smell like anything. How odd for Soul to like it. But if she did, then best to give her some. Warm at that. Might warm the pony up. But she hesitated to bring it over. Noticing the distance between her and Soul, just several steps but… a good chance to try it again.

Blight grinned. Letting go of her magic, the cup simply fell into her own embrace. Clutching the cup to her chest with one leg. Hold it tight exactly like with Soul. This always was so easy but now…

The cup.

Bring it over to Soul. Blight closed her eyes again. Seeing just a faint spark of yellow light from the fire flickering in her vision. One light in the darkness before… all became dark. For just a brief second. Darkness and then… unease. Inside of her stomach again. Blight opened her eyes back up. Finding the bed right at the tip of her chest. Soul literally a leg’s reach away now, and… she looked down. The cup. Still held firmly in her grasp.

It came with me.

So… that proves it. I can do this. I’ve done it twice now. As many times needed. My magic… amazing. Like it really is coming back to me. I can teleport… others. Amazing. Still an amazing regret. If only it had been sooner. No, it took all this time and all this pain just to discover this simple trick!?

Should I be proud or ashamed?

I wonder how Soul will take it. So be it.

9.61
Blight knelt back over the bed, coming closer to Soul and letting her magic take hold of the cup again. Levitating it over both pegasi. Allowing Blight the time she needed. She reached out. Forgive me for touching you like this. Touching the tip of her hoof to Soul’s lower lip. A firm touch, she pushed Soul’s head up. Letting it rest on its back. Keeping her muzzle staring up to the ceiling. The cup came in closer. Soulblight opened Soul’s mouth just enough for the cup to slip in and tap against her lips.

Slowly, the cup tipped and it all fell in. Not sure what to expect. She felt it may have worked. Soul’s throat gurgled a little and then… she heard it. Saw it. Soul began to drink. Just a little. Blight gave her a few seconds to drink before she took the cup away. Save the rest for later. No reason to give her all of it right now. As long as she drank the warm water, that was enough.

Soul sighed in her silence. Slow. Almost as still a sound as Soul herself was. But there was a little hint in it. That sigh did not sound like one she may make until Blight heard a little break in it. It was Soul’s soft voice. One little sound. Brief before Soul’s mouth closed on its own.

I’m no doctor but I think she’s okay.

Blight eased her friend’s head back down to the pillow. Leaving her to her rest. All the rest she would need, take it. Now that she is okay. The one thing to make me feel better. Soulblight could only sigh… in happiness.

9.62
She laid down next to Soul’s bedside. Setting the cup aside, not needing that as her company. Keeping it all out of the way. Leave her to her thoughts while she listened to the steady breathing of her friend up above.

A long night was ahead. Or is it even night, I don’t care. The window in front of where she lay, it gave no answers with that blizzards raging as hard as ever outside. All that darkness. It made her mind wander. Listening to how peaceful Soul was. Remembering how nice she looked resting up there.

I almost lost it all.

It could have happened. All the fear. I still feel it. A small hint of it ringing inside her body. Soul trapped out there. Out in that world. I never had a problem with this world. But it just tried to take Soul away from me. It almost did. That knowledge alone made Blight shudder. Just like last night. I still feel it. That fear. She ran her hoof over her fur. Like her skin crawled. I hate the feeling. That… eye.

Forget it! I don’t want to see it again.

Just… I’m happy she’s okay now. She doesn’t need to suffer much longer.

All these days spent here. How quick they passed by. Out here in this snowy land. This world… that I never thought I would be a part of. In this hailing blizzard, I see it all. To think… twelve years ago. Twelve long years of this. But… why does it feel like so much less? It all feels like nothing now.

So many days. Alone. Having to cry to myself. Watching this world go by me. How afraid I always was. Like it is all gone now. Like this world is so much brighter. Better… now that I have you. You took my pain away. All the blood and sadness. All the pain and danger. It’s all nothing now. Seems so distant. Lost forever now… now that I have seen your beautiful smile. One that I gave to you.

Everything was worth it.

9.63
The pain was in the past. Soul doesn’t need to suffer anymore. Now, now is the time when I can deliver you from all of it. Yes, all the lovely things you want. No need to dream of them anymore. Not now, not anymore. Not ever again.

“Just think about it, Soul. You get to make all your dreams come true now. Isn’t it fantastic?” Of course no answer came from the slumbering Soul. She didn’t need an answer for it was plain obvious. It was all going to happen when, just a few days ago, seemed like it was a dream. This day came so fast. This moment. This miracle. Take you back home. You can have your friends back. You can have it all back. It has to happen. It is destined to. Because I will make it so.

The day to see Soul truly happy.

I will bring it back to you. You will have it all. You will have… Dashie. She can help you. Do everything that I can’t. Back in Equestria, the life that you miss.

How much will it take to make that day happen? How long? So Soul will be happy forever. Years upon years of happiness after years upon years of suffering. Those days could not come soon enough. But they are there. On the horizon. You won’t have to wait long for it. Someday… that joy can be for both of us…or even just for one. May it be the better pony. May it be you, Soul. When I deliver to you what it is that you want. What you deserve. Your freedom.

We will wait together. So Blight did. Closing her eyes. Leaving all the troubles of this world behind. See only that happy magenta Pegasus. The one I will make happy. The one I will reward for all her patience for these past twelve years… when she hears my good news. A new day will be dawning.

You and me, Soul. We shall be leaving this place soon.

9.64
Damn. My head hurts. When did that happen? When did any of this happen?

The fireplace twinkling at the other side of the room. Rising over her bedside. It almost looked like it was about to die. Not at all what she expected to see unless… it was all a dream. That’d be a first. The first dream without Rainbow Dash. The first dream without the pain. Even if this did feel so real. More real than any nightmare.

Soul sighed. When she did that, she felt it. A chill ran down her spine. It made her shiver.

Wait...

That… that was no dream. That was right. I was playing with Blight… in the mountains. Laying with her and… that happened.

I was… Soul shot up in her bed. Gasping for breath, as if she were out of air. May as well be the case. This moment was just as scary as that. That… that all did happen. All of it, the last thing, was Blight’s feathers around her inside of a hail of white.

I felt nothing. No more cold. No more fear. It was all gone.

It’s gone. It’s all gone. There was no snow. Nothing here to hurt her. Only that chill down her spine. It slipped away. Only feeling such a bad pain in her neck.

I’m safe. I’m in bed. Looking all over it, how the purple blanket with all its hearts hugged her. Never before… never did it feel so good. It almost tempted her just to fall right back and go to sleep with how warm it was. Not now. So much changed since she last saw anything. So much left over, but one question did hang on her mind. Where is…

9.65
“Good morning.” Soul’s ears perked up. T-there she was. It was her sound. Soul looked over to where she heard it and… there was Soulblight. The black Pegasus looking up over the edge of the bed. Laying down below. Just her face was there, sat upon the bed’s edge and… the most lovely smile Soul ever saw from her. Why, it was nearly ear to ear. Not even a hint of fear or pain in her look, …not like she looked before. Things… something did change. What happened?

“H-hi.” Soul put a hoof to her mouth. Surprised how bad her voice sounded. Feeling like a chore just to talk and how bad it came out… embarrassing. The pain in her head flared for a moment. Making her dizzy right there. A quick run of her temples fixed that up. Blinking again and again and revealing the room to herself again. Clear as day.

“Geez… what happened to me?” All this pain. It made her rub a hoof back there and, upon bringing that hoof back to see, revealed nothing. It did hurt to touch back there. I really thought I was bleeding. Soulblight giggled. Surprising Soul even more. She looked so happy. Unusually happy. The black Pegasus closing her eyes. “Oh Soul.” She opened them back up and she rose from the floor. Almost jumping right on the bed with her, just letting her forelegs bring her close to Soul. “I’m so happy you’re awake. You slept so long.”

So long? How long? When did I fall asleep? Just the cold and the dark. Like nothing had happened since the snow. Unless… is this just like the other time when…

“Did I… pass out?”

Soulblight’s smile shrank. She nodded. So it did happen. I passed out in the cold. I blacked out. That cold. Everything. Like everything had disappeared. No, just the cold. I just… Soul rubbed her head. Can’t even think anymore. Everything is just a blank.

“How long as I out?”

“A day… it’s morning now” Blight said. That’s a relief. At least it isn’t like last time. But, Blight must have been so worried. I really need to learn to stop doing this to her. Twice was enough. Every time must have been heart aching for Blight. It must be terrible to see your best friend pass out. Doing anything to help them. Save them. Save… me?

9.66
“Soulblight…” Soul glanced over to her friend. “You saved me, didn’t you?” Soulblight stared at her. Keeping hold of what little smile she had left, but she did trail her sight off. Lowering her ears. Looking so innocent. Sweet. That alone was answer enough. There was no need to hear any words. “Thank you so much.” Soul rolled herself over in her bed, looking across from her. Perfect place for her to reach a hoof out and touch Blight’s shoulder. Bringing the mare’s gaze back to her.

“What is that… twice you’ve saved me?” Soul asked. “Three times actually” Blight said. Three… oh yes. That was right. The thing that started all of this. Man, her head was woozy right now. It made Soul laugh. Just for a moment. She could still lean forward without having to puke. Wrapping her forelegs around Blight and giving her the thing she loved her to do. Soul gave her the tightest hug she could do without making herself pass out again, feeling her own dizziness come back on.

She got it back. Soul felt Blight’s legs come up to her back and hug her as well. Setting her cool and soft head down on Soul’s shoulder, she whispered. “I was so afraid I was going to lose you.” It must have been terrifying. I never want to put you through that again. No more stupid decisions.

“I promise you I won’t do it again” Soul said. “For as long as we’re here.” This place won’t get me again. Sometimes, this place really did so very cruel. In this prison. I can’t let it happen again. Gotta be more careful. If not for me, than for Blight. Worrying this pony all the time.

“You won’t need to keep that promise for long” Blight said.

What? But I should keep this promise. No more worrying you. She never thought to hear such a thing from Blight. There won’t be anymore mistakes. No need to doubt it.

Soul released her grip, Blight did the same and both pegasi stared into one another’s eyes. “What do you mean?” Soul asked. “I’m saying, …I can’t let you worry for me again.”

9.67
Soulblight pushed herself off the bed and back down on the floor. Where she cocked her head and smiled deeply. It took a moment for Soul to see it but, Blight’s tail started wagging behind her. “Let me show you something” Blight said and she reeled her head down. Disappearing under the bed’s edge for just a moment and coming back up. Delivering even more surprises for Soul. She held flowers in her mouth. The same flowers that Soul had given to her days ago. Gently letting them go onto her bed and pushing them just a little closer with her nose.

“Remember when you gave me these? This beautiful gift that made us friends?” Soul nodded. Where are you going with this? “Well… I think it’s time for me to repay you” Blight said. “Repay me? But… you already have.” You don’t need to do anything. I just gave you those flowers to show that I do care for you. That I wanted us to be friends. We are friends. The best of friends.

Soulblight looked off to the right, over to the window. Staring out it. Soul followed her gaze just to see the rays of sunlight shining in betwixt a light fall of snow. Looking to be a beautiful day compared to what she last saw out there. Maybe… did Blight want to play outside again? Have some sort of fantastic game ready? We can do whatever we want outside. No problem. Soul welcomed it.

“Soul, I cherish our friendship so much” Soulblight looked back at her. “You’ve given me so much.” Just saying that, it almost made Soul blush. Knowing she meant that much to Blight. It was beautiful. “So I want to make you just as happy. My gift to you for being so strong and being by my side. Tell me, what was it again that you wanted? The thing that you have wanted for years?”

Which thing? Does she mean…? Well I do know what I want. Something that I have wanted since I got here, something I wanted for both of us. Flying together. Playing together. Growing up and living great lives alongside one another. Being there when the other was sad, and smiling when the other succeeded. Making so many friends together. When both of us may find love. So many things to look forward to… all back home. In Equestria.

Was that it?

9.68
Soul’s eyes widened. Soulblight’s gift. To make her the happiest pony. She could not possibly mean that. After twelve years where nothing seemed possible to make it happen. Not even Soul’s best efforts could make it happen. Not now. Maybe in the future, she hoped. Not something she ever believed to be handed to her right now. That was why she found herself struggling to contain herself. Wanting to scream out in excitement and groan in disbelief. Fighting with herself over what the true meaning was that Blight was telling her. But she wanted to believe it. She had to. That was why she asked the big question

“Do you mean? Are we…?”

Blight nodded. A tear went down Blight’s cheek. “Yes. Soul, we’re going home.” That was when a tear went down Soul’s cheek and she could finally smile. Knowing exactly now how she may feel. She let it out. Soul squealed in excitement, kicking her hind legs against the blanket that covered them. Close to just letting herself fall into Blight. She fell forward. Catching herself in time from just bumping her head into Blight’s head. This is impossible.

“Wait… are you serious?” “Yes” Blight nodded her head. Laughing so much. Soulblight bounced against the bed, happily laughing. “You’re shitting with me” Soul said, not able to break her own happiness as she said that. “How?” That was the thing she needed to know the most now. Just a flood of questions. Exactly how this was possible. What do I need to do? Who could expect something like this? Out in this land. This… this was the greatest news ever. Of course, Soulblight had to be the one to give the news. My best friend. She gave her answer, the answer to the one question that stood in the way of all their happiness and excitement.

9.69
“Soul, I figured out how to do it. It’s how I saved you. My magic it can…” Soulblight shook her head. She is just so ecstatic. She continued. “I learned how to do something that can make it happen. I… I can teleport us.”

Teleport?

“What is teleport supposed to mean?” Soul asked. Some crazy magic? “I can take us anywhere I wish” Blight answered. “I can do it… for you now. I figured it out. I know how to do it.” Go anywhere!? So, we really can. It was so hard to hold it in. Another scream felt the urge to come out, taking everything just to hold it back but it did come out in another way. Soul’s wings beat hard against the mattress she lay against. Bringing her to the brink of tears in how much this news meant to her.

All because of Soulblight.

Why is this black Pegasus just too much to not love? There is… no way to thank her. There is no way to show just how much this all meant. We can go home. We can leave. Right when I thought… I thought we may never be able to. Years upon years. All it took… the only thing to change everything… was this pony. She is so nice to me. I don’t deserve it. But she is giving it to me. After all the heartbreak, am I really that important to her?

Twelve years ago… it all lead to this. Soulblight. You really make me want to shout this out. Best friends forever. No hug will ever make it up. A lifetime. All in reach now. A lifetime with the ponies I love.

9.70
“Do you want to go right now?” Blight asked. What?! Right now? Soul held her breath. Her mind racing over what was about to happen. “Now? But… where are we going?” Soul wondered. We can go anywhere. But to where? My house? Cloudsdale?

Cloudsdale…

Would it be right? Damn it, having to wait till now to think it all out. Going to Cloudsdale. Would anypony want me back? Would it be easier to just go straight to… “To Dashie” Blight said.

Back to Dash. My first friend. She is the only pony out there that I want to see. Some way… to make it all up to her. So she will accept me again. Some way. This was never going to be easy. Nothing ever was. But this chance, it could not be passed up. If not now than never. There was no reason to delay it.

“I still know where she is… right now” Blight said. Her ears perking up. Twitching. “I can take us right to where she is.” “Where is that?” Soul asked. She can’t be living with her parents. Maybe somewhere else in Cloudsdale. With the Wonderbolts or whatever, really anywhere.

“She’s in the middle of a town called Ponyville” Blight said. “In the Canterlot valleys, have you heard of it?”

Ponyville. Sounds… familiar. Wait… she lives there? I think it was in a book. A little town… down on land? Dash? I wonder what made her go there. Rainbow Dash, she always seemed the type who would want to stay in the clouds forever. High above the land far below. She seemed to love Cloudsdale. Wanted to stay there. She lives… in someplace like that. Ponyville. I… I don’t even know what it’s like there. Never even been there. Seen it. Should I be afraid?

9.71
“Ponyville? What… what if somepony recognizes me there? I don’t know what to do.” Ponyville. So we really are going back to Equestria already. The land that hates Soul Serenity. All it takes is one pony. One pony and it will all be ruined. Celestia will find me… and she’ll get rid of me again. Get rid of me… or what if she… does that to me? No, I just want to see Dashie. I need to. I have to make things better.

“Soul” Blight said in an ever-soothing voice. “You won’t get caught.” How do you know? What, so now you can predict the future? Oh please, let me know. What can I do?

“You worry too much” Blight said and she walked away from the bed. Over to where the fire burned. “Twelve years, remember? That is quite a long time. A long time for things to change, …such as yourself.” Myself? Interesting. What do you mean? “You were a filly back then. Now look at you, you’re a full-grown mare. You’ve grown more beautiful, changing with all that time. Sometimes…” Blight looked back at her. “Even I find it hard to compare you to that filly from twelve years ago. Now I wonder how hard it would be for some nobody in Ponyville to recognize you. To them, you’re just a very beautiful mare.”

Really? She looked over to the thing by the foot of her bed. The mirror. Able to just see herself in it. A little scruff in her mane here and there but she looked alright. Older, maybe… beautiful. I never saw myself as any different from twelve years ago. But… it was right. Her wings far larger than before, her eyes even deeper. Mane and tail so much longer and wrapped in even more stripes than what she recalled herself to have as a filly. Even having a cutie mark now, and… she glanced down lower at her reflection. Well… I look a lot thinner now. Is this really enough?

Will nopony recognize me? It… is it good enough? Soul sighed. A little more confidence growing back. I have to trust her. Soulblight had never let her down before, always looking out for her, she was not going to now. Her word… Soul could trust. So she did. She trusted her in all that she said. Accepting to Blight’s proposal. A fact that it seemed Blight was well aware of when Soul heard a swoosh of air blast across the room and the dying of the light where Soulblight stood overlooking the empty fireplace and all the last bits of embers it cast off. Their last need to use the fireplace. It was over.

“I’m excited to see Rainbow Dash again.”

9.72
Soul got out of her bed. Leaving the covers open. The pillows behind. For this was to be her last use of this bed. Her last use of everything here, and Soulblight seemed to feel the same way. “I’m so excited!” Blight giddily yelled. Strolling across the room and over to the door. “We finally get to leave this place.” Hehe, it’s cute watching Blight so excited. Pretty much bouncing off the walls, prancing around on black hooves. We are going home. It’s been so long, and I never imagined we would be leaving… so soon.

I can really have a life back home.

Rainbow Dash and Soulblight.

I always hated this place, but… seems like it did something. Strange, I never saw it before until now. Now when the words she had longed to hear had finally been uttered. That they were going home. Standing atop the carpet with her tail swaying against the side of the bed, feeling how soft it was against her. Seeing every last bit of this house. All of it her refuge from the cruel punishment she had been delivered for making all the mistakes of her past. Even the snow outside seemed delicate right now.

But I know better. This place is not for me. It’s not my real home. It delivered just too much sadness and pain, and in the dark of it all it did still manage to shine one light. Funny how that light was as black as night, this pony in front of her.

“I have no regrets” Soul said. Blight stared back at her. No regrets at all. “What… is wrong?” Blight asked.

9.73
Soul rubbed one of her hooves along her foreleg, taking her last time to look around the house. So much. Too much happened here. She could still see how so many shards of broken glass lay about at the foot of the damaged mirror, exactly where she saw the last bits of dark spots staining the carpet around it. The worst moment if her life. To the sounds of the wind howling outside. Their constant reminder that, yes, this is her home from now on and she will never be able to return to Equestria again. A thing she did believe to be fact at one point.

It was all something I thought I had to beat on my own. But… it was all meaningless now. Just a lie. She saw the table and the remains of where she ate her birthday cake and all the dolls scattered about the floor. How she laughed and cried in joy. Just a few days of it after years of loneliness. Such a difference, but… I can admit one thing.

This… was the best moment of my life.

Soul turned around, looking over to where the window by the door hung. Always just low enough for her to peek out which she did. Walking over to it just to see the last sight of it all. Feeling how Blight’s dragon eyes watched her. Stop just standing around. “Come over here” Soul motioned for her friend when she took her position by the window. Leaving a nice space for another pony to stand with her. Soul gave a little more room which Blight took. Bringing herself right next to Soul in front of the window, rubbing her soft fur against Soul. Soul took a look outside. To the thing she wanted to see one last time, …because it did mean something. Even if it was outside in that land where few things proved to be good. This one was good. Because it did represent something.

“She’s still out there.”

9.74
Their snowpony. Still standing proud out in the falling snow, right in front of the house. Of their house. Like nothing had happened to it in the entire day it had stood. Nothing fell, nothing changed. The same symbol it was meant to be when it was made. Perfectly representing something to Soul that she now cherished. How it still continued to smile on, raising its… her wings out to the sky like she was ready to fly and enjoy this world she had. Even her eyes lit up though they were just snow, Soul saw the happiness she felt.

Is she happy for me? Seeing her creators able to achieve that which they set out to do long ago. Or, maybe… she felt happy for the same reason that Soul did. Sharing in her pleasures. For the snowpony was her. It bore her cutie mark, her mane, everything about her including her happiness. Managing to find that one bit of happiness she needed in this, a world of darkness. Soul glanced all around. Like trying to find that one happiness that made the snowpony smile. Nothing but snow. Beyond where the storms raged, blocking her in. No more. Not because of her wings or her skill. That was all meaningless now. No longer having to go off to those mountains in the distance. Spend hours there all alone in the hopes of achieving something.

I’ve been so foolish. To see it now. What she was meant to achieve this entire time. It was not something she alone had to work on. It never had been. Until now, when she learned this and all the joy it brought unto her. But she still managed to do one last thing for all that out there that proved useless to her. It was useless for what I had been trying to do. But… I really think it helped me with another goal.

Thank you.

To the snow, the mountains, the wind and the sky. Even if none of it liked her, it had still been quite a journey.

9.75
Soul turned away from it. Leaving the image of it all burned into her mind. Forever wishing to remember that snowpony. May she last forever. A monument to what I went through. What I found here. Last forever. Like the way she smiled. How both of them smiled and all the times that approached where she hoped to smile even more. It can happen now.

Soul came right back to her bed, listening behind her to the sound she loved to know was happening. That Blight was following her. If she wanted to, Blight can take in every last bit of this place. The same that Soul wanted.

“I have no regrets for being here… for twelve long years” Soul said when she stopped her stride to stand over the things that helped to give her the reward that this land gave her. Wrapping one of her hooves around one of them. No, not that one. Not any of these normal ones. Soul looked across the pile to the two that did mean something more. Two dolls. One with the scuffs along its surface from all the times she held it. This small companion she saw so much of something else in. When she first found it all alone in this house for untold years, and the other one. The one that had not been graced by her.

It had the same messy, long mane and tail as the one who made it.

Soul grabbed hold of both pegasi dolls, holding them carefully against her chest. A final hug. Just for a moment, for this was not their place. Their place was together. Just the two of them. It can be seen within them. Even if they had been separated for years and years, they were here now. Together, and they will give each other company for now on. Without Blight and I here anymore.

“Even if it had been lonely and not the first place I would want to be, I still am happy I experienced it.” Soul put both of them on the bed. Right on their little hooves, they stood proud. Next to one another. Not good enough. They were closer than that. Soul pressed her hoof against one of them until it came just close enough to the other for the tips of their wings to touch. “Because I got something out of all this…” Soul shook her head. “I can’t believe this adventure is over.”

She felt a hoof set down on her back. Where Blight was at her side, she leaned in and joined Soul to watch over both the dolls. But she spoke.

9.76
“Our adventure has just begun, and it was a beautiful beginning.”

Blight came in and placed it right in between the two pony dolls. Soul watched how she meticulously pushed and pulled at where it sat trying her best to do what she thought she was trying to do, and it happened. Blight reeled away from it so both of them may marvel this little creation they made. One where both of the dolls, the best of friends, held this between them. Wrapped snugly between their wings casting all the light of the petals upon them. From those beautiful flowers.

“I am so glad to have experienced it with you” Blight said. Soul noticed she turned around, she did the same, till both pegasi stared at one another. Smiling deep. Smiles that were now capable of flourishing. For it was that feeling that had been made to exist at the end of all of this. All the past gone. Wish it all away. Because we have each other now.

Soul and Soulblight.

The truth in it all. Both pegasi said it together. “I’m glad I met you.”

Soul put her hoof to her mouth, surprised how both of them said the same thing. She feels the same way. I love it. She looked up at her friend again. The look in Blight’s eyes. A little shimmer of light in all that yellow and a tiny little twitch in her body. Blight was happy. She meant what she said. It came exactly where it came from Soul. From her heart.

“Time to say goodbye to everything” Blight said.

9.77
Yes. It’s time to go. The last time to see all of this. The last time for them to be here.

Soul nodded. She did not have to say it for the reward that had been given to her was more than enough to prove to her that the land was ready for her to leave. It had already said goodbye to her. Time to accept that gift. Her final goodbye. “Thank you… for everything, Blight.” I say it to her, to the only thing in this land who deserves it, and I mean it. For the pony I never thought I’d feel this way for. The words hit home. Doing to Blight exactly what Soul imagined herself to do to get such praise with how much she smiled, even having to look away from Soul. Embarrassed. How her legs fidgeted and a tear came out of her eye.

My best friend. I’ll do anything to make her happy like this. Because I know that… I am important to her. Important enough to give me this. To do all of this. I hope to repay her someday. For now, just give her this.

Soul patted a hoof down on Blight’s mane, and… Soulblight made a little noise in her throat. It sounded so sweet. Like such a fawning child. Soul could not resist rubbing the top of her head. Laughing inside. For my great friend. All the chance she had to mess up Blight’s mane. She sure took her time to stop her, telling Soul that she did like it. Until one of those black hooves swiped her hoof away.

“Come here, you” Blight said. She opened her wings up to Soul. Soul almost did fall into them, but it was too late. No, Blight was the one who did it. Leaping into Soul and putting those great wings around her. Somewhere under it all, Soul felt her friend’s hoof come up and around the back of her neck. Holding her close inside the soft wings.

“Time to get your happy ending” Blight said. “Just let me know when you’re ready to go.”

If only we could spend so much more time like this. But we can’t. No reason to hold it off. Not when there was still so much to do. Soulblight is right, this is all just beginning. That happy ending… may it not be too far.

To see that life… once more. I can see it.

“I’m ready.”

“Stay strong, Soul. This will probably make you a bit dizzy.” Whatever it takes, let’s just do this. It’s time.

Goodbye. Goodbye to all of this. Never need to see this world again… and back… to my world. One that I love.

Together with my best friend. I have to tell her before she does it. Leaning back up inside of Blight’s hug, she whispered into that black ear.

“Thank you.”

Seeing only… that darkness.

Soul closed her eyes.

Part 3 Solace - Act 1

Solace

1.1
The darkness did not last.

None of that void as it was the best to describe it. Happening so quickly. Almost like it didn’t happen at all. But she still felt it. Saw it. Heard the rush of all the air sent out by this void. How it swirled and billowed when she blinked.

Then Soul blinked again. In came the light. Rushing right at her from within that darkness. Taking it over, destroying it. Whatever it was. She tried her best to see what it was that she exactly saw until it became familiar in the end. Familiar and… warm. Soul actually let her eyes fall when she felt a nice sensation run down along her legs and belly. Swishing and coursing about. Tickling her fur. Letting it soak right into her mind just like… splash.

Wet? Something was dripping and she felt it, running right down from her wings while it did as it had been doing… soaking her fur alongside that rush it gave to her. All across her. She had to look. Opening her eyes. No more darkness. Nothing like what had been dancing in her vision so quickly. No, something new danced in front of her. All around her.

Water.

Not at all like that pitiful water she bathed in. As she lifted her forelegs up out of it just to see if what she was seeing was actually true; at all that water splashing down from her fur, she just found herself simply adoring how warm it was. Not just her legs and stomach. It was a rush. A sensation. Like it electrified every corner of her body and even made her shiver. Just once. Only once. It was something she noticed. Not needing to shiver so much. Feeling this again.

This… this was exactly what she imagined.

Falling right down into a nice and warm hug or right back into a steamy bath though this water lacked it. But… the Sun provided.

Soul glanced all around her body. At how her fur shone bright in the sunlight and wandering to the image of the water she sat in. There… it made her gasp.

The Sun. It blazed brightly under her, in the water. Shimmering and waving with every move the water made. Just one thing that water gave her to see. There was so much more. Soul… she had to look.

1.2
It was only when she shot her head up… that was when she could tell her eyes were wider than they had ever been before. So wide they hurt. But there was no way to stop, not when seeing this. That first thing that shot across overhead. Flapping with wings just like her. Then another. Singing through the sky, just above her, a flock of… birds.

Brown feathered, little guys with wings so small but so strong. The same creatures from… long ago. Why, they looked the same. Everything looked the same. That was why Soul felt a small laugh begin to pop up in her throat. For how could she ever hold back such emotion to witness it again?

The sky. It’s my sky!

Ever flowing in a constant little plain above her. High up but so close, she could nearly touch it. Even raising her hoof up to it and all the blue that she wanted to let wash over her. As blue as the water she sat in. Blue and empty. So few clouds. It was like a miracle. Seeing this. W-where were all the other clouds? How… no way this could be made possible. For the sky to change so fast. Small puffs of white clouds hanging low overhead, and that was it. Nothing but open sky circling around the great yellow orb that warmed her face so much that she sighed. Kissing her cheeks in warmth. Inviting her up into that sky that belonged to it. An invitation she wanted to take, even her wings did too. Fluttering at her back.

This… this is the same sky when I was a kid.

Everything about it. So beautiful. So loving to her. Open to her and so many others. Like the birds… so many birds flying over her, and… is that a butterfly?! It was! Gliding just over her. Casting a shadow when its little wings caught the shine of the Sun. Then a bigger shadow. Cast by bigger wings far above that. Flapping strongly, they were all she picked out at first with just how natural it felt to see something beautiful fly through this sky before.

Is that a…

1.3
“Excuse me, sweetie.”

What… did something say something?

It damn near snapped her neck back when it took hold of her attention. Letting the sight die off when she saw it. Is that you, Soulblight?

But… that’s not Soulblight. No.

Soul saw her. Them. Four hooves. Fur of gold sporting a purple mane. Smiling right at her with what Soul saw as an impossible to believe moment behind that sight.

Ponies. …Everywhere.

Soul watched them all. Walking, trotting, even running. So many of them. Too many for her to count or even decide on if they may be real or not. Mares… stallions… children. Just marking every direction she turned. Doing things that… she had to be honest… she had no idea what they were doing. Just… things. One pulling some sort of cart filled with things she had no idea about. No wings, no nothing. That’s an… an Earth pony? And over there, they… they have horns. Unicorns, two of them, sitting atop patches of grass, just sitting there talking with many small ponies running about. Laughing. She even saw the bright red orb one pulled along in his mouth to a string; something I have not seen in so long. A balloon. Running off with two girls chasing after him. Giddily laughing among the grass and running out onto the brown stretching of soil running far ahead of her. Swirling about all around between so much grass.

Such green grass… it looks amazing. So amazing I can just eat it. But… it was just grass. Not like what really made her mouth water. A group of ponies with saddlebags packed full of… carrots… celery, fruits. All jutting out from the folds. They left her speechless as with how many ponies she saw frolicking about in the shadows brought down on them from what flew overhead… with those giant wings.

Dashing overhead in the Sun… other pegasi! All their wings. High flyers, low. So many. As many as there were ponies on the ground. This… this really was a…

“Excuse me.”

1.4
Huh? That pony right in front of her. No horn. No wings. Another Earth pony standing in front of her with a look she could tell was a little concerned, perhaps. “Could you please move?” the mare asked. “I’m trying to get a picture.” What? A picture with… oh, there’s her camera. Soul didn’t recognize it at first. Just some black box atop a stand next to the mare. Pointing right at her to whatever she was talking about. What did she even want a picture of? Of me? No, that would be stupid. Something behind me. She looked over her shoulder. It looked like a giant, purple pony loomed right over her. Standing. Reeling its legs up at her with all the shadow it cast. Something like it wanted to stomp on her.

Soul shuddered for a moment seeing it. But, that was no real pony. It didn’t even move. A pony still and tall. Atop some sort of pedestal, and ponies certainly did not shoot water out from the tips of their heads. Showering down upon Soul and the water she sat in. A water fountain? Wait. Soul looked back around her. Seeing the basin, how she sat on a hard and polished surface. Too white for it to be dirt. No lake. Like a bathtub. But bigger. Did I really...

Soul held her breath. Feeling all the embarrassment come over her, even wanting to hide herself behind her rising shoulders. Rude to do. So rude to have done this. “I’m sorry.” She got back on all four of her hooves, surprised when she slipped a little against the shiny surface under all that water. That didn’t stop her. Anything to get out of this. No bath. No normal water. Nothing she should have been enjoying sitting in. Sitting in a fountain. I must have looked dumb. That alone made her leap out from the water, landing right back down on a soft and ticklish surface that even made her heart leap feeling it. How much grass there was to touch against her. No snow or ice.

Something to marvel in later. I need to get out of here. Practically seeing the mare shaking her head in the corner of her eyes.

1.5
“What the hell was that supposed to be?” Soul blurted out, running off away from that embarrassing scene she put herself in. One minute I’m in front of Blight, now… we were supposed to go to Ponyville. But to end up in a fountain? If her body were not reacting so well to this, she’d say this was a dream. Not one at all. All the sounds, the warmth. A cool breeze even blew through her mane. Running through it all just to find a safe place, feeling all the ponies watching her. Probably gawking at how wet she was. None of that did matter in the end. Soul had to slow her run down just a little.

The feeling was amazing. The sights… they were beyond anything. Had that snowy village turned to summer all of a sudden? So many buildings. Small and large, surrounding her in colors the likes of which the village could never replicate. Flowers on the windowsills beneath open windows whose curtains blew in the breeze. Vibrant little colors matching so well with all the trees! So many trees! They even made her smile as she ran past. Towering high over the buildings with all their leaves swaying and flying about in the wind, caught up with the same path that flags took flapping atop houses and banners along the path she took.

There was no way this could ever be that village again, and so many ponies just staring at her, not taking time to marvel in this scenery. Look at it, you ponies. This is amazing! Something they got to interact with every day not even knowing what it really may mean. Some of them probably did. I sure do. Still listening to the birds that sang over all of it and all the chatter of the many ponies. Earth, Pegasus and unicorn ponies all about. So many of them. All together in this scenery.

This has to be Ponyville.

1.6
Blight did it!

All the sights and feelings, she couldn’t get enough of it… besides the soaking feeling she was getting along her butt. What a great way to arrive, Blight. What? Soul looked to her side. Where is she?

“Whoa!”

She heard it cry out too late. Soul felt it all slam along the side of her face and across her chest. Making her stop right in her tracks and, before she knew it, she was on the ground. On the ground with a hoof at her face. Sliding in closer to her but stopping short. Soul could not be kept down for long. Just a little pain in the side of her cheek, no big deal. Nothing like… what I’m used to. In fact, this felt a little soft. Exactly as she’d expect from what she just did. The punishment for not paying attention while she ran.

She looked up to whomever it was she ran into. First came the wings. Outstretched over and blocking out the sunlight. Covered in blue feathers. Staring up at a blue furred Pegasus. Not looking at all like the mare from the fountain. This pony was bigger, hulking, and the face… a stallion. Looking down over her with one brow arched beneath his short, black mane. Not at all something she expected to see like this, and for some reason it made her heart skip a beat with a rush of warmth going down her legs.

Not every day this happened. Not at all, and for that, Soul let her wings come up and cover herself now that this was happening. I feel like a total fool. First getting in the way of somepony, getting herself soaked and now running right into a big stallion. A Pegasus at that. Soul could still feel his shadow over her. Really making her afraid. I just got here and I’m already acting like a total spazz. Probably made this stallion mad. He’s so big, he… he could hurt me. Like… when I was... Please don’t hit me.

Oh shit! A Pegasus!? Soul widened her eyes. Is he gonna recognize me?

“Are you okay?”

1.7
He sounded… Soul found a word to put to it. Sweet.

Every thought just left from her. Replaced fully by her curiosity at what had just been asked of her. Am I okay? By the same voice that called out her attention right before she collided head on. Just a peek to see. Soul let some of her feathers spread out to see the blue face of that stallion right down in front of her. Leaning, peeking in at her as well with those eyes shining of rubies, as bright as his smile.

“Wow, you completely messed up.”

Soul heard another voice off to her left. Something that drew the stallion’s attention. His smile becoming a frown. “Running right into straight into mares like that, never gonna help, man.” “Shut it” the stallion said off to whatever was talking.

Soul refused to lift her wings away to see. Just preferring to watch the stallion who did smile at her before. His smile returning back to her. “Don’t listen to him” he said. “Can I help you up?” Soul twitched when one of his hooves came up to present itself to her face. Offering it to her own hooves left hidden under her wings. W-what a kind pony. This place, Ponyville, never see ponies do stuff like this. At least… I found a nice pony. Didn’t take too long. Could have been sooner to give her a better greeting to this place sooner but better late than never. Certainly not help she needed now.

Soul lost her gaze on the hoof her offered to her, falling off to watch her great wings slide off from her face and fold back up at her sides. Giving her plenty of space… for her to refuse. Bringing herself right back up with her own hooves.

“T-thanks” Soul muttered looking back up. Seeing she was almost face to face with the stallion. Not so tall now. Stammering her for a second. “But I can get myself back up.”

“You don’t look so good” another voice said. Sounding much like the one she heard the fellow Pegasus talking to. Accompanied by something touching her back. What the…! She almost bucked… but… it felt nice. Wrapping her up. Something that drew her attention. Finding it was none other than a sheet of black set down against her back. Curling about around her sides and coating her like it should have been. Somepony’s shirt. Moving around her in something she saw as very familiar. A mist. Not black, but white. Moving the shirt over her until it finally disappeared, leaving Soul feeling so warm under that covering. Birthed to her by magic from the pony standing alongside her.

Another stallion. Looking just as tall as the Pegasus, a unicorn wrapped up in a silvery shine that he could call his own fur. Casting his fiery eyes back over to her. “You can use my shirt.” Where the Pegasus sounded so soft to listen to, this unicorn, Soul could feel a little bit of subtle gentleness rubbing off over her just by how lucid his voice was. They want to welcome me? Be nice to me? Do they know?

“Did you fall in a lake or something?” the Pegasus asked. Okay, they didn’t know.

1.8
“No, …I… fell in the fountain” Soul excused herself. Guess that’s the truth but I’m not sure what happened. But it did make her entire body beg her to dry herself off. Not something the shirt was doing well on her backside. But maybe I can use it to dry off, if he’s okay with it.

“Can I really use your shirt to dry off?” He nodded. Wow, for somepony letting me use something of theirs... that had been a long time. Ponyville was very different. All of this was so different. I like it. A beautiful welcome for her. Soul didn’t know what to say. Eyeing the grass she stood on with these nice ponies. How many of the other ponies walking around us are also nice? None of them seemed to care about the three ponies standing around like this. Soul felt no eyes on her. Except for… “Come on, buddy” she heard the unicorn say. Prompting her right back to them just in time to see them leave. Well… the unicorn leave, wrapping his hoof around his Pegasus companion and dragging him along. “Give the lady some privacy” before he directed his eyes back in her direction. Pausing his pull on the Pegasus just to point a free hoof somewhere behind her. “You can be alone right there. We’ll be around.”

Around? Soul could just watch them leave. The Pegasus even shambling to keep up with the unicorn pulling him off, like he didn’t want to leave. A funny sight. Well, as long as they stick around for me to give this shirt back. Just now realizing the generous gesture they did for her when she saw that the unicorn had been pointing to an alley right behind her between two small houses. Well lit with plenty of little bushes in its midst. A secluded place for her. Perfect for her to dry off. Good, a ‘lady’ like me… shouldn’t do this in front of all these ponies. I’m not alone in that village anymore. Besides, I damn well don’t want any of them watching me dry off my butt.

Soul stepped off towards that alley, pulling the shirt off her with her mouth. Ready to get to work. For a moment to finally just sit down and look around. Doing this… while drying herself off. What a way to start.

1.9
Soul planted herself against the wall of one of those houses, feeling comfortable hidden behind one of the bushes the alley provided. All alone to start rubbing the shirt over her soaked hind legs. Ringing it out between her forelegs before getting back at it. Already feeling her legs start to get warmer just as her tail and rear did sitting on the soft grass. Get herself back to normal, easy while she listened to all the sounds around her.

Still hearing the children playing somewhere at the other sides of the houses. All the ponies talking. Words she could not pick out but still giving her a sense of wonder as to how incredible this change was. Never did she imagine she’d miss the sound of ponies and chirping birds so much. Anything to help her get this done faster, calming her down listening to the soft sounds. Finish this up so I can keep looking.

Not for Dash… but for Blight.

Still no sign of her. Where can she be? Not even knowing how this all worked in the end. Just in the house one moment, and in the water the next with no Blight in sight. Just remembering her words before. Wow was she right.

Soul stopped all her work, placing one hoof to her stomach. That really did come out of nowhere. Making her lurch forward, hoping it would go away as fast as it came on. That queasiness in her stomach. Sure took its sweet time or… had it been there the whole time? Way too much was happening. All of it still a blur.

I told you that you may feel dizzy.

1.10
Soul gasped. “Blight!” That was her voice. Soft. Gentle. But so strong, ringing in her ears in an echo. Like she was right next to her. She looked over her shoulder, frowning. Then the other shoulder. Empty. What? But I did hear her.

Everywhere she looked gave much of the same result. Alone in a strange new town, with one single task they both had in mind; Blight is gonna play this with me? That made Soul shake her head. This is no time to hide, come on out, Blight.

Fine.

Blaring off to her left. Bringing her nose right back around to see. “Here I am.” Blight’s pitch-black face burst right into Soul’s sight. Startling her for a moment. Just to see those dragon eyes come out of nowhere. A shocker still, no matter how much she got used to them. Throwing Soul right off her balance, having to catch herself with a flap of her wings to prevent her from falling over into the bush.

Soulblight cracked a little smile. “Oh get a hold of yourself. I’m right here” she said. Stepping forward to sit down right next to Soul.

Thank Celestia. Even though she scared her, Soul was more than happy to see her alongside her. Just a few minutes apart. It felt like forever. Not able to take in the beautiful scenery together, though Blight appeared to be doing just that with how Soul noticed her friend peering up over her head to something beyond. Staring at it and then looking back with perked ears to the empty space further down the alley.

“I guess we’re safe” she said turning back to smile at Soul. “Seriously, I leave you alone for a moment and you do all this.” She motioned to Soul’s soaked belly. Well not like it’s my fault. Something Soul caught out right as Blight said it. Making her snort with how irritated all of this made her. Not something she should be feeling. Giving herself a little time to cool down while she went back to drying herself off. This was all a new experience, not everything was going to turn out right. Especially like it just did. I could not have predicted this.

“Where were you?” Soul asked her. Doing her best to mask just how fragile her voice was asking that. Like a little bit of herself calling out. Showing just how worried she was starting to become after not seeing her best friend.

1.11
“I’ve been right with you” Blight said, but it was what she did that made Soul question her. She tapped a black hoof to her own forehead. Once then twice before resting it back down. What is that supposed to mean?

“No… you weren’t…” Soul pointed out. Answer me, seriously. Blight sighed. Motioning her mouth and leaning forward but stopping so quick, Soul witnessed her ears shoot right back up and spin around. Blight peering back over her own shoulder. Hoof held up. Soul swore she saw the fur on her back flail out. Two kids ran by between the opening at the end of the alleyway. Laughing and cheering, looking like they did not even notice the two pegasi watching them play. Watching till they ran off out of sight.

Blight slowly returned her gaze to Soul. Not lowering her guard at all. Wow, she’s so uptight. Shoulders raised and ears darting about. Listening for something Soul could not guess. “Look…” Blight whispered. Leaning in closer to Soul. “You know… know I’m shy and… well, I’m not exactly enthusiastic about strutting around the town.” Blinking her dragon eyes over and over. Like she were batting her lashes if Soul were think otherwise.

No, I get it. Blight, she is too bashful, that long time together showed that, but Soul understood. Blight was still very afraid of meeting new ponies, especially… like that. I think she looks cool, and she is cool. Other ponies… maybe not so much. The lesser problem. If Blight is shy, I have no right to make her do something she doesn’t want to. But hope it changes. So everything can work out.

Soul nodded her understanding.

1.12
“I’ll still be with you” Blight said. “Just…” she rose one of her hooves back up, not to her own head. It came straight to Soul, anticipating the feeling and then it came. Soul blinked when Blight tapped her forehead. “Right in here.” Soul also placed her own hoof to her forehead. What do you mean? So confusing, looking into Blight’s pleading eyes. Like she were asking for something. But for what? I should be the one asking for things. Like what the hell she was going on about. In my head?

“You lost me” Soul admitted making Blight sigh. “Should I spell it out? I’m too shy and want to stay inside your mind, if you’ll let me.” In my mind?

Soul had to touch her head again. Amazed more than anything. The fact that this had actually been requested of her when… she already did it. That was where she had been hiding this whole time? Preferring to stay in there till now, just like… when I was a filly. Huh, guess we really do have some strange bond. So it ran this deep? Shit. That made her rub her mane up and down. Not sure how to feel. Strange that she could do that, lack of privacy. But… I do enjoy Blight’s company so much. Maybe it will be interesting to have her in my head again. Hiding away in there just like before.

Wow. Back in Equestria with a pony in my head. Just like old times. Soul smiled. “Well you could have had to guts to fall in the fountain with me.” Choosing to hitch a ride instead. Soul giggled going back to finishing up on her legs. Confident Blight must be so elated now. Seeing just a little smile in the corner of her eyes and the black Pegasus leaning in closer. Joining Soul in sitting against the wall of the house.

“Just don’t mess around in there” Soul asked of her. “Don’t you worry. Not like I plan to wire you with an obsession for bacteria or something.” She could do that? Better not. I like myself as I am. Nudging her elbow against Blight’s side to remind her that.

1.13
Soul moved on to her stomach after giving her butt a thorough drying. Much relief there now. Almost done and not taking that long at all. No doubt those stallions must be getting antsy over how she must be doing. A fact that didn’t seem to bother Blight still sitting there more focused on looking around.

“We need to look around this place when we get the chance. …It’s fascinating” Blight said. Maybe Blight got to see everything that I saw earlier. It all really was beautiful. Nice to know Blight thought the same. Though it would be nice if she would like to walk around with me. She’d love to see how her best friend may react to everything around here while walking by her side. Not at all caring if other ponies saw her or not. Just so they can wrap hooves around one another and guide the other down the grassy paths and enjoy this beautiful town together like true friends.

“I saw that Pegasus did not even recognize you” Blight said, drawing Soul’s attention back to her. “Exactly like I said, and you handled it all so well. Public bathing and running into ponies, yet none suspected a thing.” Yeah, that was right. There had been so many ponies, countless ones who had all seen me and none of them even did anything to me. Even pegasi had seen me. Has it really been that long? Soul looked back over at her large wings and all the features of her body. Or maybe they all just didn’t care to notice.

But really, nothing bad had happened. So much could have happened and all she got was just a little wet. It still worried her a little. Impossible to shake it. That gnawing fear that somepony may recognize her, and so many ponies. Impossible to avoid it while searching for Dash. Venturing around the town!? That would be a mistake. Surprised she had not caught herself from thinking of exploring when so much was at risk. Only having to rely on one tiny fact about herself.

Would Dash even recognize me?

Somewhere in this town, amidst all these ponies, the one pony she wanted to rely on to make this all worth it, and I’m here with her. In the same town as Dash. Somewhere out there was her friend. No telling how far or where. Hopefully giving her plenty of time to think of something. What a bother. At least… I didn’t end up right in Dash’s face. What to do? What to do? So much to do with so little time. So little chances. So much against her, and here Blight sat looking as calm as Soul wished to be.

“Any idea where Dash is?” Soul asked her calm friend. Something better than an answer like ‘in the middle of Ponyville’. At least some way to track her old friend. A way that Blight spent just sitting there humming to herself.

1.14
Soul looked back up at her expecting an answer. Blight certainly was doing something. Gliding her eyes about with her ears. Staring off into the wall they sat before. Intently. Like she were trying to pierce right through it with just her eyes. Her humming stopped. Keeping still to herself, looking off to somewhere to Soul’s right. A direction that her black hoof pointed off in. “Somewhere over there, we’ll find her” Blight said placing her back against the wall again.

Somewhere over there. So this was going to be a journey. Soul regretted the idea of spending too much time walking the streets or even flying above them with all the pegasi. The longer, the worse off she may be. Then again, seeing Dash too early. Scaring her off. None of this is what she wanted, but they were all working against one another.

“Guess I gotta look for her” Soul muttered. Such a hard thing to do, Really hope it won’t be so bad. At least better than plopping in on Rainbow Dash right away with nothing to say. That… almost happened. It should have.

With one final ring of the shirt, Soul started. “I thought you were going to bring me right to Dashie. What was with the fountain?” “I did” Blight said. Looking back in another direction and then over to a group of ponies walking by on the other end of the alley. “Dash was there when I teleported. Now she’s gone. That’s what happens when one such as her is flying around.”

One hell of a coincidence. She better not have done that as a joke to get me wet. Though that doesn’t sound like her. Soulblight did like to play around, that much being true, but she’d not mess with her when something as important as this needed to be done. Rainbow Dash, she really must be fast now. A good challenge Soul hoped her to be when they will finally meet once again and it was that very same pony who just bought Soul more time to think this over. Guess Dash did help me just by flying around.

“Sorry I messed up a bit” Blight whispered. Sounding like she felt a little ashamed which was not at all anything for her to feel. Soul extended a hoof to her, tapping against that black shoulder of hers. All the fur that chilled her hoof in the heat of the Sun. Hopefully, Blight got a nice feeling out of being comforted like this. Blight didn’t mess up at all. She did good and Soul let her know that rubbing her hoof up and down her leg. She brought me here and gave me time to figure this out. She did very good. “Don’t you worry about it, best friend.”

1.15
Blight smiled. Bringing her eyes back over to glance at Soul with all that loving look she came to know well for the black Pegasus to give off. Charming Soul that she still had this pony by her side. Locked eyes. Unlocked. Blight shot a stare down the alley, over the bush and then… Soul widened her eyes not believing what she just saw as Soulblight disappeared before her very eyes. Just a dash of black. Nothing more. Going away as fast as her magic did. What…

“Hello.”

A call from over the bush. One voice she did recognize. Not Blight’s. The black pony who ventured off, disappearing off to… she bet she knew where now. Out of sight to all. Especially since this was now happening. It was the voice of the male Pegasus from before. Soul peeked out over the bush. Finding both stallions walking to where she sat. “You okay back here?” the Pegasus asked before finding just where Soul was watching them from. They came here for me? They must have gotten worried. Hope I didn’t take too long. No reason to keep them waiting longer.

Soul stepped out from behind the bush, brandishing the damp shirt in her mouth hopeful for the unicorn to see it. He did. “I’m all done” Soul muffled under the shirt, leaning forward to give it back. “Let me take that off your hooves” the unicorn said with a burst of his magic coming over the shirt and gently tugging it away. Soul let it go, right back to him. “Great. All dry now?” he asked to which Soul nodded. Letting her tail creep along her backside to be completely sure. Feeling out if any damp spots were still present on her tail. All felt good, as was her fur. A quick double check down on her legs shown them to be neat. Good to present herself to whomever.

“No need to stay back here then” the Pegasus motioned for them, back to the open space where so many ponies went about their day. Ripe for Soul to join back with all of them now that she didn’t look ridiculous and to get on with the goal. Needing no second thought to get her moving, following behind both stallions out into the sunlit grass again. Wide open space, even another pony allowing her to pass by. She had to give her a nice smile as thanks. Going back on, looking off in the direction Blight did point at earlier. So many buildings over there. Pathways everywhere. Perfectly arranged and with so much greenery.

So many ponies. H-how hard will it be to find a pony like Dash out there? Oh all this searching. Maybe I could ask…

1.16
“You look lovely, Ms.”

Soul’s ears perked up. The blue stallion said that. It brought her right back up to both stallions. Seeing how the Pegasus was glancing over his shoulder back at her with… such a smile on him. He looked funny. Saying that to me; Soul still tried her best to think over what he just said and how… the unicorn companion of his seemed to be giggling behind his shoulder. A motion she could tell he was doing. Whatever it was, it didn’t seem to bother the Pegasus whose smile did not leave. Glancing back down to the ground and leaving Soul’s gaze. She did the same.

Somepony said that about me? A pony I just met… why… do others think the same? Blight probably had not been kidding. Maybe I do look nice again, all dried off. Something the stallions noticed. At least there was that. It did flatter her. Doing a good job holding back a little smile of hers, figuring out she was actually rubbing one of her forelegs along her other one. Not sure how she should be reacting to having a pony say that for her but… she liked it. Very… very different. Even though she had no idea on how she truly felt about hearing a compliment like that. I wonder what it is about me that makes ponies think I’m beautiful. Dash, Blight and now this pony. How many other ponies think I’m beautiful? The possibility left her in so much appreciation.

Maybe my wings. They were beautiful and she could even say the same for them. Being noticed. Maybe she can trust them enough to ask though it sounded wrong. “Thanks… um…” Soul finished up rubbing her leg. Calming her wings back down. “You guys are nice. I… kinda feel bad to ask more from you.”

Go ahead and ask them. Blight’s voice boomed out around her. Oh, she was still listening. Geez, what does this even look like to Blight? An audience to Soul getting compliments. No way to tell right now. Soulblight still gave good advice and both stallions stood there waiting for her to speak. No sign they knew what was going on.

1.17
“We’re pleased to help” the unicorn said. “Aren’t we?” He shoved a hoof right into the shoulder of his Pegasus companion. Well if they all insisted. Maybe it will make this a little easier. “I’m looking for a pony named… Rainbow Dash… can you help me find her?”

“Rainbow Dash? I did see her fly off over there not long ago” the Pegasus said pointing his hoof off to his right, right over in the same direction Blight had given. Two ponies saying so, so it must be the case. Dash really was here, and she must be close. The unicorn also followed in the direction that had been pointed out. “Over there? She must be at Sugarcube Corner then” he said. Sugarcube Corner.

Sugarcube Corner. I think I know where that is.

I know where she is… and there are ponies who know where that is. It… it was happening. Already, and shivers went right down her spine.

“May I ask how you know Dash?” the unicorn said back to her. Soul saw no reason why she he didn’t need to know the little detail. A detail she was unsure if she could call truthful, no way to tell if it still held. “I’m her friend, …I just wanna talk to her.” “You’re friends with Rainbow Dash?” the unicorn responded. Sounding and even looking amazed. Coming in closer to her alongside his Pegasus friend. Even making Soul back up from their gazes. “So lucky to be friends with a mare like her” the Pegasus said. “Well we can help you find her if you want.”

Great! That was easy. Two ponies who knew the area alongside Blight who was so smart, this will be easy and make it quicker to get this over with. Less time out in public, the better. Soul smiled at them, receiving smiles of their own. Feeling like she just made some good progress, everything going so well so early. Like everything had turned around. Constant good news. Some new friends, maybe. If both of them would want to be. …After all this of course. No need for them to know the truth so soon about me yet. Soul nodded her head.

1.18
“Excellent, by the way, my name is Solaris” the unicorn offered his hoof out to Soul. Hesitant to take it, but grateful to have a name to place on the pony it belonged to. Alongside one given by the Pegasus. “And I’m Skyshock, …what’s your name?” …Damn. Wait I need to give my name? But… of course. Best thing to do for ponies you just met is to give your name. It was only polite.

But… my name?

Such fear. Thinking rapidly over what to do. Certain she looked foolish right now, no indication by the two stallions that was the case. All the more accepting of her, even waiting patiently for her answer. Hopefully they did not see how her hind legs shook. If I tell them my name… they will know. I won’t see my friend and this will all be ruined. Sent right back to that tundra by who knows how many guards and Celestia herself. Certain her name alone would turn these friendly ponies into the cruelest ones and no way to stop them.

Maybe… just my first name. That sounded a little safer. Something she considered, it sat on the tip of her tongue. Ready to be given to them. Just say it, it’s polite. I need at least reward them with my name for being so nice to me. Just, please… may it not backfire. So easy for it to do just that.

Here, allow me.

“Sorry boys, but I care little for your names. Time for you to beat it.”

1.19
Soul planted a hoof to her mouth desperate to shut herself up. Hearing even more about to come out, stopped right short before it could do what she dreaded seeing right in front of her. Both stallions completely destroyed. Just the absolute opposite of the friendly faces she grew to see upon them, as she would be too.

I heard it all coming… and couldn’t stop it. Just a ringing booming out around her before… it did come out. In my voice. My voice did this. Soul felt so ashamed, no idea on what to say. Just keep her big mouth shut because she knew the few things she said was enough, enough for her to fear.

“Oh… our apologies” Solaris muttered, shrinking before Soul. Even wrapping himself right back up in his damp shirt. Refusing to look Soul in the eye. She could not even see their eyes anymore, gone to stare upon the very soil they all stood on. “We won’t keep you any longer.”

“Yeah… I hope you find Dash” Skyshock said just as low as Solaris, and two tails turned to her. Subtle hoofsteps, walking away from her. Walking past her. Everypony avoiding her. As if they knew. Maybe they did. Did they all hear those terrible words I said to two ponies who helped me?

“No, wa…” Soul extended her hoof to both of them. No. She lowered it right back down. My name is Soul. She heard herself say it but it will not come out, no reason to. It was all done and over. Just sit here and watch them, all of them walk past her like she didn’t even exist. That alone infuriated her.

1.20
What the hell is wrong with you?!

What? You believe I was in the wrong?

So that proved what she thought. All Blight’s doing. The fact it was her doing… it shocked her to say the least. When it felt so natural. Her hoof coursed a path along her lips. The same lips that spoke with Blight’s words. With Soul’s voice. Taking it like it was her own. So quickly. To a point where it almost did seem like it was her talking. Soul fooled herself, both of them fooled Soul as much as they fooled the stallions. A thing she never wanted.

They were nice ponies. It was mean to say that to them. Still, the deed was done. Soul looked back to find both stallions well away, heads still low as they disappeared into the crowds. Leaving with her words that were not her own still on their minds.

Could you not pick up on the hints? Really, girl? Ponies like that make me sick, barely here for five minutes and we already have stallions trying to get to your loins.

Soul held her breath, just as her heart leaped into her throat. Actually left her shocked to hear such a claim. Why, it even made her hind legs shrivel in close to one another. Her tail covering it up. I have never heard Blight say anything like that before. Never had another mare talk to me like that. To claim that. It sounds so ridiculous. Too rushed on Blight’s part. So… why am I afraid that it is true? Nothing about this place gave Soul any reason to doubt the genuine kindness of the ponies that could be shared with her. All it meant was for her to just keep her name away from them all, then it will all be okay. I will be okay. No ponies will try to do that with me. They were just nice boys.

It just gave me a bad impression. I only want to protect you.

1.21
Well you just gave them a bad impression of me, you know I wouldn’t say that to anypony.

No doubt a bad look on her for any pony around who may have picked out what she had said. Soul looked all about trying to see if this may be true, trying to see if anypony did stare at her. Only finding a few glances and smiles when a hoofful of ponies walked past her. Just more friendly faces. Like nothing happened.

To think this place gave Blight a bad impression… what a load. For it to prompt the black Pegasus to do that. Like sutures embedded into her tongue for a brief moment and words of venom. She still felt it. It felt nasty. Soul shook her head. It was done, and now Blight can talk through me? Not a pleasant feeling at all. Not a good thing to know. Just another buildup for all the things that Pegasus could do, her magic really could do anything.

Soul turned off in the direction she had been pointed towards, hoping to leave this moment behind and hoping those stallions did not curse her later on for being such a jerk to them. Just more ponies to be mad at me, not what I need. Plenty are mad at me already.

Look, it’s time we set up some ground rules.

Ground rules?

This was a completely different environment and a different situation. All the stuff back in the arctic won’t work around here, evidenced by what just happened. Seeming like Blight needed some reminding of this. Definitely so, especially when we… find Dash. That made Soul shudder thinking what could happen. Dash was already mad enough at her.

As long as you’re in my body, you need to behave, Blight. She heard a sigh go off in the deepest corners of her head. Roiling about within and blaring in her ears.

My apologies. What is it you don’t want me to do?

1.22
Just don’t do anything that may make ponies suspicious of me.

Soul started off the basic thing as she made her way a short distance down the grassy paths back to where the fountain had been, somewhere off where this Sugarcube Corner was pointed out to be. Walking amidst the other ponies, none of them any the wiser of what was going on.

No magic either. I know it’s what you’re good at but… it’s… not…

Yes, it’s not something you do. I understand.

And no talking with my mouth either, I’m scared enough and don’t need you saying stuff like… that for me.

She even uses such language… ugh don’t use my mouth for that. My loins, the nerve. It still made her uncomfortable to hear any claim like that. No matter how genuine or good natured it was for Blight to be concerned about something like that. Not like I would allow it. It’s all my business, not Blight’s. Just like my voice… and damn, Blight is taking a while to answer.

Understand?

Yes, mother. Let that one slide. Actually, she felt more warmed up hearing the exaggeration in Blight’s voice. She couldn’t precisely place it, …but it felt good to just hear a pony talk like that to her. Like nothing bad did happen. Again, she found herself wanting for Blight to be right next to her. Walking alongside her. I don’t think anypony would judge her, they aren’t judging me. They should judge me but they aren’t. Especially if they heard what I said… or what Blight said. Whatever. As long as she was by her in some way, Soul felt safe.

She laughed under her breath. Going off to where kind ponies did point her off to her destination.

1.23
Not much further, I believe it’s just left of those stands up ahead. Good. Not much further then. Certainly a short walk, maybe just a few minutes spent getting here and not too long left. Soul looked at the stands just down the path, sitting alongside some tall buildings and a corner around them leading to even more paths where plenty of ponies ran and mingled. So many just hawking around the stands. Maybe something interesting there.

So Dash is close?

Yes, still around Sugarcube Corner. Oh geez, so it’s coming. Was this all going to be good enough? I really hope so. This whole thing was so complicated. Even looking back over the lengths of her legs to be certain no ruffles or cuts were present to shy Dash away. Think she was ugly or something. A point she worked hard on on the way here, taking time to look at herself in the reflection of many windows, only to find nothing changed. Her mane and tail still the way she always liked. Fur well-tended to and her wings as gorgeous as she always liked to think. So why still so much worry in her appearance? I look good enough. I do get compliments on my appearance anyways. So maybe they did have truth to them.

Looking good and… Soul stopped short of running into it. A puddle left right at her hooves. Looking plenty muddy. Something she easily avoided with a quick leap, grateful she caught that before stepping in it. Presenting her muddy self to Dash was something just so bad. Damn it, is it good enough? Just introduce myself. Tell her I missed her. Oh but there can be so much more to say. It just didn’t sound good enough to welcome the beloved pony of her life that she was so close to seeing again. So close it made her heart begin to beat right into her chest. This day… really is happening too fast.

Calm down, Soul. I can’t! Too much can happen to make this all fail. Waking up this morning, not even knowing or able to prepare for something like this. More concerned with how bad her entire body felt instead, when this was going to happen. Just introduce myself. Introduce myself. Preferably with no ponies around. Be nice and gentle to her. Put on a good smile. Oh I need to stop freaking out over this. It made her slam a hoof to her forehead. Looking out from under it at how close those stands were getting. Just walking closer to her destination as if her hooves had a mind of their own. Too bad that wasn’t the case.

I really want this.

1.24
Maybe I can get her something nice. There were stands up ahead. Soul eyed them thankful they were here to begin with. Curious what could be there. If there was anything that Dash may like. Stuff surely was there that lots of ponies liked considering how many there were assembled around the stands. A crowd that Soul joined in with, carefully squeezing her way past a few ponies, hoping she would not bump into them and interrupt their conversations. All the more for them to just not even realize she was there.

One stop and that was all, the less time spent, the better.

Soul found her way through them and up to where more ponies welcomed her to join them, even making a spot for her to walk in to just by them noticing the young mare stepping up. Soul gave them a smile no matter how scared she was to be among so many ponies that could easily recognize her, the fact they were all so nice deserved some praise from her. Just as she’d expect from nice ponies to share to her. She found the source of why these ponies even were here. This stand whose colors matched the same colors of all the things that were arranged on and around it. Set out in baskets and boxes open for any pony, even her, to step up and sniff. Which she was really tempted to. Just to come in and sniff at the very things she loved so much, enough to make her mouth water again.

Ripe and red with such succulent leaves atop them were the bushels of strawberries set out between so much else.

Soul looked over it all. Taking so much time to take it in in how wonderful it was to see this stuff. Fruit and it’s exactly like what Blight made for me the other day. Strawberries, it took a lot to keep her tongue in her mouth. But all the others, just as tantalizing. From the apples and cherries. Huge, split watermelons whose juices practically soaked the plates they were set out on. …To take a bite of all of them, these fruits Soul missed seeing for so long. Oranges, peaches, oh she could feel her whole body shiver. Sweet Celestia...

1.25
Even beyond this stand were more stands with so many other ponies around, places where she even saw… vegetables! They made her eyes nearly go numb. Shit… give me some of them. For Dashie and me. Was it… Rainbow loves carrots and apples, right? There sure were a lot of them to bring to Dash.

Slipping her hoof out to pick out a few of the inviting fruits. Then something slammed.

It made her freeze in place, slowly looking back up to where she heard it. Somepony had thrown a large bag atop the stand right next to her. A stallion at that leaving it there, seemingly for the pony right behind the stand. Soul saw all the leaves and colors bursting out from the opening to the bag. So many apples, and… he put his hoof right down next to the bag where he left… Soul’s heart plummeted.

That’s right… just like the adults did. Those were bits. The coins that the standpony graciously accepted and let the stallion go on his way with the prized bag in his mouth. What I would do for a bag of all that. All she could do was watch ponies walk away with all their earned treasures. That made Soul shrink away from the stand. Saddened with herself ever more. No bags on her… or a purse, nothing like the other ponies who had such things to carry those bits in, if she could even have any bits. I’m broke. A fact that made her simply walk away with as much to give Dash as she had before. Still, she did make one last look back over her shoulder to all the foods arranged all around. Someday… I want to devour all that. Hopefully, I don’t need to wait long. After when… when she could make friends with Dash again, with nothing to give to show Rainbow that she was here and wanting to be friends again. It sucked being left with nothing to work with.

You’ll work it out, Soul. I know you will.

Maybe. That time was coming.

1.26
She needed to make those last few dreaded steps past the stands that mocked her with how much delicacies they did offer her. Preferring not to look at them any longer and just walk past all those ponies that had the privilege of enjoying those normal things such as eating such tasty foods. Left to her own devices now that she rounded the corner and saw what she could easily call out as where she was supposed to go. All she had was what little she could think up of in all her twelve years to prepare for this moment, this moment when she stood right in front of where Rainbow Dash herself was. Truly it must be the place.

Such a tall building wrapped up in so many colors and layers upon its roof and even the walls and walkway. Something like… candy canes? Cookies? Like the house itself was made of them. Who the hell makes a house like this?

A big cupcake on its display board, a cupcake tipped much like the very roof of the house was tipped, and… somepony put candles on top of it? This place, really it was such a sight beholden to none other than a town like Ponyville. Such a strange town. So different. Nothing like Cloudsdale. I think I like it. Secretly containing how excited she was to see a building like this that took no genius to tell must be the sweets shop Blight explained to her that was what Sugarcube Corner was supposed to be.

It tantalized her enough to make the Pegasus blindly approach it. In awe at how it all looked and she spotted so much more. Getting this close, now her mouth really did drool. Right there in the windows, she bared witness to stuff much like what she had the honor to indulge in all thanks to her best friend. They looked just as good. Birthday cakes packed so much in icing and chocolate… she saw how it all just slid out and coated every side of the cakes like it were meant to just tease ponies who passed by. Like a ton of chocolate was used just for one cake. Decorated in so many colors, icing left in patterns around candles or no candles at all. Even fruit slices. Cakes of many colors. Taken right to her knees when she spotted… she licked her lips. …A strawberry shortcake with three layers! So many strawberries and somepony had to idea to even put orange slices on top of it. Holy crap! I need that.

She put her nose right on the glass. Taking a moment before she felt how her own tail wagged. “Wow…” she swooned over it all. So much more could even be seen further off inside the shop. More cakes and sweets. This was it. This was where I need to go to get all the sweets. When I have actual money. Otherwise, she’d buy them right now. Pig out before meeting with Dash as a treat. A gift to herself for making it this far. Taking her time to look over every detail of each cake presented in this window. The best part was… she had a whole other window to ogle at as well, and she saw plenty of cakes in that one too.

1.27
Zipping right on over to those ones with a quick flap of her wings. …So beautiful. Just like the others, and cherries on one! Rainbow is inside this place?! She must be pigging out just like I would. If I know Dash, that pony loves her sweets. In there right now. All according to Blight. Or was she?

She is definitely in there? She waited patiently for the answer. Actually taking Blight a few seconds to respond, seconds of so much anticipation.

Yes.

Soul’s tail flipped up. As did her ears with a little jaunt of her wings. Right on the other side of these walls. Sweets and candies, Rainbow Dash. Too much to take in. So much to await. But it all called to her. Soul thought it over. Making her way back to where the door was and, beyond that, to where Dash was.

This really was going to be the moment of truth.

Twelve years. That alone, Soul had to let out a deep sigh and then another. Anything to calm herself down, like her entire body was vibrating as much as she felt her heart was now pounding. All of her eager, so very eager to see exactly what pony was in there. What words she will say. All those kind words they shared to one another and how Dash had been there so much before all this. That filly I can still see. Like she never changed. The one with the scruffy mane and her raspy voice. With a flank as blank as Soul’s had once been.

So much must have changed, so much did change… twelve long years.

Now… here we are, back in this world again. Twelve years to wait and see exactly how her first friend turned out, if she was the same pony as before. If both of them could ever be the same ponies as before in a friendship as beautiful as what she could now place on the one she now had with Soulblight. One without the three words she never wanted to hear again come from anypony’s mouth. Especially from her own. No more cruel words. Just be nice to her. Act like how we used to. If I am still capable of it.

You’re going to do fine, Soul. I’ll be right here.

1.28
I hope I will. This moment…

Soul took a deep breath. Easing herself as much as Blight’s words did. Just needing to hear her. A pony who she adored and who adored her. Further reasoning to show that not all had been lost. I can still be that friendly pony for Dash. Just please do the same for me. Only one way to find out. Soul looked back down over herself. Checking her legs and back over to her wings and tail. Giving the bangs of her mane a good flick, just enough to be sure it looked good and keep it covering just one eye, off her nose, her cheeks. Just like Dash will remember. I look as good as I can get. Time to get things moving.

Walk in and say hi.

Soul took a step forward, closing in to these double doors that demanded her push. Through them and beyond to see whatever pony may be inside. Whichever pony it was. Her ears… they caught it. A click from the door and… steps. Oh hell!

Soul backed off. Just in time. Right before she saw in a flash how the door swept right past her nose, just short of clipping her and both double doors coming to rest. Resting together along the walls just as Soul herself came to a rest. Backing off to where the pink steps did begin. Free of anything that may strike her. Standing patiently and still when everything in front of her stilled as well. Even able to see the dust settle. Falling off from the tops of the doors and swept aside by the motion that made her entire world come to a halt.

It all went still. Even… her heart.

Only able to see what was right in front of her, and how silent it all was.

Those hooves that did walk before her, sweeping aside the dust as they stepped out onto the stairs that Soul did share with them. Seeing those hooves walk past her, hearing a laugh above them. Soul watched it all pass by in a flash of color she knew to strike her eyes so much. Glittering as that fur coat did. As everything about it did. Those colors… they are… the ones I remember.

Soul watched it all pass. No way to look away. Never. So… this is all real?

A rainbow.

1.29
Soul wanted to touch it as it went by. So many sheets of that color wrapped upon one another in an endless mesh of hair so fluffy as to make her even want more than to just touch it. Because she knew exactly how it did feel from so long ago. The look and the beauty. I remember it all.

Swaying by along a web of feathers set to cover that beauty. All along the sides. Giggling. Like they were giggling at the pony who they impressed, and all the strength she saw in those things. Those wings. Thick muscles. Strong and large even when set upon themselves. Never before have I seen such strong wings… not since… my own.

So… somepony else… reached it too.

Years and years since she saw them before. So much did change. So why… why still leave her star struck? Soul looked out to them and further off. Stepping out behind where all that beauty did pass her by. Laugh by her. Laughter from the pony it all belonged to. Who did walk away from her leaving only the sight so common to Soul after all these years. All the time she did have to see it in the dark, shining bright no matter how dreary everything else became to make up a great and thick tail of the skies of Cloudsdale. Swaying and nearly licking her face as they went across her sight. Flying with the wind that sung over Soul’s head. Drawing her back up to watch her walk off. But not alone. Soul let herself go. Keeping that tail set right in her sights. That tail waved to her…

You want me to follow? Follow you… after all these years. Years and now, I finally get to see it all. All the differences in these twelve years. Those ears as high as Soul’s own and wings so great and fluttering in their beauty matched only by the long, colorful hairs loosely waving about in the wind. Like streams of water that did flow from her. Basking together in the sunlight shining off their lengths.

Vibrant colors of a pony unlike any other. This pony.

You’re the one… I have wanted to see for so long. So beautiful. So different. Yet… I see it. This is the same feeling. The one that… calms me.

You never did change, Rainbow Dash.

1.30
Walking away, laughing at something muffled Soul did hear. Like somepony else was talking. Something she did realize after another second. Ashamed in herself for not noticing this earlier. There was another pony with Dash. They didn’t notice me? No. They just walked off together, leaving Soul to watch them. Watching their tails egg her on. The tail of true beauty and one as bright as the Sun was gold. A pony with fur like an orange shrouded in such a golden mane. Wearing a hat. A rounded one.

Both of them just going on, and Soul… she could barely keep up with them. Following on such soft hooves. Following… with this dream. A dream. Rainbow Dash.

She’s in front of me. Walking away. But the wind did blow. The Sun did warm her and she felt every bit of happiness rushing over her. Falling off, away from this, the real thing. Real life. My life.

I’m with the pony… I have dreamed about for years. She’s back, and we didn’t speak a word.

Gave nothing to acknowledge the other. Like nothing did happen. That can’t happen.

Soul lifted her hooves off the ground. Leaping down the steps and after the tail that she loved. The pony she adored. Say it. Get her attention. Something made possible with Soul right back behind both ponies who both laughed to whatever they were doing. How very long I have prepared for this moment. How much I have wanted it. Here it is!

“H-hi, Dashie.”

1.31
Both those ponies stopped. Soul almost did run right into both of them. Stopping short to stand right between their tails. I did it. I said it and… now what? Not enough to force her smile away. Feeling it grow wider when she saw as both ponies turned around. Turning around to face her! Soul’s eyes locked with another’s. Like the world slowed. When she saw that color burning bright in such a shine akin to Soul’s own coat. Shining. Going off in the brilliant light of the Sun itself, even able to see that orb glowing right in those eyes that met her own. Bright like her smile. A smile they shared. Not knowing just how important it was to Dash, but Soul felt it all.

Her heart stopped.

Twelve years without it and now… now Dashie is smiling at me. So different from when she last saw her. The real her. Rainbow Dash was smiling at her.

“What’s up?”

Oh Dashie, your voice. Almost like you didn’t even grow up. Just a tiny little change to it but still… she has that cute little voice of hers still. I missed it so much.

“I... uh-I…” Soul cleared her head up. Shit, almost lost it there hehe. Practically feeling herself begin to freak out knowing she was actually hearing from her oldest friend once again. Not a good thing to break out in a screech right in front of Rainbow. No matter how scared or excited or whatever she felt. Just be calm. Be myself. The Pegasus that Dashie will know. Dash was even starting to raise an eyebrow. She wants to know. Oh wait… Soul just felt it.

Her legs were shaking and Dash saw just that. Seeing her shining magenta eyes looking down at it.

“Um…” Soul hid her legs back, look away from it. Hope I’m not scaring her. Also hoping her face was not freaking out as well. No way to tell that.

“I’m… so happy to see you, Dash.” Soul came in a little closer. Presenting every bit of her face to her beloved old friend, neither pony she approached moved. Dash almost seemed to welcome Soul’s advance. Resting her magenta eyes right back on the Pegasus and her smile did grow. Rainbow even pointed a hoof to herself.

Do you remember me!?

1.32
“Yeah, I’d be happy to see me too. Did you need something or…” Dash scooted in a little closer, cocking her head to Soul. Fully presenting her ear for whatever words Soul had to say but… nothing could be said. Wait… could’ve sworn she would… recognize me.

What to expect? Twelve years of the unknown and trying to imagine how their first encounter in so long would play out. Much like this, seeing exactly how beautiful Dash was, how she grew up along with Soul and both ponies to see that change. Just her fantasies in the night before she drifted off to sleep. But this was no fantasy. Dash here with me… and she doesn’t know who I am. Even I have a hard time admitting that this… this gorgeous pony is the same Rainbow Dash.

What to do? Doing her best in the end, just like Dash was doing to hear her out. Give her a chance. Because she had no other idea on what this encounter did mean. But Soul knew it all. She saw it in her friend’s face. In her voice. “You… don’t remember me…?” Soul even felt her heart begin to crush just by saying those words and the pause that followed. Because Dash really did make the answer obvious. Looking Soul over up and down and eyeing into Soul’s own eyes. Eager to see something. Soul did see something. She saw her old friend making an effort, and she saw no reason to be upset. Even if it hurts to know that… she forgot me. No… it was just a long time. Just like Blight said. I changed a lot since then. Dash did too. Both fillies were now mares and, based off everything she had heard and what she saw in front of her, beautiful mares to be exact. Not those scruffy fillies anymore.

She wouldn’t recognize me. Too much. Way too much changed. She did not need to wait to hear Dash’s answer. “Well… that’s okay. I’m still happy to see you.”

“I’m sorry” Dash whispered. “I’m still looking around for a name here.” She leaned back, grinning innocently at Soul and swaying on her legs. Looks uncomfortable. Another laugh rang out.

1.33
Soul looked off with Dash to the other pony standing with them, the one with the straw hat who did a good job letting the pegasi get to talk a little. “Hehe looks like Dash has got ‘erself another fan. Ain’t that right.” She bumped a hoof against Rainbow’s side. Even making Dash roll her eyes. Didn’t look too happy. Whoa… I’ve never heard a pony like this. That voice, and is she Dashie’s friend? Another fan? So she has fans? Typical. Probably did have plenty of time to gain the notoriety they both sought to achieve since they were fillies. Or maybe just plenty of friends just like this orange pony had to be.

Feels bad. Bad to feel a little jealous. So much time spent in the tundra away from all this. At least I got something out of it. She still knew she had a really cherished pony watching over her right now, somewhere under her mane. Whatever she was doing. Another reason for her to wish Blight to be by her side right now. Maybe she could help me.

Do you want me to talk?

What? Damn it. No, it’s okay. I got this. She could swear she heard Blight giggling somewhere up there. Like she would do any better in this situation. Oh when the time came, I’ll enjoy how silly you are when you meet new ponies. But this was her time now. “Can we talk in private?” Soul whispered to Dash. Giving a little smile to the orange pony. She didn’t seem to take any offense to it. Even tipping her hat to Soul.

Rainbow Dash did wait a moment but she also met the orange pony’s gaze. Both of them seeming to come to an understanding and the orange pony walked off. “See ya later, Dash.” “Later, Applejack.”

Rainbow met Soul’s gaze once again and it was her who took charge. Nodding her head with a whip of her rainbow mane off in the direction of Sugarcube Corner. Like she knew exactly what to do. Soul found her old friend leading her on to a nice, open spot at the side of the building where no ponies even were. A surprise to see such a big and quiet space around this busy place.

1.34
Such a place really was so empty. A good place for both of them to talk but it still proved to be utterly terrifying. No matter how much she tried, Soul’s heart would not stop pounding away. Even with such a relaxed walk she and Rainbow shared together into the shadow of the building. Nopony around, nopony can see this. Cuz I feel like I may freak out. Thankfully, Rainbow also kept her tail to her. Just walking along not at all aware. But this is going to happen. Happening right now because Dash finally did find her place to where she did want to talk to Soul. Turning back around with that same smile on her face and those eyes coming about to face the Pegasus who accompanied her.

Alone, together.

Soul gulped. She’s staring at me. Those eyes. Really… Dash, do you not recognize me? I have to try and get her to remember? Oh dear. This time, guess I need to do all the work. She wants an explanation.

The cyan Pegasus sat herself down with a quick flop against the wall. Sighing pleasantly and turning to her again, like she were inviting her to sit with her. Really a different pony from what she grew accustomed to. So friendly all of a sudden. Open to her; she doesn’t even know me. A lot of ponies here are so nice. Sometime, I should try to find those stallions again. Solaris and Skyshock? No matter what happened, Soul needed to thank them for helping her find this moment and inviting her to all this just as well as Dash was doing now. But Soul kept to herself. Not at all allowing herself to sit down and just stay there, with Dash as she was. Comfortable enough, as hard as it was to be comfortable in this situation. She still had the chance.

“It looks like you really don’t recognize me, …but it’s still nice to see you again” Soul said down to the pony.

1.35
Amazing for Dash to still keep that smile of hers but she must be confused. Edging herself forward to lean on both forelegs, coming a little closer to where Soul was. “Seriously” she said. “You’re making me really interested right now.” Dash pointed a hoof right to Soul’s chest. So sudden, Soul leaned back just for a moment. But Dash stopped herself, hoof just to where Soul’s fur ended. “Where have we met before?” Dash looked down to where she pointed to Soul’s chest. Soul feeling her eyes all over her. Going up, watching Dash looking at every bit of her that she dared to show to the Pegasus. I can feel her looking all over me. She can see how strong I am now, how tall and thin. How long my mane has gotten… like I am a new pony to her. She doesn’t know it’s me.

I have to explain to her… but how? What will even work? The way Dash was looking at her right now, curious but friendly… how much will that change once she knew the truth? Soul really had no idea on what to expect. Anything. Good or bad. After what I left her with long ago. Those last words I said to her. They have to be fixed. I have to be the one to fix it. Twelve years of waiting and accepting herself to carry this out to the end. Now was not the time to be afraid anymore. She gave up on that long ago, in order to get this one and only chance.

“I feel like I know you…” Dash said with a growing frown. Wow… was this…? Soul actually began to feel even more uneasy seeing just how much of a possibility that this was really about to happen and she had the words ready to say. Words easy to form because they were the simple truth and her real desire.

I need to do this. “You do know me” Soul said. “And I know you.”

1.36
Rainbow cocked her head. Humming under her breath and still going about looking Soul over. Holding that hum for just a moment before…

“Back there…” Dash turned up to look at her. “You called me Dashie.” Soul nodded. There was something… a little light in Dash’s eyes. Glittering. Shining so bright in the Sun. Soul felt butterflies in her stomach. I did call her Dashie. That silly little nickname. It still gave Soul a little tingle down her spine every time she said it. Maybe Rainbow does remember it… and what it meant when you said I could call you that.

“Not… many ponies call me that…” Dash put her hoof to her chin. “But I…” she paused. Looking, staring at Soul’s face. That’s right, Dashie. As far as I know, only a few ponies call you that. Your parents… and me. Maybe now, with Dash’s eyes flaring up, she can remember who I am.

Soul had to smile. As much as she wanted to start crying right now when she saw how everything between the two of them just now changed. Began to change.

Soul leaned in. Letting Dash see her smile ever closer. Close so she may whisper for the pony to hear. “I remember when I first called you that, Dashie. I’m glad you never forgot it.”

Rainbow stayed silent and Soul saw it all in her face. Her smile was gone. Any semblance of that proud pony she tried to show off to Soul was now gone. Because, Dashie knows, that stuff doesn’t work on me. Even more now, because Soul truly did feel that Dash knew what was happening.

We have been reunited. After all this time. Soul reached a hoof out to her. Open. Accepting to whatever Dash wished to give to it, just like how they always used to do.

“I’m back, Dashie.”

Rainbow gave off one little whish of air from her mouth. Flying out, warming the air between them. As warm as Soul’s own heart felt when she heard exactly what Dash whispered.

“Soul…”

1.37
“Serenity” Soul finished for her.

Silence. All the world fell to silence with nothing but the last bits of that name cast off in a whisper to the wind. Rainbow fell silent. Soul fell silent. Both pegasi staring at one another. This moment… it finally came. Rainbow Dash staring at her. No longer at her body or around her face. No. Both pegasi stared into one another’s eyes with just Soul’s hoof left in between both of them and… Soul saw a motion down below. Just one flash of cyan. Not daring to take her eyes off her old friend to see, to see that Rainbow Dash was lifting her own hoof up. Bringing it right to where Soul held her own. Up. Closer.

Hold my hoof, like old times.

1.38
“No freakin way” Dash whispered. Her hoof plummeted, as did Soul’s spirits.

“Soul Serenity? She… she left. She was sent away.”

Rainbow Dash’s gaze did fall. Any happiness. All the wonder between both pegasi in their shared moment about to be made true, it all left her face. Nothing but something else in her old friend’s face and it pained Soul to see it. She doesn’t believe me. She couldn’t.

“Why… why would you say that to me?” Dash asked. “It’s not that nice, you know?” A little flicker of a smile popping up under her mane. Just a brief second. Soul did not fall for it. Rainbow Dash was really hurt now. She’s hurt from me saying this stuff? Why?

“She made it really clear before she was banished. Before Celestia sent her away. So please don’t make fun of me anymore.” Rainbow Dash stood right back up. Her hooves turned and Soul saw how her wings began to flare out. She’s… no!

Soul leaped in front of her. This can’t be allowed to happen. No matter what happened between us, we need to see this through. I am not gonna cower and let you leave. No more. “Get out of my way” Dash hissed. More of that tough pony attitude from so long ago. Not working, Dashie. I won’t leave. I know just how you really are and what made our friendship so special. For that, Soul refused to do any of what she said. Even if she strikes me. Soul able to almost feel it… on her cheek. Practically able to feel the burn of Dash’s hoof against her skin. Soul’s hooves were the ones that connected to Dash instead.

I know what to do. This will make you remember.

Soul planted one, then both hooves of her forelegs against those of Rainbow Dash’s. Putting them forward, going right into Dash’s face and then…

1.39
Soul clapped her hooves against Dash’s again. Two times, that’s what it was. A second clap. Then it happened… Dash’s eyes widened. Not able to see it for long. Soul was afraid that Dash may fly off in the time this took but she needed to try it. To finish the move.

She slid herself next to Dash. Rainbow did not do the same. That’s fine. She doesn’t need to. I can do this myself. To show her, and Rainbow allowed it. Soul was allowed to plant her side right against Dash’s side. Locking her wing to Dash’s. Just briefly so their feathers may touch. Our wings, our shared talent. The things they grew up together with in the little time they knew one another to be able to form this. This thing that Soul finished up with the final part. Wrapping her leg around Dash’s neck. Just like the first time… we did this.

Dash did nothing. No reaction.

No way to tell if she hated it. But Dash did not put her hoof around Soul. It’d be great if she said it with me.

“Cloudsdale’s Wingponies!” Soul yelled out.

Yelling in the middle of this town. Only her. Certain ponies somewhere overheard her. Not caring if any saw them. Anything to make Dash realize the truth of the matter. She held that position waiting for anything. Lost in the moment. Her heart still racing. We were such goofs doing this back then. I feel so silly doing this but… I have to. For us. We were the few fillies who would do this. And I am glad to.

It’s all like we really are back together. Feeling just how warm Dash’s feathers were to her side in the brief moment she had to enjoy it. It did not last long enough for Soul to love it truly, not with how Dash ripped herself away. Right out of Soul’s grasp.

1.40
That move almost made Soul collapse. Catching herself just in time. Turning off to see a Rainbow Dash stuck in surprise. Mouth trembling. Truly… terrified. Not helpful at all. Rainbow Dash, she is supposed to be the strong one. So please, don’t be afraid of me… because I am already terrified.

“Cloud…” She grabbed hold of Soul’s attention with that little cough of hers. “Cloudsdale… Wingponies.”

Soul nodded. “Yeah. You and I, we both created it.” Soul composed herself when she saw how Rainbow was doing the same. Whatever was going on inside that head of hers, she must now realize that this was really going on, that it was all true. Both ponies able to just take a second now to breathe. Just be next to one another. No more pain in Dash’s face. Just a stare. Like she awaited something.

“The best flyers in camp, …you and I” Soul pointed to Dash. “H-how can you be Soul Serenity? When she left? How can you be back?” Rainbow put a hoof to her chest. Soul shook her head. No way to give up now. Not when I’m so close. My oldest friend… maybe she thinks I am me. Still questioning her. No reason to. Because I have one last thing to use, and they fluttered against her sides as if they too wanted to help her in finally bringing the two pegasi together again. I’ll let them out. The things that Dash loved about me when we were kids. Now she can see them again.

“Dash…”

1.41
Soul let her wings go. As far as she could stretch them. Right out and up into the sky so high, she could see them herself and the great shadow they put out on Rainbow Dash. Blotting out all her colors in ever more darkness no matter how vibrant and bright she knew her great wings to look. Confident all the tending she did to them, how neat her feathers were. How thick they were and cleaned. Enough to impress any pony. They would do the same now and remind this pony exactly who it was that had wings like these. No other Pegasus.

Dash, you are only one of two ponies I let see these wings of mine in their true glory. I’d gladly show them off to you. Let you touch them… if you wanted. To know the comfort they gave when she showed them in all their beauty, and Rainbow Dash stared at them. Soul could even feel a blush begin to set in, fighting it back as hard as she could. My wings, she… likes them. Dash’s mouth was agape.

Dashie, these are my wings. The wings of Soul Serenity. Here again, just for you to see.

“…I really missed you.”

“Oh… wow” Rainbow Dash whispered. Under her breath. Maybe thinking Soul may not hear her amazement over seeing these wings again but she did and Soul took it to heart. She was flattered. “Those wings…”

1.42
Soul knelt herself down, letting Dash get even more time to see her in all that made her proud, with these very wings that only belonged to the pony that ever got the opportunity to impress a pony like Rainbow Dash. Taking so much time to stare at them. Enough that Soul could feel ever more how her insides tingled being noticed like this. Not any bit of mean words or glares to her, Rainbow Dash is adoring me… just like she used to do.

“Soul Serenity, huh?” Dash said. Her eyes finally fell off from those wings, giving Soul the hint she needed to let them back down and fold them up against her sides again. “I still took good care of them and worked them so hard” Soul admitted. But better now.

“Yeah…” Rainbow stepped forward. “You did. The Soul Serenity I remember, …she had wings just like those. We always used to race together and fly together. Have a lot of fun.” That’s right, Dashie. Remember everything we had. Because I sure do. Spending so long with nothing but the memories of when we were friends. It can happen again. We just need to make it so. Now that Soul was back, all of it can be done again. Anything can be possible. That is what Blight taught me. She came back with this to offer Rainbow Dash.

“The Soul Serenity I remember…” Rainbow looked back up at her. Locking eyes. A smile eagerly being awaited. Both of them being together again. Their chance made anew.

1.43
“We weren’t friends in the end…” Rainbow Dash walked off. Leaving her with just that. That terrible reminder. A reminder that she also remembered the terrible thing they both left off on twelve years ago.

“I’m sorry, she would never come back” Rainbow sulked. “So stop it.”

What? Soul stepped off after her. No, no, no. Not when they were so close. It can not be left off on that, a memory she really wanted both of them to forget. Not having to constantly remind Soul of the mistake she made and it still burned in Dash’s heart. Just by how she looked. How she sounded. She is so sad. To walk off like this, feeling so sad. It must really be painful. I know that pain. Having to endure it for so long. Her old friend had to as well. So apparent now, and it had been caused by none other than the pony who wanted so hard for it to be forgotten.

“Rainbow Dash” Soul called out after her. “I came back for you. Don’t you walk away from me.” Don’t. Don’t leave like this. Feeling like I did hurt you, that we cannot be friends again. Just stay and listen. I can be your friend again. I’ll even beg you. I’ll do anything. Anything to prove I want to be friends again. But Dash just wandered off. Leaving Soul to herself just to see how very wrong she had been in the past to have hurt her friend. No doubt Dashie was still so very upset over it, too much pain. I can’t blame her, I was very angry too. I’m not much better. I was angry for so long and now… I get to see you were too. So much pain, even more.

For Rainbow to talk about her like that, believing she was not even here. That none of this was happening and that Soul did not go through so much just to be in this very moment, it was an insult. A slap in the face for all she did, and maybe she deserved that for what she did to this pony. She could accept that. But I’m not gonna let Dash pretend I’m not here.

1.44
You won’t run from me… and I’ll do anything to stop you. Even… this. “So I guess you’re running off.” My little takeaway from all the time I spent with you. “That’s okay, I am the stronger one after all. Always was.”

Rainbow walked. Even letting her wings out ready to take off. Fly away from her. Like it had no effect. Is she that hurt? She doesn’t even care what I say? About to fly away from me and… Soul glanced over her wings. Holy shit…

They… they’re so big and… Soul gulped. So many muscles. Rainbow Dash… Such thick and strong looking wings covered in an endless sea of cyan feathers as thick as the clouds themselves. Such massive wings. Such strong wings. On such a slender and small mare. Soul couldn’t take her eyes off them. How they flapped once. Like huge gusts of wind were sent out just from that. Coursing over the hundreds of cyan feathers all neatly lined along her spans and making Soul put a hoof to her mouth. Dashie… I expected you to still be training and all but… Celestia’s sake, those wings… they look so beautiful and strong. Strong before… she must have worked so hard. She had to be, and wings like this must mean one thing.

Can I catch her if she runs away?

No way to settle things and apologize to her friend. “You know…” Rainbow’s voice caught her to watch as the cyan Pegasus lifted her head back up to glance over her shoulder. “Soul Serenity always did talk so much shit.” Her wings did flap again. Keeping herself right in place firmly on the ground but Soul could see a shift in her stance. Her knees bent. Rainbow actually planting a hoof forward as if wanting to take another step and never taking her eyes off Soul. Magenta eyes blazing behind a sea of feathers. Her tail flicked. Again and then… Is she waving her butt at me?

“Better put your wings where your mouth is!” Rainbow laughed at her, taking one final moment before her wings flapped again and Soul was caught in a scene so worthy of those wings. Having to shield herself with her own wings just to keep all the dust and dirt from flying into her eyes, but not letting herself lose sight of her friend who ascended into the air.

“Only the real Soul Serenity can hope to catch me. So prove it!”

1.45
Rainbow Dash really had not slacked off at all in her training. Any idea that she may have fallen off in any way, that her wings were just for show, they were completely destroyed all just by the zip of blue light that was all that was left of her. From where Soul stood, watching that light go off into the clouds high above and just a jet of wind left behind to mark that Dash had indeed taken a moment to do the simple task of flapping her wings. Blowing her mane and tail away, like she may even fall over at the exact same time that the last words she spoke to her registered.

She really has gotten much faster and… she wants me to race!

Doesn’t sound like a friendly competition. And she didn’t even do a countdown. That was not fair at all. A head start. Not wanting to make this any easier so… maybe she does think I am Soul? I think she’s afraid.

Soul stepped up, watching to where she saw the Pegasus go off into the distance. Disappearing by now… to any normal pony with normal senses. I got you. This should be simple and it will lead to what she really wanted.

…Dash, hehehe, you’re still not fast enough.

Soul looked back at her wings. Both of them stretched out like they anticipated her use. They also wishing to help make this a reality. Strong and willful. As good as anything that Dash could pull off. Soul could only hope they stayed that way the whole time with one final thought on her mind. I forgot… she looked back up to the sky. I should stretch but… no, Dash is getting away. I can’t let her get away. Anything had to be done to make this happen.

My wings are strong. Years of training. It all had to be enough. Soul flapped her wings.

1.46
Hope I don’t scare anypony. This was not like the tundra at all. All that snow and wind being the only real things to ever witness her flight so often. Drowning out the sounds of the arctic. Maybe she just did the same of the town when she heard the vast burst of thunder her speed left behind from how much strength she was well aware she put into that first flap. Loud enough that it must have surprised everypony. Please forgive me.

I got a lot of sky to cover to catch up to her. Somewhere far up in the clouds that reached down closer and closer. All the sky of this new world fully accepting Soul into it. A glance all around it, not helping herself for feeling elated. That this was her sky now. That this was happening. Again. Fluffy, white clouds, they passed by her. Not a single flake around. No wind to challenge her, instead it pushed her on. On into the sun-swept skies of Ponyville, and that very town practically disappearing far below. Just specks desperately trying to peek out of the arc of wind she found herself fully immersed in. How strange. Feels even warmer up here. Her wings really hot. Pumping away with every flap being a good workout, more than normal. A greater burn. So warm…

Soul eyed the Sun and all its heat that this sky came to accept. Soul gasped… I’m flying… under the Sun again. Haha, I’m back! This is my sky… the same sky I missed so much. Twelve years… I finally get to fly in it again.

Fly once more… at home. And someday, I swear she will fly with me again.

I have to do it. When both of us can fly together. Side by side. All starting with this. Another flap and all those clouds did disappear, below her now. Open sky and nothing more now becoming her realm. Nothing left to prevent her from seeing that sight far ahead of her. Up in the blue, the blue that shined out from all the rest. Rainbow Dash.

1.47
Up there, still flapping her wings. Trying to get away, flying straight and true not even seeing what Soul was doing. I got her.

Another burst of speed and another roar of wind blasting out behind her. Practically able to feel the sky shake from her force and Dash noticed it. Just in time for her magenta eyes to turn right as Soul could see them fill her vision.

“What the…?” She could hear Dash blurt out just as she passed by. Catching sight of everything that happened. How Dash’s wings slowed down. Slowed down… and I see it. I see it on your face, Dashie. You’re shocked… and scared… because now there is another Pegasus here to challenge you again. And you won’t have it easy. Because I am Soul Serenity.

“You’re still a slowpoke, Dashie!” Soul banked herself back down, turning and barreling just in time to roll back upright in Dash’s flight path. Right next to her now. “You really want to piss me off, huh?” Dash glared over at her. “Beat it before you fall out of the sky…”

Soul’s entire body shook, almost trailing off from her flight from how bad the wind just struck her. Not from the cool breeze or the sky, Rainbow Dash blasted off ahead. So quick Soul didn’t even see the motion of her wings. …It just happened. “Faker!” Rainbow’s words echoed off from far ahead. Wow. I’m making her mad? Not my fault. It can’t be, Rainbow always was so stubborn. Guess she doesn’t like knowing another pony is as fast as I am. Besides, what makes you think I’m a ‘faker’? What, like anypony can just catch up with you like this… with those wings of yours. Stop kidding yourself, bud.

This is easy… and I’ll drill it into your head. I got a lot more where this came from, and Soul burst off as well. Right on after Rainbow, still fully in her sight far ahead as nothing more than a tiny dot in the sky mixed in with the beautiful scenery that all this land had to offer. Something Dash was flying off towards in the form of a vast mountain range in the far-off distance. So good to see mountains again. Lovely ones at that with no snow on them or anything. They actually had plenty of green on them. So many trees. Rolling down and over their faces as far as Soul could see along the horizon and stretching downwards to a gorgeous scenery all below them. Both pegasi flying over a thick sea of green. Far below the clouds. Some sort of forest and no Ponyville in sight anymore.

We must have really gone far. Soul amazed they both made such progress so quickly. Maybe Dash would be good at speed tests back in the snow. How fast would she be able to make it to and from those snow-capped mountains? Never needing to know. These beautiful mountains and lush world were theirs to take over from their perch high above the clouds. For them to do whatever they wanted.

Rainbow was the one who let out a blast of thunder far ahead of her. Splitting all the clouds. Tearing the air. An easy feat for Soul as well. Aimed right for those same mountains that Dash went for. Closing in on her but not too close. Not fast enough before Rainbow Dash was filling her sight again. She turned. So did Soul, tighter though. Good enough for her to fly right past Dash just short of her hooves.

My wings are a little sore… and might be struggling doing this… but damn, I love this! I’m racing Dash again! Flying in the skies of my home again. Haha, I can’t even think about it all right now. Like the world was moving too fast. Too fast for Dash. “Still think I’m a fake?”

1.48
Soul twirled herself and spun about right underneath Dash. Catching glimpse of her old friend’s belly as she passed. Basking in her shadow and right back up again. Enjoying the same force of wind blowing through her mane that Rainbow experienced as well. Neither of them letting up on their speed.

“You caught up to me?”

Rainbow wasn’t irritated at all. Soul may be hearing things but she wanted to believe that her old friend may now be surprised. Even impressed. Well if she wants to make it easy for me, of course I’ll catch up. Soul snickered at the idea that Dash had not trained as well as she had been doing this whole time. That would be embarrassing. “Thanks for making it easy for me” Soul acknowledged. Ready for whatever it was next that Dash had in store. Whatever it will be, Soul will overcome it and prove that she had finally come back. That she was still the same Pegasus from before. If only Rainbow Dash will just accept me. So I can apologize to her. Make it so nothing happened between them. That’s why I am doing this. Bring it on.

“No problem” Dash remarked. “Anything for a newbie.” Then she shot forward again, rightly leaving Soul in the dust.

1.49
“Damn it, Dashie.” Soul went after her. Really feeling the burn now. Every time this happened, she needed to put so much effort just to catch right back up to where Rainbow flew off to. Straight into clouds. Dash makes it seem so effortless to go so fast, and keep going faster and faster. Is it just like me? Like how we used to fly. It felt amazing. Flying for the purpose of racing another opponent. This was the thrill. This was the workout she missed. Putting tons of work into every move to be made just to catch with her opponent and it really did feel electrifying. It feels so good. So calm.

Dashie, is that why you fly so great now? Does it… feel good for you now?

We fly together again like this. Like nothing can touch us. We… we aren’t those fillies anymore. Dashie, you and I, we’re masters now. I can tell in the way you fly. I sense it. The sky has become your home. Whatever you do, I will do too. Better than you. Whatever cloud Rainbow passed through, left Soul to satisfaction of seeing her wings destroy them. Every bit of those clouds falling apart around her. Twisting and turning just behind Rainbow. Whatever wind current Dash spun through, Soul shot clear through it and rode it onwards. But all of it as graceful as Dash was. Like both of them danced in the sky.

Soul followed Dash into one of the larger clouds. Whipping the cloud around her feathers, Soul grinned closing in on Dash’s hooves. Feeling the wind hit her. Going over her friend’s body and striking her. Both able to enjoy the same feeling. This same experience. I got you.

1.50
This cannot be happening! Nopony can do this. As fast as me!? Even starting to make sweat go down Dash’s forehead. Her wings really feeling like they were starting to catch fire. But that never happened before. All because of this damn pony. She’s right on my hooves. Like a weight all over her that she needed to shake off. A fear deep inside.

There can be no way this pony was back. This pony left me so long ago. She left me behind. Just when this day was going so well. I just wanted some ice cream, why are you doing this to me? Like this pony did want to torment her with the impossible.

But no other pony could keep up with her like this.

Years and years of training. All the ponies I left in the wind, none could match me… as perfect as she is. I can feel her. Like her shadow would go over Rainbow.

There can be no way. How? How could she ever come back? Come back after all that happened. Too much to believe. Too little to believe.

Geez, why can’t it just be a simple day? I’m tired of ponies trying to piss me off. Or how… this pony actually was making Dash afraid. Hoping this pony did not sense just how very afraid she was. That this was actually happening. That such a mean pony was back.

Rainbow Dash looked over her shoulder. Right in time to see those bright yellow eyes fill up the sky behind her. Both eyes exposed with her long mane flipped back over her head. That same long, beautiful mane. So much longer than… no that’s not her. She would never come back. No matter how fast this pony was going, I’m the superior flyer. Always was. No other pony will ever show me up in the sky.

I won’t accept anypony… except for… Soul.

1.51
Only Soul can do this. She is the only pony who could keep up with me. Not even losing their chase when Rainbow flipped herself down and over one of the great clouds of the sky. Damn near feeling her ears go crazy as they skimmed the tip of the cloud. Something the magenta Pegasus shared with her. Not losing one bit of momentum. Flying off from the clouds just as Dash did.

No, no. This isn’t her! It’s not! Soul… she always could match me. No other pony is like her. And that’s… that’s what will prove it.

So… Dash glared back at her. You think you are Soul Serenity? Well… you might be able to beat any move I do. Except for one. One final thing to prove that this pony was a fake. To prove what she already knew after all these years of waiting. That Soul was gone and never coming back. All because of what happened. It will never be the same again.

Time to lose this jerk. Time to know I’m right. Only Soul, only that Pegasus, could ever compete with me. Ever able to match anything I do. There is only one thing both of us could match each other on now after all these years. Our training.

Soul Serenity would not have slacked so, if this pony is Soul, let’s see her beat me now. The Everfree forest down below looked good. Nice and open space over it where nopony could get hurt. Hope I don’t scare all those critters down there cuz I’m about to rock this pony’s world. Soul always did try to show me up. Not this time. Not this pony.

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath, feeling how much her wings burned. They would have to go for a bit longer. Longer against this, one hell of a challenge. Another challenge to be broken. Her wings agreed. You may have big wings like Soul and fly like her, but you don’t have her skill. My skill.

Dash arced her wings up, and her whole world went up. The trees below reaching up to her and the wind taking her. Feeling all the speed wash over her. Becoming one with it again. One with the sky once again. Nopony can beat me… in my world. In my sky. Nopony can beat this.

“Try to keep up!”

1.52
Oh I’ll keep up with you, easy. Though it became apparent that Dash was really starting to pick up her speed and her wings blazing into a flurry unlike any before now, and all the wind she let loose behind her. Smacking Soul in the face. But she did not let up. Keeping right on her tail as the rainbow-tailed Pegasus turned away at her ever-increasing speed. No longer level, no, she went down now. Charging back down through the clouds. This time being much more different. Like Rainbow was now giving Soul the easier flight by her being the one who now destroyed the clouds in her path. Bursting them away in a pulse of air that roared all around Soul. Coming down more and more until there were no more clouds left in their paths. Only the thick forest below filled her view. Reaching out all around Rainbow Dash. Very fast.

To Soul, it looked as if Dash were planning to just plough her way right down into the forest. Maybe that were the case. Some agile flight around the trees and thick foliage like the mountains gave me these past years. But at this speed? Hope you are skilled enough to do this, Dashie. So fast that Soul noticed how the air even warped apart around both ponies. Cleaved right through by the Pegasus in front of her. Howling and shaking all around. Like her wings began to wobble from that alone if she were more inclined to forget her own wings started hurting. It really was a bad idea to do this without stretching. Can’t chicken out now, have to see this through to the end. I know I will beat her.

1.53
The air buckled. Just at that moment. Like some smack right across her face so hard it even made Soul stop. The air was not supposed to do that. Coiling like this all before her, and how warm it got. Just in an instant from the unexpected burst of light before her so brilliant and vast she no longer could control her eyes and how much they blinked. Leaving spots in her eyes, tearing at her wings that caught hold of all the wind and slowed her to a halt just in time.

Like time… stood still.

As it all happened in front of her. As if Rainbow Dash herself had exploded before her. An explosion.

It took all of Soul’s strength just to keep herself in place. Feeling all that wind slam straight into her entire body. Rippling through her feathers, matting her fur. Threatening to send her flying off to the ground and it almost did. Her wings able to keep her frightened self in place with all her head ringing in the sound of an explosion that went off right in her face. An explosion of so many colors and a streak that did fly off, shining of beauty to Soul.

She gasped.

1.54
Rainbow Dash had done this? Just a massive explosion that she now came to fully realize the scope of how impossibly impressive it was. As if the entire sky around her changed. It becoming Dash’s tail. Her mane. No more for the Sun to shine through. Shielding everything else out from where she hovered in the middle of it all. The colors of the world shining in all directions. Sparkling in such incandescent light raining all around. Falling from the sky to her, to any below. Soul even thought some of that light would even grace her fur. Flickering into her, disappearing. Spotted in her sight and morphing to the color of her own fur that shone of all the light around her. From red to violet.

Her body shone like the sky.

It became Dash’s colors. Cooling her with the breeze. Cooling her with the light, and it all ran off. Down below. All these colors streaking far below and into the forest, far beyond. Like Dash herself was gone, leaving only a trail of light for Soul to follow into the far-off distance. All that was left for Soul to see of her friend. Mixed in with billowing green fire atop the trees all along the path of that streak and a blast of thunder ahead. Wherever Dash was. Wherever that impressive Pegasus had flown off to.

Nothing but blazing flames scorching the skies beneath that rainbow.

She did it just like… I did it. So… Rainbow Dash can do this too? She knows how to do this?

Should I be upset? Another pony… can do the same move. And it’s Dash of all ponies.

Of course… it took a pony like Rainbow Dash to be the one to do it too. Just like old times. She always was able to match me. She really had been training all this time to go this fast, to achieve this. Well…

I’ve been training too.

1.55
Rainbow Dash burst out laughing. It felt like she was but, well, it was sort of impossible for even her to hear. Not with all the thunder bursting out around her. All the air that rushed through her mane and against her ears. Now this is more like it! Always so exhilarating to do this. So natural. Oh how I love doing this. The sky is my pet now… haha! And now this fake pony has the honor to see it and to be crushed by me.

No Pegasus can compete with me. None could. For this was hers and hers alone. To see the world in this way. To feel it like it was meant to be felt. No matter how much wind rushed into her, it always felt so great. Like a kiss to her cheeks, accepting her into its embrace that was the entire sky. Her sky, and it was a sky that obeyed only her. Giving Dash the path she needed to fly faster than any other pegasi.

Yes! Always like this.

So brilliant that only the sonic rainboom could ever pull this off. Amazing. Fulfilling. Just an endless road of color warping the entire world around her. Building up something like this, made in streaks of light that tore apart everywhere. Blazing the clouds. Scorching the earth, and how all the world ahead of her opened up just for her. No matter how dangerous or foreboding the Everfree forest was, it made little difference to her when going this fast. All those beasts down there must be so afraid of this. Of all this power, and that faker gets to deal with it too. Hell, maybe she’s even terrified. Nopony talks crap to me and gets away with it. Unless they want to be shown up.

There is only one pony I will ever let talk to me like that. Because it was that pony who had proved herself capable of doing that. She earned it and now this Pegasus will have no choice but to shut up and leave her alone. Stop bringing up painful memories. Stop angering her and just leave her be.

1.56
Oh yes, this felt so nice. How relaxed her wings were sending Dash off like this, how lucid her entire body was. Like set into a comfortable bed, feeling right at home, yes. She can go back to feeling just as good as this without anypony like her around. Just go back to normal. Never wanting to be reminded again. That was the reason this all had to happen. Everything. To leave it all behind. Just like leaving that Pegasus behind.

Just make it another day. Any type of day, but one like this. Flying like this, and how nice it felt, it did make her want to take a nice nap afterwards. Leave off on a good note for herself, and that Pegasus can sleep as well from how thorough of a thrashing she was gonna get from this.

“Sleep well, newbie!” Screaming it out loud. Not even able to grace her own ears let alone the other Pegasus. The air rippled loudly. Roaring in a thunderous boom blasting off in her ears and shooting all across the sky before… it came back to her.

Wait…

That sound? Like thunder actually did respond to her. In every direction and booming so hard into the back of her head. Like… is the wind hitting me? From behind…?

Dash looked over her shoulder. Back behind in the trail of rainbow light shed off by her tail. Made glorious the sky by her grace alone, joined together with the light made anew from far off.

That’s not… me.

That rainbow light… blasted away. Behind her and all around when it was all drowned out as was all she was feeling. Not able to relax in the sky anymore. Not with this fear. At the sight of this, nopony could relax with so much magenta light bursting out across the entire horizon as nothing more than a dome that not even the sky itself could exist in.

Rainbow Dash could only watch as the entire sky was cast away in this light… and how very terrifying it was to see. To know this was happening. That it was not her own.

The sky… what happened to my sky? Blasting away all the clouds, all the trees below. Their leaves sent flying, even the ones that she passed. Hitting her so hard that the wind almost sent her off to become one with those trees, taking too much effort just to keep herself in the air. Not with all this wind. All this noise that frightened her. Booming out in endless blasts with all the magenta light that did rush out. Streaking all across the sky with the wind cast dark in black before it too burned out in the horizon. Lost forever in a bolt of lightning that shot across the sky and right at her.

Lightning made black. Lightning made magenta. Burning bright as did those eyes she saw in them. Coming right for her. There is no way.

No way…

She did come back. After all these years… Soul Serenity.

1.57
Absolutely no frigid wind. No snow at all to blast into her face and make her want to shield herself from all in front of her. Nothing but the cooling air of a springtime breeze and that same stretch of light she came to recognize. I did it again. Just like the first time. I can do it. …Even better, nothing bad happened. So amazing that this was going so smoothly. To the point where Soul came right in at Dash. Closing so fast, didn’t matter how much her wings hurt. They just needed to go a little further now. Until Dash accepts me.

She can’t deny it now.

Soul had no idea how much longer she could keep this up, becoming such a pain to keep her wings flapping. No way she’d be able to keep after Dash were she to keep flying. Please don’t go on for much longer. Just give up, Dashie. No way to win this race, all she needed was to finally catch Rainbow Dash. Only done with this move alone. Bringing her so close and now… Dash, she… she went right below Soul.

Soul flared her wings out. Catching the wind so hard. Feeling all the air and wind shudder past her in such a terrifying roar. All she needed to do to slow down and stay there above the rainbow maned Pegasus. One Pegasus atop the other. Just one reach of a hoof to possibly close the gap, and Dash did not move. Soul waiting for a moment to see if she would do anything. No. Her ears actually fell to the sides of her head down there. Not moving any faster. Neither pony doing that, combined together now in their flight. Magenta light mixed with that of rainbow that lit up the entire forest Soul saw both of them to skim over.

Are you not gonna try to fly away? Is this the fastest Dashie can go? Just as fast as Soul could go now. Not able to push herself any further with just how terribly her wings did burn that it made her wince and grunt. Piquing Rainbow’s interest with a small glance up to her accompanying Pegasus. Soul gave no reason to give her concern. Holding it all back in. Holding her breath so not to scream as her wing muscles did. This move just as crazy as before, but worse. Not something she could keep up much longer, while Dash did prove to be the opposite right now.

It’s amazing we are both still such good flyers, unmatched by any other Pegasus.

1.58
But I’ll keep flying until you accept me.

“I’m here, Dashie.”

“H-how did you do this? This move?” Dash pointed a hoof up to her from down below. Sounding so disturbed. I should ask her the same thing. Every bit of the move, they could both do it. But Soul needed to admit one thing so as not to hurt her friend’s feelings, Rainbow Dash’s was far more pretty.

“I trained a lot, Dashie. What? You think I’d give up on training just because I left? You know that’s not what I’d do.”

“Because… you always give your all. Just like me.” Rainbow Dash whispered it out and then, her wings turned. As did her entire body. Soul watched her old friend spin around and hold right in her new position. Belly up to her, both ponies able to look at one another up to down, neither willing to let out on their speed. So typical of Dash to fly upside down. Showing off maybe, but Soul saw something else. No. Rainbow Dash wanted to actually look up at her.

“Just like you always did” Dash said.

Silence fell back down. Soul left to herself and the words she just heard. What they told her. What Rainbow Dash felt right now, she saw it in her eyes. Heard it in her voice. Something she was so eager to hear. If only it may come soon. For this to end soon, Soul’s wings practically bellowed at her now to sit herself down. Wiped away for a moment just now from these very words that came from Rainbow Dash.

“You really did come back, …Soul.” Soul smiled deeply. “Yes. I’m home again.”

1.59
What a great way to return to that home. Not able to ask for it to have turned out any better. Because now it was that Soul saw herself shining as who she truly was inside of Dash’s eyes. For both ponies to be able to see her. Know she was home. With Rainbow Dash flapping her wings less and less.

She’s slowing down now. Zipping past the trees right under her with little difference, but the wind, it did blow against her less now that Soul could loosen up her flying and slow herself down. Still keeping pace with her old friend. Still blistering pain in her wings. I get to deal with this pain later, so what? I did it. Rainbow Dash said or did nothing to show any semblance of her doubting Soul anymore. The fact she slowed down felt good actually. No more need to fly away from me. We can be together in the sky again. So close again. So close Soul wanted to hug her as a result. Just reach down there in that short distance between the two and wrap her hooves around the pony she missed. Carry her off, let Dashie rest her wings and let Soul do all the work. Anything to show her she was still her friend. Anything to make all the bad things that happened be left behind.

So Dash could appreciate me. Be my friend again. With no more pain between them.

It was that very pain… that made Soul not do what she wanted to do. Able to see a Rainbow Dash who would simply flick her hooves away in fear or disgust of Soul hugging her. Possible. With Dash doing nothing still to show she was any less tensed. That did not prevent Soul from smiling on. Not helping herself. Feeling all the relief that both ponies could share in this moment even if it were not perfect. There will be a time when I will hug you… please be close. So you can trust me again. So she won’t ever be mean to me again, and I won’t be mean either.

1.60
“What is this move of yours called?” Soul said the question. Something nice to help ease Dash a little more. No more yelling or competition. Just talk to one another like this. As they were meant to. Flying together in the sky. Besides, that move is amazing. She can do it just like me. Something so amazing. Dash must have come up with some flashy name for it.

“It’s… my sonic rainboom.” A sonic... oh, this is what Soulblight had been talking about. Wow, it really did turn out to be quite the move to be given a name like that. Soul still impressed with every image of it playing out in her mind. Seeing that Rainbow Dash had something like this. She developed this, all on her own. Exactly like me… with a little motivation. Maybe Dash pulled it off the same way too, when she first did it. When she first did it. That made Soul feel a little punch in her gut.

Dash… she did this when… when she was a filly. Exactly like Blight said. Way back. She was too dedicated. So… incredible. Rainbow, I love that about you. Always finding some way to be so strong. Give me a challenge. How great to be with her again. All the chances for that to be made anew. That wonderful friendship.

“It’s amazing” Soul whispered. Glancing back under her belly at the streaks of rainbow light roaring all across the sky below her light burning of magenta. Both their lights ever mixing behind them. “Yours is… kinda cool too” Dash said. Soul looked back. Rainbow doing her best to look a little boastful. Foolish. Soul knew her well. From when they were kids. She saw that Rainbow was just putting on a show. Dashie, she always loves hearing compliments. And she complimented me. Dash likes my move. Whatever my move is. A little symbol that Soul never gave up on the dream they both set forth for themselves.

“You’re back and all… but…” Dash rubbed a hoof along the back of her head. Fidgeting a little in her flight. Giving a little grin anyways. A grin Soul could only assume what it meant. “Don’t start stealing my moves. Okay?” Her grin never left. No need to take it to heart. Dash was joking. That rough personality of hers… she knew the truth in the matter. Soul and Dash, both of them always equals. Not something Soul saw herself able to grow out of anytime soon. As much as she wanted to, only for Dash to catch up again.

But both of them, they shared the same talent. Truly the best wingponies around. That is why I missed you so much. Can I hug her now?

She blinked. Coming right down to where Dash flew belly up to her, and Soul opened her legs up. Wanting to hold her close. Please accept me back… as the friend I once was. Please.

1.61
Rainbow Dash disappeared.

But she had just been right there, gone in a flash with a bolt of brown and leaves sent scattering in the air before they could not keep up anymore in the wind of Soul’s flight. Nothing more, just the crackle of something breaking.

Soul blinked. What happened? Hearing a quick “Oof” somewhere off behind her and seeing she was now flying completely alone. This was not right. Something happened. All when she just saw that brown thing blow by her and then, Dash was gone.

Did Dash just… damn it.

Soul knew this was going to hurt but whatever, her wings needed to deal with it. No matter how much strain it put on them to do it. Soul needed to stop, and now. One blink. That was all the time she could allow to pass by. Not willing to lose where she saw her old friend. Soul brought her wings back to bare. Turning them upwards and presenting their entire lengths to the horizon ahead of her. Just as it happened, she buckled. Not at all expecting what it would be like to stop at such a high speed, but nothing like this. Bringing her hind legs flipping forward that they almost careened up into her mouth, carried on in the wind and bursts of magenta light exploding across the tree line and all that wind that came in to strike right against the backs of her wings. Blowing so hard. It did not matter at all that she prepared herself for it, the pain was still too much.

Soul screamed. Going unheard to anypony. Even to herself. Nothing but the wind blowing against her ears and all the rustle of the leaves. An incredible sight she beheld of trees all ahead of her. Going on for so far with all their leaves sent flying and their branches breaking and tossed asunder in a dance the forest adopted. Waving the tops of those trees all about.

Soul had to close her eyes. Grinding her teeth together with every agonizing moment the wind struck against her wings, threatening to push her forward with all those leaves. So unpleasant. Thank Celestia it ended. Dying down as quick as it happened.

1.62
Soul gave herself one more moment. Nothing but Dash on her mind and that stupid pain all across her wings really doing their best to try and pull her attention away. Try to make her fall. Like her wings may actually give out right now. So loyal of them to keep that from happening. Holding her right up in the air for that moment she needed to just close her eyes to everything, take a deep breath, and let it all go. Ease her wings just a little so they only trembled at her sides in the midst of their soft flaps, and her entire body trembled at that. Still feeling the first effect of so much wind striking her.

My back hurts so much. My everything hurts. Like she had been scraped apart. She had no idea she had been going that fast, to make such wind left at her tail. Whatever. At least she had not crashed. Still aloft. Nothing to hinder her in why she did this to begin with.

She looked back in the direction they had both been flying in from. Just a second is all it took to notice something was up. That one lone tree higher than the rest protruding out above the canopy far off behind her. Very far off. Maybe the length of a town or something similar but not too far to notice how it shuddered for just a moment more than all the rest of the trees caught in the wind. With leaves flying and falling to the ground around it. Unlike all the other leaves blown off into the sky. No, these ones still continued to lose themselves from their parent. Weird.

Soul turned her entire body around and, it hurts. Geez, just moving her wings differently now was enough to make the pain blister out again. There won’t be any more of flying that fast for right now. It didn’t stop her.

She flew off to where that tree loomed. Coming closer to it as fast as her wings allowed without being too painful, and closing in to find this tree was indeed very different. One may think the wind had affected it terribly with how it became apparent it was lying limp on itself, with many branches left dangling along the tip that hung at an angle down to the forest floor below.

Something had struck it. Not wind, not like all the other trees. Something harder. So it did happen.

Dash, that really must have hurt.

1.63
Please don’t hurt her too much. I hope. It was all dashed away when she rounded the bent tree to find the cyan coloring that accompanied this tree. Where Rainbow Dash was. It made Soul bring her hooves to her mouth just to hold in her gasp of fear. How much pain she has to be in with her legs squirming around. The only thing she could see of the pony that was lodged right into that tree. Her grunts and moans burning somewhere within.

She’s making noise. She’s okay. Well looks like this never changed. She still messes up sometimes. Even if it was my fault. Please don’t be upset at me. I’ll help you.

A huge surprise she had not just cut the entire tree in half with her speed sending her through it. “Dashie, I’m here” Soul closed in on where her friend’s legs kicked hard up into the bark of the tree. Where her rainbow tail hung loose out of and flaying all against the tree below her. Desperate to kick her way out. That won’t work. What… will work? I’m here and I have no idea what to do. The top of this tree was still so thick. Don’t think I can cut this and… she looked around. Oh no. Where is Ponyville?

Nothing but trees in every direction like they flooded the entire land. Reaching out to where the mountains did rise. All those ponies that could help, where were they? Just spend so much time wandering around trying to find where to go for help, no way. I’ll never leave Dash alone like this. She felt terrible for even thinking that way. Dash didn’t leave me when I got hurt. Staying with her till help did come. She had to stay with her, had to be the one to help. She can do this.

She looked over where Rainbow Dash was stuck in there. How all the wood and bark had been torn inwards in the lengthy hole her friend did pierce right into its side. A bit of an opening around where she worriedly flailed her legs around. “Hold still” Soul called to her. Coming in to get close to her legs. Just one more second but Dash, she stopped squirming. Letting her hind legs rest a bit. Somewhere in there, still able to hear Soul.

1.64
It took a bit of effort, a lot of repositioning and dealing with how much her wings fought for a much-needed rest, but Soul managed to slip her hooves around Dash’s hips. Careful to avoid messing up her tail any more than it was, watching to be sure her hooves did not clench on those hairs when she grabbed hold of her friend. Dash didn’t even try to fight back in there. She sort of didn’t have a choice in the matter now and she knew it.

One tug. I think I got her. Bringing her hooves down and around her hind legs, then she pulled. It did not last. Now Soul came to be still. When her wings twitched hard from her using their remaining strength to pull Dash out. It only took a second of flapping for the pain to be too much to bare, she almost had let go of Dash from it.

“Damn it.” They’re not going to help this time.

Soul closed in to plant her hind legs firmly down against the base of the tree trunk, maneuvering to place Dash right between her hooves. Her forelegs wrapped firmly around Dash’s stomach, down along her flanks and… oh wow.

Her flanks.

Soul stopped herself seeing the colors lining the very area she just skimmed over. They barely presented themselves out from under where Soul clenched her legs around them, but she saw them. Them in the shape of… a lightning bolt. As bright as Dash’s tail was. Lifting her legs up a little more off of her old friend’s flank to see better of what was hidden underneath. Planted right into her cyan fur. All this time, hidden well under Dash’s wings.

I see it… both of us did it. Dashie. She had her own cutie mark.

The shape and color of it, so well defined. It dazzled Soul’s eyes. Just a moment. She had to leave it be. Rainbow needs my help, I’ll look later. To see what beauty her friend did find in the shape of this mark, this wonderful display of whatever talent she had and how gorgeous it turned out to be. Not even able to get it out of her head even with how worried she was. It probably involved flying, even though Dash still needed work. They both did. Damn it, not the time.

Soul tightened her grip again and let her wings rest. Using only her legs to try and pull the Pegasus out of her hole.

1.65
“Need some help?”

Soul turned to look. Finding herself in the company of Soulblight hanging there next to her with gentle flaps of her graceful wings. A surprise to see her. Right with Dash here. Wasn’t Blight supposed to be the shy one?

Whatever, I do need her help. More and more pulls did nothing to even budge Dash out from her bind. Lodged firmly in place. So Soul did accept it, lowering her wings and presenting her own back for Blight. “Grab hold of me and help me pull” Soul asked of her. Blight has her wings, if we work together, we can get her out. I’m sure of it. Something that needed to be done now. Rainbow’s tail ceased wriggling entirely. It must really be bad stuck like this, how much it must hurt. One little grunt moaning out from under that bark.

Soulblight lay her hooves on her, not the way Soul expected. She pushed both her hooves forward and… right against Soul’s chest. Forcefully. It surprised Soul. Pushing her back a little more and… Blight came in between her and Dash. Staring at Soul from the corner of her eyes as if telling her something before she turned down to where Dash lay. “What are you…” “Hold still” Blight spoke. …Soul shook her head.

Blight spoke… down to Dash in that hole. But not with her voice.

She did it again. She’s using… my voice. She can… damn it, Blight. Stop stealing my voice.

In an instant, the air fell quiet. Cut to nothing with a quick flash that did burn right across Soul’s mind, burning straight into her when she saw that magic come out just like it did before. Just seeing how bright it burned of crimson. The slash of air like venom to her ears. Just like before. It reminded her of the pain they both went through caused by it. It still hurt so much to remember. Better to just focus on what it did now. How that curve of red fire did cut through the very bark that kept Dash in place. In the blink of an eye.

1.66
Soul watched the tree buckle and break, its top falling clean off the rest and it disappeared far down in the dark forest below. Leaving streaks of cinder billowing in its path as it smoldered. It left. Leaving Dash there. Laying there in the middle of the freshly carved tree trunk. Sleeping on it. Exposed to the world once again. Rainbow’s chest rose. A soft sigh coming out, before she lay still. Freed at last.

Soul reached in for her. Wrapping her legs up around the pony’s neck in a hug that was not returned. It feels so good. Dash, she’s so warm. So soft. She even felt softer than before. Nicer, like a true friend. If only she could hug me back. No, not this time. Not with Dash not able to open her eyes. Breathing softly against her back when her head fell limp onto Soul’s shoulder. A little bit more strength and, wow it was starting to hurt her wings again, but she did it. Pulling Rainbow right up from her perch and holding her firmly against her chest. Letting her huge wings fly for both of them.

“You… didn’t get any lighter” Soul commented down to the pony she held. A real strain on her legs… and her wings. But she could handle it.

Soul looked over to the pony who did this. “Thank you.”

Blight nodded. Turning her own gaze back to what was obviously Soul’s wings. She must be able to tell. Yes, I admit it. It hurts a lot carrying Dash like this. Every moment worrying her she may accidentally drop her.

“I think you should rest a bit. Allow her to sleep a little as well” Blight pointed to the still pony in Soul’s grip. Rest… well that did sound good.

1.67
Some time to pass for Rainbow to be able to wake up again. Right into whatever pain that must be waiting to hit her once she did. Still, it’d be a chance for them to finally just sit down and talk with no more hassle, just like right now.

“We can rest down in the forest. Come on, I’ll take her” Soulblight said and… she actually came forward with her legs open to Dash. She wants to carry her? Wow. …In the forest… well… as long as we are all together. That’d be fine. Just remembering how it all looked from up here. Kind of intimidating to be alone in that darkness down there. Made her hesitate. I need to trust Blight. Enough to let herself give the limp Rainbow Dash over to the black Pegasus. Careful though. Only letting go when she was certain Blight had a good grip around her, then leaving her be. Almost like… Blight were now cradling the Pegasus.

They look so nice together. Blight let Dash sleep against her chest. She gave no indication she didn’t like it. Actually, Blight stared down at the pony for a few seconds. Not even blinking, but she tightened her grip a little more. “I got her.” Not one dip in her flight. Weird. Soul watched the pony carry Dash off. Soul cocked her head. I didn’t know Blight was strong enough to do that. When did she…?

Soul shook her head. Hey, wait up. She followed after down into the forest. Careful to avoid running into the thick array of spiny sticks, thorns and whatever else these sharp protrusions of this forest must be. Keeping an eye down below. Worried Blight might run into something.

She didn’t.

All three making it down to dry land. Safe, dry dirt.

1.68
Soul landed. Able to finally give her wings a little rest, planting them firmly against her sides and feeling all the relief start to come over them. Right when Blight came down as well, slowly angling herself so her legs may softly drop her cargo down. Laying Dash down on her back against the grass. A soft surface for her to sleep, better than the inside of that tree. She even started to snore a little. Blight giggled. “She’s out for right now.”

The black Pegasus took her place down on the soil as well. Leaving their newly acquainted cyan Pegasus to sleep between the two of them. “Yeah…” Soul tried to stretch one of her wings out. Feeling all the pain come right back the moment she tried it. No point in doing it now.

“I really should’ve stretched before I did this. Maybe things would have turned out differently.” Stupid of me not to do it. It would’ve just took a moment. I could’ve caught up to her. I get to suffer with her now. Poor Dashie. All those cuts over her and tiny scrapes along her delicate skin.

“I don’t know why you say that” Blight chimed in from over there where her tail had come to face Soul and Dash. The black Pegasus strolling off through the grass and around a small gathering of boulders she did take a moment to sniff. Cocking her head before turning back to face her. “This would have happened anyways. So don’t beat yourself up. You performed perfectly.” Whatever she says. Doesn’t make it any better.

1.69
She sighed. It did not turn out all bad. At least she was here, together with Rainbow Dash and neither pony trying to run away from the other. Even Soulblight is here. If Dash were to just be awake, it’d be a perfect meeting. Like I dreamed of. All three pegasi together in this dark and dreary forest where something howled out in the distance.

Soul shivered. Stop ruining my moments.

We have to be here… till Dash wakes up. Then… we can finally talk Hopefully, she won’t be too upset about crashing. I did sort of distract her. That did make her shiver too, even more than the creepy forest that surrounded them. But… Soulblight walked across. Her gaze set squarely on the darkness between all the trees ahead of them. She didn’t even shiver.

Blight turned. Looking past Soul shoulder and around again. She walked on in her slow stride. Like she is looking for something. Kinda like she’s hunting. Weird to think but… this is Blight after all. This is my best friend. There is no reason to be afraid. Not when she was with the two most important ponies in her life.

Blight is with me. She never leaves me alone.

“Thanks again… for all your help” Soul said to the Pegasus. Her dragon eyes glanced over, giving off no sign of that strength she wore in them just seconds ago as she smiled from the gratitude. “Get some rest” Blight whispered. Going back to walking around this clearing the three pegasi were in.

1.70
Some rest. Yeah, that sounds good. Soul pulled herself a little closer to where Dash lay. Laying herself down just short. So short. She felt Dash’s fur tip against her own. Their sides almost touching, and Soul curled herself around the pony. Resting her wings down. Just let them lay there on the ground both ponies shared, and listen to the sweet sound of Dash sleeping. Like a little tremble going across the ground and tickling Soul’s belly. So soft.

Soul let out a deep sigh. I’m with her… I’m with Dash. She stared across at the sleeping pony.

The pony of my childhood. Here with me. At long last, we’re together.

Soul closed her eyes. Smiling. My oldest friend. My first friend.

“I’m back, Dashie.”

Part 3 Solace - Act 2

2.1
“Come on, just a couple minutes. I’m sure you two will like each other.” Do not tell me no again.

Soul looked down at the sleeping cyan pony. These two would make great friends. Seriously. The way that Blight held Dash earlier, why it looked a lot like she really cared for her. Even if it were just for protection. The two of them could certainly hit it off if they just got the chance but Blight is always so stubborn. Such a waste. Hate to push her, but the way she was holding Dash… so sweet.

But no. Soulblight was too busy sitting atop one of the large boulders, her perch for so long. Just sitting there keeping her back to Soul’s request. She can’t just sit there and ignore me. Soul had a whole plan set forth for helping the two of them become friends and how much it would make her happy to see. Because Blight would also be plenty happy. So easy to predict that outcome. As was her consistent response. Silence. A solid no in it with how she refused to turn around anymore.

“I’ll introduce you to her. Trust me, she will listen to you.”

“I don’t want to” Blight said. Geez. Such a hard thing to accept. It kind of hurt Soul to hear how blunt her friend was in denying any opportunity to talk with a new pony. How Blight’s wings fell a little lower against her sides. She turned a bit. Just glancing one eye back to where Soul lay with her rainbow tailed companion. Soul locked eyes with her. Not at all seeing any change in Blight’s look, she still looked so indifferent. Leaving them, Blight stared off to the dirt before the boulder she sat on. Just leaving it at that with no more words.

2.2
No point in prying anymore. It was so frustrating. All the opportunity for the three pegasi to become good friends and always able to play and enjoy each other’s company. Really, three good friends there for one another. Together in this world that all of them now had the chance to share. Soulblight was no less afraid to even talk to Dash. Not even wanting Rainbow to know she was here.

I always see Blight as such a strong pony, but that’s not true. She is still afraid just like I often am. So much shame to ask her to do something as hard as meeting new ponies. Even with a Pegasus like Rainbow Dash.

To be able to see Dash right in front of her with her own eyes. She even touched her. Cradled her. None of it was enough to push Blight over that very edge that Soul herself would find hard to cross. It was so hard. Soulblight… you’re not a tough pony. I understand. Soul accepted it. Because we both have that problem. She’s a shy pony, so troubled. But that was not all. Soul had an idea just by how much the Pegasus was acting right now. Not even wanting to be in the same place as a strange pony. A tough exterior masking shyness… but more. Soul was mad at herself now when she thought how Blight may feel about this situation. Just like in the snowy wasteland.

She showed me how she is. How she acts now. Soulblight was afraid. Here I am trying to force her to do something uncomfortable and for something so selfish. It just sounded like a good idea to get to know one another now, when the time came for Dash to wake up. Soul had no idea how to make any of it work now.

“I’m sorry” Soul said. “I just…”

2.3
“Wanted my help with her?” Blight finished for her. Almost, but Soul nodded anyways.

Yes, I’m afraid of talking to her… all alone.

Just a little better to know she had a pony with her to help talk. …In the right way with all three pegasi here. But that was just half the truth. What if these two can become such good friends. Blight… she needs friends. It’s something I do want. For it just to make all of them happy, especially Blight who deserved so many more friends and Dash, Dash was always the best friend to have.

“You’ll do fine” Blight said. “It is Rainbow Dash after all.” Yeah, …it is Rainbow Dash. That frightened Soul a little more. One mistake and… no chance that the three of them could ever be friends. All because of what I did to her before. So many terrible things. If only things could just be different.

“Don’t beat yourself up over it. Okay? Just remember the Dashie you grew up with” Soulblight spoke so caring and kind over to her. “Yeah” Soul nodded her head. Looking over at the long rainbow tail set on the dirt next to where she sat her head. So long. Much longer than the kid Soul remembered. But it still retained the same beauty from before that intoxicated Soul’s very eyes. She did change, hopefully not too much. Hopefully not because of me.

“I just wonder if she will be angry with me.” Soulblight shook her head with a sigh. “I told you before…”

That rainbow tail moved. Like its wag cut the sentence that Blight spoke in half, catching Soul’s eyes immediately. Seizing her. Bringing about a complete silence in the wind that only one little raspy voice came out into. Rainbow Dash moaned and groaned behind Soul.

Dashie still likes you.

Soulblight had left her perch, leaving a barren boulder. Empty was the space around them and Soul found herself alone… with Rainbow Dash.

2.4
The cyan pony stirred at her side. Soul just watching. Seeing how she ruffled her feathers around along her side just like her tail did sway up and down before it sat still. A kick of her hind legs and… she spun her body around. Rainbow’s belly facing where Soul was watching her, and a little sigh from below. Soul waited a second. Just to see if anything else may happen but… it did. Dash glided her wings along her sides. Unfolded and trembling a little. All those feathers covering her. Moving all along, showing she was indeed awake.

She’s awake. I’m… scared… but also glad.

Soul got up. Scraping her own hind legs along the dirt and pushing herself right onto her side, reclining next to where Dash lay. So both ponies may see one another’s faces. Those burning magenta eyes staring at her from below. Down there where Soul’s hooves met the dirt. The same position Soul watched at from what Dash may see. Soul looking down with her yellow eyes. …And… silence fell over them.

What… should I say? This. This was happening faster than she wished it to. Not even having any time to think on how to do this. What to say to her when Rainbow Dash finally woke up. Not like this. Practically laying so close to one another that… it’s like when we were kids. When we slept together the one time. She really could just hold her like this. Both of them.

Rainbow Dash clearly did not have the same idea with how she started to get up. Pushing herself up to sit above Soul. A little quip of her wings and… she winced. Something really was wrong. She must be in pain, maybe she was trying to fly off but just not able to.

2.5
The cyan fur touched down on the dirt again. Surprising Soul. Seeing Dash lay right back down, …face to face. Dash… she actually reclined on her side as well.

Dash was so close. Soul’s heart took a little leap. Dashie isn’t running from me. She grunted a moment when she moved but found a comfortable position to rest against her side. Letting it all come to rest. A moment for both of them to share. Such an incredible moment. Soul was speechless. Yet, a voice did grace her ears and it was the voice she wanted to speak to her. To let her know what was going on was perfectly okay.

“Was I out long?” Rainbow Dash’s question to her. Nothing bad or scary. No, just a little, innocent question.

Thank you so much Dash. Thanks cuz I had no idea what to say. Hope she doesn’t see how nervous I am. Soul did now notice her own legs were fidgeting. Quick to calm them down. Quick to answer. “No, not long at all.” Soul shook her head. Not sure if she was lying or not. It didn’t feel long. Dash giggled. “I guess I messed up. Probably looked a bit bad, huh?” Considering the scratches and how her cyan wings trembled behind her, …not bad at all. “I’ve been through worse” Soul admitted.

Dash will never be able to see just what it was I went through. I never want Dash to see that. Neither of them deserved to see the other in pain. “I’m sorry I made you crash though” Soul said. Dash blinked. “Oh yeah, it was into the tree. No.” She shook her head. “That was my fault, shoulda been paying attention to everything around me.” Yup, looks like you have that problem too. Don’t worry, I don’t think any Pegasus can be aware of everything when they are distracted. I sure can’t.

“Just like I tried to teach you.” Soul laughed a little. Not as much as Dash did as a result of their combined voices saying out those words at the same time.

2.6
Rainbow Dash punched her hoof into Soul’s shoulder. Just a light hit. It made Soul jump a little before she realized how innocent it actually was. It made her smile.

“I can’t believe you’re actually back” Dash said. “How long has it even been?”

“Twelve years.”

Rainbow fell silent, her little smile quickly turning. It was a shocker. No need to hide it. How long we were apart, long enough for Dash to not even recognize me. No matter how good of friends we were, guess I changed too much for her. Still, Soul was so relieved Dash saw her as the one and only Soul Serenity. Well I’m back, we can be together again.

“Twelve… years” Rainbow whispered. “It’s been so long.” “Yes.” Soul hated that it had been that long and it had been such a terrible time away from one another. Everything they both missed out on. All that stuff. Hell, I have no idea what Dash has been up to all this time. Dash has no idea what I have been through.

So many years they could have had together like this. It hurt her heart to think about it.

“So when are you gonna grow up?”

Soul burst out laughing. Joined alongside by the very pony who made that joke. At least Dash can still make jokes. A pony to make her laugh. “No really” Dash said. “You look awesome!” Soul felt Dash’s eyes going up her. Really getting the chance to take in exactly how Soul looked now and she was really flattered to be noticed like that. Get a compliment about how she looked. At least it all worked out. All her grooming and attempts at cleaning paid off. Still would be nice to get an actual bath for once. Good enough right now. Even for Dash to like it, she never often said anything about how I looked. So nice of her.

“Thank you, you look great too” Soul said recalling how easy it was to see that both of them had changed a lot over the years. Especially in the flank department. Maybe Dash saw my mark. Well, I’d love to show her.

2.7
“Almost like nothing happened, huh?” Rainbow slammed a hoof right up against her own mouth the instant she said that. Looking so very flustered in Soul’s eyes. Her eyes glued right on the Pegasus. She looked horrible. Horrified even. Rainbow Dash left in silence. Rainbow looked away. Looks like it’s a lot to take in. It’s okay. Okay if she remembers.

…Even if Dash were to remember all the bad things that happened. What happened… to cause this sadness welling up in Soul’s chest. How much it hurt and made her want to cry just by seeing exactly what things were like now, all etched in Dash’s face. What had happened. Lost to one another for so long. Just memories leading up to this point with so much pain left that it made Soul squirm. Trying her best to hide how bad it was. Keep a straight face.

“Sorry” Dash said without looking at her. “I uh…” “No, it’s alright” Soul lied. A lie that hurt her just as hard as what Dash said. “I uh… don’t mind talking about it.”

“Soul I…” Rainbow quit her sulking. Reclining herself right back again, comfortable to push herself a little closer to where Soul lay. “It wasn’t right for me to say that. I’m sorry. I just… don’t know.” Soul also came a little closer. It’s okay. I am here to listen. Anything to let Dash get whatever she had off her chest. All the questions she must have. All the pain built up over these years that Soul inflicted on her. I’m here to make it all better, to make us better.

“I’m just confused” Dash admitted. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s so great to see you again” she said in an increasingly chipper voice. “But…” Soul could tell what she hesitated to say. It was plain because it was a thing that made Soul what she now was to all of Equestria. What she was to Dash. She had hurt so many. Hurt this most beloved pony of hers. Soul too, had no idea how to act in this situation. This impossible situation. But to make Dash better, was worth a try. “It’s weird to see me come back” Soul said.

2.8
“I probably never should have, cuz most ponies would prefer me not to come back…” Like Celestia or any given Pegasus pony. Any?

“That’s not true” Dash said. “I’m very glad you came back.” Soul sighed inside. Rainbow sounds so weird saying that. Like it was a struggle. Was she struggling to say this stuff? She is. I am a murderer to her and all these ponies. I said I hated her. That’s all ponies would see right now. But, at least she’s letting me talk. Of course it took her old friend to be the one to give her that chance. That was good enough to give her a little smile.

“I’m happy to see you too.” Soul lay her head down. Watching too as Dash did the same. Both of them just there together to lay in the grass with just the wind blowing in the treetops above. Trees and wind of this world that had accepted her, so why did Soul not belong? They just seemed to tease her. If only she could have been here for those twelve years. No bad things could have happened. Happier times. For Blight to come to her in a better way, then all three of them being the best of friends with no end. Too late. Everything has happened. I lost my chance.

Rainbow Dash has been home, making the right choices this whole time. She was a good pony. One worthy of respect.

“What have you been doing all this time I’ve been gone?” Soul asked her out of curiosity. Rainbow Dash held her tongue. Glancing back up at the trees above them. Rubbing her hoof along the grass.

“Well…” Her hoof circled now. She took time and consideration. How sweet. Soul appreciated her for that. “I was mostly just trying to help ponies out whenever I could in the middle of my training. Plus some nice napping too.” Short but that sounds like her. Probably had way too many stories to tell for right now. A pony like Dash, she must have hundreds of stories. So many for each of the things she claimed and they all sounded interesting. Hell, I want to hear how her napping went.

But… helping others. Did she do for others what she did for me? A really kind spirit.

Well she’s certainly modest.

2.9
“I see you’ve been hard at work training too. That flying of yours and…” Dash pointed her hoof to the wings Soul held at her sides. “Those puppies of yours.” “Yeah.” Soul flashed her free wing up a little. Give her a good sight of it. These beautiful wings of mine, they may be a pain sometimes but they are my babies. The best things about she had to show. “They look so strong. I bet they brought you back here, huh?” Dash asked.

Brought me back? Ha, that was my original plan. From where in this world, Soul did not know. No idea how far she may have had to travel, no distance too far. These wings could have done it if only… things were easier. But if Dash wanted to think that, then sure.

Can I lie about it? I just want to be sure. I know you helped a ton but… not sure how to explain it.

Sure.

Yeah, just give her this story for right now. Still it felt so bad slipping off her tongue. Just do it for Blight. No need to explain how she got here. No need to make Blight scared.

“You know me, I never give up.” “I knew it” Dash punched her shoulder again. “That’s my girl. Howz about we go back to Ponyville, get you an ice cream or something?” Oh, that sounds good. Like anything that involved just being around Dash and doing things with her. Especially if it involved eating something that she had missed so much. So many things I missed eating and… now I can eat them!? Rainbow Dash was offering her ice cream? Looked like she was serious. Dash sat back up. Practically begging for Soul to do the same. The motion alone just to sit back up, it really worked hard to make her wings sting. Not as bad as a little while ago. Plenty bad to wince.

“Besides” Rainbow Dash looked around at the trees that surrounded them. “It’s not safe for us to be in the Everfree forest. So we should head back.” We really are gonna do this. After all this time, Dashie wants me to come back to town with her. Soul didn’t know what to say. Accepted back into this life like this, it felt too good to be true especially after what Dash had said earlier. The pain in her face. It was also very confusing. Terribly so. For any Pegasus who knew Soul to even consider to doing something as nice as that for her, Rainbow just ignored everything.

Isn’t she afraid of being caught with a pony like me? Getting punished? But she did nothing to indicate that she was joking in any way about the two of them being together in a town in Equestria. Weird of her to act like that. Still hard to believe.

2.10
“Wait” Soul pressed a hoof close to where Dash sat. Looking around to the dark of the forest, somewhere out there where she knew Ponyville to be again. Where they were supposed to go together now. “W-why are you acting like this?” Soul asked.

Dash cocked her head. “What do you mean?” Sheesh, I need to explain it? Either that or Dash was doing a good job at ignoring how obviously weird this was. Never expecting of her to be so open. “Umm… you know. After what happened. When… I was banished. Don’t you care about what happened?”

“You mean…” Dash’s voice fell to the earth. Just like her entire demeanor. She slumped down. “The… thing you… were involved in?” If only Blight could be here to explain all of this perfectly. But no, without her, how to tell her? All I can do… is just go along. As much as it hurt, she had to nod. Acknowledge what it was that Dash was referring to. To remember all of it. Like… having to bring all of that back. When everything was destroyed. One incident after another. All leading up to a moment when Dash… could just walk away and leave. Never wanting to deal with it again. Always thinking it was Soul. Both of them to still be hurt.

So… why would Dashie not even act like it happened?

She’s talking to me and wants me around. It wasn’t right. But she did it anyways, Soul admitted to it as slow as she could. Rainbow Dash paused. Both pegasi locking eyes again, those sad eyes Soul wore that she could see in the eyes of that old friend. I look so pitiful. When I have no right to be.

2.11
“I don’t care” Dash spat out.

What?

“I’m just glad you’re finally back.” There can be no way that was it. Soul was not buying it. Yes, she was also happy to see Dash and Dash did a good job of showing the same but… to not care about it. She should care. All the pegasi cared.

“Seriously” Soul raised her voice. “I got accused of doing something no other pony had ever done before and… you don’t care. You’re not even afraid?”

“Afraid?”

Soul pointed to herself. “Afraid of me.” Rainbow let her ears droop. She didn’t give any sign she was afraid, more sad. As was her voice. “Soul, I’m not afraid of you. Okay, buddy? I still don’t care what they said about you.” “How can you not care?” I really need to know now. Because Dash needed to stop lying to her. All these years, hearing what it was that Soul had done. Dash, there was no telling what she really thought. I was never here to tell her it wasn’t me. To prove it. Anypony… would be afraid… of a murderer like me. Especially since I told her I hated her. I told her that. A killer who hates her. So why not be afraid?

“Because I never believed any of them” Dash yelled. “Soul…” She rose her hoof back up, high up. Soul winced.

No don’t!

Soul raised her own hoof. Covering her face. “Please don’t hit me again.”

It never came. Rainbow rested her hoof down, how sad she looked. Don’t touch me. Not now. Just don’t.

“Soul, I’m sorry. …I could never see you as a pony to do those things. Like, why do you think I’m talking to you now? I’m not running from you.”

You did run. Earlier. From me. Because of the pain I caused you… so stop lying to me. No matter how nice it felt to hear Dash talk like this, she needed to stop lying.

“All because I ignored all that crap about you. I still believed in you.”

Soul sighed. No longer with anything more to say. This was pointless to argue about. So pointless. For Dash to live on in her own fantasy about what happened. No, I know the truth. Nopony would ever go one moment without seeing me as a mean and cruel pony… with blood on my hooves. It hurts that ponies think of me that way. I could never...

Soul felt something touch her shoulder. Softly. Finding Dash had set her hoof down upon her.

2.12
“I’m not afraid, Soul. Not like those pathetic ponies back home. Come on now…” She inched in closer. Soul lowering her wings a little more. Feeling weird having Dash so close to her, touching her like this when talking of things that made no sense. All of it a mess. I was never ready to come back here. Another day or two would have worked wonders, just to plan this out. Now… she had to suffer for it. Suffer in her heart. It left her silent.

“Hey” Dash said. “I still believe in you. So stop being down. I even… fought for you while you were gone.”

Soul cocked her brow. Fought for me? Actually drawing Soul to look back at her now. Making Dash grin a little. Like a tough pony. “You remember our old friends?” Old friend… wait. Friends? Does she mean the other two ponies? Remember them? Who… who were they? It made her have to shake her head. It had been way too long. There were two other fillies but… who were they?

“Breezy and Amber” Dash said almost on cue.

Oh… yes, that was their names. Such a shame. She had forgotten them. Guess… I’m not that good of a friend.

“I stopped talking to them. They had things to say… about you, but not me. So I didn’t want to deal with them anymore. Cuz nopony talks bad about my buddy.”

Amber and Breezy? They… of course they did. Every Pegasus did. Soul regretted it. Like Dash wanted her to feel better hearing that, but… it didn’t help at all. Painful… even if Dash was such a good friend to have done that, she regretted not giving those two ponies more reason… to believe in her. Anything to prevent them from feeling that way… for Dash to stick together with them.

So… I… I ruined their friendship? That… no…

“D-do you keep in any contact with them?” Dash shook her head. “I haven’t seen them in years. Not sure what they’re doing now but so what? They were jerks.” Oh no. So… they never made up? But… we all got along. No! I need to apologize to them. Make things right. She only hoped they did not have a grudge on her. For them all to be able to meet again without any pain of the past to hurt them. Twelve years, so much can happen. So many bad things. All because of what Soul did. So how can Dash really be acting like this? I hurt her, just like in my nightmares.

Hold in the tears. Not in front of Dash.

2.13
“I-I’m sorry” Soul squeaked out. That was close. She almost had let lose her tears just by saying that. Feeling it billowing in her chest. “Hey now, you don’t need to be sorry” Dash put her hoof back on Soul’s shoulder. Just a light tap. Nothing to show she caught any whiff of what Soul had not wanted her to see.

“What’s important is that you’re back. So welcome to Ponyville.”

Rainbow arced her back up to the air, stretching her thick wings out with a satisfying moan, right before she stood up on all fours. “Time for us to go back, I’m getting sleepy.” Funny. You just woke up, watching you for so long. Seeing how pleasantly she slumbered. Must have been a good sleep. At least she got that thanks to Soul.

Guess it’s time to go.

Soul was about to join her. But something stopped her. Rainbow Dash fell. Slamming her hooves down just in time to catch herself from slamming right down into the grass… and she shook. Dash…?

“Whoa…” Rainbow raised a hoof to her head. Seeing how it trembled in midair right before it rubbed against her own forehead. Just like her wings had been doing earlier. Such a pity. Soul did the same thing not long ago, but Dash got out of it easier with just a few scratches on her face. Still, didn’t take a genius to see Dash was in bad shape. A pretty bad effect of slamming head first into a damn tree. The Pegasus just laughed over it, probably hoping to just shrug it off.

“Umm…” Dash turned back to the darkness ahead hidden inside of all those thick lines of trees. “Let’s go.” She flapped her wings a few times. Soul just left to watch her walk off with shaky legs. Almost tripping on herself again. It made Soul shake her head.

2.14
Now it was too hard for me to fly without stretching. Every moment making her wonder if she would collapse mid-flight. A constant fear of falling.

Dash, I’m not letting you fly like that.

She really should have a better idea than this. You don’t have to do this. Not have to fake being strong, like this was not hard. Just by how she walked… she couldn’t fly like that.

Soul got up. Giving her wings a quick test. They hurt. Just a little. Only when she rose them up, then a gentle relief once they came back down. But they recovered well in the time they had. With Dash stumbling about to take flight, Soul took that opportunity.

She ran right up to her. Stopping right in front of her. You aren’t going anywhere. Stopping Dash in her tracks. There won’t be any flying like this. So maybe now, now I can show you I am the same Soul Serenity you used to know. Kind of embarrassing to do this… but Soul knelt down before her. Low enough. Anything to help her. Even if Dash… didn’t look like she was going to be light weighted.

“Get on” Soul presented her back to Dash, kneeling down on her hind legs. I’ll let you… ride.

Is she gonna get on? Nothing happened. Come on. This isn’t easy to do. But I’ll do it to help you. You are the only one I would give a pony ride to. But… Soul looked over her shoulder. The cyan Pegasus stood there staring at her back and then up to her. “Say what?”

“Come on” Soul unlatched her massive wings. Letting their great lengths show she was serious about this. Really just wanting Dash to just stop asking question and accept her offer. Because this was not easy at all to do. For what reason? Soul questioned why. Why she felt heat rushing over her cheeks thinking about this, making her turn away a little. Probably because… I must look silly to her. Or… her touching me?

2.15
“We have to go home, right? Get on and I’ll get us home safely.” “Uh, Soul… I’m not that bad off” Dash muttered. “Just a little dizzy.” Of course she was going to fight this. But no reason to give up. It’s the right thing to do. So Dash may not need to suffer on the flight home, it’s my way of repaying her. Just giving me this moment to talk to her. Ignore the pain of the past for just a moment… and do something nice. A pony ride was the least to do.

Soul lowered her wings a bit more. Certain she presented a comfortable spot between them for anypony to fall into. Even a full-size mare… do it for Dash. That’s all that mattered.

“I can totally fly on my...”

“Just get on” Soul interrupted her. Being extra sure to give Dash the hint she saw through her crap. That she was in no condition to fly and both ponies knew that. Swallow that pride of yours… just like I’m swallowing mine. “And quit being stubborn. I only want you to be safe.” “Safe?” Dash paused a bit. Soul could hear her hooves stepping up behind her, shuffling the grass out of the way and then she appeared at her side. Glad I stopped blushing.

“Buddy, I don’t think you can carry us both home. I can still fly.” Maybe. Why take the risk? I can do it for you this time. You’ve done enough flying for today. And you’ve done enough crashing. You can crash some other time but, for now, just sit back and enjoy the ride that I’d never give anypony else. Just let the day die off on at least one good note that Soul pushed her on to accept.

“You wanna bet I can’t do it?” Soul leaned herself a little closer so her back could be presented a bit to where Dash now stood. Just a little hint that she was still open to the idea. But Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. Looking off away from where Soul offered her service, and her own wings flapped at her sides.

2.16
“If you tell anypony… I’ll deny it.”

Dash’s wings flapped once more and then folded up. Much to Soul’s elation… she felt so happy to see her old friend turn back to her. Somehow able to smile at her. So maybe she did like the idea. Quickly giving up her denial to ride in the first place. Wanting it. Definitely, she walked off behind Soul. Right out of her sight. Now, I have to carry her. Well, I committed to it. Hopefully she isn’t too heavy.

The time to figure that out came fast. Soul felt a pair of legs set down right on her shoulders. Seeing those cyan hooves run up in front of her sight and settle on her shoulders just above where her wings lowered themselves more. Making a little more room when an even bigger weight came down on her. Dash huffed in her ear right when Soul could tell her old friend’s stomach had set down on her back, her legs grabbed on tight and nothing but the softness of her fur there to tickle her back, and how she clenched around Soul’s neck and shoulders. Soul took a moment to look down at the legs Dash had wrapped around her. It… felt… good.

It’s like she’s hugging me.

Wonder if she likes this. Does she see it as a hug? Maybe not. Dash did sigh a little. Squirming a bit, a little kick to Soul’s side, before settling down.

Do you have this?

Soul shifted her body a little to get a little more comfort along her shoulders when a small pain came out right where Dash was holding on to. Yeah, I got it.

“You ready back there?” Soul felt a small brush come over her ear. Like… what touched it? “Yup.” Right in her ear. Must have been Dash’s nose. Wow. She was actually so close now. Soul able to tell now that Dash was right against the back of her head, and when she stood up slowly, it changed. All when Dash’s muzzle swiped across Soul’s mane right before Soul’s legs trembled. Shaking so hard. Rainbow Dash really was no feather anymore. Soft like one but, well… a problem to carry. It sure did not feel good anymore. Just that.

One thing did feel good. Standing up, Rainbow was now laying on her back. She’s so warm. All along Soul’s back. The touch of her old friend’s muzzle to the back of her head and she set it down. Rainbow Dash was back there getting herself comfortable. Soul looked back. Yeah, she was laying her head right in between her shoulders, right where Soul’s wings split from her back. Nice and cozy it looked and she smiled at Soul. Clenching all four of her legs more.

Alright, let’s just get her out of here.

2.17
Soul beat her wings hard into the grassy surface, sending out a massive gust of wind to flurry all that dirt around her. Just one flap. Her wings continued to amaze even her and it must have been a sight for her companion when that single flap was enough to pick both of them up, leaving all that grass behind. It took a few more flaps and an adjustment here and there to level herself out. Carrying a second pony made it a lot more wobbly at first. She got it down in the end. Keeping herself in a low hover till she got it and every flap she made, she could tell Dash was clutching her tighter. Scared of falling off or both of them falling from all this.

I got it under control, but it does hurt a little. Along her wings. But, now that she was used to this and certainly enjoying the feel of Dash holding on to her tightly, it was truly a pleasure. Not as bad as Soul thought. It was just hard at first. Hard trying to carry Dash on her legs. Wings… that was another story. Dash must be impressed. I didn’t even know they could carry us both.

“Hey Soul.” Soul looked back, trying to get sight of the pony covered up in her own silver mane sent wild in the wind of her wings. “You sure you got this? Your wings are shaking.” Soul rose an eyebrow. Looking off to her left wing that flapped gracefully at her side. Sending so many plumes of air and dust fluttering about with every stroke. Each stroke marred by the most subtle of shakes running along their lengths. Easy to miss. She almost missed them but… they were starting to hurt. “It looks painful” Dash commented. She was right.

“I just forgot to stretch earlier when we raced. So… yeah, I’m suffering the consequences essentially” Soul admitted. Not too bad though. We can make it on this, a little pain like this nothing compared to so much pain amidst all the ice and snow. This was a treat.

“You’re hurt? Well then…” Soul felt as Dash shifted along her back. “I can fly on my own then.” Rainbow, you’re so considerate even to a pony like me. But, for once, she just needed to sit back and enjoy some luxury from a pony who owed her a lot. Soul was not going to have any of this. You aren’t getting away that easy. I’ll do anything to show you I am still the friend I used to be. The one who caused too much pain and heartbreak to her. Not deserving of anymore.

“No, you’re not” Soul said. Tilting her wings forward and giving one final flap stronger than the ones before. Blasting off right to the treetops above them. Even hearing Dash shriek for a moment back there, still holding on, but tighter than before. It worked, how fast she was going now, there’d be no way Dash would do something stupid like let go. Especially at this angle. An angle she used to rocket out through the branches and thick leaves and into a serene world above all the dark forest. Cast in the light of a setting Sun shining a glorious red light along the land and brightening Soul’s wings. Shining right off her feathers, she could see the glory of her glow now that she was back into the sky carrying her beloved friend with her.

2.18
“Looks like I’m stronger than you thought” Soul said back. Definitely, able to glide perfectly in the sky amidst all the red and orange shining it last farewells across the world. Rainbow gave Soul one more squeeze. “You’re impossible.” Yup, and I’ll never let you go. Dash accepted this. Fully embracing the ride Soul gave for her, one made so much better now that she had plenty of open space and wind to work with. Her wings beat and burned but kept up their pace so very well. Not at all giving Soul any reason to doubt their capability to carry both of them home.

Dash pointed her hoof past Soul’s face and off to a direction to their right. “Ponyville should be off in that direction.” “Got it” Soul said. Tilting her flight just a bit in that direction and keeping up that trajectory. One leading to nothing but an endless expanse of trees and vines curling along the leaves below and reaching out to where the Sun did set. Somewhere ahead of all this was the place she did not belong, yet welcomed there anyways. Such kindness she can never match. The best being just letting Dash enjoy this safe and comforting ride.

Not a bump or list in her flight, not even enough pain to let her cringe. Nope, this was going very well and Rainbow Dash did nothing more to avoid it. In fact, Soul loved the new feeling wrapping her up when something touched down against the back of her neck and up against her head. Burrowing right into her mane.

Is she laying on me?

Must be. It made her giggle a little inside. With Dash back there resting her head into Soul’s long mane. Must be comfortable. Good. The first step to mending all the damage she had done all these years. Show Rainbow Dash that she was not the mean and cruel pony she had to be to cause all that. Hate and heartbreak, leave it all behind. Let the pony I wronged enjoy the ride. Rainbow even breathing right against the back of her ear so that it tickled. Unaware of how much Soul liked that feeling. Just stay back there and rest, let me do all the work.

2.19
“I’ve missed flying like this” Dash said back there. Right when a flash of cool breeze wiped across Soul’s mane and relaxed her. Subtle breezes like that being the only thing up here to join the ponies flying through the sky. “But next time… let’s use our own wings” Dash advised. “You sure that you’re okay?”

Oh Dash, such a sweetie right now. Strange for her to be talking so pleasantly right now, like her voice caught in a mix of concern and calm. Just to make Soul feel an ache in her heart remembering exactly what it was she had been talking about, so many years ago. Gone forever, all those chances and now, now she had them back. Maybe. Only if Dash wants them back. Not be mad at me anymore. But her concern was admirable. She really was sounding much more like the Rainbow Dash she remembered.

“I’m okay” Soul answered. “Just relax back there. I’ll get us home.”

Dash did just that. Soul feeling every move she made back there, laying down firmly against Soul’s back and even a little brush wiping across her sides. A feeling made by feathers. Rainbow even letting her own wings relax and rest against Soul. The little trembles they made, the shaking along her body as if she were shivering, but she was content. Doing nothing to say otherwise. Burrowing her cheek right against the back of Soul’s neck. Her breathing steady. Graciously giving Soul the satisfaction of gifting her with all this.

I hope we can fly again like we used to. So much needed to be done and it all hurt. Hurt so much. Thinking about it all. It was impossible to leave it behind just knowing that I… hurt her more than I thought. Never could she imagine that Dash had been so convinced Soul would never return to her. Carrying the burden of hatred that tore the pegasi apart and leave it all behind with those three cursed words she delivered to a pony who never deserved them.

It must have hurt just as bad when she said it to me. How is she so okay with riding on me like this? Soul doubted she could do the same if she were in Dash’s position.

“Soul.”

2.20
Rainbow brought Soul out of her stupor. Happy to still see she had not fallen off on her flight. Humiliating she had gotten distracted enough just then. She heard her though.

“What is it?”

“Can we hang out tomorrow?” Dash asked. Not a question Soul expected her to ask or for anypony here to ask of her. But it sounded nice. Even more mysterious with how her old friend was acting now. One moment she’s upset, the next wanting to do things with her. Well, whatever it was, there is no reason to deny it. Maybe Dash has something in mind.

“Sure thing” Soul accepted. Receiving a tighter grasp around her neck from this false hug Dash was giving her back there. “I bet… you’ve had a hard time lately. So… we can have some fun tomorrow. Just for you.”

Rainbow Dash. She wants me to have fun? But what? What could we possibly do? They couldn’t just go out together in this scary new environment… together with Rainbow Dash. What if somepony recognizes me? Dash would get in trouble. Soul was supposed to be the one to do things for her instead, if only she had any idea of what to do.

How much had Dash changed? Did she even like doing all the same things as twelve years ago? Had new things happened in her life to make any mundane activity Soul had in mind seem worthless? But… damn it. I got to stop thinking like this. It always ended with her heart aching so badly. …Just like every time I wake up.

Rainbow Dash wants to do things with me. It was her plan, her town. She has every right to do whatever she wanted and it would make her happy if I say yes. So she did. “Okay. That sounds nice.” Dash giggled back there, planting her cheek deeper into Soul’s mane. Such a warm feeling. It alone, like it alleviated all of Soul’s pain for just a moment. …So good.

If only the roles had been reversed. I want to be the one holding her. Would she like it? Love me treating her so nicely?

“We’ll make you feel welcome here” Dash said. “Me and my friends.”

2.21
Oh yeah.

Dash seems to be well known around here. Plain obvious earlier. So she has new friends now? Of course she would. She was just that type of pony.

Well… at least I was also able to make a friend. Soul smiled. She didn’t care if she heard that little laugh at the back of her head, deep inside.

“Your friends?” “Uh huh” Dash said. “I’ll totally introduce you to them tomorrow. Trust me, you’ll love them.”

More new ponies. D-did Dash think this through right now? What if one of them recognizes me? Really, we can’t rush this. But… Rainbow was no fool. She must be back there thinking this out. Probably trusting herself in this decision. Soul needed to trust her too. She would not mess this up or do anything to suggest to Dash that she doubted her friends. They must be very important to her, trusting to her. A better friend than Soul was for sure. All of them, and make sure they all felt welcome to Soul. Do nothing to ruin their friendship. Split Dash away from other ponies. Such a nightmare scenario. It made her begin to shake a little. Her voice coming out in a tremor. “T-tell me about them. Are they nice?”

Dash huffed in her ear. “They’re the best bunch you’d ever meet, Soul. Trust me, you’re going to love them. You already met Applejack.”

Applejack? Oh, that orange Earth pony from earlier? Well yeah, but didn’t get much out of her. Soul nodded anyways. So Dash and that ‘Applejack’ pony are friends. Well… she did look like a nice pony. Acted like one too. Easy for those two to be friends. “She’ll protect you good and never, ever lie to you” Dash explained. “I already know you two will hitch it. Besides… she owns a farm and can hook you up with some great food.” Now that sounded like Dash was trying to tantalize her, and it worked.

“Her family’s apples are to die for. I get all my food from them.” Well she did sound and act nice… maybe it would be okay to meet her. Dash sure was fortunate to have made such a great friend like that. All the time they must have spent together and all the fun and joy. Soul wished for it more. Fortunate enough to have Soulblight… if only for a little bit. “She sounds nice.”

2.22
“She’ll be real good to you. Don’t even get me started about Pinkie Pie, though. That pony is going to be your real buddy. Hell, if anything she’s gonna want to be your friend immediately. She actually works at that shop we were at earlier. Making all the cakes and sweets.”

She works there?

“Damn” Soul said. “She has the best job.” For a pony to want to be Soul’s friend right off the bat, that sounded too good to be true. This Pinkie Pie girl must be something else. A real gem actually. Not many ponies wanted to just be my friend. Pinkie… would want to be my friend? Another thing she could not mess up. Anypony nice enough to like Soul would only get her best effort to make them happy in return. “Though she might want to throw you a party, being our party pony and all, so be prepared for that” Rainbow said.

“Fluttershy is… well… shy, but I bet she’ll be happy to meet you. She actually really likes meeting nice ponies like you so long as you don’t mind her pets...”

“She has pets?”

Soul’s eyes lit up. Now this sounds like a pony I want to meet. All of them did but this one likes animals? She… what if she can show me animals I’ve always wanted to see? So many I didn’t get to see back in Cloudsdale.

“A lot of them” Dash confirmed. Wow, if she has a lot then that must mean she really does love animals. “I think I might like her” Soul said. Surely it would be a nice thing to have her as a friend too. Dash had quite the companion right there that they should have both met much sooner. Going out into the wilderness together as fillies, it’d be nice to know an animal lover back then.

Maybe she can be around to teach you about animals. I bet you’ll like her. Shut it.

2.23
“Next is my buddy Rarity. She does… sort of have an obsession with fashion. I don’t think you’d be interested in that, but she is like the poster child for an awesome friend. She will be there for you all the time, and…” Soul felt her shuffle around back there, moving forward it felt like. Yes, her breath was right in her ear. Practically able to feel the fur of her muzzle touch that of her ear. “…She is quite the looker… hint, hint.”

Soul’s eye widened. Why… why are you saying that to me? “Shut up!” Dash reeled right back, laughing a little so obnoxiously. One that did not help with Soul seeing the stupidity in what she just said. Geez, Dash always had to pull some sort of joke about anything, just when I was wanting to listen to her. Hearing just how genuine these ponies sounded. Enough to have as much an impact on Dash as to be able to just talk about them in such high regards. They must really be good ponies. Ones she was curious to see for herself. Though she got a tad bit of the butterflies in her stomach at the idea of meeting them all.

But Dash had only good things to say about them… including that last bit but whatever. That wasn’t important to her.

It was a long shot, maybe they will accept me too. Not be mad at me or make fun of me. Though, none of them should. None of them would hurt me. And I have Blight. Always able to rely on that pony to comfort her. Up there right now probably hearing everything Dash had to say. If only she would be there with me to meet them. May that day come. Until then, Soul was on her own in this with just her beloved friend’s support… from the side.

Hopefully all those ponies will like me in the end. Just as much as they liked Dashie. Obvious to see. “They all sound lovely. You made some good friends while I was gone, huh?” “Hey now” Dash scooched forward on her back. “You know they’re gonna be your friends too. I keep telling you to trust me and I’ll say it again. They’ll love you. I do have one more friend though who will be just as eager to meet you.”

2.24
One more friend? Seems like that isn’t really the case. How many friends does she have that she just isn’t talking about? Too many to most likely. A pony like her was the exact type to get so many friends. Especially five like she now claimed.

“Her name is Twilight, or you can be one of the few ponies that call her Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

Princess? Soul glanced back at her, that title… a princess… from a pony she had never heard of. “Princess?” Soul asked. “Yup, she’s our resident alicorn.” Rainbow Dash is friends with an alicorn princess? One I never knew about. Looks like I’ve been gone for too long. For there to be a new one. Alongside Luna finally coming back too. For there to now be three alicorns here, one right in the midst of the town she was going to be in.

One I’m going to meet?

That sounded terrifying. For there to be another alicorn, one so close. Would she be much like the other one? All the other friends Dash had made sounded friendly enough to her, all except this one. “Do… do you think she’ll be okay with me?” Soul asked. “What do you mean?” Well this will be my first time meeting an alicorn since… last time. If she was a princess, then she must govern Equestria. Know a lot about it… and a lot about me.

“Will she recognize who I am?”

That question took some time for Dash to answer. Soul left to just listen to her old friend hum in wonderment of whatever the answer could be. She couldn’t wait. This alone could ruin all of this.

“Does she rule the town or something? Does she help Celestia?”

“Not really” Rainbow said. “She’s more like a friendship enforcer or something like that. But she doesn’t rule anypony or help Princess Celestia rule. Look, don’t worry about it. You can trust her, totally. She definitely doesn’t even know what you would look like even if she heard about you.” Soul hoped her to be true as she flew over the last vestiges of this forest and towards the rolling hills cast in the shadow of the orange clouds overhead. Beyond that, far ahead, was the very town she knew all this to be waiting for her.

An alicorn princess is here. I really wish that all of these ponies would accept me. Dream of it. Even with her body shaking a little at the idea of seeing new faces that she had only Dash’s words to rely on. Reassuring her. She wants me to think an alicorn would accept me? Would she… if she knew who I am? Soulblight never told her it would be this hard just to fit in to this world. Her old world. It really did feel like… like everything had changed. Twelve years and nothing was right.

What if they can never know my real name? I can’t even proudly use my name. No, Soulblight was not in the wrong. She knew this was going to be so hard to achieve. All on her own with only what Dash had said to give her a semblance of comfort for what may happen tomorrow. She held those words in her. Wanting to trust those words about these ponies. Not wanting to doubt them under this setting Sun.

Soul let it die. Nothing more to say. Nothing more she wanted to know. She had enough already. Enough to make her shake. Unknown if Dash was back there, feeling just how afraid Soul was. She only lay back there. Silent. Breathing deep against Soul’s ear with one glance finding the cyan pony hanging her head right on Soul’s shoulder watching out at the scene ahead alongside Soul. Not one bit of worry on her face. Lucky.

2.25
A quick glide over the tops of all these beautiful and humble buildings brought them right back to a familiar spot to Soul. Quickly spotting the water circling and shining the sunset along the giant pony fountain from earlier. Surprising to see just how much this area had cleared out over time. Soul only spotted a small group of ponies here and there. Some saw her come in, watching her, probably seeing how she carried Rainbow Dash on top of her. Soul did feel her old friend squirm a little back there. Shifting and placing herself right behind Soul’s head. Trying to hide? That had to be it. She doesn’t need to worry. So what if these ponies see me carrying you? Nothing to worry about.

But I think I’ll let her off. This looks like a good spot. Right in what she could determine from up here was the middle of Ponyville. She let up on her wings and one final flap before Soul came right in. Quick to plant her hooves down in the soft grass once more and, again, she felt how everything did change for her. Rainbow Dash did not feel so light anymore once Soul’s wings let up and sent jets of dirt blasting out from their landing. Soul felt her legs begin to buckle.

Soul quickly sat herself down and her ‘passenger’ slid right off, felt so much better now. Able to feel to cool breeze sweep across her back once more. “Thanks for the ride” Dash said walking around on her own hooves now to stand next to Soul. Her wings flashed out briefly. Sending those cyan feathers to slice the air once then twice. She was stretching her wings, and they shook a little in response.

Dash held her breath, locking eyes with Soul like she may be expecting something. What? Soul cocked her head. Glancing over to the wings she had been stretching and caught right back once Dash started to giggle. “Guess I’m still a little messed up” she said. “I wouldn’t mind walking home from here.” Good I need to rest… she has no idea how hard it is to carry her fat ass.

2.26
“Would you like to walk me home too?” Dash said… and she batted her lashes with a smile. …Damn it, Dash. Soul looked away from her and just listen to the pony laugh at her. Whatever. Well Dash still has her sense of humor, doing it a lot lately. Walking her home too, she doubted Dash needed that, even if it was true in what it was Dash was offering to her just now by saying that. Rainbow is wanting me to come with her to her house.

“No thanks” Soul spat. “I think you’ll be safe.”

“You know, I wasn’t joking” Rainbow said. Making Soul look back at her. Then she offered her hoof to her. Placing it right in the air before her as if wanting Soul to grab it. “What… do you mean?” Soul asked.

“Come on, dummy. I’m saying that you can sleep over at my place tonight.”

So it’s like that. That is what she wants from me. Go over to Rainbow’s house. Already. Oh no, but I can’t. That idea, Soul felt her stomach drop thinking about sleeping in the same house as this pony. This pony of all ponies, and why does she want me to anyways? We’d be together in a house… just the two of us. I… I couldn’t. Not after what I did to her. How bad it must have been for her after I left.

No, Dash was better off having friends she could actually trust to sleep over at her house. Like those other ones she wants me to meet.

So… why consider it?

Soul realized she was still staring down at the hoof before her. Actually considering to place her own hoof in it. Get pulled up on her legs and walk home with Dash, wrapping legs around the other’s neck as they walked. No. it’s not right for me to impose on her. I don’t even need to sleep, no. I can just spend the night out here and hang out with Blight. Dash doesn’t need me there.

2.27
Oh what to do? What to do? It gave her goosebumps. Heating up her back and going along to her chest. It was this very fear that… that made her hurt Dash in the first place. She couldn’t. Not again.

Dashie can sleep better without having a mean and dangerous pony like me around.

Soul reached her hoof up. Aiming right for the one in front of her and then… she pushed it back to Dash. Giving it back.

Soul shook her head. “No, thanks” she said with as good a smile she may give. As much as it hurt to say all this, really badly since she had to admit to herself it sounded lovely to sleep with Dash again. After so long. How much changed? Does Dash still live with her parents? Do they hate me too? Or did she get a house of her own now? Being Rainbow Dash, her house must be quite the sight befitting a skilled Pegasus such as her. She always did do things in excess. But Soul had to lie in the end.

“I got a place to stay for tonight.” It almost twisted her tongue to lie like that. Especially with how dismayed her old friend’s face became. Disappointed even. She said nothing. Nothing to doubt what Soul said. Just a simple “Okay” as her ears flopped down.

It’s for your own good, Dash. You wouldn’t want us around for so long anyways. Not till you trust me again. Forgive me. So much needed to be done first. All of it can start tomorrow.

“How about we meet at Sugarcube Corner tomorrow morning?” Soul suggested. Fully accepting the idea that the two could do tomorrow. A new day. New possibilities. None that may exist tonight. But Soul wanted to kick herself in the butt now for losing the chance to sleep with Dash. Anywhere near her and just… spend more time with her. But I already lied to her.

Much to her surprise, …Rainbow Dash… she nodded. “Tomorrow morning, then” Dash said. Soul nodded too. She accepted that better than Soul imagined. There was one thing Dash did not keep with her all these years, proven now and back in the forest, Dash lost her stubbornness. A bit of it, though. “You can still sleep over, if you want.” That’s okay. I’m sure the grass can be comfortable enough to lay on. At least it wasn’t that cold as the Sun began to die off in the distance.

She gave Rainbow a little push. “Go home” she said playfully. “Sweet dreams, tonight.” Soul wished it for her. Dash accepted it. Managing one last smile and her hooves turned around. Leaning away from her. Wanting to leave, she almost did. One last thing she did first.

She glanced back to Soul. “Thanks again for flying me home. Sweet dreams.” And there she goes. Soul left to just watch that rainbow tail sway away from her. Caught between the movement of her old friend’s hind legs that carried her off down the open path between the homes where all these ponies had earned to call their own. One day. One day I can join them… may it be soon.

It almost made Soul cry watching Dash leave, joining with what few ponies remained to ignore her. Off down the path, away from her. She did want to cry. Feeling one tear go down her cheek. I shouldn’t have lied to her. If only things could be different.

You know, you worry way too much.

2.28
“Dashie, wait a moment!”

Soul slammed her hoof right back to her mouth. Too late to stop those words that she saw had been heard by the very pony they were meant for. Rainbow’s ears perked and she turned back. Soul slowly glided her hoof out of her own mouth. Rubbing her chin slowly; don’t say anything else. Don’t say anything more, Blight.

Rainbow Dash came right back to her. Almost like she was happy now. “What is it?” What is it? I… I don’t have anything to say. Blight, why did you do that?

Because now you have your chance to tell her the truth. She wants you to sleep over, go ahead and take it.

Tell her? Soul looked back up. Rainbow Dash had come back. Right in front of her and… she looked so sweet. Soul giving her a good look like… like Dash wanted her to talk to her. Really did want to know whatever it was she had to say, if she had anything. Besides the truth. One truth she could not possibly come to say now that she had lied to her old friend. Alongside the butterflies in her stomach of thinking about sleeping in the same house as Dash again. They really got strong now. Really frightened her. But those eyes that looked at her, wanting her to speak, they like a wash of the sunset sea calming her. So sweet. A really sweet pony. A pony I lied to.

I can’t. I’m… too embarrassed. Embarrassed about what? She wants you to come over, just like when you were kids. Soul, you can’t lie to me.

I… I didn’t lie to you, though. I don’t want to burden her. What if something bad happens? I’m scared.

I don’t want you to feel scared, Soul. But you shouldn’t doubt yourself. If you want to go over, then you should.

And how can I be certain I won’t mess anything up? I… I don’t want her to be angrier with me. I haven’t done anything to earn her kindness… she is probably still mad at me after what I did to her. I only made things worse for her. How can a pony like me get anything nice from a pony like Dash?

2.29
Do you want to mess things up? Do you want her to be mad at you?

Soul looked back up at those eyes shining of her own fur color. Dash said nothing. Didn’t even move. No, she waited. Patiently for Soul. The center of attention for this Pegasus. No. I would never want to make this pony mad.

Then you should stop thinking you will. Just go with her, she really wants you over… and you want to go as well.

I do want to go. Maybe, if Rainbow Dash wants me over, maybe it’s safe. As safe as any for Dash to invite the worse pony in her life to sleep in the same house as her, and she felt so terrible to want to accept it right now. So much that it ached. She wants to spend time with me after all I did to her, I doubt I could do the same.

But I did do the same. Blight.

I forgave her. Even after what she did to me. And she forgave me. We… we are there for one another. So much that she means the world to me. I would never feel bad about sleeping in the same house as Blight. …Does Dash… really, is she okay with me coming over?

Rainbow Dash. Soulblight. I vowed to be strong. I am a coward for lying to her. “Hey now” Dash whispered. Soul opened her eyes. A cyan hoof right in her face, so close it made her reel back a little, but she stopped. Stopped to let it slowly come back to her, right to her eye, and Soul watched as Rainbow Dash gently rubbed it under her eye. Pulling away with the little tear she never knew had fallen. “What’s wrong?” Rainbow knelt in. Looking with such sweet eyes into Soul’s eyes. So much care, like the touch she just shared. Soul still feeling the gentle caress that hoof gave to her face. Not a strike. No more hitting. Gentle and kind.

Rainbow did indeed grow up to be a strong pony. She definitely is the greatest friend anypony can have. It was time Soul started acting like one too.

2.30
“I’m sorry, Dashie. I… I lied to you.”

Rainbow’s eyes widened. She didn’t move. She stood her ground. Not leaving the caring stance she made in front of Soul like giving her a shadow of comfort to shield her from anything that may hurt her. Really feeling like she could trust this pony with the real truth. Rid one more lie between them. I can rely on her. I always could. Rainbow can rely on me too. So no more lies. None of that to ruin us.

Not like the one lie I told her the last time I saw her. The last words and the greatest cruelty of her life.

The truth was… “I don’t have any place to sleep tonight. Forgive me.”

“I kind of figured you didn’t” Dash said. Shaking her head briefly. So weird she never let her smile go. “And I’m happy you told me the truth. You’re not a good liar, Soul.” I know. Never was good at it. But at least the truth was out now, and Soul gladly looked back into Dash’s eyes. Not sure what to expect from her. If she may hit her across the face for lying. Her cheek did burn in anticipation. Almost wanting her hoof to come up and scratch at the wound. Whatever was to come, it was all up to Dash now. Soul would accept anything. But one part of her told her something sweet. Either it was her, or the smile that her friend wore. That it was okay to tell Dash how I feel.

“You wanna sleep over tonight?” Dash offered. The chance to see whatever Dash lived in, wherever it was. How beautiful it may look to compliment the kind heart of this pony. Just one night together… finally since they were kids and, maybe, …sleep together. Soul’s back tingled.

I shouldn’t ask for it, but I want her to hold me again. Just go home and be together. Soul nodded. “Please, I want to spend the night with you.”

Rainbow Dash, her smile grew wider. She let her hoof come out to Soul again. Hanging there lacking one crucial thing that was needed for this night to be made worth it. For this trip home to be worth it. Both of them together.

Soul put her own hoof on it.

“Well, let’s go home” Dash said. Pulling Soul along.

2.31
“That’s it up ahead.” Dash pointed her hoof right at where Soul had been wondering all this time, constantly doubting that to really be where they were going. But, when she saw it on the horizon right as they left Ponyville, she had a nagging feeling that told her this work of wonder that floated high in the sky must really be where Dash lived.

Now there was no doubt. For Soul to be left astonished at its sight even more than before.

“That can’t be your house.”

“It is” Dash said, bringing her hooves back around Soul’s neck. A lot less tight than when she was holding on earlier. Not moving around as much. No, she seemed perfectly fine with riding on Soul’s back now. “Welcome to Chateau Awesome.”

Soul glided in over the last bits of dirt patches and trimmed foliage that was the remains of Ponyville and out in the wild land whose sole occupant was that house floating over the lush green hills rolling about between snaking rivers and the dense forests that shrouded the ever-darkening landscape beyond. Flying in over one of those rivers, seeing how it still managed to shine the last light of the day in its crystal-clear waters alongside the light of the world that one may mistake to be Rainbow Dash’s mane or tail. They may as well be. For they shined off the light that came from the house that Dash claimed to be her own. A house that practically brimmed in rainbows. Bursting high and over the house, whose entire image became clearer the closer Soul got to it. How it mimicked that of a scene she was still familiar with.

Rainbow’s house looked a lot like Cloudsdale. Even sharing the same rainbow fountains spurting from its walls and covering its surface in that light before it fell off to the grassy land below. Coloring the world in it.

This house really was the very thing that Soul loved the most with how beautiful and bright it was. It was like the sky. Rolling clouds and shimmering rains sweeping all around what she now made out as blue walls hidden well under all those clouds. Streamlined in columns that held those very clouds about the structure. All leading up to the dome that blanketed the entire sky in such a rainbow that Soul had not seen in too long. Like that massive one over Cloudsdale.

This place is like the sky and Dash lives in it! What an amazing house. Bringing shame to any house that could exist back in Cloudsdale, and this work of wonder was all here for Ponyville. Dash must make so many ponies jealous. And she’s letting me sleep in this. I wonder what it looks like inside. If it looked this fantastic outside, a true representation of Rainbow Dash, it must be a sight to behold on the inside. Rainbow waterfalls, furniture made from clouds, …a hot bath given life from a hanging cloud showering water down into it. Dash must really go hard.

I get… to sleep in this house!

2.32
She spotted the door, easy to miss. As shaded as the clouds that hung over it. Like they sheltered the door itself. An extra layer over a layer, like shielding the house. Coming in closer and finding every minute detail that dotted the clouds, walls, the rainbow falls. Like Dash herself personally tended to every little thing about it. Even giving the clouds around the door a good trimming. Completely flat for any Pegasus to land upon. Lay upon even. They did look so soft. Finishing up this scene with all those rainbow falls streaming down into paths that led all around the open area of this landing.

“Your house is amazing.” Rainbow dash giggled back there. “Thank you.” She lives here all on her own. Got a house like this. She really is a lucky pony and so nice to let me stay here tonight. To land on it, which was exactly what her hooves did. Touching down against the clouds so soft, she could feel their comfort even through her hooves. They bounced her up gently before she came right back down on them. Accepting her to stand before the doorway, under all the rainbow light. Greeting her with a little kiss of raindrops falling from above with such light care. …And Dash, she even had a special something right above her doorway. Almost hidden as well under those clouds.

Sparked in the reds, yellows and blues of her mane… of her cutie mark. It really was her cutie mark, that one thing she got a small glimpse of, a big one of it right over the door. The lightning bolt’s colors glowing in the light of the setting Sun with how much rain water soaked it. Soaking all the clouds around it and making the door glimmer.

This was all made for the pony who slid off her back and joined Soul in standing outside this doorway. How could Rainbow even afford this?

“You’re… actually okay with me sleeping here tonight?” Soul asked in a whisper. “I… I don’t know what to say. It’s all beautiful.” Rainbow tugged her own mane down as she trotted past, hiding her face from Soul’s sight. She still spoke under it all. “Oh come on, it’s… it’s not that impressive… but thank you.” She made her way up those cloud steps, standing proud above Soul in front of this entrance to her amazing house. Letting her mane go again, Rainbow generously rubbed one of her hooves over the clouds. Her smile still there, still that of a compassion Soul was so not used to seeing. Compassion or… wait, …Dash is blushing. Just a little. She must really like it when I compliment her house. I would be too. Finding herself to be lucky enough to make Rainbow Dash feel appreciated like this. Like all her work on this house was being noticed and acting like some sort of shy mare now. Maybe she really didn’t get too many visitors here, otherwise, Soul imagined her to be used to compliments.

Good, I made her happy.

2.33
Rainbow Dash looked away, opening the door to her side with a subtle creak and leaving the darkness of the inside ahead that Soul could not pick out no matter how much she struggled to sate her curiosity of what was inside. Only one way to find out.

Soul picked her hoof up, ready to go. “I really can come inside?”

“Did you want to sleep out here on the clouds or in a bed? Your choice” Dash offered. Of course, I want to sleep on a bed. Spend time with Rainbow, get to know her better, all of that inside this house. Inside Rainbow Dash’s own house! Oh, it had been too many years and now she got the chance to really step inside another Dash residence.

Soul stepped forward and up onto the steps. Coming up to join Rainbow in going inside. Stopped immediately. Right when Dash’s hoof came out and touched against Soul’s chest. “Hold on” she said. Turning around ready to go inside too. Leaving Soul. Why wait?

“Give me a few. …Look I…” Dash scratched one of her hooves over the top of her head. Refusing to look at Soul directly as she talked. Is something wrong? I hope she isn’t regretting letting me sleep over.

“I didn’t expect a guest today. Could you… let me clean up before you come in?” She wants to clean? Oh no, I don’t want her to feel pressured to clean just from me being here. Maybe I should go. Even if Soul really didn’t care about a mess, no way will she make Dash work for her right now. Keep her from going to bed. Rainbow had been yawning a bit on the way here.

“You don’t have to clean for me” Soul said. “I can…” What can I do? Soul looked about trying to think of something to make this work. So Dash didn’t need to worry about anything right now. “…Sleep out here.” Soul pointed to the open patches of clouds that made up Dash’s ‘yard.’ Totally open to it, these clouds were soft and sleeping under the night sky in a warm world such as Equestria, brilliant. Good enough for her.

“You know I can’t let you do that” Dash protested. “You’re sleeping in here tonight and I won’t take no for an answer.” She held the door open for herself to slip on into the dark interior beyond. Lit only with the light of her rainbow tail that Soul could still see swaying in the darkness. Colors in the dark to ease her, and how they moved, why… they calmed her as much as those caring words Dash said. She wants me to sleep inside? Rainbow wanted to… “I’ll be done in a flash and be right back for you.”

Rainbow Dash slid her hoof around the door and closed it, leaving just her muzzle and eyes looking out from the dark to her. “Don’t you go anywhere.” The door clicked shut. Leaving Soul alone. Alone in the final moments of the Sun dying off behind the trees, and Soul to just listen to the sounds of crickets chirping all about far below where she stood.

She sighed. You really want to clean up for me? Your house is gorgeous enough. She turned back to the landing below the steps and set hoof back down on the open clouds. Right where the last step ended. Letting her sit down on it, watching out at the night sky that fell upon her and the twinkling stars above. I hope she comes back. Soon would be nice, so Soul may stop feeling this worry in her heart. Right as a chill struck against her back and a small breeze wailed out there. Looks like it won’t be so warm tonight. A nice blanket and a bed would be lovely, and only Dash seemed willing to let her have one.

I guess we have to wait. Soul stared off to her right, over to where the rainbow streams flowed down along the sides of the stairs and going onwards to join the pools mixing about on the cloudy porch. At least she had this scene to keep her busy. Reaching out to it, not sure what it may feel like, but her curiosity at all this new stuff. Unseen by her in all her life. Dash got to see this stuff every day. The beauty of the day, all the colors of this world. The feeling. Even the clouds she sat on felt heavenly on Soul’s butt. Hopefully, Dash is okay with me staying here for a while.

Her hoof touched the rainbow stream. Gasping when she felt it. Because it felt like… like water. Warm and splashing about her hoof. Picking it right out from that stream and… her hoof was a rainbow now. Dripping colors of red and yellow back down to the stream it came from. Soaking her fur. As if Dash had come back and wrapped her tail around that hoof. Kept it warm.

Soul followed her eyes back along the path this rainbow went down. Seeing all the ripples and slushing falls that it made. It did feel calming to see all this. Listen to it. Water splashing about and then… a rush of water coming down just ahead of her. Sprinkling rain down from the house itself and watering the clouds. Just for a moment, looking much like a real rainfall.

2.34
Soul watched more rain come down, splashing and mixing with the rainbow streams below. Seeing how that rain water did transform before her very eyes once it hit the rainbows. Becoming those very colors themselves just as they merged. Exactly like her hoof did. She cocked her head at this marvel, this thing Dash achieved out here. So very different from all the scenes she remembered from… from hours ago.

This was a whole new world. Nothing like the snow. It’s like I’m back… at Cloudsdale. How did Dash even make all this? Speaking out words to fit this very situation that Soul found herself in, under this, the final moments of the sky of the very one who took all this from her, and now she could actually find something worth her wonder. “What the hell?”

2.35
That Soul. Like she is trying to get to me saying that stuff about my house. I can tell she loves it. Just seeing that sparkle in her old friend’s yellow eyes as they ogled every little detail all around. Not needing to say much to let Dash know that she was completely in love with this house.

Bet she’s out there staring at everything. I only made all this to make it feel like home, not for any guests. I never thought anypony would spend the night over here. But somepony finally said they like my house. Paying so much attention to it all. Even getting such a good look at how her rain clouds still watered the clouds of her porch. Fascinated by it.

How dare she make me blush.

Rainbow set her hoof against her cheek. Rubbing it vigorously to make certain that heat was all gone. Oh well, at least Soul gets to see the place. Hope it makes her feel more at home. At the very least, raise her spirits. Especially after all the frustrating crap that had gone down ever since Soul arrived. Even more frustrating with why on earth she felt the need to lie about actually wanting to sleep over.

I wanted her over, totally willing. She’s still such a timid pony. Even crying over having lied. The way she looked at Dash the whole time. The memory of it. There was something so very wrong with her. Dash grimaced. I hate to think of what she went through. Even after… what I said to her when we were kids. I just made it all worse. Must have.

But Soul, the real Soul Serenity, she came back anyways. Back to me. She… she really is such a kind mare now. Very kind and so very troubled. Hope she’s not too mad at me for what I said to her long ago. I vow to make things better for her. She pumped her hoof up, ready to make it work so much more. For her to be the one to make Soul happy after she had been the one to make her sad in the first place. Never gonna happen again. Starting today. That began with making this place no longer a place for Rainbow Dash. Soul was here now, so it needed to be a place for her too.

2.36
Rainbow glanced over to where the light switches would be, hidden somewhat in the dark that came down over her house, but still right there for her to see in the moonlight shining in from her windows. Flipping her hoof over them, her house came to life. Turning on the chandelier hanging over the doorway and lighting up the halls further down.

Home, sweet home. Just the way I like it. She could only hope Soul will like the blue and white finish she made to the walls and ceiling. Soul was a Pegasus after all, and a superb flyer. She may love an air themed house exactly as Dash did. Lined in so much gleaming texture all about that gave off the sheen of the lights above. Just a nice empty space with just a few chairs and sofas about perfect for guests… the ones she rarely got. Now she had one, and this will be the first sight that guest will see. All of it a clever ruse that hid what Dash was well aware lay up ahead.

“Geez, I can’t take too long.” Rainbow took to the air, flapping her wings just a bit and that effort alone almost made her shriek in fear when she bobbed a bit in the air. Right before she got the strength to level herself out again. Not shaking the feeling of weakness along her spans. She glanced over at the two of them, stroking the air to her sides. Poor guys. Soul is nice flying me here. It… really was a fun experience. Nopony ever flew me home before.

Just a little work and I can get some sleep. Maybe… Soul would like to join with me? Nah, I’m not sure she’d be okay sleeping with me again… it’s been so long. Or the… no, not with how Soul has been acting. Rainbow couldn’t blame her. It would be so hard to earn her trust again, enough for them to sleep together. There was always the possibility too that Soul may have grown out of that too.

I hope she hasn’t. I feel… like a kid right now… wanting that. Hope she hasn’t grown up faster than me. But, she couldn’t expect Soul to want to. Better to just give her the guest bedroom. A big, open bed all for herself. Rainbow will be sure to make it extra cozy just for her. As thanks.

2.37
She flew right on over to the side of the hallway, grabbing hold of the first tie she had around the window curtains and pulled it lose. Letting her cloud-bejeweled curtains close in and seal away the open world outside. Feeling a small breeze come over her right before it closed. Can’t let the house get too cold for Soul tonight. She did the same with the next. Closing each and every window she had along the hallways on her flight path down to where all this stretch ended to where it was time… time for her to get to work.

“Okay, what to do first…” Rainbow glanced around her vast living room, given way to the light of her chandeliers to fully expose what was the answer to her question. Her excitement died out fast.

“Oh… damn.” I was that bad last night? Worse than what she remembered. Only now seeing just how much of a mess she had made. Leaving all her stuff out. Even stuff she didn’t recall bringing out in the first place. Like why were there so many balls lying about? The same ones that I, oh… that was right. I wanted to see how high I could kick them, almost broke my lamp. Dumping them all into her living room where some of them even continued to roll about like they were commenting on her messiness. Passing by the board games Twilight lent her and the guitar left draped over the sofa on its strap and dragged out onto the floor. Right up against the table that still sported dozens of empty glasses set among the Daring Do books. One of them still left out propped open. Twentieth time reading that one. Complete with the Daring Do costume she left out right for her to slip back into on the couch.

Damn, I was crazy last night. Not a good impression on any guest to her house. Really wondering how she was going to clean this up. Stack them up on the table? But what if Soul wanted to eat there? She’d have no room. No, that won’t work. “Oh shit!” Rainbow looked back over her shoulder, off to where the kitchen lay behind the risen counter overlooking her living room.

“I don’t have any food.” Not enough in there for a meal.

Oh, Soul must be starving. So many hours out there, she must have been wanting to get dinner tonight and I forgot about that. Crap! Really should have considered that possibility. Too late now. Rainbow wanted to leave out, go on a trip back to the town with Soul, but no. All the shops are closed now. Damn.

“I hope she’ll be fine with apples.” What a great way to welcome my old friend back. She wished. If only she had some strawberries.

2.38
This whole day was just going down the drain now. Soul was out there expecting some sort of effort on Dash’s part to welcome her home, after all that Rainbow had to put Soul through just for the two of them to get here, and she had nothing really to give. Just a bed… and an aching stomach. Nothing more. Forget it.

Rainbow flew down to land amongst the balls and games she left lying about. Reaching about and gathering up all the games in between her hooves. Can’t let Soul down any more than I did before. That meant being a little rough.

She flew back over to where the closet was of her living room, propping it right open for her. Exposing the empty space within. “Sorry, Twi.” Rainbow tossed her friend’s board games right in. Soul would have no reason to look in here. Not until much later, once Dash had gotten everything straightened out. Had the time to. The bouncy balls went right in as well. Kicking them along until each and every one of them were left to roll about in the closet. Just throw this stuff in here but… Dash gently grabbed hold of each Daring Do copy she had laid about on her table. Stacking them right up, held with such care inside her free leg. No time to organize these yet, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t be careful in the process. As precious as these books really were.

Hmm… maybe Soul would like to read them at some point. I’d be okay lending them to her. Adventure and awesome butt kicking, right up Soul’s alley. Then we can both go to cons together! That almost made her shriek in excitement.

She stacked all the assembled books up on the top shelf of her closet, right with all the rest of them. All five rows. Rearrange these newly placed books into the sixth row once things settled down. Maybe get a costume for Soul too. Rainbow couldn’t tell which one to get for her. Another Daring Do outfit or Caballeron? Whatever. I’ll order one right away. As soon as Soul got right into it. One just like the outfit she picked up off her couch. Gathering the hat as well. Putting them right in with all the rest of the stuff.

2.39
Able to close the closet back up now. She sighed in relief. Going right back to it now that that was done with. Closing all the curtains and blinds of the living room. Propping her guitar back up against the wall. Right with the speakers. Completely opening up the couch to anypony who wanted to lay down on it now. Taking a moment to scan over the rest of the room, coming over to straighten out a few of her posters and portraits hung along the walls and, satisfied with her effort, she brought herself back down to the ground.

Eyeing the many glasses she left behind. Remembering them, it made her giggle a little.

That really was a fun night. Good way to pass the time reading until she fell out on the couch. The glasses still reeked of cider. Unfortunately, she had none left in the fridge. I’d pour a couple glasses for us. Another thing she needed to get. That is, if Soul was up for drinking.

Rainbow did her best to gather up as many of the glasses as she could. Clunky and bulky, she managed to get plenty of them huddled up in her legs for her to bring over to the kitchen. Flying right over the counter and on to the shapely sink. Thankfully, the kitchen was rather clean. Not for long. Soul would have to forgive me for this. Rainbow was forced to leave the dirty glasses piled up in a group next to the sink. Feeling a kick in her gut for forcing herself to not exactly clean up this mess, but this was around thirty minutes of dish washing. Taking several more trips to gather up all the remaining glasses and letting them join the first group in completely covering the whole countertop next to the sink and beyond. It still made her swear one last time over it, and she buzzed right off.

Upstairs now.

2.40
Dash flew her way up the flight of stairs. Ringing around the columns and being sure to flip the switch as she passed it. Lighting up the stairway and the hall above. Clambering to a halt at the top of the steps. Feeling a pain start going off in her wings from flying so much now.

Rainbow’s heart jumped, all when the hall ahead began to spin a bit. It kind of hurt. In my head... She had to grab hold of it. Leaning against the wall. “…Oh man.” I can’t believe I let myself crash so badly. I really do need to get some sleep. If only it would come much sooner. Especially… if Soul is going to sleep with me. Just find the courage, get this all done, …and ask her. Yeah. Wouldn’t hurt to try. Even if Soul says no.

Rainbow shook her head. Cleared enough to start back up. Walking down the hallway and on to the open doorway to what was her room and… Dash frowned. “Sweet Celestia.” Clothes everywhere. That was right. She groaned. Smacking a hoof against the front of her face. Today was laundry day and left all her cleaned clothes out, draped all over the bed. So much so that she couldn’t even see the blanket that bore her cutie mark anymore. Now Soul had no way to see just how much of an effort Dash put into making her bed look cool. So much laundry and it would take too much time to put it all away. She groaned again.

Right when I wanted to ask her to sleep with me… first time in twelve years. Once again. Now, …this. What to even do? Rainbow looked about her room. Finding all her posters looked perfect around her walls and everything else had been kept neat and tidy. Her rug freshly vacuumed to bring out the blue of her room. Complete with her walls of clouds and rainbow banners that generously would accept any Pegasus to enjoy in how much effort she made to make them all soft to the touch. Just like her own bed sitting in the middle of it all. Illuminated bright by the lamp left on to show her this mess all over the bed.

Well, the bed was still made. Pillows fluffed and blankets straightened out. Complete with two blankets. Plenty of space for both of them… soft to the touch just for Soul. So, just having to clean up the clothes then. Rainbow stepped right in. Looking about at how much she left to ‘do for later’ and later was now.

Really wish I had known Soul was coming back today. Then none of this would be happening. Exactly when a sharp breeze blew outside. Stopping Dash right in her tracks to listen, and she felt it. It blew the curtains and blinds of her windows to coil that cool night air about and strike against her own ears. Her fur and mane blowing gently to her side.

That one didn’t feel nice. Rainbow actually surprised herself when she shivered a little from it. She was shivering. Soul, she must be cold out there, and her eyes. Soul did look worried about something. Probably, …she’s probably out there thinking I’m gonna abandon her again. All alone in the cold. That made her shiver more than any chill ever could.

Soul suffered long enough. Wherever she had been sent, was no more. Now she was home and Dash needed to make it feel like home. Immediately. Leave it for later.

2.41
Rainbow closed the door to her room. Leaving that mess behind so nopony could see it. That was fine. Soul doesn’t need to see my room tonight. If anything, we can sleep in the guest bedroom. I didn’t mess that up. Ready for anypony to crash in. Sometimes, even Dash used it just for the hell of it. Now… now it could be used for what it was meant for. But first, one quick stop.

Rainbow stepped down the soft clouds of her hallway’s flooring and right over to the room that sat between her room and the one they’d be sleeping in. Just in case Soul needed to use this, it had better be prepared. She pushed open the door right into her bathroom. Lit well by the Moon itself. That great orb, always such a treat to see it in the dead of night right here, under the skylight lining her entire ceiling. It was her ceiling. Always being a great thing to look up to when she bathed in the great tub sporting the far wall of her cloudy bathroom. Even a little drip of rain water greeted her from those welcoming clouds. Truly all proof that she kept it all in working order.

Really… she hated to admit to anypony. But, this bathroom was her pride and joy of her house. It was too many relaxing hours in that tub. Kind of an unfair advantage to every other room of the house. Now, Soul gets to enjoy it too. That pony kind of smelled a little bit. Just a little. Not enough to make Dash revile.

Something about her mane. Dash remembered how she couldn’t take her nose out of Soul’s soft mane. It still smells… like fresh air… even after all this time. I don’t know how she does it. The only part of that pony that doesn’t smell like wet fur. Must have been a long time since she had a bath. She can take one whenever she wanted. My treat.

She slipped in around the puffs of clouds sent out from the floor, as if by her very hoofsteps to hover about the air around her, gifting more water down upon the fluffy floor. Glancing all over to be sure it still looked good. Yup, except for the one reason she came in here. Right past the toilet, she knelt down. Getting a good look at what was lacking next to it. Only a few left. Gotta make it perfect.

Rainbow slid her hoof in and released the tube from where it was latched, tossing that one right in the trash where it belonged so that she could slide a new one in. Placed perfectly against the wall and latched in for anypony to use now. New toilet paper. There we go. Alright then, time to get Soul’s bed ready.

2.42
“You know, it still is scaring me. No matter what you say” Soul said over to where Soulblight stood off at the far end of the cloudy porch. Clearly the Pegasus had no intention on showing that she was paying attention to Soul’s continued requests for help tomorrow. Over there doing something. Like she’s just staring at the scenery. Off in the dark that she nearly blended into, only her bright eyes stood out well in it all. Looking down at the one other light that stood out. The rainbow stream that she had been fascinated in since they were left out here.

Blight tapped at it, following its flow, all the while not even giving Soul one straight answer. Anything really to keep her calm and just the same thing over and over again. Her rejection to the idea and just going out and saying that she will do fine. But how? How could she really expect me to do fine? I’m about to meet a bunch of new ponies, ponies who might know who I am. The concept never left her mind. Really, if only Blight would be there with her to help her speak the truth to all these ponies. But no, she continued to hold it off. A shy pony exactly like she was.

“And I insist that you have nothing to be afraid of” Blight said over there. “Seriously, how do you expect to get through tonight if you keep worrying about it? Just stay calm, we can deal with it tomorrow.”

Dealing with it tomorrow, no! That’s insane, not when she was right there in the situation with nothing to say or do. Probably look like an idiot in front of them, or worse. If they know who I am. Should I even tell them what my name is? That was another big problem. Soul Serenity was certainly off the table, but… Soul. There could be a chance that one of them may be able to know who she was just based off that alone. I don’t think Soul is a common name around here. Especially… to a princess. Oh man.

“I’m sorry. I can’t help it.” Soul looked back at this house she had been marveling at. The chance to see this house alone was a true treat for her. To see what it was that Rainbow Dash had made of her life in these years, and to see everything that had been presented to her today. Really, how often would a pony like Soul be able to experience such things in her life? When she had recently gone through moments thinking stuff like this would never come to pass. This land was so beautiful. So very different from what she remembered. Like everything changed just to make her happy. Left in wonderment. Wanting more of that happiness. All of it able to be lost forever just because of her name.

Rainbow Dash… she has done nothing to get rid of me yet, but what about the other ponies? Would they be as nice as those two stallions earlier? Those ponies didn’t know my name. These others, they will know my name. I have to tell them and can’t even get Blight to help me. Then that… I need to stop worrying so much. Right when she looked back over to her dark coated friend. Stopping everything when she saw that her Blight was moving.

Her legs were moving, while staying in place. Blight was shaking. Staring off into the dark sky above them with her burning yellow eyes. I know what that is. She’s afraid…

It’s okay, Blight.

I won’t ask again. If it made Blight scared, then I need to stop. I will do it myself, so I don’t need to hurt others.

2.43
“I’m sorry, Blight. I am being a bit childish.” “You know…” Soulblight interrupted her. She turned around. Leaving the pools of rainbow water so she may come back to where Soul sat on the steps. “It’s not going to be that bad. It hurts me to see you worried.” Blight came up the steps. Wasting no time to rejoin her best friend atop the stairs, and she planted herself down. Giving off a nice sigh when she sat.

Just having Soulblight sitting as close as she was, after so long not being able to spend any time with her today, it felt so relaxing right now. Soul just felt so calm. So she may listen. She wanted to listen to whatever it was Blight had to say. Anything to make it all sound not so bad, just like Blight claimed.

Soulblight leaned forward, glancing off to Soul. “You were worried that things would be terrible on the first day you got home. Well…” she pointed a hoof off to the Moon. “Day is done and nothing has happened. You actually get to sleep in the same house as Dashie tonight.” Yeah, I hope I’m not imposing on her. But it is something. I… actually got what I wanted. I get to see how Dash lives nowadays. Maybe even live alongside her for just a day. At least. Soul fidgeted her hooves thinking about that.

“Also, are you actually telling me that you are not the least bit excited about meeting these new ponies? I thought that Fluttershy one sounded like a good match for you.” “Well, we both like animals. So there’s that” Soul admitted. Up until the point when that Fluttershy would learn Soul’s full name, then it’d all go downhill from there. …Unless we just keep this going. Always hide my name. Perhaps those ponies would not recognize her based squarely off her first name. Yeah, keep it up until we can work this all out.

“Exactly, see” Blight said happily. Clearly more chipper than Soul wished herself to be. A little jealous at how her friend could still keep up this attitude right now. “You’ll have new friends in no time. …And they’ll be right there with you no matter what. Just like me.” Soul looked over to Blight. Locking eyes with her best friend. Soulblight had no idea just how comforting that was for her to say that. At least Soul could crack a smile now at that. A real smile.

“Thank you.” “Aww” Blight flicked her tail up with a rise of her shoulders. “Feeling better now?” Soul wanted to tell her to shut up but held her tongue. Really feeling more than a little tease from her friend. No, Blight was looking out for her just like back in the tundra. Because there was care in her tease. As much as the consideration she had when cheering her up a little. Really, this pony is so good at cheering me up.

Soulblight moved over there. She held her forelegs out, out to Soul. A motion she recognized instantly. “Come here, you.”

2.44
Soul did as she asked. Scooting herself along the step. Right until she and Blight practically touched one another. Even more so when Soul indulged herself in what she really needed. Falling right into Blight’s legs so those legs may curl up around her, pull her right into the chilly embrace Blight provided. No less soft than it had been before. Especially when Soul’s cheek fell against Blight’s chest. Held against her thin stomach. Hiding her well under all the fur of her forelegs and… it felt really nice. Really safe. Soul did the same for her. Not wanting to be selfish. Right when she really adored this pony for wanting to give her a hug in the first place and how it even melted away all her worries for just a moment. A moment she used to bring her own forelegs up around Blight. Pulling her best friend closer to her as well.

“It’s all going to be okay.”

Blight placed her head down atop Soul’s head. Oh Blight, you’re such a nice pony. Caring and giving. So much so, Soul felt she may fall asleep right here in Blight’s grasp. I hope everything will be okay. I miss calmer days. Like days where we could all sleep together, you and Dashie… but those days haven’t happened. We haven’t even all hugged. Things aren’t like years ago.

She burrowed herself in a little deeper thinking of that. “Don’t think you have to do this alone, alright” Blight said above her. “I’ll be here for you. I will help you.” I believe her, no reason to think she’s lying. This was just another hard situation for the two of them standing in the way of true happiness. Get through it like the other times they got through together.

Soulblight let go of Soul, sliding one of her hooves along her side, tickling her a little but, she felt it come up. Touch her chin. “Look at me” Blight whispered. That hoof pushing up at her chin. Soul didn’t hesitate. Looking up from her burrow against Blight’s chest and up into the dragon eyes of her best friend. That loomed over her like two Suns adjacent to the beaming Moon dominating the darkness. They blinked. Lighting up her lovely smile. The smile Soul adored. Just like before. Soulblight really does have the best smile. So much to ease her heart.

She let go of Soul’s chin. Next thing Soul knew, a touch to her back. Then another. Pushing her forward slightly with each press as Blight was doing what she knew as patting her on the back. A light thud with each hit. “Everything will work out. We got this, buddy.”

Blight. Soul leaned her head back down. Planting it against her friend’s chest again. Touching the fur with her own fur, feeling it all locking together and the soft touch of that hoof on her back. Soul was able to fall right back into that hug, …and then she fell.

2.45
Whoa! Soul caught herself just in time. A real surprise. Because, all of it was gone.

She blinked again and again but the darkness was gone from her sight. Nothing touching her anymore. No more lovely words gracing her ears except…

“I’m done.”

Soul held her breath. Now that she could hear the sound of a door creaking open behind her. Mixing in with the voice. Finding none other than Rainbow Dash poking her head out from the door until she flung it wide open. The cyan Pegasus standing proud above her, square in the middle of her doorway.

Soul lifted herself back up. Finding she really did almost fall flat on her face. As quick as Blight had disappeared. “You falling asleep down there?” Dash asked. Huh? Oh man, could’ve warned me, Blight. Well… fine… let’s say I was falling asleep. As long as Dash doesn’t think anything is up.

Soul stood up again on all fours. Leaving that moment behind. “Yeah” Soul said. “Just a little.” Not precisely a lie considering she still felt so comfortable from the hug she had been receiving. Really wishing it had lasted longer. “Well, come on up” Dash stepped aside. Fully revealing the doorway to her. “I got the place ready for you.”

One difference was the lights were on inside. From the steps, Soul saw that there were chandeliers lighting up what looked to be a cloud engraved ceiling inside of there, high above where Dash stood, waiting patiently for her.

Won’t keep her waiting. Dash wants me to see. Time to see it.

Soul came up the steps. Hesitating when she looked inside. Just enough to peek her head in and see just how magnificent it all looked even from out here. As if the sky itself was ahead waiting for her to walk on it, and she did. Taking the first step into her old friend’s house. Right down on the sky blue floor.

2.46
Rainbow closed the door behind her. “Welcome home” she startled Soul with a light smack to the back of her neck as she trotted past. Taking the lead down the hallway. “What do ya think?” she asked back. That could not get any just answer. This, this hallway alone, it was something Soul felt must have fit for Dash’s house but… it still left her in awe. Did Dash paint all this herself? It looked like somepony had perfectly painted the likeness of the sky across the walls of this hall. She could pick out little marks of clouds and bigger ones taking up whole sections amidst an ever-flowing current that whished about the entire lengths of the walls. Curling in dark blue lines like patterns. Patterns she called out as wind blowing across the sky.

A pale blue sky and countless clouds reaching up and over the ceiling. All this went all the way down the hall. Down to where Dash was waiting for her. She waved Soul to follow. But Soul, she couldn’t move. Staring all over.

This place… “It’s…” Soul looked all around the fantastic scenery that she felt so at home in. Blending it in well with what the world outside would look like right now if the Sun were out. It’s like all the lights in here were like little suns. A work of art really. Like something I could fly through. I feel… so at home. “Beautiful.” A horrible understatement that left her a little ashamed she could not think of something better to befit this.

Rainbow Dash giggled up ahead. “Thank you. Come on.” The cyan Pegasus excitedly ran off into whatever room lay ahead. A show that made Soul actually laugh a little herself. Looked like Dash likes showing her house off. So like her. That pony always did like showing off to me. Especially her home. Or anything of hers in general. Except for… I wonder… does she have any baby pictures around? Maybe a couple, I will totally find them if she does. Oh that would be so funny.

2.47
Soul continued to pass by the absolutely perfect scene all around her, giving it more and more praise in her head. Really able to pick out every minute detail Dash put into making this entrance to her house a real pleasure to a Pegasus such as herself. It all was so inviting, even how chilly it was in here. Not at all like outside, it felt just right. Like the perfect environment to fall under some warm blankets in… or to fly in. It all led down to a wide-open room as blue as the hall had been. Rainbow really being sure to make her whole house fell like flying through the clouds.

“Are you hungry?” Dash asked, barging herself right in front of Soul. Her… her forelegs were shaking a little. Soul caught that move before Dash stamped them down onto the floor. Is she nervous? Oh Dash, you don’t need to worry. I’d never judge your house. Hehe, it’s just like when we were kids. I could tell you went all out the first time you had me over as a kid. She did a good job in being a host back then, still is. Soul had to give her that. Kind of flattered she was doing much to make this ‘sleepover’ a welcoming one for Soul.

Soul shook her head. Telling Dash the honest truth as she glanced over to the other side of the room the two stood in. “I’m good. Thank you for asking.” Fascinated by what she saw on the other side of the room, like it was gleaming over there. Immediately catching her eye.

“Okay” Dash said. “Well, the kitchen is over here.” She pointed off to what Soul made out as the refrigerator amongst cabinets and even a huge stove top all along one hell of a finish in glistening blue that made the countertop. All of it right behind some other countertop with some stools around it. “Help yourself if you get hungry” Dash offered. “…I got apples.” Apples sound nice. But, I won’t pig out on her food right now. She is already giving me a place to sleep. More than enough, more than what Soul could ask for. More than what she really should get out of this, but that was Dash. She always was trying to impress.

2.48
Dash was no less drained of energy. She went on ahead. Happily trotting off into the middle of this big room. “Come on, let me show you the living room.”

Wait, this huge space is the living room? Soul had to see it now. Pushing herself on into this vast space, this big circle of a room, looking like it could fit an entire party of ponies in here. So much space to do that. Soul could easily just walk on in, lost in the welcoming embrace of this cozy room with its sofas around a lone table. One such sofa was where Rainbow Dash climbed on top of. Pulling herself right up and she lay down upon the bright red cushions so comfortable that she even bounced up once she lay on them. Reclining all over it and stretching her long legs. As if she wanted to just go to bed on it. Much too excited for that. “So this where I crash after a long day.”

Wow, it really is so impressive. Dash has all this space to herself. She has a house like this. It must really be a treat to come home every day to such an inviting and lovely house. One with so much to offer. Soul bet that Dash really could hold parties in here if she wanted and those sofas looked really nice to lay on. Much as why Dash was practically cozying up on it now. There was even some sort of… is that a guitar?

It was one. Just left out against the wall with so many speakers around it. All connected to the butt of the guitar which bore all the same colors as Rainbow’s tail.

Does Rainbow even know how to use that? That… I want to actually hear her play sometime. Soul would happily sit down and listen. “This place is so…” Soul turned around to find herself face to face with the very thing that did catch her eye. Propped up in front of her, she almost smacked her nose against it. Good thing she didn’t.

She looked up at how impressive this thing was. How important it must be. Held up on top of some sort of stand, set atop it exactly… like a crown.

2.49
It was a crown. Right on top of a pillar shaped like a pony’s head. Placed right between its ears as a magnificent adornment such as it was. For it to glimmer in her eyes. It captivated her. Called to her to stare at it for it was beyond any treasure she had seen before. It shone of pure gold light, reflecting the light of the chandeliers off of it. Like it lit up the entire room itself. Banded in a golden circlet all around the pony’s head and given life by… by the wings it wore. Wings as gold as the band itself that they were attached to. The very wings for this fake pony so it too may fly. Outstretched, ready to take off and join with the open sky that was Rainbow Dash’s house. Wings she… she wanted to touch. Wanting to bring her hooves out and stroke that glowing gold finish, put it on her own head.

How would I look… wearing something this cool?

No, don’t touch it. She steadied her hooves. For this to be held out like this adorned on a mannequin for anypony to see, it must be important to Dash. Like a prized possession or something she maybe made. The jewel of her house.

What even is it?

Soul looked along it, trying to find something to it. Just given more and more sight of its everlasting beauty. The brilliant design of its wings. They looked almost as real as her own wings. She looked back around the front of it. Interested it had nothing more to it.

“What is this…” her eyes picked out something. That was easy to miss. With these wings being so beautiful, she should not have let them take her attention enough to miss it. …There was an engraving. Words written down into the mannequin itself. Right under the crown, emboldened in shiny grey wordings stretching across the chest of the pony.

First Place.

Going down to the next line under that.

Best Young Flyer…

2.50
Soul shuddered. As if her entire gut kicked itself up into her abdomen. Because that last line. The words it spoke…

Rainbow Dash… she did it.

“…Competition” she whispered the last word on that engraving.

Wow, so this was the prize she got for winning it. It really does fit her. No doubt, I bet Dashie likes to wear it and feel just how great she is to have won it. Just how beautiful it was and how well it portrayed the talent she had for flying, a talent great enough to be able to participate and win that competition, she deserved to show it off. An example of what she went through. The challenge she persisted through. All for her chance to prove herself to all the other pegasi of the hard work and determination that she had.

At least… she got that chance. So I shouldn’t cry over it.

I need to be proud of her for winning it. At least, Dash was able to do it for both of us. What we both wanted. Did Dash think about me whenever she performed for other ponies and wowed them all? Did she remember our goal? For us to both do that together… as Wonderbolts. She carried out the dream, and I missed it.

She did it. She got into the competition and blew them all away without even a challenge. A challenge I wanted to give to Dash.

Soul wiped a tear from her cheek. Stop crying and be happy for her. Just as I would have been if I had been there to see her win. She certainly would have beaten me so… so there is no reason to cry over not being able to participate. No matter how much I wanted to do it. All the other ponies would just yell at me anyways. Ignore me. Just as they always proved to do.

I have to stop looking at it. Every moment of seeing this, these words and this showing of all she failed to do, it was too much. For how could anypony ever bare this terrible burden? No other pony did. None of them ever will. That was why Dash was so lucky. Because she did everything right in her life.

2.51
Looking away… it did not help. I can’t believe I missed all this. Like it all was making fun of her. Just for being around her, to stare at her from every corner.

Perched up across the living room to hang over her. Loom down on her when they were all solely meant to give a little hope to the one who put them up to begin with.

Aim high -Spitfire Keep your dreams close

Each of them had some sort of thing written right on them to match with the actual message behind each and every one of them. Alongside their truth. That Soul had missed out on everything. Everything she wanted to do alongside her dear friend. Did she, did she think about me when she accomplished all of this? Was it painful for her that I was not there to be her wingpony? When she won all these competitions. Carried out what we were supposed to do together, make new friends as well. As well as… all these posters, did she finally become the thing we both wanted to be?

My dream to show what I could become and how much I can achieve no matter what is thrown at me.

Rainbow Dash, with all these posters and examples of her endeavors. The uniforms marked in yellow bolts staring down at her. Did Dash think of me during all her time to join the group we were supposed to join together? Did it hurt? Because it really hurt Soul right now that she had not been there to stand next to Rainbow as they both crossed that threshold to their ultimate goal. Dash accomplished it all, and Soul… Soul had to lose out on all of it. But this was all just more of her punishment. So much of her life being a punishment all because of the mean things she did to everypony.

I’m so lucky Blight stuck with me. How lucky she was for this… for a cyan hoof to slowly wrap around her neck. Gently warming her up, finding Rainbow Dash standing next to her now and the care in her eyes.

Soul felt herself being pulled away from this all. Pulled off to Dash. I hope I’m not crying. I should just show how appreciative I am of her. Since it was Rainbow Dash who was the one showing her even a semblance of kindness that she didn’t deserve. Giving her a place to sleep and welcoming her to this world once again, and she was the pony who had the least reason to do just that. She truly was a kind and gifted pony, one worthy of all the great things she got in life. A kindness she shared by pulling Soul away from this all.

Soul followed on where Dash tugged her. Leaving these things behind.

“Come on, let’s go upstairs” Dash whispered. Soul nodded. Perfectly alright with putting this stuff behind her. Until… until she was sure she’d be reminded over and over of how much she never wanted any of this to happen.

How hard it will all be?

2.52
It was very strange Dash wasn’t saying anything. Not one word came out her mouth the whole time they went up the stairs and she had been so energetic ever since they came in together. Such a shame. Is it because of how I acted down there? That really was it because, right when Soul had looked back, she got nothing but a cold stare away from her. That should be no excuse to make Dash upset. It wasn’t a big deal, not at all, so Dash may go back to being her happy self. Show me around the rest of the house.

Coming up the stairs and onto the landing above leading down to the next hallway, one that was actually dark. Just one little light could be seen shining out from a door on the far end, and there were two other doors. One closed. Maybe it was a closet.

Dash said nothing even as they came up here. Come on, Dashie. Don’t be down. I can handle this. Exactly like I handled everything so far. This… this is nothing. So how about we stop this silence.

“Is the bathroom up here?” Soul asked. Doing her best to break that silence with a question about the house that Dash would certainly be more than happy to answer. “Yeah.” Rainbow led on ahead of her, flashing the bright colors of her swaying tail in the darkness of the hallway. At least she took the lead now, and her voice was just as it sounded downstairs. So, perhaps she felt better. Pointing a hoof over to the open door on the left ahead of them, just after the closed door that Soul curiously paused at. “And this room?” Rainbow stopped in her tracks. Seeing what it was that Soul was asking about and, a long pause. Long before she spoke out her parted lips.

“That’s… my room.”

“Oh.” Soul looked back to the door. Wondering why it may be that it was closed ad Dash was doing nothing to try and give her a tour of it. She probably has something in there she doesn’t want me to see. Well, if she doesn’t want me in there, that’s fine. Still though, it was a wonder as to why she kept it closed off to her. If she developed any habits or something. Soul could only remember her room as a filly, how cool and open it was back at the house of Rainbow’s parents. Except she did have stuff everywhere. Really the one flaw in it.

“I got your room all ready up here” Dash said from up ahead.

2.53
Soul went after where Dash had been standing and waiting for her this whole time. Leaving her behind in her moment of wonder. But now, she got to see one of Dash’s bedrooms. Right where the open door was that flooded light into the hall. Where Rainbow Dash held a hoof out to invite her in.

“The guest bedroom is yours. Make yourself at home.”

Soul turned the corner. Wandering right in to see what it was Dash had in store for her and it was… quite a sight. A room of fluffy white clouds that seemed to even be moving were she so inclined to believe. Paintings of clouds all along the walls and just a wonderful scene of the open sky. Pictures of flowers and a valley side. So beautiful. And… it’s so soft. The floor itself was literally clouds. Tickling at the bottoms of her hooves, centering that all around the… Soul’s eyes widened.

The huge bed that sat up against the far wall.

Why… it looked wider than three of Soul. Maybe even big enough to fit three ponies. Looming proudly over all the other furniture of the room. A chair in the corner next to nightstand that adorned a lovely lightning encrusted lamp bringing light to all of this. A dresser with a mirror atop it so tall, that it connected to the ceiling itself. Even a ceiling fan up there.

It… it all looked so simple. Soul could not have asked for a better room for her to sleep in. Like a true bedroom unlike what she had to sleep in for years now. The floor didn’t creak at all as she stepped in. Dash even closed all the windows for me. Keep out all that chilly wind outside. None of it to ruin how precious this room felt. Like it’s all made for me. Welcoming her, and Soul almost giggled knowing she was actually allowed in here. To indulge in this. Wandering about to get a good look at it all. Rainbow Dash followed in after.

“I gave you a couple extra blankets if you get cold. Umm… I hope I made it good enough for you.” Good enough? I could never ask for anything better than this. When she saw just how cozy the bed looked from down here with its thick mattress wrapped in white sheets buried under two entire blankets and a third one folded up at the foot. Big, thick blankets and one them colored in a rainbow. It may as well be as good a blanket as what Blight could make. Soul completely amazed by it, looking over this bed she was being given for tonight. Not helping herself in touching it. Stroking a hoof along the soft blankets. Leading up to two huge pillows ready for her to fall into.

2.54
Rainbow Dash yawned in the back, breaking Soul out of her infatuation with this gift. “Sorry…” Dash muttered, smacking her lips.

“That’s okay, it is bedtime anyways” Soul assured her. Rainbow must have had a long day before all of this. The Pegasus earned some rest, especially with this gift she gave. Dash took one step forward, ceasing it. She slid it over the cloud floor sending up puffs of white to disappear into the air after a mere second of flight. “Umm… is there anything you need?” Dash asked. Giving her a little smile.

Soul shook her head. Slipping her hoof down and under the first blanket. Feeling just how warm it was under there. No, I can’t ask for anything more than this. Nothing else she could ask for. Nothing that would be right. For all this, this stuff. A kindness she expected nopony to give her, Soul could ask for no more from her. It would just be best to let her old friend sleep now. Get rid of all her troubles and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing dream with nothing to worry her. Sleep well because I think we have a long day tomorrow.

“Well then I…” Dash flipped her tail back and forth behind her. But… she turned away. So strange. It almost sounded like… she had something to say. But nothing more was said. That rainbow tail turned to her, with but one little glance given to her from behind a shoulder.

“Sweet dreams, …Soul.” Yeah, I guess it is goodnight now. Even so, it hurt. Just a little. Deep in her chest, a pain. Only growing worse with every step Dash made. Building up… Soul felt like she wanted to cough now. It never came. Not even to ruin what it was she said. Kicking herself a little with a hind leg that it was the only thing she said.

“Sweet dreams.”

Dash left her, one final glimpse of that pony behind a door that slowly shut. Soul just able to catch one last look of those magenta eyes, as they turned to her and blinked. Right before they disappeared behind a small click and silence.

Dash was gone. Out on the other side of that door, leaving Soul with this… she looked around the room once more. This prize, a most beloved place given to her for tonight by that pony. I should have thanked her. I should have… Too late now.

2.55
I hope she does sleep well. Please, Dash, do not worry about me tonight. I just want Dash to go back to doing her normal routine, even with me here. Don’t mind me. I shouldn’t intrude. Not until everything was back to normal. If normal may ever come.

Was this even normal? Having to sleep, practically live in the same house as Rainbow Dash. What was normal? Who cares? If Dash went out of her way to give Soul a little semblance of what her normal life was, then she needed to accept it. This bed was a great thing, at least, to come back to.

She looked over at it. “I get to sleep in this tonight.” She made her way past that bed, over to where the lamp burned bright. Just a simple little light. Not a fire to keep her warm and give her a way to see. This was how she remembered it, and it had a little button right on its backside. One tap and it was completely dark.

Soul sighed. Staring off to where she could still see the outline of that lamp in the dark and turning back to where the bed was. So… this is what I missed out on. The last time this happened, …what were those times like? Her laying in bed right as another pony turned off the lights and wished her goodnight. Or for darkness to fall upon her right when the one next to her brought them to such a peaceful night. One they shared in together. When… I held Dashie… in a room just like this. Things really have changed. Now alone in here, having to turn the lights off herself. Wander aimlessly right now until she smacked into the side of the bed.

So much, so different and all just because of the more and more mistakes she made. She really regretted it now, but she had to deal with it. Regret the words she failed to ask.

Soul climbed up to the top of the bed. Letting her wings fall down against the soft blankets. Dragged alongside her. Letting them share in the softness of this. Clambering along and kicking the blanket over right where a nice and wide spot was left for her. “Oh… wow…” Soul moaned once her back fell in against the incredible thing she got to lay against. This mattress may as well be clouds. Maybe better. Clouds were never this warm. Warmed well by the blankets that covered it, this mattress blew away what she was used to. Sending a tingle down her spine. So much so that her legs twitched a little. Her wings fluttered in appreciation, beating against the mattress.

2.56
Soul fell over onto her side. Planting her head against the cushiony pillow; soft and delicate. Caressing her very ear and head. It was cool. Such a perfect combination. This bed was probably the best part of this house. Rainbow Dash got to enjoy stuff like this all the time, now I get to as well. Amazing. I love it a lot. Wrapping herself up in the two blankets. Pulling her into a whole new world of comfort. She sighed happily. Able to give one bit of how very appreciative she was for this. Never expecting the day to end like this.

“What a day.” Though she never could have expected any of what happened. This place is so different from what my life has been lately. More different than even Cloudsdale. All foreign, unfamiliar. Scary. It would get even more scary tomorrow. Because that day was closing in now. In… who knows how many hours, she… she would meet the other ponies. That sent another chill down her spine. One the blankets failed to dampen.

I don’t know how I should do it. See what happens? That’s all that can be done. A truly frightening idea with but one thing left to keep her having a little bit of hope for what may happen. “You still gonna be with me tomorrow?” Soul lurched backwards. A surprise, like… making her jump for the feeling of how she was falling. Falling into something. Until she felt the chill… and the soft touch against her. Softer than the blankets that warmed her. More gentle than any pillow. It was a feeling she knew well.

It… that feeling alone made her silent. Accepting what was happening as somepony breathed into the back of her head. Snaking their legs over her body and pulling her closer against their stomach. “I already am” Blight said back there. Hugging her tighter under the blanket they both shared. A bed they both got to share once again.

2.57
Soul rubbed her cheek against the pillow. “Thank you, Blight.” I think I can fall asleep now. Not have to worry much. Just… let the night pass. Held in a feeling better than any blanket or bed. Her cool touch, still a gift beyond anything she could be given. Able to keep a hold on this precious friendship they shared, always there even in this new world. Under a new roof. Such a shame though. This was two times now. Blight needs to let me hold her more often. But… whatever kept her happy. It’s fine with me.

But one day I will ask, like I didn’t do tonight… with Dashie.

Soul closed her eyes. Keeping them closed away from the sight of this new world and just remembering the times when she slept like this with another pony, better times without worry. Maybe, for just tonight she could stop worrying. Soulblight’s hug made it a little easier. Opening her eyes once more to the sight of sleepy yellow eyes greeting her in the mirror over there, with another pair of yellow eyes behind her. Blinking softly. Glancing down at her in the darkness. As if she grew two pairs of eyes now. She still saw the difference. One of them were so kind. That was why she felt safe falling asleep. Closing her eyes to it again. Just how comfortable she felt… she sighed.

No worries for right now. Just for now, one brief moment.

“Goodnight, Blight.” One hoof stroked along her side. Up and down. It tickled, it… made her smile. A gentle touch. As gentle as the voice behind her. “Sleep well, my little pony.”

2.58
“I know, Soul” Blight whispered. “This is all so very hard for you.”

Can she hear me? Sleeping right there, becoming one with the dark that took the room over. Not one of her furs moved. Not the slightest difference under the blankets they shared. So hard to tell. I’m not sure what I want from her. Talking to her for so long now. If I want her to hear me or not, hear me in whatever dream she may have. Make her feel a little better. For as hard as that was. Because, no matter how it turned out, it seemed nothing was easy.

Maybe we should have waited a little longer to come back. When… you should have had more time to prepare for all this. The result, having to listen to how Soul suffered all day long. Watch as everything she secretly hoped to happen did not in the end. All the opposite except for one. Soul at least managed to sleep in the same house as Dash again. Sharing that treat with Blight as well.

These blankets are so soft, just like Soul’s back against my belly. Her mane against my face. Was it always so fitting for bad things to feel so good? Was Soul comfortable too? She really could have been.

I… wish I could be the one… Blight stroked her hoof softly against Soul’s side, bringing it up out of the blankets and… she placed it gently against the sleeping pony’s cheek. Feeling up there what it was she knew she could not prevent. Touching against her own fur now. Soul…

She could have done it. She had the chance, she wanted to, but Soul did not take it. Take the chance to make this ending to this day truly different. They may as well be back in the snow. Sleeping together on that old bed.

I know you wanted to ask her? Blight rubbed her hoof along Soul’s cheek. Hoping for the pony to be able to at least feel her care while she slept. “Why did you not do it?” If she had, this… this would not happen. Things would be so happy. I am so sure of it. A real change to make things so much better for you.

I’m her best friend, but I can’t do it. No. Just let it happen, stop feeling that way. Then… she would be the one sleeping with you, instead of me.

2.59
It’s so hard for you… to see and know everything wrong. Wrong with this world that you have to deal with. The world that was taken from you. Even if you got one thing back. You got Rainbow Dash back… if only it had been as easy as that. Instead, Dash was out there with her perfect life shrouding this stupid game these two pegasi were playing with one another. When it should have ended earlier.

But it could not end. It had not ended in twelve years. Why now? Why when it was made so easy to destroy any chance they had together long ago. All of it. So I guess I get to watch what happens now.

“I hate being useless.”

There really is nothing I can do for you.

Soul sniffled up there. Blight widened her eyes. Feeling her hoof go over that clammy thing running along Soul’s cheek. “What can I do?” Nothing. Proof by how Soul was acting now. Why she was acting like that. Until today, she got to see it right in front of her. Worse than anything she could have imagined. Built to end like this. It was miserable to watch. Watch as she could do nothing to solve it. None of her words worked. None of her actions. All because I’m just me and not her.

I hate seeing you afraid. And Rainbow Dash… she makes it no easier. Amazing. These two. They were astonishing. Neither of them did anything to solve it. But there was no way to blame them. No. As she listened to Soul crying right in front of her, she knew who to blame. She was looking at her. Across the room, atop where Soul lay still in her bed. In another bed. Two of the same ponies to exist in this room. Glancing at the one who trembled, and up… above that pony to those split eyes. Needle thin eyes glaring back at her in the red that rushed the room.

It’s okay to feel this way. At least it gave her something. Some feeling when faced with all this. Making her let go of Soul’s cheek, she held Soul tighter. “Because… I have reason to make things work for you…” she whispered into Soul’s ear. Only when… I feel like this. Because of one true fact over this feeling. It is inside of me. Like her whole stomach quaked within. Exactly like the red that stared back at her.

I’m sick of seeing you afraid. I hate it. …All because of me. The day can’t come sooner when you never have to feel this way again. The day you are no longer held back. Held back by what she felt inside of Soul, that she was truly and undeniably hurt. And I get to hold her, I get to hold the pony I hurt. I have to be the one to make her feel better when I cannot and never should.

2.60
Blight held herself. Held it all back. Seeing and hearing the world before her flash in an instant. Like it all disappeared… but was one with itself again. Turning before her eyes into a burst of gleaming red light shining off so many bits. She blinked. Again and again. Still seeing that shine. As it reflected off from where she had watched. All around, leaving but the sound of crackling and pain in her ears. Shattering apart exactly like… like the vase that crackled.

It took her too long to notice that. Too long, as the world spun around her for but a moment. Just a bit, like her innards did. That rush inside her. She had to look down. Down to see that Soul was still sleeping. Still crying. Not even noticing how Blight disturbed the bed with the pitiful feeling going all over her, making her shake.

Blight watched her leg tremble along Soul’s shoulder. Felt her wing beat against the blanket. Against the mattress she lay on. As the entire bed shook alongside her. Nothing. Soul really is a heavy sleeper. Thank goodness.

Blight sighed. Looking back to what she did. Now, nopony needed to know what she did. Looking over there at her work. The destroyed vase sat atop the dresser, all its shattered pieces flaking down from there. Shattering once they landed. Bursting their pieces back up to the pile that they came from. Rising with the mayhem she caused. I need to calm down. Acting out like this, not good while Soul slept. I already know what I did, I can’t take it out on anything. Especially Dash’s furniture.

Like the mirror with the long cut that split her eyes apart in it. Running up the entire height of that mirror. From where the vase sat in its pile. Like the whole mirror may just fall to two. Shatter on the floor. I’m so lucky I didn’t cut the dresser in two. Might have woke Soul up.

She took a moment to breath. Listening to the silence. Total silence, even the crickets outside had stopped. There to watch her red eyes watch back at her. Guess I get to fix that up. The only use I have for the rest of the night. But just… let me lay here for a bit and listen to you breathe. Calm me down.

She buried her nose back into Soul’s mane. Because there was a genuine hint of some peace in her sleep right now amidst the tears. Not from Soul, no. Blight hated to admit it. She was the one who felt peace and that truly disgusted her. “You’re so selfish and filthy” she spoke. That pony over there in the mirror. Maybe there was a chance the hug she was giving to Soul gave some comfort. But for who? Who gets that comfort? Who gets to feel happy? You shouldn’t.

The pony blinked back to her with those slits in its eyes. Flashing in yellow once more. For you to feel calm, ...but Soul can’t. Soul, tomorrow won’t be bad. I will make sure of it. No day will be bad for you. It will all work. Just don’t be afraid. Stay calm and I will be with you through it all, exactly like I said I would.

She stared away from those eyes. Calmed by the flash of light that did light the room for but one moment. How it roared outside. She blinked. The curtain followed. Moving as one with her, with the stroke of her hoof along Soul’s fur. The droning roar of thunder.

Blight grinned. Even she felt the breeze come over her. It must be soothing for Soul as well because it sure did feel good for her. Like she was being touched.

“You got this in the bag, Soul. We both do… I will do everything in my power to.” Lightning flashed once more, just for her. Like it did do it all for her, just to see the silver and violet glow of her best friend’s mane to her face. I just hope you will want to hold me just like this. Give a selfish mare like me her reward. Please. So I can… she stopped herself right there, right when a tear let loose from her.

Crying over this? No. No more.

Blight closed her eyes. She already did enough for me and, tomorrow, Soul will get so much more. She can count on it.

2.61
Rainbow Dash finally got her chance to just take a breather. It sure took long enough to put all the clothes away, surely Soul would have been waiting a long time if she did this earlier. Surprising that took as much out of her as it did, she could feel her eyes were so heavy right now. Even as she bit into the sweet taste of the cold apple she held up to her gripped in the feathers of her wing. Planting her head down on her pillow.

Finally, some rest.

She gave a long exhale. Taking another bite out of the apple. Man, Soul should have at least had one of these. They tasted good and would have been a respite from all the crap that happened today. Or tonight, to be specific.

What a disaster. This entire night turned out nothing like I hoped for. Now, here she was, all alone eating her apple. Impossible to get the sight of those sad yellow eyes out of her head. Never seen them like that before. All because of me. I should have put all my stuff away. But no, just had to straighten out all my posters. Left everything out for Soul to see.

“I really ruined it for her.” When this was supposed to be a genuine house tour to let Soul know where it was that she would be crashing from now on. Nope, not at all. She groaned. Right before she took another bite. I really wish it had turned out different. Like when we were kids. Soul loved being over at my place. This… this was not at all like that.

Which of the many things made it all turn out wrong? Too many for her to count. May as well have been when she failed to get her a warm meal to come home to or seeing everything she missed out on. When both of them were supposed to do that stuff together. Soul… at the Best Young Flyer Competition. Shit. It’s been so long since I thought about that. Though, many things that happened today were things she never anticipated happening. Especially after the other thing that may have ruined the night… twelve years ago. Then it all turned out like this, in the end.

Soul Serenity is back. Here in my own house. Sleeping in the room next to me. …It should all be different.

2.62
I guess I ruined that. Certainly this is all so much for Soul. So… why should I have expected her to make a move? Though I really wish she did. For Soul to have said something. Then, would I have accepted it? Like I wanted it back then. Perhaps. After all, Soul did like it. It may have even played out the same way too. Laying here alone in her bed, when it could have been more. Just one thing and, possibly, she’d be right there with Soul for the rest of the night. Just like when they were kids. For it to be exactly like back then. For things to go back.

Go back twelve years. Without this pain in her heart. Without this longing.

She placed a hoof against her cheek. Would she have… kissed me again? Right here?

I still feel it. Right there, like it never left. That… feeling. So many nights that I think about it. That night we had together. In the same bed. No. So much had changed. Too much.

Soul… why did she not ask me? Why did I expect her to? When I should have been the one to ask. Dash did want to… right there on the tip of her tongue. What an idiot. So much so that she wanted to hit herself for chickening out. Acting like some sort of foal. I can’t expect Soul to do everything, no, I have to. I have to do more for her. To show her that… not everything has changed. That we could still have something after all these years, and for all the anger to not stand in the way.

“I really should have asked her.” She could still see Soul accepting it. Being that silly filly from back then completely enthralled with the idea of Dash wanting to sleep with her. For all the time that was put between then and now, may that not have made Soul too mad at her. I hope it didn’t. Dash really did want to show her that not much had changed, when too much had. For both of them.

Rainbow shook her head, tossing her apple aside. Just let it fall to the floor. Not even able to concentrate on eating it. Not when she knew that another pony was right next to her, possibly still hurting all because of what Dash did. How she acted. Acting in a way she never wanted to again, and…. she did it again today. Damn it! This whole day really was a disaster. Did any high point happen? I looked and acted like a fool in front of her. I made her sad. Because I never thought of how to do this. Should have just been myself. So… why am I acting like this around her? When I have no right to. Making so many mistakes. …Like in the past. Even forgetting to do what made her finally smack a hoof against her face.

“I even forgot to thank her.”

Soul has been so nice to me since she came back. Acting a little shy, yes, but still… she even waited by me. Waited for me to wake up. Was that not deserving of her thanks? Idiot. This could not have gone any worse.

2.63
Maybe I am the one who changed. Soul never did. I just made it harder for her. Especially after not even making this, her own welcome home, a pleasant experience. No, I just made her sad. I never did that before… before that time. Now, she got to see right now that Soul was so unhappy.

“It hurts to see you like that, buddy” Dash placed a hoof to her chest. I don’t want you to be upset. Now that you’re home. After all this time, we can be together again. But how to make you smile again? How to make you the pony I remember? So you can trust me. For us to be happy again.

Rainbow rolled over onto her side, over to the big and open spot of her bed. Where the second pillow did lie, empty. So strange. When she woke up this morning, just like this, seeing that empty spot in her bed, she never expected any of this to happen. Funny how things worked. To now be expecting Soul Serenity of all ponies to be there to fill that space once again. To make her smile and go back to a time long lost. No longer as kids, but now, now we’re adults.

Were those twelve years horrible for you? Did you have a hard time wherever you were? Too many questions. Dash hated not having answers. To know exactly what happened. What saying those terrible words to Soul ended up doing to her over these years. Anything? All those thick layers of muscle along her spans among wings so large and impressive that Dash still could not get them out of her head. How strong she is. What did she have to go through to get all that? To fly as great as I do. Really a feat she never saw from any other Pegasus pony.

Are those wings still as sensitive as they were when we were kids? Whatever the case, they grew so strong without Dash around. Beyond anything she could imagine. And… Soul herself. Dash brought her hoof up to her cheek, embarrassed by it. Ashamed even. But too hard not to see it. Blushing because of it. …Such strong looking legs and… she’s so slim now, and her face. Soul had grown to become so beautiful. Absolutely amazing. Does… does she think the same of me? Dash wished for Soul to have maybe been a bit impressed at how she turned out too over these years. For Dash to still look like the same pony that she remembered, just more beautiful. Unfortunately, as Dash’s blush rid itself, she could not remember what it looked like for Soul to be happy.

This Soul Serenity, she knew it now, this was not the same one she parted with. How terrible… that I did this to her.

“I’m being pathetic. Damn.” Dash brought herself back up to sit on the edge of her bed. What a total mess.

2.64
The crack of thunder made her ears perk up. Turning her attention to the one window she left open to her room. Out in the dark. Not even able to see it, but she sure did hear it. So strange. She wondered to herself. Like this served as a distraction for her, it was a good one she admitted. Taking her mind off this mayhem to wonder as to why weather pegasi were bringing a storm in tonight.

They really should get some sleep, but… oh well. Some pegasi pushed way too hard for their own good. Maybe a farm needed a late rain shower or something. I don’t know. Sure seems weird at this hour.

She turned to look over at her wall. Past the Wonderbolts posters and beyond to where she knew Soul to be sleeping. Banished all this time, was this Soul’s first taste of Equestrian weather after so long? Maybe… “I should go check on her.” Just to see if she had been woken up by the thunder. …“I could… still ask her.” Maybe. She sighed. It wouldn’t hurt to try. To be nice to her at least and show that she was a little worried and be sure Soul could sleep well in this storm.

More thunder. Yup.

Dash kicked herself off the bed. Giving her wings another good stretch like earlier before she continued on to her door. Just giving the door a light tap to creak it open and reveal the dark hallway beyond, given light by the lamps of her own room. Lighting the way to where she saw Soul’s closed door. Soul was not out and about so she must still be in her room. Looked like the light was off in there too.

Dash made her way down the hallway. Careful to step softly and make no noise. Satisfied with herself in keeping it quiet despite another burst of thunder rumbling around the house. Checking down below the door one last time just to be certain. Yup, the lights were off. Soul probably was still asleep but it still wouldn’t hurt to check in on her. Just to be sure.

2.65
She carefully turned the knob. Just enough to make it move, not enough to make any noise. Thank Celestia. I don’t want to be the pony to wake her up. She opened it up slowly. Just casting a tiny bit of light in from the hall, shining well over the mirror to where she saw from here where Soul was in it. Right under her blankets. She looked over to see. Soul was certainly fast asleep. A dark shadow right under the blankets with small bits of fur here and there.

Lightning flashed in from outside, lighting up the whole room for but a moment. Doing nothing to wake the Pegasus up. Rainbow Dash nodded approvingly. Good. Though… She stepped in. Hesitating just a moment. See if Soul did anything to her walking in. Not a bit of movement. …Motivation enough.

Dash continued, creeping silently over the cloudy floor with eyes fixed on her old friend. Breathing deeply under her blankets. She sounded so peaceful. Like nothing was wrong. No more sadness or pain. Just because of the bed, though. It had to be. It sure did look like she was comfortable. I wish I had asked her.

Rainbow Dash stepped up to where her old friend’s head rest atop the pillow. Shrouded in her shadow, Soul made no move. No yellow eyes to stare back at her in the dark… just like she remembered. A better time. Now, now Dash was stuck like this. Having to just hope this were better. Watching down at this slumbering pony. Unsure. Worried. So much to make her feel so. It all rushed around, swirling like the wind that blew in through the cracks of her windows and sent a small chill down her spine. Geez. She glanced back over her shoulder. Cursing the weather for tonight. This dumb weather. How it probably made Soul feel cold.

Dash stepped up. Finding right where the blanket was over Soul. I’ll make it better for ya, buddy. Grabbing hold of the blanket’s edge in her mouth and pulling it right over Soul’s neck. Shame, nopony tucked her in. Maybe I should I have done that. This whole evening, it was all just a mess. She did nothing to make it better. Not making this a pleasant end to this day, the day of their reunion after twelve grueling years.

2.66
Maybe Soul would have liked something more from me to end it. After all, it was me who did something so horrible the last time we were together. Leaving so many years for it to soak into Soul, it must have hurt. Because it hurt me.

“And you should expect better of me” she whispered. “Soul…” I know you are not able to hear this but… she still should be able to. A bit late, but Soul deserved it one way or another. To show you nothing has changed. I am still the pony you remember. I want you to be the pony I remember too.

“Thank you for today.”

Rainbow Dash leaned down. Finding right where it was in the dark of Soul’s shroud. Remember when you did this? I still do. Hopefully, it will make her happy just like it made me so happy. Somewhere in that slumber, for her to feel it.

Dash felt the feeling of Soul’s soft fur to her lips. Right there in the same spot Soul did for her. She’s so… warm. You’re the only pony I’d do this for. The best way for her to end this reunion. Rainbow kissed Soul’s cheek. Glancing over her old friend’s face as she did. Wondering if, maybe, Soul was watching her. Happy that Dash was doing this. To feel what it was like for Dash to be her greatest friend again. Like I failed to do for so long. I hope you’re not mad at me. I’m not mad… and, I’d never admit this to any other pony but… I wish you could do this for me again. For us to go back. So you don’t…

Dash stared. Watched on in silence. Feeling no more of what she was doing, not able to care when she saw it. Gleaming like lightning itself in the glow of the mirror. Sparkling. So much as it fell right down the very cheek she kissed. That very thing she never wanted to see Soul suffer from. Now, right now, was it because…

Because of me?

Dash let go of her cheek. I thought Soul would like this. She would like… coming home. Coming back to everything. But no. Even in her sleep.

Soul, did I do this to you? I…

“You’re just like…”

Dash shook her head. Seeing one more tear fall in the shine of the light. Falling from Soul’s eyes. No. I… I never wanted this to happen to you too. Damn it.

Rainbow Dash ran off.

Soul, you really should have asked her.

Part 3 Solace - Act 3

3.1
What a drag, that’s what this morning had been so far. Enough to make Rainbow Dash yawn yet again. None of this made it any easier to stay awake, this constant rotation she did with the rag cleaning each and every glass. Practically putting her to sleep. Not really sure how it was she could still keep her eyes open. Being this bored. This deprived of the sleep she had been looking forward to. May as well have just stayed up all night rather than turn in super late like she did. Maybe just a few hours of sleep. What a bother and it was all still on her mind.

A constant reminder, not even a little sleep made it go away. Like it was still in front of her. How it all moved.

Rainbow couldn’t even pay attention. Seeing it. Like the little drip of water she watched sliding down the side of the glass. Leaving a long, wet gleam along the path it left behind before she watched it fall right off and join with all the water pooled up in the sink. Then another one. Dash wiped it away. Stroking the rag furiously over the glass. Cleaning off the all that water. Get rid of the reminder.

She placed it with all the other dry ones and continued on. Grabbing hold of the next soaked glass between both hooves as she hovered over the sink. Looking away this time. Not caring to see anymore. Just… anything else. Something pleasant. Like the little birds that sang outside. Must be mom coming back to feed her chicks again. All the bird’s nests she always left alone around the clouds of her house. Those birds always proved to be good company to listen to as she read. Yup. She spotted one brown feathered bird swoop in. Right in front of the open window she left in her living room. Think I recognize you, yeah, your momma bird. Here to give her a little look from where it was perched on the window sill, cocking its head and ruffling its feathers. Not even caring that the Pegasus was rather close. She probably thinks my house is also her house. Hehe.

That bird went on its business. Jumping right off the ledge and down below, out of sight. Off to tend to her young. Lucky guys. At least they didn’t have too much to worry about. “Not like me.”

3.2
Because of how stupid she was being lately. This should have all been a cinch. It should have been. Never, ever could she have imagined all this to have caused what she saw last night.

Really, I’m Rainbow Dash and she’s Soul Serenity. We should have been able to make this all work. No. It really all must have been because of me. Just to be able to see one another again. It didn’t do anything. Not enough to keep Soul from crying. Whatever pain she must be in. Hopefully it isn’t as bad as… Dash shook her head.

No, I don’t want to remember those thoughts again.

It took so much just to get rid of them. So much effort. Get rid of them after so many years. Cuz I’m strong. She was strong. Foolishly strong. Foolish, otherwise there would have been a better effort to prevent what happened to Soul. So she would not have had to cry in her sleep. Crying over all the pain that she must have suffered from. To haunt her in her sleep… so terrible.

Funny, all this time… I thought Soul was the stronger one.

She set the rag down. Lowering her eyes upon the pitiful work she was doing in cleaning out the glasses. Still stains. Like on her heart. It made her slouch her ears. Thinking back to the Soul Serenity she knew. And I was the weak one. She was the one who changed me all because of how great she was. That had been the case. W-what happened? Soul, she never told me. Told me how bad it hurt her all this time. Not one bit of imagination to think on how everything hurt Soul so much and what went down to make it get to this point. This point where she could honestly ask herself one very painful question. Because it made sense, it stung her mind. It frightened her.

Are you the same Soul Serenity I flew with?

For her to change so much. It’s like… I’m afraid to know you. Because it would be too painful to know exactly what it was that happened to her. Remind her of all the faults. All the mistakes. Mistakes she could just wish to have done differently. There was no point in thinking otherwise. They were the cause. I caused this. I get to suffer more, I get to watch you suffer. Since there was no way in these twelve long years that this mentality could leave her. Fester inside her like a tumor. That Rainbow Dash had changed too… for the worse.

“I’m no longer the friend she loved.” Such a pain. Hard to believe it was all because of three words.

3.3
A noise brought her back to seeing she had been staring off at the wall. Perking her ears right up, she recognized the sound immediately. Coming from upstairs. The toilet flushing.

She’s awake. She’s awake! Shit.

Dash let the rag fall gently into the sink. Forget this. Turning off to face where her refrigerator stood tall, and where all her food was. Her lack of food. Soul is gonna be hungry and I have nothing but snacks to eat. Just apples. No strawberries or pancakes or freakin waffles. No food Soul will like. …If she would like anything I make her now. All that time gone, I wonder if she still even likes the food I remember her eating. I wanted to go to the market today… but what should I get? At that matter, Dash slumped her shoulders. Hearing the sound of hooves stepping atop the floor above her.

Going to the market. That’s all I have planned. What could we even do together? Fly around? No, that sounded boring. Dash realizing such a simple thing would be too boring for the newly arrived Pegasus to do. Besides just meeting the gang. If she still wanted to. But that probably didn’t sound like fun for Soul. Anything really to cheer the mare’s spirits up. Such a shame. We used to be able to do so much and be so happy together, now I don’t even know if she wants to be around me or not. I’m the one who ruined Soul’s life. Twelve years of her life wasted and all the pain it must have plagued her with all that time. “Damn.”

3.4
The hoofsteps got louder, right behind her to where Rainbow knew very well what to expect as she turned around. Soul was right there making her way down the last steps. Watching her footing as she descended and placing those hooves right on the same floor Dash hovered over. She looked good anyways. Mane well styled along with her tail. No bedhead at all. At least Soul was comfortable enough to groom in Dash’s bathroom. How she looked up at Dash. It made Dash want to shake her head. For it betrayed how the mare must truly feel. With no sign of sadness in her eyes, just the same glistening yellow eyes burning of flames with not even a speck that may suggest she had been crying.

Does she even know that I was in her room last night?

“Good morning, …Dashie.”

“Hey” Dash spoke in as best a calm voice she could manage. “Did you sleep well?” No point in expecting the truth though her teeth grinded wanting an explanation. Something to tell her and break this pause that made Dash want to bang her head against the counter. Anything to get Soul to talk.

“I did. Thank you.”

To get her to talk about what really happened. Rainbow winced. “Did you sleep well too?” Soul asked. Asking questions like this… really a painful façade she hated to drag out over the two of them. Like nothing was wrong. Terrible. “I stayed up a little late, but I’m good.” Yet I am lying about last night too. Dash just realized her hind legs were shaking. Like begging to be put to ground. Hidden well behind her flapping wings. Soul not even noticing. No, the mare just stepped up. Giving one gentle flap of her own giant wings to take flight and perch herself up on one of the stools. Just across from Dash, planting her forehooves against the counter and watching Rainbow as she hovered.

If only I could read your eyes, what are you thinking? Why act like this around me? How to make her more comfortable around me? What can we do together? Something that wouldn’t hurt Soul or make her terrified of what Dash may do to her. What I may say to her to make her cry. If only my friends could be here. Twilight would know what to do. But to just go up to her and say ‘Hey Twi, this is my old friend Soul Serenity. A convicted murderer returned from her banishment and she’s super sad because I made all this crap happen to her. Help please.’

If only. Probably best to break them in gently. For when Soul was ready. If only it were sooner because she really needed that help now.

3.5
Rainbow’s stomach growled, kicking her in the gut and right back to seeing Soul still watching her. Waiting patiently. For something. Probably what Dash wanted right now to calm her. Maybe we can do that. Dash had an idea.

“You hungry?” Dash edged in closer, trying her best to give as wide a smile as she could. Tell me what you want. Soul did not smile back. She was blankly staring. Just for a moment. She blinked. Glancing down to where Dash followed to be to where Soul’s hooves sat upon the counter.

“I am” Soul said breaking this pause. Saying it so casually. A response like any to confirm to Dash that she could try to ask Soul if she wanted to do her idea for this morning. Something to help break up this stall. Ease Soul back into life. A life with Rainbow Dash. That life we should have had together.

“I’m out of food” Dash admitted. “But how would you want to go eat out? I know a nice restaurant…” Dash took a moment; a restaurant? Which one? Oh! “With killer pancakes.” Soul hunched her shoulders. Not even an indication she was any better. Not even a smile. How was she still able to answer? “Would you be okay eating with me? We may get in trouble… if somepony finds me out.” That kind of answer. Soul. Why do you worry so much? She is just like she was yesterday, maybe worse. She really thinks it would be too much trouble for us to just eat together. What happened to you last night?

Dash did her best to remain calm. Give no showing as to how very hurt she was but… to ease another’s pain instead. Because she needed it more. “I wouldn’t be asking if I didn’t want to” Dash whispered. “Come on, I’m hungry.” “But…” Soul started. Oh yeah. “Don’t you worry about being caught” Dash said. “Will you believe me when I tell you nopony will recognize you?” Not a good example. It dawned on Dash just then. I’m probably the last pony Soul would want to trust. Dead last. Soul was busy fidgeting around over there. Probably actually considering it since she had not flat out said no.

“We can meet my friends afterwards. They’re gonna love you” Dash repeated what she had assured to Soul before. Give the pony something more to look forward to such as new friends that Rainbow was certain would accept Soul in the end. All six of us, no way we’d be unable to cheer her up. They’d give Soul something to smile about and, hopefully, give me some help to figure all this crap out. Cuz I want to help her so much.

Soul looked up to her. The sweetest and most innocent eyes she could make. So much worry inside them. A film to hide it all. She had so much to worry about, too much here. We can wait until she gets more comfortable. I shouldn’t rush her. This whole new environment. I’ll let her read my books instead.

“Do they have strawberries?” Soul asked pleasantly.

3.6
“So their pancakes are where you’ll get your strawberries” Rainbow decided to let Soul know as they both flew in together over the edges of Ponyville. Skimming the sky just above the rooftops they cast their shadows upon in the morning Sun. “But don’t worry” she said fearing that Soul may be over there upset that she sort of lied about there being strawberries, only way to get them were those dumb combos. “They smother that stuff in whipped cream and give you a bunch of them.” The Pegasus took it well. Soul gave no reason for Dash to suspect she was turned off at the idea of having her favorite food served to her in such a style. Simply flying there in the corner of Dash’s eyes. Looking down and around the scenery they flew over. As if this may be Soul’s first time to see Ponyville from up here.

That could be the case.

Even as they flew past the great dome of town hall and all the surrounding gardens and gatherings where so many ponies were up bright and early, this same place they came through last night but now given greater time for Soul to remain silent and just watch it all from up here. That actually could be something we can do later. A tour of the town. This great place she had been a part of for so many years now and was able to share in all its experiences with her friends, whilst Soul only knew the dreary memory they had left of Cloudsdale and wherever it had been she was sent to all this time.

Soul must not have any idea as to how this town worked, this town she wished her old friend may become a part of. That started with her knowing what kind of food they had in store. Ponyville had so much more than what food Soul must remember from Cloudsdale. Killer pancakes to be sure that tasted much better than anywhere else, certainly the thing Dash wanted. Already able to taste it waiting for her. Really an entire menu waiting for Soul with food to die for. I bet she’ll love it all, or maybe she’ll try her hoof at something different like the grilled veggie omelet or lemon muffin surprise.

Rainbow led that pony on, keeping up with one another in neat synched flaps of their wings that Dash did notice. Soul wasn’t even looking. Eyes fixed to something off to their rights and she looked back over to where Dash flew with her. She flies so perfectly. Like… her wings are the wind. How is she able to fly exactly like I do… not even looking? Rainbow could not take her eyes off the pony. Just like how Soul could not take her eyes off the town.

3.7
She was so fascinated with it all. Looked like it. The way Soul just stared out all along the horizon and across the rooftops. Down upon the ponies below. Everywhere they flew, that pony looked just like some sort of foal in a candy shop. Past the center, over the markets and now into the suburbs with so many beautiful houses of her fellow inhabitants all brought together in the wide and vibrant roads. All of it a good look being given to Soul. Dash would hope she could feel more at home seeing just how inviting the town was.

Soul even got to see something else too. Flying up here, as all pegasi did, three other Pegasus ponies all together. Flying just like the two of them and… Dash smiled when she saw one of them wave over to the two of them as they passed. A move that Dash gave back to them. Because such a friendly gesture proved to her that even those pegasi did not recognize the pony who flew with her. Nope, they were being so nice to her. Something that prompted no worry from her flying companion.

Hope she sees how great this town will be to her.

Soul looked like… she didn’t care. Flying on without a worry or care over what just happened. Only that her legs were kept close to her stomach. “Thanks for letting me come” Soul said. Speaking even faster than Dash had her chance to respond. Even cutting her off. “I’ve never been to a restaurant before.” That was more than enough to stump Dash. Because it was not something she expected to hear from Soul.

She has never been to one? Not even as a kid? But we… oh… that was right. They always ate together for lunch at camp, they never did take the chance to just go out together to a restaurant. Still though, it just sounded weird for any pony to have done something so simple. Hell, I go to one every week. Always doing it when she was a filly too. Well, if I had just known, I would have taken her somewhere fancier. Not the place that she could see ahead in the mix of houses. Right with a huge patch of grass completely lit by the rising Sun. Close for her to slow down and come to a dead stop alongside Soul.

“Is something wrong?” Soul asked. No, just… Dash thought about what it was to say. That she now had no idea on if this was the best decision or if they could spend some more time flying around to find a better restaurant… in Canterlot. Quite a fly on an empty stomach. A discomfort for her companion and… even worse, that’d be so close to the princess. Maybe it would be better to go somewhere simple like her original plan. “No, I’m… just surprised you’ve never been to one” Dash half lied.

3.8
“Nope” Soul shook her head. “What are they like?” They? As in all restaurants? How the hell does she want me to answer that? Well besides the obvious answers that she was certain Soul would know. Or maybe I can just tell her about the place… the place she stared back over to in the distance that she was reconsidering taking Soul to again. They did have good pancakes that made her mouth water.

“We’ll just be eating around a bunch of other ponies and have ponies serve us food, that’s really it” Dash explained. Though she just realized the gravity of what she just said carried and made her have to stare over at Soul again. Surprised. The Pegasus was not afraid. No, Soul just hung there in a gentle hover raising her eyebrow in intrigue. “Like a big crowd?” “No, no, no” Dash shook her head. “Probably a few ponies at least.” This wasn’t a Canterlot bistro or anything. Just a simple restaurant, one of many in Ponyville. So quaint that it was a cute place. Just to give a sense at how peaceful Ponyville was. In fact, she had a better idea to give this world a good impression on the pony who had been removed from it.

“We’re gonna eat outside” Dash said. Quick to chime in before Soul could be confused. “They have a bunch of tables outside with soft chairs and even umbrellas. It’ll be a pretty awesome way to eat, and the ponies will come outside just to serve us. Serve… us, girl!” Then Soul did do something Dash did not anticipate her doing. She actually looked off to… to the very thing Dash had been taking looks at too, right over to where the restaurant stood way over there amidst the houses and parks. She must have spotted it, for it was the only place with a bunch of umbrellas over there.

“Umm…” she moaned looking at it. “Come on, doesn’t it look good?” Dash flew in a little closer to Soul. Pressing her attention back and away from the restaurant. Away from her doubt. “Just you and I with some good food, I bet it’ll be pretty quiet since we’ll eat outside. Don’t you wanna try it?”

Please don’t run off. I really have no other idea right now how to help you be more comfortable here. For this beautiful day and the cool breeze blowing through their manes to ease her worries just a bit while they ate such good food. You know what, I’ll buy… no matter what she gets. Don’t complain at all since this is Soul’s day. Not even give her a chance to say no. Dash refused to. For if she let this worry over both of their safety keep going, then Soul will never feel any more comforted. Rainbow flapped her wings.

One quick look over her shoulder and there was Soul. Flying in after her right on her hooves. Proof enough that her old friend did indeed not run at all.

3.9
Both pegasi joined one another. Right as Rainbow did land next to one of the open tables she spotted, Soul also landed across from her. Standing almost proudly, she may say, with her great wings flushed out and presented for a brief moment before they folded right up. Maybe proud, though Dash saw she was still a little nervous. The way her eyes looked around them. Hesitating to even notice where it was they had landed until later when she was taken by the bright and vibrant red umbrella propped up over the table they had chosen. Dash also took a moment to look around. Just to be sure.

Yes! It’s just like it always is. Lots of umbrella covered tables sprawled around the outer wooden walls of the wide restaurant. Empty tables. Making her sigh in relief inside. Just a few ponies here and there enjoying their breakfasts. Much too engrossed in their own conversations to even notice the two new arrivals. One unicorn even kept to his book in the corner of the grassy scenery. Just a single pair of eyes noticed them. One of the server stallions in his formal black uniform taking a glance from where he stood by the doorway into the building. Just a glance before he went off on his business over to where the menus must be. Really the only company here. With just townsponies going on their own ways on the streets outside their little abode here. Really all plenty comfortable for the two pegasi to enjoy a meal together.

“I guess it’s not that crowded” Soul commented. Even easing her frown a little watching the other ponies that joined them in this restaurant and how none of them did anything to scare her.

Yes! I actually did this right. Success!

“Take a seat” Dash said. Doing the same herself. Choosing one of the few raised seats sat around their table for her to plop herself atop their soft, red cushions and lean back against the cushions like they were her pillows. This place always was so nice. Such lovely chairs. A thing Soul got to enjoy too. Almost following Dash’s lead and bringing herself onto the chair just opposite where Dash sat. Soul lay back against the chair… actually smiling a little. So happy with it, and she even sighed so softly.

3.10
Soul couldn’t take her eyes off the table they sat at. Even running her hooves along the cushions. “We’re really gonna be given food like this?” Soul asked. Dash did want to answer, leaning forward to but…

“Welcome, ladies. I’ll be your server today” Right as the black coated stallion stood tall over their table presenting the menu right down to Dash and another to where Soul was busy being dumbstruck as to how this stallion was over there, so close to Soul. That’s right… he’s right in your face and not even caring, Soul.

The magenta Pegasus was speechless. Staring up to the stallion and then back for Dash to meet her eyes. Like she were silently begging a question. Rainbow grinned. Hunching her closest shoulder over to the server just as her way of answering Soul’s previous question. “Would you ladies like a drink to start you off” the stallion said, bringing up a paper right to the pencil he held in his mouth. That was easy. “Orange juice, please” Dash said. Leaning back again. And what do you want, Soul?

Soul cocked her head. Glancing right on over to the stallion as he wrote down the order. She was quick to learn. Making it a bit funny for Dash when she saw how Soul scrambled over to grab her menu and flip through it. She probably didn’t know what to order for a drink. Ha, well all these restaurants have something different. Not even knowing what it was to order, or whatever flavors could be given to her.

I know. Better help her out. The server was already staring at Soul. They did have something Soul may like. Rainbow waved a hoof over to her.

“Hey Soul” she said and caught the pony’s attention. “You should try the strawberry lemonade.” And Soul’s eyes widened. That’s right, Soul. They have your favorite flavor.

I wonder if she ever got to have stuff like this the whole time she was gone. If this may be her first chance in a long time to taste it again. Something she’ll find out soon.

“Can I…” Soul said, failing to connect eyes with the server. “Have a strawberry lemonade?” Answered right there when the server wrote it down and turned. “I’ll be right back with them.” Leaving to return both pegasi to being alone together. Rainbow watched the server walk off. Just to be sure. He didn’t look back at them, no pony made a look. None of them suspected a thing and only treated Soul like a lady.

Can I be proud this is going off without a hitch yet? Haha, no need to worry at all, Soul.

3.11
Soul was over there looking across her menu. Flipping pages every now and then and scanning over whatever it was she saw on it. Just a fascinating sight really. The way her eyes were glowing and completely enthralled on whatever was on the pages. Not even noticing that Dash was watching her. Silent. Determined. Soul was gripped in looking over the pages and… she licked her lips. Clenching her mouth well enough. Biting down on her lower lip that begged the idea that Soul must be trying to hold in how much she wanted to drool over the food she saw. In love with it all. …Was it true? I really do wonder.

Maybe this is the first time she gets to eat food from home again.

She’s even acting like this. Fidgeting in her seat. If so… what was it like? Really. What was it like to be apart from all this? Soul must have missed her favorite meals. Wherever she was all these years, must have been terrible. Banishment, I know it isn’t pretty. No banishment was ever easy no matter the pony. I remember what Princess Luna told me… a chill went down her spine. Man, would it even be appropriate to ask her? Maybe, if I word it right. Because I can’t get this out of my head.

She leaned forward. Placing her forelegs atop the table in a move that brought Soul up from her menu. How to start this off? In how difficult a subject it was. “I’d like to talk” Dash said. Her request hit home. Soul lowered her menu. “About what?” she asked.

There really is no easy way to ask this. All this curiosity to know how life had been for Soul without the world they both belonged in together. How much did this mean to Soul? “What…” Dash paused to think it over. Really punishing herself for not being able to think of something that may not sound like she was being an insensitive jerk. Praying that Soul would not hate her any more for bringing this up in as best a way she could come up with. Just one hesitation to continue it.

“Were you able to eat well all this time?”

3.12
“You mean while I was banished?” Soul whispered.

Soul’s menu fell onto the table, slipping between her hooves. Putting it as blunt as Dash would have were she not being considerate, but she did not change. Surprising as to how Soul did not even get angry at it. No, instead she glanced down to the table. Watching it. Thinking, it looked like. Or remembering. Remembering how terrible it must have been? I regret asking her. It is something I do want to know, but… is it too much for her to think about? Back wherever she had been, and I wasn’t there for her.

No, I abandoned her.

She’s gonna be mad at me. Like a pinch to her ears, anticipating the pain she knew she had caused to Soul being told to her right now. But something clanged.

Dash blinked to see both her and Soul were brought to attention in seeing a pair of glasses set down in front of them. Placed there by the newly arrived server. His hooves pushing one glass filled to the brim with orange over to where Dash sat, and Soul able to see exactly what it was she ordered. To see the pink colored drink placed right over to her with a straw pointing to her and… even a lemon was garnished over it. That was Pegasus astounded to see this. Not able to take her eyes off it. Just that look of complete admiration that kind of told Dash something more about what it was that Soul went through.

“Here you are, ladies” he said to both of them. Not getting any response out of Soul, no way that would happen. Soul was gone now, staring at her drink. “Thanks” Dash said instead. Thanks for interrupting us. Whatever, just doing his job. Giving them half the reason for them even coming here. “Have you decided what you’d like to eat?” he asked with his paper ready again for even more orders from the pegasi.

3.13
Dash pushed her menu away, already knowing this whole time what she wanted and eager to let him know. Anything to keep the suspense to a minimum. “I’ll have some pancakes, strawberries and cream… the usual, please.” So it was made as he wrote it right down. Eagerly awaiting an answer from Soul as well. The Pegasus did not even look nervous anymore. Didn’t even take any more note of her menu, even glancing up to the server. “Can I have what she’s having?” pointing back to Dash.

So she wants it too. Awesome! Knew she would want it. Soul even looked super excited. The server probably missed it, but Dash didn’t. Seeing how Soul’s tail wagged a little along the side of the chair. Oh man, they better not mess this up. They better make it the way they normally do. If they do, Soul is in for something special. MY gift for her.

“I’ll be right out with them” and the server left. Make it quick. Soul is gonna love this food. I can’t wait to see how much she’ll absolutely fall in love with this food. I want it to mean a lot to her. Something to help make this day great for her.

“I didn’t eat well” Soul said. Silencing any thoughts Dash had.

3.14
I think it’s okay to tell her about it all. Not just the food. Soul thought about it. Really does sound like I should let Dashie know what it is I went through. My punishment. What it was I had to go through for my wrong decisions. Just some of it. No need for Blight to come in and beg her not to talk about meeting her. Though Rainbow deserves to know what some of my life has been like. Especially since she took me out here just to eat… eat the food I missed. The idea of just being able to bite down into a pile of pancakes again alongside the strawberries and cream atop it. Like being home again. To see that in front of her again.

Are pancakes brown or tan? I don’t remember.

To think I get to see them again soon… really soon. All because of Dash. And this lemonade. The straw begged for Soul to help herself to the cool looking juice within. Why not tell Dash the answer to her question? As some little bit of payment for this treat. She’s probably dying to know where I’ve been this whole time as well. But would it make Dash feel bad? Maybe not. Soul did not want her to pity her. Still, Blight said nothing. Really quiet up there for a while now. Nothing to tell her that her best friend thought this may be a bad idea. Though… how to explain it? She felt bad over the idea of having to do this but… Make it feel a little better. Need something to make it through this, and… I’m pretty damn thirsty. Let’s taste this.

Soul pulled herself right up to the straw and grabbed hold. Finally something other than melted snow. Rainbow was even being patient about this. Sitting over there not even moving. No signs she was annoyed at having to wait. Sorry, but I can’t wait any longer. Soul gulped down one large sip, striking her like an anvil. So much so that it made her reel back. Falling back in her seat amazed at how it turned out. That is so sour. …Exactly like… I always loved it. It’s all coming back. This was lemonade. She happily let the taste just sink in and send her off to something just so heavenly. It made her want to just lay back and relax. Love it. It tastes so good.

This is something I can get back into. Stuff like this, how I missed it. But still… she looked down at her glass. I only get this much? I want a ton of these. Chug all of it down. This glass would have to last.

3.15
This lemonade... Soul did as she wanted to, laying back in the soft cushions tickling her back in such lovely sensations. Looking over to the glass and then past it to the pony who gave it to her, out of kindness or obligation? Soul sighed at what it may be. It was much appreciated. “Thank you for this” Soul nodded to the glass. “It’s great to drink something nice for a change.” Much too nice. I really can’t think of anyway to thank her for it. Awful of me, after she gave me such a treat. Do more. Say more. What?

“Something nice?” Dash said.

Rainbow Dash frowned. Glancing at the same glass Soul had taken a drink from. Yes, you’re right.

“Thank you, Dashie” Soul whispered. Really wanting to drive it home to the best of her ability. “It’s been twelve years since I had something like this.”

“Soul…” Rainbow leaned in. No longer enjoying the comfort of her chair, it actually surprised Soul as to how fast the Pegasus shot herself up. Nearly making the table shake when her hooves set down on it. “What are you saying?”

She really wants to know. It was in her magenta eyes. Staring right at her, like they were going right through her even. Not even blinking. Everything about how she looked, it made Soul silent. Regretting this now. Because of the chance that this was wrong. To beg Dash for pity, practically. That’s what this is.

Rainbow is the last pony who needs to know about what I went through. She doesn’t need to know, no. Just go on with your life and not worry about my problems. What she told me yesterday and… all the pain from before… Soul looked off.

Really, why do I get like this? Rainbow Dash wants to know. I should tell her. I have to. It’d be wrong to hold any of this in as a secret. Also… she had to secretly admit it. Maybe Blight will hear it too, but so what? As long as no other pony did, Soul wanted to be pitied. Just a little. I’m so selfish.

3.16
“I didn’t have anything good to eat… or drink. Nothing like all this.” Except for what Blight gave me but probably best to keep that a secret. Not that Dash would understand or even Blight would want her to inform everypony about that certain fact of her time in that arctic wasteland. All that time… without food. It was… something. So much so that Soul had to look down upon herself. I have to lie about it. But just do it to protect Blight. Don’t want Dash to feel bad. Already, because Dash was already slouching. Her big wings falling to the sides of her chair. It really does look like she was upset over it. Whatever thoughts may be running through Dash’s head. Probably… downplaying it. It sounded like something she would do… Soul widened her eyes. Damn. Just to see that again in front of her. Not at all.

Because she looked it. She looked so sad.

To not drink well. Best to tell her exactly why. Get it over with, so she may know. Soul sighed. “I only got to drink snow.” “Why… snow?” Dash asked. “Are you…” That’s right Dash. It is what you think. Though… probably didn’t sound as bad, huh? Being sent to the Moon or cursed to know how much you are hated by your best friend. Exactly what we had to go through. What Soul had was still… it still made her eyes heavy. Feeling like they may just let go right now.

“I’m saying that…” she had to look away from Dash. “I was banished to a place where all I had was some sort of endless winter.” Because how else can I describe that damn place? That place I never want to go to again. That despicable and harsh world she knew not where it was, and its only single gift to her being Soulblight. Like a real apology she got from the arctic after all the cruel things it had done to her. I can’t forgive it. I never want to go back there again. Blight and I, we never need to see it again. Just leave it as the painful memory it was. As much a reminder as what was in front of her. Staring back over to see how the scene played out in front of her just like that icy world, in the shape of these ice cubes that floated about. She watched them circle and gleam in her lemonade. As if really trying to remind her of it. Like they tainted the image of that drink she had not been able to have in years. The past and present. Both here. They made her want to cry.

“It was always so cold. With blizzards that almost made me freeze” Soul explained how she remembered it. A clear feeling left behind on her to burn her skin. Incredible. That burn, it’s like it really is there. Gone but she still felt it. Pain running all along her forelegs. It stung. Staring down at them and surprised to find nothing. “And there was nothing. Just a little house to keep me from freezing at night. That’s where I was most of the time I was gone” Soul looked over to Dash.

3.17
Rainbow? Her ears drooped so low, just like her wings. Her forelegs sitting right up on the table. Slashing along it in such slow and subtle strokes. Grinding quietly in her ears as her entire forelegs shook. This must be painful for her to hear. It must be something to hear what I had to go through. I never came here to complain about it… or remember it all, but Dash asked me. She suffered just like I did. She knows what it is like. So sure. Why not? I’ll keep going.

“I had nothing to do. Only able to sit around and wait for the storms to die down inside my cold house” Soul said with the best she could explain what she went through for most of the time. “Just going outside to train when I could and drink the snow. I had no lemonade, just dirty snow that I walked on. It was either that or…” Now was the time to lie. One thing I can use to hide what Blight did to save my life.

I saw them in the cave… the last time I saw Spots. Really… was it all just awful memories now? Just an inexorable flood of her sad and pathetic life to a pony who couldn’t care.

“I’d go out to eat bunches of roots I’d found in caves.” It didn’t take a genius to imagine it. “They were terrible. But it’s all I had. Plants and snow water.” It may as well have been all the truth because it sure did feel like all that misery was what she went through. Maybe worse. No, it was worse. Just to think about having to eat roots, like a damn fool. Why would that not be better than eating nothing at all? Just having to miss all the delicious food she was used to. Now here she was, about to get some real food. Pancakes. After so long. Hell…

She placed a hoof to her cheek. I’m crying. Right on the edge of her eye, it felt awful to have to cry. I shouldn’t. Rainbow Dash isn’t. She was still a strong pony. She really wasn’t affected by this at all. Just like… “I ate like a wild animal. I hated it. All the nights… I spent with an empty stomach.” None of that happened, so why am I crying over it? There was still just too much pain. Not even any shoulder for her to lean on, cry in. Hide from the world. Hide me from it. I want to… Blight, I want you to hold me. You are the only pony I can ever rely on. Because you care for me.

To be protected under those large, black wings. Covering her from gazing eyes. Watching as she almost cried. Almost. In front of the very pony she knew as much as she did that “I did deserve it…” all.

I can’t believe I said that. It really was not meant to be. I can’t stop myself. Not in front of her. Breaking down in front of her. Rainbow Dash would hit me. Hate me. Damn it. All of it really like… it is the same. It’s almost like I never even…

“I’m sorry” Soul got up from her chair. I can’t let her see me. I have to lie again. For our old friendship. For as long as I can hide this. “I have to use the bathroom.”

3.18
There was no real word to describe it. As much as Dash wanted to think of some way. This was not anything that a pony could be prepared to hear. To hear from the very pony who ran off. Going in a gallop off to where nopony was. Wherever it was, Dash didn’t know. Disappearing behind the corner of the building and leaving just the bushes wafting in her wake.

I know what it is. There is no bathroom. Soul was going to go cry. And here I am… sitting here.

Dash placed her head right between her hooves. Not even caring that she struck the table hard with her chin. It actually was incredible. But what to expect from banishment? And Soul got it… for no reason. Such a sweet and kind pony could never have deserved that. She never deserved any of that pain.

Twelve years? Twelve! Of nothing but suffering in the cold. She was alone for all this time with just snow and just struggling to stay warm. She must have. We just ordered pancakes together. Just for us to have something nice. And it’s her first pancakes in twelve years. Her first food.

Just listening to that story, what if… could I do the same? Could I even do it? Could I even bring myself to eat filthy roots let alone having to shiver in the cold all by myself? I got to enjoy life all this time. Warm houses and great food. Great friends. Willing to even forget everything that happened. I almost did forget. Forget the pony who suffered from all this. There was one word that came to mind.

Horrible. I am horrible.

If I had just been there… never left her behind. Soul, …I really did do this to you.

“Soul…” She looked over to where she had seen her old friend run off to. Hiding somewhere. That mare… she would never have done this back when we were kids. She would have cried on my shoulder. I would be there for her and she would want me. It would help Soul so much. But she just ran off. Probably not wanting to come back.

I don’t blame her.

3.19
She became this way because of me. I ruined her. When I should have been her friend. That punched Dash right in the gut. Because one thought did come to mind. To think so about herself, to hope that she did it like this.

Am I a burden on her?

Is it too painful to be around me? Remembering what I did to her? That caused all this. Damn, I hope she does come back. If not for me, then for the pancakes and whatever food I’ll get her. That was it. We’re gonna go to the market after this. I’ll get you a load of foods that I bet you missed. Right after we get done here… if we get done here. If not, then… so be it. At this point Dash would not make a second thought if she would leave this place alone. Alone and having to know all this that she did. Leaving to the skies and off to wherever.

I’ll have to hide this from my friends. I don’t… want them to know how much this hurt me. How afraid I am. I’m… afraid that Soul hates me.

Maybe, …it would have been best if we had never been friends.

I don’t want us to hurt. It sucked. It really did. So why so tantalizing to just ask Soul if they could part? Just let one another go on their own way without having to worry about the other being there. For Dash to cause more damage. I’d be fine with it. With any friend of mine who would want to leave because I hurt them. Good thing Soul isn’t here now, or anypony else. I don’t want them to see this.

Rainbow wiped a tear away.

She fell quiet. Just listen to the birds and the happy ponies around. They had no care. They had so much to be happy for. I want to be happy too. I don’t want Soul to hate me. I don’t want her to leave. There has to be something I can do. Something real. Twelve years of this, what can I do? What can I do to show her I am there for her? She wondered. Even more than before. Now it was serious. Because she never imagined things to have gotten this bad. Never even thought she’d learn something so terrible when she woke up today. So very terrible and not able to leave her mind.

…And I almost didn’t notice him there.

Dash lifted her head up and cleared the table for the server pony. Big open spots for both her and Soul.

“Here you are, please enjoy.”

Dash waved him off with a nod. Really fixated more on the food than anything else. This food she had enjoyed so much while Soul could only dream of it. Please, may it be good for her. These stacks of fluffy pancakes drenched in syrup all along their sides and the most beautiful of sweets that existed for her right now. All the cream and so many strawberries set atop. Glowing like the Sun in their magnificence. That was Soul’s plate. She didn’t care about her own.

I never wanted any of this to happen to you, Soul Serenity. I want to be your friend again, your greatest friend. None of this, it’s not enough.

3.20
But all that can be done is to just wait. Wait for Soul to come back and enjoy her food. Enjoy it so much, much more than Dash may ever hope. It felt so weird now. Staring at her plate. At how the warm, soft pancakes with all their whipped cream slowly melting all along them. Dash leaned in. Wrapping her lips around the edge of the stack and, feeling confident her teeth gripped them, pulled it apart. Instantly relearning the taste of this yet again. Practically falling for it by losing herself in pure euphoria with just how delicious it tasted to have the warm cakes fighting with the cool chill of sweet whipped cream. Then that little tart of the strawberries. So weird.

Why do I care? This is like the thousandth time I’ve had these.

It really was nothing special anymore. Not as special as when Soul got to eat it. But… hard to resist. Dash was still satisfied. Still sort of happy she ordered this anyways no matter how bad it made her feel. At least Soul will be able to eat all this. All those strawberries Dash saw topped on Soul’s pancakes. Looking like she got even more than Dash got. How will she be when she takes the first bite? Like how she was when she drank from her still cool lemonade sitting with water dripping down its sides. A refreshing thing to come back to from her crying, and just one thing to give Dash a sense that all this was not as bad as…

“Dashie!”

Dash fell back right as those blue eyes zipped in front of her. It almost looked like they would have ran right into her own face, startling her something fierce… just like normal. When she saw who it was. Who it was that was hanging with crossed legs around the pole of the umbrella and staring at her… upside down.

“Pinkie!?”

“I’m so glad I found you” Pinkie Pie shrieked, rushing at Dash faster than she expected with those pink hooves of her reaching out to pull Dash right back to where she had been. Found me? Geez, not now, this isn’t really a good time. This better not be something serious. Hard to tell with how she could not even budge from Pinkie’s grip on her cheeks and the pony’s frantic gazes all about before she looked back to Dash. “You gotta help me.”

Of course, now of all times.

Just give me an hour and I’ll help. I got enough to worry about… and my cheeks hurt now.

“Can you let go, Pinkie?” Really starting to feel the discomfort by just talking and seeing in the corner of her eyes that her cheeks were being scrunched up in Pinkie’s hooves. More annoying than anything. Thankfully, she let right go. Much better.

3.21
Except… Dash jumped seeing how the pink pony fell right down… on the table. Just a smidge away from landing right on her pancakes. Even making them jump as well from the impact. Falling perfectly back into place next to Pinkie. “Sorry” she said in as goofy a way Dash could conceive her to do right now. Upside down and mane spread across the table with her legs hanging in the air, somehow able to make a smile after all this. I wish I could be happy like her right now.

“Oh, good morning by the way” Pinkie said waving a forehoof in the air. “But no time for that! I really need your help.” Prompting Pinkie to right herself back up with a quick flip along the table and plummeting on all fours down to the ground. She seems a bit more excited than normal. Maybe… this is important. Please no. Not when Soul needs my help too. Actually, Soul needed it more. No doubt about it. So, whatever it is, Pinkie will need to wait.

“I’m kind of eating right now, so could you give me a moment?”

“Okay!” Pinkie said flatly. Too flatly. Actually… surprising. So this… wasn’t that important? Sheesh, too much to deal with this morning.

Pinkie just went about grabbing one of the free chairs next to Dash and helping herself to the table. Hooves placed casually on it. Her blue eyes glancing all about at Dash’s food and drink, a move Dash caught that Pinkie also stared over at that other thing on the table. Seeing the plate of pancakes all by itself with nopony to tend to it at the other end. She said nothing though. Just going back to waiting exactly as Dash asked.

She must be wondering why I have another plate here.

So we’re just going to wait here while I eat? Dash sipped from her orange juice. Glancing back over to where she saw Soul run off to. Still no sign of her. She wouldn’t leave, no. It wouldn’t be like her at all… I hope. Soul wouldn’t just leave. Not with food here and me as well. All the things I want to do with her to help. And Pinkie is also here.

Pinkie?

Oh wait. Dash widened her eyes. These two are gonna meet now?! That was not good at all. After being reminded so well as to all the suffering she had to go through for so many years and crying over it, still seeing that one little tear forming in the pony’s yellow eyes. So much unhappiness… still such a shy pony at that. Scared. Terrified. We’re meeting this early? Damn it, I need to get her to leave. Give me some time to warm Soul up. But, oh, Pinkie is such a good friend.

Maybe she can help. I need all the help I can get. Besides, Pinkie needs my help with something.

3.22
“What is it you needed?” Dash asked. With that, Pinkie’s smile turned right into a frown. Pulling herself right onto the table and closer to Dash as if she were threatening to just jump up and hug her. She actually held back with how terrible she sounded. Pitiful was the better description.

“Dashie, it’s really bad. You won’t believe what I’ve heard.”

Okay, I’ll listen. Dash pulled herself in closer. Has to be serious. A serious pain in my ass. How can I explain this to Soul? I might need to go help Pinkie. Or having to drag Soul along on an errand that was not planned at all for today. For as little of a plan that Dash had. Still though, this would not be her idea of a fun day to introduce a new pony to Ponyville.

“Look” Pinkie leaned in closer. Really concerned in her eyes, eyes she shielded with a cup of her hoof. Hiding herself from… whoever. “You didn’t hear this from me but… sources are telling me there’s a new mare in town.”

Wait. What?

“Even worse, I don’t know who this mare is!” Pinkie reeled right back. No longer caring to cover herself and just went about with a voice that really did let Dash know just how much she was astonished as to how her friend was reacting to this, and bringing this ‘crisis’. Because Pinkie sure was bringing it out as one. “And if I don’t know who they are, how can I possibly make friends with them!? I need you to help me find them.”

Make friends… that is… Dash shook her head. Oh thank Celestia it isn’t important. Even more so, it gave her one hell of an idea. So Pinkie wants to make friend with Soul, our ‘new pony’. Pinkie Pie, no better pony out here to make friends with and Soul would be totally safe with her. Pinkie is nothing to be afraid of. Nothing to worry about, and Soul needs no more worrying. But if these two were to meet just to become friends… Pinkie Pie, you’re a lifesaver.

If Pinkie just wanted to be friends, maybe that’d be enough to break through this shell that Soul had all because of Dash. Maybe she’d be willing to make friends. Friends in Ponyville. There is no better thing to love this town for. Pinkie isn’t the first pony I wanted to introduce Soul to… actually AJ sounded better. But… whatever. It’s a good idea.

“A new pony, huh? Well…” Dash said. Looking off to give this one last thought. I think Soul will like her. It… it couldn’t hurt to try. “Can you help me find her?” Pinkie pressed once more. Alright… I’ll tell her. She is my good friend after all.

“She’s actually here… with me.” Dash pointed to the free plate across from her. “That’s her food.” Pinkie blinked. Quiet for much too long. Longer than Dash cared for when such news may be delivered to anypony.

3.23
“She’s here!” Pinkie screamed.

Dash had to look. All around. Feeling much too embarrassed now that she knew that the few other ponies here were staring over at them. Soul still not here, not here to see Pinkie yell as loud as she did. That would have certainly frightened her. “I need to go get my stuff” Pinkie said. Jumping right up on the chair. Almost looking like she was ready to leap with joy off from the red padding and off to wherever to get… supplies? No, stop!

“Wait, Pinkie.” And both ponies locked eyes again. “Can you hold off on the welcome wagon? She’s a really shy pony, okay?” “She’s shy, huh?” Pinkie held her place, sitting right back down in her chair. Even more calm now that that ice had been broken. But there was still something in her eyes that Dash saw. A glimmer of excitement. I can only hope Soul will feel the same. Pinkie is all I got to go on now. Pinkie who… who pulled a notepad out from behind her back… and a pen in her mouth.

Dash shrugged her shoulders.

“Alright” Pinkie said, flipping the pad open. “Tell me all about her. Her height, weight, waist and hip sizes, favorite food, mane style, favorite sleeping position, favorite…”

“Pinkie!” Stop it with that. Seriously, maybe she’s not a good idea after all. Soul was not like any normal pony. Besides, …Pinkie doesn’t need to know all that. Really? Like I know her waist size… that’s not the point! That would all freak Soul out. A point she drove home with her pleading she gave to Pinkie. Her dear friend threw the pad and pen aside.

“Just kidding. Seriously, though. Tell me a little about her.”

What to tell that wouldn’t upset Soul? Dash thought. “Well…” She looked over to make sure Soul was not around. “She’s an old friend who just arrived in Ponyville. Just know that she’s extremely shy and has a hard time talking to others, okay?” Pinkie nodded with sealed eyes. Just her face really gave no indication that she did understand what was said, despite her response. “Shy and antisocial, got it.” Antisocial. Dash went back to eating her pancakes, kind of begrudged at her over hearing it described like that. No… she was always just a nervous wreck. Used to be. Really though, it is worse than that now. Beyond anything she could care to describe.

“But what is her name?” Pinkie asked. That almost made Dash choke on her bite of food. Hard to hold in the cough she felt coming, but… it went away. But not what she heard. What she knew she had to answer… somehow.

3.24
We didn’t plan this at all. Always just thinking it’d be best for Soul to let the others know her name. Whatever name she wanted to go by. Not even sure if Soul wanted to go by Soul with them or just lie. She wouldn’t put it past her. Soul seemed devoted to keeping herself a secret with how painful they both knew it’d be if everypony just suddenly knew her full name. Would just ‘Soul’ be good enough as an answer? Do I really have to answer this?

“You actually don’t know her name?” Dash had to make sure.

“All I know is she’s a Pegasus who is well endowed… in the wing department. C’mon, tell me her name.” Pinkie leaned in closer. Just a hoof reach away from Dash’s nose. She really wants to know. Pinkie will understand.

“Don’t you think it’d be best if she told you her name? I mean, it’s only polite for you both to introduce yourselves.”

“You’re right!” Pinkie yelled. That came quick. Dash thought she may have put a little more thought into it or would ask her over and over for a name without pause. Thank Celestia. “How silly of me, it would be rude to not give her the chance” Pinkie went on with no stop to how rapid she spoke. Indeed, it seemed to be getting faster. “And as Ponyville’s number one friend, I have to give her to biggest greeting ever. …Oh, how exciting! My greetings just keep getting bigger and bigger so there will probably be a bigger one for the next new pony and then that one will be the biggest greeting ever. But this new pony will still love the one she gets. Cannons, cakes, balloons, fireworks…”

Okay, that was enough. Dash stopped her right there. “Hang on!” Just listening to all that was enough to know just what it would do to Soul… especially out here around all these ponies. Dash looked left and right at the crowds gathered about the surrounding streets and buildings. A welcome party… a traditional Pinkie Pie welcome party, that was a bit much.

“I said she is very shy… so please, take this with some care. Alright?” Rainbow pleaded to the ever-attentive Pinkie. “Just be a little serious and…”

A party! That’s it.

How did I not think of that? Pinkie Pie, willing to be Soul’s friend already and wanting to welcome her to Ponyville. That’s perfect. A party, that can be the perfect way to welcome Soul to the town, show her she can make friends here. She has nothing to worry about. Just a nice little thing to let her know just how great a time she will have here. Pinkie, you’re a lifesaver.

Dash leaned in closer, bringing her foreleg up and wrapping it right around Pinkie’s neck. Close enough for her to hear a whisper. Making certain nopony was around to hear it, like a certain Pegasus. The coast was clear. “We can have a party for her later, alright? Nothing big. Please. How about just you, me and the others having a private party for her?” “Oooh” Pinkie moaned. “A private party. Alright, you got it. Oh! And we can do it at the castle. Plenty of room and super convenient” she giggled. “I amaze even myself.” Dash nodded. That’ll work just fine.

Finally! A plan!

And I know just where to find the others at today. A good time to let them know. “I’ll tell the others” Rainbow said. “You just set it up… after you get a chance to meet her that is.” Pinkie took the hint. Nodding affirmatively as Dash let her go. Enough room to salute. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll be real formal, don’t you worry.” And she clapped her hooves together. “Super serious time.”

3.25
Great, so that was settled. She could only take Pinkie at her word. But first, they needed Soul. Seeing the pony still had not come back yet. Maybe she had gotten lost on her way back. Just another excuse Rainbow came up with in the fear that Soul may have actually ran off. Building a wall to hide off that possibility. She needed to know now. Before the food gets cold.

“Look” she said to Pinkie. “She went off to the bathroom and doesn’t know her way around.” She got up off her chair. Looking back off to where she had seen Soul run off to, past the corner to the restaurant. Hiding somewhere over there or beyond. Hopefully close. “I’m gonna go check on her. Can you watch our food?” Dash turned around just in time to see the answer as Pinkie did nothing more than throw herself atop the table on all fours and… stared down at her plate and then over to the other one. “Got it!”

Sheesh, as long as she doesn’t eat them, then that’s alright. “I’ll be right back” Dash said and went off on her way. Off to where she saw her old friend disappear to, checking back over her shoulder just to be sure.

Pinkie wasn’t following. Good. Because I don’t need her for this, and Soul needs some time. Just ease that pony in right now. That was the best she could come up with to help this near hopeless situation. If, and that was a big if, Soul was still here then best to ready her for this. Because, in the back of Rainbow’s mind, she doubted Pinkie would be able to be serious over this and treat it as she did any other time she welcomed a pony to the town; just like she did with me. Now that would be frightening for Soul.

She stepped her way past the other empty tables and chairs, she let a pair of mares walk by between her and where she hoped to keep going to find Soul. She sighed. This really was turning out to be quite a day despite only just starting. Certainly different. Not at all normal. I just wish days can be normal again… for both of us. Soul deserves it.

She watched after the two mares who walked off. So happy and not at all troubled right now. Really, is it too hard to see Soul like that? So happy and carefree again… like when we were friends. Back then when… when she was good around other ponies. At least feel comfortable around them. But all this time… she changed. Dash felt looked down upon her hooves. Not at all happy to know of the pony they belonged to, the pony who changed Soul. I hope she isn’t mad to see me coming to check on her. Pinkie, I really hope you can help… and please be careful with her.

3.26
She stepped forward, passing their server on the way, who gave her a quick nod and a smile. She smiled back and slipped past. Turning back as she rounded the corner to be sure nopony was following and that the server wasn’t curious over where she was going. Nope, he just went on his way not even giving a second look.

Dash turned around… just in time to skid to a halt when she found the yellow eyes right in front of her.

Soul stopped right in front of her. Just short of bumping noses together. She’s here. Oh awesome! This alone cheered Dash up just a bit, even feeling the need to smile. Soul wouldn’t leave. Not even looking sad, just surprised at seeing Dash right here, but Dash’s heart did skip a beat. She felt it pain. Glancing over to notice the weird way a bit of that magenta fur looked around the corner of one of Soul’s eyes. It was damp. Damn it.

Dash looked away from it. Just look away from that. Can’t believe I let her cry so much. It must really hurt to remember everything. Just ignore it for now. Forget the pain… even for just a bit. I have something to be happy about. “Soul, I’m glad I found you.” And Soul slinked back a little. Every move of hers was painful to watch. Soul’s hind legs shook for a moment back there just as her eyes sunk down as if trying to look away. Not before they came back up reluctantly. The slightest droop of her massive wings.

“How are you feeling?” Dash asked trying to see if she could calm her but a little. “Alright. Did our food arrive?” Soul asked. Guess she doesn’t want to talk about it. Man, and… we used to always talk to each other about our feelings. I know you’re not alright. Yet she lied anyways. A lie Dash needed to accept. Really unable to think of anything good to say. Nothing besides the obvious response here. “It did” Dash nodded. “But uh… look…”

May as well break the ice now. Especially when she had to put a hoof out to stop Soul when the Pegasus started walking on.Trying to walk around Dash. Eager to get back. Grabbing Soul’s attention again. Her ever fleeting attention. It must really be hard to deal with this. The time was best now. No walking away from it. “One of my friends is here” Dash admitted to the Pegasus, and that pony’s eyes got really wide.

3.27
“Pinkie Pie, one of the ponies I told you about yesterday” Dash continued. “She’s at our table and wants to join us.”

Soul blinked. Not even shaking right now. She actually set the hoof she had been holding mid trot back down on the ground. Glancing past Dash for a moment. Dash held her breath. Please don’t run off. Your wings… I really don’t want to chase after you. But Soul didn’t… for now. Soul spoke instead. “The one who would want to be my friend? Who makes the cakes?” I did tell her that. Not a lie considering the eager pink pony who was waiting for them. “Yeah, I told her you were here…”

Soul jumped back a tiny bit. Oh crap. Hang on. “I didn’t tell her your name or anything.” But I really wish I could. At least Soul was calm now. “She does want to meet you… really badly so she’s gonna…” Dash looked back to where she knew Pinkie was. Really thinking more on this… and the unavoidable. This is gonna be big for Soul. I don’t think she will be used to something like this. Especially Pinkie, if I know that pony well, then I bet… “She’s gonna ask you a lot of questions.” That’s just how Pinkie is, though she wished to Celestia she will be considerate to Soul.

“She is gonna ask for my name, isn’t she?” Soul asked.

There it was. No reason to deny it, Pinkie will definitely do that. I’m the one who told her to. So looks like I’m gonna be partly to blame for how this could go. Great. Dash could only nod.

“Of course” Soul said. Drooping her head down as far as her own ears could go as well. “I just… didn’t expect it to come this quickly. I… sorry…” she turned her head around. Really showing just how much trouble this truly must be. “I’m still scared.” Oh no. Soul, I understand. Just like when we were kids. It’s so hard for you to trust ponies… no way it got any easier to after all these years. I feel bad watching her like this. Soul kicking her hoof against the ground under her sad eyes. Kicking a little bit of dirt up to splotch her perfect magenta fur. Soul probably didn’t even care that she admitted that she was afraid.

“Sorry” Dash said. “I can ask her if we could postpone the introductions. Meet up with her later.” Like during the party. Let Soul get a little cozier around here before I take her to the castle. She’ll see my friends are totally the ponies she can trust and rely on. They will do nothing to hurt her. It didn’t need to be sooner. But Soul grumbled. Looking down upon the ground… blankly. Just a dead stare for a moment, just a moment. But Dash caught it before the pony looked back up to her.

“Do you think she will be alright if I do tell her?” she asked. What? She was… Dash stopped herself. She already had the answer. “Yeah! Pinkie is really nice and she definitely doesn’t know what you would look like.” “So… I guess I can just go by Soul with her” Soul responded after another long pause.

“Please don’t let her know my full name.”

3.28
This is so awesome! Does she actually trust me enough to believe in my friend? Or maybe she really does want to make friends. There is no better place in Equestria to feel more at home than here. Dash was certain the others would be very friendly to Soul, maybe even willing to ignore her past once they saw just what kind of pony she was. Find it unbelievable this sweet and broken Pegasus could ever be a killer like those fools ever claimed her to be. They are much better friends than certain other ponies I used to know. Prove me right, Pinkie.

“You got it” Dash confirmed. Offering one of her hooves back to where the table was, egging Soul on to take that step. Alright. Dash watched Soul slowly walk past her, brushing her with the slightest of breezes by a gentle flap of her wings as she passed. Don’t be too aggressive with her, Pinkie. That’s all she could wish for at this point. Only hoping her pink friend will keep her end of the bargain and make Soul feel a little comfortable. Truly comfortable because, as Dash walked on to follow her old friend, she saw it.

Soul’s legs were still shaking.

Hard to catch as she walked, but those magenta eyes could see it. Soul stepped up ahead, rounding that same corner and looking on to whatever caught her attention past the building. Dash caught up. Stepping to her side, able to see that Soul saw her.

Pinkie was still over there past all the tables, still standing on top of it. Like some dog. She didn’t even notice the two pegasi. Just… still staring down at the food. But a quick glance showed that Soul was staring over at her. She must know who that pony is. Probably wondering what the hell she’s doing.

“That’s Pinkie, I asked her to…watch our food. Come on.”

Dash continued on eager to get Soul to follow and not be afraid. Afraid of the completely innocent looking mare waiting for them. Not even aware of them. “Let’s go sit with her. I bet you’re hungry.”

3.29
This little walk, the entire time, really did look like Soul could just freak out and scream over the idea of meeting a new pony. Finding it too hard to resist catching a look at her side to see if she stopped being so afraid. Pinkie wasn’t going to bite her. Indeed, her dear friend looked up finally from the food and clearly spotted them when Dash led Soul past some of the empty chairs before their own seats… and the pink pony smiled.

Pinkie grinning from over there when Rainbow was certain Soul was right there in plain sight, and nopony was going crazy yet. Nope. Pinkie didn’t even seem phased by seeing Soul. Good. Good! Just as I though, no way Pinkie knows who Soul is. Really, who would? Soul is just an overly beautiful Pegasus, nothing scary or suspicious. Hopefully Soul realized that now since they both came up to the table. Looking back and finding Soul was looking off in the distance. Oh that had to be just because she was shy. That’s okay. I’ll keep her safe.

Pinkie backed away off the table, still wearing her smile. Not to Dash but to the pony behind her. Giving nothing more than a simple “Hello, my name is Pinkie Pie.” Right before she sat back down into her own respective seat. Calm and… serious? Good job, Pinkie. It was actually a massive surprise. Really expecting balloons and cannons to be going off right about now, sending Soul off on a panicked flight out of the town. But, no. This could actually be considered a real and nice response to meet Soul with.

But Soul… she still looked skittish. Still just lingering at the edge of the table, practically hiding behind Dash’s tail, so nervous that she was just staring at the table with little shakes along her body and her mouth quivering. She really is terrified. Rainbow felt her own gut lurch up into her spine. No more of this. She really didn’t want to see this more than she already had, just more and more that made her shiver now that she knew so much more about what was wrong. Truly wrong after that light that was shed earlier.

Rainbow looked back to Pinkie. The pink pony… she didn’t smile anymore. Looking at Soul with her eyebrow arched. Yeah, I told you Soul is shy. This is how it will be… pretty bad. Maybe worse. She simply needed to get to know others. A fact Dash rammed home with a wink to Pinkie right when she made her way back to sit down in her own chair using but a quick flap of her wings. Hopeful Soul will do the same. Join them like she should, right where she must have seen the sight of her pancakes waiting for her. All that delicious food just for her. Not even the ice in her lemonade had begun to melt. Like it all begged the pony to sit down.

We can all sit and eat together. Or anything, as long as Soul was happy. If she wants to leave now, I’ll just pay for the food and we can go… even if I’m still hungry.

3.30
They’re just watching me, they really want mt to join them. Like some pair of hawks or something with just the right amount of threat she’d assume a hawk to give. If hawks smiled, that is. These two just kept at it. Just smiling at me. Stop it. You both look so weird right now.

I know that… you both want me to join you. It’s just… strange for me. Pinkie Pie seems so calm. Calm around me. Like, really, she won’t recognize me? It was still a bit hard to believe. Regretful to let herself be talked into this. But I agreed to this. I’m here now, standing in broad daylight in front of her. In front of all these ponies. With the world sitting there between where Soul and Pinkie stared at one another. The world right in front of those ocean blue eyes that blinked happily down at her from the other side of the table. Rainbow Dash shifting a little in her seat. Must be a pain to just watch me standing here not doing anything. Sorry for making you nervous, Dashie.

I shouldn’t be afraid. Even Soul had noticed the plain obvious that she really had become something different. Such a nice looking pony, innocent looking with such poofy and curly hairs upon her mane over glimmering eyes almost making her look much like a filly were it not for her size. Even greeting her. A greeting she knew exactly how she had to respond to. Just like with Blight… only sooner. Much too soon, and she had to say it now.

This is gonna be the first pony I’ll introduce myself to. Can I really trust her? Dash seemed to think so. An Earth Pony at that. Soul stared off away from those eyes and back to what caught her attention earlier. The true joy of this situation. The only joy. Catching her right off with those red orbs topping it, completely drowned in whipped cream. They look… so good. I bet they are so sweet. And they’re for me. An open invitation for her to eat them. So this really is what it’s like to eat at a restaurant. Just getting food.

I’ll sit down. This food… I can’t resist. Not after so long without it.

3.31
Soul followed the same as what Dash had done and had her wings kick her right back up onto her chair. Falling well into the soft and fluffy cushions that still graced her rear just like such a cozy bed. Really, all she could imagine was her wrapping a blanket over herself and making this like she actually was eating in bed. Eating this astonishing plate she had ready for her.

Just able to see every bit of it up close, like it drew her in. Pulling her to just levitate her head over it all and feel what she knew to be steam rising up and kissing her chin. Fresh and warm. Just the slightest little bead of water dripping down some of the strawberries. Making them shine bright in the sunlight that found its way to them under the umbrella.

Holy hell. This makes it worth it come back here and meet Dash’s friend. Oh yeah. Guess… now was the best time.

“Hi Pinkie” Soul said finally. Lifting herself to look back at that pony. Able to see that the pony practically lit up by just those two words. Dash took a bite of her pancakes, glancing back to Soul as well. Then to Pinkie. She’s probably waiting too. Maybe I’m worrying her. Worried that I’m still such a coward over this. Come on now, I can trust her.

Rainbow Dash used to look out for me a lot when we were kids. She was by my side… until our… problem. But… I still think I can trust her. These ponies aren’t gonna hate me, maybe that is true. Besides, Blight said I have nothing to be afraid of. Both of them think it will work.

Really, what will happen if this fails? Would Celestia come back? Hearing about me being home now. Push me into a corner, so terrifying… those scary, mean eyes she had. Right before she sends me… sends me back. Try to send me back… oh no. No! If she tries to then… what would Blight do…? No! She could even see the blood fly in her eyes. Easily to fall and flow, saturate the Earth with her failure.

How are Dash and Blight so calm about this? Seriously! My name is hated here… hated to all pegasi and… Soul held her breath.

3.32
Pinkie is an Earth pony. So maybe, that meant something. Maybe she won’t know my name. Even just my first. Should… should I tell ponies just my first name? Hide that last name of hers forever if it meant being able to stay here. Rebuild that impossible love she missed all this time. Just able to trust in the words of her old friend. That all of Rainbow’s new friends would love her. Trust her and accept her to this town.

Dashie… maybe they all did something to earn your trust. You earned their trust. Something makes you all love each other. I want that too. I… I want it back. All that can be done is to see what happens. The big chance everypony assured her that this will work. Not like she had anything to lose. Going around here without a name, a real name. Something to proudly claim as her own. As proud as her own true name. Even with just half of it.

“My name is…” Soul gulped. Taking one final look at Dash. The pony just waiting there. Looking between the two ponies. Not even showing any concern. Just watching. I want to be as strong as she is. So start now. Be strong like I was back in the snow.

Times were so tough back there and I beat them all. Blight and I were able to beat it all and come back here. Survive it all. This… this is nothing. Saying my name to another pony is nothing.

“Soul.”

Soul’s ears and tail whipped down. Able to hear it. She heard that name ringing in her head so loudly. An echo. Like all ponies around here could hear it. And it stung. It hurt to hear it. That she had spoken that name in the land where that name was hated. Echoing… though nothing but silence.

Soul waited. Watching. See Pinkie’s eyebrow pretty much cap and her smile turn to amazement. The pink pony gasped.

No...

3.33
“That’s such a beautiful name. Wow, like it completely matches you, just how you look” Pinkie pulled herself up to the table in such a scene the likes of which Soul had not seen before. Not heard before because this pony was essentially talking a mile a minute. Swearing she even lost some of what she was saying. “Wings like an angel, although I’m not sure if angels are souls. I might need to figure that out. Either way, great name. Very great. So great that I’m so happy I get to eat with such an amazing pony. Color me impressed already.”

…She finally stopped. Soul able to sit back for a moment. Catch her breath. Something Pinkie didn’t do. Strange considering how much she said. All of it, how to take it all? Maybe… flattered.

I’m an angel? Well… I don’t usually compare myself to something like that. I… Soul felt her wings shake a little. I don’t know what to say. She likes my name and… why do so many ponies keep calling me beautiful? Did they really mean it? And… does Pinkie actually like me? Already?! Having nothing to say about her name other than nice things. Nothing more. Pinkie just sat, clinging to the edge of the table with nary a shake or shiver.

It’s like she’s okay. Being around me. She’s okay with my name, okay with me. Wow.

Soul eased herself up a bit. Like an enormous weight came off her the likes of which she could not describe. None of this feeling. It was amazing. Like she could actually smile right now. Am I smiling? She couldn’t tell. But Dash sure was smiling over there.

“Thank you…” Soul responded. Feeling the need to get something out there for all Pinkie said. “It’s really nice to meet you, Soul” Pinkie nodded. Able to sit back herself as well. Relax with the other two. Giving this entire thing a real sense of… was it normalcy? Different? Sitting here with other ponies and just chatting and eating. Wow, it’s been a long time. Since anything like that, really. I can trust Pinkie.

“Do you happen to have a last name?”

Soul shuddered. She wants my last name? But uh… damn it, I will have to lie to her. Right after she was so nice to me. Giving such kindness she was still not really used to. Maybe I can make something up for now, come clean later if that ever came around to being reality. That always sounded like a good plan as long as she told the truth in the end to them… maybe then they will forgive her for all the…

“She forgot it” Dash blurted out. Taking the attention of both ponies.

Forgot?

3.34
“Yeah!” Soul agreed. Both pegasi making the pink pony look between both of them. She looked so confused. What to say? Soul almost stuttered on her own tongue when she talked. “I forgot it a long time ago. So uh…” Damn it, what can be good to say? Something because she was certain this pathetic attempt to cover herself up was going to sound stupid. This was all going to lead to a ton of questions being asked, questions she didn’t know how to answer. Things about her meagre and sad life, while Pinkie Pie will certainly not be the last to ask her such questions. How to deal with all this?

“She only goes by Soul. Nothing more or less” Dash said. Finishing for her in a way more beautiful than what Soul may have been able to come up with. Pinkie stared for just a moment. Right before a cheerful “Okay!”

Wow, she accepted that explanation fast. Faster than any chance for Soul to think otherwise of the result. No. She just continued to give that impression she had thought of when Dash first told her about this pony yesterday. She really must be a friendly one. “Nice to meet you, Soul.” Scrunching up in her chair and hiding herself away in a way that Soul could claim to be worry in anypony seeing her excitement, given form by the cheerful ‘teehee’ she chimed out from behind her pink hooves. Her smile may as well be big enough to loom out from behind those hooves. “This is great!” she screamed out with her entire body outstretching quick enough to even make Dash jump in her seat, nearly spitting up her food. Right before she went back to chomping down on it like nothing happened.

This pony. She’s so strange. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anypony like her back in Cloudsdale. Like she is so carefree, trusting, almost like a kid. Like a kid I should feel better about being around, if only my legs would stop shaking. “This is probably the fastest I’ve ever…” Pinkie stopped. “Oh wait.” Soul really had no chance to react.

Uhh… what is she... Pinkie leapt up onto the table. So hard that her hooves even made the plates shudder. So quick. Soul could barely see it before that pony was right in her face. Standing high above her on that table. Practically able to feel her own wings reacting on their own and wind up ready to just push her back from what she could make out as a pony trying to rush her. But they stayed still once she saw those blue eyes stay still in front of her, above her. Close enough to feel her breath. She could probably tell that Soul was almost panting under her lips. Not even able to see Dash anymore, not with this pony filling her vision. Standing over her food like she may be guarding it. Standing with just three legs.

3.35
The fourth held outstretched right to where Soul found it presented to her side. Pink hoof ready to just tap into her and the flat end given to show she did a good job at keeping her hooves clean and tidy. Is that why she’s doing this? Showing me her hoof? Cuz I have no idea what she wants. Just… please get out of my face.

“Can I get one?” Pinkie asked.

One what? Soul glanced over at Dash, seeing her nodding. Like it all meant something. I really don’t know. Is it something I should know? Some weird thing ponies here do that I’ve never heard of. What should I do? She’s waiting for me to do something. Maybe some secret code that Dash never talked about before that her and her friends do… wait… Rainbow Dash… something her friends do. I am a fool. She did know what this was. Embarrassing for her to forget it for that brief second and how much it meant. So meaningless to others but, to Soul, she loved it.

So not used to the feeling, this feeling that Pinkie was willing to share with her. It’s been a while. Soul checked. Her foreleg, planted firm in the cushion with all her other legs, wasn’t shaking at all. Just her hind legs like usual. Nothing to show Pinkie she was still afraid. Not enough to keep her from finally lifting her foreleg up, slowly, watching the pink pony. Thinking this may still be some sort of prank or something sinister. But why believe in her? To think that Pinkie meant no harm. Was it because there was no harm in finding out? Nothing to lose. Or something… go on with it. It will be good. Always great to do this with the few ponies who let her do it.

Soul planted her hoof right up against Pinkie’s hoof with just a small click… and nothing happened. Except that Pinkie’s smile went as wide as possible. Stunning even more with how loud she could shriek. “Yay!”

Soul backed herself away. Just as confused as she had been this whole time with no words to give as to what it was this pony was thinking or doing. Really, she is such a mystery. But I like her. Just a little. “Hoof bump! Now we’re friends.” Pinkie skidded back into her seat. Leaving Soul to her food. Her food… and her words.

3.36
We’re friends? Did that… what?

Soul blinked looking over at the pink pony. Is that really true? Soul never got any sense that this pony actually was her friend or not. This was nothing like Rainbow Dash or Soulblight. So very different. Odd, it almost didn’t feel real but there was something to it as she watched the pink pony giddily bouncing in her chair, almost like a child. So happy just because we may be friends.

Am I really her friend, though?

Pinkie Pie, she doesn’t know she’s wanting to be friends with Soul the Pegasus. But it does sound nice. All of it did. But not as nice as others. The others who could call her a friend, by being friends with not Soul the Pegasus, but with Soul Serenity. With who I am.

It’s so weird. She sees me as a friend. Looking down at her hoof and then back up to that chatty pony. “Now we can all eat together as best friends!” Pinkie said. Best friends?

Pinkie pulled out a cake… right from under the table. Going at it in an instant. She wants to eat with me? I… I don’t know what to say. Making this moment… something more. Something rare. Could… could it be like back in the day? In a time when she knew it’d be right to tell ponies who she was. Because she wanted to.

She said I have a beautiful name, and I do. Too bad, the idea of it, keeping it away from other ponies. Because it was a shame. A shameful name for a shameful pony. Hard to believe I get to eat in a town that would hate me. So is it wrong to do it? To hide from them all, never know my name. All I can do is enjoy this. This food she had before her, perhaps looking to be the most incredible thing she was going to experience here. So far, she hoped. So many more meals like this. Perhaps. Something she got to enjoy now… after twelve years.

This would have been my first real food in all this time… if not for Blight. Oh I don’t think anything can top that cake she made me. That was the best thing I have ever tasted. I bet this food is good, but it’ll have nothing on that cake.

Little wafts of steam billowed out from within the sea of whipped cream and coiled around those delectable strawberries. It made her mouth water. Finally getting her chance to eat it, close on it. Hovering her mouth right over the edge of where that succulent food sat waiting for her to take that first bite of pancakes since the last time she had been in a world this warm. Able to hear the sounds of ponies biting.

Soul looked up to see the other two biting down into their own food. Not even caring for anything else… except for when she noticed Pinkie take a glance over to her before going back to her cake. Soul really should join them.

3.37
She came in close enough, enough for that cool touch of the cream to wipe against the fur along her chin, giving way for her to practically wrap her mouth over the edge of the stack. All the more shaking, not out of fear. No, she felt it for something different because she was actually happy over it. She was excited to take that first bite. Strawberries too. Need to get at least one of them. Feeling her teeth touch scrape against it all, she let instincts do the rest. Almost blindly. But oh so satisfying. Right when that explosion of flavor hit her.

Oh… it’s just like… when I ate the cake. Feeling like she was in heaven now. Taking all her strength just to keep her eyes open as she really wanted to just fall back into her seat and go into some euphoria she felt coming on. Like a tingle all over her body. Her hind leg kicked hard. Missing by a hair from hitting the table. Not able to disturb her from melting apart by the taste of how sweet it all was and that final impact… she bit the strawberry.

Sweet Celestia. It’s just like how they used to be. Making her shudder, not even caring her back trembled. The feeling of everything being so nice to eat such sweets again. Oh. Tastes so good, so good that… she could feel it in her wings. Whatever. She let her wings shake at her sides. Not able to control it. But she did control what she said. Holy hell, that tastes good. The words failed to come out of her mouth. Not when she made so many noises giving off just how much she enjoyed devouring it and letting herself go to enjoy every bit of it.

“Is it good?”

Soul opened her eyes. I had them closed? Rainbow Dash had asked it from across the table. Waiting for her with some sort of goofy smile, probably more than satisfied seeing however it was Soul had looked like while eating her first bite. For, what all Dash knew, to be her first taste of real food. Close enough.

“It’s so good” Soul said. Wasting no more time to take another bite of it. Close to just screeching and kicking her legs happily from this bite as good as the first. She came close. Her legs kicked against the chair.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anypony this happy over food” Pinkie commented, stopping Soul dead in her tracks. I am putting on too much of a scene. Can’t even contain myself. How stupid was I looking? She looked over and back to her food, just wanting to forget it and continue on. Forget everything around her for now. Just her food. Ignore it all.

3.38
“Have you had Equestrian food before?”

Soul almost spit up her food. Unable to ignore that question. One from an increasingly annoying pink pony she found to be rather blunt now in trying to figure things out. Figure what out to be exact?

Like, what kind of question is that?

If I ever had Equestrian food before. Soul wasn’t certain if Pinkie was joking or actually curious. Nonetheless, it sure did stun even Dash over there who was staring over at Pinkie. Based off how she looked, it worried her too. For Soul to be given such a direct question, one both of them probably had not anticipated.

Dash was terrified. Soul was even more. Losing all the pleasure of eating, Pinkie killing the moment in an instant. Leaving Soul just to wonder what to do. How to respond at that. Soul really had no answer for it. Just more questions.

“W-what do you mean?” Soul asked to the best of her ability. Please tell me I misheard her. That Pinkie’s question had a different meaning. “Equestrian food?”

“Yeah” Pinkie nodded and she was serious. Soul saw it in her eyes. This malicious little question out of nowhere. Even that… Pinkie sounds like she doesn’t think that I am from here. She’d be right. Like she really knows. But if she does… why does she not care? Damn it, why…

“All the ponies I talked to say they’ve never seen you before, and I talked to A LOT. I know a lot of ponies, yes. So nopony knows you and you are definitely eating pancakes like you’ve never eaten it before. Put two and two together” Pinkie interrupted her ramble with a smack of her forehooves. “You’re not from around here” she zipped her face forward with one eye giving off such a stare the likes of which Soul had never seen.

“Are you?”

3.39
Was it a surprise that Rainbow Dash seemed to ease up? Maybe. Just like Soul wasn’t certain if she too should be surprised or not. Not even knowing how to respond right now. Just… what Pinkie said. The first line hit her hard.

She talked to a lot of ponies? None of them know me? Just like… Soul looked all around her again just to be sure and she was still confirmed of it. Nopony paid her any mind. Not even a stare. The only attention I’ve gotten so far was from those nice stallions. But… it’s true, she is right. Nopony here should know who I am right now. I’m too different and… I’m just Soul. All these ponies would see me as is… that pony who has been acting weird since I got here. I never would have acted like this back in Cloudsdale.

Cloudsdale… that was her only home in Equestria. It had been. So much has changed. I have changed. To not even remember the taste of food here, these same dishes she used to eat in that floating city. Pinkie was completely right. It was like Soul was not even from here. Equestria was not her true home anymore. It ceased to be long ago. The only home she ever really knew… she never wanted to go back to.

I am not from around here. I am not familiar with this food. But I really did miss it. I love it all and I love being here. Yet still, she could never say this to anypony here. None of them will understand. Why, she didn’t even know why Dash was so relaxed now. What does she expect? I don’t know how to answer this. Pinkie and anypony else will surely want to know where Soul was from. Why she was so different, and all of it just by eating pancakes. So stupid.

Though she’d rather just go back to biting down on this food and going back to pure paradise. Not deal with her past at all. Not now. Because she had no idea how to explain it. What, do I need to lie again? Tell her I’m from around here and I’m just… a hermit pony or something? Maybe she will buy that. Though… I wouldn’t buy it. No, it won’t work. But Pinkie was still curiously waiting. Waiting for an answer Soul struggled to come up with and had absolutely no help from Dash. Like she enjoys watching me struggle.

Or, no, she just doesn’t know. Dash is no jerk.

I don’t know either. How to respond to any of this. None of this new world. This world that was familiar but foreign.

3.40
“True” Soul said wide eyed. “I’m not from around here. I lived in Cloudsdale when I was a filly but left early to achieve feats I could not do there. I travelled all over the lands outside of Equestria to learn countless flight techniques that none of those novice teachers in Cloudsdale may teach me. Too hung up on traditional flying… you know?”

Soul could not say or do anything. Just listen and be amazed as all this came out so naturally. It was almost impossible Almost. Because there was another pony who could come up with a story like this.

“That’s why I got these wings, and Dash over there is mere rookie now compared to me. Aren’t you, Dashie?”

Dash dropped all she was doing, even more so than she had been. No longer able to just listen with a blank stare as she had been. She shook her head. “Hey!” she whined.

Please may she just take it as a joke. She must. Soul did her best to give her old friend a little smile before more came out. Tearing past her teeth and ending any move she made to tell Dash she was playing around with her.

“Of course those lands had different foods that were quite good but I still missed old fashioned Equestrian food. So yeah, this is my first eating pancakes in many, many years.”

Soul was surprised to hear herself able to squeak again in response. Like a grip on her was gone and she could regain the world as her own. Everything her own when that voice slipped away. Humming and chiming in a familiar tone as Soulblight giggled. Oh geez, and I told her… Soul looked up. Rainbow was still dead eyed right on her and fidgeting a little in her seat. Likewise. Soul had no idea how to respond to what just happened either. Guess I sounded really strange. These words that were not her own. Said so smoothly and perfectly. Soul was astonished they came out as they did.

Well… I could have never come up with a story like that. Maybe… it would work. A decent job. I’m okay with it. Because it did do one thing. Pinkie sat back in her chair. “Gotcha” she nodded. “I love travelling as well. Tell me were the ponies nice? Was the food good too?” Simple enough.

“Yes…” Soul nodded. Hoping to answer both questions and let this conversation die. Pinkie bit into her cake again. Happily grunting as she chewed and lost in her own little world now. Soul could finally breath. Wow, it worked. Amazing. This actually worked. No way I could’ve done it better.

…But Blight could.

She was either good at planning ahead or, Soul admitted it, frighteningly smart. Thank you, a lot.

No problem. Don’t worry, I won’t jump in like that again. Personal space and all that.

Yeah, Soul agreed. Though Blight could… just as long as she gave a heads up.

3.41
Soul was comfortable enough now to go back to eating her breakfast. Taking another big bite of the pancakes and all that whipped cream. As incredible as the last, almost. It lacked the one special thing. She did it on purpose though. Avoiding eating any of the strawberries in that bite. No longer needing to deal with frightening questions or explanations she had no way to give. Just adore these fruits and foods she missed eating as often as she used to.

Soul didn’t hesitate to lop one of them right up with her tongue and into her mouth. Then another. They really were the one best part to this entire meal. Going in to try and feed some sated emptiness she always knew to exist but it still managed to satisfy her as a whole. No difference in that. There really was no way to make eating such foods she hadn’t had in so long anything other than fantastic. But there was always room for improvement. That same solemn request she had of herself to do this again but with her friends. Right now, she had no idea. Looking past her food to the figures of Dash and Pinkie devouring their food in as messy a manner as possible now, it wasn’t at all like she had imagined.

I want something like… what I had before. But… with something more. Not like how it was now, no, Soul wanted Blight to sit in that empty chair next to her. Sitting right between her and Pinkie eating whatever it may be she liked and for all four of them to happily talk about things other than how different Soul was.

Like the old days when I ate with a good friend. Just something nice to do with my truest friends.

Is Pinkie my friend? Is Dash? I don’t know. Not after all this. These years. Rainbow Dash is no longer the same. I’m no longer the same. So is it even possible for us to be as we were? Together with a whole new group of friends different than what she was used to. Those old days were gone now. Now, …she shook her head down at her strawberries right before eating another.

Are good times even possible?

I just have to trust what she said. Dash assured me I can trust these ponies. Pinkie Pie… that pony who inhaled her cake in a remarkable fashion, she may be my friend. I have to think so. Since it was true that Soul wanted to be her friend, but could not wish the same unto Pinkie. The same goes for Dash. For now, let’s just believe Ponyville is my home. Now or maybe someday soon. In a time without so much pain she had no idea how to make just go away forever and for all its terror to have no more power. When the past will go away. Replaced by something nice like the fruit she ate. Fond memories worth remembering.

3.42
“Well I’m stuffed” Rainbow Dash’s voice brought Soul back up to see that she too had finished eating with as clean a plate as Pinkie had. Both their plates actually entirely clean as if nothing had been on them at all.

Well then... here I thought I could eat fast. I did. That cake the other day didn’t last at all. Rainbow still just inhales her food. She hasn’t changed there, haha. I’m not gonna keep them waiting. Sit my ass down and eat, I’m not slow. She bit at the strawberries she had atop her pancakes one by one, and each of them still managed to be just as incredible as always despite how quick she went down on them. Chewing them down and then… nearly biting her tongue when a flash of pink burst up next to her. Soul screeched when that pink pony zipped in in front of her with such a smile on her face.

Celestia, stop scaring me.

“I got another question, Soul!” she blurted out almost in her ear. Giving even more weight to that idea of an excited pony that was really was. Happy… and so annoying; Dash sure did know how to pick her friends. Both old and new.

So… another question. Is it gonna be as bad as the last one because I really am having a hard time dealing with this.

She really is a curious one. Want me to take over?

Not right now. I can handle this. She could hear it. In Blight’s voice. Is Blight irritated… just like I am? And an irritated Soulblight, well… I know what that looks like. Though it did not hide from what Soul did feel. Maybe you can take over, it depends… All she could say to Blight.

“It’s super important” Pinkie said. Closing in a little more with her voice dropping to a close whisper. Oh damn. Something important about me?

“Do you like strawberries?” Soul cocked her head.

3.43
Of all the questions, something so innocent. Not many ponies say stuff like that to me. I’m… I’m glad she did.

Guess I did a bad job hiding I love strawberries. Must have looked ridiculous eating them, oh well. This is something I’d love to talk about. “I love them. They are my favorite food.” Not to mention… they were quite the rarity in my travels around foreign lands. Not far from the truth. Still a good story though.

“Oh you should have seen her way back” Dash commented over there. “Soul could never let them go. Surprised she didn’t fatten up off how many she ate.” That deserved a shot of Soul’s glare. Although, guess I had that coming. After all, I sorta just got done with making fun of her flying.

…And I never got fat cuz I worked out so much!

“I see…” Pinkie rubbed her chin. For just a moment and, …she turned away. “Well it’s been a blast but I got things to dooooo!” She left off on that long note complete with a wave back of her foreleg. Rushing off to wherever and… Soul just sat stumped.

Well that happened.

Yeah it did. Whatever that was. I thought she wanted to talk to me about food or something. Not just leave like that. Such a shame. Right when she was not exactly happy with the pony and all her questions… why now, to feel a little down at seeing her go? Maybe I really do want to be her friend. So many more things I wanted to talk about.

“Pinkie, wait!” Rainbow Dash called after. Like she was giving voice to a little desire inside of Soul. She felt a little happy to keep Pinkie up for just a moment before she went off to do what it was she needed to do. Pinkie turned back with a questioning grunt. Curious as Soul was to see why it was Dash demanded her to stay.

“Don’t tell anypony Soul’s name, okay?”

3.44
Wow! Soul shot back in her seat. She couldn’t believe she forgot about that. Rainbow Dash was the one who remembered! Remembered a crucial and very good point to address with Pinkie. Thank goodness she stopped her for that. “Yes, please don’t” Soul added in. Feeling for certain she too could contribute to this request. All the more making Pinkie groan in confusion. It is confusing but just go with it.

“Why?” Plain and simple… and so hard to answer. Now may actually be a good time for Blight to say something. She had lots of answers, all of them it seemed. Or she was just better at dealing with these situations more than Soul was. Whatever she came up with will be so well crafted and thought out that nopony could deny it and just accept it. Accept that Soul’s name was not to be given out like a gift to any pony Pinkie did meet.

“Because reasons.”

That was not Blight. It was Rainbow who said that, and… she managed to look serious saying it. There is no way…

“Ah, reasons” Pinkie nodded. “Got it, my lips are sealed.” Turning right over to Soul. “Your secret is safe with me. Cross my heart. Hope to fly.” Pushing one of her hooves right into her eye… ouch. “Stick a cupcake in my eye.” …Whatever all that meant. But she did say the secret was safe so Soul believed her and this bizarre display. Pinkie gave another quick wave, with nothing more Soul could think of to address with this pony before she left besides the short time she had spent with her. Short and, she felt, unsatisfying. “I’ll see you later, Dash” she said, turning back and trotting away. Trotting into an apparent gallop.

“Really nice to meet you, Soul. Bye bye!” And… she zipped off. Not ran. No, that was what Soul thought was supposed to happen. Pinkie just… disappeared?

The… hell?

3.45
“How did she…” Soul said turning to Dash. “Don’t ask.” Alright, I won’t. But that was really a perfect end to such an absurd time. She thought absurd but, it was more different than anything else. A huge change from the normal. All of this was. Even able to eat was a change.

She went back to it, taking several more bites in quick succession just willing to get this done and not keep anypony waiting. Apparent that can become the case. Rainbow Dash threw down several of those gold coins; bits I think they are called. Some ones I saw yesterday. Placing them center of the table before she sat back and watched. Watched as Soul nervously ate what was left of her food. Enjoying it nonetheless. Really starting to drown out her cares and just make what was on her plate disappear much like the other two had done.

Funny, maybe I am still a messy eater. All this whipped cream all over her face. Really without much to think over except that pink pony. Would have been nice if she had stayed and talked about something other than my past. I actually did want to talk with her about stuff around here. Now that would have been fun to talk about.

“So were the strawberries good?” Rainbow asked. Soul nodded. Finishing up what was left of her food. Growing ever more apparent that her old friend was patiently waiting for her to finish. Sloppy at best. Taking a lot of time just to lick off her face of all the mess she left behind. “Well I’m gonna buy you some more.” What? She didn’t need to. I won’t let her. More turned down in the determination she saw in Dash’s face. But, really, it was no trouble. Not like Soul came here to be fed… fed in such ways she only could have dreamed of back in the snow, and all of it was right here for her complete with a pony ready to give her food.

“No, no. You don’t have to get me any.” She doesn’t need to look after me like that. I think I can do some work, find a job and make my own money to buy stuff. Besides, I need to save up for a home haha. I don’t need Dashie paying for everything for me. She already did enough. This meal was pretty nice as it was.

3.46
“Shut it” Dash countered. “I had to go get food anyways… may as well get stuff for both of us.” Yeah, apparently apples were all she had left at home. Well that didn’t take away from… and Dash jumped off from her seat. Stretching herself out and clearly ready to go already.

“I’m getting us food anyways, you can’t stop me. Lots of great stuff I bet you’d want to eat.” The Pegasus began to trot off. Almost like she suddenly had no care. What is with her? Saying things like that to me… she should know I am absolutely dying to get a taste of old food again. There was no denying it, so excited of eating all these foods again. The chance to partake in all she missed so much these past years, all in Rainbow Dash’s hooves. Whatever it was she planned to buy. Sure did sound good. Exciting. So much so that Soul’s tail twitched across the legs of the chair.

“Come on!” Dash called after the hesitant Pegasus sitting atop her chair. Waiting and watching to see if anything more needed to be done here. With an ever-satisfied stomach and so many questions as to what it was that happened here, Soul could only push herself off the chair after a long pause. Not certain why it was Dash wanted her to even come along for something like a menial trip to the store. “Let’s go have some fun.”

Why would this be fun? Fun. Well, at least somepony had their spirits cheered up. For what reason, Soul had no idea. Maybe this was just a real joy to watch as Soul struggled to make sense of what it was she had dealt with moments ago. Or she had woken up finally? It really was a mystery. But Soul could admit that she too felt a little cheery right now. Like some warmth inside her. The result of what happened? She paused to think over it.

I think I know. She’s happy because. I’m a little happy. Dash was right. I met one of her friends… and she turned out to be pretty nice. Just like Dash said. Pinkie was something different. Just like this entire town. This feeling and everything around me, it’s nothing like that cold and snowy place.

3.47
That went nothing less than excellent. Beyond what Dash could have hoped for to happen. Certainly the best it could have been in such a situation but she genuinely believed it to have truly worked out in the end. Though it had the easy potential to fall apart as well. Such a surprise it didn’t. Not at all.

It went so well that… that I think those two just made friends.

It would have been much worse though. Much, much worse. She looked back to the pony who followed her close to her side. Soul doing nothing more than just observing everything around them, much like she had done on their quiet little walk along the short stretch it took to get close to the market. Soul really did seem like a filly in a candy store. Looking every which way in astonishment sometimes. Staring as they passed a pair of stallions doing some sort of performance atop unicycles and juggling flaming pins, just another day for fun out here. Though it was fascinating to Soul. Not at all hard to miss.

Rainbow was sure to give Soul plenty of time to watch them. Just short of both of them standing right in the crowd that watched as well. It was proving something. In all this walk, Soul was not jittery in the slightest. Fully focused on just marveling over the town. Not caring who or what they passed. Even so, she kept her huge wings close to her sides. Fluttering ever so gently as if she were prepared to take flight, at least that’s what Dash could pull out from that movement. It may be for a completely different reason. She hoped so.

For Soul to be getting a little more comfortable around here.

Seeing and hearing the many things the town had to offer that no winter wasteland, like Soul described, could ever deliver. Really engrossed in it. Really into it all that… she doesn’t even notice hehe. There were some ponies who actually did a double take on Soul. I see where they’re looking. Especially some of the pegasi. They were all looking at those wings gently flowing at Soul’s sides. As massive as always even when folded. She was half inclined to believe that incredible story Soul had made up on the spot back at the table. Not that any of this bothered Dash. It sure didn’t bother Soul who came back to mind her own business, staring ahead with just a little faint of her head but keeping up with Dash nonetheless.

3.48
But all of this could only be justified by one burning question she had built up in her. Because the answer may very well determine what it was she could expect to happen in the market.

Applejack had to be in the market still along with the others. The morning was still young. Surely that workhorse had not finished all her errands yet. They had all made good time at the restaurant to be able to get here while the Sun was still low. Both of them trekking together past a small batch of ponies who left with their carts and bushels of food alongside the saddlebags, squeezing by them with Soul making but a small whimper being so close to other ponies she did not know. She still did well. Walking in with Dash into the town center so familiar to Dash and all these ponies.

She looked back. Seeing Soul saw exactly what Rainbow got to see so often. Wide-eyed. Looked like that magenta Pegasus loved the thing she saw. All the things. This place was ripe full of so many stands on, this, the best day of the week to deliver the harvests. An event so very packed to the brim with many ponies standing all about and partaking in the fruits of so much labor of who delivered such foods.

Soul must love to see it all. All the fruits and vegetables stacked by the boxes and barrels bursting with ripe green leaves of carrots, celery stalks and whatever other things that could satisfy a pony like Soul. Why, the asparagus was just on their right. Maybe Soul would like some of that. Steamed perhaps? I sure want some, hope she’ll like them too. Though there were no strawberries in sight. That prize was further on. Along with all the fruits she had in mind to get for Soul for all the years she had to go without them. Now was her chance to enjoy them all. Give Soul more of a taste of what Ponyville could deliver for her that no other place could. Literally.

But more than just foods.

“So I’m dying to know” Dash began her long awaited question. Though it took a moment for Soul to be drawn away from the tantalizing sights all around. “What did you think of Pinkie Pie?”

3.49
“Pinkie?” Soul asked. Making it very apparent she was really questioning why it was Dash asked this. Yes, I know, I waited a long time to ask you. Still… I want to know if the plan is working.

“Well, uh…” Soul turned away. No sign of grief or pleasure on her face. No, she looked more taken by something. Really a face that did nothing but make Dash worry. Because it was worrying. She thought Pinkie did a decent job at presenting herself as the good friend she was, not that excited and energetic one that it would take Soul so much time to get used to. Not as she was now. Maybe the old Soul would, but not this one. This current Soul Serenity who became impossible to read the entire time they ate together. When she had been an open book before. So easy to tell what would please her or not.

Now, …did Pinkie scare her a little? She is my first friend I got to introduce to Soul. I really thought they got along. Besides all the hectic questions. Really didn’t seem like Soul liked them.

Soul smiled. …Pinkie… you did good. Dash had to smile too.

“She was nice” Soul said, not in sadness. Not in despair. Soul was calm. Calmer than anypony Rainbow would ever hope to see of a pony like her. But that was before. Now, now Soul was actually walking in the busy streets of Ponyville, being secretly flattered by other ponies who saw this pony fresh from a lonely world of ice and snow.

“She was certainly different, but…” Soul looked back at Dash. Presenting that she was indeed wearing none other than a small smile. One shrouded in the dark of her lowered eyes. “In a good way.” Yes! “Is she the type you’d be friends with?” Dash budged her way closer to Soul. So eager for her answer. “I think Pinkie wants to.” Though her answer came as no surprise, not after how she had been acting which made Dash feel a little foolish for thinking otherwise moments ago.

“I guess.” And she did a rather good job at hiding her enthusiasm. Clearly failing though. Rainbow caught it. She saw it in her little movements across her body. The most subtle of shifts in her smile. Soul was snickering a little. Overjoyed indeed. All the right to. She got herself a true friend already. Oh for the two of them to be able to hang out again, Pinkie would be best suited to bringing Soul into being comfortable around here, not have to worry about the past, and lead to a time when Soul may speak her name to them all. Instead of sticking with that stupid story Dash would need to tell the others.

3.50
A minor problem. But she still rejoiced. Happy for her old friend, for the happiness that she too had to be feeling. Dash couldn’t contain herself. Being this close, she had to.

Rainbow gave her old friend a loving punch to her shoulder. Just enough to nudge her back a little but, Soul did not protest. Though she did not give it back. Unfortunate. Dash could not expect every miracle to happen right now. “Great to see you two are friends” Dash claimed. Right there, assured that this day was going better than she hoped for. Maybe it won’t be so hard to cheer her up. That thought crossed her mind just now, glancing back over her shoulder as she walked off towards the market. Proud to see her old friend not even hesitate to follow her.

I’m glad things are going well for her. Pinkie, you are a lifesaver.

Rainbow walked off, still able to picture Soul following her. Listening to her hoofsteps as they matched her own. No sign that they even gave hesitation in her trot. No, Soul was content with this. “Glad to hear it” Dash gave comment to the excellent turn of events that Soul had confirmed. “So we’re off to make you more friends.” To put it blunt. Was it a surprise Soul did not slow in her walk? Dash wasn’t surprised. More happy. So much so that she could smile.

“More friends?” Soul questioned from behind. “But I thought we were getting food.” Dash ignored her for now. Sorry but… I can’t let you in on what my plans for you are today. That was why she could not answer. There were no right words for this. Just to let it all happen.

Rainbow walked on and took a look to see that Soul still followed. Concerned as well but that did not stop the Pegasus from looking about at all the amazing things that they did pass. Everything that Dash was so used to seeing by now. Rainbow spotted more of what she was looking for. As part of this whole journey to the market, the stacks of saddlebags ripe for the taking sitting past a crowd of ponies among the carrot stands. Not where they always were. They were prone to being moved each time the market was opened, but that didn’t mean any less of what they were there for.

Think I need two pairs. Seriously considering letting Soul carry one of them on the way out of here, but… carry both herself? I think I can do it. Her wings could definitely carry all that. Soul is my guest and doesn’t need to put out for me, besides… I’ll show her for making fun of my strength earlier. Really, a rookie? If anything, I’m the better flyer and I’ll show you up any day. Even if your wings are so impressive now. Not befitting now when there were far more important things to do. Still, it didn’t calm her constant urges to want the old Soul Serenity back. One who was always in the mood for a throw down with Dash over any and all with an endless smile. Always so much to be happy about. Not enough to be sad about.

But those shoes had changed hooves. Without her friend, without her trust, Soul was so different now. I wish it was different, I miss my best friend. And Soul was so hard to get to trust me back then. But it still was nice. I want it back. Now I need others to help me. But that was fine. Rainbow Dash was perfectly fine with asking the others for help, they always had been there for her when she needed it and they’d do the same again with this. She trusted them and that trust was proven right with Pinkie.

Now… she spotted something else familiar in the crowd off to the left. One that made her grin, so much so she needed to hide it from Soul. For this was too good. There was another one she could trust as she learned to do so many times again and again under that straw hat. “More friends, here we come” Dash whispered.

3.51
I may as well follow her. None of what has happened so far has proven to be a mistake. Really all such incredible experiences she could easily call menial, but that word did not come to Soul till now. No, this was all somewhat… alright for lack of a better word. Truthfully, she was interested over meeting these other friends Dash had in store for her, if they were anything like the last one. They may be nice. Dash made them all out to be so nice, and she was right with Pinkie.

Even better. It’s like I’m back in Cloudsdale, before the incident. Ponies still ignored her. Whether that was good or bad was not on her to decide. Though it gave her comfort that they didn’t seem to care who she was… except for the occasional mare who smiled at her from a distance. I feel the envy around them. No way to hide it from me. I can even tell some stallions keep staring at me. Some of them blushing, oh geez.

Lots of Pegasus ponies around here, and none of them recognize me. They all just keep staring at me… adoring me? Oh… they don’t need to do that. Hope Dash isn’t seeing it, I think she would tease me if she saw these guys looking at me.

They notice me… but does Dashie? She… hasn’t really said much about me. Even after all the time she put into that very effort back in the arctic. She didn’t notice my cutie mark. All this fanfare I’m getting right now, I’d rather get a compliment from my old friend. I… I want to feel like she appreciates something about me.

Well… at least I know some ponies like me and aren’t judging me. It’s kind of like a good dream. Been a while. From the ponies to the scenery to the food. Even having a conversation with Soulblight about food upon them entering this market packed full of it. Left off on a rather quick note with Blight commenting on how the celery must taste good as it had the most ponies around that stand. That was true. Soul did see it had quite a commotion over there.

That conversation did give her more of a rather big distaste in her own mouth over the one fact that was made apparent in Blight’s comments and, really, all the time she already spent with her but still too hard to believe. That Blight had no idea what food tasted like. She can always come out and try it for herself. Soul never asked her to do that. But she probably could come out and walk around with them considering how Ponyville was turning out to be. A rather charming place. No wonder Rainbow moved here.

3.52
Rainbow had so many friends here and so much to look forward to every day. Now she wants to introduce me to more of her friends. One of which took Soul no time in spotting. Easy to for it was over where Dash happily trotted towards ahead of her. A near gallop even. Rainbow was clearly excited with her tail whipping in the wind. Running off with so much vigor towards a sight that Soul instantly recognized as familiar.

Past the groups of ponies that Dash squirmed her way past or flat out fly over with one graceful flap of her wings and all around the few stands that those ponies massed around, Soul spotted the shade of orange fur that she had seen before. Right before that pony and Rainbow Dash were blotted out behind an ever-changing crowd of ponies with all their hauls of foods. No longer able to see them but she knew well where they were.

Soul let her own wings be the ones to come out now. Out in front of every pony, and she saw… many of them turn and see the sight that none of them had seen before. Of wings unlike any other. They’re all… staring at me.

That’s good.

This town… it’s different than what I thought it would be. I’m… okay with them seeing my wings. However many ponies around her saw them. She could feel the short breaths coming out around her, the small gasps and ponies coming to a halt to see the magenta Pegasus flap her wings once. Sending dirt flurrying about around her right before she took off. Off over the crowd, shrouding them in the shadow of those great wings.

I feel… okay showing them all.

Doing this to land behind all the other ponies… landing right next to where Dash was. Patiently waiting next to the other pony who turned and saw those massive wings land before her. Peering at her from under her hat with wide eyes. Staring just like all the other ponies.

This is Applejack, right?

The same pony as yesterday. Barely a word spoken and now, now that shocked mare calmed down… and smiled at her. Smiled at me? A shimmer of kindness she saw in another pony’s eyes exactly like she saw with Soulblight so many times, now in the eyes of this pony. It had the same effect. Such a warmth. I… I’m not afraid of her.

Soul approached her. Folding up her wings once more, it came upon her too. Soul actually smiled. With butterflies that stirred in her stomach, they did not stop her. Not enough to keep her away from joining the two of them. Wasn’t till then when Applejack let her hooves off of a stack of barrels and she gave one out to Soul. Pointing at her and looking back over to Rainbow Dash. “Well, well. I never would’a guessed ya’ll had such wings” she spoke still in the heaviest accent I’ve never heard an accent like this. Do lots of ponies around here have it? It sounds lovely. Almost unique. Such a mature sounding pony and… she likes my wings? Seeing Applejack was looking left and right along them.

“Well now, I reckon Dash here found herself a mighty fine flying partner. Glad to see ya’ll two got along.” A flying partner? She thinks we’re…?

Dash smiled, glancing at Soul… like she was shy.

3.53
Soul had to make a little squeak when that Earth pony so suddenly wrapped her foreleg around her, pulling her right against her orange fur so tightly, with so much strength. How strong could she be? Able to just pull Soul across the ground and right into her with no effort at all. Giggling right next to her. Such a friendly pony. “Well it’s finally nice to make your acquaintance” she said. “I’m Applejack.” Now this was different indeed. One thing that garnered no words as to how to describe it. Just leaving Soul in a daze for a second before realizing what this pony had said. Glancing back to the hoof that was draped over her shoulder connected to the pony who was holding her, and… Soul liked it.

Soul gave one look to Dash. Seeing how the Pegasus nodded at her. Her smile always showing that this was real, that all was okay. So… why not trust her with this just like she learned to appreciate in such a quick time during this morning? “I’m Soul” she admitted to Applejack. “Nice to meet you.”

“Well if that’s not the finest name for a Pegasus like you” Applejack commented, turning her attention back over to Dash with a look that Soul could call out as annoyance. “How have you never told me ‘bout her?” That question answered Soul’s own. Applejack didn’t know who she was. Was it true that none of these ponies knew who she was? That Blight and Dash were really right the whole time and she had been worrying over nothing. That really was what it seemed like. Like none of these ponies around here recognized her, and they even gave her affectionate stares.

They don’t stare at me like all those ponies that hated me.

Like she was special enough to be acknowledged like this. To be held like Applejack was holding her. In some sort of honorary greeting she doubted the pony would give if she knew what she was known for. Rainbow Dash was right. “She was my old flight partner back in camp” Dash said. Continuing the story that Soul knew exactly how to pick up on. Finishing Dash’s fact with a lie. One so easily slipped from the tongue of another pony and now became her own.

3.54
“But I’ve been practicing my flying in other lands for a long time. So I came back to see how my old home is.”

“Old flight…” Applejack shot Dash a stare. “You never said anything ‘bout no flight partner. Like legit doing tricks together and practicing?” To which Dash rubbed a hoof over the back of her head. Ruffling her mane furiously and giving a little laugh. “Yeah, …all the time” she said. “And I reckon she really gave you a run for…” “Yeah, yeah, yeah!” Dash interrupted Applejack. Not quick enough. Soul couldn’t help herself and giggled under her breath. I didn’t know Dash had a friend who could do this to her. Dash looked so annoyed. Even rolling her eyes. But those two went at it again much to Soul’s delight. Ending the same way.

“I’m just sayin’, anypony who can participate with you must be good. Plus she has her wings too, does the mean she done outed your little advantage?” “Shut it!” Now that was enough to make Rainbow puff up her cheeks, leaving Soul breathless for one moment. Sure that her old friend was certainly getting upset with these jokes Applejack was giving her, how great to see her frustration turn to a grin. Enough for Soul to laugh a little at her.

They’re just playing around, just like we used to do. Rainbow must like this sort of stuff still, and she had a friend who enjoyed it too. “Don’t mind AJ” Dash said as she made her way over to the barrels stacked next to the ponies. Sure to put her own hoof over one of them and feel along its brim with the tip of her hoof. “She’s just putting on some show to impress you. Although a pretty crap performance, I might say.” “Yeah, a performance” Applejack let her grip around Soul go. “Let’s go with that.”

Performance or no, Soul liked the way the two of them acted. It really didn’t take a genius to see how it was. Soul picked up on it while they had greeted each other, and just how things looked. When Applejack came over to those barrels with Dash and exchanged a hoof bump between the two, showing there really were no hard feelings, Soul did see how strong this Applejacks’ legs were. Why pretty much an equivalent of Dash’s wings. Bristled with muscle along their lengths yet still able to look so limber to Soul. Much befitting of this farmgirl picture that Dash had painted for her yesterday.

So I guess these two like to compete or something? I bet they do with all these jabs they are making. Much like… how I was with Dash. Long ago. She couldn’t help but be happy for them. That really was a prized feeling she loved to partake in with Dash. Now these two got to experience it too.

They must be very good friends, especially able to make up like they did so fast. Pull off these jokes and quips, bashing each other like it was normal. Still, I wonder why I don’t do that with anypony much? Piquing her interest at this. Soulblight really had been the most fun to joke around with, and that pony had certainly could make fun of ponies. Even making Dash flustered at the comment that came out in Soul’s voice.

Soul herself, …she sighed silently. I don’t really have anything to say. It’s like I got nothing. None that fit. None that sounded right to say to a pony she had harmed so badly with more harsh words that could never be taken as a joke. Only able to watch her old friend do this with another pony. Hard to not feel a little jealous and hide that behind a smile so feigned that it hurt her mouth as she walked over to join the two of them.

3.55
She just waited and watched these two. Going on with a little more back and forth that she chose to drown out. Seeing no reason to really want to hear the mockery which she lost all need to find funny. Cut short with a simple bang. Bringing Soul out of her silence with a quick yelp so silent that she could tell neither pony heard it. A bang coming from Rainbow Dash smacking a hoof against one of the barrels.

“Whatever. So I thought you were supposed to go shopping. What’s this junk?” “Umm I already went shopping, thank you very much” came Applejack with a swipe of her hoof to clear Dash away from the barrel that the Pegasus started to lean on. “And this here junk will be yer food at some time.”

Her food? Soul came forward. I wonder what’s in those barrels. Finding more to them than what she saw before. Like the strap of rope tied around all of them and joined together in one knot leading up to what she could call out as a harness, much like the ones pegasi had used to haul large vats of water to the factories of Cloudsdale. This one left strewn upon the ground. Clearly dragged along as made apparent by the scratch marks left behind in the soil all around the barrels and disappearing further on into the crowd behind them.

Like she knew, Applejack eased herself next to Soul and, arrogantly winking at Dash, pushed aside the top to one of them and revealed what was hidden inside. Looked to be seeds. Filled to the top of this barrel with what must be thousands of tiny little seeds packed close together in a dark ocean with nothing else in there. So the other few barrels with this one must also have the same thing in them. “I done got a mighty fine haul today” Applejack said. “Half price so I bought twice the usual. Might make for a good harvest.”

So are these apple seeds then if she was planning on some sort of harvest? All I know about this pony. That she had a farm with great apples, ...and those apples on her flanks. What did that cutie mark mean? That she was good at growing apples? Probably not, might be something more deep. Like a good trait that Soul herself could never claim with her meaningless one.

“Just takin ‘em back to the cart.” Applejack sealed the lid. Turning off to leave Soul and Dash to themselves and going over to where she began to fidget with the harness. Having a damn good time trying to fit it around her nose and let it slide down around her.

“Best… let ya’ll get to yer shopping” she looked back at them. “Rainbow Dash…” “I got it” Dash blurted out. “Looks like nopony wants me around.” Huh, wait but I want… oh… she saw it. The way Dash floated off on silent wings and how sad she looked. She’s playing around. It actually was kind of amusing. Like Dash’s spirits were being lifted. Certainly acting more carefree than she had been earlier. She must be waking up finally.

“Oh shut yer hole” Applejack commented, and her green eyes fell onto Soul. Not annoyed at all anymore. She smiled instead. “It was real nice to meet you, sugar cube.” She sounded… so friendly. Was it weird to see a bit of Pinkie in her joyous eyes? Like no actual malice of distaste to be seen in them. No, Soul saw that this pony was being nice. To her.

Soul was about to wish her the same, not before Rainbow Dash came back in between them. Startling her with how fast the Pegasus rushed in. “Wait! I don’t know why you two are saying bye.” “What…?” Soul stuttered. Really not seeing why it was that dash was acting like this, and curious as to why her old friend was stopping them. Being so forceful. Like something was at stake. Catching a little concern in her magenta eyes.

3.56
“Whatcha talkin’ about, Dash?” Applejack also wondered. “Well…” Dash scratched the top of her head. Looking back between Applejack and Soul. Looking as if something was on her mind. So much so that her wings couldn’t keep still. “Are the others here?” she asked. “Yeah” Applejack confirmed. Pointing her hoof past Soul and over to the crowded market stalls behind them. “Somewhere in there, I couldn’t be bothered to deal with that there mess those two are in right now.”

A mess? Soul looked back behind her but had no idea who it was she was looking for. Though Dash seemed to. “Great!” she excitedly yelled. “So I’m gonna go shopping with them.” Dash hovered over Soul. Flapping her thick wings in a gust of wind across Soul’s back as she changed places and nudged Soul forward with a gentle shove to the base of her tail. Pushing Soul closer to Applejack. Whatever the Pegasus wanted of her.

“Soul is pretty strong, so how about you give this workhorse something to do, AJ? At least till I get back.” Until she gets back? So is she gonna leave? She wants to hang out with the others? Did I do something wrong? She looked at Dash, staring for an answer and she got one. Dash winked at her.

Well… I guess I can stay here. This Applejack girl is pretty nice. She seemed like a rather friendly mare. Soul even stepped a little closer to the Earth pony when Dash began to float away. Leaving with an affirmative nod from Applejack who removed the harness easier than it had been to put on, but no nod from Soul. There was just something. Something about seeing the cyan pony fly away that made her skin crawl underneath her fur. A wretched feeling of worry all over her. As if Dash… she is leaving me again. Even if she said just to shop… how long? And would she come back?

Stop that. Soul felt such a pain along her body. As if she smacked herself on the inside. I’m lying to myself, Dash won’t leave me. Not this time. Not after all she has been doing for me. This Rainbow Dash was nice. Nice enough to try her best to help Soul make a few friends in this new town even after their past. That, that was nothing less than true kindness. The same friendly and kind Rainbow Dash she wanted, and that Dash would not abandon her… ever again. …So trust that warm smile that Dash gave her. How the Pegasus reached out to touch Soul on the shoulder with the slightest little rub that Soul picked out in her touch. As if to tell her all was going to be okay.

“I’ll be back soon, okay. How about you hang out with AJ?” Dash whispered. “I’ll come back so you can meet the others.” Applejack did confirm that they were here, those other friends of Dash’s. Including an alicorn princess. Sheesh.

3.57
Well… she looked back to Applejack and thought more on Pinkie Pie. These ponies are really treating me so well, maybe because they just don’t know who I am. Rainbow couldn’t stress enough how this was going to be the case and it turned out to be. I can trust her. Not like I got anything to lose. I’m already deep in it. It really won’t hurt to get to know Applejack a little more. Even though I get to work. Anything to show she was not some sort of pushover to these ponies. That she was worthy of being their friend as she was starting to like the idea of.

Soul nodded. Reeling her hoof back and standing back in place with Applejack coming to her side. Fully accepting of the idea of having Soul with her as was seen with how very happy she was in how she looked and her sweet laugh. Doing exactly what Dash did to her earlier: giving that light punch to her shoulder.

“Don’t run off without me, you two.” With that, Dash took to the skies and flew off over the crowds in as graceful a flight she could manage without stumbling her wings over how excited she looked. Heading well off in the direction that Applejack had pointed.

Gone again… just saying she’ll be back soon. A promise that Soul felt she could accept. Constantly telling herself she was going to be okay, that Dash was not doing anything other than going on a couple errands. I’ll prove to her that she can trust me. I’ll help her friend and I’ll wait for her. I kind of wonder, does she think I may leave?

Dash did look to be happy. That Pegasus was always too hard to read. I won’t run off without her. Telling Dash that right when she found herself pulled once more in the same headlock she experienced before. Applejack dragged Soul straight back to her with that strong leg of hers. A strong leg that failed to be gentle. It actually kind of jumbled her a bit with how strong of a pull it was. Pulled right in, Applejack held her close. She was not gentle, but her voice turned out to be.

“Alright, seriously. What the hay did you two yesterday when I left? I know I saw you go after her mighty fast. You two gettin’ along?”

She saw us? So that meant… it must have looked weird. I kinda did chase Dash out of town. Like I’m just trouble; especially since AJ did look rather concerned right now. Worried about Dash. Don’t worry… I’m not this mean pony that everypony sees me as.

3.58
Soul told her the truth, seeing no harm in it. I’d rather her not worry about it. “We’re doing good. I… we just sort of…” Soul darted her eyes aside. What can I say? What did Dash and I do yesterday? Seemed wrong to call it this. “We raced each other.”

“A race?” Applejack said intrigued. “Just comin’ back and ya’ll already racin’ each other. Well if that ain’t touching than I don’t know what is.” “Yeah” Soul accepted what she got out of her explanation of what happened. Further driving that little thing about this false life she had spun to these ponies. Well, not her exactly.

“I was dying to put her to the test after so many years being apart” Soul said. That… was truth. “You’ve been practicing in other lands for years?” Applejack asked. “Twelve to be exact” Soul said.

“Twelve!” Applejack let her go. She was in total shock. So now the truth was out. Twelve years outside of this life that these ponies knew. Soul was surprised how Applejack did react to it. The Earth pony held her mouth agape for a second. Twelve years did sound like a lot, it must be to her. Too bad she will never know just how long that torment really was. How it felt like twice as long.

“You’ve been practicing… for twelve years?” Applejack whispered. Glancing past Soul to her left and then her right. Clearly looking at her wings. “So… that was you.”

Huh, what is she talking about? Soul peaked her eyebrow. Just about to ask before “Can you do a sonic rainboom?”

A sonic… Dash’s move? Soul shook her head. “I don’t think so.” Thinking over it all and realizing one thing. AJ here must have seen what we did. I don’t think anypony would’ve been able to miss what we did yesterday. The sight of Rainbow’s rainboom and my… was it even a rainboom? Never really did figure out what it was. All it took was her going so fast that it nearly hurt her, yet it was exhilarating. Like being the wind itself. Such a joy bringing an epic light show she still could not believe she was able to make just by flying. Though, Dash could do it too just by flying. Simply different colors.

“I mean…” Soul decided to try and put that into words. “It’s something like it, just happens when I fly really fast.” “And you used that against her rainboom, didn’t ya?” Applejack said. Getting nearer and her enthusiasm growing along with her joyful smile. Soul had no comment. “I knew it! All them black and purply lights. That was you. Right after Dash’s rainboom.” She smiled with a squee.

3.59
“You gotta tell me, who won?”

Is my move a sonic rainboom? I need to call it something. Not like it was rainbow or anything. Seriously, what to call it? I got an amazing move like that and nothing to call it, I wonder if Dash would be upset if I called it a rainboom too. …Oh wait, did she just ask me something? Who won?

“We tied” Soul said. I think that’s what happened. Even with the race not exactly ending, though if it had ended Soul could tell that things would likely end the same way they always did in the past. Especially since both pegasi did a good job in keeping up with one another. There’d have been no way to pass Dash anyways in that race. It hurt too much. If only I had stretched.

AJ gasped. So loudly. “There’s no way.” Soul watched as AJ broke from her stupor, coming forward and leaning past Soul so close she could feel the Earth pony breathing onto her back as she stood tall over Soul. Looking right back at her wings. She’s staring at them. Like lasers tickling her spans. Her wings even shook in response. But she calmed them and let them rest firmly against her sides. Right clear where AJ could see them no matter what unless she shoved her aside.

“Hard to say this…” Applejack paused. Gulping deeply. “But I believe ya.”

Yeah, I admit, it is really hard to race Dashie. It really is but I still got it. She bet it to be quite a feat for any Pegasus to keep up with a pony whose wings were as strong as those cyan ones. It took really special wings and real special determination to match a pony who had both of those since childhood. I guess I should be impressed with myself.

“Dash is the best flyer in Equestria… and you tied with her?”

What did she say?

Dash is the best…? No… no way.

“She is?” Soul squeaked.

AJ stepped back. “Yeah… but now I don’t know. With wings like yers… why, they’re as good as hers.” My wings are pretty strong, yeah, but… I don’t know. Dash is the best? Can I even be as good as her? Twelve years. In twelve years… Dash was able to become the best flyer. She did this.

Rainbow, you are this amazing? You stuck with what we wanted since we were kids and you did it. And I… I kept up with you. All this time, I was able to fly as fast as you. Her wings practically jumped for joy against her sides exactly like her heart leaped. Applejack was saying this. This thing that could be the one thing she took out of it. This means…

I’m as good as Dash, I’m a better flyer than any other?

3.60
Soul placed a hoof to her forehead. Still taking that in. I never knew… I was able to do this. It felt good. So good. Like euphoria running across her body. Such calm. Like it told her just how special her wings were. She always did think they were but… this special! With no more ponies around to insult her over them. Nothing but praise. All because of the work I did to them. Do I really deserve to be given such praise?

I told you you were good.

Blight called me a perfect flyer. All these ponies stare at me like I’m weird or something. No, all these ponies, they feel the same way. It’s not like back at camp. Not like when I was a kid. Ponies actually like me. They like my wings. Twelve years of work and… now it’s like a dream.

What if I were to perform for all of them? Would they love me? Love me like they love Dashie. I wish I had that chance… long ago. Like a few years ago. I would totally enter the Best Young Flyer Competition. Crush all those ponies in it.

Soul giggled inside. More giddy than anything else right now. Her legs shook. Not even able to tell if she was smiling. Probably was. Who cares? This must be what it feels like to be… something. No more ponies hurting me… no. Ever since I got here, it’s like something completely different from Cloudsdale. Nopony sees me as a horrible pony. They just see me as an amazing flyer with beautiful wings. It made her giggle. Laughing with AJ. I think I’m starting to like this town.

“Color me impressed, sugar cube.” She was impressed. Just like Blight was. Like Dash had been before. Like other ponies. Applejack, does she like me too? She makes me feel… appreciated.

3.61
“You gotta show me those wings of yers in action” AJ requested. “I’m bettin you can pull off all sorts of fancy maneuvers. Show my girl, Rainbow, up for me. That’ll really ruffle her feathers.” Yeah. I think it’s true. Applejack likes me. I like her too. It’s sort of just like how it was with Pinkie, but… better. AJ was pretty nice.

Hope she doesn’t mind, but I want to call her what Dash calls her. “Sure thing, …AJ.” Soul smiled. Rewarded by the same from AJ whose spirits soared. “That’s my girl” the farmpony howled out. Hehe, anything for my friend...

Rainbow Dash was right again. These ponies Dash was friends with, nothing like the children from the past. These ponies were so open and kind. So friendly. None of them seemed to see any flaws in her, nothing to keep them away. Unless they knew the truth. Then what? Something other than what Soul knew would happen?

It would be a dream for me to be able to tell them my real name and they still love me. Will they? I don’t think so.

No. If they knew, then they would all hate me. Just like all the ponies before. I’m fine with lying to them about everything. Anything to feel like they will like me. …They only all like me… because they don’t know.

“And who knows” AJ said. “Maybe you can do a hoof race with me sometime, your legs there are lookin’ mighty strong too. …No wings for that though.” It was instinctive, but Soul nodded. I like the sound of that. Even if I lose, I don’t care. It will be a fun thing to do with this pony who can never know who I am.

“Can do, but…” Soul made her way past AJ and to the barrels the two had waiting for them. “Not here.” Soul set her own hoof on one of the barrels with an inviting clank. Let’s get this stuff done before anything else.

3.62
The harness was all set up with a rope that went all around the barrels and tightly strung along them. Well tied in and ready for them all to be pulled with more ropes strapped around them seemingly to keep them in place with one another. Can we even move all these? I guess AJ has a lot of strength, she was able to move them all the way over here. Gonna be a lot of work but… I won’t back down. Besides, there’d be no way she’ll leave Applejack hanging. That pony deserved some help. From Soul alone.

“Sorry if I struggle moving these” she said not for pity, but because she truly thought this may be a challenge for her. “I’m not that strong. …But I’ll still do that hoof race with you.”

“Well clearly ya’ll never looked at yer own legs before” Applejack said so snark as she passed by with a grin. Soul looked down at her legs. What? They’re nothing special. Yeah I worked them out a ton and all but they’re not that strong. Unlike AJ. Does she even mean it? That my legs look strong. Well… I can still try. It means a lot that a pony like her would notice the work I put in.

It was actually starting to get to be too much.

All these nice things ponies were saying. Stop making me blush.

“Just follow my lead and you’ll do fine, teammate.” Applejack smiled saying that, welcoming Soul over to where she waited in front of these barrels of seeds. Alright so… how am I gonna do this? Looking back over the setup AJ made here. Making her way over to the harness that had been casually left to its lonesome on the ground. I think I see how to put it on. Didn’t look too tight either, just well enough for her to possibly slip into.

It looked weird though. Such a thing, I’ve never worn one of these before. I never had to haul anything like this. But I’ll do it for Applejack. Picking it right up in her mouth and maneuvering it around till the openings got in a position to just slide around her. Or they would.

3.63
Applejack set a hoof right on it, stopped right in its tracks and tossed back onto the ground. “I said to follow my lead” she said. What, was I not doing something right? Applejack doesn’t need to use the harness, I’ll gladly do it. She could always use her wings and was about to point this out, ready to take on the responsibility when she witnessed AJ do something much different. She grabbed a part of the rope in her mouth.

That was it? Had to be. She simply stared at Soul like that as if awaiting something. Until she nodded downwards. Soul realized what it was she was doing. Pointing to another free part of the rope connected to the harness that sat between the two ponies. Well if that’s how she wants to do this. Not what I expected.

Soul did as she asked, picking it right up in her mouth. Clamping tight with her teeth. “Where are we going?” Soul asked. Looking about for something she knew not what to look for. “I got my cart outside the market. Let’s just load ‘em up in her.”

Applejack began to pull, wasting no more time. Such a heavy tug and… Soul looked back just in time to see all those barrels being pulled right at her. Oh crap! Soul rushed forward. Catching up with AJ and then, she really felt it as the rope snapped tight. Hell, they were heavy back there. Even with AJ’s help, they felt like she may be hauling a load of boulders behind her. Making her legs wobble for a moment. Enough of this.

Soul let out her wings. Giving such a strong flap that pushed her legs forward, all the strength she needed. Just use some flaps with them to get her forward. Then again. Still felt like a huge strain on her legs. Applejack really did move these things all on her own? Impossible.

“Why didn’t… you just get the cart?” Soul asked the burning question in her mind.

“You seriously think I can get that behemoth through this here crowd?” AJ responded and waved a hoof before all the ponies massed around them, some of which took their time to notice the two ponies and get out the way. One even stared at Soul and her technique of moving the barrels along. Hey, it worked. Not hurting her legs so much anymore and giving her wings something to do. But, yeah there were too many ponies.

“We’ll just load ‘em up and wait for the others. I think Rarity’s gonna have a ton a crap for me to carry as well” Applejack said. A ton of crap for her? What is she talking about? Wasn’t Rarity one of Dash’s friends? The fashion pony? Yeah that was it. Rarity, Fluttershy and Twilight?

Still incredible that she was so close to meeting them all. Here! Here of all places, and so soon. But she stuck with it as she did before. They all seemed to be exactly what Dash told her they will be. She could only hope AJ would be able to haul all that. Unless… I can still help her if she wants. All this is really heavy.

3.64
“What even are those seeds for?” Soul asked. So many barrels all filled to the brim. “For plantin’ of course” AJ said. “Oh…” Soul paused. Nice smartass answer. I see how sarcastic she’s being. Like she was goofing that Soul may be stupid or something. Soul shook her head. “No, I mean what are you planting them for?” Surely she didn’t need all of this. “For the crops. Need us a new batch of food for Ponyville. Ya know, my family’s got a stake in this here market and they need all the product we can make.”

Soul cocked her eyebrow. This pony was telling her about her life. Her very simple life. One of farming and selling the results just to make these ponies happy. It… it sounds so normal. Like a life I can remember for ponies back home.

This is the first pony to tell me about their lives here. She wants to talk to me about it? Why even bother? Do all ponies here have lives as simple as that? It sounds so nice. One without heartache or pain, loneliness. As far as she could tell. This pony seemed as happy as could be.

What if I had a life like that growing up? No mistakes or pain. How normal her life may be. What could have been accomplished? Where would she be? Similar to this Earth pony? But, Blight, …that thought hit her. I… may not have met her. Would I? I could have just gone on with my normal life with Dashie… or… gone through this pain… and find such a great friend. Really, why do I need to be the one who deals with all this? No such thing as normal. Like it may make her cringe in front of everypony. In front of AJ. Walking next to her talking away.

“Done picked me up some carrots, cucumbers and lettuce seeds. That stuff is a killer. But most of the haul is apple seeds.” Talking about her farm. All the stuff she grows there. Sounds like a nice hobby, one this pony indulged in for a job. Growing foods for others and some sort of great apple farmer as apparent by her family’s status that she learned of. Hehe and her name is Applejack. What, are there other ponies out there named after apples too?

3.65
But it was interesting to her that they were hauling apple seeds, and so many. Soul was no farmer but… didn’t apple trees sort of last long? Or whatever the term was. This must be enough to make an entirely new farmland of them. So many barrels. “What do you need the apple seeds for?”

“Rainbow Dash” Applejack said bluntly.

Soul sighed. This will be good. “What did she do?” Applejack responded with a resounding snort and a wave of her hoof. “You kidding me, that pony made one helluva mess of my fields the other week. Pulling some fancy move that near tore my acres up. She spent all day apologizing.” Whoa. So sounded like Dash really messed up right there. What kind of move would it take to ruin a field? Really hope nopony got hurt.

Dash still rushes and makes mistakes. All these years and she never grew out of it, never learned from any of it… just like the crash yesterday. Or… that was my fault. No, she was doing a good job. Except for all the accidents. Guess no matter how good Dashie gets, she’ll still have problems. But …ponies make mistakes. I know I do.

“So that’s why I got that Pegasus on rain duty for my farm for the next three months” Applejack nudged her. “Don’t be surprised to see her getting’ up early somedays.” Well at least Dash was making up for her mistake. Soul could relate. It always was right to make things right, to right all your mistakes that hurt other ponies. I totally get what you’re saying, AJ. Even if you didn’t mean it like this. It just sounded so right for her. So, don’t be upset Dash, we both are still pretty reckless. With Soul still being a burden to the pony who didn’t need her to be one. Who didn’t earn a burden on herself. Not when she had so much to do already. Soul will do so much to make things right.

I’ll help anypony till I can have my normal life back, where Dash will be my friend again and nopony will hate me. I’ll earn it all.

When Dash will finally forgive me.

I don’t know much about weather control or any of that stuff, but… maybe I can try to help Dash out with that sometime. I’m a Pegasus after all, and I’m good with clouds. Move them around and all that, isn’t that mostly what weather control is? I don’t know. Something to help her. Anything she needed.

She did give me this, after all.

Right next to Soul. Matching Soul’s steps. Applejack was laughing and smiling with her. Having a good time. I think… I may have a new friend?

3.66
Don’t even know what to do, but things are still working out so good. Rainbow Dash could not stop loving how well it was all going. No doubt those two are back there having a good time together. No better way to make friends than through working haha. How could there be a better way for a pony to get to know Applejack? That workhorse would talk your ear off while she worked. Hope you can handle it, Soul.

Those two will be friends in no time. Thankfully. AJ did a good job at greeting Soul. Why, it was nearly impossible not to notice the shine that Pegasus had in her eyes. Still there even when she left Soul. That pony must love being able to hang out with another pony. Not even putting up a fight at the idea. Simply going along with it. Now that was a shocker. A shock for all to be working out.

Now, things were working out even more.

Dash threw her bits upon the counter and plucked up the results of what she bought. A nice bundle of grapes set atop her left wing and set to join the rest of the fruits she had stocked up in one of the saddlebags draped along her side. Damn near filled to the brim just like the other three she had on her and their weight was starting to become a bit much. Maybe because the bags dragged along the ground as she walked off. Putting up a fight against her just to move along.

Ugh, don’t got much of a choice nowadays. I’m buying for two now… and Soul… she’s a pig if I remember right. Hope this is enough. All these fruits and vegetables may not even be enough in the end to last the week. But what more to get?

She walked on over to the other stand nearby, selling nothing at all she needed. Somehow it still managed to boast a crowd around it. Around where they sold seeds. Seeds meant for bird feed. No clue why so many ponies wanted that stuff. But… a certain pony must be over here. Didn’t take long. Dash heard a little scoff behind her.

3.67
None other than Rarity. The pony rushing up behind Dash. Her blue eyes set right on the saddlebags.

“Seriously!?” the unicorn asked in such an annoyed shrill. Why did it amuse Dash? She still smiled. “I just bought grapes and you go ahead and get some anyways?” Rarity pulled up a fresh bundle of red grapes held up from her bejeweled saddlebag, aloft by the burst of blue mist formed around it that matched the same color as her glowing horn. Oh what, how was I supposed to know she would buy some?

“Sorry” Dash said. “Guess Soul will need to settle with white grapes” referring to the ones she bought instead. “I’m just too ahead of you. But hey” Dash pointed to the grapes Rarity had bought. “Now you got some for yourself.” Dash going on ahead with her business. Hope she won’t be too upset. Not even knowing both of them were buying the same thing for this.

Rarity followed her. Dash hearing her hoofsteps behind her in a little stomp. “Seriously, Dash I simply can not figure out what it is she would like. Not like you gave us any time to prepare for this.” Oh I made it clear earlier. She doesn’t need to buy presents for Soul right now. Rarity is such a spaz. So hard pressed for ideas that she went ahead and bought grapes for a present. Besides, presents would be for a later day. Right no, this is just supposed to be a welcoming party for Soul and introduce her to everypony. Welcome to have so many new friends to guide her away from the horrors of her past. No need for presents to do that. Pinkie, like she always was, probably already had a bunch readied up.

But… she barely knows Soul. What would she even get her?

“Stop your worrying” Dash said back. “All I asked was for you to be there for her.” “Yes, but it’s hardly ladylike to show up to a party without anything to give” Rarity countered. Lifting something else up from her bag. “Perhaps this comb?” Holding up the black studded comb complete with a little ribbon around it and then …glasses popped up. Making Dash roll her eyes.

“Or these glasses. They become sunglasses in the light.”

Soul doesn’t need glasses and… a comb? Seriously. “Let me tell you, once you see that mane of hers, you can tell she doesn’t need a comb.” It would just get destroyed again in the wind all thanks to that high-flying pony.

3.68
“Excuse me” Dash said to the ponies around the stand. Thankful for them to part for her to trot right on in. “Well excuse me” Rarity said. Doing well to put emphasis on the excuse part. Standing her ground outside the crowd and not wanting to follow in. Glaring at Rainbow. “But will you not help me?”

What does she want me to say? She’s overreacting so much on this. She even freaked the hell out earlier when she learned about the party. And Pinkie probably already almost has it ready. “This is just her welcome party” Dash reiterated. “You don’t see me getting her gifts.”

Rarity made an obvious glance to the saddlebags Dash toted. Raising an eyebrow. “That’s just food for the two of us back home. Come on now, you’re worrying over nothing. Just show her a good time later.” “You know I’m not going to accept coming empty hooved” Rarity flashed her hoof to Dash. Pointing it right through her essentially even though it stopped just short of striking the fur on her chest.

Sweet Celestia. Dash held her breath. Really trying to figure this out right now. In a manner she couldn’t figure out anything with. Even she lost ideas on what it would be that Soul would like for gifts. Not that she ever planned to get any for this party to begin with. The thought did cross, but then the thought of disappointing her with garbage crossed as well. Until another idea had come to her mind earlier.

Why did Rarity not let it sink in? This was not that important, just to make friends. The most important thing was… Dash had an idea.

It… sounds perfect!

Then maybe Rarity would stop worrying over it and have some actual time to plan things out. “Look, just show up to the party, hang out with her and make her feel welcomed. That’s gonna make her very happy” Dash said. Seeing no change in Rarity’s expression. So Dash came closer. Holding her hoof up to wave her friend closer, and she did. Enough for Dash to whisper.

“I got something special planned. But for now, just play along. I need all the help I can get to make her feel welcome.”

“What is this special thing you have planned?” Rarity said. More intrigued now than she was annoyed. Dash considered telling her. About to until, that wouldn’t be good. Not until all of us are together. Because Dash didn’t want to think about it right now, not with so much on her plate as was. So much that her head might spin. Leave it for later.

“It’s a secret… but I’ll give you some designs later. Suppose it wouldn’t be too much to ask you to sew them up for me?” Dash held her forehooves together. Practically begging Rarity for the favor and to drop this for now with the biggest grin Dash could manage.

“Very well” Rarity said, surprising Dash with a quick nudge to her side as the unicorn walked past almost making Dash fall over if not for her catching herself. But Rarity smiled back. A small giggle betraying that tough show she tried to put on. “I’ll do it for you, just try to give her a good show today. The poor dear needs it after such a long journey.”

3.69
Dash smiled. Yes! So that may work out in the end. Good. At least after this worked out. All of this. But it seemed like it may. Really, none of them know who Soul really is. Just like I thought. Rarity more than happy to help Soul out. Even Fluttershy was on board. Doing her business before she’d be ready to head back with them to find wherever Soul and AJ wandered off to.

Hopefully those two had not gotten too far. But none of them suspected a thing. Really buying into that crazy story Soul came up with. Dash could only hope they’d all forgive her for lying to them over the story when the time came to tell the truth. They’d have to because they’ll all understand she had no choice.

Then we can all prove Soul is innocent.

She can live here with me! Oh, so exciting! I can already see how happy Soul will be when Celestia clears her of everything. Accept all that happened as the accident that it all was. Surely, Celestia will listen to us and Soul will want me to be there for her again. She’ll want things the way they used to be and we can be together! Dash giggled under her breath.

She followed right after Rarity now into the crowd which began to disperse so much so that the ponies had an easy time making their way to the stand. Finding that Fluttershy was still there. Looking to be more at ease to see both of them had arrived. Dash swore she saw the Pegasus giving a little sigh of relief under her breath. No sign of worry at all unlike other ponies. Walking right up to meet Dash from where she could see Fluttershy had indeed picked up a big surplus of seeds inside of her own saddlebags. Thankfully not for Soul.

“Did you manage to find everything you needed?” Fluttershy asked. Sounding so sweet as she said it but, for some reason, she frowned. Dash answered anyways with a nod. “Yeah I think I got everything.” Looking back over her bags and being certain she had everything she set out to get. Recalling the list she formed in her head and checking each off as she remembered everything she bought already. Really not finding anything she missed. Enough food for maybe a few days. I’d get more but these bags are starting to get pretty hard to haul around like this.

3.70
“That’s good” Fluttershy pointed out and made her way past Dash. Like she was ready to go. Go on with that frown of hers. “Do we have everything for a cake?” Is she serious? More so, it was making Dash realize something apparent with that Pegasus. “Pinkie will already have it done.” Dash put a hoof to her chin. “Though I don’t know what flavors she’s doing.”

Another surprise cake for any pony that managed to get a welcome party from Pinkie. But Soul really loves sweet things, so she’d likely be satisfied with any flavor, and how could she turn down any after so many years without any type of real food? But more to the point, the one Dash realized she strayed off from. “You still okay with coming to the party?” she asked Fluttershy. Responded with a resounding sigh, turning Dash’s spirits down in an instant. Seeing the disappointed faces of her two friends in front of her.

Uh oh, what’s wrong?

“I’m just worried I may make her upset” Fluttershy said. “I couldn’t think of anything to get her for a present.” Here we go again. So now I get to hear the lecture. Seeing it in Rarity’s eyes. Right as the unicorn said it. “You didn’t exactly give us any notice. We have to give a surprise party for a pony we don’t know how to surprise. How do you even expect us to do that?” But… that wasn’t even the point of surprise parties… wait… why am I wasting time on this? This should be so simple.

“You’re her friend, Dashie. Can you not tell us more about her? Please” Fluttershy said.

There wasn’t anything more to say. Dash made her way to join the two ponies. Almost tripping on a bag in the process, fed up with this burden. She took to the air now to hover gently over them. Letting her wings do the work and feeling so much relief wash over her. “Just talk with her, introduce yourselves. Make her feel welcomed. She’s been very lonely on her trip and could use some company. I really wish I had a better plan, but it’s all I got.” Dash pleaded with them. “So please just help me.”

3.71
“Perhaps you should have considered asking Twilight for some help” Rarity suggested. Twilight, huh? The truth was Dash did want Twilight to help with this. She’s handled hard stuff before, I’ve never had to deal with this kind of thing before. No friendship problem like this. It would have been a good idea, but… Soul was way to nervous. How Soul was acting earlier, she probably wouldn’t be able to hang out with Twilight. Understandable, but it didn’t help.

“I’d rather I handle it. She’s my old friend, I want to be the one who is there for her.”

Really, these two had no idea how hard this actually was. All the reasons why Dash could not do any of this the easy way. She wished she could tell them. Better yet, she wished those mistakes had not been done twelve years ago and they wouldn’t even have this situation. Soul would have had her welcome party long ago and it’d gone much smoother. In a time when she knew the Pegasus better. Now, now she didn’t even know what to say.

Rarity called her my friend. Soul doesn’t even feel like my old friend anymore.

Applejack probably knew more about her by now than even Dash did. Soul looked plenty happy around that pony. She’s just happy cuz I’m not there scaring her. Well… today, I’ll show her I can be her good friend again. That I am so very sorry. Sorry for what I see in her. Seeing the unbelievable sadness in Soul’s beautiful eyes that had once been gifted with nothing but joy and happiness the likes of which Dash adored to see in such an adorable friend. Rarity and Fluttershy giggled.

Dash looked up seeing both of them enjoying themselves to one another. “Aww that’s so sweet of you, Dash” Fluttershy said. Not even letting Dash respond with even a blush before Rarity said “You don’t need to beg us for help. We already agreed and will do our best. It really is nice of you to want to help her so much.” The unicorn turned around and made her way off, off in the direction that Dash began to assume as to what may be her destination. Followed by Fluttershy. “You really are a good friend of hers. Shall we go meet her?”

Dash took a moment… then she nodded.

A good friend of hers?

3.72
Her good friend? No, that… that won’t be until after she can forgive me for what I did to her. Still, I want to do all this for her. Rarity was probably blowing smoke up her ass, but Dash liked what she said. Feeling a little pride that she was being recognized for her deeds. All to lead to when Soul will recognize just how good of friends they all can be together. She’ll let me be in her life again.

The moment when both of us… can finally hug each other again… and I’ll apologize so much. And she’ll forgive me.

Dash already knew just how to do it. That loving hug that Soul had been devoid of for too long. That hug that both of them missed deeply. Or so she hoped her old friend missed it just as much as she did. But, I guess I am a good friend for her. The thing she needed to show. For only a true friend would do stuff like this. Dash tussled her saddlebags a bit feeling that they may fall off with all of Soul’s food. Righting them once more. Feeling proud that she got all this for her old friend and how happy Soul will be. Listening to her friends talk below her.

“Just off her travels, she sounds like a fascinating pony. You think she may have foreign fashion advice for me?” To which Fluttershy responded with “I don’t know, but I hope she’s nice.” Saying it with an enthused smile. Fluttershy will be pleasantly surprised. Soul is such a nice pony. She always had been. Contrary to all she was known for. Those three will get along real nicely, and then a kickass party for all of us. I can’t wait.

“You don’t have to wait for long.” Dash widened her eyes, just as she almost felt the need to plummet out of the sky. Caught by a quick burst of her wings strong enough to… to carry this weight? Dash looked over to her right. Right where she had heard the voice.

Pinkie Pie?

3.73
Dash gasped. Pinkie right there. Right there… inside one of the saddlebags with her head poking out of it. Clearly doubling the size of that bag alone and… Dash’s heart plummeted. She better not have squished the plums!

She pulled something other than food out from the bag with her. Holding up a little watch on a string tied around her forehoof. Giving Dash no time to read it. More in bewilderment that Pinkie was here right now, and why she felt the need to hitch a ride. “Party will be ready in an hour. Don’t be late.”

“Wha…!”

Dash watched as the pink pony plummeted right back down into the bag and… felt like normal now.

She didn’t even give me a chance to…

“An hour!” Rarity shrieked. The unicorn clearly freaking out down there. Barely able to keep herself still, like she was dancing on all hooves. Looking left and right. Dash too… I only have an hour?

“I haven’t even prepared. Ooooh…” Rarity took off faster than Dash had time to calm her. With her curly purple mane waving violently in the wind with every gallop she took through the crowds of ponies. Dash just able to see her from up here, and hear her. “I gotta get ready, …see you at the party!” Her voice not doing well in masking that she was really, really freaking out. As was Dash. Damn it, Pinkie. She could’ve at least given us more time. It wasn’t even noon yet.

Even Fluttershy felt the need to take off. The Pegasus joining Rainbow in the air with gentle little flaps that brought her right next to her. “Sorry, I need to go. Angel and the bunnies are going to need their meals early now.” She turned to fly off. Waving a hoof back and effectively killing the idea Dash had of all the ponies getting together here and being able to meet Soul. “I’ll see you and Soul soon” Fluttershy parted with and the Pegasus flew off. Leaving Dash alone.

So now we have to wait till the party… but I told Soul that… Dash shook her head. No, no. This wasn’t a big deal. I need to see if I’ll have enough time to get all this food back home. To even have time to do other things. That party now sounded like it’d be even more of a surprise for Soul in this, an ever-increasing day of surprises. Maybe it was for the best. Refusing to see anything worse with this situation. Soul could be surprised and meet new friends at the same party. Rarity and Fluttershy will treat her so well. But what to do?

Dash looked around. Taking a moment to pinpoint the direction she remembered leaving Soul and AJ in. Oh please may they be close to done with their work. AJ needs to get home quick. She just imagined that workhorse having to bust her tail in a rush to get all her work done beforehand.

3.74
Rainbow took off into the sky, finding a better vantage with which to find exactly where it was she left those ponies. Hoping they may still be around there like they should. Both of them. Really hope AJ didn’t take off already, she doesn’t even know the party is soon. Dash sure as hell was ready but she needed the others to be as well.

Going off, she flew over the crowds of ponies mixed around with so many stands and carts, leaning down to catch wind of recognizable things that did let her know she was going the right way in her frantic flight so hurried that she knew she left a trail of wind behind her. Even hearing somepony yell about their hat in her wake. All the while wondering what it she should do. She really wanted to have a little fun with Soul before the party. Anything really, and she still worked on whatever it may be. Still desiring it.

She had so much weight on her, but none of it stopped her. None of it kept her down from zipping over everything. From trying to find those ponies. Finding her way to fly over the familiar carrot stands that let her know that she was indeed flying back in the right direction. Not taking long at all.

She heaved a sigh of relief, quickly getting sight of Applejack right at the crossroads with her wagon just outside the hustle and bustle of the market. Looking to be getting ready to pack up and leave, alongside her being the Pegasus she was also looking for. That’s a good sight. Of course they wouldn’t leave without me coming back. AJ wouldn’t do that. That girl would stay with Soul the entire time. If not for fun than for protecting the newcomer to Ponyville. Keeping her company. Gotta thank her later for helping me out.

For now, she zipped off. Closing in fast and just needing a little flick of her wings to slow her down for a landing. An awkward one when she almost tripped forward with a kick of her hooves against the ground all thanks to how heavy her saddlebags were now that they too got to drag along the ground. Happy in the end. For one reason. Nopony said anything stupid about her landing. Especially AJ, both ponies more focused on their task. Still managing to get a glance and a smile from AJ who just did the finishing touches to a tight looking knot she made in a rope that circled the entirety of the barrels stacked atop the cart. One of many knots. Looked as if AJ had put around a dozen ropes in to fasten them in place.

3.75
There was something that did make Dash smile. She saw that Soul really had been helping AJ and she saw something more to it. Soul turned out to also be working to help prep the barrels too. Standing up on top of the cart and giving a quick buck to one barrel and then another, pushing them closer in till they were all tightly packed. Just seeing that Pegasus give a light whiff of her breath and rear up before delivering quite a snap of her hind legs against the barrels, such a strong kick. Breathing heavy. She must have been working hard.

Soul probably hasn’t put a ton of work into those legs of hers. Spending all that time on her wings, just like most pegasi. Dash couldn’t fault her. I don’t have amazing legs either. Still, I’m glad she helped out. She must have made things a bit easier. AJ seemed happy enough. Soul finally getting her moment to jump off from the cart and, after a small pause, she came over to meet Dash. Giving off her final haggard breaths and licking her lips. She nodded. Right as Soul spoke out. “You’re back.” Not so much say but almost shrieking.

Dash noticed something in her voice, like it was painful or something to say those two words. Like it hurt her throat. So why sound so weird over it? She couldn’t place it, at least Soul gave a little smile. Like her face lit up. Shining like her eyes. Stunning Dash at first, until she greeted her back with just as much strain in her voice that Soul had. “Yeah, I’m…” she coughed. Hearing how she sounded. Just wanting to correct that little mess up, and hope that Soul may not catch it as just how happy she really was to see them. Just something in my throat, haha.

I’m so glad I found them.

I was worried for a moment, I… I’d even hug her if she wanted me to. “I’m done shopping. I’m ready to go now” Dash said with no problems. Not like the surprise that came out a moment ago. “Well we just got done too” Applejack chimed in. Patting a hoof against the side of her cart with pride. That really was a good thing too.

3.76
“Great” Dash said, sliding past Soul and over to the Earth pony who was in no hurry to leave. Time to change that before Dash could feel her happiness begin to turn to an anxious breakdown. “Well you better get going so you can do that thing you need to do.”

“Wh…” Just as she expected.

Dash rushed in, setting a hoof right on AJ’s mouth and shutting her up before she blew this. Close enough now for her to grab her by the cheeks and whisper in her ear. “We need to get going.” “What are you talkin’ about, and why are we whispering?” Applejack said despite herself whispering with no hesitation. Rainbow took a glance over her shoulder, just enough to see that Soul was curiously fidgeting over at the far end of the cart. Doesn’t look like she can hear any of this. Frowning and then smiling again at them.

“Change of plans” Dash whispered back into Applejack’s ear. “Pinkie rushed, we got an hour till the party. Rarity and Fluttershy are already off to…”

“Oh dear!” Applejack surprised her. Rearing back free from Dash’s grasp and looking back over to her cart. “The thing” she nodded. “Right.” She was off, slipping easily into the harness that took over her entire torso. Taking her position up front at the head of the cart and ready to pull it off, as was shown in how freaked out she was. Barely able to keep herself still. So she really was reacting just like the others. At least she got the message. Not before she turned back. Holding still for just a moment.

“Thanks a ton, Soul. I’ll be sure to pay ya back but I gots to go get the… uh… stuff ready for later. Food prep and all!” She put on a little smile to seal the deal. Nice cover. AJ better do just as she said she was doing. I’m counting on her to deliver.

“Alright” Soul whispered. She gave a little wave of her hoof, and a smile. Not looking like she was upset at all over this unfortunate early parting. “It was nice meeting you.” “You too, sugar cube!” With that, Applejack kicked up her legs and sent that cart flying off behind her. Leaving a nice trail of dirt in her wake and the rickety creaks of the wagon wheels. “I’ll catch ya’ll gals later!” she yelled back.

Rainbow turned around, able to catch the last glimpses of Soul giving her friend a long wave off. She looked so happy. What did they do while I was off? Been a while since I saw Soul this happy. Those two… they must have gotten along so well. Giving this pony even more incentive to trust what Dash was saying. That this place was meant to be her home and she can trust everypony here. Here, the past didn’t matter. Not when she would have great friends ready to protect her. Ready to give her hope for a better future without worry.

I can only hope she’ll include me in it.

But I’m happy for her. Soul made another friend. There was no doubt in that. One more hour, one more and Soul will be so happy with me. Dash could hardly stand it. Wanting to break down with glee right there.

3.77
She proved herself stronger than that. Rainbow rejoined Soul, standing side by side. She hesitated but went through with putting a thankful hoof atop Soul’s back. Right in between her folded wings. “Did you two have fun while I was gone?” Soul giggled. Showing nothing to indicate she didn’t like Dash touching her like this. Or she didn’t care. Looking to be more engrossed in her time with AJ.

“If by fun you mean hard work, then yes. I enjoyed it” Soul said. Wasting no more time in going on about it. Sounding a little like Pinkie Pie right now. “She had a lot of interesting stories about her farm so that made all that work pretty easy. Gave me a good workout too. I didn’t even know I could buck so good. So, I did have fun.” That sounded so good! Dash laughed for her. Patting her between the wings. More proud than anything else of what she was hearing. That this was all working out.

“I told you” Rainbow boasted. “My friends are awesome. They’re gonna be a blast to hang out with.” “Thanks for letting me meet them.” Soul raised a hoof. Up and then back till… Dash’s ears perked up. Soul touched the hoof Dash had set on her, and… she pushed it aside. Right back down onto the ground and free of the soft fur that Soul sported.

It was right there, right there when Dash felt a big emptiness in her heart.

She pushed me away. Did she actually not like me touching her? I thought she may be okay with me doing that. That we could be good friends again and… see that I’m doing all this for her. That I wasn’t lying. So both of us can go back to how we were. To better times.

Rainbow hid her face. Unable to look anymore at her and show that she was so hurt by that. Damn it all.

“You don’t need to do that for me” Soul said. But why? Soul used to be okay with me touching her. She always allowed Dash to. Typical because the two of them still weren’t friends. “Thanks for letting me meet Applejack. I think…” Dash felt a little tug on her. Pulling her back towards Soul. She had to see.

Soul was still here. Right next to her and… her own magenta furred leg set atop one of the saddlebags. Curling the hoof into the opening and pulling it towards her. “You should take a break. Let me carry some of these.” She gave another tug.

She wanted to… Rainbow Dash turned around fully. Bringing the bags with her. The bags that… Soul wanted from her. Offered to carry for her, and she wasn’t joking. Soul took another step forward. Really awaiting a response. Applejack, what did you do? How did this day manage to turn out so well. Well enough that Rainbow Dash looked across her old friend’s face and saw the sincerity, the kindness she was offering. Ones that left her mouth agape.

She wants to help me? Soul wants to help me? But I was meant to help her.

Soul offered her hoof again. Unfolding her wings and letting them plop down to present a nice and open area on her back fresh for a pair of saddlebags to be tossed on. It… wasn’t often that Rainbow was offered help like this. Always needing to ask for it first. So, to feel like this over it, that her old friend was wanting to help her in such a pitiful task… this feeling. Dash smiled for her. Ready to decline her offer, but… no. Not out of selfishness. Not about getting rid of some of this weight on her back. Strange enough, she felt it was a reward for Soul.

I’m so proud of her. She put up with so much today. She had to deal with twelve years of miserable crap and, after all that, she still is that pony that wants to help me just like when we were fillies. I can’t believe I pushed a pony like this away. To feel shame and pride at the same time. I’ll never let this pony down again, I promise. I’ll anything to help her. Even stand between her and Celestia if it comes down to it.

I’ll protect the pony I let down. Never let her down again.

Rainbow’s smile grew wider. Soul, you’re gonna get a treat. Looked like they did have time to go have a little fun. Show Soul more of what was in store for her here. How different this place is to the world Soul had to deal with for so long.

Rainbow lifted a bag up for her. “Let’s get going.”

3.77
“Ah! I see a bench we can use.” Rainbow Dash picked up her pace and rushed on ahead. Really gunning right for whatever it was that was happening. Soul really did think they were going to go meet more ponies, the others as Dash had said. But that Pegasus had failed to tell her anything more on it. Like where they were. So that left one question.

“What are we doing here?”

“Let’s just hang out for a bit” and Rainbow Dash galloped off, letting her hefty saddlebags bounce along her sides. Leaving Soul behind in surprise. But I thought we were going to go meet the others. She went all this way under the idea that they were doing just that. Just walking with Rainbow by her side as both pegasi hauled their respective saddlebags. The one Dash had given her still weighed down on her back. Bristling along her feathers.

It was just them and these bags as Soul was given the opportunity to marvel over everything she saw because now she realized, as they entered this clearing that bared way to a bench beneath a slew of thick trees, that all she had seen was something more. From the dirt paths just wide enough for Dash and her to walk side by side flanked by seemingly endless hills and flatlands of the brightest green grass she may see. The likes of which she would never be able to see days ago. All right here and broken just by lines of beautiful trees that lit the path. Forking all over to find more and more trees whose leaves beamed of sunlight. Those were all that dared to break the sanctity of these grasslands. Till now. When she found out where they were. When the trees parted.

Soul was face to face with a wide-open land shrouded in a blinding sunlight. Like it may warm this place on its own and only this place.

Soul looked all around, from the small patches of trees that covered benches much like the one that Dash skidded to a halt at and across a wide and sky-blue lake. The only thing that stood out among the endless green fields. Where she saw so much life all around it. Ponies that playfully ran or sat together at the lakeside. From adults to the children. All the laughter those kids gave off. The animals in the water itself. Flapping their wings and sending plumes of water off. Wow, it’s been so long since I saw ducks… and those are… swans. Few of the gorgeous white birds elegantly floating along in the water not giving any care to the ponies who watched them.

Even more benches beyond this and so many more ponies. Just enjoying all this. Sprawled out on blankets. Basking in the Sun. Kids flying a kite rising up to cover over a vast expanse of beautiful blue mountains so far off. Rising over all this in such beauty as they were meant to. To give the final touches to what Soul expected to be beauty. This was a park.

3.78
So this is what Dash wanted to do this whole time. Not meeting the others. She wanted to show this to me, hang out here. Soul looked all around even more. Really no longer caring over her assumptions of what she wanted to happen. This… this was perfect.

I never knew this town had anything like this. Not even Cloudsdale had anything like this. No beautiful scenes around that massive cloud metropolis. The cloud mountains and rivers running through it all, this… this felt so much better. Impossible. Impossible not to feel some sort of appreciation to see all this after too many years. So peaceful and lively. Nothing like what she knew. Even little birds chirping happily over her.

Dash… wanted me to see this place. That was so sweet of her. Soul couldn’t deny that that Pegasus was doing a lot to welcome her into this town. When there was no reason for he to do any of this. She fed me, gave me a place to sleep and stay warm, showed me around town, introduced me to her friends. All I’ve done is… Soul looked over her shoulder to the bags she carried.

Seemed very one-sided.

There’s just nothing else that I can do. There was nothing she could do. Besides just prove to Dash that she wanted to be around her again. That she wanted them to do all the fun stuff they used to together. Like… this.

Soul looked over to her old friend who let her saddlebags drop and prop them against the side of the bench. We did use to enjoy moments like this together. Just sit down in a nice place and talk. Together… in a sauna. It’s like all those old times are coming back. All because of her. It’d be wrong of me to turn her down? She accepted it. Not able to resist the lure of being able to do what she assumed to be nothing more than taking time to not run all over the town and worry over what it may be that awaits her. Even if she knew that right after this will be meeting the other ponies. Rarity, Fluttershy and the alicorn Twilight. Whoever would be first, she could only hope for. Dream for all of them to accept her as had been the case so far in this total miracle.

3.79
Soul walked on over to join Rainbow Dash. Taking another glance around at all the other ponies she could find. Some of which just like her and Dash. Pairs of ponies just sat with one another on other benches. One who reclined and even others who just lay like they were on beds. Dash did the same. The Pegasus leapt up onto the bench and took no time to lay herself down, outstretched, on her belly. Leaving her tail and wings to lazily flop down from there and reach for the soil below. May as well fall asleep like that for how she looked. But she didn’t. She giggled instead. Patting a hoof on a nice, open spot next to her. Insisting on Soul to take a spot with her.

“Come on up, get a load off.” Hehe, she’s been so nice to me. Doing a lot for me. This might be what I need right now. Just a nice break from all this craziness, just some time alone… with my old friend. Besides, I need to get this load off. Soul leaned back and let the heavy saddlebags plummet off her. Arcing her back just to hear it crack back there. Really did feel relieving. All the more too, able to take the spot next to her old friend. Lots of room. Looks like just enough to stretch out. Choosing to sit down and stretch her hind legs out rather than laying down.

Still, she glanced over… just to make sure. I don’t want to intrude or anything. Make her feel uncomfortable being this close. Touching Dash was hard enough, too much courage it did take to do that. All she had. There was no way she could do more. Not able to sit so close to this pony. But she was afraid that the pony she sat with would notice what it was that Soul did. How she left quite a space between herself and Dash. Anything to give the cyan Pegasus room and just in case… Dashie doesn’t want to be so close. It was too much for me to touch her back at the market, I shouldn’t have done that.

“We got a great view from here that I wanted you to see” Dash said. Her voice chipper enough to tell Soul that she did not even notice the effort that Soul had done to distance herself.

3.80
Dash pointed off past Soul’s nose. “Check it out, that’s where we’ll be going soon.” Soul looked.

I… I didn’t even see it. Between all those trees. Like something that bejeweled this massive park. Making her eyes go wide. Never seeing anything like it. Even hearing another voice say something.

Wow.

Right past all of this beauty, like some monolith standing guard over the vast tree line that shielded it. Enough so she could only see the top of it, some building the likes of which Soul found no words for in its impressive beauty. A great building shimmering in the sunlight itself rising high in the distance among such gleam of pure indigo and violet coming right off its vast and towering spires. Giving off such a vast sense of wonder because there was one word she could come up with to describe what this thing may be.

Remembering beauty just like… a final sight she did see the last time her hooves were allowed to touch the ground of this land. Standing as it should, a beacon, right in this town. With its lone and solemn glyph rising higher than any other point of it. As if it may be what it was intended to be.

A star. Center in the sky. Glowing blue like one. So bright that it was even more than the Sun itself could outshine. But she couldn’t stop looking at it in wonder. Amazement. A truly different sight, to see such lights of brilliant blue gleaming off every point of that place and making all the trees shimmer in that light. It was like a star. To rise over all of Ponyville. That was what it should be. Just like… what I used to see. When we flew over these valleys when I was a kid. At Canterlot. Those same things.

It was a castle.

Ponyville has its own castle? Soul blinked. I never even heard of any other town or city in Equestria with a castle. Celestia was the only one who had one. That castle she made me stay in for months. Where… they hurt me.

This castle… it did not make her afraid. This is why Dash wanted to take me here?

3.81
That is where we’ll be going soon? My first visit, after twelve years, to a castle. One completely different. One so calming and gorgeous. Serene. As it was true glory. I’m not afraid? Even when I know who is in there. Castles are meant for one pony. She’s gonna have me meet her. Already. Meeting a princess.

Twilight Sparkle.

Does this castle represent the pony who lives in it? No fear or intimidation. Just wonder. Wonder and amazement. Fear gone away like that. Was that intentional? No, …she hated to say it but Dash wasn’t that clever.

I’ve never seen such a castle before.

Neither have I. Any building like this. There’s nothing else like it. Like something she may put on a postcard. Send it to the old jerks at Cloudsdale as mockery to them over something like ‘haha look where I get to go.’ A castle jutting over trees that had no hope to rise higher than it and only the vast swathes of snowcapped mountains in the distances managed to achieve that.

Soul felt a nice breeze run over her, slowly and gently brushing her mane along her ears and whipping it along the fronts of her eyes. Just seeing the leaves fly along in front of all this. Carried onward, not even knowing they gave this sight even more reason for Soul to gasp in amazement at.

“Wow…” Soul smiled. “…Princess Twilight lives there?” “Yeah, that’s her castle. The big showoff” Dash answered. “Good guess if I do say so myself. Right on the first try.” Soul could no longer care for why it was they decided to come here and spend time to see this scenery. Whatever the exact reason Dash had, it didn’t matter. This place. All she had seen so far. Then this, this beautiful sight that would have been impossible to see before. Back during times she thought she may never see chances like this before. In times where she looked out over hilly plains much like these, devoid of all green and nothing but a vast whiteness, and able to stare out at mountains just like the ones she stared at past the castle. Mountains that reminded her of those times.

Those times that didn’t have any of this.

She got to see it. All of this. I can’t believe I forgot just how beautiful my home can be. Just centered in this one place. I really do want to live here. For this to be my home again. A happy scene. Happy ponies all about. With the laughter of the children and such warmth on her back. A cooling breeze on her front. It was all perfect.

3.82
Rainbow Dash laughed a little. Sighing to calm herself down. The Pegasus tried to bury her nose under one hoof like she was trying to hide something from Soul. No, Dash only glanced back and forth between the bench and the scene they both saw.

“What’s up?” Soul asked of her. Acting all weird over there. “Oh… well…” Dash took her sweet time to answer. Hiding herself for a few more seconds and slowly lifting her hoof away. “I remembered something, but… I’m afraid to…” her smiled faded. “To tell you. I don’t want to hurt you.”

She remembered something that may hurt me? What on earth could it even be? I already thought I was in enough pain seeing all the stuff that I missed out on. Everything she missed so deeply. All just reminders of…

“Is it from…” Soul didn’t care how to place her wording. Just something… something that would hurt her. It must be from… “Before?” She left it at that. Dash will understand. Before the time, the time they lost each other.

Rainbow Dash nodded. So… before we left each other. Before we lost everything. Soul frowned. Not even able to look at Dash. She didn’t want to. This place… it’s so beautiful. Like a look back in time when things were nice. Those times that I can never forget. And those horrible times that ended it all. The days and days I went through with it all on my mind. When I just wanted to forget the pain. So, Dashie, why do you still remember these times?

“Tell me” Soul said, I want to know. Dash trembling over there. So much that it hurt Soul’s heart. Felt it sink. She looks… so afraid. Dashie? Are you okay? I’m… I’m back. I’m here for you.

“Please talk to me.”

Rainbow Dash gulped. But she did not run and hide. Did not do anything to run from this. She stayed with Soul. With moments passing. Passing until both pegasi looked into one another’s eyes. Soul smiled for her.

“I like to remember those times” Soul told her.

“You do?” Dash rose her head up. Wide eyed until… she calmed herself. A patient Soul waiting and then watching as Dash pointed again to the castle. Or was it the castle? “You see those?” Dash asked. Leaving Soul to question what it was she may be pointing at. Straining to figure it out and then… she knew it. The only other things that may be seen with that castle. Just like the ones she looked out and saw every day she was gone from this place.

3.83
Soul nodded. “They are beautiful” Soul said about the mountains. “Are you talking about the mountains?” Dash asked. “I mean the other thing.” Soul looked again. What else is out there that...?

“The clouds?”

“Yeah” Dash said. “You remember those times?” What times? The clouds? I’ve seen so many. So many times when I had to deal with them. What time… matters to you and me? Soul shook her head.

“That’s okay” Dash said. “It’s been a very long time. They’re what I actually wanted you to see out here.” Dash flaunted her wings up proudly. Flapping them in place but not lifting off at all. As if she were showing Soul some weird trick. But, there was something else in her eyes. Not a plea or demand. She looked expectant. Even… happy.

“I remember…” she said. “We used to fly around them… together” she glanced over to her own wings. “Just like this.”

The birds chirped. Soul stared at her. We flew around them… together. Over the vast spires of Cloudsdale and all across the sky, we played together all the time. Up there… with the birds. The two fillies. Back when we were best friends.

“…When we did tricks together” Soul whispered. Staring up at those clouds. The same ones. Looming over the land Soul stared down on as a kid. Left in her amazement at the world she was born into. She saw Dash nodding in the corner of her eyes. Damn it. It almost made Soul want to cry.

I wonder. Staring up at all of it and the vast sky that dominated this world. This… is it the same sky? The clouds hanging over the mountains. Could they be the same ones we flew through together? The same ones we flew right through together? Back in times when she and Dash were much closer than how they were together now on this bench. So different from it.

Soul held her tears in. I want to go back to that. I want us to be like that again. I don’t want to be afraid to lay so close to you. Like I was afraid last night. I want to hold you again. Be best friends again.

I wouldn’t be with the pony who hit me so hard and kicked me off a cloud. Leaving such pain that it’d be better to just fall until she hit those… Soul stopped it.

That… is… not… Rainbow.

She looked over to Dash. The Pegasus busy staring up at those same clouds. Not even caring Soul was watching.

This is Rainbow. The smile on her… the Dash I wanted all this time. My Rainbow Dash. Back during the time when she and this pony laughed just like kids who played in this very park. Seeing those kids doing just what they did as they ran around together. Groups of them, or even just pairs.

Just like you and I. Playing together. Not caring about the hardships of life. None of those kids knew… just how important these times were. Just another simple day for them.

You will have so many better days.

Can we? I want to. To be like them. Just go back to it. I want my time back again. With Dashie.

3.84
“Sorry…” Dash slumped. No longer able to smile. She turned away instead. “I shouldn’t have brought it up.” No, no there was no need to feel sad over it. Damn it, hope I didn’t make her feel bad. Ruining this moment for her. This beautiful moment. Soul could admit that. It was painful to remember… but, her heart bled. Bleeding of those times she wanted back. So… to feel better over it. Soul saw it.

Every moment she spent in this town. Seeing what was waiting for her. For the time when all the pain was gone. It was so much, enough to give her hope. No matter what pain may remain, it will be worth it. Because it was all different from a world that is just like this one, that world that is so much colder and lonelier.

“No. I like to remember. Those times… they make me so much happier” Soul said. “Happier than before those… those…”

“I’m so sorry what you had to go through” Dash blurted out. Swinging her mane along when she spun her head back to face Soul, leaning in. So close… staring… right into Soul’s eyes. Leaving Soul in silence. She’s so close to me. I… I’m… listening, Dashie. Dash had something more to say.

“I hate thinking about it” Dash said. “All that crap you had to suffer from. Nopony deserves it. It… it…”

She has no idea. None at all. Dashie will never know what it was like to feel so hopeless. Betrayed and heartbroken. Feel what it is like to… hold a blade to myself. So much pain, so little good times. That was my life. But… those good times were still so precious.

“It’s so terrible. I… don’t know what to say for you” Dash’s voice trailed off and the Pegasus threw her head down between her forelegs. No longer wanting to look Soul in the eyes. She looked so… defeated. She… really wants to understand. Nopony in this world would understand what it was like… I’m glad you want to. I’m glad that you care. There is only one other pony in my life that has done that.

Dash softly pounded a hoof up atop her head. Soul stopped her.

3.85
Her hoof touched Dash’s. Stopping it from hitting again. “Stop that” Soul demanded of her. Dash didn’t even lift her head back up. It’s all okay. It still hurts to know what I lost, but… that’s not what’s important right now.

For now, I just want you happy. I want you to see I am still that pony you loved. Nothing has changed and you can count on me for anything. You already have done a lot to help me. Please don’t beat yourself up over it. Not over me.

“It wasn’t all bad” Soul said. Shocking herself to say that as much as it did Dash. That was what made the Pegasus lift herself back up and cock her head. Yeah, it would sound unbelievable. Though Soul thought of… other things that came out of it. I’d love to tell Dash the best thing that happened. But… I just can’t. There is something else.

The very reason she was able to keep up with Dash all this time in the sky. If that place was so terrible, it would have never let me gain these wings. Be as good as you are in the sky. Even AJ said something about me. I’m equal to the best. For both of us to be so accomplished. It’s all because of what she went through, proudly showing it off.

She lifted her mighty wings up to tower over both of them, casting such a massive shadow over her old friend. Feeling all the more joy when she saw Dash stare in amazement at them. Like the Pegasus could never get used to how fantastic these wings were. Stare as much as you want, I don’t care. Just see that not everything was so bad.

Such a terrible place could not stop this Pegasus from getting the two things behind her. “I was able to get these in my time there” Soul said.

3.86
“I spent so many days, years just training all day long” Soul went on. Careful to assure Dash of this truth. “It was some of the most intense workouts I could come up with, even just making stuff up based off what I knew. And then spending a lot of time practicing my moves and learning what…” she glanced off, not able to look Dash in the eyes for this. “What I was supposed to… if I were still here. I followed all the teachings I got. There were even times when I was going to give up. Never, never give up if it meant doing what you and I wanted to do.”

“I… wish I could have been there. To help you train. We could have done it togrther.”

Soul looked over to Rainbow Dash, the pony who looked away from her. Such a shame. There was not a day that went by when I wished for her to be with me too. To be my best friend. No, it wouldn’t be right for her to suffer with me. “Trust me, you wouldn’t want to.” No matter how much Soul would have wanted Rainbow Dash to be there for her in all those years, to have both of her good friends by her side, she would never want anypony else to be in that cold and lonely place.

I’d never want Dashie to lose her home and family… like I did.

You didn’t need to be there. I did it all on my own. Twisting and turning all by herself in the tightness of the mountains much like these ones that towered over this land. Sending plumes of snow and avalanches to tumble just from her speed and achieving such feats that would take pegasi years and years to try and master. Not even the Wonderbolts could do this. Maybe even Dash couldn’t.

It was best for me to go through it without you. So you could achieve all you wanted and be with the ponies who loved you. So you could get the life you have now, and I have no life.

“Nopony would ever want to be there, but…”

3.87
Soul looked back and found that things really had changed. Rainbow Dash… her old friend looked completely terrible. For just the briefest of moments but she caught her just in time. Eyes shimmering greater than anything Soul thought possible of those magenta eyes as they watched off away from the mountains. Shining like the lake she stared at. Burying her face deeper into her forehooves as if she had something to hide. Something so dark and… lost. The eyes… of true pain.

I’ve seen those eyes before. I stepped outside my house, into the snow. In the dark. I saw the Moon. I saw the clouds… and the pony who sat under it all. She was on top of another house in that snow. Staring up at the sky. At the clouds. They weren’t Dash’s eyes, no, they were …yellow.

Eyes of yellow shimmering so deeply in the moonlight. Like they didn’t even see Soul. Only able to stare up at the sky… and shed one lonely tear. The pain that I caused to that pony.

Dash, you were always so strong and tough, I rarely saw just how sad you could be. I see it now.

Rainbow Dash, of all ponies, is sad for me?

I can’t be sad. Can’t be happy over it. No, I can only help her.

No need to feel sad. You are such a better pony than I am. Just look at all you have done since we last saw each other. And you still find a way to be nice to me and help me out. Much more than what I could ever wish for you to do. I’m the one who hurt you, yelled at you, ruined the life you and I had together. No need to feel sad over what I went through. No, no reason at all. Just be happy for the pony you are and how sweet you still are. Don’t cry over me, don’t feel sad over what I went through. We both left one another… and we came back as changed ponies.

I did change. And… I’m sad about it. That you weren’t there… to be with me during it all. You never got to see this.

3.88
“But it was still an experience” Soul said. It really was, beyond anything that anypony here could imagine. Pointing at those skies with her own hoof this time. “I trained around mountains just like those.” “…Really?” Dash muttered. Oh come on, cheer up. Cheer up for me. Just like you’ve been cheering me up.

“Yeah, but they were much bigger and there had to be hundreds of them. I would spend hours practicing obstacle courses with them and doing what I could to do what I was taught. …And…” If she hadn’t noticed now, the time had come. I know something that should cheer Dash up. There is one other thing I have that proves that it was all worth it.

How it made her stronger. How it drove her to make a decision. The decision that led to this thing.

“I would spend my time resting on the mountains, looking out on the endless snowfields” Soul whispered clearly remembering the almost truth of what she knew happened when it did. Not daring to tell what actually happened. Never knowing for sure if it would ever be spoken of again. She didn’t want to. Just the result. That incredible result. “Until something amazing happened.”

Soul took a deep breath. I don’t often try to show my body off to ponies but… for you, I’ll make an exception. This was something to show. Hidden right under her wings, she lifted them certain they would be seen now. Now, as the cool breeze was able to caress the fur all around them and kiss the skin. The skin painted in black, and Dash looked at it. She did… and she watched. No longer able to do anything. Soul simply saw her old friend shudder and then… in such a surprise that made Soul tingle at being seen, Dash gasped. A gasp of amazement shown in her smile. Oh man, I’m embarrassed. But, no. I need to be proud of it. Dashie is the last pony I should be showing off to. She needs to see this.

“You got your cutie mark!” Dash shrieked. Gasping in her excited laughter. The mare almost threw herself off the bench with how fast she blasted herself up on all fours with a flap of her wings. Closing in and staring. Soul glanced back, just watching. Seeing how her old friend spent seconds not even moving, keeping her eyes set right on Soul’s flank. All along the blackness on her body. It may as well be like a gem in the night. One grace to shout out and show that she was unique.

3.89
“Hell, Soul!” Dash finally took a moment to look away. “I never thought you would get one like this.” “Yeah” Soul admitted. Slowly lowering her wings in her subtle attempt to hide the markings away again. So flattered that Dash liked it. See, Dashie, it was not all bad. I never thought I would get my cutie mark out there. Yet, it happened.

“I used to always wonder what our marks would end up being” Dash said. Is that right? It rarely crossed my mind. A part of growing up that Soul never got to experience. It didn’t matter now. It happened in the end. A real achievement to be made in all that snow and ice. We both did it. Dash had her own mark too, and it was pretty cool looking.

“Have you seen mine?” The Pegasus immediately turned herself around and lifted her own wings to show that impressive lightning bolt once more that burst out from her flank. Just like when I first saw it. I love it. I love that… we both got our marks. Such different situations and the same thing was able to happen to both of them. Rainbow managed to do so much in all this time. I did as well.

“I saw it yesterday. You have an amazing cutie mark” Soul complimented. It alone was enough to send Dash into a giddy squeal. Giving a light kick up into the air. Not at all like she had been a minute ago. Finally, the Pegasus had cheered up. Truth be told, Soul loved it. It made her giggle a little.

“Awesome!” Dash cheered. Not even showing a single ounce that she was upset anymore. That was a relief. “We both have awesome cutie marks. That’s so cool that you got yours.” Soul laughed. Not able to stop it. So great to see Dash this happy over something. She had not seen a smile like this one on those cyan lips in ages. Or hear her laugh like this. Really feeling like it melted her own sadness away. Still remembering it in the back of her head, it didn’t matter. Not at this moment, when she was making another pony happy.

“You gotta guess” Dash pressed. “What do you think my talent is?”

3.90
She could not be serious. That was too easy to guess. I’ve been gone for a long time, yeah, but I never forgot what kind of pony she is. She has the same talent I wanted to have from the start. A perfect talent for one of the best flyers in Equestria. Dash had that talent from the start. Our talent. Hehe, I love talking about this stuff. It’s like nothing bad happened.

“Wow, what could it be…?” Soul shrugged. Wandering her eyes about and locking them back to Dash’s wings. “Flying fast, maybe?” Dash laughed. Pumping a hoof in the air with so much vigor in her. “And winning, baby. But you got it.” That pony happily laughing with Soul. The first real laugh they shared in so long.

“You and me, both” Dash said. “We didn’t give up. And now look at us. We got awesome cutie marks and awesome talents just like we wanted.” Soul let her laugh die off a bit. Awesome talents? Right. Rainbow Dash was kind of right. But she reminded Soul of one very real thing. We both wanted to have an amazing talent. Something we both worked so hard to get. Rainbow has a talent she can be proud of. But there is just one little thing about that. That one thing was the thing she wondered about every now and then, ever since she first got it.

What is my talent?

Dash has speed. What do I have? Leaving all the questions she asked of herself to come back and try to always figure it out. It always failed. What did her mark mean? Nothing had happened, nothing that… this mark… nothing it could mean.

The worst pain. It was the worst in my entire life. So bad that I almost ended it myself. I could feel my heart bleeding and so much sadness. So much that I never want to feel it again. It took my best friend to stop me and make me feel better. It all led to this mark. One of hearts and a black night. What happened to me… how did it make this mark? Nopony has the answer, I’m not sure if I will ever have it.

Rainbow Dash had a mark and something to claim. I have a mark and nothing more.

3.91
“Ok, I can’t figure it out” Rainbow interrupted. Slowly rubbing a hoof along her chin. Staring intently down at the bench she stood on. “What does your mark mean?”

Oh for Celestia’s sake. She asked it. The one question I have no answer for, not even a lie. She did not want to lie about it, not to Dashie. Though, was there really anything to be said? Admit that she, out of all ponies, failed to figure out what it was she was good at. Tell her that it’s not that great. I failed to find out my talent.

She had nothing to say. Nothing to prove she was not the strange pony that everypony made her out to be when she was a kid. She lacked a talent to claim with pride. One talent that improved endlessly and separated her from the rest who may try to achieve something similar. I have nothing like that. Wow, Dash will think I’m a weirdo or something. Just like all the other kids. A pony with a cutie mark that had no meaning. Such a thing… Dash probably never seen it.

But… Dash probably never thought to see a Pegasus with wings like mine. The times ponies hurt me over them, I just wanted them to be happy for me. They laughed and… hurt me.

There was a Pegasus who loved me from the start. She thought I was cool long ago… back when I was a filly. She never made fun of me. I can trust Rainbow.

“I don’t know.”

Such a long pause.

Soul didn’t look at Dash. Hidden behind her long mane. Though she still heard her breathing. She had not left. Still there and so quiet. Did she hear me? I’m a pony with no idea what my mark means, that should be weird to her. It simply wasn’t normal. Though, I’m not normal to begin with. Rainbow Dash was not normal either. From the very start, she was not normal. So different from the other kids. Not following that image. She was something completely different and Soul loved that, she respected her so much, right when she heard her speak. Speak words she liked.

3.92
“I understand.”

Soul smiled. Smiled behind her mane. “And, just like back then, you don’t need to be ashamed of that.” What…? Soul had to turn around and see her old friend’s little smile. Like she was saying exactly what she wanted to hear. But it sounded real. Not like a dream. Just like… like before in that little shrill voice of hers still driven by such boyish charm. It may as well be the same thing she heard before.

“You understand?” “Of course.” Rainbow Dash finally took her seat. Right next to Soul. Though she never looked away. “You still have it, Soul.”

Have what? What are you talking about? Another lovely breeze sang between the two of them. Brushing Dash’s mane along her neck and flowing out behind her. Not when she heard this… this beautiful mare tell her the thing she wanted. Like a glimpse in the past. Soul saw her. She may as well be her. Just a little bit. She saw the same look, the look of a rainbow maned filly. That… that left her unable to say more. Just to listen.

“You still have it, that thing no other pony has.” And Rainbow Dash scooted forward. Just a little. Close enough to whisper. She may as well touch her too. Speaking the words. “You’re still different. …And that’s what I like. You’re like no other pony.”

She likes that I’m different? After all this time? She… she was always the only pony who accepted me. My best friend… how much I missed hearing her say these things. It almost made Soul cry. She makes me feel special. So few others ever did that. That is why I want to be your friend again. Why I will work so hard to make it all right. Because I still love you, Dashie. There can be nothing left. Nothing left to make it hurt.

“T-thank you” Soul managed to whisper. “I thought…”

“That I’d find it weird?” Dash finished for her. Exactly. Most ponies would find it weird. “I know” Dash said. “You’ve never had it easy. But you’ll get it. I bet you’ll find out what your talent is.”

That was exactly what she wanted. Not surrounded by snow and sadness. But by beauty and happiness. So many friends that she wanted to have, all made possible here. When the time would come to end all the nightmares of the past. Soul looked so forward to it. For when this can be her home, these ponies may be her most cherished memories, and all of them may be together. We will be there for one another. And Dashie, she… will always be that pony I missed. Her kind words. Her love and companionship. Something that only one other pony ever gave.

She was my best friend. The Rainbow Dash that I remember. And I feel like, after all this, it might happen again. In the end. With all of us together and no more to worry us. For none of us to be afraid. That is what I want.

3.93
“Look out!”

Soul perked her ears up right as she heard that faint little cry calling out. She heard it clear and directed… towards her. Right as she felt the whishing in the air. Even Dash turned in unison with her, knowing both of them could see it. Just in time. In time for Soul’s eyes to catch a glimpse of the red orb coming right in at her. Right at her face.

It moved too slow. Too slow.

Dash couldn’t even gasp before Soul moved. Closing her eyes but… she felt it. All around her. Something striking so hard yet so soft. Like the wind flowing over her wings once more and the entire world went still. Everything went silent. In that split second that she had, it felt so similar. Just like back in the mountains. I really did achieve a lot.

Stuff like this… is so easy now.

She opened her eyes. Seeing it… it had worked. Dash just now gasping. Seeing alongside Soul what she expected herself to do. With magenta feathers fluttering about and falling to the earth. Those feathers curling over the very thing Soul had caught. Soul brought her wing back down, not daring to let go. Only to see what had happened. For she could tell she did it. Tell… and see that she held that big, red orb in the midst of her wing. Gripped tightly between her feathers.

It was a ball. No bigger than her head. She had to heave a sigh of relief. That would have hurt if it had hit. But she heard something she could call a groan. Coming closer. From where she saw what turned out to be two other ponies coming towards them. Not just ponies, but fillies. No taller than her flanks it looked. Even staring down on them from up here made them look so much smaller. Doesn’t look like they see what they did. Soul smiled to herself but… she felt her legs go weak… still thinking how badly it would have hurt if that ball had hit her.

The groaning voice belonged to one of these kids, a little unicorn filly as bright as the leaves were green wobbling along on her stubby legs and rolling her eyes at her companion. “You dummy, you almost hit her.”

3.94
She was talking to one who had wings. Just like Soul. A Pegasus whose reddened wings barely kept her aloft, just short of her hooves touching on the grass, and she looked no more happy than her friend. Actually running her hoof along her head and being sure to look away.

So she kicked this at me? Soul looked back at the ball, then back to the fillies. Back to the Pegasus. That filly did not look happy at all… actually, she looked sad. Maybe even… afraid. Afraid of what? Of… me?

“I-I’m sorry” the little pony muttered. “I didn’t mean to.” Now there was no need for that. I’m not angry haha, just a bit surprised that a ball almost slammed into my face. She had not even noticed these two fillies playing, having so much fun together on this warm and beautiful day to be spent with friends. Exactly what Soul wanted. There was no need to let it be spoiled for them.

“H-hey now” Soul started. Really struggling to think of anything to say. Quieting the Pegasus down. Not even sure if she was doing a good job in keeping her voice low. Not caring if she looked intimidating at all, for she was not one for any child to be afraid of. These two just needed to know everything was alright. “Don’t worry. I’m fine.” She looked back at the ball she had caught. These two little fillies got to play together like there were no worries out there, and it was true. Because no little one should feel like they had anything to be afraid of and just enjoy life as it was. They should go back to having fun… it’s the best thing for kids like them.

They’ll need this ball back. Such a small thing. But Soul stared at it. Play… and have fun. Be with your friend. That is all kids should worry about; none of what I had to go through.

“Really, it’s okay.” Finally able to get the filly to look at her. Glancing over what Soul saw to be her own wings. Taking an entire second to stare at the one that held the ball. Letting off more of a shimmer of such sweet innocence.

3.95
“Do you want your ball back?” Soul softly asked. Calm at last now that her legs stopped shaking and nothing to be afraid of, only to see two young ones enjoy the day. Soul presented the ball back to them. Ready to just let it fall out from her wing and to their hooves.

“Yeah!” the unicorn cried in excitement. Rearing herself up and happily bouncing. “Throw it and I’ll catch it!” Throw it? Soul looked past the fillies and to where she hastily looked to find a nice and open area of hills free from any possible place she may toss this ball wrongly. Like into the lake. Nope, this will work. She will gladly throw it if it meant these two may go on with their days. Their nice and beautiful time. More pleasing to see these fillies happy. Playing. It made Soul smile. Reeling her wing back.

“Ok” she said. Right as she sent it forward and let loose. Feeling all that weight release from her wing and a couple freed feathers lashed the air in their magenta color. Splashing it in red, and the ball flew off. Sent high and free out to the very hills Soul wanted it to go. Like something caged now ready to go out into the world and make new friends. She liked that. Loved how happy the unicorn sounded laughing as she ran off after it. It was only the unicorn. Another pony spoke.

“That was a good catch” the little Pegasus said. Softly fidgeting in the air in front of Soul. For only a moment, when the filly turned around slowly and hovered on rapid yet gentle flaps of her wings. So silent and sweet, to match that of the young filly they belonged to. Only able to mutter off one line. One line before she stopped.

“I want to be like you someday, Ms.”

She flew off… chasing after the unicorn into the green of this wonderful and beautiful land.

Soul held her breath. That filly wants to be… like… me? But why? I’m not anything special. So… why even tell me that? I think I heard it wrong. Or did she really say that? It feels weird. She saw something in that filly’s flight. Like a certain joy. A certain happiness. One that… even possible for a kid to achieve. One with no worries, no need to worry. With so much to look forward to. So polite, so happy, so mysterious to look up to… me.

Are things like this normal around this town because nopony back in Cloudsdale ever wanted to be like me. A pony here… wants to be like me? She turned to Dash.

“Did she just…” Soul stopped. Stopped when she was greeted by such a smile. Such a sweet and gorgeous smile worn by none other than her old friend. Rainbow Dash just staring at her like that, as if… as if she had done it the entire time. Staring and smiling like there was no care in the world. Like she was… proud.

“What?” Soul asked. Dash said nothing, no. The cyan Pegasus just batting her lashes at her right as she leapt down from the bench and trotted on with one little glance over her shoulder and a nod of her head. Going on like nothing did happen, even snatching up the saddlebags with no care over anything.

But something did happen. Something is changing about this place. About all that was going on. More than anything Soul felt from any other pony today. The way Dashie smiled at me… Soul held her breath… right as her heart fluttered. Just for a moment. I made her smile. It’s just like… when we were kids.

“Let’s go, Soul.”

Part 3 Solace - Act 4

4.1
So it turned out to be more than what met the eye. This castle that Twilight Sparkle lived in. Sure it could be seen from however far away it was back at the park, such a very short flight from there. It looked so impressive back there, nothing like now. Right after Soul had landed alongside Rainbow just on the path leading right to this castle, she saw what it was.

It was crystals. All crystals. Some so evenly cut and smoothed that they had not even looked like them, but there were some that glittered so vibrantly and cast out rays of light from their jagged surfaces. They had been glowing so brightly back in the scene this castle took in the park, now that glow was almost mesmerizing. Glittering a pattern of sunlight all over the ground around this castle that looked so much like some beautiful crystal tree.

Rainbow Dash took the lead again just as she had done in the sky as if Soul would not find her way here. No, it was nothing like that at all. Soul saw the entire time that her old friend was excited. Eager to show her to this place. Like she really did have something great to show. She used to act like this before. Ever since they left the park, that Dash had been one excited mare. Really lively about coming here. Not even the weight of both pairs of saddlebags could slow her down. As if they weren’t even there. She just trotted off with them jumbling on her sides. Scrunching down on the wings that had been poking through between them to even allow Dash to fly. She really had been looking so sweet on the way here. Sweet and a stubborn child at that. Soul smiled thinking about that. Since Dash had made it so insistent that she could carry both pairs of saddlebags herself and even went out of her way to try and play keep away with Soul over them. Really trying not to let anypony get close to them. Well if she wanted to handle them by herself then she can, I gave her the choice. I am here and can carry my own weight with nopony’s help. But let that mare be a filly if she wanted. That super excited filly.

4.2
That pony wasted no time in rushing up to the castle. Ascending such a short and golden staircase and waiting up by a huge entrance of heavy looking golden doors that stood tall over them. Such amazing looking doors with giant hearts brimming the centers of them. Really, this princess sure liked to go all out with making her place look better than any other in this town. Well… close that was. I still think Rainbow has the best house here. Still though, this place is amazing.

Stepping closer and seeing that it was very imposing. Looming high over her and casting such a dark shadow that fought with the shining rays of Sun bursting off of it. Standing tall over her, like it reached to the heavens from down here. It’s like standing under a mountain. Makes you feel so small. An alicorn is here too. I… I don’t think she’s anything like the last one. I should not be afraid of one of Dash’s friends. What Dash had said about her. How she sounded. Such a smart and caring pony, not even letting her status as a princess get in the way. Soul could only hope that this was all true. Everything that Dash told her so far turned out to be true. Shocking her how perfect this town seemed to be. Nothing at all like Cloudsdale or those frozen wastes. Nothing could compare.

This town seemed to be a gift that kept on giving. So full of hope.

I wonder how this Twilight even looks like. Is she tall? Celestia was huge. And she had such gorgeous wings, would Twilight have those wings too? Would they be better than mine? Haha, no way. No alicorn can compete with me… and why am I so concerned over this? I’m here to make friends… with an alicorn. A princess that Dash somehow managed to make friends with. Close friends.

No how should I even act in front of her? I don’t really deal with royalty much. Getting closer to this moment, she hesitantly stepped onto the stairs. Hearing her hooves clang against the metallic surface with every stride upwards. Would she be fine with me just being myself? Being calm and casual around… a princess. What even is casual here? Or do I have to kneel? I’ve never had to kneel to anypony before. Maybe Dash will know.

4.3
“So… what do I need to do when I meet Princess Twilight?”

Dash stared at her, and her smile turned to a frown. Then she laughed. Like none of this was serious. Especially now. This isn’t something to laugh about. “Oh come on now” Dash said in the midst of her laughing. “You worried over that?” Soul nodded. Sounded like this was not something to worry about now. “Twilight doesn’t even give a crap if you call her ‘Princess’ or not. Just do what you feel. She’s actually not uptight at all…” Dash placed a hoof to her chin deep in thought. “…For the most part.”

Doesn’t sound like how princesses are to me. Maybe. Though Soul found it so very weird that anypony would just brush off a title like Princess. If I was a princess then, …things will be so much different. That was certain. I guess Twilight will be something like the other two ponies. That would be nice. Soul hoped so much that this Twilight turned out to be something like AJ. That was a pony so easy to get along with, and she was a simple farmpony. This was a princess. So very different. Really wasn’t helping for her expectations. But this town proved to be nothing at all like she expected so… time to see what lay ahead.

I think I’m ready to meet this princess. Nothing to be afraid of. I have Dashie with me, and Blight. Though Blight has been quiet for a while now. Giving only a pleased laugh in the back of Soul’s head when she had flown off from the park. Really wondering what it had been that had been so funny to her. “You’ll do fine” Rainbow said as if she knew that Soul was uneasy over this. She didn’t do a good job at hiding it. “I bet you’ll be surprised when Twilight becomes your new pal!” That’s all I want. Just for her to accept me here. This whole place, it’s been amazing so far. I don’t want to leave it. Being back home and meeting ponies again, my old life again. I just want it all back, no more being afraid.

Twilight is an alicorn, but she is not the one who sent me away for twelve years.

She is on the other side of this door split by hearts. Somewhere inside there. An imposing castle… with such a welcoming entrance. Rainbow Dash knocked on it. Clanging and banging, telling any inside that they were here. Soul held her breath.

4.4
Until she had to let it loose, and she saw that Rainbow Dash had also grown impatient of waiting. Since that door still remained shut. Another round of hitting that door and even more of Soul not knowing what should be happening. Like, wasn’t somepony supposed to be here? Rainbow pounding her hoof down on the stairs as if she were trying to show off how annoyed she was that it was taking so long. Maybe… nopony was home. I bet a princess wouldn’t be spending all her time in this castle.

It’s been a few minutes. Twilight is probably out. “Maybe…” Soul was cut short when the loudest clang rang in her ears from Dash none other than bucking her hind legs against the door and sending it flying open. Uhh… can she just do that? Even just waltz right in like nothing happened. Onwards into that darkened interior. What the hell is she doing? Rainbow didn’t even give her time to react before she called back out with a “Come on in!”

So… we can just go into another pony’s house? Maybe they were such good friends that it didn’t matter. Like Dash had nothing to fear by doing this. Soul could only hope they were okay. Didn’t stop her from slowly stepping in after Dash. Stepping hoof past the threshold of those massive doors and into something like a whole other world.

This place was not even close to as dark as it seemed when peering into the doorway before. Finding herself in a very well-lit hallway, not lit by any lights or candles. Nothing to even show that it was meant to be lit by any other means. Just an endless shine of sunlight crisscrossing every which direction like some sort of beam that even struck her and warmed her just by stepping into it. Bursting of light all along the inside that was no different from the outside. This castle was entirely made of crystal. Edged and hard to the sight, so different from the surprisingly soft feeling washing over her hooves thanks to this vast, red rug laid out before her. Running forward and down a long corridor from where she could see another door sealed tight, lit up by the first candles she saw in this whole castle. Glistening in the gloss of daylight itself much like the walls decorated so well of that wonder amidst lavender banners. Soul got a good recall of how the Canterlot castle looked like in her books. Like this Twilight may have been trying to recreate it all.

4.5
It was all astonishing. Amazing that such a vast castle, whose very ceiling rose so tall over her enough that her hoofsteps and those of Dash echoed loudly, was so empty. Just a few desks and banners lining all along these hallways. The right just led to much of the same and ending to a staircase spiraling up to who knows where, and the left… that was a dead end save for many doors she could eye out etched into the green finishes of the walls. Actually… she saw those same doors everywhere now that she knew what to look for. They were down every hallway.

Wow, so… how many rooms does this place need? Where do they all go? Will I even be able to find a bathroom in this place? Unbelievable any pony could call this place home. It must take quite a talented pony just to navigate it all considering how tall it looked from the outside. There may as well be dozens of floors like this for all she knew.

“Kind of rude that she wasn’t waiting.” Soul heard the whisper coming from Rainbow Dash who was trotting off down the left hallway. Looking as if she was pouting. Staring at those walls. Waiting? “What was that?” Soul asked her. Twilight is waiting for us? Well we were the ones who barged in here. It got shot down immediately. “Nothing” Dash said.

Nothing my ass. What is going on here? Does she think I’m stupid? Or that I’ll forget what she just said? She’s up to something. Something like what she had been pulling all day just to make her feel better. She probably wanted this visit to go perfectly, but now… Soul could guess they would need to find the princess. Somewhere in this castle or even outside. Among Ponyville itself. “She must be out right now” Dash said at the end of the hallway. Taking to the air and floating up so she may peek out one of the windows towering over all this.

If she was out right now then, what did that mean? We came all this way here and we have to leave to go find her? Maybe we can just wait here for her. She actually wanted to wait. I want to see how Twilight would like me. If she will be a princess who doesn’t hate me. But… it’s all what Dash wants to do right now. She’s the one who knows this place best and knows these ponies. “So what now?” Soul asked, waiting to see if Dash had any better idea.

4.6
Rainbow didn’t even waste a moment to fly on off, not the direction Soul expected. She flew all the way down the left hallway. Practically shrinking before her very eyes with how far she flew off. That hallway really was a long distance. “We wait for her” she yelled as she flew off. So where was she goin… “I’ll go put this food in the pantry.” Oh, well… if we were going to be here a while, that was smart then. Haha so Dashie has the same idea I have. Good, I didn’t want to go all around town looking for somepony.

“You alright if I walk around?” Soul called out after her. Just seeing this castle from the outside and then how very beautiful it was inside made Soul only able to dream of what more awaited her in here. A big, empty castle with so much wonder to offer. Along with her thoughts that this place may even be big enough to have many, many floors to it. All with whatever her mind may come up with. Why am I even thinking they may have an indoor swimming pool in here but, hey, what the hell? That would be quite a sight.

“Nope!” Dash yelled. The Pegasus kicked open one of the doors down there, about ready to go right in. But she looked… insistent, even from here. Dash clearly did not like that idea. “Wait for me, I’ll be right back.” What… but… “And get the door if somepony knocks.” Rainbow Dash disappeared into that room. Leaving it with a slam. Not even giving Soul a chance to say a word.

Seriously, what is going on? That was very quick of Dash to leave like that. There was something about her, like she seemed… frustrated. She’s pretty antsy about something. Hope everything is okay. Well… I guess I see why she doesn’t want me going around. This place is huge and Soul looked all around her. I might get lost in here. She hoped that pony wouldn’t be long. Get here soon, Twilight. Dashie is so on edge right now.

I’ve noticed she is trying really hard to make this all work for me. So much so that she even caught Dash wiping a hoof over her forehead like she just got done with a hard workout. Incredible that she was keeping all this up… and I know she didn’t sleep well. Hope she sleeps better tonight because today… today will be a good day. Dash doesn’t need to worry. Soul didn’t want to worry her either. If she wants me to stay here, then I will. I won’t wander off.

Just her and this amazing castle that she took another moment to look up at its breath-taking designs and all the light cast all over of every color of the rainbow. Much like the beautiful tail of her hard-working guide around Ponyville. That pony really was doing too much when she didn’t need to. It was… kind of sweet of her. Am I doing good around her, enough to make her comfortable? Soul only hoped so. Soul envied her to be able to handle everything like this. I want to find a way to make her proud.

4.7
Just her, alone, in this vast and empty hallway of a castle until Dash got back. Well, she did say to wait… so that didn’t mean to stay put. The least Soul could do was look around the vast hallway she stood in. This hall is so beautiful. Maybe just a peak around wouldn’t hurt. See what was on the other end of the hall and up those stairs. Might be able to tell what may be up there.

She took off to the air, turning around and…

“What are you doing!?”

She heard and saw the pony say as she spun around. Nearly sending her off in a panic, her heart racing so much that she did feel like she may just fall out of the air if only just rocketing backwards down the hallway to get away from the pony that scared her. Until she realized what she was looking at, who scared her. Soulblight was there.

The black Pegasus floating up in the air right where Soul had been a second ago, laughing her ass off. Should’ve guessed. She just now realized she saw those yellow dragon eyes peering into her right before that terrifying start she gave her. Nice of her to wait till now to show up and to do that.

Soul shook her head. Sighing in frustration. Though she doubted Blight cared to listen. She just kept going over there amused with herself. What a child. …It was still kind of funny of her to act like that. Soul couldn’t stay mad at her for long. In truth, she may have done the same thing to Blight if she had gotten the chance. “Oh nice of you to show up” Soul called out to her as she flew back to where her friend was. So very happy to see the Pegasus join her here. A whole day without her around in person, it was starting to grind on her. “And thanks for scaring me too” Soul commented. Not at al upset over it.

Blight stopped laughing. Damn good thing too, that black Pegasus was almost rolling on her back in midair. “I couldn’t resist. You probably thought somepony else would warn you off from your little adventure.” Yeah like Rainbow Dash or even the princess. I’m glad the princess isn’t here. I’d be all alone with her.

“Would you want to come with me? Let’s walk around together” Soul asked the black Pegasus. Finally a chance for both pegasi to spend time together without Blight being too nervous. And… “Maybe later…” Blight said so quickly. Oh… I was kinda hoping we could hang out together. Since there really was no reason for them to fear.

“Later?” Soul had to ask. “Why not now?” Especially with nopony else around.

4.8
Soulblight burst forward as close as could be gotten to Soul without running into her. Hovering close and raising her hoof. “I need to ask…” she bumped that hoof against Soul’s chest. “You something first.”

“Huh?” Soul rose her eyebrow. Wondering whatever it may be that she wanted to ask. It must be important to not want to look around this marvelous castle. “Tell me, what do you think of Ponyville?” Blight asked flatly. What do I think? Was this important or just Blight being curious? She swore that Blight should already have an idea considering privacy was not exactly a concept when it came to Blight with Soul’s head. So why even ask? Blight still looked serious. Not even flinching… or blinking. Just waiting for some answer.

What do I think? That was a tough one. It was… hard to put into words. Like… I have no idea how to feel about it and Blight really wants to know. It’s been okay. Just okay. But I like it. That’s really all I have for her. Not a good answer.

“Well…” Soul started. Looking off trying to think of it all. Recalling all that went on since this morning. Everything about this place. There really was no good answer. This place was… “It’s… different.” Soul rubbed her chin. Knowing that wasn’t good enough for her caring friend. Practically feeling the mare wanted her to go on.

“Ok…?”

Soul sighed. “You may have been right. I admit that I feel… a little comfortable here.”

“And that’s why you worry way too much” Blight said proudly with a soft punch of her hoof against Soul’s shoulder. Weird, she had never done that before. Almost felt… familiar, and Blight seemed to enjoy it. Alongside being proven right.

“Yeah, yeah…” Soul rolled her eyes. “I guess it’s been okay so far. …The ponies seem really nice and… I feel kind of better. You know, since they’re not…” “Chasing you off?” Blight finished. Exactly. Soul nodded. “They wouldn’t anyways. How could they not adore you, you gorgeous sweetheart?” Oh geez. Soul groaned. Letting herself land back down on the floor. Don’t call me that, not here. What if Rainbow Dash heard that? Like this castle may have eyes. She still loved that talk… but not here. Blight was still amused with it. Joining Soul down on the floor. Her yellow eyes wandering, captivated by the castle they stood in. Soul noticed it.

4.9
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Soul asked. Joining Blight in staring up at the patterned glows of so many strands of shining glass and crystal hanging over and around them. “I noticed you seem to think Ponyville is quite beautiful too” Blight pointed out, showing that she knew way too much. Yes, it was true. Soul nodded. “It really is.” This town and this world, it’s exactly what I dreamed of. It’s exactly what I needed.

“Really nice compared to what we had to deal with together.”

Both pegasi locked eyes. I’m so glad we could come back here after all this time. Soul smiled. Both of us get to see just how beautiful this world is together.

“Soul…” Blight whispered. Slowly gaining her own smile until she was near cheerful. “I’m glad you like it. Oh…” she almost jumped in the air again. “Yes! So you are happy to be back?” There was absolutely no way Soul wouldn’t be. “Compared to what we went through, I’d take this any day. …And I do enjoy talking to these ponies.”

“Compared to it?” Blight sneered. “Please, you wanted this anyway.” True. Soul laughed. This place really was a gift that any pony would want to enjoy. If I didn’t have to worry about ponies recognizing me, this place would be heaven. A real gem she missed seeing. Here again, with none other than her best friend. At least, that’s what it should be all the time.

Soulblight was never there to meet these ponies. I wish she was with me… and talked to me more. It really does suck how quiet she’s been. Makes it a little more boring without her here. Almost sad. But Blight didn’t seem to notice. She just walked off. Trotting along the side of the hallway and staring up at the crystalline reliefs etched into the green windows. Clearly in awe. There really was no reason why Blight shouldn’t talk. I like her being around and want her with me. It must be boring just watching from… from wherever she’s been watching. Watching me have fun and doing everything. I miss all the time we spent together.

If only Blight would join in.

“Wow, isn’t this castle fantastic?” Blight asked from afar, standing at the other end of the hallway now. Like she was trying to ignore the problem, …but yes, the castle is fantastic. “Yes, it is” Soul said. “…I don’t remember one being in Ponyville before.” “Understandable” Blight said. Walking along the other wall of the hallway and back to her, still fixated on the ceiling. “It showed up while we were gone.”

“Showed up?”

Blight nodded. “Oh yeah. Twilight and the others found it in a magic lockbox, pretty much.” …Well that was… different. I know one thing, Dash better tell me that story sometime. Everything has been a total mystery… just like Blight.

4.10
“Are you upset?” Soul asked. Stopping Blight in her tracks right there. The black Pegasus… she stared ahead. Looking at the crystal wall she stood at. Silent. Took her so long to say something. “What do you mean?” Blight asked. “I’m not upset.”

“You haven’t been that talkative today” Soul pointed out. “You know, I still want us to talk. I know you don’t like the idea of hanging out with the other ponies yet, but we can still talk a bit. Like we did before coming here.” Soul said. “I don’t want you to feel left out. I kind of miss talking with you all the time.” Even for just a day or two. Soul could not fathom the idea of Blight being removed from her life or absent, seemingly. It hurt her and she knew how Blight was. I don’t want her to feel alone or left out. I want to be sure. You’re my best friend and I want you to be happy.

Maybe… there is a reason.

“Are you jealous?”

“Jealous?” Blight said. It was the best Soul could think of for why it was her best friend was being this way. Blight is just sitting back watching me have all the fun and making friends. Blight at least deserved some bit of companionship for her efforts. Only if she wanted. Though all Soul had to work on was whatever Blight said.

“I assure you that I’m not jealous. We came here to get your friend back, and that’s exactly what is being done.” Was it? Because it seems like this was going so very slowly. We were supposed to work on this together. So we both have a home here. We want the same thing, why just have me do all the work? Please don’t leave yourself out. Blight is so afraid of them… she doesn’t want to deal with any of this. That damn fear that Soul could do nothing to solve. Yes, we came her to make everything better. To bring Dash back into my life.

But it’s a life for us both. That has been my dream for a long time now.

“You are doing a good job as it is, a little slow, but you’re doing it” Blight said. Turning away and smiling up at the windows on the far side. “I am so happy to see all that you are accomplishing, but remember… this was never going to be easy and I can only do what I can. For now, it’s your turn. For now…” She did sound sincere. There really was no telling exactly what Blight may feel. Soul couldn’t help but feel this was all not true. That there was way more to this.

If I know one thing about Blight… she hates to talk about how she feels. She was stubborn as hell. Stubborn and closed.

I can’t blame her. Everything that happened, Soul was not one to say she was any different. “You shouldn’t feel upset” Blight said. “We set out to reunite you with Rainbow Dash and bring you back home, and it’s happening. I’m not jealous at all, I want both of you to be great friends again.” Yeah. We will be. That’s not the problem.

I want more for both of us.

4.11
Blight did not turn away from her fixation on the gorgeous lights shining all around her from the windows. Like her very body turned to mist simmering in the blazing Sun. Like it may hurt but she showed no sign of it. “Keep enjoying yourself. I love to see you feeling happy, it makes me happy too. I don’t need to hang out with these ponies to feel happy. Remember, I was the one who decided to stay out of their way.”

Her voice trailed off. Her ears drooped to the sides of her head so softly. So sad. So concerning. Soul saw it. Like Blight no longer cared about what she saw and even looked away from the beautiful carvings she stared at. Soulblight just looked away and stared… at the floor. Not even paying attention to Soul. Saying something weird. Not what she said… how she said it. She sounded… distant. “They do seem nice.”

Soul had nothing to say. Say to the blank face Blight had. Her fur slowly swishing against her face, as did Soul’s own fur. Before her black ears perked back up. In an instant.

Blight disappeared.

Something rang out. That thing Soul recognized to be a strong gust of wind blasting against her rear quick enough for her to not be able to respond to it. Feeling it, hearing it, and then seeing the whiffs air churning dust up from the walls and floor into a dance inside the air itself. Cooling and chilling, so strong. She knew what it was before it could scare her. She looked back. Nothing.

4.12
Was Blight doing another stupid attempt to scare her? She really did think that. So much more annoying this time than the first. Right when we were trying to talk. This was not the time to play jokes anymore. Until she heard a door slam shut. Right after the last bits of that gust of wind hitting her. That startled her. Because it was the huge set of doors she saw at the end of the hallway that she stood in, the one that led deeper into the castle.

Way down there. It had been that door.

Faint little trails of dust and wind dancing about around it before it all settled. Was that you, Blight?

Wasn’t me.

There she was. Back in her head. Then who was it?

Soul looked around one more time, really feeling antsy now that she wasn’t sure what was going on. But she saw nopony else. She really wished that Rainbow Dash would come back. Maybe she would know. If anypony knew more about this castle, it would be her. Unless Twilight was the one who did that. Soul knew one thing. She wasn’t alone.

She looked back to those doors that had slammed. The dust kicking up around them, moving in unison with the dirt floating around the door in the midst of a cavalcade of colors that… wait. Colors? Soul saw them. But she couldn’t believe what the hell she saw. Needing to rub her eyes for a second just to be sure. Nope, they were still there. Colors that she knew well. The many colors that slowly faded out into the air.

What is she doing?

Maybe you should go see what that is.

That went without saying. I sure as hell want to know what is going on.

Soul paused. …What is that? She eyed it. Something is… hanging on the doorknob. All the way on that door at the end of the hall. A card, with… is that Rainbow Dash’s… cutie mark?

Soul’s own ears droop. What the hell? Was that Dash who did that? What other pony would do this? Let alone leaving what looked to be a drawing of their own cutie mark to dangle from a doorknob. She had to be up to something. Oh and I’m gonna find out.

She flew off towards it, wasting no time at all in leaving her point behind now that something was up and making it to the doors in no time. Close enough to see in detail that this… was a drawing. A badly drawn drawing of Dash’s cutie mark. That settled it, it had to be Dash who did this. She’s the one who told me to wait here and she’s gonna fool around like this? Just the way this card’s funny drawing swayed in front of her bothered her. Since Dash had time to do this and was running around now. What, is she playing a game? Looked to be so. Looked to be that Dash was messing with her over something.

Maybe I should go after her and try to catch her. Maybe go inside here?

You probably should go in and see.

Hmm Blight sounds really weird. Kind of like the pony was ordering her. Alright… what are all these ponies up to? Soul set her hoof upon the handle, turning and giving a gentle push to see it crack open. She opened it.

“Dashie, what are you…”

4.13
She stopped. Staring down into darkness. Down into… a deep tube… “doing…?”

Her ears exploded! Like the entire room and world were drowned out in the loudest… thing ever. Dizzying… almost like she was deaf. Just for a moment of stunned shock. Almost like she had lost her hearing with how sudden it was. That’s why it took her so long to notice all the bright and colorful little things falling around her. Falling together much like rain, except… paper. Paper?

She looked at one that plopped on top of her muzzle, alongside so many bits of tiny colorful dots and so many more streamers land all over her. Confetti? What the… “Surprise!”

So many voices. All yelling out. Ones she recognized… ones she didn’t. All saying the same thing. She looked up. All this confetti floating around her, so close she could touch it like rainwater, it was all like a blanket of rainbows. Slowly drifting and falling to the ground. So she could see something else rainbow. A mane. The mane of her old friend Rainbow Dash floating over this giant tube, Soul blinked, a canon? And … alongside her…

Not just Dash… other ponies. All around her. Surrounded by them. All these ponies… and they were all happy. Enjoying everything. Happy… to see Soul? All their smiles on the ponies that… she recognized.

Applejack? That farm pony right here with her, and Pinkie Pie next to her. That pink pony careened in so close, with such a kick, Soul watched Pinkie send the cannon away and yell it again. “Surprise!” Smiling bigger than the others. The others who all giggled. There were… two other ponies. Wha… who are they?

Both ponies stood with her. A white furred unicorn, whose mane had such design the likes of which Soul had not seen on any other pony. Because it was the first thing Soul saw about her before glancing down at her and over to none other than a fellow Pegasus. One standing well back from the unicorn but was still joining with the others with her little smile upon her yellow-furred face.

“…What?” Soul muttered. Her mind a blank. Looking back over to Pinkie and then Dash, then all of them again. Practically feeling the butterflies fluttering in her chest. There’s never been this many pony so close before and… they’re all happy to see… me? What’s going on?

Rainbow Dash jumped in. “It’s your party, dummy.”

4.14
My party? Soul blinked. Then again. This has to be a joke. Some trick she was seeing. A party for me? A party for what? But Soul looked and she saw too much. Too much to make her eyes widen. This was a vast room she was in now, with a ceiling even higher than the ones out in the halls. Whose tops were decorated in what looked to be an endless assortment of lights glistening along a frame going every which direction in a spiderweb over the room, from which… she saw more confetti falling down from. Down as she followed to where… where she saw...

Balloons. Underneath the dim lights of this place. Countless balloons all bundled up together and covering this entire room in their lights. All around… a banner? No way. This can’t be. This… this was never something that I... no, I am seeing all this. It’s true.

On that banner that hung high over all these ponies, written in such big and bright letters.

‘Welcome to Ponyvile, Soul’

Welcome to Ponyville, Soul? This… this all… Soul looked all around it again and again. Still seeing it all there and all these ponies here. Ponies she knew, ponies she didn’t. Now none of them left her. They all huddled in around her, laughing and so happy to be here. Pinkie even threw on some cone hat atop Soul’s head. Making her wince. Wrapping its string around her muzzle and giggling with pride. A party hat?

This is real. It was really happening.

“You all…” Soul looked across them. From the familiar faces of the new ponies she met. From Applejack to Pinkie, and then to Dashie. These ponies… these ones she didn’t even had a name for. Yet they were here. I don’t know them. Do they know me? They’re all here to do a party for me? With Dashie. So… that must mean… these two must be Rarity and Fluttershy. Only Dashie’s friends would do this for me. The friends of Dash’s that sounded too good to be true. They are all here for me.

Soul was left speechless.

There was no way anypony could say a word. It didn’t stop her from smiling. Smiling true joy. Ha, there was only one other time I felt this. This feeling in my chest. Soul put her hoof to her fur. Staring down at her chest. Like she might cry. One time. It’s just like it. I never thought that would ever happen to me. But Blight did it for me… and these ponies too. Again. None of them need to do this. Blight didn’t need to, the first party Soul ever had in what felt like ages back in the snowy wasteland. That one small moment that felt like a lifetime of happiness. My birthday party…

My welcome party. Dashie… you did this all for me?

4.15
“It’s your welcome party” Dash said. Coming to a landing next to her and, she did something incredible. It made Soul’s heart skip a beat. Dash set her foreleg around the back of her neck. Pulling her in closer. So much so that… no way. Soul gulped. Our wings are touching. Wh-why is she doing this? But Soul did not push her away. Couldn’t even look at the Pegasus in the eye.

Why is she doing this for me. None of them have to. So why? Soul looked away and… she held her breath. Oh no, I’m about to… Soul tried her hardest to hold it in. She could feel the tears. They did this for me.

Rainbow was hiding this from me all this time.

Sitting on top of a huge table whose color matched that of the very crystals on the walls surrounding it. But this was the brightest thing in the room. As it glowed seamlessly with the shine of sunlight blistering in all around it from the ceiling. Lighting it up. Like it was meaning to draw her attention. These ponies made me… a cake. A huge one. Standing so tall atop that table and coated in white, drowned in beautiful icing… so much so that Soul saw it. It’s like the one that Blight made for me. My birthday cake. She did it just to make me happy and… they all did the same thing.

They… they even put little strawberries on it. Soul saw them all aligned in circles around the layers. Even some popping out of the sides. No candles though. That’s okay. It wasn’t a birthday cake. It was her welcome cake. Her welcome to this town, from these ponies. It really was taking all her might to not show that she was crying inside. There was no way to truly hide how much she loved it. A surprise party for me. These ponies… so they… they don’t hate me. It’s not at all like I was afraid of it being.

This town is so different. It was beautiful. So beautiful that she managed to crack a smile. Everything hung still when one little tear fell down her cheek.

These ponies have done nothing but be nice to me and treat me like I belong here. Like this is home. Even… Dashie… she’s holding me. Our wings are touching… after so long. She looked over, to her old friend. Her magenta eyes proudly peering over at the cake and not even seeing that Soul was looking at her. Even as she smiled. Soul loved this sense of them being together like this. Didn’t look like Dash felt the same. That’s okay. I know… they all care for me. Enough to do this party.

4.16
Soul finally kicked it out of herself, to be able to talk again. Without feeling like she may choke on her own tears. “You all did this for me?”

“Yup” Pinkie Pie burst up in front of the two pegasi. “Everypony should get their own super, special welcome party. Even more important for a pony who just got done with her super, special travel.” “We couldn’t let one of Dash’s own acquaintances go without one” Applejack stepped forward.

Really? They did it because they think I’m important enough for it? That I deserve it? Even after all I did, I still can get a party from ponies… ponies who would hate me if they knew who I was. But right now, they didn’t seem to care anyways. More concerned with just welcoming her here. Making her feel special.

I get a party from them, just like I got before. It was a kindness she had no words for. Not even feeling right when she said “Thank you.” “Don’t thank us” AJ said. Pointing her hoof past Soul. “Thank Dash.”

Soul looked over to her old friend who had was not even there anymore. The cyan Pegasus was backing off, but… she didn’t let go of Soul’s back. Instead waving her free wing in the air. Exactly like she were saying no. “Oh stop, I didn’t do anything.” Is she right? Dash, did this? She couldn’t have.

“Oh yes she did” AJ went on. Even Pinkie nodded. “It was her idea to go through with this here party. Told us all here what to do, looked like she ended up foolin’ you right good in the end.” “Didn’t even suspect a thing” Pinkie chimed in.

Dash? Soul watched her old friend. Astonished. Astonished to see Rainbow Dash shying away and even blushing a little. That is what made her finally let go of Soul. To pull her mane down along her face. “Oh shut up” she muttered. “It’s true!” Pinkie confirmed and really made Rainbow shudder. “She had all of her bestest friends come to welcome back her bestest flying partner in the whole world.” “Alright, shut it” Rainbow barged in and pushed Pinkie away. Effectively stopping her and leaving the pink pony with quite an amused smile that Dash did not share. Looking more upset over everything, that is until she looked at Soul. When her voice calmed down. When she looked so kind, enough to continue keeping Soul in stunned silence.

“Look” Dash said to Soul. “I… felt you needed something fun to get all that travelling off your mind. It’s been such a long time, so what better way for you to come back to Equestria?” She practically shied away at this point. Quivering her wings along her sides. Not able to look Soul in the eye anymore. Though Soul still saw the innocence in her look. That Dash was truly embarrassed saying this stuff, and… she didn’t even need to. But she did.

“It was the least I could do for you. …Everypony thought it’d be nice so they all came.” And she abruptly shot her hoof out to the two ponies Soul was not sure what to call. “So now you get to meet Rarity and…” pointing to the Pegasus… “Fluttershy.” Both of them waving back there. So… that is them. They really are all of Dash’s friends. She invited them for me? “So we’re all here for you” Dash said softly. “Because, you know, you should have some fun… after a hard journey.”

4.17
“Well if that don’t prove how much of a softy you are” AJ said. To which, Dash let out one strong groan and slapped a hoof against her own face. Something that made Applejack laugh. All of them laughed, except for Soul.

Why are they all laughing? Dash looked so embarrassed over it. No, it’s not right to laugh. It may be funny to them but… this… this is a Rainbow Dash I have not seen in ages. Because this… this is not the Dash that would yell at me. Hit me. Like I don’t belong in her life. The one who would leave me behind if I made a mistake.

Not the one I’ve seen… every night.

This is the Rainbow Dash I have missed all this time. The one she loved to see, if only for that small moment. But she saw it and it hit her. Leaving her having to smile. Just smile, no laughing. I won’t join in laughing at her. It’s not funny at all. Right now, I see the Rainbow Dash that was my best friend in the entire world. A sweet and caring mare. One she wanted to see for so long. If only for a moment. But to go back to it as it had been. All the time. She could not ask for more.

“Whatever” Dash blurted out, upset. She took to the air again. “I’m gonna go cut the cake.” Immediately turning tail and off towards that huge table. Floating off fast. Faster than Soul could react, right when she had it on the tip of her tongue. I have to thank her… for all of this. It mustn’t have been easy to set this up, it was only a day.

Soul went after her… or she wanted to. Until a wall of pink popped up in front of her. Pinkie Pie stopping her right in her tracks along with a quick toot from a little horn blower.

4.18
“So were you surprised?! Huh?” she came in closer with such eagerness on her face that Soul could call it frightening. She’s starting to get even weirder than earlier. “The best welcome party is a surprise party.” Soul set her hooves back down. “Umm… yes, you all did.” That seemed to really brighten everypony up. They all did a good job. I can’t lie about that. Never thought I’d get a welcome party when I came back home. Especially from Dashie of all ponies. This really was a treat. The last time we ever got to do this was… I think Hearth’s Warming Eve. We get to do it again… with all of her friends. I can only love it.

“I really love it” she assured all of them. Hope you all know that. I really do love it. They all did know it. They all believed her. Happily laughing and even stomping their hooves in glee. “Well then let’s get ‘er started” AJ called out before running off to join over where Dash was, where that Pegasus was going at it with a knife between her hooves so elegantly cutting through that big cake. Such a beautiful cake. They keep giving me food… well I can’t complain. A lot of years with no food… it wears on you bad.

Even Rarity and Fluttershy ran off to join them around the cake. I should join them all. No reason to be afraid. And Dashie… I want to be with her. Going right along with Pinkie over to where that succulent dessert waited for her… and where even more was waiting. Soul had not seen it before because it had been hidden behind the gigantic chairs of crystal arranged all around the table. There was other food.

There were plates all laid out close to one another with… what she thought looked like greens or even fruit all over them. Apples for sure and… pears. Are those pears? Soul had to really squint at them to be sure. Yes, they are! Wow it has been too long. So much food all neatly stacked and set out like somepony had a lot of time to decorate.

4.19
Walking on over to where they all waited for her, pulled in suddenly by a quick grasp by Rarity, who only startled her for a moment. For anypony to grab her like that, she wasn’t used to it. Let alone one she just met. Rarity didn’t seem to mind at all. Guiding Soul in with a gentle tug of her leg around Soul’s neck towards where she waited by one of the huge chairs.

“Looks like the guest of honor gets Twilight’s chair” she said, bringing her closer to it before Soul stopped herself. “Twilight’s chair, shouldn’t she get it?” Soul asked. Really… wait. Soul stamped her hooves down to stop Rarity from pushing any more.

Soul looked around. Fluttershy and Rarity. Nopony else other than the ones she knew. So… where is Twilight? This is her castle after all, and Dashie said we were supposed to meet. About to point this out to the Pegasus floating by the cake before Pinkie jumped up again. “She’s out right now. Looked like this surprise party surprised her too.”

“Yeah” she heard a soft and gentle voice come out. Unlike any she heard before… because it came from Fluttershy. “She had a lot to do today, but she’ll be back soon.” Wow, it sounds like she’s whispering or something. Is that her normal voice? Alongside Rarity’s little ‘unique’ accent, I’ve never heard ponies like this before. Dash really did make some truly interesting friends, and… they all are treating me like their friend too.

“So you can sit in her seat, …just…” Rarity came in closer. Close enough to whisper. “Don’t let her know you’ve sat in it.” I’ll try… but… she might come in and see me. Still amusing. Soul had to laugh a little. Drawn back to that huge cake towering over her. Making her lick her lips. It did look so good. Blight’s cake was amazing, I can’t wait for this one.

4.20
“Do you like?” Pinkie asked. Considering how big it was, all of it neatly covered in such a fine array of icing and so many strawberries, that alone made Soul like it. Want it so bad. “It looks so good” Soul commented. Pinkie smiled with a squee and excitement that really could never be hidden in her voice. Haha she is so much happier than she was earlier. Living the life. Really having fun already. Just from this? So easy to see the pink pony enjoyed making this party.

They all seemed so happy just to be here. Like I mean something to them. But why? I didn’t really do anything for them.

“I made sure to make it the way you like it” Pinkie went on. “Strawberry icing, strawberry filling and strawberry… berries!” Wait she made this? Pinkie actually went out of her way to make this for me. On top of all of them coming here. They really shouldn’t have. More and more, Soul could not contain her happiness. They really are all so nice. All I’ve done in my life is hurt others. Make everypony feel bad. It took so long just to make friends with a pony I never thought I’d be friends with. I only wish it had been sooner.

But these ponies…

They’re treating me like… like I am their friend. For what? For no reason. It was unlike anything she could ever expect. All because of one pony. The one who was hurt the most. Who cared enough to do all this. Dashie, why did you do this for… me? I should be the one throwing a party for you. Do something to make you feel special. Kind of like what you’re doing for me. And I don’t deserve it.

But… I can’t.

I can’t say no to this after all they did. One little pit in her gut that she felt telling her this was wrong. Maybe that feeling was right, though Soul could no longer care. Because right now she saw the rainbow tailed Pegasus floating over her, cutting out a big slice of cake… from a cake meant for her. For the pony who had hurt that Pegasus the most.

I’m being treated… by Dashie. How… nice. Soul smiled.

4.21
Applejack smacked a hoof down on the table hard enough to make all the plates shudder. Scaring Dash for a moment it looked like. “Yup, we hope you like it” she said to Soul. “I brought over a bunch of food I prepped myself, so eat up, ya lanky thing.” Food from AJ? She shouldn’t have. As kind and sweet as these other ponies. Soul had no words. She could only nod. In awe and impressed at just how they were all able to cheer her up. If she didn’t know better, she’d say they knew everything she had to go through and were trying to make it all up right now.

“I even brought the…” “Shut up!” Dash stopped AJ. Really a shocker to hear. At least, Soul would see it as bad if not for the fact that AJ seemed unimpressed at it. Actually, she looked happy anyways. Nodding up to Rainbow. “Oh, well you’ll see anyways.” They have something else now? They were going all out. A cake and food and more surprises. Just a happy time for her. Why, this was amazing. They think I matter enough for all this. I don’t get that often.

Well… that tears it. I think… I like them.

Dash was right after all. These ponies are all ones I want to be friends with and… I think they want to be my friends. They wanted to make her smile. It took a special kind of pony to want to do that for her. Soul found herself so excited to see whatever it was that these ponies had in store for her later. She just had to see. So much that her tail whipped hard across the air.

Soul felt another touch on her. Turning over and finding Rarity again was the one setting hoof on her shoulder. “We really are honored to welcome such a fantastic Cloudsdale flyer back to Equestria. I do hope you are happy to have us.” And she saw Fluttershy behind Rarity smiling as well. Still being sure to keep a distance away from them. But they both looked happy.

“She’s just saying that cuz she didn’t bring anything” Rainbow Dash laughed, and Rarity immediately scoffed. Jumping back with annoyance blistering her. Even fuming in her voice. “Well we didn’t have a lot of time for that… you know!” before turning back to Soul. “Still though, we couldn’t miss this either way. Always a pleasure to meet one of Dash’s old friends.” “Oh yes” Fluttershy nodded. “I’m happy to meet you.” That was when Fluttershy finally stepped forward. The closest Soul had seen her yet. Close enough for them to see Soul smile.

4.22
They are too much. I’ve never met ponies like these. Oh wow. Soul had to stop herself from shaking in joy. Such a joy that she knew. During another party not so long ago.

This is amazing. These ponies like me. They had to. None of them ever tried to hurt her. None of them were ever afraid of her. So different from what she expected. This really was a miracle. If these ponies could be her friends, …what may happen? I will have friends, friends to be with me. Maybe, someday, we can all be together… with nothing to fear.

But who cares? Right now, I just want to enjoy this.

“Thank you so much” Soul said to those two. “We failed to properly introduce ourselves” Rarity said with a nod. Pointing a hoof to herself. “I’m the one and only Rarity” she said with so much emphasis on her name. Really funny since Soul felt she didn’t need to do this. Must be something they naturally did. She liked it anyways. It was cute. “And I’m Fluttershy” the yellow Pegasus said with an ever-growing voice. Oh damn, sucks I gotta lie to them again. “I’m Soul” Soul said easily holding back her last name and still seeing nothing wrong from her saying her first. No anger or fear. Just joy. “Nice of you two to come” Soul said to them.

“Really” Dash said back down to them. “It was nice of you two to make it. Thanks.” Speaking sincerely now. No jokes or sarcasm. Really happy for all of them. Tossing down a plate with a fresh slice of cake in front of the chair that Soul was being allowed to use. Dropping the knife as well and flying over Soul, and all of them. But only looking down upon Soul. With a big smile. “I’m glad everypony could make it and…” she came in closer to Soul. Close enough to touch. But Soul didn’t back away. No need to back away from the very pony who did all this. That pony who was just like the one from many years ago.

Some other day, some other day I will make everything up for Dashie. For now, I’ll be here with you all and I’ll… I’ll gladly call this place my home again.

“Welcome back to Equestria” Dash finished.

They really were amazing ponies.

4.23
She couldn’t get used to this, and it was some surprise that awaited her to figure out exactly how it was that Soul could get used to this. To have to deal with this all the time. It had only been two days and Blight couldn’t do it herself, still finding some way to manage… barely, while listening to everything that went on outside. Seeing it all. I have to watch it all. Watching as a plate-full of some sort of food came up and disappeared. Seeing Rainbow Dash… Rarity. All these ponies. Talking on and on with none other than Soul.

They all do look like they are having a good time. I think. I should know, lots of ponies are so good at hiding their feelings. Way too many times when I saw it. All I can do is watch and wonder how they are, it’s all I can do in this place. One she had not been in for so long.

Twelve years. Amazing how much things can change. Now she walked on, watching everything go on, not sure what it was that was going on out there. In this world she now could declare to be quite treacherous. Hating it for what it was. What it represented. Even as it was her only home now. Her only one. Strange that these thoughts came up. I really hate to think of them, but they happen. Always surrounded by these thoughts and… these terrible things I see in here… when Soul isn’t looking. I wonder why it is she thinks she has it rough. Like she’ll never have a comfortable home.

That Soul, she always thinks she won’t have a good home. But would it kill her to appreciate the fact that she legitimately had one now. Better than what I have to live in right now.

These past two days, I watched and listened. And it makes me angry. Soul never seemed that happy about being here and always had some fear in her that I keep feeling. And I have to watch all these ponies out there act like total morons until now. Now, at least they are trying to impress. Tried to pull off this ‘act’ that Blight could only commend them for, if only it meant a little more. Really, if Soul had done this for me, I’d have been so happy. Anypony really, because I never get something like this from anypony.

So rare...

Rare and… I miss it.

Now, Soul feels it… again. Or does she? Is she happy? Blight could no longer tell as she went off along this path she felt she wandered along for hours now. So pinning and aggravating to her hooves, like it threatened to swallow her in. She even thought it may have happened several times now. Unlike that hard floor of the castle. She missed that feeling.

4.24
“Seriously, I get to feel again and this is what I get to look forward to.” This mucky touch on her hooves. This dreadful fear that she may get cut. Hurt even, because more than one occasion she felt she may fall off. As if anypony could fall in here. She will not dare it. Never. But, sweet Celestia, it’d be nice to end this madness. Walking along this darkness, annoyed more and more by the laughter of those ponies and how carefree they seemed to be now. Normally she’d love to hear that stuff… were it not for the fact she almost cut herself.

She gasped when she saw it just in time peer into her vision. Such a terrible array of thorns much too big for anything she could recall. Looked as if they could skewer her. Bearing down on her from their perches along a thick vine that coiled and swayed so softly in the breeze. Blight looked up. Watching the vine until it disappeared into the darkness far above, so dark… no Moon to shine. Even though there was one. Really leaving stumped as to how a Moon may exist, but not cast its glow.

She looked back down. Glaring… peering in. Until she saw so much more. So many more vines rippling and threatening her. Daring her to come forward with all their spiderwebs of thorns. Maybe they wouldn’t hurt. I don’t want to chance it. Going into that darkness so black that she could even see her own black hooves were brighter than it all.

Really, how can this still be? I thought… things would be better in here now… poor Soul.

Those ponies have no idea what they are doing. She had to scoff. How pathetic they are… not even able to help my beloved friend. When I was not good enough for her. I will never be a good enough pony for Soul. Yet the one damn pony who was, …what the hell is she doing? As if she isn’t trying. Didn’t even care. Because she sure as hell didn’t know what it was that… that Soul had gone through.

Really nopony could imagine it. Except me.

Really, being angry at them won’t do anything. They are too blind. They simply don’t know anything. Grinding on her patience. She considered her own patience to be near gone at this point, and it was because of seeing all this.

4.25
Darkness and terror. How much everything changed in twelve years. It still scorched her mind, when she saw it earlier. I saw it all. So red. Everything was red and I was so afraid. I don’t want anypony to have to see what I saw. I was so afraid seeing all of it… all around me.

It painted the walls. I covered the ground. And I could hear her. Her cries. I don’t want to see what she looked like.

Soul...

It never vanished. It all still sat in front of her. Rising and bursting all along the sky, no matter how much happiness Soul felt. As she could feel it comfort the Pegasus ever so slightly. I love seeing her happy and comforted… it’s like… it feels comfortable to me. Blight placed a hoof to her heart. I feel it. Feels so weird… and yet… I like it. Soul feels good and I… Blight licked her lips.

This tingle all over. They care for you. But I’m not sure if you are truly happy. All I see is the pain in front of me. It all still exists. It was not going away, and I can’t even burn it all away. As much as she wanted to… to see such dreary and evil feelings set in flame. How much joy it would bring her again. To bring the smallest of comfort to another pony with that. For its what she owed her, and she was failing.

Laughter. Happiness. Even starting to feel accepted. Why, oh why is there still fear? A question that Soul still has.

I know why, and it makes me mad. Mad yet again. These ponies had always sounded so nice to Blight. This little group. Yet worthy enough, she shook her head. Stumped. Turning around to go back the way she came. Not willing to go any further, see any more. Any more evidence that maybe these ponies were not worthy. Even if she wanted them to be. In all these years listening to them… I can’t think of a better group of friends.

But how to be sure?

Because… all ponies, all the ones she saw in this world… bleeding across her eyes. Blinking and seeing more. Hearing everypony out there. On this world. They are all capable of being guilty. Guilty like the ponies I knew. Such lowly beasts. So easy to turn on such an innocent pony. Oh so hard to earn their trust, and Soul had to do it all. But not alone.

I have ways to find out… if they can be the ones to save you, Soul. If she can be the one who can save you… and bring you back to the world you dreamed of. Not this dreary world. Not this darkness. Not this pain.

I already miss being around that castle. And… Equestria isn’t so bad for me. Blight walked off… watching the darkness take her.

4.26
“No way! How long have you been one?” Soul asked in amazement.

When the hell was she planning to tell me this?! And acting like it’s nothing. She has to be crazy. Dash was just over there sitting back in her chair. Like she’s trying to ignore this. Oh no, I gotta know now. After that Pegasus had failed to tell her this amazing discovery ever since Soul came back. No, it took Rarity to be the one to tell her, and she looked amazed too.

“You never told her?” Rarity asked Dash. No kidding. She should have ages ago. This is huge. This is real important to me cuz this was like our childhood dream. The thing that both of them aspired to do, and Rainbow Dash had done it. She reached that goal.

The goal of becoming a Wonderbolt.

It never even crossed my mind. Looking at her wings again, Dash really had built them up so well that it should come as no surprise they could get her landed right into that prestigious group. And there I was getting these wings of mine just to survive and keep going. “Look, I just never thought to tell her” Rainbow explained. Hunching her forehooves up as if she were trying to look innocent. “It really isn’t that big of a deal…” Soul held her breath. “Ya know, I can see ya chafin’ saying that” Applejack said from her post right next to Dash. Just getting done with her third plate of food. To which Dash threw her hooves up and smacked them on the table. “Come on, I was more concerned settling her in” Dash snipped at AJ while pointing to Soul.

Thanks for confirming that you’re a Wonderbolt. Still holding off on the question that made Soul tap her hoof against the table just waiting for it. I bet that she got in long ago. Probably years ago with how much progress she so evidently portrayed to have made. But Soul wasn’t so concerned about why she never told her. More and more thinking about something else.

4.27
“Look” Dash calmly spoke to Soul. “They accepted me as a full member not that long ago. I was in the reserves for a while and had to deal with a lot of shit first, but they still took me in.” Soul could practically hear Dash getting more boastful in her tone as she said that, not really doing a good job of playing it off. Probably hoping Soul would congratulate her or something, which she did deserve. Soul did. “That’s amazing, I’m happy you got in.” Which was the truth. Always great to hear that ponies she knew were doing what they set out to do, and hearing something amazing happened for Dash over these twelve years.

I… I still want to join the Wonderbolts. I got my wings and my skill. She looked down for a moment. It’s just… not something I can do right now. I already have so much to do. So much just to have everything normal.

Still! I’d much rather join the Wonderbolts right now! I got the stuff for it already. I have had it. Now I get to wait… even longer. So many years and all the chances I could have had to be a Wonderbolt with Dash. I don’t know. I was kind of thinking we might get in together. Work together to achieve that goal. Be in the reserves together. All those ideas had not been even close to a priority of hers these past years. Now, to think of it just by hearing that Dash had accomplished it without her, I really have been left behind.

Soul glanced back to her wings. I think I can get in if I wanted. It wasn’t all for loss. But still, would we have been able to graduate together? …It’s gone. So hard to stomach. Soul couldn’t look up. Even if she felt all the other ponies looking at her. Just… seeing it. I can see her and I as Wonderbolts. Together.

If only things were different.

“But hey, you know what’d be even more amazing?” she heard Rainbow Dash say and she looked up to see her old friend was smiling at her. Quick to pep up. “When you join me in the Wonderbolts.”

4.28
When I join it? “Well I…” Soul looked off, really trying to think of what to say. Because, the dream was not dead at all. I still got my stuff. But how? More importantly, when?

“Soul wants to be a Wonderbolt?” Rarity asked. “Oh… now I do see what it is you want, dear.” Soul looked over just in time to see Rarity batting her lashes over at Dash with a grin on her face. What? Am I missing something right now? Soul glanced over at Dash… who blushed. Blushed before she slammed a hoof on the table and Rarity back off with a giggle.

“Well, darling” Rarity said to Soul. “You certainly look like Wonderbolt material.” “You kiddin?” AJ chimed in. Practically throwing herself up on the table in excitement. “You don’t even know how good a Wonderbolt she’ll make. Well, you shoulda seen what she did yesterday. Dash can tell ya all ‘bout it.” She nudged her leg against Dash. The Pegasus could only moan. “Remind me what part” Dash said. Applejack shook her head. Going back to Soul and Rarity.

“Let’s just say Rainbow has ‘erself some competition in the skies… now that somepony else can do a sonic rainboom.”

This was all getting to Dash over there. That pony would never like to hear stuff like this. Though, she did seem to have no issues with it lately. Never even gave a sign she was upset over that chase yesterday. “A sonic rain…” Rarity gasped. Right as Pinkie blasted in between Soul and Rarity faster than either of them could take a breath. “Now that’s something I never thought I’d hear” Pinkie said. “So much so that you gotta be pulling my leg.” “Howz about we just ask Dash, she saw it” AJ said, peering back over to Dash much like everypony else did except for Soul.

I really hope Dashie isn’t upset over any of this. I didn’t mean to steal her thunder. This sonic rainboom is her move, the skies here are hers. Even though it wasn’t a sonic rainboom. It couldn’t be. It looked so different compared to Dash’s like the colors and… and… that’s all. It had to be something else. I don’t want her to feel like I took something she did. There was just no way to tell if Dash was upset over it. She didn’t look upset. That was when Soul looked up at Dash, surprised to see they were locking eyes.

4.29
“Let’s get this straight” Dash said to the others with a sweep of her eyes. “I’m the only pony who can do a sonic rainboom… but…” she looked to Soul. “Soul has a move just as cool and, well, almost as powerful.” She said it with a grin.

Does she mean that? Dash must have done a lot of work to learn how to pull of a rainboom. I did a ton of work too to pull off… whatever this was. And she thinks it’s cool. I never even thought of what it could be. Only the things Blight and Dashie say about it. She was immediately reminded of the words spoken to her. That she was a perfect flyer. Dash herself didn’t show any sign that she was bluffing when she said those compliments for her flying ability. Like she actually did mean them.

“I knew it!” Rarity snapped. “I could’ve sworn I saw two rainbooms yesterday. Here I thought it was our own Dash, but… that was you?” Oh no, that isn’t right. “Dash did her rainboom… I just…” Soul stopped. Wondering what more to say to justify what had happened.

“Did one right after her” AJ finished. “The two of them were just havin’ a friendly reunion race.”

“Ok, hold up” Pinkie waved her hooves before she grabbed hold of Soul and surprised her with a quick pull into her side. It was then that Soul realized Pinkie had joined her in the chair. “Both of you have amazing wings, both of you can do a rainboom. So stop leaving me in suspense and tell me who won the race!” Leave you in suspense? But we just… Soul looked at the others and saw their shared confusion with this. Not for long when Applejack gave Dash one hell of a smug look. Practically giggling under her breath. “How about it, Dash? Wanna tell them what happened?” Too which Dash did another slink into her chair. Fully realizing what she had to say and Soul knew it. The question was if Rainbow Dash was willing to say it. To which Soul already knew the answer to. Well before Dash failed to say anything. Just burying herself into that chair.

Applejack took the sign, giving a quick nod of her head. “They tied.”

4.30
“What? I… uh…” Dash threw herself up again, hit hard by what AJ just said but she didn’t say any more. Quieting herself down in one of the most painful sights Soul had to see because it must really have hurt Dash for AJ to say that to the others. Soul knew one thing about Dash, no matter how many years passed or how much things changed, she still wants to be stronger than others. Would it even be worth apologizing? I didn’t mean to show her up or anything, she just forced my hoof.

Wait… it wasn’t a tie. Dash crashed and we couldn’t… oh wait, that would be worse to say. I’m sure Dashie would have gotten faster and outran me. Maybe. Soul could not be sure, just that… they were both as fast as the other. Both as agile, if they were paying attention that was.

“They tied?” Rarity said in obvious disbelief, and Soul found herself under scrutiny when Pinkie went ahead and got herself a very close look of Soul’s wings. Feeling her eyes go right into them. No doubt seeing how well built they were and how impressive Soul knew them to be, still feeling a bit embarrassed to have them examined so close. Probably wants to see if it’s all a trick.

“Look! We uh…” Dash stopped again. Just the sound of her voice made her sound like she was desperate to say something, anything probably to deny it as Soul expected her to. Was it a surprise, in the end, to not hear Dash deny it? It never came even as seconds passed. Even as Dash took another bite of her sandwich sitting on her plate and quite a long sip of her drink. She sighed. Wiping the crumbs away from her mouth. Looking back over to the trio of ponies across from her.

“Ok, …we raced and well… umm…” she stared down at the floor. Staring down at it like she was trying to get an answer. Leaving Soul in total suspense because Dash sounded so… calm. Like none of this bothered her. Like… she was all alone with only Soul, able to say anything without fear. Anything with the one pony she trusted. Be her true self. And she smiled.

“Screw it” she whispered.

4.31
“Soul.” Dash snapped up staring at her. Soul could only stay silent. Listening to the soft voice who spoke to her. “You did great yesterday. Anypony who can keep up with me is a winner in my book. So yeah, you and I tied… you trained just as hard as I did all these years.” She looked upon everypony in the room. All of them, even AJ. “Soul always kept up with me when we were kids, I’d be disappointed if she wasn’t able to tie with me. She’s the same badass I always knew, and there’s no other pony I’d want to be as good as me.”

Dashie…? Do you really mean that? Like… she wants me to blush. Dash didn’t even flinch when she said all that. She means it. Soul couldn’t look Dash in the eyes after hearing that. That’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me in a long time. Maybe I am as good as her. Dash wasn’t even ashamed to have said that. Gladly smiling at every one of the ponies who were her friends. How sweet they all looked. Some of them nodding. Fluttershy so touched that she put a hoof to her heart. But all of them had that same look, and they all believed it.

“Ok, that does it” Rarity said. “We have to get her into the Wonderbolts, then.” “With so many years training, she’s a shoe in for them” AJ added in, everypony agreed. Even if Dash fell silent now, Soul still humbly rubbed her forelegs together. They all think I can be a Wonderbolt. Wow, I… I don’t know what to say. Guess they can see how much work I’ve put in. I won’t let them down. Joining the Wonderbolts sounded like such a treat, when years ago she went on thinking she may never join them. Never get the chance because it was impossible. Maybe someday, someday Soul will do it. She still wanted to. If only things were that easy.

“Well she’s got one helluva test to get through before she can join. I can help her brush up” Dash suggested towards Soul. Soul wanted to tell Dash the truth right now. Any test she had to take to join paled in comparison. That was the easy part. Dash had no idea just how hard it was going to be. What I have to get through. There’s something I need to do first. Nopony here will understand.

“Please” Rarity sighed. “If she can do a sonic rainboom, no testing can stop her.” She leaned in closer to Soul, looking past Pinkie. “You simply must show us it, I’m too curious now.” “I second that” Applejack said. Show them? My move? Soul didn’t know what to say. These ponies actually wanted to see her pull off that move. A privilege she only allowed Soulblight to have. Because she had been the only pony who expressed interest in seeing what Soul could do, now these ponies wanted it too. That was… it was amazing. Like she would have her own little audience to see just what her wings could do after all these years of training. Ha, to join the Wonderbolts and perform for others. Sounds like I’m already doing it now. Already going to be able to show off her abilities.

If they all are so excited to see it, no way I’ll say no. Soul nodded. Fully accepting such a task, more than ready to do it. Feeling her wings also approved of it. Like they were dying to go back into action. She will do it just for them. Show them she was a great flyer. “A-alright” Soul managed to say. Immediately seeing a pink hoof pull her in, and Pinkie was right in her face. “Let’s do that later for the main event. The party is just starting.”

4.32
It took no time to rip Soul away from her chair and the remains of her cake. Unsure as to what was going on, just letting it happen. With Pinkie pulling her away in her hooves. “So I got a bunch of party games that we gotta do” Pinkie said while Soul just let herself be dragged along. Really more amazing this pony could pull her along like it was nothing. Am I really that light? May as well be a feather.

What did Pinkie say? There are games? Sounded like the others were excited for it. Rainbow Dash flew overhead. “Aww yeah, get me in on this too” she went off. Flying over to where… Soul saw something yet again that looked really weird. She cocked her head. Not sure how to make it out. Didn’t look like any game she had ever seen before. It’s not like the games I used to see ponies playing on the streets of Cloudsdale. Not racing or flying. Really anything she remembered being fun.

But what are party games? All it was was some badly drawn image of a pink pony… Pinkie. Yeah. Like it was drawn with pink marker and had the same curly mane and tail and bright blue eyes. She couldn’t figure out what to do with it. Just more of a mystery up till Pinkie stopped forcing her forward and let her be, standing quite a ways away from it. “Umm…” Soul glanced over to Pinkie and back at that drawing. Rainbow Dash seemed to know what to do with her waiting right next to them like she was expecting some dessert. Okay, so what was the point here?

“Party games?” Soul asked as stumped as ever. “So what game is…” turning to find Pinkie had pulled out and cracked a sheet of black in her hooves. What turned out to Soul to be… none other than a blindfold… and, looking up, quite a chilling smile on Pinkie’s face.

4.33
“Uhh…” Now Soul really felt the need to back away, and she did. Just one step before she felt herself bump into something. That something turning out to be Rarity with a little something floating next to her. A strand of pink fur? Looked like a tail actually. Wrapped in a coat of blue magic matching that of the magic circling around Rarity’s horn. “You’re gonna need this” she said and sent that tail floating over until it was right in front of Soul’s mouth. Like she was supposed to take it. So close, she noticed a sharp looking pin embedded in the tip of the tail.

So a blindfold and a tail. What the hell?

“Come on, Soul!” Rainbow Dash yelled from across the room. “Try not to suck at this.” Suck? So this is some sort of game? I’ve never seen this before. And Dash is over there being a smartass. That was all it took to make her take that tail in her mouth. “So what is this?” Soul asked. Finally that overly excited face on Pinkie went away. She looked shocked. “You don’t know?” She asked. Is it something I should know?

“You don’t do a lot of parties, do you?” Pinkie asked. Soul noticed that Dash smacked a hoof over the top of her head over that line. Yeah… but it was okay. Parties… we never my thing. “I spent too long travelling, I didn’t get to party much” Soul explained. “Not to worry” Pinkie bought it. “It’s really easy. Just take that tail and get it…” She pointed over to that poorly drawn picture. “Put that thing right in that pony’s booty.” Take it and… just do that?

“While blindfolded” Pinkie finished. Pushing that blindfold closer. Oh… okay that sounds not as stupid.

“Oh, yeah I never did this before” Soul said, and Pinkie giddily jumped in place much too fast for Soul to even tell how many jumps she did in that short time. Really excited for this. Happily laughing. “Oh boy, first time pin the tail on the pony! Well don’t you worry, I bet you’ll even beat Dash’s time.” “Whatever!” Dash called out. “Watch, I’ll beat her score easy.” Oh come on now, Dash. How will we even compete when we can’t even see? This sounded more hilarious to Soul. Seeing Dash probably crash into something or fall over and get that tail pinned to her own ass.

And the same will happen to me, great.

Haha, better not make a fool of myself. Well best to try and do this without messing up, more important than winning against Dash in this. “Can I at least use my wings?” Soul asked. “Why not?” Dash said. “I’ll be using them. But that’s it. No using anything else” Dash winked. Oh come on… I can’t even feel… fine. Dash gave a quick snap of her wings. Using them to fly back over to where Soul was.

4.34
Soul joined her in the air, tossing down the tail from her mouth and landing it between the tight grasp of her forehooves. Dash also brought something up, holding that blindfold herself and bringing it closer to Soul. Sheesh, here we go. Soul accepted it. Allowing Dash to come in front of her and bring that sheet of black between her and Dash. Pushing it closer and then… total darkness.

Soul had to blink a lot, but no change. Just feeling a tug on her head and something snaking around the back of her head and through her thick mane while hearing Dash’s wings flapping all around her. Until that cloth felt pretty tight against her face. That was all she had to go on. Looks like Dash secured it well. Wasn’t even falling off. Oh Celestia… I don’t think I even remember where that drawing was. And I need to get this on that drawing’s ass. Oh shut up, Dash, this isn’t easy for you.

Soul clutched the tail tighter in her hooves. Feeling along it until she reached that pin at the end. Just to be sure she knew where everything was. Angle it a little and… it should be pointing forward now. This really sucked not being able to see. Just go forward. That might be where the drawing was.

She gave her wings a light flap and moved on in the direction she last believed she saw that stupid drawing with its goofy smile that she bet she’ll probably pin this tail right square in its teeth or eye. If she didn’t run into anything. There wasn’t really anything to run into, but still.

Don’t worry, if you crash I swear I won’t laugh.

That made her stop for a moment in her flight. The deafening silence. And then that was Blight. Oh wow, thanks for promising that. Soul gave Blight a little laugh. Now there’s an idea… I’d love to see you do this. You’re lucky I didn’t know about this game before or else I’d have made you do it at my party. Blight would total trip over something. Well… if lots of things were different. Back during the party we had… or even now. If only Blight could be here too.

4.35
As much as I’d love to play, I want to talk to you for a moment. Alone…

Alone? But the party just started. It’d be rude to walk out right now. Well… it must be something important if Blight felt it necessary to break that worrying silence she had for much of the time here. Continue where they left off earlier, maybe. Because that had been a joy to see Blight in person again after much too long. But not now.

Ok… we can talk after I finish this. Probably can come up with some excuse to walk out and find a quiet place to talk. Not here, where she began to hear the other ponies laughing behind her. What? Am I doing something wrong?

Oh goodie, after this. Then allow me… you’re veering off to the right and about to run into a pile of boxes.

What?! Soul stopped immediately. Practically able to hear the sound of something ruffling in front of her from the force of her wing flaps. Perking her ears up to listen. You see, I’d not have missed that if I could sense things right now. And Blight just helped me!? Wait a minute.

Thank you but don’t help me out. I got this. I don’t want to cheat. Soul turned herself over to the left, listening so closely. That’s all I can do. Can’t hear anything. Think I cleared those boxes. Just fly forward now, maybe she was back on course. Impossible to tell really. She didn’t even notice she lost track of where she was. Wow, so now how on earth am I going to find where that damn pony’s ass is?

Well… I really want to see what Blight wants. Can we talk right now? I can multitask.

Yeah… you can, if you weren’t holding yourself back right now… just to be fair. Well I really need to talk and want to did it face to face. By the way… your left.

What?

Then keep going straight. Veer down a little too. Oh, wow. Will you shut up! I don’t want to cheat at this.

I know but I really need you. Please. Blight, come on now. I want to do this on my own.

4.36
Okay, I’m not listening right now. I told you that I want to do this myself and I’ll go my own way. Then you’ll be at this forever. Keep going forward. Oh for Celestia’s sake, she wasn’t going to stop saying things, whatever. I’ll just keep doing what I was doing. I can do this on my own and then we can talk.

It was such a curiosity that Blight wanted to talk. Did she think of something fun they could do? Or maybe think of something more to help figure out how to make everything work out in the end? Or a plan for the future? She had to know. Doesn’t mean I’ll cheat at this. I think I hear something. Like… the wind, maybe. I’m headed to open space. Too far. Soul turned around.

Oh come on now, why don’t you want to listen to what I say? Because I’ll feel like trash if I do. I’ll talk when I finish this, okay? It won’t take that long, you child.

Child?

Yup, so just enjoy watching this. Have fun like the others are. Hearing them merrily chat about this game or continue to have a good old time watching her. Even heard Dash say “Eh, I can still beat her.” I have no doubt you can, because I’m not good at this at all. Unless I could rely on feeling this all out but… I can’t.

Any chance you want to tell me what it is now? Soul continued flying forward, holding out the tail further away from her. Just eager to get it placed into something resembling a wall that may have a pony drawing on it. I’d rather have your attention and be alone for it. Fine. Soul accepted it. Just wanting to get this done. You owe me. She better have something amazing to tell her or she was going to owe Soul a game later to make up for the fun. You got that?

We can do something later, but this will be worth it. I’ll shut up by the way. This is all you, hehe.

Good. Soul straightened herself out. Hard to do this when blind and distracted. That must’ve been what the others were giggling about. Except Applejack. She heard that pony call out “You go, girl!” How sweet of her. Soul liked to think that all of them were back there silently cheering her on to do this. Maybe even Dash, if only it were legit. I’ll definitely be sure to give them a good show later to make up for it. Soul still looked forward to doing her move for all of them. It’s the best I can do for them after all they’ve done. It was only right to do.

4.37
She kept going forward. Don’t hear any wind over here. Might be getting close to a wall. Already wanting to jab this tail in. If AJ’s cheering meant anything, might be that she was getting closer. Ok straight and, … she could swear she felt like she must be close to it by now. It really felt like it had been much too long now. Long enough to close the distance so she readied herself to pin the tail in.

Hope I got this. I’m sort of rushing for you. Oh… how sweet of you. I’ll just say keep going and figure out what you got. I’m sort of enjoying watching you like this. Next time, you’re doing it and you get to have a blindfold. Alright, and I’ll do even better than all of you. No using your magic. And you assume I’ll need to use it?

Soul stopped. Wait. I think I’m in front of something. Feeling her wings close to hitting something. Must be the wall. She turned the tail over to her right side and readied it. So the drawing was around here? Blight kept quiet. Everypony did.

Must be.

Okay, here goes. Soul jabbed it forward… and it hit home. Feeling something stop the tail and she could move it no longer. Right as she heard the others gasp and Blight giggling in her head. What?

“Did I do it?” Soul asked. Letting go and freeing her hooves to push the blindfold up. Seeing the brightness of the room overtake her for just a second before she could see again and…

Well you certainly pinned a pony.

Soul held her breath. Oh… shit. She didn’t know what to say, but she could see why the others gasped. That Pinkie drawing was there. Right next to where the tail was, jabbed into the rear. Soul blinked again to be sure, before she realized what she had done. Finding herself face to face with the tail jabbed right into the rear… of Pinkie Pie, who now had two tails.

And she didn’t even look bothered.

Soul held her breath. Ready to gasp. Oh no! Did I hurt her? Blight why didn’t you tell me?

Pinkie laughed. Harder than Soul had ever heard her do before. Practically in stitches. Banging a hoof against the floor like she may collapse from laughter. Just unable to take her eyes off that tail stuck in her rear. What? But I... Soul stared and then looked back at all the other ponies. All the others who also started laughing.

4.38
“Looks like you pinned the tail on the pony” Pinkie laughed and jumped up twice. It’s like she isn’t even hurt. Is she okay?

“Well, I guess that counts” Dash said. “You got it on Pinkie after all.” “Yeah…” Soul laughed a little. Letting herself float back down to the ground and take another look at that hilariously drawn drawing that still didn’t have its tail. I was trying to help you, oh well. Hehe, guess I’m better at this game than I thought. Soul could only laugh about it.

You still want to talk? If you’re not too busy.

“Leave it to Soul to find some way to make this wild” Dash said. “I think I can do that faster than her.” Pinkie giggling over there. Still looking at that tail pinned into her rear. “I feel like I’m gonna have a ton of tails by the end of this.” Before she turned back to all of them. Giving them all an innocent grin. “Ummm… I’ll be right back.” And she zipped away into another set of huge double doors.

Guess that’s my cue. “I’ll be right back too” Soul said to the others. Just letting them think whatever it may be she needed to do. None of them questioned her. All of them nodding and Dash giving her a happy wave. “Don’t take too long.”

Soul flew past them and over to where the other set of doors she came in from where. Out in the hall should be good enough. Right as she heard Dash say behind her “Alright give me another tail, and let’s get the darts ready too.” Whatever that meant. Soul left them to it. Certain to be back soon and join in on the fun again. She pushed the double doors open and glided out. Careful to gently close those doors behind her before she landed back down on the hallway’s floor. Turning around to be sure they were alone. An empty hall, with the only noises being the sound of happy ponies behind the doors she just left from.

4.39
“Alright, so what’s up?” Soul asked. Looking off to her right and then to her left. Passing a second before she heard that voice speak to her.

“So what are you thinking of this party?” Soulblight said. Seeing that pony like she just came out of the darkness in the corner. Speaking softly. Soul did the same so nopony could hear. Certain she knew what it was Blight wanted to hear. “You were right. They are such nice ponies. I’m having almost as much fun as when you threw that party for me the other day.” Soul rubbed her hoof along her leg thinking back on it. Smiling the whole way through. Except… probably not best to say what she just said. “Not that I’m saying your parties the same. I loved yours far more.” Soul gave off the best smile she could to sell this truth.

“No need to say that” Blight said. “I’m not trying to have some sort of party competition. Still, don’t think you need to hide anything from me.” She pointed a hoof to Soul and snorted. “I know you’re enjoying their company.” Like she’s teasing over it. Well if she says so. Soul nodded. “Yeah, this place is pretty great. I never thought Equestria would be like this after all this time.” The party just started and it’s already like old times with how fun it was. Maybe as good as playing with Blight.

These ponies, they have no idea how much this all means to me. This is the first time anypony threw me a welcome party. “It all means a lot to me. It’s like… I’m back home.” Blight chuckled. Stepping a little closer. Both pegasi standing next to one another, staring back at that large door that separated them and the others.

“You were so worried they wouldn’t like you. But look at what you have now. You got five ponies in there who like you already. Just like Dash said, am I right?” And she gave a nice nudge against Soul’s side with her leg.

4.40
Well… I think she’s right. They seem to like me. Applejack was extremely nice as was Pinkie and Rarity. Fluttershy is being a bit distant. And Dashie...

I don’t know what to say about her.

I never thought she would do this for me. She organized all of this? “I wonder why Dashie did this for me.” She couldn’t tell if Blight had the answer. That pony didn’t look at Soul. She was silent. Closing her eyes and uttering not a single word. Soul, she was left in the dark. Twelve years apart and this is what she had to come back to. An Equestria that felt a lot like… how it used to be. During a better time. When she had nothing to fear. Like all of it was a dream, and that is what made her ears droop.

Back then… ponies liked me for who I was. These ponies like me. Dash likes me. They like Soul. That’s all I am. None of Dash’s friends know who I am. Not Soul Serenity. I’m the pony that Equestria hates. They always hated me. If these ponies knew, I bet… things would be different.

I always have to hide it. And Blight… she still stayed quiet. Nothing smart or nice to say this time. Nothing at all.

I don’t think… I can trust these ponies.

“Stop beating around the bush, tell what the important thing is. I really want to know.”

That was what made Blight finally do something. Finally sighing to herself. “Yeah… I kept you waiting long enough.” She stepped aside now. Walking off away from Soul, leaving her behind with such a slow sway of her long, black tail. Soul followed after. Following her down the hallway, away from the noise behind those double doors back there. Blight made a little groan from behind her wings.

“Are you okay?” Soul asked. Making Blight stop and the Pegasus looked back. Glancing over her dark wings with those piercing eyes that glowed brighter than any crystal in this castle. For just a second. She spoke softly. “I have a rather hard question to ask you. No… a request” Soulblight said. “You can say no whenever you wish. Just… I need to ask.” “Go on” Soul said. Stepping forward with such delight as to what this may be. Tell me.

She saw Blight gulp. “Alright, I noticed you are having a lot of fun with these ponies and they seem to like you. So… I was wondering…” Leaving quite a long pause or it seemed so to Soul, just watching Blight pace her eyes around.

“Screw it, …can I join in on the party too?”

Did she just say that? She has to be joking. Soul even stuffed a hoof into one of her ears just to try and clear it out because she had to have heard that wrong. “Say again” Soul said.

“Oh shut up” Blight said bashfully. “You heard me. I want to join you all.”

Now that was like a bolt of lightning had just struck. Here I thought she was shy. Look at her being all tough now. This is exactly what I’ve wanted since we got here! Blight still stared back over her wing. Waiting. Not a single thing was saying… she was joking. Not at all. She’s serious. Blight… there’s no way I can say no.

“Yes!” Soul put a hoof over her mouth, just as Blight stepped back obvious she was surprised to at how loud she was. “Why would you think I’d not want it?” Soul whispered again. “I’ve been wanting you to join me around here ever since we got here. Hell, before we got here. I’d love for you to join in.” Just like I’ve dreamed. My dream is coming true now. Blight can party too, make friends and we can all have a life here together. Yes!

Okay, how do I introduce her? Maybe she can be my old friend or somepony from my travels. My flight partner while I was gone? A surprise guest? Or… maybe… my long, lost sister. Ooh I like that sound of that. Soul was already shaking from excitement.

4.41
“Awesome!” Blight said. “May I just borrow your body for it?”

Soul stood still. The whole world went quiet.

“What?” Soul shrieked. Borrow my… what is she saying?

“Well of course. Now you can say no… it’s fine with me” Blight said. “I just don’t want to go in there…” she flashed her massive wings out, leaving such a strong gust of silvery mist coursing all around her black body. “Like this.”

So… she is… still afraid. That killed it for Soul now who slumped her head down. Well this was almost an amazing thing to hear. I really thought that she… oh Blight.

What is she even talking about? Soul looked back up at her. Borrow my body? “What do you mean?”

“Well I… guess I should say that. I kind of want to do what I did a while ago” Blight said.

She means… what she did when she was Dash. Well… I guess she can look like me but… “There can’t be two Souls” she muttered. Blight perked her ears up. “What? Oh no, you misunderstand me… I meant…” She looked off into space. Then tell me. What is it you’re talking about? If it’s not that trick she did long ago, then what is it?

The answer came… “I want to… take over your body. …Please?” Blight grinned.

Say what?

Alright, so Blight can do all this crazy and, sometimes, terrifying stuff. Doing all of it with skill Soul had never seen or heard of before. She’s the best magic user I’ve ever known. Best I’ve ever heard of. But take over my body? That was never something she could think of.

“You want to… possess me?” Is Blight sure she isn’t a ghost? The black mare sighed. “Yes… a possession, if you want to call it that. …I can do your voice perfectly and I know so much about you, I can really sell it…” “That’s…” Soul interrupted and wasn’t even sure what to say. Possess me. What has Blight been thinking all this time? Sweet Celestia. Use my body to join in on the party. Never heard of such a thing. I never knew she could do that. Since when?

Isn’t there something better we can do?

I really want her to join this party, can’t it be some other way? Since when could she do this? I don’t… know if I want this. “How…?” That was all Soul could say about this. Just trying to figure this all out. Blight wants to take over my body. But… it’s my body. I just…

4.42
“Well… I may as well say it. It was going to come anyways” Blight said softly. “

“You sort of… let me do it before.”

What? Blight looked away. Right before she did, Soul saw it. She looked so sad. Like she was so upset to say all this. Sad over what? Over what she said? Because it didn’t mean anything. Did it before. Blight… is there something I should know?

“Blight…?” Soul took a step closer. “What do you mean?” If there’s something I should know, she had better tell me now. Tell me and stop with the silent treatment.

“Blight?” Soul raised her voice.

“I’m sorry” Blight shook her head. “Oh man… there is no easy way to talk about this.” She looked back over trying to feign a smile that quivered painfully on her face. “Yes, I can take you over. I did it a very long time ago. Let’s just say that… if you hadn’t let me do it back then… things would be a lot different.”

Soul blinked. I understand.

Blight looks so sad. Like something really is hurting her just to talk about this. And what else could she be upset about? She’s still upset about what happened, if I’m going to be mad. Mad over that day. So… now I see. No wonder.

Soul glanced down at her hooves. Looking along the magenta fur running over her leg. Like it may as well be covered in blood again. Like… on that day. All the blood that was everywhere. Raining. That blood that soaked all this fur. All her entire innocent body. When all that innocence died.

Blight… it’s hard to believe how long we have been together. I don’t even know. There’s so much you don’t tell me. You’re just a mystery. Didn’t even know you could take me over. Haha… but I was just a filly… and I wanted to kill. Oh Celestia. I guess I see now. You really were with me even way back then. Just sitting there, a filly covered in blood, begging for somepony to save her. To be her friend. That last wish. Before it all ended. Ended in a burst of light.

I can’t be mad at her. She made me do it. Made me want to do it. I already know. It was just her trying to help. Help in the only way that she could. I was only a filly who had to deal with all that; she was a mare… who knew what to do. Even if it hurt her to do it, and I got to see how it made her feel. Wolves or Changelings. Whatever it is. She deals with it so well that it’s scary. She’s the only pony I’ve ever known who would want… to kill.

And she wanted me to kill.

Remembering it all. Knowing what happened. No wonder she’s upset… when she doesn’t need to be. “That was in the past, Blight. You shouldn’t be upset. I’m not upset at all.”

“I know, it’s… it’s all in the past…” Blight craned her neck. …Blight?

“But still, I shouldn’t ask to use your body again. Not after that. It’s not right of me, you can’t even say no to me. You couldn’t…” Yeah because I was a filly and… I had no choice. There was no choice.

Those old times are all done. Nothing can be done to change them. It’s true and I wish Blight would think it’s true too. It’s all dead now. After all that, we are best friends. There’s no need to be so down about it. She made a mistake but it was alright now. After the twelve years they had together, Soul couldn’t care of what mistakes they made to one another anymore.

4.43
Twelve years. So long that Soul had, so long and so many times when it all could have ended. But I lived all because of this pony. Maybe… she had to be sure first. Because right now, it didn’t seem so bad.

“Could you not just change how you look, …like you did before? When you saved me.” A time Soul just liked to look back to. When she truly became my friend. Such a horrible day… and one that mattered so much. Thanks to this pony.

“Oh, the Dash get up?” Blight muttered. Still seeming like it was a big deal to her. “Yeah” Soul replied doing her best not to sound at all bothered, because this wasn’t a bother at all. “Just appear as somepony else, and we can go in together, if it’ll be better.” “Trust me” Blight said. “If I could, then I would. Sadly, I tried…” she looked even more defeated than before. Sulking now. “Looks like I can only do that for ponies I know well…” Know well?

“So that means…” Soul said.

“You and Dash, really” Blight answered. Damn. It’ll never work. Soul took her word for it. I guess all that’s left to do is…

After what Blight has done for me, she deserves it. She helped me so much and is why I am here now. If she wants to join in on a party, I won’t stop her. Not now. Besides, I don’t think it’ll hurt.

“What’s it like to be possessed by you?” She had looked down at the floor to ask this, a move that didn’t last long because she heard plain silence for a while. She had to check and make sure Blight was still there. Oh she was, just… her mouth agape. Licking her lips once before she finally made a move out of her stunned state. Yes, I know what I’m asking.

“Well… ummm” Blight started. “It should be like it is when I’m in your mind. Just the roles should be reversed. That’s what I think it will be like. I’ll control your body and you would be able to hear and see everything around. You’ll know everything and be completely aware. You’ll feel what your body feels. It’s just… this time… you might not be able to really say or do much. I’m… I’m getting better at this magic stuff.” Now Soul understood completely. This is what the possession was. Control me body completely? Wow. That is a tall order. Does Blight even know how to act like me? Or was she planning something else?

4.44
But, there was one thing that made Soul not even think of the word ‘no’. One little fact in it all. I trust her. She knows exactly what I want. She has never done anything to hurt me. She’s always been there. Years together. The only pony who has never left her side.

There is no other pony out there I’d trust to be me.

Blight looked so sincere in her little face with her dark ears draped down her head. Like those golden eyes bled the light that lit up this castle. Not even blinking. Just lowering her lashes… and rubbing a hoof along the floor. Really like such a tiny pony under all that long hair of hers and her giant wings. A sweet and kind mare. Behind all that darkness, she was nothing to fear. Only a pony who wanted to have fun too. She wants to party. She wants to play.

If she needs to be a normal pony… then it’s fine.

Taking over my body. Take over my body, …just how powerful is this pony? It’s amazing. All I can do is trust her. Just trust her. Just trust her. She deserved to hang out with the other ponies too and have fun.

“I didn’t get to say no the last time… but, I’m gonna say yes this time.” Soul gave her approval, and she literally watched as Blight blossomed right in front of her. Like all that darkness suddenly lit up.

“Are you serious?” she asked. Stepping forward and coming closer. Yeah, you didn’t hear wrong. Soul nodded to her and smiled. Fully prepared now. Fully committed to making this day a good one for Blight as well. She gave me good days, I need to give her one too. Let her have one… with my body. Oh Celestia, this is gonna be weird if it really is the way Blight described it. She could already feel the butterflies churning even as Blight let out a small cheer. Really changing tunes fast. She was glad that Blight had cheered up. Coming closer to her with a quick flap of her wings till they were right with each other again. Soul wished she shared her excitement. The idea of this was nerve wracking. My body won’t be mine. But, let’s do it. Maybe it will be fun. There’s only one way to find out.

4.45
“So what do I need to do?” Soul asked. “You need to be sure” Blight said. “Are you sure you want this? I promise I won’t do anything bad to your body and I’ll be on my best behavior.”

Soul giggled. It really wasn’t a huge deal. “Just enjoy yourself” she requested. That was all she could ask of Blight. This will be the pony’s first time at a party with a bunch of other ponies. Her first time with others. Oh wow, Blight… you are putting yourself out there. Way to go. Being brave like that. Just while wearing Soul’s skin.

Enough of this wait. I’m fine with it and totally ready. “You sure there’s no special thing I need to do to make this spell work? Need anything?” Blight rolled her eyes. “Saliva from a virgin mare… come on now, I don’t need anything.” All she did was stare as close as she could. Almost awkward. Like she was just staring through Soul at this point.

Is this part of possessing me? “What’s wrong?” Soul asked, to which she saw a black hoof raise. Raise and touch against her as Blight wrapped it around the back of her neck, and she giggled.

“Thank you” the black Pegasus said. “I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t” Soul said. I know my body is in safe hooves again, and she’s gonna have a lot of fun. The best time she hoped her to be able to have with others. Soul trusted her and the others. Coming out here with Blight had been important in the end. Soul was glad she did it.

“All you need to do is relax” Blight said. “It’ll be alright.” As she pulled Soul closer with that hoof she held around her. Soul did as she asked. Even with how nervous she was. It’ll be fine. It’s Blight. Do it for her. Soul let out a deep breath, and took in another. Lowering her head till all she saw were her best friend’s hooves standing below her.

“Close your eyes.”

Soul did. I trust you.

Just the darkness… and silence. Yet through that darkness, Soul saw it. She still saw the eyes of that sweet mare who smiled at her. You better be real gentle with my body.

Soul inhaled deeply.

Part 3 Solace - Act 5

5.1
Soulblight let out a deep breath.

That was when she opened her eyes. Seeing that empty and long corridor to the castle. Or maybe two of it? Like seeing double for a moment. It actually took way too long for that to go away, except the feeling didn’t. It felt off. Everything did. Like standing upside down. Almost making her fall over onto her side. Taking all her strength to make those shaky legs keep her in place.

That quickly went away. Feeling far better. Such bad vertigo. Blight grunted and shook her head. Needing to rub one of her hooves along her head. Did… it work? I don’t remember it feeling like this before. It’s so weird now.

She glanced up to that hoof she held against her head, that magenta furred hoof. That bulky weight she felt along both her sides with all those feathers rubbing along her skin. I think it…

She looked back. Seeing none other than two massive magenta wings unfold at her sides. Soul’s wings!

It worked!

Oh wow, they feel so natural now. It’s like her wings are mine now. And… she flapped them both. They work! So much better than back in the snow. This entire body feels so good now. Blight stretched all four of those legs out. Rearing her backside up and feeling her spine give a little crack that felt heavenly. Giving another quick flap of those wings and a flick of that long, silver tail.

“Thank you so much, Soul.” Blight grinned so wide. Oh my Celestia! I got her voice down perfect. Nopony will even know. Didn’t even need to try at this point. It was just happening, no strain or effort in her throat. Perfect. But she heard the same voice pop up again. Exactly as she imagined Soul to hear her.

No problem, just be careful with my body. Treat it like a lady. “I don’t know how to treat a lady.” Blight! “I’m kidding. Lighten up.” Soul was still there. Right there, like in the back of her head. May as well be right next to her with how loud she sounded.

5.2
Amazing though. She never thought Soul would agree to this. Giving one’s body for a little bit certainly couldn’t be an easy decision to make… or a decision that ponies probably would never make. That pony truly is so nice. She really wanted me to join in on the party. Really, right now Blight had so many ideas on what to do. What to look forward to. Never able to do them in her own body. Speaking of which, she had to make sure.

She looked over at the wall. All that shiny crystalline material did look beautiful but it served a better purpose. She saw herself in it. Almost perfectly. Presenting her side to herself and letting that long, flowing tail flip up. Able to see all of Soul’s super sleek body moving as she wished. Just as I hoped. My eyes. They’re yellow. Piercing of big, golden pupils shining in the glow of the hall. But they weren’t her own. Soul’s own eyes. Not those eyes that will scare the others. These eyes and this body. This voice. I may as well call myself Soul Serenity. Just for the party of course.

I wonder if I should go around the town like this too. That restaurant did look like a fun place. I’d so want a bunch of servant ponies serving me whatever my heart desires. You’d have to ask me first. I know, trust me I only seek to have fun here. And what fun it will be. By the way, are you alright with me being the one who has fun here? This is your party after all. Soulblight was more than eager to go back in that room as she walked over towards the doors in this new body atop such strong hooves and muscly legs. Though this was all going to be for Soul after all, she needed to be sure that pony was comfortable like this. Only getting to watch didn’t sound that enjoyable, and Blight was one to know.

You already threw me a party. How about you just have this one. This can be your welcome party.

Soulblight laughed. May as well be my party. I am Soul after all. Oh this was not going to be normal at all, she was practically giddy with excitement over what may happen now that she had total approval to enjoy a party on her own with no reason to fear. Even if these ponies may be ignorant, she still could enjoy them.

Not may be, they were entirely ignorant.

Hehehe a flock like this can never know where they are going… and I know where I want them.

But… let’s throw that on the back burner. I’m here for fun right now. She stepped forward, almost tripping over her own hooves for once. Quick to right herself and calm down. Simply fine. It was… it had to be the change. Soul has much bigger hooves and legs. They feel so clunky right now. Even just taking a long stride felt off by how long these legs felt. How real everything was to her. Even feeling a heart beat against her ribs. The slightest ruffle of her fur tickling along her skin, and this dreadfully annoying tingle going off between her hind legs. Soul really feels a lot different nowadays. Like a huge weight on her. Even coming down to how smooth the floor felt along her hooves. Like it was alien compared to how it felt moments ago when it was with her own hooves. She had better get used to this fast. Because Blight was in no mind set to wait.

5.3
You okay?

Blight took another step and adjusted as it wobbled a little more. Why is walking with this body so damn weird? All this… feeling now. Yeah, hang on.

Blight planted her hooves, taking deep breaths and blinking a few times till she felt a little less like she were about fall over. Even having to hold out her wings just in case, they felt so ready to flap just to save her from any fall. She lifted a hoof, pivoting it back and forth in the air just to make sure. Yup, it moved alright now. Honestly, I should be used to this by now. It’s just a body. A much… stronger body.

She planted the hoof back down on the floor, standing straight. There we go. Now she felt better. Now I am, how about you? Are you doing alright in there? Wondering what it may be like in there for Soul. Should be calm up there like I made sure it should be. She still took a moment to respond, making Blight question what it may be she felt. This kind of sucks now. I can’t hear anything she thinks. That or she just wasn’t thinking at all. What a hindrance. It felt so lonely now without listening to her. Just her voice as it became apparent.

Yeah, I’m alright. It’s a little cozy in here. You just go have fun.

Well if she says so. No point in keeping the others waiting. Blight took the last steps needed to get back to the door, this time without any problem. That was a relief. Even able to get up on her hind legs and push herself against the huge double door, watching as they split before her and she fell forward now that they parted. Where she walked right back into a room that felt so different to her despite just being in here. Just opening the door allowed her to feel a warm gust of air sooth her body. Hearing all the sounds not with her own ears any more. They sounded lighter, softer. As was all she saw. Like it were brighter but so very far. But she had to admit, she felt good coming in here.

5.4
Listening to some sort of tune that was now playing in the room. Some music sounding out in an upbeat melody she couldn’t identify. Strong enough to breathe life into ponies she bet. Now that she saw them all with eyes that were not her own. Pinkie Pie was back and with one tail now, that was good, because she didn’t seem at all bothered that that had happened. Didn’t think she’d have a problem with it. Pinkie was just off over there doing some ridiculous looking motions with her legs and tail as she practically floated across the floor in a weird dance that somehow Rarity seemed to be a part of.

Speaking of Pinkie, did they end up... Blight looked over past the ponies. Oh, yeah they did. There was that funny drawing of Pinkie right with a fresh tail pinned into its backside. Almost perfectly. So… did Dash end up doing that? Oh, I need to find out; finding that cyan furred Pegasus past the table of food and half eaten cake where she was with Applejack who did not look too pleased over something. They looked to be playing some sort of game over there, she couldn’t get a good sight of it. Some things they looked to be holding atop their hooves. It has to be a game, that’s what ponies do at these things. Except Fluttershy.

That yellow Pegasus going off across the room and going to join over with Pinkie and Rarity. Blight swore she caught a glimpse of that Pegasus giving her a quick glance before going about her flight. Seriously, what is her deal? She’s really shy. No reason to be afraid of Soul. …I shouldn’t be talking.

Nah, Fluttershy is gonna be a good friend for Soul. They all will be. I’m certain of it. Blight frowned.

…Guess I’ll see what Dash is up to. She’s the one in charge of this party. The one who would deliver the most fun for Soul. The pony I need… just to make sure.

5.5
Blight smiled. Kicking the doors closed behind her and trotting off over to where the two ponies were. Listening in, she did hear something interesting that Applejack was saying. Coming in pretty well through these ears no matter how far away she was. “How about best two out of three? I know I got this.” To which she saw Dash sticking her tongue out and really sounding unimpressed with what was said. “You didn’t even get one in, I think you should just do a practice run before trying to beat me.”

I see why Soul likes this pony. Why both of them liked one another, but that was not anything new. Always an enjoyment to see them go at it whenever. Really just like best friends who happened to like being quite snippy to one another like some pathetic attempt to feign just how much they truly liked one another. It was charming. Blight still liked that about them. Or how they both used to be around one another, and now I get to be the one around her. I can’t complain. If she were to choose anypony here to hang out with, it was Dash… even if…

She makes my skin crawl.

She should be easy to fool. I learned how to speak Soul Serenity. Blight walked past the table, eyeing the food as she went past. Intrigued by how it all smelled to her, being her first time around such an array of foods. Some of which she had never seen. Though others she could tell based off what she heard. She could say one thing though, she did like the smells. Almost enchanting.

She took her eyes off them, continuing over to Dash and AJ where she noticed that Dash had spotted her as well. Turning around in the air to wave over to her like she was inviting her over. Great, they clearly have no idea. Oh, how excellent. I can only imagine how they’d all react if this was not Soul’s body. Really, that wave alone made her feel a sense of being welcomed. It encouraged her to run up over to them. Greeted by the happy smiles of the two ponies. Wow, it sure did feel good to be normal. Soul had it made.

5.6
“I’m back, Dashie” Blight said to her. Even had to giggle a little after that. Did I really just call her that? Feels so weird saying that nickname in Soul’s voice. She’d like to imagine Soul feeling embarrassed right now. Well, this is how she sounds.

“So what are you two playing?” Blight asked. Looking past Dash to see what it may be these two were doing just standing here. Dash seemed to take the hint and moved out of the way to show her what looked to be a circle tagged to the wall with a series of… smaller circles going further into it until they all led to a big red circle in the center from where she could pick out a few needles stuck around it. Like somepony decided to just punch them into this thing.

Blight cocked her head. I don’t understand.

“Just AJ trying to beat me at darts” Dash said. Applejack widened her eyes. “Trying to… you’re the one who wanted me to try against you.” “Yup” Dash nodded. “You tried. That’s what counts.”

Darts? Blight took another look at the circle. Not caring to listen to these two bickering. More curious as to how this game worked. Must be one of those party games she heard them talking about. “By the way, Soul” she heard Dash say to her. “Looks like I got my tail on the…” she looked off to the side for a moment. “Pinkie a little quicker than you did.” Is she trying to brag? Blight grinned. Do go on… you’re just jealous you can’t beat Soul in any real competition. But whatever floats her boat, I’ll play along. “Yeah, because I haven’t done it before. I still think I did good for my first try. I got it on a pony, after all.” To which she actually saw both ponies nod. “Yeah, you did do good” Dash said. “But how about you and I play some darts. Bet you can’t get the bullseye.” Right as she jangled another one of those needles between her hooves in front of Blight’s face.

Hit the bullseye?

Seriously, Dash? You expect Soul to know what this game is, let alone me. Looked like they expected her to participate. AJ took a few steps away like she was clearing the way to where she watched from where the table was. Nodding and giggling.

5.7
“What is darts?” Blight asked. “Sorry, travelling and all that.” “No problem” Dash said. “We never played it together anyways” she whispered that part to Blight. Yeah, all the time you two could have had. How’s about I make up for it.

Dash produced that needle in front of her again. Long and sharp at the edge with fins set about its sides. “It’s easy, just take these darts…” she placed it between her forehooves and hovered up into the air, turning to face in the direction of the wall. “Do a little aiming… and…” after quite a long pause that looked like Dash was just floating there staring at the circular mount on that wall, she let out a strong toss with her legs. Blight caught sight of that ‘dart’ whishing through the air as if in slow motion, seeing how it flew straight and sheened in the light until she was surprised when it impaled itself right into the red circle at the center of that circular board.

“And throw them. How about we see who can get more into the bullseye there?”

So that center circle is this bullseye? Hit the darts into it, easy enough. Though Blight could tell the appeal of such a game to these ponies. Sounded like it was ripe with competition. Maybe even fun, because she had seen how enthused Dash had been doing it. Like she was thrilled.

That cyan Pegasus went over to the board and pulled out each one of those darts from it till it was bare. “Best two out of three” she said and presented three of those darts to Blight. Holding three more against her own chest. So just try to get three into the center? Alright. Blight made sure to give Dash the most unimpressed smile she could give up to her. Well if Dash wants to do this then so be it. Who knows, I might give these ponies a good laugh out of it, and just being able to partake in something like this with other ponies… why it was a treat for sure. Thank you, Soul, for giving me this chance.

5.8
Blight joined Dash in the air, accepting those darts. Even taking them, Blight felt weird having to take them in her hooves. Really wanting to just have them float by her. Being forced to hug them against her chest just like Dash did. Careful not to get those gleaming points anywhere close to Soul’s body. That Soul would not be happy if I hurt her body with these. Just checking down at her body right as she heard Rainbow give off quite a satisfied grunt and whoosh of air to hit Blight’s ears. Looking up just in time to see something that made her heart skip. Just able to make out the sight of a dart flying straight and true, shining in the light from its sharp point. How it flew in the last of its tracks made her skin crawl right as a quick jolt of none other than fear ran down her spine.

Feeling that wind rush against her body. Listening to the sound of that dart. It’s scary how fast I’m getting used to this body. That really was more concerning than seeing how that dart hit straight into that center that Dash called a bullseye. Not to mention how Dash got herself caught up in quite a show of how proud she was of herself. Applauding herself and raising her hooves up while making a funny “ooh yeah.” Seemed Applejack had the right idea, not even making a response to that.

Hmm… looks a lot easier than I thought. Dash seemed happy about it. Acting like such a fool. That’s alright, as long as she’s happy right now. Because I’ll wipe that arrogant smirk off her face. Blight even felt a need to chuckle when she watched the second dart leave from Dash’s hooves and embed itself… just outside of that center ring. Clearly missing. Even making that pony grunt in disgust at what just happened. Looking over her shoulder to look back at Blight. Oh yes, I saw that.

Blight nodded her head, being sure to give off just how satisfied she was with the current results in as stupid a smile she could manage. Anything to make Rainbow feel pressured. “One of three, and only one left” Blight pointed out. Dash didn’t like that at all. “So I’ll get two of three, bet you can’t beat that.” She tossed the third one on that last note and both ponies could only watch as the frustrated toss of the dart somehow managed to keep a steady path. Alright so seems that Dash was good at this even under pressure, because that dart rammed right on home into the bullseye.

Blight had to raise her eyebrow at that. Really nice, so this pony was not all words just like she recalled from watching her long ago. Really hadn’t changed in this department. That was good. A competitive spirit was good to have. In more ways than Dash knew. Blight never expected her to get any further out of that basic mindset as the cyan Pegasus went back to cheering for herself. Even AJ chimed in with a small clap. “Beat that” Dash dared her.

5.9
“Alright” Blight said. Except… let’s make this fun. Easy to exploit the situation especially when Dash had made it a point out of a previously said line.

“Let’s bet on it” Blight turned to Dash. Not even letting her react. “If I win, you get to serve me a drink. Politely, like that server back at the restaurant. If I lose, your choice.” Blight smiled, hoping to egg Dash on and really get an excitement burning up in her now. Oh yes it did. That Pegasus grinned and clamped her forehooves together in a greedy grinding. Like it was already in the bag. It was amusing. Looked like she was certainly enjoying the moment for as little it would count.

“You’re on, I’d love to have you give me a back and shoulder massage.” A bold request from her. Ha, oh I bet you’d love that from Soul. Filthy mare. Hehe. Although you won’t get that out of me. I’d rather have you be a good girl and treat me.

Blight switched places with Dash so that she was now the one lined up with the board, getting a sense now of how far it was. A good distance indeed. Not to worry. Blight had the utmost confidence in herself. Reaching down to clamp a dart in her mouth and pull it up from her hug to set it down on her free hoof.

Watch and learn, Dash.

Blight reeled her foreleg back. Up. Up. There would be a little bit of a fall so… right there. Blight let it go. Sending it forward hoping that the others could see it go even if it did move so slowly for her. She saw every bit of it go forth, like it cut through the air as if it were butter. Stabbing through with barely a sound. Just a little buzz that she heard from it before it went silent and she heard the sound of jaws dropping when it went clean… into the center.

Too easy.

She did it again, grabbing hold of a new one. To the left a little, really just a matter of looking at it. She had no idea why it was Dash couldn’t get her second one in. Oh well, not all can be good at this. Blight liked to think she was better at this. Proven when the second one hit exactly where she wanted, right next to the first. Both darts now touching sides together.

Then… a third landing next to the first, and all three together once more in that bullseye. Just as they should be.

Soulblight let out a laugh. “There ya go.” She turned back to find exactly what she wanted to see, a shocked Rainbow Dash with her mouth almost down to the floor but she did a good job at recovering from this embarrassment. Even bringing her hooves up to do a little clap. A happy clap despite that she looked displeased. Not like Applejack who was over there grinning so wide and barely able to contain herself. “Hoo wee, now if that wasn’t the best display I ever did see…” “Yup” Blight proudly said. Being sure to give Dash a little look as she floated by her, and a wink met kindly by a little smile from the cyan Pegasus.

5.10
So I get to have this pony be my server, haha! I wonder what she should get me. Thinking over all she had heard in the past. That sounds good, Soul seems to like them. “I’ll have a lemonade, Dashie. Ice and a lemon wedge on top, okay?” She said flying over to where she saw a nice, open chair for her sit upon and enjoy her job well done. Right when she heard Rainbow Dash laugh behind her, until it got closer. “Sure thing…” and her cyan furred leg snaked its way around Blight’s neck.

What!?

Blight looked back slowly. So slow to react to that touch on the back… of her neck. She’s… touching me? It felt so weird to have a pony touch her neck. It wasn’t something that happened every day. Grabbing her. Pulling her close until she heard… a whisper. Not Soul’s but Rainbow’s.

“You win” Dash said. “But don’t get used to it.”

Dash? Blight winced when she felt something else. A sharp pain on top of her head… from a hoof. Grinding right through that thick, silver mane and against the skin beneath. Agh… what the hell! A noogie? Feeling that hard hoof scraping along her scalp and messing up Soul’s mane. Damn it!

Blight kicked and wriggled but couldn’t get herself free and could only accept that she had to let Dash get away with this obnoxious thing that… huh, been… been a long time since I’ve seen her do that to Soul. Why is that? Does Soul even like these because sheesh will she let it up for now? Dash up there laughing while giving her a hard time. Blight wriggled a little more. Careful not to let her legs kick the Pegasus who held her, but Dash got the hint and finally let go. Looking much too proud for Blight’s approval, especially over what she just did to her. It didn’t last.

Rainbow went on her way as if nothing had happened, whistling to herself while heading back over to the table where all the drinks were. Looking vulnerable… Blight grinned. Rainbow had her back to her. You wanna have fun, I’m game? Blight readied herself to go after her with that rainbow mane of hers looking ripe for a return and she was just about to do it. Rearing her wings.

A cyan hoof waved through the air back at her, and Dash went on.

Wow, fine. You win that then. Still though, it made Blight giggle as to how Rainbow seemed to know a lot more than she gave off. Seriously, this ‘being Soul’ thing was so easy.

5.11
Blight combed a hoof up and along her mane to bring it back into the style Soul liked it to be. Certain a little mess wouldn’t be much of a problem for Soul when this was done. Although, she kind of regretted the fact that Dash cut it short. To be truthful, I wouldn’t have minded if she kept going.

She could still feel it along her body. Like she was being held still. She was… soft. Holding her against her fur and touching her. I… I didn’t think she would feel a lot like… Soul. It’s kind of like how it was before. With Soul. It’s been a while. Like I was being held by another pony. Me. Not Soul. But to Dash, it was just Soul.

Hmmm...

Doesn’t matter. What did matter was… she enjoyed it. Just like she enjoyed Dash’s company for what little it was. Huh, I do sort of like this. Really, but it wouldn’t be possible with her own body. It felt good to think otherwise of what it may be like. Maybe it was all correct after all. Soul being in good hooves and all that. Blight sure as hell felt that way for herself right now. May as well keep it going. I need to be sure.

I have so many questions. So many that these ponies need to answer. I don’t think Soul can hear those questions I have. That pony gave no sign she did. Still staying rather quiet. Just a dull emptiness inside her right now, …and a bothersome twitching and tingling feeling she kept getting right under her tail.

AJ was off to dance with Pinkie, Rarity went on over to join Dash at the food and seemed to be getting a tall glass of drink for herself with plenty of tiny bubbles rising to its top. Watching them, Blight saw her again. Fluttershy and… she took a glance back at her. Both ponies spotting the other from across the room. Fluttershy quickly turned away. Is she interested or not? I can’t read her. If she wants to talk then… oh yeah. Of course. I really should pay attention to this crap more often. Sitting all alone at the far end of the table. The Pegasus looked exhausted. Downing a hefty amount of drink from what looked to be a third glass. Blight could only guess she had been with the others, and that Pinkie really did seem to be a pony to wear one down in a dance. Fluttershy was exhausted.

5.12
Soul really had not talked to her… at all really, so how about I go ahead and do it? Since these ponies want to be Soul’s ‘friends’ then how about they get to know Soul, or how I know Soul when she isn’t sad or bothered by what happened long ago. Such a shame it takes me to accomplish that. But Blight couldn’t fight it.

She flew on over. Really expecting Fluttershy to fly off or something to avoid her, hoping she wouldn’t. But no, she stayed put, and surprised Blight to no end when she actually looked back over to her and smiled a little. As if she were inviting her over. Curious. Flying well past Rarity, Blight found a seat close to Fluttershy. Close enough for her to speak.

“I don’t think we’ve gotten a chance to talk yet” Blight said. Still expecting for the yellow Pegasus to come up with some excuse to avoid this all together or just walk off without a word. No, she simply stayed put. Even when Soulblight took a seat next to her and rested her wings back along her sides. “Did you want to talk?” Blight asked.

“Oh sure” Fluttershy said in her first words to Blight. “I didn’t want to impose while you were…” “Yes…” Blight prodded her on. “Well… hanging out with the others.”

“Ha! Don’t worry about that!” Blight said. “I’m here to hang out with all of you. That includes you.” Blight leaned in closer to her to let her know that Blight was here and willing to be around Fluttershy. She knew the Pegasus needed extra reassurance. It seemed to pay off. That shy mare turned her feelings around immediately and she lit up. “Oh really?” she said in quite a strained expression of joy. “Oh, I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a bit now.” “Well…” Blight said and kicked her hind legs up to sit them up on the table while she reclined with her forelegs crossed behind her head. “I’m all ears.” She winked to Fluttershy. The yellow Pegasus relaxed and took another deep sip of her drink. Setting it back down.

5.13
“Is it true you want to join the Wonderbolts?” Fluttershy asked. “I got something very important to tell you if you do plan on it.” Tell me? Ooh, way to get my interest.

“I need to get a few things taken care of first” Blight explained. “Moving back into Ponyville and all. I need to get used to everything again, but I assure you that I will do my best to join afterwards.” She didn’t need to feign to say that. She knew it to be true that Soul still had her huge ambition to be one of those high-flying speedsters and she’d be damned if she gave up anytime soon on it.

“That’s good” Fluttershy said. “Because…” and she took a glance back over across the table to where Blight saw she was looking over to where Rainbow Dash was pouring a glass of lemonade clear of them. Fluttershy leaned in closer. Whispering. “You didn’t hear it from me, but… Dash is really excited to have you join her with them. I don’t often see her so happy over something, but I think she wants you to be her wing pony.”

Soul, as her wing pony? Why, she really could see Soul now. That pony must be having a breakdown now to hear that her old friend may want her to be such an honorary position. If Fluttershy was right, and Blight had no reason to doubt that reasoning behind it, she bet that Dash actually was hoping to get Soul to join her in that outfit. Ha, this was fantastic news indeed!

Blight couldn’t wait to be alone with Soul to see the look on her face when she realized just how hopeful of a situation this really was turning out to be. Better than what Blight may hope for, all resting on the words of this one Pegasus… and how nice and great this party for Soul was turning out to be. She liked to think it was good enough. Proof enough that Blight was correct all along. Things were going to turn out to be pretty good here. Better than those past twelve years. Twelve years can, as Soul would put it, really be a bitch.

Soul would be so happy. Blight had to be the one to sell it. She could never put on the same reaction as Soul would, but she tried to sound and look happy. “Really?! I can’t wait. I’ve been wanting to fly with her again for a long time.” Doing her best to be as quiet as she could with her fellow Pegasus.

5.14
“Don’t give up” Fluttershy said. “I just know you’ll get in.” That was when she finally stopped whispering. “You did spend a long time training just for it.”

“Just for what?” Rainbow Dash said as she flew in and hovered between the two of them. Effectively shutting Fluttershy up as if a switch had been flicked. She laughed it up anyways. “Oh just to become a great flyer” Blight said, taking the hint that Fluttershy did not want this conversation to be entirely known to Dash. “Yeah” Fluttershy confirmed. Rainbow accepted it rather quickly and surprised Blight with a tall glass of lemonade held between her cyan hooves. “Drink up, you earned it” Dash said.

Blight held out her hoof. “Like a server” she pointed out.

Dash groaned. “Do I have to?” Blight nodded. Pausing for a long moment… almost glaring at Blight. She stopped. Clearing her throat and… forcing a smile. “M-ma’am, lemonade with ice and lemon garnish as you ordered.” Dash held it out to her like some sort of present. This feeling in my stomach. Because Dash was blushing. Blight giggled so hard into her own hoof. Oh man, what have I done to this pony? Hahaha! And the blushing Rainbow Dash quickly put that drink down in front of Blight. Already flying away. “Whatever” she muttered. “Guess you’re having fun now.”

“Oh come on, Dashie. I’m just playing around. Come join me” Blight offered. Right before she noticed Fluttershy was no longer laughing about what Dash had done. Actually looked a little upset now. Probably had more to say without the presence of this particular pony. Oh well, I do want Dash with us. That pony going ahead and taking a seat with them.

Blight was more interested in how refreshing this lemonade looked. Time to see what it was that made these so special to Soul. Clasping it between her hooves just as she learned from the other ponies, all the while wondering if she will even taste anything. She should count herself lucky that she had the ability to even try to do it now. Another thing she needed to thank Soul for. That pony really had delivered a lot to her, even now with her own body. I should be able to taste it.

The answer was given when Blight enthusiastically tipped that glass into her mouth.

Oh my word.

Soul’s body really is so much different than anything I thought. Nothing can compare. Nothing before. Blight had no way to describe it. Nothing at all like she imagined… but this must be what it’s like to taste something. An enormous sensation rippling all across her tongue and almost making her tremble with how good it was. The best word she could use was sweet. So sweet she found herself chugging it down until half the glass was empty and she let out a satisfied sigh. Still feeling the taste of… whatever that was in her mouth.

I can’t place the flavor. I want more of it. Licking her lips anticipating more. She looked down at the half-filled glass and wondered if she may be allowed to get more. Not even able to ask it before “Dash, don’t you think Soul is a pretty good flyer?” Fluttershy asked.

5.15
“What are you talkin’ about?” Dash asked. “You don’t need my word to know the answer to that.” “I know, I just think she needs a little more confidence for the future” Fluttershy winked at Blight who just finished swilling down the rest of the lemonade in one massive gulp. Just barely following what those two were saying until she heard the thing about reassurance.

I need it? No, no Soul needs it. She’s the one with the excellent future in store for her and needs friends like these for that.

“Okay, seriously. What were you two talking about?” Dash asked. “We were just talking about everything Soul went through to get to where she is today, and trying to figure out where to go from there” Fluttershy said. Is that what we were talking about? Blight raised an eyebrow. “I’d rather not go into intense detail about my training, if that’s alright” Blight said. Really not wanting to because she had no idea where to begin when it came to explaining Soul’s training. Everything that pony went through to get to how she was today could not be put into words by Blight. “Maybe some other time.”

“Oh, ok” Fluttershy softly submitted to her request. “Well, I did want to ask… a little about what happened during your time outside of Equestria, maybe.” Why is she starting to get so hesitant with me now? Blight didn’t think she said anything rude, even as she went over what had been said. Or maybe I’m just coming off bad, it was impossible to tell. Dash didn’t help. Just sipping from her drink just waiting for some sort of response. Like she was actually waiting for something.

Oh Fluttershy, you and I really do come off as alike… so perhaps I’ll indulge you in something. Maybe that was the point all along… to get some words out of me. To learn more about Soul. It was understandable and Blight felt herself obligated to tell now. All these ponies. I am the one who put this idea of travelling to other lands in their heads, surely they’d want to know more. Know so much more about what Soul went through.

I have plenty of things to tell… lots of things that I felt… for so long back in that ice. All those terrible things. It’s how I felt. But… what… what did Soul feel like? Would it even matter to say it all? Or would it just be best to leave it as is?

5.16
Blight thought of one thing. One thing she may be able to talk about. It can be a good way to help this out. Something Fluttershy will enjoy. Even were it to be a lie. A lie simply because it was not what happened to Soul, it’s what happened to me. Still, Soul did see it all. She almost indulged in it too, and that nature loving pony that Soul was would be just the pony to talk about this sort of thing. I bet Dash would love to listen to it, and… I just know Fluttershy will too. Soul can thank me later.

Because this is not gonna be easy for me.

“I could tell you the story about the pet I made, well… more of a friend. A really good one.” A pet. A friend. Neither sounds right. Yet I don’t think these ponies would understand if I called him what I saw him as. Should I start from the beginning or just lie about how it went? Blight shook her head slightly. No matter. It can be how it was… even if it hurt. Hurt just to recall just how it went.

“It was dark… so dark and cold that night” she said fully remembering how it all looked to her with all that snow flurrying about the ground from some of the harshest winds she had seen in her time there. Just saying how it was… she could tell Dash knew what she was saying. Fluttershy looked more oblivious. That was okay.

“I wanted to get out of the house for that night and… do some night flying, just to get a load off my wings and enjoy the night.” Which was true. “I needed to get my mind off things too, it had been a hard day. So many days had been hard, without rest. So I was relieved to finally find a chance to take a break. Too bad it could only be done at night. But I guess it was my luck that I choose that time. I don’t think I would have seen it any other time, been so lucky to come across it then at that moment.”

It was such a joy to see such a thing. Something I’d never expect. Like it was just something that was there to give me a little peace after all that pain… of being alone. It still felt good to remember. “I came across a small cave, so small that it’s a miracle that I was able to find it out of the blue like that. It’s a good thing I did find it, because you won’t believe what I found inside.” Indeed, she couldn’t believe it herself. “I found a baby deer. A little fawn… trapped inside that cave. All by himself with nopony else with him. Nopony in sight.”

Blight could clearly see just how it was when she first saw him even now. How so terrible she felt upon seeing it in such detail, all the feelings she could sense coming off that little thing. She couldn’t help herself to react. Telling them about it. She couldn’t even keep track of her own words anymore.

I just want to talk.

I still feel it all.

As she blinked and saw it all again. She crawled closer to that baby deer without making a sound or doing anything to startle him even when he already was frightened of her. Trying to kick and run away to no avail. It was scary to watch him so afraid of me. Even more scared because I didn’t know what was wrong. I wanted to know. I needed to know why he was in such pain. And then I saw that mangled leg of his and the terrible tear running all the way down its length. Such a shock to see.

I felt something in me. Like a spark to do the right thing. It hurt me to see something so small and defenseless with such a terrible wound. Somehow, he convinced me… to be his caretaker. That precious bond she still felt a little glimmer of. Nursing him back to health, caring for his wound and keeping him company. Like it was a real friendship. A real sense… of belonging to something. Something no other pony did for me.

When you’re alone for so long. Don’t have any friends. All you know is yourself, you start to feel something deep when you finally connect with a dear friend like that. I always worked and suffered just to get to my final goal. But at the end of the day, I had that one sense of comfort from him.

Did I do it for him… or was it for myself? One thing was true, I loved how happy it was he made me. As selfish as it was, I still felt it was right to be there for him and I never wanted it to end.

5.17
“At least, until the day I found he had left me… when his cave was empty. I spent so long looking for him. I never saw him again. We never even got to say goodbye to one another. …I still miss him. ...He was… my…” Blight had to stop. She had to… to wipe that tear from her eye. Coming down from Soul’s eye but it felt like a tear from so deep within. Deeper than even Soul’s own body.

Blight stared up at the light shining up above. Warped in a film of water. I… I actually am crying, but… so what?

“He was the best thing to happen to me out there.”

Blight fell back into the chair. Putting a hoof to her face and trying to hide it all. Not befitting of me to cry in front of these ponies. Soul isn’t the one crying. She never would cry over this. But I still miss him. She could still feel just how much it hurt, just like the day it all happened and the truth that could never be spoken of or else… they’d all know what she had to do about it in the end.

Of all that blood that was spilled. Like a sea of red she cast upon the snow. Like it was all that pain deep inside brought out onto the land she stood over. How she felt now.

I do want him back. I miss you, Spots.

For just a few days, it felt like I had somepony. Why did it have to end like that? Why does everypony always leave me?

Why will… she also leave…?

What!?

Blight shuddered. Hearing it… that echo. Droning on and away. Staring at the ceiling. And it all died out. Dying when she felt that touch to her shoulder. It was… it was Fluttershy. She’s… she’s with me? Fluttershy was there crying. So close. Close enough to actually be touching Blight. She cries for me? And… Blight looked. Rainbow Dash? She’s… also…?

“I’m so sorry” Fluttershy said. “I can’t imagine it” and she wept. Blight was the one to calm down fast. Wiping the last of her tears away and setting her hoof upon Fluttershy to let her know she was okay. “Don’t worry about it” Blight said. “It’s all in the past now.”

All of it is in the past.

“I didn’t know you had no friends out there” Fluttershy said softly. Doing her best to calm down. Failing at it. So much that she had to start flying away. “I’ll be your friend, we all will. …I’ll go… get you another drink.”

Blight almost choked hearing that. Does that pony even realize what that means? They’ll be Soul’s… but… Blight watched the yellow Pegasus softly float off to where the drinks were. Still giving off a little weep as she did. She wants to be Soul’s friend. Because of my story? But… Blight looked back over to what she saw before and it was unchanged. Rainbow Dash, in her chair, with her head buried in her forelegs upon the table and one lone magenta eye peering out at her before it looked away. Silent,

I know that look. I know that feeling. Because I’ve felt it for so long. So was this your plan, Dash? Did all of you want this from me? For me to admit this stuff. Because it worked if so. And I’m stupid for falling for it. This isn’t my plan and… I didn’t want this to happen. I didn’t want to cry in front of you and show just how pitiful my life had been. In levels they will never know. You all are throwing this party for Soul Serenity. To make her feel better and to become her friends. …But now…

Do you cry for Soul… or for me?

Blight touched her heart. I… I still feel… the pain.

5.18
That was certainly an experience now that Blight walked out from the bathroom. I never even guessed that’s what that feeling meant. It feels so much better down there. Guess I get to enjoy… all that Soul’s body does. Hehe… I don’t think I want to feel that again. Too different. Her first time personally inside one of those bathrooms too. Really, do these ponies love to make them look so fancy? Dash’s was quite a thing to see but this one looked as if it were actually fit for royalty and looked no different from the spectacle that was the rest of the castle.

I really hated that there was a huge window in there. Like… I could see the whole world out there. Could others see me? I… don’t want anypony seeing Soul’s body while that was happening. What pony designed this damn place? At least it was over now and I can go back downstairs. There was a lot of food down there that I wanted to try. Still though, this had been a decent trip. She got to see more of this castle than before now that she got to go upstairs with Dash’s permission. Not to mention see the room she stepped out into.

She didn’t get a chance to look around at it in her rush to relieve herself, but now… she could see that that Twilight did indeed live like a princess with how much this room did shine as if it were like back down in that party room. With so many glossy green windows shining in light brighter than she thought the Sun was capable of, even the room sounded like it chimed from nowhere. Indeed the largest bed she had ever seen, neatly kept despite how messy the top of it was with so many books left behind. Even one left open, as if somepony had to leave in a hurry. Had to be considering every other bit of this room was so tidy from a huge array of bookcases set up along the far walls to a little crib and bedding laying among the floor.

5.19
To think that Twilight lived like this. All this for a single pony, Blight had to wonder if she even took much pride in all she had just in this room alone. Why, someponies would kill for this. At least Twilight respected it all. Keeping it clean, not just this room but the entire castle from what she had seen. Blight did her best not to mess anything up as she walked off to the door eager to rejoin the others, or she would if she had not seen a curious little shimmer that caught her eye. What’s that?

She slowed down to see that it was… herself looking back at her. I see myself still in Soul’s body. Not my own. This magenta fur and these beautiful wings. All anypony sees is… Soul. My mane looks so messy now. Dash did a number to it. Well glad she had fun with me. Hmm… what’s this? She walked over. Certain the others wouldn’t care if she took a little more time to see this. Combing a hoof along her mane now that she could see what she was doing. Just for a moment. Her reflection was not one she could care for right now. Not with all the other things that looked back at her.

There were other faces here.

She gasped. Why… it’s… all of them. All of the ponies here. All set in such a wide array of pictures that looked to be taped along the rim of the mirror. Faces she recognized looking back at her, even seeing Rainbow Dash in there, and ones she did not recognize. But there was one vibe she was getting from seeing all of this. These are all the ponies Soul wants to be friends with, and all the ponies that are friends… to the pony who owns this mirror. So much pride in them all. To cover her own mirror in them. They must be such good friends. Such good friends that Soul will love.

It’s touching that… ponies like these can exist. They really are important. So very important.

5.20
All these pictures together. You wake up to them every day and see just how much you have in your life. All the togetherness that you are so grateful for. You put their very pictures up in your own room. Like a piece of them is with you forever. Blight lifted a hoof and touched one… one of a small purple unicorn hugging with another pony. Another pony she saw to be a pink… alicorn? Well whoever that was, was it right to feel good for them?

Soulblight saw more in it. That happiness they both shared as she touched their picture. Almost like… like… Soul and me.

Blight lowered her hoof. Pictures of ponies that are dear friends? And Soul might join them… in these pictures. Blight stared. So deeply. When do I start dreaming about being in pictures with ponies like these?

“I do wonder…” she said, shifting her hoof over to a picture that covered the top of her mane. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack and Rarity. So many other ponies she wished to know the names of. All gathered together under the Sun. Like they had no care in the world. Nothing to fear. Nothing to try and fight for. “Would they let me?” To see myself with them. Side by side with Soul. Together with all of them in a picture like this.

I can’t believe it.

Since when do I get these thoughts? I barely know them… and yet… I want to know how it is too. I don’t want to be alone. Soul wants them to be my friends? She could only sigh. If only it were that easy, Soul. It’s so much easier for you. So much easier, so why do you need help? Because nothing ever goes right. How can I expect anything? Even with how well this party was going.

What do you think, Soul? Especially after all she heard from Fluttershy and seeing how ponies reacted. How they seemed to feel a general kindness to her without them truly knowing. But this ruse was still true, it still represented another pony that they were meant to befriend. Do you feel better about them? I think they like you.

No answer came.

Blight waited, scratching a hoof along the floor in nervous disbelief that maybe Soul had not heard her. Soul?

I’m gonna be honest.

Honest? Honest about what? Honest that she now truly believed in the words both Blight and Dash had spun for her. She hoped so.

I didn’t hear or see a thing that happened.

5.21
“Say what?”

Soulblight felt a shiver run down her spine and like a pit had formed in her stomach. Making her scared for a moment. But it didn’t end, she felt that it had to be wrong. There was no way. I was hoping…

What are you saying?

I’m serious. I didn’t hear anything or know what was going on. I just heard you talking.

She didn’t hear a single thing the others said. She didn’t see anything they did. That can’t be. No wonder she was quiet! Blight took a deep breath. Raising a hoof to cover her forehead, not willing to believe all that she just heard. Because… now she was the only one who heard it. Just a few words were enough to completely spoil all of this. Soul isn’t going to be able to know anything that happens. That won’t do.

We’re switching places. You need to enjoy your party.

I don’t want Soul to not know this. She… she deserves to be the one to be with them anyways. I’m not worth it. I don’t need it. Soul is the one who needs it. If that meant no longer talking to these ponies, then I’m fine with it. Seriously, I thought this would have worked. How is Soul not hearing anything? It works every time with me. I… I thought. Damn it. Things never go right. I pretty much spoiled this for her. That could have been her moment with them earlier.

I won’t switch.

What? Blight couldn’t believe the drivel coming out of her mouth. How could she say that? This was simply not right. “You should be there to get to know your new friends. If you’re not then…”

Well you’re having fun, I noticed that. You don’t know how I feel right now. “But…” Damn, I don’t know anymore. It was all silent now. But that didn’t matter. “I still think we need to swap. Give me a moment and I’ll leave.” Blight closed her eyes, fully prepared to go back and leave this sight behind.

Don’t you dare. I want this for you!

5.22
“You want this for me?” Blight whispered as she opened her eyes back up. But this is her party, I wanted her to also join in. There was no way Soul… that Soul was this nice. This willing to give up all of this. I can’t do this. I can’t take the entire party away from her, how can she expect that?

I’m not going to switch. You already gave me a party. You should enjoy one too.

…No way. Blight was speechless. Just for a moment. Fully ready to counter that… that impressive thing she just heard. Feeling so much shame in her for actually feeling a little semblance of warmth from such a generous thing for her best friend to give to her. I hate to argue with her. “But I…”

Blight jumped right when she heard the door slam. Slam right up against the wall. Completely not expecting something so loud, for somepony to hit it with enough force… she didn’t even have time to notice it before it did happen. Turning in time to see a flurry of wings and feathers ripple through the air and cut a path across the room just as the door slammed shut.

Blight backed away. What is…? Until she saw it to be a blur of purple that buzzed on over to the bed.

Wait, I know her. From the mirror. A purple unicorn blasting over the room and taking a hard dive into the bed with an ensemble of bags now scattered all over it, sent flying from off her back and even more bags brought over in a hail of glistening, purple magic.

“Oh jeez” the pony said. That purple pony jumping off the bed to set the rest of her haul down before she ran off into the bathroom. What the hell? Does she even see me? That pony just went off to wherever her wings took her. Wings. Wait. That’s not a unicorn. It took her a moment to clear her head. That is an alicorn. An alicorn that just ran into the bathroom and nearly collided with the wall in the process, and she didn’t look to be well.

Blight looked back at the mirror. Those pictures, she saw that same alicorn in some of them, and others… the same pony but without her wings. Before Blight knew her to have gotten them. If she’s the same pony… then.

5.23
“Princess Twilight” Blight whispered. Blinking a few times in her confusion.

Oh no, I should leave her. Best to go join the others and swap out with Soul without disturbing whatever it was the princess was doing. She looked a bit too stressed out based off what she had seen in the brief moment that alicorn was here, now making a commotion in the bathroom. Knowing how Twilight was, hope she doesn’t see I used her bathroom.

She carefully walked away. More concerned with just letting everypony know she was here and avoiding any misstep with the princess. Glancing over her shoulder back over to the bathroom and then over to the door she came up to. Looking back over, she felt it alright to. Blight turned to see her magic had enveloped the knob of the door and slowly pushed it open so silent that even she couldn’t hear it. Open enough for her to creep out.

“Oh…!”

Blight winced. Shit. That is not a voice I want to hear. Because she’s talking to me. Blight got rid of that magic in an instant. She felt the urge to growl beneath her lips but held it in. Well… play it off then. I’m a guest in her castle after all, so best to be polite. At least I get to be the one to deal with her. She doubted Soul would want to interact with an alicorn on her own.

Blight turned around with a smile on her face and, indeed, she saw the purple eyes of Twilight looking back at her over a gaping mouth not at all hiding just how surprised the princess was, and she was quick to turn it to a dorky smile. Even Blight could admit it looked feigned. That pony was indeed worked up.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t notice you there” Twilight said to her. “Were you… here the whole time?” “…I was just using your bathroom” Blight told the truth. Twilight laughed. Drooping her ears at the same time. She really sounded displeased. Looking like it was with herself. “Wow, I’m sorry. I guess I’m a bit too rushed, and didn’t expect anypony to be up here. My apologies.”

Twilight came over closer. Now with her eyes squarely fixed on Blight. Like she was scrutinizing her. Yeah, she is looking me all over. Oh boy... like she wants to see if I do anything weird. Too bad for Twilight that I’m calm. Able to give her an innocent smile and laugh. “Dash said I could use your bathroom, glad we didn’t run into each other a couple minutes ago.” Blight winked. Giving her the hint, and she took it. “Oh yeah…” Twilight said. Looking back at the bathroom she barged into moments ago.

“Guess I looked a bit silly, sorry. I had so much to do today and then Pinkie came to me about a party that turned out to be sooner than she said it would be. She’s really not good at planning.”

“Well… I’d say my party turned out beautifully anyways” Blight followed along. Liking what she was hearing. This really was the Twilight she had listened to. So polite even in this situation.

“Your party?” Twilight cocked her head. “So…”

5.24
“I’m Soul, nice to meet you” Blight offered a hoof to her.

Hesitant, Twilight stared down at it. Gleaming in her eyes until… she finally broke it and gave off a forced laugh. Completely unprepared. Blight knew it based off what the alicorn had said. This was quite a way to meet a princess, she had to admit. Her hoof was accepted and both ponies shook the other. “Soul… oh, so that means…” “Yup” Blight said. “It was a lovely surprise.” She saw Twilight look back over her shoulder and scoff. Even able to hear Twilight whisper “Damn it” so low under her breath. She came right back to it like nothing happened. “Well it’s very nice to meet you.” And she did something Blight had not expected. Not from her. She actually saw Twilight give a little bow to her with closed eyes and a hoof in front of the other. “Welcome to Ponyville, Soul.”

She stood back up not seeing just how dazed Blight was. Confused as to the formality. I think I liked that. “I’m Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship.” As nice as it was to listen to this pony act all polite to her, Blight couldn’t just let it be that way. I am her guest after all, this is her castle. I got to give her, a princess, a good impression. As it will mean Soul will have a new friend. I can’t mess this up, it’s all up to me.

“Thank you, it was really nice of you to let us use your castle for this party. I have to say, it’s a beautiful place. You do a good job at decorating, I especially like that mirror over there” Blight pointed over to it and Twilight followed her gaze. “Oh, my friendship mirror” she said. Friendship mirror? Okay, sure. “Yeah, I was sorta looking at it until you flew in. Sorry to be in here longer than I should.”

“Oh not at all” Twilight said shaking her head. Taking a few steps closer to that mirror. Fully immersed in it while Blight was glad she was not upset over any of this. As far as she could tell. “It took me years to collect all those pictures, I’m glad you got to see them.”

“Yeah, you looked so adorable as a filly” Blight referred to the little pony in the one picture she now knew who it was. She got what she wanted. Making Twilight actually laugh. Laugh at what Blight did think was true, not something she made up. Still, she joined in. Happy to see the other pony amused by what she said.

“You’re saying I’m not adorable now?” Twilight said. “Just back then?” Oh, a smart ass, huh? Blight smiled. What is she wanting a compliment out of me? “If you need somepony else’s confirmation, then sure you are.” “Awww” Twilight put a hoof to her mouth and giggled. “How nice of you.” She pointed that same hoof to Blight. “I like your style.”

5.25
“It is a good thing you got to see the mirror” Twilight said looking back at it. “After what I heard, sounds like it’s something that can help you.” Blight lost all her happy spirit then. More wondering what it was she was talking about, this sudden change in tone she heard from the princess. “What do you mean?”

“I know you’ve been away from Equestria for a while and you haven’t had a lot of time in your life to be with others. It must have been hard for you, but I want you to know that…” she came over to Blight. Coming close enough now that Blight could notice the princess actually stood tall over her. Like she were trying to intimidate, were it not for how she leaned down to her. Leaned down and smiled.

“We’re here for you. I hope you’ll feel right at home in Ponyville. I know you have been gone for a long time and it sounds like you are having a hard time getting used to being here, but don’t feel too overwhelmed. I’m sure you’ll make plenty of friends here, you already have us” she knelt in a little closer. Like she made Blight have to kneel down away from her. “A friend of Dash’s is a friend of ours.” Then she backed away and trotted off back to her bed. Relieving,

Dear Celestia, those purple eyes. I’ve never seen a pony look so stern before. It confused Blight so much. Staring and watching the princess walk away with no care in the world now. Even humming to herself. After saying those weird things. “I’m… sure” Blight confirmed nonetheless. Okay, fine. They were all very nice to have thrown this party for Soul and express concern for her. But, why am I feeling this way over it? Like she needed to curl up and protect herself from the feelings of these ponies who had naught to care for over her. Twilight said it best, a friend of Dash’s if a friend of theirs.

It’s a shame. The more I listen to them, the more I feel out of place. I find it too hard to enjoy this party. Which is why she hated that Soul had been being so stubborn over the idea of them switching again. So that she could experience it. There was no reason for her to be so adherent to letting Blight enjoy this party, not like she gained out of it. I’ve seen enough now… I don’t need to go on any longer. Maybe I have my answers. So why should I bother even thinking about continuing on like this? Is it because I just like the feeling?

“Let me gather up a few things and we can go down together. I don’t know about you, but I seriously need a drink after today” Twilight said. “Yeah, that sounds great” Blight answered. More or less just following along into what could be another thing. “I’d love to hear about your travels over something cold” Twilight continued. Going on about something more that Blight drowned out. Ignored.

Another thing that Soul should be doing, so why do I want to do it? Not like anything will come of it. It had been made painfully clear, as she looked back over to the mirror and all its pictures. As Twilight had pointed out in a way that made Blight think she expected her to obtain pictures of her own like those. Maybe if things were different. If the words that come out of my mouth were true and not my own. Because I should not be the one to partake in this. I never knew how hard it would hit.

This just started… and it was already too great. Too great to imagine something different. That someday… I will not have any friends.

5.26
Blight waved the drink away. Preferring the lemonade she already had poured out for her courtesy of a pass by Rainbow Dash. Seeing no need for anything else besides the food that she had picked out. Twilight took the bottle back, wrapped in her magic, hovering it over to herself where she was the one to instead pour herself a glass.

Blight watched the alicorn next to her, as she so diligently observed every careful moment she made to pour that drink into her large, open glass sat atop a thin neck before it came down to the table. Fascinated how the dark red liquid did not flow down what looked to Blight to be a glass tube running down that made up that neck, instead just sitting in the top. Twilight took a quick sip of it. Watching her jerk a little from it before she let out a very satisfied sigh.

She seems so happy over it. Wonder why. Having that bottle of the stuff so close was enough for Blight to smell such a strong odor coming out from underneath its cork that almost made her gag. Yet the princess was so calm drinking it, having it so close to her nose. Not even caring, still looking elegant as she did so. Not fitting with the jaunty music that rang out thanks to those ponies over there goofing around. Doing what Blight cared to see in a quick glance as… involving cupcakes being tossed asunder.

What weird party game is that? Pinkie seemed to be having fun with it anyways. Even Fluttershy enjoying herself despite icing getting in her mane. Rainbow Dash going about whacking away with a club at some huge assortment of paper that looked like a monstrosity hanging from the ceiling. Dash with that blindfold on again, almost hitting Rarity with that club. Then Twilight’s calm and collected face as she ran the tip of her hoof along the rim of her glass, giving off a little ring.

The differences between them all were astounding.

Is it always like this with these ponies? Blight watched Twilight, waiting for her to do something. It was her who invited Blight to sit with her. Under what she thought was wanting to talk about Soul’s life, not a thing she wanted to do. All the while Blight hated not being able to get a damn thing out of Soul over this situation. That pony was staying pretty quiet and only responding with an occasional no to her question.

Why? I had my fill, I don’t need to do anymore. Especially when it was Soul’s life that was of Twilight’s intrigue. Really she felt like this could be an interview. A large crash rang out from the back, where she saw that thing Dash had been going at had exploded without her seeing and… what looked to be a mess falling right out from it. A mess that Dash and all the others leapt on in no time. Eager and joyful in their faces. Except Twilight who sighed. Sighed but smiled.

“Looks like somepony has a lot to clean up later.” “I’m more than willing to help” Blight offered, picking a hoof at some of the food she had chosen for her plate. “I bet Dash would too.”

5.27
“Rainbow, yes” Twilight said. “But you’re my guest and I won’t have you cleaning up. You got enough to deal with as is.” More than she knew. But sure, as simple as settling in and getting used to a new environment. Blight would be more than happy for that to be the real deal. “I even made the food for you” Twilight said excitedly. Like she changed completely. Happy to lean forward and grin like some kid.

She made the food? Blight looked down at her plate. “Well I made the sandwiches, AJ did the pies and the salads and the… everything else besides the cake.”

Well Blight for one knew just what it was that Twilight was talking about with a sandwich. No wonder she really wanted me to try them. Like she was desperate for her to try it. Blight was just about to say something before another crash cut her off and she watched Fluttershy and Dash fly past, laughing their hearts out carrying a pile of those things that fell out earlier. Loudly having fun. They all looked to be having a good time, Blight enjoyed it. Going back to what she wanted to say.

“I’m sure your food is great.” “Really?!” Twilight lit up. Placing her forehooves together in anticipation. “I know it’s been a while for you but I hope you’ll like my homemade food.” Oh please, it was just a sandwich. Even Blight could assume this was commonplace in many other lands. But sure, it looked as if this was important for Twilight. Like she needed this. Because she was almost staring at Blight. Waiting for her to probably try it.

This assortment of things arranged within two slices of bread that she had no clue as to what they may be. Whatever it should be for her to expect. Now she continued to regret her lack of understanding over food. Like she really had missed out on a lot. “So what is in this?” Blight asked, lifting the top bread to peer under it. “Oh, I’m glad you asked” Twilight said.

5.28
“I put pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese…” she went on with Blight catching her pointing a hoof at each individual thing, though not sure exactly what it was she was pointing at. Like which of these are pickles? No matter. All she could tell was that the list was going on and sounded like she went overboard with stuffing this thing in a wide array of foods and sauces that made Blight wonder if this may be too much for even her. Looking back up, hearing something about dressing and seeing… two hooves pointing at her sandwich. One purple, and the other pink. Where she saw that Pinkie had budged in and hovered behind Twilight.

It took her a moment to see that… Pinkie was doing the exact moves Twilight made. Even got her enthusiastic grin down. Pointing in unison with the list of cucumber, celery slices and swiss.

Blight giggled a little under her breath. Haha, it’s taking this princess way too long to notice. Twilight finished her list and proudly crossed her hooves together with a smile. One that was mimicked. Blight laughed. More than pleased to finally see that Twilight caught wind of what was going on and turned to find who was next to her. “Pinkie!” she shrieked and waved the pony off, going back to join the others.

“She’s a riot” Soulblight commented. I actually kind of enjoyed that. “Yup, takes a special pony to enjoy it on daily basis.” Twilight managed to loosen up. Returning back to her calm self. That was enough, looked like she wasn’t upset at all. Good. “I bet you two will get along real well” Twilight pointed out. Yeah, I have to agree with her on that. I like her sense of humor and how she was able to make this entire party.

Pinkie and Soul… really do get along. Better than I expected. So, you’re right, Twilight.

Soulblight nodded. “About this sandwich…” Blight chose to talk about instead. “I don’t suppose I need to eat it all in one go.” Now that she remembered how much it sounded to be in it and how fat it looked to be. Much more than she recalled before. “Oh no, just try it. I was more wanting us to talk for a little bit” Twilight said. Oh thank goodness. This will take me forever. She already was enjoying her lemonade too much. Taking another deep sip from it and its sweet taste. Smelling so much better than whatever Twilight was drinking from again.

5.29
Blight took a breath, leaned down and closed in on Twilight’s sandwich. Seeing just how wide she needed to open her mouth just to hope to take a bite of it. Feels weird to eat like this. It just would be easier to use my magic. Having to lean down and essentially dig in felt a little too off for her even though all the others seemed to eat like this. I’ll just have a bite.

She grabbed hold of it, worrying she may drop it, but managed to sink her teeth in and… experience something she had never before. No thanks to the lemonade. That was nothing like this. Although she got the same feel from it as she took a bite. Feeling that she really hated not knowing how to describe it, hating how she had no way of knowing what to expect from food like this. For all she knew, it may be different. Soul’s body really is acting up. Experiencing things never before. Not knowing if it was right.

Still though, it’s something… and Twilight really wanted to know. That pony reeling on the edge of her seat. Really looking impatient as Blight chewed. Well for one thing, I sure don’t hate it. It was definitely… different, not at all as she expected. But it was satisfying. Not sweet like the lemonade, but not bad. She nodded her approval.

You know who’d really like to try something like this, Soul. Isn’t that right? She hoped Soul heard her, no way to tell. She didn’t make a sound in there. Even though she bet the pony was curious as to what it was she just missed out on. Have to find a way to get Twilight to make these again so Soul could try them.

“They’re good” Blight said. Thinking of something more to say. Something befitting of Soul Serenity. “It’s been so long since I got to have a sandwich. Thanks for letting me try one of yours.” “Really?” Twilight smiled. “There’s nothing wrong with them? I didn’t have a lot of time to make them, but I bet I can do better next time. No problems?” Soulblight shook her head. Finishing off what she had in her mouth. “None that I taste. Pretty damn good.”

5.30
Soulblight licked her lips. Overcoming her want to just have only one bite, she went in for another. Growing rather fond of the greens in this thing. “I gotta ask” Twilight said, her head planted atop her forehooves set on the table. “It’s been a while since you got to have food like this, right?”

Soulblight almost choked on her food when she heard that. Just how she sounded. Twilight sounded so serious, yet reflective. Like she had something on her mind. Making Blight wonder why it was she worded it like that. Yes, there is a reason Soul had not eaten like this but… “Why do you ask that?” Blight said. Eager to see. “You’ve been gone from Equestria. Twelve years if I heard right? I need to ask you…” Blight nodded her head to the twelve year part. Curious as to what the princess was meaning.

“What was it like being gone for so long? The food, the journey, how it was all like outside of the land you were born in?”

Blight leaned back in her chair. Almost banging her head against it as she did. Well… she does want to know all that in the end, after all. But again referring to another problem. That is Soul’s story, not mine. And that pony refused to change back. So now I’m left to answer these questions. Questions she had to think hard on, because they were not her own experiences.

How can I really tell anypony what it’s like to be Soul? How she felt and what it was like for her. I barely know much myself. We… were apart for so long. Is it necessary to lie to her? I don’t have a lot to say. Soul… she’s… such a hard to pony to read sometimes. I could easily make up a story. Make it out like Soul had a decent time outside of Equestria. Or I can tell the truth. Because I do know just how tough it all was.

What it’s like to be gone from the land you were born in. So very long. There’s only one thing I can think of to describe it.

5.31
Blight grunted. Staring up at the chiming cacophony of roots and wires strewn about in a glowing portrait of beauty above her. Blinking. Again. As she saw for a brief second something that made her almost gasp. She thought she saw something. That rain of snow coming down on her from up there. Gone again.

Maybe I can tell her what it was like. Soul. We both went through the same thing. You know how bad I had it, I know how bad you had it. Can one say that it was so much of the same? “Where did you go?” she heard Twilight say.

Where did I go? Blight had no confirmation. Just all she knew from what she listened to daily amidst that snow. “North…” “You went north? Like the Crystal Empire? I bet you had a great time training there. Or maybe Yakyakistan.”

“No” Soulblight cut off Twilight. Thinking thoroughly on the possibilities. All she knew was everything had sounded so far to her, from the laughter of ponies to the cries of her best friend. They may as well have been the same distance. “More” Blight said. “No city or empire. …” Wandering her eyes about to look and see for anything she may use to think of something. Something that can be the truth. “Just snow… endless snow that ran on for as far as I could see. Even times I could not see when it fell so great that it was like a wall all around me.” A wall set about me. It was like a cage. All I knew for so long was what I saw from on top of that roof… and all that snow.

“There were only villages that I found… the only places I could get to for a place to sleep. A place where… so few ponies were who cared to speak. Indeed, for the most part, I was on my own. Inside a house as I listened to the wind outside as I waited for times when I could go back out and enjoy the beauty I had to work with. Those wide, open skies. On days so beautiful that I could fly through them with a cool yet strong wind, my best friend when I flew way out there.”

Blight had to sniffle. Regretting every word she said. For they were not Soul’s. Soul did not know of this feeling she had, she didn’t think she did. Was it the same? The same confinement? Having to lie about how things were just to cover up the fact that these ponies would easily turn on a pony were they to know the truth. Her stomach lurched from that knowledge. But Soul would do the same. I have to do the same. I vowed to protect her. That meant from everything, including these ponies. Those purple eyes scrying her like they wanted to get a sense of what was what. Except for how agape Twilight did look. Speechless. Staring, just wanting her to continue. Continue with what? The food?

5.32
Why the hell not? She already had something to work with there. “Everywhere I went, was nothing but the same. No different, even having to deal with the same food every day. With what little I could scrounge together. What little… the other ponies let me have. What little they allowed for me… for me to fill myself with. So I wouldn’t feel so empty.” Blight had to lick her lips saying that. Remembering clearly. Not wanting to. But I do this for Soul. The other ponies. The other pony.

“…I missed all the food I enjoyed so much back home. So much that I realized how much they meant to me. How important feeling like I was comfortable meant to me. Even days I would go without food, still flying even with my stomach rumbling. With me desperate to have a taste of the foods I loved. Can you imagine twelve years without what I loved to eat…?”

Blight looked over to find even more eyes staring at her. “No, …I-I can’t imagine” Pinkie said, huddling a slice of cake messily against her side. Standing next to Twilight with Rarity and even Applejack by her sides. All of them may as well be the same pony. Wearing the same expression. Like they were dumbstruck over it. Why? It was just a normal routine for a pony like me. Despite the fact that I’m making it sound way better than it actually was.

Nopony will understand what it takes to get through something like… that.

They have no idea, nopony would want to deal with that. Would there ever be a day they’d understand? Or never feel the feeling her and another had to go through. No. A princess of Equestria would never need to. One princess already did it. Are you any different, Twilight? That remains to be seen. Remains to see just how far I’ll go to protect her. She will see too. Even if I hate to go on. To feel this.

“But who cares about food. You wanna know what the real issue was I had when I travelled? …Imagine it. Trudging through snow up to your belly. Wherever you look being the same sight again and again. Nothing but white, breaking through it and finding the only thing that brought me a sense of comfort. Where I achieved what I wanted. It sounds weird, but it was nothing but mountains. Mere mountains that proved to be the best relief I had from the same boring sights I had every day. Mountains that went on forever, as far as the snow went. I flew through them every day. For hours and hours, practicing everything that I learned in Cloudsdale. A free reign to do what I want, no restrictions. Nopony to worry and nothing to hold me back, …and so I achieved…” Blight flushed her huge wings up for them all to see.

“The thing I could not have back home. I felt accomplished. I felt like I could love myself for it, that I could come back home with pride. Not having to deal with all the crap I had to go through back when I was a filly. A filly growing up all alone, learning to fend for herself. Learning to not let anypony hold me back from what I wanted. No, I became strong. Stronger than anypony could dream for. I reached my own dreams. For the first time. That trip gave me everything I have.”

That trip. Blight had to look away and blink a bunch. Was it gone? She opened her eyes. Hoping they had not seen. Seen as she did. That blistering red that blinded her sight, tainted of her own words as she spoke. Fearful. Yet nothing. She heard no gasps or shrieks. Like they didn’t see it at all. I need to keep calm. This is Soul’s body. I can be a freak in my own. Not wanting to deal with it all over again, …as she did before.

5.33
“I don’t get it” Twilight said next to the others. All gathered close. With Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash hovering overhead as well. “You said it was a real issue” Twilight pointed out. “That all sounded good. How was it an issue?”

“Because…” Blight said flatly. “It didn’t solve the one problem I had. Guess you all didn’t catch it. I was lonely. So very lonely” Blight whispered.

She looked down upon the table. May as well be the planks of wood of the rooftop she sat upon. Looking back out, not at these six ponies in front of her, but at the void. That endless void as cold as her own breath as she spoke. “No matter what, I had nopony with me. None who wanted to be with me. That was the one thing I deeply missed. More than food or my home. The ponies… I lost.” Blight glanced up at Rainbow Dash. Not helping herself but think of how it was that Soul may have felt. She couldn’t look any longer. Having to throw her head down upon her forehoof.

Her entire body began to shake. Oh Soul, I’m so sorry. Soul, can you hear me? Why won’t you answer? I’m sorry. I should not have taken you from her. …Just like… with me… Soul…? “I’m so sorry.” Soulblight looked up hoping she had heard her. No, killing it right there. It had just been Twilight. Twilight wearing the face of her best friend. Best friend undeserved. I don’t deserve these ponies.

“Here we thought” Twilight looked around at all the others. “That you enjoyed it. Twelve years you left it all behind, to reach this. I only thought that it must have been at least a decent time for you. Now …I understand why…” Twilight looked up to Rainbow Dash. That Pegasus floating forward, closing with Soulblight. Hovering over the table and… she reached out a hoof. Touching it down upon the one Blight had on the table. Startling Blight by being touched by her. Touched there. She wanted to reel her hoof back. She didn’t. It’s not what Soul would do. She would want this. For herself. It’s what she needed. Not I. Even though… Blight looked up into Dash’s eyes.

“I wanted to have this party for you, …so you know that you’ll always have others there for you” Rainbow whispered. “Sorry about how rough today was, I wanted it to go perfect for you. This is the place you want to be your home now.” Dash, did she mean that? Did… Soul… Blight didn’t know what to say. Only able to look into the pony’s eyes and see that she was not joking. No, Rainbow Dash did not make a habit to look so… concerned. For her? For all these ponies to sit here and listen. To actually care about what I’m saying. Even though… those words, those feelings… they aren’t Soul’s.

Dashie. Blight looked down from her. Shameful, I shouldn’t.

5.34
“But why?” She heard Rarity say. “It sounded so dreadful to be all alone like that. Why do it to begin with? Why stay gone for so long?” “I think I gave the reason why.” Blight peered at her. It was Soul’s reason. But it resonated so well with her. Like she could claim it to be her own. For was that not the reason she did what she did too?

“Some ponies will do anything to accomplish what they dream.”

Even if it meant returning to the ones you love.

Rarity said no more. None of them did. All fallen silent as if night had descended upon the world. Blight shuddered for just a moment, when Rainbow ran her hoof up from Blight’s hoof and to her shoulder. “It’s good you came back” she said. “Just want you to know that… I’m proud of you. Everything you went through, and you still got what you wanted.” She looked back at the others. “I’m gonna cut the crap now, I’m proud to say that she tied with yours truly in a race. It takes a pony like her to do something like that. And now you’re back” she said to Blight. “And never need to miss being home again.”

Yeah, Blight managed a small smile. Not from the sentiment which was so cute to hear, but to what had been said. Rainbow is proud of Soul. Even after what she did. Why, I don’t feel I should trust her words. But I do. This pony did not seem like the one to lie to her about something like this. To make her feel a little good about herself. She knew that Dash was talking to Soul, but… I would love it if… she were talking to me like this. So I feel that I belong somewhere too.

Strange, was this what you wanted of me, Soul? Or did she even know this may happen? To feel appreciated, because of how I feel. How I am. I guess I only get that now, now that I have her body. That alone made the difference, but she liked to think otherwise. Maybe… just maybe, they’d… Blight couldn’t react in time before she felt something splatter on her face. Everything went dark. Only able to hear something crumble and drip from her face, and listen to the surprised gasps of everypony else.

“Rainbow Dash!” Rarity shrieked.

What did she just do? Blight took a moment, thinking she may be seeing things. Nope, something was definitely covering her face. Wiping away at it around her eyes until she could see again. Peering out of two tiny openings where she saw white ‘snow?’ dripping around her eyes.

5.35
Blight pressed her hoof against her face and wiped hard, hard enough to clear most of it off, good enough for her to look down at her messy hoof and see that… it looked to be… one of AJ’s pies? The remains of it.

Who the…? She looked up at all of them and found only Dash’s grinning face. Looking pretty damn proud of herself. “Now I get to do stuff like that to you again, so welcome home, partner.” She lightly smacked a hoof against Blight’s back.

Did she just throw a pie in my face? What pony does that? While I’m trying to tell them all about what happened. Why… how rude do you need to be to do that? And what kind of pony would be okay with this?

Hmm… I see. Blight stared at the pie all over her hooves. I see why. That bond that you two have… Soul, I don’t think much has changed. There’s a reason she did this to me. Dash proudly just made a mess on Soul at her own welcome party. The idea of that happening anywhere else… well, Blight watched the others go at it at Dash who seemed nonetheless disturbed by what she did. No matter what distaste the others saw in it. It was distasteful. I’d never want to do the same thing she just did. It’s nothing you should to do another pony. Daring and bold.

Blight set hoof upon what she had on her plate. I like it.

Blight silently took to the air, confident the others had Dash distracted well enough. Enough for her to creep in behind her and tap on her shoulder without problem. More than willing to return the favor. Blight tossed it in, right as Dash turned to face both her and the pie that slammed into her face. Covering her up and getting quite a mess in her rainbow mane. “Allow me to share” Blight remarked. Backing away from Dash with a laugh.

Oh Soul, I can see why you like her. This is great. Like all her worries from moments ago had been splashed away. More eager to just see how enjoyable this was for the other Pegasus. Her magenta eyes peering out from under the filling and all that determination in her eyes that made Blight laugh harder. “Why you little” Dash grabbed hold of another… a plate with what was quite a salad. Sorry, you showed your hoof already.

Blight dodged out of the way, watching the plate of greens fly over her and… it didn’t miss. Covering leaves and vegetables all over… Fluttershy. The pony clearly not happy with how messy she was and moaning over it. Before that turned to a smile. Giggling in her hoof. Before Blight knew it… all the others joined in. Dodging left and right, she tossed another at the one pony who made her feel so very welcome her. Who made Soul so happy, without her even knowing. Dodging past all the food and leaping over Rarity to land another pie square into Dash’s rear right as another came in and smacked Blight in the face.

I can’t care less about it. She only laughed, harder than she cared to remember. None of them caring, no matter how bad a mess this was. Blight only wanted to have fun now. Now, that everything she thought of was gone, she only wanted to experience this… this that she never could. Never, just because she had been given this chance thanks to her best friend.

Soul, I won’t turn down your idea. Maybe. Just maybe. But we’ll have to see. But would Rainbow Dash? The others? That remained to be seen, but thank you for giving me this chance. I promise not to let you down in return. If only a day would come when ponies would accept me for who I am. Whenever. Blight just wanted to keep this up. Not stop till that Dash was a mess. She flew after her. Laughing.

I don’t want them to leave me. Any of them.

5.36
“I never thought it would end up like this, Soul” Blight said. Listening to the silence all around her. Even with the sounds of music behind her. It was not a thing she listened for. Not able to reach her, not when she stared out at the beauty of this world. Crossing her forelegs along the balcony railing and setting her head down on it, staring at that wondrous sunset. Setting in such colors of the sky she had not seen in so long. Only wishing Soul would be here with her to see it too, so she could enjoy it with her own body.

The chill she felt running down her spine, how her tail swayed softly seeing it and feeling all that was left of being inside with the others, it was all Soul’s reactions but now Blight’s own. Everything about her was now Blight’s even now, when it counted most as the moment came closer. Looking out all over the great and gorgeous land that made up Ponyville, shrouded in a sea of red and orange fire washing out from the sky and turning this town along with it.

It really does seem like it was all like a dream, even though I wanted it. For it to go this far, to turn out like this. I expected so much different. So much less. But now, she looked back over her shoulder to where she saw the last bits of the party inside the windows of the doors. Turning back and feeling the soft breeze come over her. Ruffling her fur and making her wings bristle in anticipation. “I can say I kind of like this.” Even if it all was false. All my lies to them, there was still no doubt that… she felt they may like her. That she actually was in this world as herself. Herself wearing a coat of magenta and the eyes of the Sun. Together with the greens and lush beauty of this world. So far away from what she knew for the past twelve years with Soul. For all the years before. I feel like I am a part of all this now. This town, this land, these ponies. “Is it bad to like it, over a lie?”

I think it’s something you can get used to, I knew you’d love it. Amusing. Is she actually using my line? She liked to think it possible for her to get used to it, but if things were different. Sometimes she just wished everything to be remade. Like somepony had a cruel idea, shaping her, deciding for her that things had to be like this. That everything about her could not be the same thing that all these ponies enjoyed. She felt it to be the one issue, that she actually had a connection with all of them. That she could be the one to impress them all just by how she was. I told them how I felt, and they still accepted me. I impressed them. Yet there is still one issue.

5.37
I impressed them as Soul. As only Soul could hope to impress them. I really see why it is you feel so left out by them not knowing the truth. For we both hide. Yet they still like you. I still like them. I feel like I do like them. This is why I do this for them, with your body. With your wings.

Blight unfolded those very wings, letting them gracefully fall to the crystalline floor and touch its cool surface. Skimming it with the tips of her spans, rearing them up to catch the breeze. “I do wish that, we all could be friends just as you wished. …Perhaps I like the idea. Enough to want to do everything to pursue that end. But will it be enough?”

What do you mean?

Blight sighed. Oh Soul, you would never understand my pain. My problem. For there are just things that can never be made right. It was easier than one could believe to make it all right for Soul Serenity. For her wishes to become true. To fly off free like a bird, with nothing more to hold her down. She’ll fly free… without me and my problems.

“I was just thinking out loud. No worries.”

Blight, I only heard what you said, but I think they liked you. You the pony, not me. You actually sounded happy. It’s not often I get to hear that from you. So I think you may be worrying too much. I became your friend. Why can’t they?

Friend? I don’t know. Why can’t they? For one pony as broken as Soul to like me in the end, to put up with me. Yet I don’t expect the same from these ponies. Maybe it’s too hard to believe.

Ponies who may like me, when I’ve never felt like I belonged. Can it be impossible to ask why one can not trust them? Even after all that. “Was this all a part of your plan? Why you let me take over your body.” As explaining why Soul had been so quick to let her do such a hefty thing. Even if I have been extra careful with her body and treated it well, this was all meant for her. All of what was to happen tonight was for Soul, yet she willingly gave it all up for me. Gave up things she never should have done. To become so open to anything Blight requested of her. Was it for this?

This endgame. This feeling.

As she watched all these ponies fall for this little show I put on for them and tell me everything I needed to know. For my own plans to be successful.

Maybe I did plan this.

Typical. Leave me guessing, you’re lucky I can’t don’t know what you’re saying to yourself right now. But safe to assume the true answer. For there was no other reason Soul would give her the okay to do what was to be done. When she heard the door behind her open and the patter of hooves she knew belonged to none other than Rainbow Dash. Here just for it, and Blight looked down upon the land once more.

With the dying of the music and silence falling over the world. Seeing the princess and the other ponies down below. Walking out, waving up to her with so much excitement she knew that she had earned from them. For they like me. They like Soul Serenity, the pony who wore the feelings of another. They wanted to see what it was that Soul was letting her do. All born from one hesitant question with an answer as surprising as the first. Are you sure you are fine with me doing this? They are your wings.

She felt Rainbow Dash’s hoof touch the back of her head. Gently rubbing her mane, she turned and saw the Pegasus standing next to her. Smiling at her. Giving her so much confidence. That she knew Soul could do this perfectly and was more than willing to see her do it again. There’s still time to switch.

I want you to do it, I have faith in you and I trust you.

5.38
She really does trust me with her wings, the very wings I once wanted to… well, she trusts me enough to do this great feat with her body. Do it even though I’ve never done it before. So why be so confident? Like Soul’s wings wanted to carry her to do it. Like she always wanted to do it herself. After what I witnessed, I think I can do it. If Soul trusts me, then I won’t let her down.

She gave this party to me, she gave this day to me. I need to pay her back. Pay her back with a show that only Soul’s wings can do. So now she gets to sit back and feel the same moment. The same chills that hit me when I saw it. See how it was done, know how it was done. With the very things needed to do it. I’ll do it for all of them. I want to impress them all, even if they never know who does it. I can’t help but love the feeling. Just like now, feeling this hoof touching her head. Enough that she felt the strong urge to purr over it. Even from just a simple touch. It was more.

Blight smiled away from Dash. Even as she talked. “You ready to show Ponyville what a master flyer can do?” Show all of them a spectacle like none other. As granted by none other than Rainbow Dash. If only Soul had been here to hear that. Even if she already knew that I see her as a perfect flyer. I hate stealing this from her, but she wanted it. She let it. So, I will deliver. I will prove to them all that Soul is worth being loved. May all of Ponyville see. As confident as I am. I will do it.

Soulblight lifted her wings up. With Rainbow Dash letting go and stepping aside, far enough. Far enough and Blight let those two mighty wings burst out. Feeling a gust of wind smack her sides from it and a small magenta feather floating so freely down from her mane and across her cheek. Tickling her as it passed. Caught by the wind, she watched it fly off. Carried away into the sky and joining with the bleeding clouds and burning air of a reddened Sun she felt so calm seeing.

She blinked. Softly. Loving the sight. Wanting to join with that feather and know that bloody veil to become her own. Let us embrace and achieve great things… once more.

Soulblight flapped her wings. Propping her forelegs up on the railing and bending her hind legs. One. Two. Three. Just these flaps alone, so powerful, so amazing unlike anything she had done before. Soul’s wings are amazing. She allows me, of all ponies, to use them. Why, she is so kind to let me feel this. To hear this. Hear all the dust and dirt around her thrown off in a blizzard from her flaps. Staring high up into the sky, time to join with it in a way only granted now… after so long. It felt good to feel this strong again. So wonderful.

This sky is my own again. Let’s tear it apart.

5.39
It felt incredible. That one moment. The moment when the final push was made and Blight no longer felt her hooves touching the hard ground. In an instant. More than she imagined it to feel, but so close to what she wanted it to feel. For she never knew just how mighty these wings were. For just a simple will of hers to send the world below to fly away as she looked down between her outstretched forelegs. Watching all those ponies disappear in nearly an instant and, everywhere she looked, she saw the entirety of the world.

Up here, I can see all of Ponyville. Spanning across as far as she could see and then… to be able to see the great rolling hills of grass and endless mountains towering in the distance. As those mountains fell below her as well. She smiled as wide as she could. Amazing.

This is that feeling… and oh, how I’ve missed it.

She stared off in front of her forelegs that reached for the heavens that she climbed up to. Feeling her entire body vibrate from the powerful bursts that Soul’s wings gave her, those mighty wings of hers. To see them in action was one thing, to actually feel them. To command them. This was the feeling Soul experienced all the time. Oh how I love it too. So much that she laughed, laughed so loud though even she could barely hear herself with how unbelievably loud the howling wind was that smashed into her face and rushed past her. Sounding so harsh yet it felt gentle. Like a soft touch to her face and a brush against her ears sending her mane wildly against her back and a pull on her tail as if the speed alone threatened to rip it off.

It feels almost like what it’s like to fly. But… it’s something more. And I know it so well. This freedom. This power. This great thing that Soul let me do. To achieve this moment. I will make Soul proud. All of them will know just how wonderful it is to feel this power.

Can Dash see me? Could Soul see? See how exhilarating it is to fly like this. Sending chills down her body and rippling her mind in endless excitement. How wonderful!

5.40
“Woohoo!” Blight cheered out, holding her legs out and spinning up and over a hail of passing clouds. Even feeling the wind pass by her and making her buckle slightly while her own power tore the clouds apart behind her. Steadying herself back out again and veering off when she saw more, more clouds that she happily flew straight into. So fast that she barely even noticed herself go through them before the endless blue expanse of the sky flooded her sight again.

Passing so many clouds and seeing just how truly beautiful this world was. From up here, like no other. From where she saw a vast sea of thin clouds below her, just a floor to this world she now flew high into. Into a sky more purple than she had ever seen before with the rush of red, burning the sky below her as it crossed the horizon so far away. So far yet she felt she could fly to it anyways. Laughing at this enjoyment. Not able to resist doing exactly as she knew her best friend to do, seeing how great it was to spin about in her flight. Twirling and rolling across the sky with just gentle flaps of her wings being all she needed to fly faster than Blight could.

Not with how I am, and Soul didn’t even know. None of them knew just how special this was to do. That burning feeling in her mind that it may be true and it turned out to be so. The wind tearing by her, with every fiber of her being tingling, this sense of freedom that she could do anything. Anything by their blessings. Why, it may as well be so as she looked all around at how fast she was going. At how the world passed her by and the sea of clouds under her fell away with their shine of blood red hue. Be that she could do this.

Is it really possible for me to enjoy all the moments these ponies get? All the carefree moments and joy, this moment being the purest. Like no other. I never want this feeling to end. It’s something I could never get… with how I am.

She looked in front of her at the expanding darkness of the sky and back over her shoulders down to the fading lights of the world below. Back up, watching those magenta wings she now had beating softly against the sky no matter how fast they flurried. They moved so slow to her. So graceful in this one moment that they were her wings.

They are my wings.

The same feeling. The same power. All this power I can feel inside of these large, muscly wings. No, they don’t feel wrong. They don’t feel different. And all it took was being somepony else to feel it. It’s like I have my real wings back… only because I am Soul now.

They would never care… if it were my own wings.

5.41
My wings could never do this, and none of these ponies would care if it were my wings. No, they only care that it’s you. It may as well be you. I’ve studied you so well and know everything there is to know just to pass as you. To get them to like you and not me. Haha, you need to thank me later for that. And for this. Be grateful while I put on the show for them… your precious friends.

Blight kicked her wings one last time with the greatest jolt she could manage and turned her body. There was no higher to go. With the world shrouded in darkened red below her. Like a sight most profound. To return to it now and show them all just how great Soul is.

Blight spun over. Seeing how the dark sky circled around her, up and over, twisting away until naught but red remained and she could feel the pull again. With one great flap of her wings… all that feeling of freedom came crashing back down on her and carried her forward. Down to the sea of red. Reaching for it with her hooves, it felt like they may buckle at any time from how much wind smashed against her body.

Hehehe, oh all this power. I can feel it and it’s so good. Makes me feel like I can do this. Isn’t that what I always wanted? To have talent to do stuff like this. Going this fast just like a pony that matters. Matters enough to make friends. All that wind ripping against her and tearing at her furs. Striking her face and making tears bead the sky behind her. This must be what Soul sees when she did this. It’s like… the entire air is being torn apart in front of me. Like I’m going right through it.

Does it really take a pony like Soul to do something like this? I really don’t understand what it is about her. Why she is the only one who can get all the love and compassion from ponies. It doesn’t seem so hard to do this. I’m doing it right now. It even feels like I’m doing nothing but falling. Falling and flying fast down towards that great sea of red clouds standing in her way from the world below, and the sky itself leading her on.

She saw the path. A split of air that tore away in front of her, the likes of which should not even be possible. Opening up in front of her like a slide for her to fall down into. Carrying her forth into the world while everything behind her tried its best to pull her back up. It was impossible. Not with how much her wings did flap now. How great the drive to reach a speed that only Soul’s wings could achieve. Until now.

I don’t understand why they care more about her and would ignore me. My wings can be just as good. So what is it about Soul? Is it just because… she’s not a freak?

It’s good to, for once, not feel like a freak. All I had to do… was be Soul.

The sky itself fell apart for her. No longer able to influence her and only her speed remained. Growing greater and greater. No telling how fast now.

It’s extraordinary.

5.42
“Soul! I’m doing it! I’m doing it!” Yelling so loud yet she had a hard time hearing herself. …Do you all see? I can be great too! I’m not so different. All I wanted was to be much like you ponies. I want to know joy… and having a home. And all you ponies treat that like it’s some meaningless thing, none of you realize how precious it really is. Because none of you know.

For now… it’s like I can.

Like I really can be a part of this world. No matter what you all would think. What ponies did to me… and what you all would do to me. Would any of those ponies believe it to happen to me? For me to break free just like you did, Soul, and experience the true feeling of accomplishment. That I may have a place, that I can be like them and do what they do. What all of you do?!

I will feel it too!

The world was opening up. Accepting her back. With the clouds ripping apart in front of her and cover itself in a sea of black and ash. Ash as bright as her own fur now. The sky is all mine once again.

Soul wanted me to feel what it’s like to be among other ponies? Hehe, no… I don’t think so. Such a naïve filly. This… this is what it’s like to be powerful again. To feel like… nothing can ever harm Soul’s sweet Soulblight again.

Your power is back, …Soulblight.

5.43
My power...?

Blight opened her eyes. Her ears rang. A ring, then a pound. As her entire head rang hard and her tail whipped against her back. As her entire body shuddered for but a moment in that brief moment of fear. So brief to be squashed by the same thing that caused it. Wiping away everything else.

Blight listened, as she saw all of Ponyville before her again, to that mighty sound behind her. Just like she remembered it to sound. Returned to the sky once more. A crack of thunder roared out behind her, taking but a moment for her to look back and see. See how the clouds were sent away, blasted by a roar of sound unlike anything she could imagine to carry the winds forth among a sea of magenta. Magenta turned to black, to be the one thing she could see for that moment before the fear returned. Fear when she saw how fast that sight ran off from her and she turned back to see it, see how fast the world was coming at her and a bed of green rushed her sight. Faster than she could even blink when she blasted out from the spectrum of magenta light flooding her sight in time to see that she was careening right for the ground.

Strange. Ponies would think I’d crash here. Destroy every bone in my body and leave this nothing more than mangled flesh and paste strewn among the grass. But I am not afraid of that. Because this is a feeling like no other. No matter who said it. My… power.

I feel so powerful. Like she was the one in control. Because I can hear it. Far above me, the endless choir of thunder blasting across the skies. She knew exactly what she left behind. A sight like no other with only Rainbow Dash able to come close to making something so perfect. Now every pony across the town may see that beauty. All because of me. I did it. I can accomplish great things too. And now you all see. I feel so happy.

Blight opened her eyes and giggled. Hurling her wings forward. All it takes is will. Blight thought and it happened. Feeling such a dark and gentle touch upon her wings. Caressing them as if she were tending to Soul herself. Covering those magenta wings in the darkness of her magic. Certain nopony could see. Not with how fast I’m going, and the wind struck her. Hard. Taking all her strength to keep her neck straight because she was certain any less may send her head flying right off. But it worked, and she let her magic go. Faster than she could blink. But now she could do it naturally.

5.44
She softly glided down and hovered over the grass with her hooves just shy of touching the blades. A few more flaps, the last feelings of being as airborne as she could ever achieve with these wings before she finally returned back to earth and sat down on the grass. Resting her mighty wings against her sides and then, screw it. She let them fall to the ground too.

Blight took a deep breath. Inhaling hard all the while listening to the roar of the skies sound over any breath she could make. Looking down upon the grass, amazed at what she saw. Like she could tell what the sky looked like just from looking at the ground. With all that grass turned dark in the light of her own fur and it all swayed. A breeze rushing over it all and herself.

She heard the amazed gasps of the ponies she recognized. Looking back over to the castle that towered just across the hill and all the ponies… Soul’s friends gathered. Huddled together, looking up at the sky with eyes unblinking. Saturated in the light, the same light that shined off the castle itself from where Rainbow Dash still stood tall on the balcony Blight left her on. Taken by the sky. Her wings locked at her sides.

Blight let out a small laugh. Do you all see? I did what you wanted. I can be amazing too.

Blight looked over her shoulder, turning around and plopping herself back down with a sigh and a damning need to fall onto her back. Only craning her neck. Staring up at the sight above. She too could only stare in wonder. I did that. With the last of the clouds being sent away in a hail of wind preceding what lit up the sky. The entire sky drowned in magenta. Circling far and wide through the clouds and spreading across the heavens themselves. Making the sky ripple like heat tore it apart. Ripping away the blue of the sky and not even the Sun had dominion anymore. Not with a rush of magenta, then such a black… darkness took the sky.

Blight stared. Holding her mouth agape. Wow. I really did that. …Not even Soul did that. So… this is my power? “Hehehehe.”

5.45
Wonder what I did different? Rumbling the earth, roiling the skies. A sight like no other. None she had seen, like nopony could be capable of it… except me. She felt the ground quake below her watching up at it and another burst of thunder rang out. Like being belched from that sea of darkness washing over the sky. Following after the last sights of that magenta light burning across the world. Shining the last of its light over Ponyville. Until night did fall.

Soul can not do that. I… I just did that. What Blight was seeing was beyond anything she could imagine. A sonic rainboom. Whatever it may be that she just did just like her best friend and Dash. Mine did this? Dash’s, …not even Soul’s can achieve this. Is this… why? These are Soul’s wings. This is her body. That… is her move. But how? How did I do this? To turn the entire sky black and shake the earth most violently. So much so that Blight had stand up now. Feeling a soreness in her butt from sitting on the vibrating ground. Hating the sound more and more. Endless thunder banging across the sky, roiling within that darkness.

So dark hahaha! This is the move I can do! It’s not Soul’s wings. It’s what my wings can do… and you all get to see it. Love what I can do because I am not so different from Soul. I am not a pony you all should fear. None should fear what I can do. Isn’t it beautiful? This darkness. Covering the entire sky. It’s like… Blight… widened her eyes.

It’s like… my magic.

The entire sky churned. My magic? Not even a thought could pass. Pass before a prick of red light struck across the sky. Snaking. Shining upon the land before it disappeared. Then another. Until silence fell. So quick. So sudden. Lightning.

Something is wrong. My wings… did this. Then that means... My magic!

Hahahaha! Won’t these ponies just love to see the real you?

Blight looked back up. Right as the darkness swelled and then collapsed for the Sun to shine back down. Silence and then… a ripple. Just like her body. Her wings. All to shudder when she felt it. Blight’s eyes widened.

No.

5.46
Blight could only watch. Watch as the world rushed past her. Like no other feeling before. In stunned silence as she watched and felt the wind slam her hard enough to force her to do it, to use that very magic once again. The magic that did this to keep herself planted on the ground unless she would be thrown away like trash in the breeze. To see the others fly off to, in the corner of her eyes. Turning a little and seeing them all slam into the wall of the castle screaming.

All the screams. She listened. Horrified. Hearing them all over the blast of wind howling all over the town, all over her. That sent even the grass tearing out from the ground and away forever. Joining with the screams of so many ponies all over the town. Mares, stallions and children screaming out in fright unlike the fright she felt. The pure fear running down her spine and making her stomach plummet with no words to escape. What have I done?

Glass shattering. Birds crying out. Blight kept still. Not even realizing she wasn’t even blinking anymore. That she wasn’t even breathing. Not with the horror she heard. That she caused. Planted into her by seeing the frightened faces of the others across the grass. Planted hard against the wall. She jumped when a log flew by faster than she knew it and exploded against the castle just short of the others. Even Rainbow Dash sent flying, crashing back into the doorway right before… Blight’s breath came out as a scream. Seeing it all. Hearing the dreaded sound that tore out her mind when every single bit of glass that shattered and metal buckling. Crashing. As all the trees in the distance bent and fluttered violently in the wind.

Shaking, screaming. It hurt. It hurt so much to watch. Because she could not stop it. I did that. My… my magic. My wings. No. She turned around, looking at the sight of Ponyville washed in wind and darkness flooding over it so quickly. Tearing apart the sky. As terrible as the chaos she heard within the town. This was not what I wanted. I wanted them to see something spectacular. For them to all see that I can give them something great. That I am just like them.

I want to be with them too. I want other ponies too.

But this… No. No! What was I thinking? She couldn’t take it anymore. The piercing cry of Rainbow Dash inside the castle. The fear that ran strong everywhere. She heard it and even felt it. Because she felt that fear too. A fear not of what was happening. She was well aware of what happened. A fear of what she did. What she had no intention on doing. To fail. To ruin everything again.

Blight dropped to the ground with a pained scream. Howling up at the sky. Using all her last strength to pull Soul’s wings up, for they were not her own, and cover her eyes. Hide it all away. No matter how much her mistake tortured her. Tortured like the cries of every pony out there. Of Soul’s friends. My friends. The friends she hurt. I don’t want them hurt. Please, please… I didn’t mean it. I don’t want this. Stop it! “Stop it!” Her cry lost in the thundering crack of the wind.
5.47
Soulblight reeled back hearing that grating sound of ripping metal straight from one of the castle’s spires listing even further from where it began to dangle. It took too long for that noise to stop. Grateful it did when it did. Also more grateful that the great star atop the castle looked to be undamaged. Some scuffs along its surface could be seen the closer she got to it but all she really could find was more and more evidence of all the damage she actually did cause.

Not a single window was intact. Whole ones blown right out and others left with small shards of green still left behind to show that a window once stood there between the sheets of dirt and debris painted all along those walls. Like the castle had turned into some rundown heap not tended to in years. Even its glow was gone. Gone despite how the Sun still peeked out over the mountains in the absolutely clear sky where not a cloud remained.

Blight still heard the final sounds of thunder resonating silently in the distance. All this mess. What am I supposed to say to all of them? I’ll gladly do my best to clean all this up… and, Blight looked over to the sprawling structures of Ponyville over the tree line. To where she still heard the murmurs of disgruntled ponies all over. No doubt, that all needed to be cleaned up too. I hope it’s not too bad. But she dreaded the fact, dreaded doing all of this. Such was the reason it took her so long to make the decision to head over. Head over to this, the scene of her mistake.

Coming closer and spotting the others set about that scene. She couldn’t bear to look at them. Seeing them scatter about locked on that destruction she caused. Where she must have sent fear running down their spines. Because this had to have been a horrible experience. She didn’t wish to see it. Turning away. Taking a deep breath before she decided to keep going with slow and steady steps. Certain of what was in wait for her. Just hoping that they would be understanding. How could they be? Blight lowered her head in her walk.

5.48
I didn’t know I would do that. Even when I felt it, there was no way to tell. That churning feeling inside her body, the enjoyment she had to feel such great power at her disposal. And I heard it all. I… wanted this. This… this is my power. Why did it do this?! I… I never wanted any of this. I never expected it to happen. All my power. To turn the entire sky black. I don’t even know how I did it.

I… I just wanted to feel great. To feel like I was doing something good. When I’ve never felt that chance before.

I thought they would all like to see I can do something cool too. There was no way to tell… that that would happen. But that was me. They all expected something from Soul, not me. I just ruined everything. Oh please, I didn’t want any of this, and Soul has to be mad at me now.

It really had not gone at all as she had planned. Even seeing how messed up her own magenta fur was along her legs. Ruffled violently much like her wings left hanging over her sides. Still trembling. Of fear or exhaustion, who could say? Blight stepped up. Stopping. Guiding her eyes along the ground before she built up the nerve to look back up. To see nopony even noticed her come. Or they didn’t care. More focused on what lay before all of them as they did such a menial job of trying to sift through the mess. All of them rushing around the castle, except Twilight.

The princess who stood just ahead of Blight with her back to her, staring up at her castle, silent. Wings left limp at her sides, and Blight could tell by how she moved that the princess was shaking. What should I say? There’s… there’s no excuse. They all expected Soul to be perfect with this move. To give them all a show unlike any other. Not to destroy all this. To ruin the moment entirely. Everything was ruined. I ruined it.

“I…”

5.49
Blight lifted her ears, hearing the flaps of wings. Finding Rainbow Dash had come out and did none other than land right next to her. Blight too stunned to say anything. To think of what it was she wanted to say. But Dash was here anyways, and she also stared down at the ground just as Blight had done. Just for a moment.

She came in a little closer to Blight’s side with a frown to the ground until she finally looked up and gave Blight a little smile. A stupid grin. Acting like nothing happened? I can tell. Nice try. I know I messed up. Now… guess I get to deal with whatever hate these ponies have for me… they’d never like Soul after this, then Soul will never like me. I just… it was too hard to try to not cry. Not with Soul’s body.

They will all hate me. Even Dash stopped smiling. Displeased at… me?

But I… Soulblight backed away from her a step.

I thought maybe Dash would still stick with me, she was Soul’s friend after all. And I thought she might like me. …So why look so unhappy? She must be mad. Disappointed with me. Because I couldn’t deliver what she wanted. That none of them wanted. I only tried. I only wanted to try to be the pony they could rely on. They could enjoy being around. I only made another mistake.

“Really now, did she have to be so rough. You’d think she’d be better suited for such a thing.”

Blight’s ears perked up. What?! Blight looked over. She… she dare say that? Straight out of the mouth of Rarity. Over there with the others inspecting the castle. Far away. Beyond Twilight. Blight’s eyes widened. So that’s it, huh?

“Well I hope there’s at least one window we don’t gotta replace” Applejack said and she leapt off a pile of rubble and ran off along the side of the castle. Followed closely by the others going around asking if everypony was alright. Really expecting them to be hurt. All of them to be hurt from her stupidity. All of them angry.

Just as I thought. They’d even talk shit about me behind my back. Think I don’t hear, hehehe. So what? Ponies always do this. Like all the others! After busting my ass to try and impress them. Do everything to make them happy. I… I didn’t need to do that move… even though I wanted to, and I messed it all up. It’s all my fault. Damn it all, Soul… I…

“I’m… uh…”

5.50
Blight shuddered when she knew Rainbow Dash set a hoof on her back and gently ran it up the back of her neck. Making that hush sound… like she wants me to shut up. She has no idea. Blight wanted to stamp the ground as hard as she could. Yell at anything. Yell at herself. Damn it. Damn it all!

She could feel her lips quivering. Hear legs shaking. Does Dash feel it? Can she feel me shaking? And she said nothing. Nothing to make it better. Blight looked up just in time to see that they all saw her… before promptly looking away. Going off. Her heart plummeted. Her mouth dry. She no longer had anything to say. Just feel. Feel the pain. Until those purple eyes turned around and looked at her. At her with such a sadness unlike anything she could see as other than pity.

For the princess, too, to show how upset she was as well. When all I wanted to do was make them smile. I couldn’t even do that. They can’t even like my power. Now… Soul, …Blight bared her teeth.

Forget it! Smacking away Dash’s hoof. She jumped back. Not caring how horrified Dash looked. How stunned she was. Because Blight could tell it didn’t matter. Not anymore.

I ruined it all. She flapped her wings, not looking back.

5.51
“Soul! Wait!” Rainbow called out after the pony. Reaching a hoof after her, wanting to follow but only taking a few steps. It was pointless. She could tell in Soul’s eyes what was going on. How she acted. Dash let that same hoof that Soul had hit away join the others on the ground.

I am so sorry. So sorry. I didn’t say anything. What could I say? I just wanted things to be different. Soul was upset and all I did was tell her to hush. I… I really don’t know what to do. What is wrong with me? Just when I thought that everything was going so well.

We came so close… “Go after her.”

Rainbow stopped. Looking back over her shoulder. Twilight standing right behind her. Nodding her head. “She needs you.”

5.52
“To think I ever expected anything!” Blight screamed out. Slamming her hoof down so hard that the ground sunk under it a little. Her wings jolting straight up in response and the ripple of water as well.

She shook, furious at it all. Desperate to find some comfort, enough to just let herself fall to the ground and lay on her side. Looking out at the small pond she lay on the embankment of. Stretching her hoof out over the mud and touching that water against the tip. All alone. Even here, she still was reminded. Angry to see it. No matter where, it will all be the same. All the debris left strewn over the water surface and felled branches littered the ground from the buckled trees looming high over her. Just barely able to hide the setting Sun that shone in the water. Giving the only semblance of beauty this place now had left. All the rest stripped away because of her.

How nostalgic. Laying here and just staring out at something so miserable. Almost like going back in time. Haha, it’s the best I can expect from this world. And here I thought the entire party would go well. I thought I was doing such a good job and maybe these ponies would like me.

“I was doing a good job. I really was loving it all.” But of course, of course something like that had to happen and I didn’t even intend it. The happy sounds of a party and the bustle of ponies enjoying life, all of it gone. Not a single sound rang out now. Complete, dead silence over this place.

She didn’t want to listen to any more. Shutting it all out from her ears. Just much of the same. All those ponies just hate that I made a mistake. Oh they hate me. They hate Soulblight! Like everypony always does! Well… maybe that Rarity can say something about me again, acting like they all like me. Such a pitiful lie. “Of course they don’t…” Now I get to deal with it. I get to deal with the fact I ruined this day for all these ponies.

I ruined this day… for the pony who needed it most.

5.53
“Yet you stay quiet. Why… why do you not care!?” Soul is the one who has to deal with all this now. It’s like she doesn’t care. She, of all ponies, had the right to be the most angry at her. Just like before. I only mess up what it is that you want. This… this is no different. I know she sees how it all is now. This was meant to be a party to welcome Soul into Ponyville, for her to feel just what it meant to be accepted and loved. Appreciated by ponies whom she could never expect to turn on her. Those ponies would never be like… the ones who would betray her.

I only wanted things to turn out good for her. And she’s not saying a word.

Blight rolled over onto her belly. Not my belly. I hate this. This isn’t my body, I should not be allowed to have it. I only screw everything up. Now they all are mad at Soul. “They all are mad at you, because of me.” She slammed her other hoof out into the water. Letting those mighty wings drape the grass at her sides. Fully exposing herself. Letting anypony have her.

“So take it back. I’ve done enough damage.” It’s always best for a freak to be in her own freak body. Where I’ll… I’ll never be like the rest of you. I always… be this.

Nothing happened. Why? “Why do you hesitate? Is there some reason you don’t want to? Say why.” Especially after that stupid disgrace I did. Messed everything up with your body.

What do you want me to say?

5.54
“Say? What do I wan…” Blight held her breath. “I wanted us to switch back. I practically warned you. You should expect this type of shit with me, after all we went through. I always mess up, I always ruin everything when it counts. I just wanted to know what it was like to be around them, but you wanted me to keep going even when it was obvious you were missing out on the same experience. You could have done everything so much better than me and you wouldn’t be in this situation. Now you get to deal with it because of my stupid mistake. Why do you not want your body back now?”

Because that was the burning question. The only thing left to gain for Soul. Because she was the only one who could fix all this mess. I only mess things up. That’s why… that’s why you were the one who saved both of us… when we were alone. I was just the one who held you back. Who hurt you. Who wanted to hurt you.

You’re gonna blame me over it?

Soul did not sound happy, making Blight freeze.

After you were having so much fun. How can you expect me to stop you? You made it clear that you wanted to enjoy the party. I let you, because I wanted you to have it.

Because you’re too damn nice, Soul. That’s always been how you are. Even when it hurts you. That’s why you were the one who solved everything. Even after I ruined your life, you still made me happy. Now I ruined it again. Your life… no… I can’t say that. Because she wouldn’t understand. “I ruined your party. This was meant to be all about you, to celebrate you. Now everypony is mad at you.” Just like before. Oh no. Did I…?

Shut up! I don’t want this again.

Oh yeah? “Well we got this again.” Blight stood up now. Feeling a very strong urge to raise a hoof to her own face, only stopping when she remembered whose face it was. She really doesn’t understand. It may as well just be a repeat. All when it could have been prevented. When… I could’ve prevented it. “Now you get to live with the consequences.”

5.55
I don’t get it. Blight, did you not see just how happy you were? I could tell you were the happiest mare around. I loved seeing that. You were finally getting your own party. You got to have other ponies around you, because you wanted it. You asked me. Then the one time you make a mistake, you get like this. Nopony is mad. Believe it or not, I’m not even mad and I’m the one you think has been ruined by this. You really need to stop being so harsh on yourself, I’m your best friend. I still am, and I’ve gotten real tired of this.

Blight could tell the shift in her tone. “Oh, you’re going to be blunt now?” Blight scoffed. Staring down at her sad reflection in the water.

Yeah because you need to stop thinking so poor of yourself!

“Oh, is that right?” Such an amusing thing to hear. Like the pot calling the damn kettle black. You’re the one who worries about nonsense. Nonsense when it was all things that she didn’t have to be the one to deal with. Because that kettle was the one who put everything out there to try and make it all work in the end. I can think poor of myself whenever I please, because I deserve it and nopony can change that fact. Not after how much has happened. Now that all these ponies know how I am.

Soul is still so naïve. So hopeful that things will turn out alright in the end. Blight could feel her teeth biting down against her jaw. I can’t help but be mad at myself. After all the work I’ve tried to make this night actually count. Because this party would have just been more of the same otherwise. I put myself out. I am the one who wanted to see how these ponies are and now I see they would never like me. So congratulations.

Sweet Soul, congrats being the better pony of us two.

“I deserve to be mad at myself.”

Why?!

5.56
Blight reared herself. Slamming both forehooves hard into the ground. “Because it’s what life taught me!”

This joyous and lovely life that all these ponies did enjoy. None of them would ever understand. Soul, she was the closest who came to it. But none can, because none of them can ever know just how much needs to happen. What one needs to experience. For it all to still be burned so hard into her mind like scars lining the skin. And now we repeat.

“You have no right to question how I should feel. Because this is how my life is. This is not the first I’ve done this to you. I keep doing it and keep making everypony so mad at me.” Blight shook violently. Her legs barely able to keep herself standing. It was at that moment, right there when she felt that pain again. Burning deep into her heart. No, I hate to remember. I don’t want to.

Blight…

“And nopony can ever know!” Blight almost fell to the ground that time. Needing her wings to catch her. “I fail so much… it always leads to this…”

“I don’t think you failed.”

Blight stood up. Arching her chest out with the deepest breath she could take. Needing to wipe her eyes really quick to get rid of the tears she now noticed on her cheeks when she heard that familiar voice.

So now I have to deal with her. Like she would know anything. Blight still turned around to face with Rainbow Dash standing between the trees. Peering over to her with a frown. Kicking a hoof along the ground. I never even noticed she was here. Blight gulped. “How long have you been standing there?” she demanded. “Just in time to hear you call yourself a failure” Rainbow responded and she left the safety of the trees. Walking over to join with Blight. Briskly going by, more interested to just do what Blight had been doing. Staring out at the pond. A quick lash of her rainbow tail. Blight cocked her eyebrow. Dash leaning down and sighing so deeply. Like she sounded upset. Just as she had when she mentioned the thing that Blight had said. Staying silent. Impatiently waiting for her to do something, give some reason as to why she was here, Blight grimaced in frustration.

5.57
“Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be back with the others?” Not like Dash made it a point to do her best to come to those who needed her. That much had been proven, and this pony should not even bother with me. Best for her to just go back and hang out with her real friends who would never do anything to hurt or disappoint her. Where she will be safe. The whole thing about Dash being here made Blight on edge to keep herself from demanding her to leave.

This should be fun to hear her pretend. Make believe that she knew anything.

Rainbow took her time to look back at her. Not at all pleased herself. Almost close to glaring at Blight. “What’s with the attitude?” she asked. “You’d rather not have me here?”

“I’d rather you go back to the others and leave me to deal with my own problems” Blight said. “I destroyed your castle anyways; shouldn’t you deal with it?” “Wow, Soul” Dash said. Making such an obviously fake laugh, completely unimpressed. “First off, the castle is fine. That’s nothing that Twilight can’t deal with. Second, cut the attitude” Dash raised her voice. “I don’t know what it is, but that crap you’re saying is the only thing that I see you’re doing wrong. Cheer up a little.”

She has no idea. Oh how easy it can be for her to just say to cheer up. Yeah, let me be happy after seeing how you ponies all are. Blight had to laugh at that. Being sure to tone it down when she realized she was getting dangerously close to losing her voice in that laugh. Just short of bringing out something that really would scare Rainbow.

“Oh I’m sorry, perhaps you weren’t there when I messed up and completely ruined this day for everypony. Not like you’d understand, Mrs. Perfect…” Blight accused her with such a quick lash of her hoof. Really not wanting to give her any time to respond. “I wanted to impress everypony, give them something great back for all the hard work that they did. I wanted to reward you too. The only way… was just that, and I messed it up.”

“Soul…”

5.58
“Guess you didn’t hear it when all your friends had something to say over it. Like they think I’m so stupid to not notice how upset they were. And you come her saying I should… cut the attitude?” Damn it, she almost sounds like Soul now. Like neither of them really understood what it was like to be this way. Soul of all ponies should know. How can she not? I messed up.

You did not mess up.

“They weren’t mad at you, Soul” Rainbow spewed. Such a thing to say, Blight shook it out. I will not be lectured by some arrogant pony who has no idea what it’s like to lose something and never get it back. She has no idea how much it hurts when I realize ponies would never love me for who I am. No matter how upset Dash started to look. How confrontational her voice was.

“Maybe you should wake up and see the bigger picture, Dashie.” Blight walked over to her. “You have no idea. No idea what it’s like to have to work from the bottom up to get at your dreams, those damn dreams that are taken from you by others for things you were not at fault for. Or maybe you should. You all worked so hard on this party to welcome me and I ruined it, now everypony is mad at me and that dream of yours for me to have friends is ruined all because of me.”

“You didn’t ruin shit!” Dash yelled. “I thought that rainboom you did was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen you do. Nopony could ever do that. Maybe it didn’t go the way you wanted but it still impressed me. And you don’t know what the others may think. You don’t know that they are actually worried for you.”

Oh this is hilarious. Blight giggled a little. Really taking a lot of strength just to keep herself from blowing her cover. Trying to keep up with how Soul was was starting to get harder the more this dragged on. She actually began feeling a little tingle inside her. Really wanting to laugh her heart out to the delusion she was hearing. Almost like pleasure. Haha, I need to stop before anything happens.

She had to step away for a moment. Regain her composure. For what was left of it. Rainbow Dash is a bold one, I can see why you like her, Soul. But she really doesn’t know her place. She never has known true pain. Such is the curse of youthful ignorance. But Blight couldn’t be mad at her. Just like getting mad at Soul for being so hopeful. Doesn’t mean I got nothing to say to this stupid mare.

5.59
“They were all just caught up in the moment, but they’ll cool down. Twilight actually is very worried about you. All you did was make a mistake.”

“A mistake, huh?” Blight asked. Glancing at Dash from the side. Just like that, Rainbow turned around completely. Smiling now and waving her forelegs up briefly in joy. “Yeah! But not at all that bad. Like I said, you did pretty amazing. The best show you could’ve done for all of them. You should’ve seen their faces when you lit up the sky. They loved it.”

“Up until the last part, right?” Blight asked. “You made a mistake and they all know it. None of them expect you to be perfect, just be yourself. There really is no need to worry about it” Dash said. This is amazing. She really has no clue. I’m doing my best to mimic Soul but now she’s really starting to get at me. But that was the crazy part. How does Dash not know just what this can do to Soul? Why is she not being herself? After all the time spent watching these two as kids, this was just not right to see Dash act like this. Rainbow Dash truly was ignorant. Maybe she had forgotten, hard to believe considering how close these two were. Yet even Soul seemed to be having a hard time understanding just what this means. What upsets me.

They all don’t like me. If they knew I wasn’t Soul, they’d all want to get rid of me for what I did. Because I’m not good enough. I am the one who ruins everything for everypony. That’s just how it is, and there’s just more ponies that are mad at me. None of them will understand.

Blight grinned. They are all perfect ponies.

She sighed up at the rising Moon beginning to take its place in the sky. Watching it move. Sit up there, just like so many other nights like this. She may as well be alone again instead of laying in bed with her best friend during these nights. A gift she desperately wanted to give back. But to who? To see if this whole endeavor meant anything. All the while somepony stood here with her pretending to know anything.

5.60
“Caught up in the moment?” Blight said. Lowering her head back down. Staring out at the trees past Rainbow. Let me enlighten her. “Like everypony else twelve years ago? When they were all caught up in the moment of banishing me over a little mistake that I didn’t even do. You really don’t seem to understand even after what I said back in the castle. So let me tell you right now…”

Blight pushed herself to Dash now. Stamping forward to a flustered Pegasus until she planted herself firmly in her face. Kneeling into her. Wanting to be sure Dash could look into her eyes when she said this. “Just maybe… I’m not happy with this shit. Ever think of that?” Dash remained quiet. Stunned.

“No? Well let me say why.” Blight took another step forward. “Just a little mistake I made of being at the wrong place, doing the wrong thing did this to me. I spent twelve whole years alone and scared because of that mistake and you don’t even know. No, you know what you did? You ignored me. You left me to Celestia and she sent me away while I didn’t hear one word of you being worried for me. You never came to save me from her. Can you imagine me, a little frightened filly, defenseless in the corner of an old house listening to howling wind all the while I fought every damn day to keep myself from freezing to death! Freezing to death!”

Blight shoved her hoof right into Dash’s chest. Hopeful she got the point. Forcing her back, but Blight followed after her. “I almost died so many times, in between the endless nights where I just sat there crying myself to sleep. Eating next to nothing. I spent years dealing with that all the while wondering where my precious Dashie was. If she was even thinking about me, if she even cared because you were the only pony who wanted anything to do with me. Yet I make one mistake and you turn your back on me.” Just like everypony did to me, and it’s what you all will do too.

“Soul… I…”

Blight stomped forward to shut her up. “Shut your hole! The only reason I’m still alive was just so I could get the chance to come home and see you. These wings…” Blight flashed them up. Looking back at them and shaking her head at them. “I didn’t get them to become a damn Wonderbolt. I got them to fly out of that hellhole I was sent to because nothing less could do it. I got them to return home. I did all of this just to try and make up for what happened.” And what does it get me? It only gives me all the pain in the world.

5.61
Blight stopped her walk when Rainbow stepped back into the pond and was forced to hold her ground. So close that the Pegasus had to sit herself down into the murky water. Blight staring down at her. Taking a moment to breath and relax just a little at seeing how sad Dash looked. “I wanted to see you” Blight admitted that one big truth. “Even after you turned your back on me. So don’t go lecturing me over making mistakes, because… my life taught me one thing. That mistakes hurt… badly.”

Blight gulped saying that. It’s so hard to not remember just what those mistakes did to me. “And I find it hard to believe you weren’t upset over what I did back there, when you were so quick to leave me when we were kids.”

“I was… just a kid” Dash whispered.

“And we didn’t know any better…” Blight said for her. “Well Celestia was an adult. She was quick to turn on me as well. So what does it matter? The result was the same. I suffered for twelve years, I finally came back and you’ve done a damn fine job at…”

Blight gasped when Dash’s hoof planted itself against her mouth.

She looked down that foreleg reaching up to her to where Dash was staring up… with a smile. “You don’t need to say anymore.” What is she…? Blight stepped back just as Dash stood up from the water. Following her and not lifting that hoof off of Blight’s mouth. Rainbow smiled deeper, looking down at the ground. She fluttered her wings at her side. Before she finally gently let her hoof down.

“I’ve been waiting so long for that…” Dash said with a giggle, and Blight had no more to say. Unsure what it was she was seeing. But Dash kept coming closer and Blight kept backing up. What is she doing? This… this isn’t what I was hoping to happen. What she expected. But they both stopped. Listening to all that water dripping off of Dash’s tail and hind legs. Soaking the soil that buckled under her hooves. Soulblight looked over, to see the other source of that same sound. Where she was surprised to see none other than Twilight crossing from the trees and standing over there. Silent but with a smile.

What is she doing here? What is…? “Dash…”

5.62
“I really… really missed you being so strong, Soul” Dash said. Looking back up at her. “I like it, just like I used to.”

Just like… wait, but I was just being… Blight had nothing to say. How is this pony even getting this out of what I said? “I was always the only pony you ever got heated with, guess I should be honored you’re doing it again. After twelve years, I really did miss that. It’s true, I haven’t been a good pony to you. I regret everything I did, and have been trying my best to make up for it today, ever since you got here. You have been through so much, things I can never hope to imagine and I’m so sorry you had to go through it all.”

Dash reached up and touched her hoof against Blight’s cheek. Blight felt her heart skip a beat. Gasping slightly. Listening to her. Seeing just how sincere Dash looked in her eyes where not even the dark of night could plague them. Shining like Soulblight’s fur with those yellow eyes of her right in the middle of Dash’s looking back at her. To see just how shocked she looked in her reflection. How… calm she was feeling when Dash spoke so softly. “I can’t turn back time, if I could then I would’ve long ago to stop you from leaving. So you never would have had to feel so alone and so helpless. But that was then, there’s nothing that can be done about it. We have to deal with what’s going on now, and now, I want you to be happy after all those years. It’s why I did all this for you. Even after that ‘mistake’ you made long ago, I still did all this for you. Does that not mean something?”

Blight looked back at Twilight. The princess still standing watch over them, leaning against a tree with a smile. She’s not mad at all, neither is Dash, and Dash is talking like this. She really shouldn’t. Dash is too damn proud to say this stuff to me. Does she even know Twilight is here too?

Dash, I know you’re trying to make yourself out as a better pony but… you aren’t answering my question. Not at all. Being nice to me… it’s… it’s not enough. Right? Is she being nice to me… or to Soul? I am the one who made the mistake.

“I… umm…” Blight couldn’t even think of what to say. Just that… she felt so warm inside. That this was counting for something.

5.63
“I’m really happy you’re back, I’m really glad to see all that you accomplished in the time we were apart. I only want to reward you for doing all of that… and to let you know that… mistakes are just that. They’re not something to hold us back.” If only you really knew. Sometimes… it’s just too much. It feels too much. But… I…

I like this.

My mistakes? Not hold me back? Rainbow Dash is… kind of nice.

“You really did all that training just to see me?” Dash asked. That was the exact reason Soul had. Part of the reason, in that mare’s never-ending drive for self-sacrifice. She always gave so much. Just like what I did. “Yes” Blight whispered. Lowering those wings of hers down.

“That’s so nice” Dash smiled wide. “You think one dumb mistake is gonna ruin this moment after all you did? You’re not as bad as you think. I actually really liked your rainboom. I’ll even admit… that it was…” Dash looked off to her side. Gulping loudly before she turned back to her. “Better than mine. So don’t be ashamed. The party is still on, and you’re still our guest of honor. So come back.”

Rainbow Dash…

“We’d all like you back” Twilight finally spoke up while walking over to join them. Dash quick to shiver and turn away with the biggest blush she could have. Clearly answering that other question. Gone silent now. Stepping aside for Twilight to step in, offering her hoof to Blight. Staring down at it questioning whether or not she should take it. For this seemed too much to believe. “One mistake won’t change how we feel about you” Twilight said softly. “Everypony makes them. Even Dash did with Applejack’s farm.” Met immediately with Dash grumbling off to the side. Not able to get rid of her blush let alone staring Twilight off for saying that.

She did, however, take a look at Blight. Expectantly. With both ponies just so bright to her right now. Not at all like she expected anypony to act after what happened. When Twilight had more right than any other to be mad at her. Alongside Dash… they had no reason to, yet they did. “So what do you say?” Twilight said pushing her hoof closer for Blight to take. “Come back? All your friends are waiting for you.”

Friends? With Rainbow also giving her own hoof now for Blight to take. Standing proudly now next to Twilight. Neither of them changing. …They still want me.

Unbelievable.

5.64
The doors opened for Blight and both Twilight and Dash let her in first, stepping within the room atop gleaming and clean floors of crystal much like the walls and even the doors themselves. As shiny as all the windows returned to being, and she gasped in amazement. Doors opened to reveal that the room was completely as she remembered it. When she expected everything in here to be sent about with shards of glass everywhere. No, it turned out just like all the rest of the interior and the castle itself. As incredible and relieving to see that castle completely untouched when under the dark skies of the Moon.

Chairs all set perfectly around the food, plenty of balloons and streamers flittering about. Nothing out of place. Even that stupid drawing of Pinkie still set up. Exactly like nothing happened. If she were younger, she may even think time had been turned back if not for what Twilight had said. That alicorn stepping by her and joining her inside the room. Proud of herself. “See, just a little magic, no biggie.”

“Yeah” Dash chimed in. Stepping forward and standing by Blight’s side. Sweeping her hoof forward to behold the room to her in all its sparkling glory. “So no need to worry anymore about it.” Dash gave her a little push, and Blight complied. Joining with them back into the heart of this castle where the sight of all her mistakes had been completely wiped away and everything returned to normal.

Amazing. I just hope it wasn’t too hard to fix. I could have done it myself, and I know I should’ve done it myself. Nopony should clean up after me. Now she had to find some way to pay Twilight back if the alicorn would ever accept such a thing. Knowing the princess, she would deny it. Likely boast how easy it was to fix this when Blight should have insisted on it herself. Or stayed to fix it instead of running. Really, that whole fit continued to prove to be a big mistake on her part. She was only glad that Dash was not upset over her yelling at her back there. But these worries were melting away. Except for another.

5.65
All the others were also here, the centerpiece of this remade room. Standing and waiting silently together… with all their heads down. Why?

They looked like they were ashamed. When I should be the one to feel that way. Really, I’m standing in front of the ponies I could have hurt. Twilight and Dash were one thing. But there was no way these four could feel the same way. Not with the sight of that log slamming so violently close to them still fresh in her mind, and all the other things that could have happened. It was pure luck.

That alone made her bow her own head. Stopped when a cyan furred hoof tipped her chin and pushed her back up. With Rainbow Dash shaking her head at her. Blight did as she wanted though she was hesitant to. Because this really was not necessary. Not wanting to have anything to do with what happened but Fluttershy was insistent when she burst forward on soft wings to stand before Blight. “Oh I was so worried. Thank goodness you’re alright.”

Yeah, I’m alright. But Blight didn’t care to admit it. Just a bit… perplexed at how the Pegasus was acting with her. For she had no reason to worry, when I’m the one who has all the reason to worry. This pony who cried for me, she could have gotten hurt. There were no real ways to express just how relieved she was to see her just as she had been. “I’m glad you’re alright too” Blight said back. Giving her a little nod. But what can I really say?

“You just ran off, we thought something happened to ya” Applejack said stepping in to join with them. “Right when the party was gettin’ good.” “I’m sorry” Blight said. Taking a really long moment to decide. Decide that “I was just so scared that I made you all upset.” Blight stepped closer, firmly staring into Applejack’s eyes. Raising her voice, wanting them to know just how sorry she was.

“I didn’t mean to do that move… I… that’s not what was supposed to happen. Please forgive me.” “Forgive ya!?” Applejack said astonished. “Why… that was the most amazing thing I’d seen a Pegasus pony ever do. You done blotted out the whole damn sky… shoot!”

5.66
What? But it wasn’t amazing. It was terrifying. Did these ponies even care about what really happened? Even Fluttershy nodded in approval with AJ. They all could have gotten hurt, I could have easily ruined everything for Soul and for all of them. So why forgive me? I can’t understand. Not after what had happened. Remembering it. How her entire body felt so free and light. Like she was truly strong and happy without even knowing what it really was. I got carried away… and I had no idea I was. So funny how a moment of happiness like that could lead to something so terrible. It almost sounded novel to her were it not so wrong.

“But you sounded so upset…” Blight pointed out to AJ. All of you did, and they looked so mad at me. They can’t be lying to me now. Not when it counted. So… Dash laughed a little at her side. What? This isn’t funny.

“Oh come now, sugar cube” AJ said with a tip of her hat to Blight. “We weren’t upset with what you did, …just… well…” AJ stared off to the side with a really obvious smirk.

“You thought you had to clean it up, right?” Rainbow said for her and Twilight laughed as well. “Don’t worry, I saved you all from chores” Twilight said to them all. “From chores?” Blight questioned. None of them should have cleaned up to begin with. Really, all I would’ve needed to do is just one quick spell. Twilight didn’t need to be the one to do it.

“It really was a dazzling display” Rarity, of all ponies, said. “A sight of such raw and gorgeous power, really reflects on the pony who did it.” Giving her a wink at that. This felt so weird. They shouldn’t be complimenting me. From the start, this was all unimaginable. Ponies aren’t usuallt this forgiving. No. They always hate me when I do something wrong. The typical response, yet these ones didn’t. Almost like they are sincere with me. With how they treated me earlier.

5.67
“But you said…”

“I know I said a rather… harsh thing” Rarity cut Blight off. “Take it that’s what made you run off, but I assure you I wasn’t mad at you. I can just…”

Not mad at me. That sounded very hard to believe. Yet that wasn’t the amazing thing to Blight. The amazing thing was she silently listened to her and believed everything Rarity said. With how all of them are acting… maybe they all are right. Maybe Dash was right in the end. That these were ponies that would love Soul, and I think… they like me.

Their words mean a lot to me. What they do means a lot to me. Blight could still feel that soft touch on her face that Dash gave to her. Would anypony just do that for me? Would Dash do that if she saw who I am? …Maybe. Maybe she would like me.

“Forgive me, I can just get rather upset when my mane is ruined. Personal habit, dear.” Rarity smiled widely. Giving her curly purple mane a generous tap. “But it’s all better now. I never had anything against you.” She looked down humbly. “It really was a wonderful move you did.”

“Maybe next time, we should use a bomb shelter” Pinkie said happily. “I’ll get to building one soon cuz you bet I want to see that move again.” Blight wanted to laugh. She managed a smile instead. Shuddering a little with how happy she was feeling that… that she could actually believe all of them had nothing against her. They were all still here for her. None of them shunned her. They actually care?

“I don’t know what to say. None of you are mad at me?”

“Why would we be mad?” AJ asked. “Yeah, silly” Pinkie burst in from behind Blight. “Everypony knows a good party needs some bang and you got it. You’re alright in my book.” Even wrapping her own hoof around Blight’s neck just like Dash did. But to hear what they were all saying as well, it meant so much more. Blight couldn’t stop from smiling. Looking over to Dash. That cyan Pegasus knew it. She knew she was right, and that it was all turning out just as she said. She really does know her friends so well. It really makes me continue to wonder, but not now, and everypony joined in.

5.68
“We’re your friends…” Twilight said. Said and made Blight’s ears perk up.

My friends, but… and all of them nodded. Circling around her. Not leaving her side as she expected. Not at all like Dash did with Soul. She stood her alongside them all. Not leaving. With smiles that made her feel so comforted. Like she truly did belong. Belonged among these friends. They really mean it.

“Friends stick together… through anything.”

Friends stick together… through anything. Dash? Blight glanced over to that other pony. The one pony she expected out of all of them to know just how deep that line meant. She looked as if she did. Friends do stick together. No matter how far. That must be why… you also cried all those nights. I’m so sorry I yelled at you.

“…The party’s not over” Applejack said over the silence. “Maybe this group of friends should enjoy what’s left of it.” “I’m so down” Rarity answered. We group of friends. Why… it sounds so beautiful. The only thing missing… is that magenta Pegasus standing by my side. Too late now. I see now what she wanted. …She was right.

I’m sorry, Soul. For yelling at you. We should never have fought.

Hey, we are friends, right? We were eventually going to fight over something. I’m just so glad you’re happy.

Thank you for all of this. Thank all of you. I think they all do like me!

Blight finally joined them in laughter. “Yes, let’s party.” Queuing right up that upbeat music that played so vibrantly throughout the party. Let’s finish this night off right!” Pinkie yelled out and everypony ran off laughing. Music playing so happily and then… softly as it changed entirely. Blight felt it, looking over in time to see that Twilight did something with her magic to change it and that purple pony trotted off with a goofy grin to Blight.

Huh? This music though. It wasn’t so happy or hyper as she could call the previous. It sounded… different indeed. Like it spoke to her. Soft and strumming. But to also be strong. It made Blight’s heart flutter. Her mind calm… to hear such a soothing melody as solemn as the chilly snow-filled skies themselves. Like it really spoke to her. Made her feel… happy. Like somepony did softly sing to her. Caressing her ears, and all of the others did do nothing more than dance to it. Quietly. Softly. Like the song itself. How this entire atmosphere changed. How strange.

All of them together.

5.69
Blight stumbled over, just as Pinkie pushed herself into Blight’s side and she ran off. Before Blight could even complain to the giggling pink pony, or before she hit something soft to break her fall. Turning, finding none other than Rainbow Dash with her. Staring at her. Not even caring Blight fell into her.

“That Pinkie, huh? So rude” Dash said. “But I think her hearts in the right place.” She smiled.

“…Yeah” Blight said stepping off of Dash, but that pony still followed her over and… set one of her hooves down on Blight’s hoof. So suddenly, Blight almost shrieked feeling her hoof touched by another. So gently and soft. But Dash held her hoof down. Or was it that… that I’m… not even trying to get away from her? Just watching that cyan Pegasus and how she made a small giggle while rolling her eyes. Even as she came closer.

What is with her? Why am I feeling this way? Blight felt scared of how it felt but… she could honestly say she… actually liked being this close to Rainbow. That there was nothing to be afraid of. There was only one other pony who ever earned this feeling from her. I can’t believe I feel it with her. That this is truly happening. That this pony asked her this question.

“Would you like to dance with me?”

Dash…?

5.70
Blight stood still between all the other ponies, all circled around her and doing their own thing in the best ways that Blight could call dancing. Looked more like partying especially with how much incredible fun it looked as if they all were in. Not even paying attention to the two pegasi, where Rainbow Dash offered her hoof to Blight.

She stared down at it. Nopony has ever asked me to dance.

“I’ve never really danced before” Blight admitted. Safe to say that since she knew for sure that Soul was also in the same boat as her. Just her admission. Please don’t expect much from me. I feel kind of nervous, especially with how good some of them are with their hoofwork, while others… not so much. Looking away from Twilight and back to Dash with a grin. And I’m so nervous… to be dancing with another pony. Me of all ponies.

“Don’t expect much better from me.”

“That’s alright” Dash nodded. “I’m not one for it either. In fact… this is my first time with another pony.” So she really is serious about doing this with me. We’ll actually be doing some sort of duet… should I be happy or afraid? No back out now, even with that last point. She still grimaced over it.

“Don’t worry… we’re all here to have fun” Rainbow assured her. “Just ignore the others and follow my lead.” Pushing her raised hoof closer to Blight. Like she were begging for her to do something. To follow her lead. Blight raised her own hoof as well and met it close to Dash’s. Taking one last look at all the others who really were just into their own thing. Like there really wasn’t much to worry over. All of them having fun. They probably expect the same of me. None of them will care… it’s just Dash… and me.

“Why do you want to dance with me… and not the others?” Blight had to ask. A duet at that. The others just were dancing their hearts out but… that was not at all the vibe she was feeling from what they were going to do together.

“Maybe I want to see how good you are at keeping up with me. Maybe I just want to enjoy this with you. You know, cuz we haven’t had much chance to do things… just the two of us.” And the more Dash spoke, the more her eyes trailed off away from Blight. She is so flustered. She may use whatever reason she wanted. To Blight, they were all good enough no matter which one was the priority. Because it told her a lot. After all that happened tonight… she wants to dance with me. A pony… likes me enough. Enough to ignore the mistakes I make… and to dance with me.

“I’d be honored…” Soulblight agreed. “And thanks.”

5.71
Blight needed no telling to know what to do and both pegasi clapped their raised hooves to one another’s. Blight did exactly as Dash asked and followed her lead. Setting her hoof down with Dash and both stepped towards the other. One step, as Blight slid her left hoof underneath Dash and a cyan one did the same with her. Sliding closer, Blight stopped just as she did just short of ramming their noses into one another. But it feels so perfect. Like this was meant to happen and Dash didn’t even flinch. Dash just kept her cool doing this. She had no fright of doing this.

If she’s not afraid of this, then I won’t be.

Both pegasi raised their wings as high as they could, Blight’s towering well over Dash and casting her in a shadow. Not one feather fell out of place, and Blight watched her partner move. Folding her wings back up and sliding her hooves, skidding her hind legs right and circling with Dash as she felt her fur touch against that of Dash’s with both their forelegs locked under the other. Lowering in a bow… she outstretched her wings and sent them forward till their tips touched with those of Dash’s until Blight found herself surrounded by magenta and cyan feather enclosing her with her partner. Blocking out the others, like it was only them.

No others to watch.

Blight smiled finally. It’s like all that worry dripped away… with how well this was going. I love it. She almost missed when Dash started snaking her outstretched foreleg up along hers. Blight did the same and crossed those two legs together. Perfectly.

“I never thought you’d be any good at dancing” Blight commented on the performance of what she could call her instructor.

“I guess being at those Cloudsdale balls payed off” Dash said. “Balls? Since when were you one for such formal events?” Blight stepped back as both let their wings go from the other. Circling again with Dash as both their legs remained locked. Watching Dash’s tail flowing behind her with the grace of her wings. Blight didn’t know if she was performing the same but felt so free like this.

“A chance with the Wonderbolts” Dash said. “Though… I never could get any of them to do this with me.” “So I’m just a substitute?” “Shut up” Dash said and quickly skidded forward, wings parted and curled up like a crane to the ceiling that Blight mimicked. Stepping back from each other as quick as they came close and never letting go. Even when Blight suddenly found herself pulled closer to Dash. She held her wings the same as Dash had her own, even when startled.

“I prefer to do this with you.”

5.72
Blight widened her eyes. Feeling Dash drop their entwined legs, a moment to pass before she found Dash crouch before her… and she twirled, wings still kept up… like she wanted Blight to do the same. She did it as well. Just a little slower than she saw Dash do it but she almost kept up with her and twirled with her until their forelegs locked again.

“With me, huh?” Blight saw it now. Even though she loved these moves, there was one thing about them that she noticed with how slow and elegant they were… and how they always revolved around them being one. Like a true duet indeed meant to impress the others with how in synch their skills were.

“You’d rather not do this with some stallion at the ball?”

“Why do that when I could do it with the best partner I’ve ever had?” Dash grinned.

Soulblight held her breath, almost ready to gasp but… she held her poise. Not wanting to break the perfect circle the two made as they slowly circled together with their hooves locked, Blight keeping her partner in her eyes and the same done from the other side. Both ponies guiding the other along… until Blight felt a small tug from Dash. She knew what to do. The same that Dash had done, and she pulled Blight close to her this time. Different… when she saw that Dash arced her wings open again and flashed them out behind her, with a quick tilt of her head backwards like she was directing her.

Does she want me to do the same? There’s something about her eyes. No. I’ll do the opposite. Blight sent her wings forward. Dash’s wings curled back, held in the air. But not Blight’s. She saw them there, held around Dash’s neck.

“Well done” Rainbow complimented. Soulblight giggled in enjoyment knowing she got it right. Then Dash made her move, dropping the lock they had and switching hooves so her right leg went around Blight’s left, and she backed off. Their wings closing. Blight waited and watched. Her partner bowing her head a little and dipping her wings to Blight. She did the same to her, and Dash pranced. Sidestepping on soft hooves that Blight also did, but in the other direction. Locked together, they spun slowly in that circle.

So gentle and perfect. There was no reason to fear tripping over. This all was just so calming. Not a hoof out of step and both pegasi mocked the other without flaw. Face to face no matter what as they sidestepped along the other’s path. Never letting their hooves go from one another. In their perfect dance.

5.73
“Almost like back then” Dash said softly. Blight looking up from watching her slowly prancing hooves and seeing Dash staring at her deeply. Shocking at first to see her look so intently at her. …Why calm my heart?

Soulblight couldn’t say she didn’t like it. She couldn’t say that for any of this… her own voice coming out as soft as Rainbow’s. “What do you mean?” Stepping closer just as Rainbow did, circling all the more with her. Tightening her grip around her leg. “I know this… may sound weird but… do you feel like… like we’re flying together?” Her own wings even twitched when she said that.

Like we’re flying together? In this… dance… I wonder. Would this be the same experience for Soul? Soul loved doing this with another pony, the feeling of being so close to one and trusted enough to participate with them.

Like we’re flying. …Soul, she would always compare her flying to dancing. Carving perfect moves in the sky. That total sense of freedom and skill, and she always shared it with another. With this pony.

So she felt the same, and… do I? For that happy and carefree filly she saw long ago alongside another filly flying in the sky like the greatest partners that could be made. A bond that was so deep, at least for Soul… when she loved it more. More than what I can call normal. Is it for this reason? The same feeling I have now.

Soul… I’m so selfish, and so sorry for taking this moment from you. This chance to feel it again. But I promise, you will feel many more like it. Because… that deep bond. Blight lowered her lashes. Smiling with that thought and looking up at her partner; this pony feels the same. And she likes doing this with me. It was mutual, and no other pony can experience it. For it was unique.

Blight took a deep breath. Pulling Dash close and then stepping aside. Just in time for her to glide past her silently. Rainbow reacted to her move, as did Blight and both of them spun around the other. Blight raised her wings up high. Rainbow did the same. One. Two. Three. Four spins and Blight stopped, reaching her right hoof out and connecting with Dash’s left. Both locked together again. Wings dropped down and their tips touched high over their heads. Blight let out her breath. Staring into the eyes of Rainbow.

“Just like I’ve always wanted to do with you” Blight confirmed. With a pony who would like me for who I am.

5.74
The others clapped. Stopping her concentration for a moment, and it looked like Dash hadn’t noticed it either. To see all the others gathered around them in looks one could describe as awe. Clapping and then stamping their hooves in excitement. Watching the pegasi in their dance. And we aren’t even stopping.

Just one glance, Blight didn’t care. Not at all to know the others were watching. I don’t even care how long they have been watching. It could not ruin the moment. Rainbow Dash even pulled her closer, unafraid, and they circled again with wings touched together. Magenta feathers lapped over cyan ones.

“Same with me…” Dash whispered with a smile. “When we flew together in the skies, I even felt it was just like a dance back then” Blight said.

“Funny, I felt the same way too. It made it feel even more fun.” Rainbow looked off to the ceiling. Sighing and looking back down, not losing her smile. Not losing this moment that Blight loved, and the longer it went on, the more she felt… that happiness… softly creeping in. Like no worries existed now. She almost forgot the whole point… again. But it was easy to, just like this whole night had been. Entwined in this dance with Soul’s old friend.

It’s like she has become… my friend. I can’t help but feel this.

“Did you miss having a pony to do this with?” Blight asked. Pulling Dash closer to her, and the Pegasus accepted it. Willfully coming closer till their fur almost touched and their wings pressed into the other. “Not anymore” Rainbow said. “You don’t miss it?” Blight waited for her response. Feeling a tickle along her wings, looking up in time to see Dash’s wings slide down her own and snake in around her neck. Closing in. Blight was hugged. Between those great wings of her Soul’s old friend, and she let her own wings fall to the floor.

Her heart skipped a beat. Though she still did what she needed, and both ponies stood up. On only their hind legs, so close. Her forehooves set upon Dash’s forehooves, between the comforting shelter of those thick blue wings. Standing inside those wings. Closing the others off, and Dash whispered. “Because I have you again. I missed you… and you have no idea how happy I am to see you like this.”

“You are my friend.”

Her… friend? I’m her… friend.

Blight closed her eyes. Her forehead pressed softly, softly against Rainbow Dash.

5.75
“It’s amazing how things turned out.” Soulblight stared up at the deep night sky. Feeling like she had been here before. Perching her forelegs and head atop the railing of the great balcony high above the quiet hills and grasslands where even the crickets chirped softly. Like nothing wanted to disturb this beautiful scene that the Moon shined its lovely gaze upon through a cloudless sky. Empty and perfect as she recalled all the other nights.

“Nights like this always were so different, nothing at all like what everypony experiences.”

“Are you talking about…”

Blight looked over to Rainbow Dash perched just as she was right next to her. Nodding before Dash could finish what she wanted to say. Rainbow went back to staring out at the sky with her. Silently listening just as Blight did to the still world around them. With much of Ponyville and far beyond set in dark, where the only lights to shine flickered desperately through windows, and this castle shone like a mighty star among the world. Such a perfect sight.

“I never knew what to expect of ponies here. If there would be anything here for me, anything to show me that I can have a home. So many fears and so many unknowns.”

Maybe I wanted this for Soul… what about me? My heart loves it.

It’s like… I have found a world I can trust here. As the silence went over that world, and Blight… there was no pain. There could be none.

For once, I feel like I belong. How is that possible? I… I’ve never felt this before. Like ponies actually do care about the things I have to say. None of them want to hurt me… they even dance with me. So few ponies… ever make me feel this way. So few moments.

5.76
“I always used to stare out at the sky like this wondering what it would be like to have a home like this. Whatever that home could look like and if everypony would want me. If I would be accepted.” If I would mean anything to them all. To be around ponies like these. Actually participate in their lives for once. Even when Soul did it, Blight did notice it all, and to do it for herself. That great gift that Soul gave me. All these gifts she gave me. Sure, all these ponies could have had their own party without her being here, enjoy themselves and each other’s company. But would it be the same? The same as me being here. To think about all the smiles she made, all the fun and moments to be shared with them all. No matter how good or even bad.

I think so.

She glanced back over at that pony. How calm she looked as she stared up at the sky, like she didn’t even know Blight was watching. I feel something from her. Unlike any other… except for just one pony. Is it so weird… that I feel the same for this pony right now? I saw it in her eyes while we danced. In a dance… one she had never done before… yet it felt so right. Like it was meant to happen. Meant to go as it did.

When I touched her leg, was it right to feel a shiver? When she looked at me, was it right to be speechless? And as we did come close, …was it right for my heart to feel that way? Now. Now, I don’t want to leave her side… even if this party is ending, I don’t want this to end. With Dash’s eyes half closed even though she still smiled. I still want to be with her. Just as I want to be with Soul. And that… that was the point… of all of this.

I see now… I wanted this all along and that I feel that I belong. Does Dashie feel the same?

5.77
“It’s like all my worries are gone” Blight said the truth.

“You know, I spent the morning not even knowing what to do for you” Rainbow said. “I was so scared that I wouldn’t be able to do anything to make you feel welcomed again. You staring out at that sky, it must have been so cold. So frightening.”

“So cold… it always made me cry. Staring out there… all alone” Blight chimed in. And nopony will have any idea how I truly felt.

“You must have really been so alone. I can’t even imagine it” Rainbow said. You don’t and you never will have to. Even if that was just the easiest thing to get over. “I never want to feel that way again, and I don’t think I have to” Blight edged closer to her. Propping her head up on one leg and… she offered the other to Dash. Snaking it along the railing and just short of touching Dash’s leg. She took it. Dash’s fur laying on top of Blight’s, and she smiled deeply. Both of them did.

“Did I make up for it?” Rainbow asked. Thinking back over the day… she did. You actually made me feel…

“You did, a while ago.” When it took special ponies to make me feel this way, I see it as more than what they would. For they all take advantage of this feeling. Unlike those who come to cherish it as we should. Together like this. Like no other time. For nights like this to go on, to be plentiful. The planting of that wish. All of it made possible now, now I feel it, and I don’t want to let it go. Enough to say it inside herself.

I like this pony.

Light flashed over them. Blight didn’t even shake. She couldn’t not when holding the leg of this pony. Neither did Dash. With both of them looking. Looking up to see it all, when not even the thundering boom could stop Blight from smiling. From feeling any fear. To only feel that sense. The sense of happiness. As it shone in her eyes. As bright as the sky, bursting of fire. Blooming in the Sun’s shine. Orange and yellow sparks dashing across the sky before they too roared into life and became like a flower. A flower in the sky.

5.78
Soulblight watched them all. Fireworks… to see them for herself. Too much of a kindness. While they went off with every color of the rainbow. Lighting the entire sky and becoming one with the Moon to brighten up the night over all of Ponyville. To the sounds of thunder. To the sounds of ponies cheering in awe all across the town. She could hear them all. All their joy to be felt from an endless burst of dazzling lights unlike anything Blight had seen. All because of this. This great time.

To think, I may have lost this chance. That I could never know it. We came so close to losing it. Amazing. Now it’s like all my fear is gone. For even a moment. This moment unlike any other. Blight would have it no other way. I’m happy to say that I feel I made friends tonight. I feel like I belong.

Maybe it won’t be too bad to be myself around them.

Blight almost felt her eyes swell thinking that. So much so… she had to wipe a hoof over them. Just to stop it. Strange, I didn’t think I’d feel this way over… over that. She looked away and… she saw them. All of them. Twilight, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy… and…. a smile so deep right at her side, and a magenta hoof touching down on her back. As Soul did stare up at the sky with them all. Blight smiled too… even when she blinked, and it all went away.

It’s just Rainbow Dash and me.

Today… we are all together. And I will make it so forever. Because I really do feel it. I was right about the others. But Soul, you were right about them loving me…

Blight looked back over to the one pony she had with her. Rainbow’s smile so deep and bright looking up at the colorful skies. “Thank you for tonight” Blight whispered to her. “It was beautiful.”

Dash grimaced… and her happiness showed deeper. So much that she slumped her head and… she even wiped a hoof over her own eyes. Her shimmering eyes. Lit so well in the greens and blues of the sky. Flashing all their colors over her. The one thing in this night to look so open to Blight. “I’m glad you liked it” Dash whispered glancing over to her from the side. Trying her best, but Blight knew it. Rainbow was happy. “Anything… to make you happy.”

5.79
It really is amazing how things turn out. I never thought I’d feel this way. For another pony. Rainbow Dash, you’ve come so far… so far from the filly I saw. So much that you are actually making me cry. You went so far. Even yet… you never changed. It really is incredible. For any pony such as her, to go through so much, to not change at all. To still be that filly that I respected long ago. And now I do feel we can all be together.

Why be sad? There is no reason to be. Because I… I want to make it all right now. When I never thought I could. Back when I thought I couldn’t do it, no I will. All because of Rainbow Dash. Finally. I know… I know what it is that all you ponies cherish. To get that feeling.

...I got my answer.

So many ponies now. So many in my life, enough for me to see that chance. I can’t help but cry. To feel my own tears go down my cheeks. I have to cry. Together under this night sky with the one pony I have learned to like. I look at her with tears in my eyes and truly do see a pony that I want in my life too. In this world that I want in my life. That has accepted me. I trust you all… and I trust you…

Rainbow Dash.

5.80
“Hey… you’re sorta staring at me.”

Blight blinked, seeing Rainbow Dash once more… the mare actually folding in on herself and shyly smiling over at her.

Don’t try to be so shy… I can see it. You’re not so bad or tough enough to hide that you’re blushing. It’s just who you are. And you share your kindness to me. I like it. Don’t ever change. Rainbow Dash.

“Was I?” Blight whispered. Softly stepping down as the fireworks died off. “I didn’t notice.” Soulblight giggled. I don’t often get that way. Consider yourself lucky, Dashie. I don’t often feel this. There is but one other pony who was able to gain my trust, and it’s like a fantasy now. This fantasy world we share together. This feeling you have me. I can see no other way to end this night… than with this.

Soulblight walked up. Rushing. Just to do this.

Her head found its spot. Hiding underneath Dash’s head. Rested against her chest, and Blight had to put her legs around that pony so tightly. Never let this moment end. This moment of hugging another pony. When that pony grabbed her too and held her tight, that was when Blight finally cried into her fur. No more sad tears… joy. Held together underneath one another’s wings.

I feel safe. Thank you, Dashie. “Thank you for all of this.” That was all it took to feel Dash’s heart rush inside her chest. Beating hard against Blight’s cheek, and she heard that gentle voice. Heard it clearly… even if it was a whisper. I hear it and…

“I love you… Soul.”

Soul?

5.81
I see.

5.82
Consider yourselves lucky. To have such a normal life. One you two will share together. Rainbow Dash and I hug but it’s only you that she hugs. And now I feel it. As my tears become pain. Fine…

“W-what was that?” Blight asked.

“N-nothing.”

Act so shy… but I know how you feel. None can escape these ears. You love Soul. Not me.

5.82
Rainbow yawned. Just as she picked up the second pair of saddlebags and plopped them on her back. Being sure to give her wings enough room to fly. Don’t want to keep Soul waiting. Another night together. Soul probably is so tired after all this. As was Rainbow Dash.

As the castle fell silent and everypony left. Everything so perfect, with not one problem to rise from this day. For it to end like this. I love it. To feel that way. I… I never thought I’d say that to her. I’m glad she didn’t catch it. I… I must’ve… Dash sighed. Sighed and smiled. No. I did good enough. She doesn’t need to know. As long as she’s happy, I’m happy. Glad to know I didn’t fail her. That we could finally hug.

We finally hugged.

“Rainbow…” she heard from the corner of the room. Surprised to hear it, to know that she was here. She saw her, Twilight come in through the door. Standing in it. She didn’t move, and both ponies locked eyes.

“Take care of her” she said. Rainbow cocked her eyebrow. …And her heart dropped.

“Take care of Soul Serenity.”

She knew. …Even though she smiled. The princess walked off. Her good friend left her with but a small glance. But Twilight’s smile was burned into her mind. …Just as it dropped, it eased. Rainbow felt no fear. Rainbow walked out on soft hooves. Looking down the hallway to see her friend leave her. Twilight’s hooves echoing along the castle, as were here words.

“She needs you.”

Part 3 Solace - Act 6

6.1
Blight felt the need to check. Really unnecessary but it didn’t hurt to extend a hoof. Only willing to do this just for Soul until tonight as she walked down the dark hallway with but the moonlight shining in through cracked openings in the few doorways left to illuminate the cloudy surface of the house. Clouds her hooves feel silently on as she liked it. On her black hooves.

Soul was fast asleep from what she could tell, as asleep as she could get after this day ended with the sparse words they had to share to one another. So sparse. Soul’s last words still sitting on her mind hours after they had been said. She thanked me. Thanked me and then went to bed. There really was no need for her to thank me. None at all. All had fallen silent when that pony drifted off next to Blight under those soft blankets as soft as the clouds themselves were. For, still, only I get that privilege.

She continued on, finding curiosity in the strange paintings and portraits left to decorate the walls. All Wonderbolts related, or even a few that looked to do with the sky… such was Dash’s obsession. It was kind of adorable how much that Pegasus loved her passion. So much as to make this house modeled after it. Knowing that this was Blight’s actual first time stepping hoof around this house free of the bedroom. If just for a short jaunt. When she reached her destination, no need to go any further. She had heard it from the bedroom, but… it never hurt to make sure. Just to see, and Blight tapped a hoof on the edge of the door. Giving a little push for her to peek in. Seeing that large bed draped in blue under the yawning gaze of the Moon shining through the open windows.

No real movement, just the slightest she saw from the blankets rising and falling in such a perfect pattern from the pony who breathed slowly underneath them, with only her rainbow tail laying still along her bedside. Just as she liked to see. Best for her to get her rest now. Rest. Some of us have to.

What even is rest in my eyes?

All I feel… is emptiness. I don’t even see how someponies can sleep so well when some of us feel this inside us. Not just me. Soulblight went back, went back and saw that truth.

6.2
Soul… just as she left her. With the Moon shining down on her and beaming along her cheeks, the cheeks of the whimpering mare trembling in her sleep. Oblivious to anything. Everything. That was what made Blight curse the day, for this day meant nothing… nothing for both of us.

You only wanted what was best for me… but all I feel from this day is remorse. I know now, it’s not meant for me. This is all meant for you. No matter what Soul may say. I hate to admit it, but this is all entirely for Soul. Just as I thought from day one. I see that now. Well I guess leaving that snowy prison was worth it. Worth it for you. I know there is only one thing that matters for you here, Soul. We really are similar in so many ways but what few differences we have, so vast. So great. Such as what you want, and what I want. What I want for you.

No longer what I want.

And I see that… you have no idea what happened back at that party. All those happy moments and all I feel in the end is this… pain in me. So much that Blight had to clutch her chest so hard. It’s funny though, even if I cry. Because I’m still happy for you. I know now that you will get what you want. Just you wait, Soul. I keep it all a surprise for you.

Blight had not even told her. Even when she lay in Soul’s caring embrace for so long. She doesn’t need to know anything. Any of what I want for her. Leave it all as it is. As a surprise for her. A gift for her. It’s all I can wish for. Even as she stood before the window and stared out at the vast Moon and that same empty sky, bringing those wishes to life did not calm her.

6.3
Soul doesn’t have a cute title for me, maybe I could use that? She thought it over. If Dash would be so accepting and caring for only Soul, after all the things that Soul attacked herself over, then that chance… I still have it. Even now. As she had garnered at the party. For them all to accept Soul… no matter how much Soul messes up, they will still love her. At least my actions led to that. Told me what I wanted to know.

If it was me, I don’t think they would have.

I’m so happy for Soul, just as she would be happy for me if… if I got that acceptance too. There is no way to turn back time, nothing I can do to see the truth. All ponies are alike. Just some… can be accepted. So I make this decision.

Staring up at the beautiful Moon and how it flickered in the night. She smiled up at it. So many nights I spent looking up at you, and all I felt was sadness. All the times it was different, why, I could count them on my hoof. This night. This one night, unlike any other. It feels like the same. But it will be different for my best friend. Pleasant and peaceful. No more pain for her. She doesn’t need to cry anymore. Because I know for sure now how it is between you and your oldest friend.

There is one last thing to do to stop all this pain. To stop it for… for her. So that I can know I didn’t fail. Fail this one pony who gave me so very much. I refuse to. Even if she would never forgive me for all the harm I’ve done, all the terrible things I wanted, I can at least give her back what she lost. Give a happy life to ponies who deserve it. Such was my vow. And there is another pony I know who can help me there too. Such is my game.

They all don’t know it.

6.4
Blight took one last deep breath, comforted. Softly rubbing her own foreleg and the remainder of that feeling she still had… when another’s touched her own. It was still nice to feel comforted today… if only for a little bit. Starting tonight, Soul will know it too. She will have it back from so many ponies. Those ponies all did such a great job at playing along in this, but… as she blinked at the Moon above her, it was time to end this little game.

This game of mine. Of ours. Of time and chance. This waste of time for me.

I made my decision. I’m sorry, Soul. We promised to do this together, but I’m making my move without you. I hope you can forgive me. It’s all for your own good, and for your dreams. And so I can feel like… I’ve done something.

“Do you remember, Soul” she whispered, knowing Soul would not hear her. Not even knowing if she was talking to Soul or to the thing she stared at. Even as she said that name. It felt too… unreal. “When we stared up at the same Moon together, and all that pain and loneliness we felt. Yet neither of us could feel the other’s. Everything we felt.” Blight closed her eyes. Rubbing her cheeks free of the tears she had. “I remember, and they all do too. Now… the entire world knows it. No longer bottled up. As it had been for so long… looking up at this Moon. At our sky. We both feel it.”

And I hate it.

It hurts but I can’t help but be happy. So happy for you. I want you to cry, cry tears of joy from now on. The ones she saw opening up her eyes. Filming her vision… her vision in blood dripping and piercing… deep into the sky she looked towards. I will always be so happy, no matter what intense pain I feel. If only for you.

“All for you, Soul.” As I borrow it again. One last time. For you. Blight closed her eyes, …and she dreamt.

6.5
Open once more… to see those eyes, those eyes of a dragon… such terror that anypony may see staring back at her. Before they went away with one blink, leaving those yellow Suns behind. Taking one second, just to settle… and to ruffle the soft blankets. To nuzzle the pillow with her cheek, and Blight hopped out of bed. Eager to settle this all.

I just need to do this. Walking on with magenta hooves. Not looking back. No more regrets or doubt. For this will be the only chance I get to make my mistakes right again. She stopped. Setting her hooves down on the cloudy floor before the cracked open door. One last moment. She smiled so deep over it and felt so comfortable. With no more butterflies in her stomach. Just a calm mind and a hollow heart. Nothing left to feel.

I want you to feel love.

She pushed that door open with her magenta wrapped hoof. One word was all that was needed. I know what to do. …Exactly what I always wanted. To change her fate.
“Dashie.”

6.6
Aww just when it was getting good, of course I woke up. Dreams always seemed to end at the wrong time. Just a moment to stare at the dark wall across from her, blinking and yawning and then… yeah, somepony had said something. I could swear I heard my name or something. Like somepony near her.

Dashie… was that it? Wait.

Rainbow lurched out of bed, sitting up against the pillow and holding the blanket up to her chin. Just a dark room and… that light to the side. She found it, it was as she thought. That made her even more confused as to why this was happening. Two yellow eyes looking at her in the doorway, and the dark outline of a mare with them.

A pony for sure. The only pony who that could be.

It actually sent a chill down her spine seeing that… unusual sight this late at night. How long was she staring at me… damn and how late is it?

“Soul…” Dash called out, even she admitted she sounded pretty asleep still. Having to rub her eyes for a moment. Yawning once more and looking back at the pony in the doorway. “What are you doing up? Can’t sleep?” After how great this day had been, can’t blame her. Soul probably wants to stay up or something. She had a lot of energy. She did eat a lot of sweets. But time kept going, too much of it without anything.

Dash just watching that pony staring at her across the room. Just the two of them in this silent night. So silent.

Dash perked her ears up. Looking over to the windows. “You okay, Soul?” Slowly turning away from them and how so very quiet the world outside them was right now… really seeing how not a single breeze blew or a cricket chirped very different to say the least. But Soul was still there, and her eyes dropped for a moment.

She giggled.

Giggled and dashed off out of sight. That tail she still felt being the last thing she saw flipping in the doorway with the last of her words.

“Come outside, you gotta see something.”

6.7
Outside? At this time? What the hell can be outside this late? It was that undying curiosity though. Such a strange thing to happen. Soul really wants me to come see something with her right now. Dash sat there, not sure if she should be annoyed or flattered that Soul needed her for something… in the dead of night that was. When she could have enjoyed whatever it was herself. Rainbow imagined that Soul had been staring out at the sky with all the thoughts of the day on her mind. Just like Dash, which was why it had been so hard to fall asleep. So hard after today. Today, such a great day. I never wanted it to end.

Sure, I’ll see what she wants. Maybe spend a little more time with her… she yawned. Before I pass out again.

Rainbow rolled off the bed, nearly taking the blanket with her as she fell with a thud. The feeling alone did well to wake her up. Along with that chill breezing over her silently when she stepped out from the covers. Shivering for a second.

“Wait up!” Soul went downstairs it looked like, so that’s where Dash went off to. Quickly trotting over to the doorway Soul had been in and looking left, down the dark hallway and beyond to where she saw the outline of the stairs and nothing more. Soul was nowhere to be seen.

She took a quick look in the other direction just to be sure Soul had not pulled something on her. Nope, just an empty hallway. Very dark down there, actually. Even though she saw that Soul’s door was wide open. Almost looked like shadows moving along the walls. Kinda creepy looking. Like Soul could pop out at any time and scare her, sounded like something that pony would do. Especially after today.

6.8
Rainbow made her way down the hallway, setting a hoof on the cloudy wall and guiding herself. Careful not to trip in the dark and being sure she could see the stairs before she could fall down them. Looking all around the stairwell. What the hell? I can’t even see anything. Not a thing a hoof’s length in front of her. It kind of frightened her for a moment. This weird silence and the threat of not knowing where she was going. Didn’t seem like Soul had any issue. She had yet to hear any tumbling.

“Sweet Celestia, Soul, where are you!?” Another chill coming over her, much worse than the last. Damn it’s getting cold. She really wished to go back under the covers. Right in the middle of spring, of course it’ll be cold on the night she decided to roam around the house. So dumb.

She slid a hoof along the floor and caught the first step, carefully feeling her way down it, and then she repeated. Looking all around, she barely made out the railing or the ceiling or anything else. Like she might bump her head if she flew up there or run right into the wall. But this seemed to be working. “Wait for me, I’m coming!”

She took her time. Finding each step and it got a little easier each time. She had to be getting close now. Soul dragging me downstairs, oh she better have something good. I don’t know why she wants to play around this late. That party must have really livened her up. It was actually great. Just as she wanted. Though she had an unusual decision on how to do it. She just hoped that they could both get some sleep tonight despite it. Soul needs it, and I sure as hell need it too.

Dash found her way down the stairs and… she thought she could see the bottom of the floor. That light blue hue of the clouds shining like rain water typical of her floor. Except for one thing… one thing that made her skid to a halt and stare down. Right as her heart plummeted and she gasped. She could see it, but for a reason she could not explain at all.

No way.

6.9
It was all red… her floor was supposed to be as blue as rain water, if only that were the only thing wrong. She could see again, everything… everything was right in front of her at the bottom of the stairs but… she wanted to back away. Looking back up the stairs, and all the darkness up there. Then back down.

What the hell is going on?

The entire room was red! Her sofa to the left, her counter peeking out just at the periphery of the stairwell, and such a silent and dreary terror to it all. That was the best way she could call it. It was terror. That which made heart race now. Her entire body shiver as it got so cold.

Wh… what is going on? “Soul!?”

Rainbow hesitated to take the last steps down there. Even as she stood on the reddened stairs, and all that shade creeping up around and behind her. Like water soaking the floor. All of it shining in. Unfeeling and alike to the sunlight itself. That couldn’t be right. This had to be some sort of dream. It had to be. No way Soul would wake me up in the middle of the night and all this happens. But… there was something about this cold. Her body was so cold. This shivering, it felt as real as she could imagine. The desperation to feel a little warm. Like a real horror she was experiencing.

Deep in the middle of winter. Alone on these bloody steps, over a sea of red clouds that made up her house.

She was scared to take a step. Really taking all of her courage just to make the decision and descend that final step… into the red room below. In the hopes of finding the one pony who led her here. This has to be what she wanted to show me. Something bad is going on. What is all this? This thing she had never seen before. Like somepony was really wanting to mess with the sky tonight. That’s what it seemed like.

6.10
She looked over to her left and all the open windows she left with their drapes softly blowing at their sides. Breaking open and shining in thick rays of bloody light from outside. So thick… it was amazing to even see the dust floating around in that light glossed in white. She stared at it. Not sure what to do. What to say. If anything could even be thought over such a sight.

Slowly turning, looking all over the blood-stained light of her entire house. Her kitchen and walls. All the tables and paintings. Like those rays were being cast everywhere. Not a single thing avoided that red shine.

“What the hell…” Rainbow shuddered. None of this can be real. But… she tapped the floor. It sure as hell felt so real.

“Soul, come on now… where are you?” Rainbow really hated to but she made her way around the room. Slowly walking over to the kitchen and looking back behind her to the stairs expecting to see something by now. Jeez, it was so weird. I’m usually really good about being alone in this house… not tonight. Not with all this. Even with her old friend being in here. Whatever was going on was way too creepy. Way too different.

Yeah, so let’s just hope this is what she wanted to show me and I can go back to bed and forget all of this. Especially this really creepy feeling making her fur stand straight on her back and her entire body spasm. Shaking on her legs. Unless Soul is doing this on purpose just to make me scared. She’s hiding.

Fine, I’ll just go back to bed. Maybe she’ll quit this. Soul did a good job with all this but… this is a bit too much weirdness for me. Worse than anything I’ve seen before. She turned to do just that. Leave and hope Soul would give this up.

“Dashie!”

6.11
Rainbow halted. Turning, she saw that shadow right as it went across the wall. The dark figure and what was left of it of a pony running out… through the front door, and it slammed shut. Making Dash wince. All the way down that reddened hallway where even the light along its length shone of bright red hue. Cast by the many rays of bloody light coming in through the windows down there. So intense, even worse than in here.

What is she doing? She wants me to go outside? Incredible how Soul wasn’t even hesitating to do any of this with her, no matter how eerie and weird this all felt. There really must be something incredible going on. That had to be it. If Soul was so brave, this had to be good. Something worth all this. Maybe then she would figure out what was going on.

Rainbow left the kitchen and went after where she saw Soul go. Running and then slowing down as she went further down the hallway and towards the front door. Looking left and right. Trying to see in her walk through the windows at either side, with all their drapes sent flying in intense wind. Intense yet silent. Everything sounded too calm, and the further she went down the hallway, the weirder it felt. Like goosebumps prickling away at her skin. The light getting even more intense. Such a terrible sense of fear she was starting to get with how it all looked to be getting worse the closer she got to it.

How the hell did Soul even go down this so easily? This whole thing is too freaky. Then she just barged out the door into whatever it was. Something was up. The only thing keeping Dash from breaking down in fear was that drive she had to see it. Thank Celestia nopony can see me; how much she was shaking… even though the others would be afraid too. This was all not right at all. This feeling. Getting worse as she came up to the door. Standing right in front of it, like a rock just hit her in the face. A huge rush.

She was so terrified. Looking up at her door, all the red light peeking through the cracks. Shining in through the windows and breaks in the clouds high above the door. Not a sound was made.

She stood motionless. Nothing moved. All was silent. With only her chattering teeth left.

If I’m feeling this afraid… then Soul, there was no way. Her old friend must be out there. All the terrible things she went through, she shouldn’t be out there alone and afraid of whatever was doing this. She didn’t want to endure it either, that damn door looming down on her. Staring at her. She had to look back down the hallway.

Nothing. Even when it felt like… like it wasn’t nothing.

Dash gulped, she still found herself able to set a hoof on the doorknob. Holding it there. Leaning against the door for a little bit. Just to breathe, with not a thought crossing her mind except for one. What is happening with Soul? Is she safe? She just ran out here. No hesitation. Shit, there was only one reason she could work up the courage to do this. Get Soul back in here where it’s safe. Out of whatever was out there, cuz there has to be something bad going on. Or something not right.

Get her in here. Do it, you idiot.

Stop just standing there and shaking. Dash almost choked on her haggard breath thinking that. Stumbling, she felt the knob turn as her hoof went along it, …and the door clicked open. Her eyes went wide. As that door slowly slid open from her weight, and all the light shining through, like daylight had befallen the land. A sea of red as bright as she could imagine coming in.

She jumped away from the door, leaving it cracked open. Yet nothing happened. Just bright light coming in. Not even a breeze. Not a sound.

Okay, okay that worked. I didn’t want that, but so what… as long as it worked. Nothing bad. Rainbow took a very deep breath. Just wanting to get out of this, really preferring to have Soul by her side right now more than anything. Hope she didn’t fly off. Since nothing happened, let’s get this over with. The sooner, the better… to not feel so afraid of this… being alone in this. She almost screamed putting all that effort into punching that door with the brunt of her hoof, and it creaked open. Swinging right open for her, and the world beyond.

6.12
A whole world wiped away in the flow a silver capped mane tearing through the emptiness, shining bright even in this world that Rainbow stepped into.

“Soul, what are you doing?” She called over to her. That pony she knew… standing at the other side, far across from her atop the clouds. Clouds… wind and skies bleached… bleached in the same color, no different. Like she really had not changed anything by stepping outside as the entirety of it lay deep in that same red.

The same red that made her stop in her tracks.

Staring up at the same thing she caught her old friend looking up at, not even bothering to turn around and face her or even respond. Only her tail left to meet Dash across her balcony. But there was one damn good reason for it. A sight Rainbow had never seen before. One she didn’t think anypony had. And we are seeing this together. Like this all is supposed to be a dream.

Just as the world, as was the Moon.

Rainbow walked forward, almost tripping over her hooves staring up at it, its great sight high over them all. Warped in such red she could call it disgusting. Horrifying. It made her tremble. Dark and scary enough that it stood out so well next to everything else. With not a cloud in the sky to cover it, make it any less scary… draping and blistering the world in its hue… like all the light came from it. Like little lines, rays of it. Everywhere.

This can’t be real. This has to be a dream. Dash looked back down, past Soul… all of Ponyville sitting down below. All of it set in this light. A light that went as far as she could see, to the mountains and the dark world beyond. All lit in this red as dark as the night itself. Like no other sight. This had to be a dream, but if it is… what is it? A dream or some nightmare because she sure couldn’t decide… even if she started trembling.

But to be so real. That was what made this so scary.

Dash knew this was not right, to feel this afraid over something. This pressured. Like a thousand walls crashing down on her under this pressure. Encircling her and not letting her leave. She sat frozen looking at the Moon, at the sky. Silently flowing forever on in a silent breeze that carried this darkness with it. Blinding her own fur in red, and the pools of water around her. The drips of rain from above. All colored to look like something else that made her cringe. Yet Soul was so calm.

6.13
Her fur as burning red as Dash’s, standing. Not even caring and looking out at this world. To the movement of countless trees far ahead swaying elegantly in the breeze, as elegant as her tail and mane. Their hairs softly flowing in a rhythmic dance and mixing with the air. So intent. So settling.

This must be what she wants me to see. Something so very wrong.

I don’t know what to do. What can I say? I don’t want to show her… I’m afraid. This very world we came in from so happy together and enjoyed. What is happening? Does anypony else know about this? Did Twilight? Luna? To feel all alone right now. Rainbow shook her head.

This wasn’t right. These feelings. Soul is here with me, I’m not alone. She must feel so bad as well. Trying to put on a tough face. For nopony could bare to see such beauty turned to horror like this. Escape from this darkness, hope for the best. I’m gonna get her inside. Still, it was hard to hold back that need to know what was going on. And we shouldn’t be out here.

It’s cold. So cold. Dash shivered. But Soul didn’t.

“Don’t run off like that” Rainbow asked of her, really trying her best not to panic. She even thought her voice may crack badly when she spoke. Taking too much effort just to take some steps towards her old friend. Stepping and, she looked down just in time to reel her hoof back up in fright. Remembering, that was just a puddle of water she almost stepped in. This damn light was really messing with her. She still stepped around it. Careful to avoid any more. But she got closer anyways. Getting all the more annoyed when Soul didn’t even react. Really, how is she so calm? You should be afraid… like I am. I hope something isn’t wrong.

6.14
“Soul, answer me” Dash snapped this time. Really not wanting any more games at this point. Just as another strong wind hit her and Soul. Blowing sharply, lasting too long. Finally falling off and she called out again. “Soul. Look this is great and all but I really want to go inside.” That breeze actually gave a good excuse. “It’s getting cold out here.” Yet that stillness went on and her annoyance went on too. That was the only thing keeping her going as she walked forward to the edge of the balcony where that stubborn pony stood.

What’s with her?

“Hey Soul, come on now…” She finally demanded right as she came so close, close enough to avoid her flowing tail and reach out. Out to set a hoof upon Soul’s slender back. To get her attention, that’s what she wanted. Not this. This, as she witnessed it. It making her eyes widen. A need to scream. When what she saw had to prove it, that this was a dream.

Her old friend… turned to mist.

Carried away in the sky. Until it disappeared. That darkness joining the rest, and she was all alone.

Hoof out to nothing, staring away at where she once stood. Rainbow backed off. Her chest twitching and her wings bucked up. Not even able to get a word out except in little gasps. As she wanted to run. What…?

“I’d say the weather is perfect, perfect enough to sleep in.”

6.15
Rainbow stopped. Gasping loudly. Not Soul. Not… who? What?

Everything that happened, happened so fast. First all this, now… there’s somepony… behind me. And I don’t know who it is.

Deep, and so strong. Like it even could be commanding, so why so… happy? I’m here, alone, with somepony else. In this terrible world. This nightmare. Can anything more happen? “Oh, what now?” Dash whispered. Gulping harder than before.

She turned to see. Right where she heard that voice. Turning and she saw… those yellow eyes looking back at her. If only, if only they were what she thought. She really thought they were Soul’s. But those were the eyes… the eyes of something else. As dark as the shadow cast around them standing over Dash at the top of the steps to the sealed door. So dark that it looked like the door itself was just a shadow. Except for the wings fluttering at the sides… and the legs. All with a smile greeting her beneath those frighteningly empty eyes. Standing tall over…

“Soul!” Dash cried out. Seeing her old friend there. Right with it. Huddled up on the steps, with only her breaths to break her stillness. All that darkness rose over her. Rising… as a leg rose up and then another. Four legs… when Dash knew she was looking at… a pony.

As black as darkness itself. Blaring out from all this red and shrouding it all in darkness. Casting itself over Soul, the pony this dark pony stood over with its legs covering her. Not even moving. Just staring down at Dash with those horrible eyes. Four legs, hooves… the ears and Dash wanted to make out a long, dark mane and a dark tail flipping behind it. Was this really a pony? Sure looked like one. As scary as it was, and… there with her beloved old friend. Rainbow was scared, so very scared… and to see Soul there, all alone with that thing. The only pony she could rely on right now, and she was laying still. Almost under the hooves of that thing, and its mouth opened.

“See?” it glanced down to the pony under it. “Fast asleep.” It spoke out through a jagged mouth. Smiling. Smiling back at Dash. All alone with her, and… talking like that, like nothing was wrong. How… how…

6.16
“How dare you!” Dash yelled at it. Terrified to yell but, she couldn’t stop. I can’t let it get away with that. With whatever it did. What all of this is. “What the hell did you do to her?!” Really not sure if… if she should even do anything. If she could do anything. To this… this thing, with nothing but mocking fear in its eyes and… fangs? Damn knives it looked like making up its mouth. Like it really was supposed to be what those eyes made it out to be.

Oh man, what do I do, now that I said that? What am I even supposed to do?

She was so scared. Couldn’t move, like a damn stump. Fearing her shaking hind legs betrayed how much of a show she was trying to put on to protect Soul from this. For it to come down and do… something. Something to make this nightmare even worse. A nightmare like this, there was no way I can be this scared. She felt herself slipping. Ready to break down in panic.

But… the thing sighed. Softly. Closing her mouth and hiding away those terribly scary teeth of its, and it blinked. Right as another breeze came over… and its extraordinarily long mane flipped and flowed. Like a wave of black cast off from its head and settling back down against its… her long lashes that draped over her eyes with a gentle blink. Just knowing that… Dash actually was surprised. She felt a little better all of a sudden. To see this thing so calm for even a moment. It’s almost… elegant.

This thing… a mare.

That’s sure as hell what it looked like. Some mare like this? What even is wrong with her, what the hell is it doing here? Rainbow had too many questions. But she wanted to know one thing.

“What did you do to her?” The mare looked at her and then down to Soul. She really did speak softly now. “She’s just asleep. She did have a long day anyways… as did you.”

6.17
“What did you say?” Dash asked. I think I misheard that.

“Shopping and exploring and hauling heavy barrels along” the mare spoke with a slight bob of her head with everything she said. “All the while she’s so terrified that somepony may ruin it all. And it could be anypony that could do that. Just the fear alone, the taste of possible ruin to all she wants on top of all that sense of betrayal that festers for so long…” she spoke softer and softer as her eyes sank. Until she shook her head down at Dash. “Really runs one up a wall. Wouldn’t you say?”

Rainbow hesitated to breath. Like all that made her heart stop, her gut jump. H-how does she… Rainbow took a step back, stopping herself. No. I can’t run. This has to be some terrible joke, somepony has to be pulling one over on me, and I admit they are doing a good job at it.

All of this. This pony, she knows… way too much. It all sounded so bad to her. Like a mockery of what has happened. And for her to ask me what it feels like. How dare her? How dare she pretend to know me. To know us. A joke. A cruel joke. One that has to end now. I want that damn thing away from Soul.

“Get away from her” Dash whispered. Butterflies going in her heart as she said that. “Leave Soul alone. …I’m supposed to be there for her, so get away…” She couldn’t say anymore. Not sure what else to say because she came very close to breaking down in terror. The fear that this pony could hurt her for even trying to challenge her. But… she couldn’t allow this. Couldn’t allow something so scary to be near her old friend, not while she slept. Not while so defenseless, and if this pony decided not to, she had nothing more. There was nothing more.

Every word she spoke made Dash afraid.

This reddened world and this unbelievable night, nopony could handle this alone. If only the others were here. I’m all alone with this and I’m so afraid. I just don’t know what to do. Maybe I should charge and fight? I… I don’t want to leave Soul alone up there. So close, I have to protect her. But I’m so scared to do anything.

6.18
“Fine…” the mare scoffed. Though she didn’t hesitate, not at all what Dash expected. Not at all, as the black mare stepped silently past her leaving so many wisps of silvery gusts in her wake, and Dash kept her eyes on her. Stepping back a bit as she went by but nothing happened.

That mare just went on and left her lengthy tail to sway at Rainbow on her way to the same edge that she had seen Soul stand. Now… Soul was alone. Rainbow ran off only when she felt sure that the pony was well away, though she still held a fear that she may come after her when she had her back turned. There was a nagging feeling crawling up her spine that that may happen. It never did no matter how much distance she put between herself and that pony until she scaled the steps and joined with Soul.

Dash looked back one more time. The black mare… one glistening yellow eye with a slow blink beaming at her from the side until it turned away and she looked up at the Moon. No other move. Stay that way. A red Moon with this… creature-pony and Soul laying here. I don’t know what to do now. Dash leaned in closer to Soul.

“You really were much nicer at the party… does my appearance alone really change your feelings that much? I should have guessed.”

Dash shot that black mare a look, finding she had decided to turn and look while Dash had not been paying attention… with a small smile on her face. But that wasn’t the bad part. Really, what is going on? Dash shook her head, finding it too hard to keep her eyes from trembling in fear looking down at her old friend. Though it was not Soul that made her afraid. It was whatever it was that pony meant.

She knows about the party?

How would she know how… damn, that’s not important. No matter how terrifying it was. Whatever that pony was, clearly there was something wrong with it. Something that made Rainbow want to scream inside thinking of the idea of exactly what could be going on and all the terrifying conclusions she was coming to that… that she really wished were not the case. Whoever this was knew about the party, and what happened?

Is she a spy?

She was watching us? The fears alone of what that may lead to, almost too much. But everything that pony said, that sense of calm in her voice. Like this was amusing or… there was nothing to be calm about.

6.19
Just have to get Soul out of here. The fact she was still moving was a good sign, as well as... that same terrible sight. So terrible though that it made her spirits soar. Soul was crying and trembling.

So she really is asleep. That was good. Here she feared for so much of what may be wrong with her, to be so close to that other pony. Screw how cold it is, I need to get her out of here. Away from all this. All this crap. Maybe being able to grab Soul and fly her out of here, far away. Get the others to help. Anything to protect her. Or to get her up, though all her pleas to Soul to wake up and rubbing her mane did nothing. This isn’t the time to be a heavy sleeper. But she kept going, begging her to wake up.

“Come on, Soul. Get up.” Yet nothing worked. This couldn’t be right. Soul never slept this heavily. “Oh, what did she do to you? Get up!” Going and going up till she shook her more violently. Despite how terribly she slept now, it seemed so peaceful.

“I didn’t do anything…” the black mare paused back where she stood. Raising a hoof to her chin and staring down to the balcony clouds. For a second, until she and Dash locked eyes across this distance. “Though I regret leaving her with you. Pretty irresponsible on my part, so looks like I did do somethi…”

“Shut the hell up!” Dash yelled. Pulling Soul up between her forelegs and holding her close. Looking once more into her old friend’s sealed eyes… and all the tears streaming down beneath them. Barely masked under her messy mane which Dash pushed away. Tightening her grip. Readying her wings. I have no other choice. I gotta fly her out.

The black mare groaned. “Soul would be better off with me.”

6.20
Dash stopped her wings. Right before they got the chance to make the first flap.

She held Soul closer, almost instinctively. With how feint courage masking fear turned to something else. The thing that pony said, how dare she? This monster has no right to Soul, no right to be anywhere near her and she thinks Soul is better off with her… hahaha. I almost forgot to laugh. Dash just stared at the pony. Blindly set upon the few little steps the black pony made towards her and the smile returning to her face. How unfitting of a smile. Rainbow could claim it to be able to be worn by Soul herself.

“Forgive me for saying that” the pony said. “But there’s no better way to keep your attention. But it’s still not right for me to say for our first face to face.” And she snapped up and came a little closer to Dash with the most subtle of steps. Each one still made Dash flinch, an undying urge to fly off. Then she reeled back in fear when she saw a hoof come at her.

“Nice to talk to you, I’m so glad we get the chance to do this.”

Rainbow opened her eyes, not sure if she heard that right. But finding that black hoof staying still, hanging up to her from the bottom of the steps where the pony stood, waiting. Like she offered her hoof. There was no way she could be, or to say what she said. Rainbow did nothing. Not wanting to do anything other than stay close to Soul. Even as she wondered if this really was a greeting. That pony not even changing when so much time passed as the wind breezed by and neither of them made a move.

I’m afraid to take her hoof. So afraid of this pony. Can’t even stop staring at those swirling blots of gold within that pony’s lizard-like eyes. Dragon more like it now that she had time to see them up close. They did look familiar.

The pony lent her hoof a little closer. “Really, I apologize for what I said, but please understand me, I just don’t know if I could leave her with you. Not yet, that is.”

6.21
Leave Soul with me?

Rainbow looked between the two. Even when looking away, that black pony did nothing. Not a single move. Even when so much said this was a trick, she felt it in her that something was off. That they were in danger. So why, why can’t I resist the urge? With everything this pony is saying, it’s impossible.

“Who are you? What are you talking about.”

Dash even felt her own shoulders loosen. “You… you talk like you know her. Like you know…” Interrupted by the pony’s sigh, she slowly lowered her hoof a little. Just a little to keep it up towards Dash.

“You and I did meet, recently” she said. “But there was no way you could know. Not when Soul gave up so much to give me that moment.”

Dash blinked. Not a thought went through her skull. Her eyes began to water from staring so much. Just one problem right now. This pony is crazy. “Words really don’t matter when it comes to this. Let me show you something pretty cool” the pony said and she lifted that hoof back up. Taking a few steps, she crept up the stairs as butterflies went all within Dash with that urge to back off. Run away. She tried. Tried to lift Soul into her legs, tried to back away with her but almost tripped. Almost fell right on her back and only caught herself with a quick burst of her wings, sending her back up and… finding the hoof right in her face, with that pony towering over her.

So close. So close that Dash almost felt her heart stop and her entire fears went wild. I gotta get out of here. I can’t leave her. Dash tightened her grip. Soul, I will protect you. If she can carry me, then I can carry her. Ready to just toss her on her back and fly off. A magenta hoof flashed up in front of her.

“Soul…” she almost turned to see. But that… that wasn’t Soul.

Soul’s hoof, it didn’t turn black at the joint. A hoof tapped in so much thick magenta fur swirling up to mix with black until only darkness remained going up and up… Dash looked up.

6.22
Soul’s eyes. Staring down at her.

Yellow orbs wrapped in golden fire… of the same elegance and beauty that Dash did see when… when she stared at those eyes every time before. With this black mare who wore them. Her terrifying demeanor, merged with that gorgeous look. Like it melted Dash’s heart, and her grip on Soul eased a little. It took a while to realize that, this pony, she was wearing Soul’s colors.

Soul’s hoof reaching for her, waiting. The same eyes. It was… Soul, even with Soul in her legs laying against her chest asleep.

“May you tap my hoof, like you did before?” the pony asked. Inching her hoof closer. Revealing the flat bottom for Dash to see, right when she lowered it. Watching it go down and stop just short of her cyan hoof. Holding there. “There’s no need to be afraid. Just like what you did before. One touch.”

Is it weird that I’m not afraid right now? Right as something else took over. For this to not be right at all, but… she saw the motion. The gentle inflection in this pony’s movement, how gentle her magenta fur swayed in the light breeze along a hoof that wasn’t her own. A hoof that she knew. To see this pony offer it to her, say all these things. Rainbow looked back up at her eyes, trembling no more. To look into them once more even as another set of those eyes cried. All the sadness gone, these eyes… they were like… exactly like before. Sweet and kind. Like her smile. Like no more wind existed. She stopped feeling it for a moment. Just a moment, when the motion went on and Dash leaned in. Lifting. Now… a new feeling. Along her hoof.

She looked down, in time to hear the tap. A clank. With her hoof and this pony’s together as one. So natural. Dash… she didn’t regret it, as nothing happened. She felt nothing bad. This creature looked so terrifying, but she felt… so normal. So soft, with her furry leg coming down as Dash commanded her own leg to do, and both their legs touched. Crossed together… like a dance.

Rainbow did not flinch this time, this time when the pony leaned forward on quick legs. Till their eyes met and their noses almost touched. Just short. Rainbow watched her. Not even blinking, her mouth wide open as she beheld it. The great wings of a Pegasus shooting up in black feathers. Arcing high over the pony, curling in on themselves. They almost touched together. Towering so high, such beautiful wings. Just like ones of another she knew. Tended well. Gleaming in the red of the Moon. As majestic as ever. Only tipped in the color of the night itself. An endless void. One of beauty. Set in the same beautiful feeling that Dash got when she saw the same thing done with wings of magenta. The exact feeling, the exact look she got from this pony. Like a fluid dance. So perfect.

One that we did together.

6.23
“The…” Rainbow curled her tongue.

…Dance.

She did it perfectly, on time and… like it was something we were meant to do. Something we should do. Dash even felt like she needed to raise her own wings to mimic her. The same feeling to enjoy one another’s company. So brief. But I felt it. …Like we did this. Crossing legs with the same magenta leg, and time went on. Even though it stood still. Until that pony left her, backing away with a serene drop of her beautiful wings… wings so gorgeous, Dash admired them for every second she saw them. Right up till they blended into her black fur. The pony rubbed her own foreleg and looked away.

“I’m so sorry, I… Soul allowed me to do that with you. To be with you and the others. But… that really was the only way I had to even interact with you all. Can you forgive me?”

“You and I…” Rainbow looked back down at the pony she held in all that pony’s sadness. So different from what she remembered. Not at all the feeling she got when she did that… with this pony. All of that fun. “We danced?” That pony nodded. I can’t believe it. How can anypony expect me to believe that? For… this pony… we danced so well together. We had the same feeling. When I thought it was… so... that’s how it is?

“Who are you? What are you?” Rainbow whispered. Surprising herself with how calm she sounded no matter how much pain she began to feel. “It’s a shame you and I never got to meet before, now we get to in this way. Well, one can’t really choose. I really would have liked to meet you long ago back when things were different” the black pony paused. Looking up at the sky and rocking her head back down with a heavy sigh. Heavy and long, it lasted and then she turned to look at Dash. Not with Soul’s eyes this time. No longer gentle.

“My name is Soulblight. I’m…” she hesitated. Leaving Dash with that name… and so many curiosities. “I can’t lie to you” she continued longingly. “I’m the closest thing that Soul has… to a family. I guess you could consider me… what it is she sometimes sees me as. As her… sister.” The pony named Soulblight grunted and grimaced. Clearly pained over something as she turned back and descended the stairs. Dash almost inclined to yell out to her to not leave… she didn’t have to. When that pony stopped at the foot of the steps. Silent.

The closest thing to her sister? But… they both looked almost alike just moments ago. They were alike. Unless my eyes are messing with me. But… how on earth did she do that? She’s just like a… a Changeling. So why so different? Why feel so different looking into her eyes? To think that she could not be that. There was something else. With nothing to work with on what.

This really is a job for Twilight. I can’t even think.

6.24
“Soul doesn’t have a sister” that’s the best that Dash could think of. Though Soul never mentioned such a thing. For another pony to be out there for her. “Who are you? Soul never said a word about you.”

“She never said anything about me before your incident.” Rainbow shut her jaw. Her heart leapt. To be reminded of that… by this pony. Wh-what? How could she know? This… this pony, this Soulblight really knows too much. Too much for it to be terrifying. She knows our incident. Everything that happened. But I… she hated seeing what this pony was. What she did and what she knew. Dash had to look down at her old friend still cradled in her legs. She shook her head. Thinking over it all. Soul’s sister being with all of us. Being with me. Just like she said, just like she proved.

“Is this… is she even my Soul Serenity? Or are…” Rainbow looked up tearfully at this pony. Fearing the worst. That it was all stolen. All a lie.

“She is Soul Serenity. The pony you met and befriended. Sent away for years for a thing she didn’t even do. One carried out by another. For ponies actually think a filly is capable of such things. No, she suffered…” Soulblight whispered. No longer looking at Dash. Not even visible, as she stared back up at that Moon. “Twelve long years fearing what happens next. Terrified of what she did. What she didn’t do. Left alone at night within walls of snow, worrying… for you. And she could never know. Months and years passing by her, not even sure if she could ever get the chance to make things right with you. It almost destroyed her. She spent so much time thinking about her Dashie… she hated herself for it. She hated herself because of you… and because of me. For the things we did to her.”

The things we did to her? I did to her?

Soulblight stamped. Turning around with such speed to overcome her shouting that came. “She was wronged so much!” And the pony took a breath. Her head collapsing down. To whisper to the stairs. Dash watched over her. Silent.

6.25
“It was only right for me to come to her after so long of her being alone. Without you, she had nopony else to rely on. I guess, I guess I was the last resort. The one thing left to give her a chance at life. With everything that tried to take it from her, as I watched her happiness fall apart before my very eyes, and I had to do so much just to keep the chance for you two to meet once again. It almost destroyed me.”

She held her tongue. Rainbow Dash felt it. The need… the need to cry. She knew exactly what this was. This pony knew it so well. The feeling. The way she yelled at me. Soulblight does know.

“You all overestimate her” Soulblight whispered. “Soul needed me. I gave myself to her, to protect her. Under the last hope I had for her to be happy again. No matter what I felt…” words that trickled so softly. Right into Dash’s ears and into her heart. Another pony… to do the same thing Dash committed herself to do. Back when times were fun. When there were no tears. This pony knows it too. “Soul was just a filly lost in a snowy wasteland. There was no way she could have survived, but she did… I made sure of it. But… we did not come out unscathed.”

Dash was startled to see the Pegasus climb up the steps so quick and almost throw herself in front of her. Stumbling over the last step in a panicked hurry. Right as her head thudded against the clouds. She still looked up. So close, Dash could see her tears. Burning of red in the light and trickling down her cheeks. This Soulblight, watching her fall apart in front of her. No matter how tough she made herself sound, or how scary she looked. Dash felt terrible for her. She felt… close.

“So please!” Soulblight asked of her. “I can’t protect her. I did everything I could, I wanted so desperately to see if it was possible. That’s why I impersonated her. Because I need somepony else. She needs somepony else. I was just so scared to ask you.”

Scared? But I thought this pony was so cheerful at the party. …Not at all like Soul, like Soul from before. How can there be anything wrong if this pony was right? I should be the one thanking her. If it was all true. For one pony like this to be able to do all that. No matter what she was. This pony who could change to her old friend beneath the blood of the Moon, she was not afraid of her. Rainbow even calmed her… with a touch.

6.26
As Rainbow Dash set the tip of her hoof against that of Soulblight’s. So close to how they did their dance, but the same feeling. More than happy to do this… with the pony who protected Soul Serenity. She is right. Even I doubt I could survive what it was that Soul went through. Remembering the party… what it was like to be away from the ponies most precious to her. Left with nothing. Left to die.

“You really want my help?” Dash asked. “After all you did for her, I think you are the better choice to care for her.” Especially after all that I did. There was no going around it. But Soulblight shook her head.

“I don’t think that’s gonna work.”

Rainbow did nothing when she watched Soulblight reach out to her and then past her to touch Soul’s head. To stroke her mane. Stroke it and smile. “This is our Soul Serenity, the pony you knew… but you were right to wonder if she really was Soul Serenity. It’s her… but… not the Soul Serenity you remember.” Not her? …She’s right.

It was all a lie. The party, that wasn’t Soul. That could never be Soul.

That could never be Soul after how much pain I saw her in. After all she went through. What happened.

Rainbow nodded. I get it, I get it now. “I can’t be the one to save her” Soulblight said. “That needs to be done by the one who hurt her the most.” Hurt her? Rainbow wanted to cry when she heard that.

…She did… she got this way because of me. Just as I always feared. Everything else was useless. This whole day… I never saw the problem. I-I can never know what she felt. What she went through. All because of me. So selfish of me.

Something touched her. Soulblight’s hoof changing over, coming to touch Dash’s leg. Stroking. “I hate to say it, but… you are right. Even I was afraid to rely on you. I needed to be sure. I’ve done all I can, Soul Serenity needs the pony who she cares for the most. You two split apart, it destroyed her, now there’s only one thing that can fix it. That one thing is you. I no longer fear you helping her, I beg you to help her. I am not the one for her.”

6.27
“I don’t know what to do!” Rainbow cried out feeling all the weight of the world on her shoulders. Burying her face down into Souls’ mane. Everything Soul went through was because of what I said. She suffered for twelve years, she lost so much of her life and all of her happiness. To become something I don’t even know anymore. This was and was not Soul Serenity. How can I fix that?

“A-all she wanted was a friend… she wanted me as a friend. But I drove her away like some bitch! I can’t believe it… I broke her heart…” Rainbow couldn’t hold it anymore. She began to cry. Swiping her face across those hairs soaked in her own tears and cooling her face. As all the desperation fell in. All the knowledge of what she did. What it did.

It’s too much.

There’s nothing I can do. I’m just one stupid Pegasus. I can’t help her. Not when… when she’s like this. Soul never cried like this. I made her cry so much. I can’t even imagine how many tears she shed. What can I even do to make that right? “There’s nothing I can do. To think… when times were better. Do you remember, Soul?” The last time we were truly happy. The last time I saw that happy face of yours. Under the Moon, together. You hugged me. I beg you to remember, because all I remember now… is the feeling of your kiss. I will never forget it. I want it again. Under this bloody Moon much like then, yet all she felt was cold and loneliness. I want her to smile again.

“I want her to smile again.” I don’t know how. Even I wouldn’t forgive me. Why should Soul?

“Rainbow…”

6.28
Dash felt herself move on her own. Not even fighting it. Not caring if Soulblight saw her teary face as that dark pony lifted her chin so gently off of Soul’s mane with such a cold touch of those black hooves. For them both to stare into the other’s eyes. For this pony to be able to smile at this time. That’s the happiness I want from both of us again.

“You protected her for twelve years, she needs you, not me.”

“You gave her happiness for the first time. I can’t ever recreate it” Soulblight said back. “She needs you more than me.”

Damn it, just like back then. When it took all her courage to step in and show Soul something better. A better life. I never regretted it. To do it again. To be so hard, harder. Yet I can’t back out. I wanted today to be our day. After so long. For it to come true. “What can I even do?” Dash asked. Sniffling the last of her tears away.

“Soul Serenity is my friend, and after tonight, perhaps I want to say the same for you. I would never leave my friends alone. So I will help you… like friends do. Even for just one time.”

Rainbow Dash blinked, as did Soulblight. Both ponies stared at one another. Until the sound of the wind was mute. All she saw were those yellow eyes. One voice.

“Best friends help one another.”

6.29
“What kind of dream…?”

Waking up to see none other than her own ceiling draped in clouds hanging over her, and that ceaseless comfort. Dash turned around, and looked all over, finding herself back in bed. Her blanket tossed casually to the floor and only held up by the corner on her hoof.

Still night. Actual night. As she still remembered the sight of everything so red. Whilst everything now… I have to see. Scurrying up and almost falling right onto her chin in her rush to jump out of bed as she tripped over the blanket. But it was a relieving sight. To see the Moon, as blue and brilliant as usual hanging high outside her window with not a breeze to be felt even if she heard the calming sound of wind singing lightly.

“I can’t believe that was a dream.” She rubbed her forehead and then her eyes as she yawned. Looking around her room to be sure. Nothing was wrong. How crazy. She looked down at her hoof. Everything that had happened… a dream. Wow, that was the wildest one I’ve ever had. Everything felt so real. Real enough to… to still feel such a soft touch against that leg. Pinging lightly within, and the last vestiges of that sight she had. Before all of it went away. Just like she had woken up to be exact. Though she couldn’t get it out of her head.

Such a different dream, I still remember it all. Like it happened yesterday. She still felt the pain. A pain unlike any she could describe at knowing just how bad it was that Soul had it. If it was even true. Truth or just another insane concoction of her mind. She really didn’t like those types of dreams or even nightmares if they may be called so. That one sure felt like one of the worst ones. Up until the end. I’ve never had a nightmare like that.

Soulblight?

That was her name. A pony as black as the night itself. How did I even come up with her? Or was that even the case? She felt so real, she… I still remember everything she told me. So much so that it ached in her head. Hurting her eyes, and she felt the need to cry again. But, there was no need to cry over a nightmare like that. Besides, I should be used to them by now. No matter how real they always feel. Of which… this had been the worst.

Guess I did have too much to drink at the party. Still though...

6.30
Clearly remembering those words, it wouldn’t hurt just to check in and make sure Soul is sleeping well. Going on over to her half-open door, leaving behind what was left of her sleepiness back at the bed. Seeing Soul cry was the most painful thing to ever see, and she hated that nightmare for it. Whoever that Soulblight was didn’t seem to like it either. I still hate that I saw it. Any chance to see it, though she regretted the idea of going to see if she was alright now. Crying out those same tears as the night before. I never want to see it again.

Soul shouldn’t be sad. We had a great day together and enjoyed so much that we missed in all these years apart. Our party and we even danced together. I loved it so much, how we could finally be together again. At least, I hope so. That damn nightmare, sure as hell messed with my head. She didn’t want to doubt the precious moment they had at the party. If it was meaningless. If everything is meaningless. Because… there was one horrible idea to cope with.

That was what Soulblight said.

All those words that sent chills down Dash’s spine. Please may that have been Soul. It was supposed to be her party. Because I really don’t know what else I could do if… if everything else was true. If Soul really is that hurt. To still cry over it all. Since I really have no right to be the one to help her. I can’t do it anyways. Even if I just keep trying to be there for her, I doubt she will forgive me. That Soulblight sounds like a better pony for her.

She’s the pony I should have been.

Dash just kept walking. Going on, not even running into anything in the pitch-dark confines of the hallway as she made her way down to where she believed the door to be. Feeling her way along the cloudy floor and eyeing the walls till she could see the faintest light of the night shining in from under a crack to Soul’s room. It sounds pretty quiet in there. Though that did not mean anything, not with how worried Dash was. I can’t get it out of my head. Those damn words. Everything I heard. It’s like that nightmare was real. It just couldn’t get out of her head.

Maybe… maybe I should check in on Soul from now on, make sure she is sleeping well every night. I’ll keep watch over her. Yeah, she’ll be alright. Just sleeping and dreaming about how nice our day was together. Yeah! That’s right.

6.31
Rainbow took great care to open the door as quietly as she could. Satisfied she didn’t wake her old friend up. She peeked in, to find a room as calm as her own. With all the windows left open for a refreshing night just as Dash had left them for Soul. Checking again one last time to see the Moon still out there as perfect as usual. Shining brightly on the bed where she was more than happy to see it. Soul fast asleep underneath the blankets with not even a peep under that large bulge in the blankets.

Dash breathed a sigh of relief. Wiping away the sweat that she just now knew she had drenching the fur under her mane. Not a sound at all. Maybe, did that mean…? I gotta see. More than happy at this point to know things weren’t as bad as she thought. There was still something though. It droned in her mind and left her with a little bit of worry under all that joy of seeing her old friend perfectly alright here in her home. For everything to be as normal as she could hope for. Everything to be as she left it, that remained to be seen.

Rainbow Dash walked on the tips of her hooves, careful not to trip over anything and more than willing to actually give a smile now. Without needing to feel like anything she had heard or saw may be real. At least, she wanted so. After today, Soul must be the happiest mare around. She has new friends to rely on no matter what it was that Dash did to her. She could be here knowing she had something to look forward to everyday. Maybe they could have parties more often. I should consider it good enough that she wants to be around me anyways. At least some things are going back to normal. I just hope I can be her friend again. Right now, all I can really do is tuck her in.

The silly mare probably tosses in her sleep. That blanket is all messed up. Plus, there was something else she wanted to do. Not at all something she could do when Soul was awake but it felt like a good way to send her old friend off to sleep. If Soul could feel the moment on her cheek when she did it.

Rainbow came up to her bedside. Rearing up and settling her forehooves down upon the soft mattress and she swiped at the edge of the blanket. Gently gliding her hooves along it and then over to where that pony slept beneath. Taking a moment, she smiled deeper. With how silent it was under there… not even a single sound of that pain. I really wish you would be happy with me doing things like this for you. Just things I get to do on my own, without you knowing how much I do care for you. But… she could never upset her. Never again.

“Sweet dreams” she whispered down to her. There could never be a limit on how much Dash wished that upon her. Again and again. As I send you off to those dreams. I promise to do all I can to fix whatever problems you may have. Anything for you. Until you actually want me to do this for you, as I dreamed of.

Rainbow leaned in. Running her hoof along the blanket and catching it, to pull it away and come down on the cheek beneath.

When the blanket fell. It falling out from her hoof. Leaving nothing behind. Nothing but an empty bed with Rainbow leaning over nothing. To stare down in shock at the barren pillow.

“Oh no…”

6.32
Dash wasted no time rushing out against the door and sending it off to slam against the wall behind her. Galloping on through the dark. No care this time. She couldn’t bother. Not with what was going on. What she feared. After all she had seen in her nightmare, like it was coming true.

Soul is gone. Gone. No! Is this all some trick? I wake up from that and into this? Oh no, no, no. This can not be happening. Not more of this. Like this night was meant to be torment. Please may she be just getting a snack. If she’s gone… Dash didn’t want to imagine it. She needed to see Soul. She needed to know if everything was okay. If her efforts mattered. Please don’t be like the nightmare.

She could see them better than she did before in that nightmare, scaling down the steps in a hurry. Eager just to get down there and find the Soul snooping around the kitchen. Hell, she’d even take her sleeping on the sofa as long as it meant Soul was still here. Not out on the balcony in that terrible world again. Or gone… No!

Rainbow leapt down several steps, twisting around the staircase and stepping hoof down on the cloudy surface below. Her hoof hit hard, and the clouds parted. Before her very eyes. As she blinked.

6.33
“…No…” Rainbow sat her butt down, not on clouds… Beyond into it all. Into the dead of night. The darkness beyond. There was no kitchen or living room. No house, nothing. When it all rushed into her again.

…It was no nightmare. I can feel it. This… this is all real.

She couldn’t even panic. For there was nothing she could do, staring out at the rocky surface she sat on that went on into the night ahead of her. Endlessly.

She turned around, hopeful. Not knowing what to expect. Not that. Not the fact that the stairs were all gone. Her house was gone, surrounded by the night. All alone on this land, this little strip she found herself on.

Of all the times I spent… with the others, everything I’ve done. I’ve never seen anything like this. What she found herself in. Looking all around her. Her delusions broken by the crash of water, far below. So it confirmed what she thought she was seeing. An endless ocean, far below her.

Rainbow pulled herself along, creeping up to the ledge. To peer down at what was below. At that dark ocean lit in the color of the sky. Far down there where only shadows crept along in an endless dance under the starry sky where not even a Moon was left. This big, empty sky. That was all it was. For no Moon to hide or exist. Just the stars twinkling their light upon the water. As another wave crashed against the rocks. She almost felt the vibration. Like this perch she sat on may fall at any time. A fear that was so very real as her heart pounded.

“No, …Soul…” Rainbow shook her head. Who could she call for? She literally woke up from one nightmare into another. With all these fears hitting her so hard. Terrorized by the sight. Like all that ocean down below morphed to become the sky itself, there was no difference. Just the shadows of pillars she could pick out sticking out from the water like rocks. Structures all around that crumbled and fell into the abyss. So dark, all she could see was their silhouettes in the starlight. As far as she could see along that wind-swept ocean spreading its thunderous waves all around and swallowing more structures up, never to be seen again. All alone in this.

Luna? Where is the princess? This is a nightmare, right? So please wake me up. Please help me. I don’t want this anymore. I just want my friend back. I just want to be happy. To think she would have to deal with all this, it made her want to cry. Until it happened. With tears coming out, she pushed away from it all. Wanting to run away, get out of here, and she jumped to her hooves.

Galloping away, the same way she came to all of this. Out of this world that was not her home. Out of this painful knowledge that she was without her friends. Without the pony she cared for so much. If only things could ever be so easy. In this endless nightmare.

6.34
Skidding to a halt just short of falling off the ledge, a ledge that popped up in an instant. Her hoof being the one thing to fling off the side, and she pulled it back. Leaving just rocks to fall in front of her and plummet deep into the darkness below. Fear was all it was now. How close she had come to falling, it took so long for her to hear the eventual splashes below before they were drowned out by another wave.

So that is it, huh? Rainbow looked up. Nothing. Nothingness. Where she thought to go back to her home, was nothing but the void. A chasm of dark spilled over by water with no light to be seen. Just her, alone, on this trap.

This is impossible. What’s causing this? I’ve never seen anything like this. Like reliving the worst thing she could. Not wanting it back, not with all this worry. All this fear. For she was not afraid for herself. She was terrified of what may be happening to somepony else. What all this may mean. As she continued to feel it… it is real.

Luna was not coming. Nopony was. Not in this, where the dark was all and all her fears came to light. With only one sensation rubbing off on her.

“Soulblight.” She looked around. Seconds passed, even she felt it stupid to wonder. Why even come to that decision? Why did I even call out her name? What is wrong with me? Rainbow almost wanted to just curl up in a ball and give up. Wait till it ended. Till something made it end. If it ever would. For she actually began to think one thing, now that she felt that tingle again on her leg, that she was trapped. That this was all real. It was too real. And I have only myself to rely on.

Rainbow stepped out to the ledge. Just shy of touching the very edge. Looking down again at how great of a drop it was. Nopony is coming for me, I need to do this myself. Like any other problem, …like that problem. The biggest one to ever deal with, yet she did. I can’t let this get me down.

Dash tried to look far and wide out to the depths of the darkness. Hopeful to pick something out. Whatever was going on, if she had been teleported or somepony was playing a trick, she had one means of finding out. She glanced back at her wings. Those buildings down in the water looked like something she could rely on too. Maybe find out what was going on, it was her only chance. Literally. Otherwise… to fly forever over this ocean.

She gulped. I’ve got to try. Try she did.

6.35
And again. And again. It still feels like… like my hooves are on the ground. Well that can’t be right, she grinned frightfully. Trying again. Nothing changed. Okay, so what’s wrong now? What’s going on? She thought in terror as she tried really hard not to break down. Staring back down below her.

Yeah, there was the ground. I’m still standing on it. So why was it not changing, even when she wanted it to? Putting all her strength into her wings.

She looked over her shoulders. There were her wings, both of them, still set upon her sides. Then they flexed. Barely lifting off, let alone unfolding. So much so that she could even see the muscles trembling within the spans. Fighting hard to comply with what she wanted them to do. But they kept failing. Failing and failing until she giggled faintly. Just for a second before she had to shake violently. Chills going down her spine, well aware of what was happening. What it was, though, was impossible.

It had literally felt like forever since this last happened, and it kind of did feel like somepony was pushing down on them, no matter how hard she tried. Sticking forever to her sides. Just perfect.

“So I’m all alone in the middle of an ocean and nopony’s coming to help me. Now… now my wings are locked.” Rainbow actually managed a giggle and her legs wanted to buckle beneath her. My wings are locked, am I some sort of filly?! They’re locked now of all times!

“Somepony help me!” Roaring out and dying off with the sound of that cry echoing forever in that void. “Anypony?” Rainbow glanced around. Reeling back on her hind legs, trembling so terribly. Her breath coming out so haggard now, no longer able to keep it together. For there can be no way to do it now. Looking left and right. Much of the same. As this world was true and as were her fears. All her feelings, with nothing left… except what Soulblight had given. To tingle along her leg. She held it close to her. The last feeling she had left of calm.

6.36
Until it all came back. When she saw something else. Something that had not been there before, she was sure of it. There would have been no way she could have missed that, as she turned around pleadingly looking for an escape. She got one. One that… was not what she wanted. Just like how everything else had disappeared… this, this was here now.

She turned around on all fours. Beckoning in the sight of the great thing to appear before her. Leading away from her and spreading all around. Rising out from the ocean to become more than just an island like this one. Far larger. That was why she could not have missed it. Somepony was definitely doing something here. Something was certainly happening. For none other than… than a forest to appear before her. Rising out from the horizon and blanketing the skies ahead of her in the tall embrace of tightly packed trees spanning far and wide. Rising high, to blot out the sky in their masts.

At this point, I’m not gonna question anything. Maybe it will all change. Even when she looked all around her again, hopeful for something else to change. Yet that forest remained. It remained the only thing she had left with her island spanning forward to join with it far ahead. Quite a distance.

So that’s my only choice. My only way to get out of here. Get out or… maybe I’ll find somepony. Anything to help her. Maybe even Soul, …or Soulblight. If anypony may know what was happening, it had to be her. With what she could do, Dash didn’t doubt that. I bet that pony is the one whose doing all of this. Even after what we talked about. What we did together… at the party. I only hope I can find her.

6.37
Amazing that nothing did happen during the trek along this long expanse of rocky nothing that this land bridge was. More and more waves slamming violently down below and the occasional shake from such impacts making it all the more startling that it did not collapse and take her with it. That could have easily happened.

Not one thing Rainbow did could get her wings to move. Like they really were glued to her sides now. No longer able to fly but to walk along in the eerie silence of this world. Where not a thing in front of her moved. Not a treetop left its place. Not a shadow did stir. Coming in closer, she couldn’t look away from the thickness of this forest. Like no entrance did lead into it besides the partition in the wall of bark and leaves just ahead. Yet nothing else remained for her to fall back on. Nothing changed. Only this forest stood as a real path for her and that made her all the more uneasy. For the most part. Because, as she got closer, she could start to see something more that did intrigue her and sort of ease her mind. Simply from how curious it was to witness such colors if they were what she thought they may be.

Sheets of white, it looked like, walling around the break in the trees. The only path for her, preceded by these colors. They couldn’t be what she thought them to look like from here. From what she could tell, didn’t look like anything here could be taken with a grain of salt. Like anything could happen. With whatever horrible magic was at work. This place has to be magic. I don’t even think ponies can do this magic. She had heard stories of the wildest illusions where ponies did see such unimaginable things that it sent them into a flurry. Are those illusions anything like this? She really could have sworn that she was home and everything was fine, until all this happened.

She could only walk alone with nothing but the sound of her hooves crunching the stone beneath her. Echoing. Running along the entire length of this span of rock and back again until it disappeared into the forest beyond. Careful she was as she approached them. Anything could happen, as terrifying the prospect was. But they didn’t seem to be a joke, as she came in to stand before the hole in the tree line where she saw deep in the shadows an even longer path going ahead. Like it transitioned from rock to… none other than grass and soil. Much like what patches sprouted around the entrance.

She stood still. Held still, when she did get a close look at them all and swore something was wrong. Not the obvious. The fact that these shouldn’t even be able to be here. Like a dull ache pounding in her head just looking at them, yet she was intrigued all the more. Driven to try and find out what they were. When all they should be was just patches of brilliant white flowers arranged so wonderfully like a true act of nature. A blessing even, were she so naïve to believe they meant something more.

6.38
But they drew her to them. Rainbow knelt before them, straying from the path just to do so and stood in wonder of them. Their lovely petals not even moving in the still air, circling a budding cup rising up to her. Just to give her the chance and she took it, sniffing one.

There really was something strange about them. Just the smell alone, it was near intoxicating. So much so for her to drive her nose deeper in and sniff for longer than she wanted before she did realize what she was doing. It took a lot just to pull free; she stared at it and all of them. Guiding her eyes along and then back to the forest before her where the trees waited for her to enter. Even with the allure of sniffing them even more. Something about them, she glanced back. They really were beautiful but that wasn’t it. No answer to it. Just the trail ahead and nopony with her. No other options. Fearful all the more of what may happen. For what could any pony do in this world?

It took so much just to try and move a leg. She stepped towards the trees. Stopping, looking upon the hanging branches high over her as they arched overhead. Like they welcomed her.

I can’t believe I have to do this. Forests like these never were good to be in without a friend. Looking around one last time to hope to find something. Just the flowers and the empty trail behind her. Her only companions at this point. No reason left to stay. As she looked upon those flowers one last time, she sighed. Not wanting to leave them.

She took the first step. Going forth as the branches opened up for her.

6.39
Rainbow looked back. Darkness. She could no longer see the path she had taken to get in here. Gone with those flowers and even any sound of the ocean. Like she really had stepped into a whole other world in an instant where not even the sky remained. She craned her head. No, it wasn’t. Not a cloud in the sky, not a star or Moon. Not even a sky at all. The only thing above her, like a ceiling. Nothing but trees and sheets of thick leaves. Like walls had formed around her with how thick the forest was even in this path.

But… she wasn’t afraid.

A place like this exists? It’s kind of beautiful. Nothing she could really tell to anypony. Just the endless questions about this world. Where the greens and browns of the forest lit up well like in reaction to her. Shining bright as she wandered to and fro, eager to see all that she could find. Anything really. But finding more examples of how unbelievable this was turning out to be. With the whole ground lit up like in the warm moonlight where no Moon did shine, plastered in so much sparkling rays from above. Like he leaves themselves that formed the ceiling of this forest were the stars themselves. Their greens and reds blistered in the peaks of a fading blue. Generously sharing this color upon the land below. But only here, that was what made Dash stop with a startle.

Nothing more was lit up, like everything beyond this path… so dark beyond the trees that walled her in. Even if she had no chance of getting through, these holes in the tree line so small that she doubted even a filly could fit through them.

She walked along the sides of the trees. Trying to look through the breaks to try and find something. All the more the same. Under the dull silence of this forest. Where the only sounds were that of herself stepping over twigs and leaves scattered all along the path and beyond to the dark void far ahead. As far as the light could shine. Like a guide, she thought. But it really wasn’t anything like that. Not like I have anywhere else to go. Right as she looked back. The entire world she left was swallowed up and gone. As every moment of this place left her more and more terrified of what could happen. Fear and undying amazement.

6.40
There really was nothing else out here. She looked all over the place. Listening closely. It held in her mind. Taking a moment, she calmed her shaking legs. Waiting till they were good and ready, trying once more with her wings to no result she wanted. But they really would be useless now. With branches so thick that there would be no way for her to fly out of here, let alone go back to that empty expanse of nothing that was the ocean. Something she continued to wonder if she could even go back to now.

Nothing could fly out of here. Probably nothing can even live in here. This incessant silence droning on where not even any critters made a sound. You would think owls would be hooting by now. Never did.

All that could be done is following the path. Keeping her head low to the ground. There has to be something out here. Just trying to spot anything and going on and on, she began to feel something within her that made her stop for a moment. Reel her head back and grimace in despair. Thinking over it, it was awful.

No shadows moved, not a peep nor anything to let her know she was somewhere worth being. I think this is all some trick. Somepony really wants to mess with me. It sure is working. Leaving me all alone. Nopony is here.

I think I know… somepony else who felt this.

I just wish somepony could help me. Wake me up… get me out of this nightmare. None of this can be real.

“Soulblight.” Her voice trailed off into the dark distance. Calling out the name of that pony, huh? Like I really am starting to believe all this more and more. I really am expecting her to come for me. Although not certain if she wanted her to come.

Such a pony like that, is she able to do this to me? Why would she want to? She wanted to help me. How does any of this help? She smacked a hoof against her head. Growling at it all. First that happened and now this. I really am expecting her. Expecting all this to be true. No matter how much she didn’t want any of it to be true. She hung her head low. As beautiful as this place was, I don’t want to be here. Not alone. And I really do wish that Soulblight would be here right now.

6.41
She held her breath. Wait a minute. It took a moment. But those did look like…

Dash scurried her hoof along the ground, sending leaves aflutter and baring the dirt. Are these…? She looked back, all around the ground where the thick piles of leaves did their best to conceal them. Yet she picked them out. These weren’t here before? Were they? Not when they were everywhere.

She looked back down at the packs of them that she revealed. Picking out the shapes, and looking at her own. She smiled. Maybe I’m not alone. She sure as hell did not put these here and they looked fresh. Not even the dirt had a chance to go over them yet. Perfectly planted into the soil. Somepony left hoofprints here. Even better, just by how many of them were twisting around and going off in multiple directions, looked to be multiple sets. Many ponies went through here and looked like it was often. Trails of them going back and forth. Far back where she came from and far forward into the darkness. Gradually lighting it all up as she went.

She couldn’t stop following a trail. Stamping her hooves over them and kicking dirt up in her drive forward. I just need to follow these. Maybe I can find something or somepony out here. Rainbow Dash was so excited now, so much for time to pass on and on. It took way too long before she stopped in her tracks. Halting a hoof down. To notice something was off.

She lifted her hoof again, looking upon what she left behind in the dirt right next to the trail she followed. Different indeed. These were hoofprints. In fact, the exact same shape as her own. They looked completely identical to her except for one glaring issue. Her print was larger. Much larger. Larger than these and… she looked along the ground again. Still surprised to find that trails went all along and circled about the place. Flooding the dirt in them, in these little prints. All of them.

6.42
A child. All these prints. Children went through here? No, that couldn’t be. What kids would be dumb enough to go through here? But that was it. There were no other differences. The long strides and joyous patterns they made. Like foals running about. They were playing out here? Rainbow was astonished of the idea. Who in their right mind would let kids be out here? Or… she dreaded to think what may be the real reason. As she looked on down the long and dreary path where these tracks did lead. Going on and on until they were out of sight.

Kids alone out here. Just like me. Oh man, what should I do? This place can’t be safe for kids. And I don’t think it’s safe for me either. Yet here they all were stuck in the same situation. She felt like a mother now needing to venture out in a panic to try and find her lost child. Wanting to call for that kid, though she had no name to use. No way to know if she would ever find them or anypony else out here. They must be so scared and worried out here. Just like me. As dumb as it was to think, she needed to be the one there for them if she could find them. A task she took up, really nothing more for her to do.

Going on to follow the trail, not sure if it did lead to anywhere but certainly seeing that this path it took her on did seem to go on for eternity with not much changing at all. No way to know where the right way to go. No way to tell if she had any real way to help these kids if she found them. If they were starving at all. What she could tell them if they were scared because she was scared too. But I can’t just forget about them. I have to at least try.

That was all that led her on down these endless trails.

Where these kids looked to have been able to just duck under them, Dash had to swat hanging branches out of her way. Leap over felled, wide logs where she saw them to have ran into their depths and come out the other end. Yet finding no more evidence that they were hear. No sounds or anything. Just her. Stopping to see more trails as they ran around bushes and even into them. Skipping through leaf piles and long breaks in the trails. Almost like they were carefree. Like… they actually were playing. As far as she went, not a difference in the liveliness of those trails. Even as her own fears deepened about being out here all alone.

How did these kids deal with being in this place? How did… huh, Dash looked back at the trails she left behind. All the sense of happiness in their steps she got from them. They really were playing. …How am I dealing with it?

6.43
With another pony with me, when we used to… Rainbow looked high up into the canopy of the trees above. Such innocence and sweetness. To be out in a place like this with no sense of fear or dread. Just the moment of being out with the best pony in your world. That was what kept me going. Should I even be afraid for those kids? Should I be worried? Or maybe, to feel like this right now. Calm. For just a moment, she shook her head free of that thought.

No, I can’t just abandon them no matter what fun they might be having. Even… even mom worried about us when we… Dash looked up.

What was that? That feeling. Like… like nothing. Nothing was here. An unending and dull ache in her stomach that even pinged into her now, and a tear fell. To remember that. I, …we really had such great times. With this forest, she looked back at it. All around her and up along the trees. To the bushes she did see with all their soft petals and leaves branching out. This warm place for her. It was terrifying. Not like before. Because now, she saw something more. Felt something more. Like something was off with this place. But so right. So right… she wasn’t afraid of it. Like those kids out there. She shouldn’t be afraid, because we did stuff like this before.

We weren’t afraid back then. Because we had each other. I feel so warm, remembering that time. It’s so much like it.

She went on with it all. Following that path, where not even the silence could reach her. Like she could hear more to it. Listening closely to it all. The sounds of laughter. Of fillies playing and having so much fun together. Rustling around in the leaves and running through the thickets together. As one chased another, yet both laughed with joy. Following their sounds. Like she could almost see them. Wish to feel what they felt. Running along under the ever-increasing arches in the looming trees high above where every branch did seem to close in on her. Encasing her in this thought. Dropping upon her softly, she brushed those leaves off her. Taking her time to even try to get rid of them. More wanting to remember it all, to feel it all.

A sense that it’s all right. That I should be doing this. With no worries. Like those kids shouldn’t have. I shouldn’t either. No matter how strange and terrifying this world is, how lonely it is. For all of this to just not be what should be happening, and all sense of belief crashed down on her… she shut her eyes, and dreamed.

Walking along, she wanted to run. Follow in the steps of those kids. Smile and laugh. Like a filly, to have those times again before so much terror. I do want them back. All those times. For me to be able to look behind me and see your face right on my tail. No matter how old we get, I’d still love it. Even now. Until you finally catch me and we both could roll along together in the dirt. No wings, right? Hehe, it wasn’t fair for either of us to fly. I half expect to see you.

Dash opened her eyes and looked.

Wishful thinking. But she felt that warmth all the same. Even though she was still alone. To remember it all. It made her want to cry. Holding it in. Looking on with the trail. She walked past it all… stopping just once. Within this forest where only she knew, she didn’t know why she expected to see something there, as she looked upon a dark bush sat out in the middle of it all.

I wonder if… if maybe it’s still there. I don’t know. I don’t even know why I’m looking. I just remember how much I loved seeing it with you. Dash had to set her hoof upon the leaves of that bush. Rustling them out of her way and peeking inside. Finding just more darkness within. Soul looked in a bush just like this. She looked so happy when she did it. And it was so funny seeing how happy she got when she found on in it. Soul will never know how sweet I thought she was when she held it. That bunny. She was like a mother. Just a filly but so damn caring for that little guy. I was speechless when she let me hold him.

I wish she was here to help me look for another one. Like before. In a time when we had no troubles. No. Rainbow leaned away from the bush. It’s just me, alone. Raising her hoof to her face to find just how much she had been crying, all those tears soaking the fur.

“Oh Soul.” Staying like that as the silence went on, with one lone pony to cry in front of this bush. “I miss what we had.”

I am so jealous of these kids.

6.44
The hoofprints stopped here? But how? Rainbow stared at the ground trying desperately to be sure that she wasn’t seeing things. All along, everywhere she looked… they all stopped here. Not one trail dared to venture on past this point. Even she hesitated to lift a hoof forward. To step beyond where these kids did stop. Even though the path went on into the dark. As the forest grew so dark up ahead, like it was wanting for her to make the attempt and go on into the unknown with how its shadows curved and twisted along the bending trees. All of their branches curved inwards to that void. Swallowing them. Swallowing all and leaving not even a path for one to travel upon.

Like nopony should go down there. But… this can’t be it.

Rainbow feared, terrified, that this was where she had to go. If anything did lay beyond; but those kids. She found no more trace of them. She found and heard nothing more throughout the entire venture to try and find something. Maybe they ran off into the forest itself. Leaving the trail and disappearing into that endless maze. I don’t even think I can find my way around in there. With all the vines that snaked down the trunks of these trees, made all the more thicker the further this path went before they too disappeared into that darkness ahead.

She was at a loss now. No kid should be out here. No pony should be. So why am I out here? Fearing for the lives of whatever children ventured out here, fearing for her own. For she was no better than them. No way to know what to do or hope to get out of here, she may as well be a helpless child with not a soul to protect her. All alone as all the trees twisted in on her and the ground felt harder against her hooves. Till she didn’t want to even stay here anymore.

I… I can’t do anything about this. Not alone. How can I help anypony out here when I can’t help myself? Not with the looming threat of being stuck here forever started to creep its way into her mind. That was the least of her worries. Seeing all this like it was, a horrible feeling coming in even more into her. Of thinking of it all. Remembering it all.

She hated the idea of being lost in a forest, one that constantly reminded her what was once so. With the last of those words she had been told before all of this. Now trapped in a dark maze.

“Soulblight! Where the hell are you!?”

6.45
She backed up. Not certain anymore. Just knowing that… she didn’t want to keep going forward. Not even sure what she should do anymore. She was never prepared for this. Nopony could be.

I only wanted to make Soul happy, why remind me of this? Why keep me lost in this? She grumbled. I have to get out of here. There had to be something I missed. A path, maybe. Something hidden under all the debris along this path. Anything, just as long as it meant getting away from the idea of being gone forever in that darkness. Wherever it may lead, she felt only pain. Run away from it. Just leave it behind, don’t deal with it.

I can’t handle it anymore. I only want to go home. That’s all I want. Or wake up from whatever this is!

She stamped her hooves in the dirt, frantically gasping with her wings painfully doing all they could to stretch out until it hurt too much to try and move them. She turned and ran. No longer able to handle the path behind her and all the pain rushing into her. As her eyes almost bled thinking of it all. I don’t want to remember. I don’t. I’m sorry. Please just let me out of here.

“Somepony get me out of here!” Screaming in hopes that whatever kids may be out here could hear her. Anypony, really. But for there to be one pony above all else to show up and save her. If only she would be so kind. Nothing happened, and only her shriveled cries could ring out from her mouth. Echoing loudly across the trees she ran by. Coming close to tripping on one of the logs. She looked back, with the darkness falling away from her. The only relief she got, losing what little sense she had of the pain of remembering all of this. Of seeing it disappear like it did. Never to see it again. Fearful to never experience it again. For all she would do to make it so, yet she felt so helpless.

For one mare alone, this is too much to deal with. Yet I’m the one who’s supposed to? That’s what she said. Not while I’m here, not with no way out of this mayhem. With not a path to deviate from this lonesome trail.

“Soul, …where are you?” She turned back. Running off past the fallen branches and into the shadows beyond. Back where she came, back to anything to free herself of being here. She’d much rather just fall and cry in those flowers. Forget it all. Not have to deal with it until something happened. Because I’m not strong enough.

Until her whole world tumbled.

6.46
The pain of slamming right down into the ground, like the world was adding injury to even more injuries. She didn’t even notice that rock until she felt it smack against her hoof and send her flying. Rolling over and going head on against a log. Enough for such an intense pain to explode across the front of her head and she reeled back yelping. Holding her head tightly. So much pain that she fell back down and rolled over onto her side, refusing to let go of where she felt a bump on her forehead right under her mane.

Wow, this is… exactly what I needed. Like there was no end to the stuff this place was pulling on her. All this stuff trying so hard to make her hurt. Make her angry like right now. Even kicking out against the log she fell into. Not sure what it accomplished but it felt better than to just take it laying down.

“Complete shit!” She smacked the ground she lay on. Sending plumes of dust afloat. “I hate this place.” Yet there was no way to get out of it. Hurting her over and over. Maybe it would just be best to lay here and wait for something instead of taking the path all the way back to the flowers. Though this forest constantly proved to be an increasingly unpleasant place to be in. If any kids were here, they had to have left by now. Maybe found some way out. No way any pony would want to stay here, much less her. Which was why it was stupid to want to stay here.

It was a pain to try and move as her legs wobbled a bit when she tried to stand back up. An aching desire to grab hold of her head and try to calm the pain. She was able to do just that again when her legs gave up and she plummeted back down, holding her head up to keep it from hitting the ground. Grunting when her chin hit down hard and flurrying her legs to try and get a grip. Hell, that really hurt. Agh, it couldn’t go away fast enough with how much that bump pulsated. Like it made her whole vision go hazy, clearing up and… to see a set of hooves come down before her.

Soul?

Yellow fur, until they all stood on the ground before her.

6.47
Yellow? Wait… Flutter…shy?

But Fluttershy didn’t have red eyes when she looked up to face whoever stood before her. Their gaze met her own and… a smile.

Staring up at a mare with wings as golden as the Sun itself amidst her mane set firmly in the colors of a midsummer sky.

She did nothing, said nothing. Nothing to tell Dash anything, as she believed this could not be real. Somepony is out here? There couldn’t be, this has to be a trick. More games of this world or whoever controlled it. Not when this made her quiver in disbelief. Because she felt something deep about seeing this pony meeting her. This pony who stood tall over her with majestic wings so glorious in her purest exemplar of the sky itself. This pony who raised a hoof to her, held it out for Dash. Waiting for her. Her and her voice. Soft and sweet, like the rainfall. That made Dash’s eyes widen.

“You shouldn’t be out here all alone, Rainbow. You’re lucky I found you.”

What? No way. This was too familiar. Like she had experience this before. Like this was not capable of happening, not with what she was beginning to think. “I never expected to find you out here.” The mare leaned in and looked close to Dash’s head. Frowning. “Oh, you hurt yourself! Come on, we need to get you out of here.”

Not one word came out any different in tone, like this pony was so happy to be with her, so excited for the chance to be around her. That… sounds a lot like somepony else… I know. Somepony else…

It can’t be possible.

She sounds just like her. Was everything like the pony she began to remember. Then her fears came crashing down. If this was a trick, or real… she had no idea what to believe anymore. Because one meant she was really starting to lose her mind, while the other meant something even worse. That Soul… she didn’t do anything. She couldn’t have. After what I heard Soul did.

But this pony is here.

Impossible.

So impossible that she was real as… their hooves touched. She is real. Even when she shouldn’t be. There is no way that… this is…

Nimbus.

6.48
“Nimbus…?” Dash whispered. “H…” Dash couldn’t even get the words out. Not sure if she was wasting her breath let alone even have to ability to say anything about this impossible thing.

Nimbus Swiftshot.

But… she died. This can’t be her. Please, please don’t be her. No matter how much she is her. There was nothing different. Even her growing concern. “You’re shaking.” The mare came closer and gently set her other hoof under Dash’s leg and grabbed hold. Pulling her up a bit, even as she grunted in struggle. With Dash not even able to try to get herself up. Shocked completely at what was happening. Her head cleared, and she looked again.

True to be, it was… it was Nimbus.

My instructor. Soul’s… Soul’s guardian. Her mom.

She’s here. With me. Snaking her legs around Dash and putting more effort to get her up, until Dash realized what she was doing. Now that the pain began to subside. She joined in and helped herself up now. Pulled into the legs of the one who helped teach her. Feeling her, how she touched her. Just like a real pony. Like this can’t be a mirage or a shadow. A ghost. She could not get out of her shock.

“You’re… alive?” Dash stuttered, staring at her. Her eyes trembling. Still held in the embrace her old teacher gave her. She still shook her head. Impossible. No matter what Nimbus did to show the opposite. Her smile widening and she giggled. “Of course I am, and you still get yourself into plenty of trouble.”

Who is she to say that about me? How would she know? Why does it make me feel so scared? Like she really was talking to the real Nimbus. Still as cheery as… I remember her. She’s been gone for twelve years, dead. And now she’s here, in this forest with me. Unless, she knows something. Maybe she knows a way out of here. Yes! That was it. Who would’ve guessed this would turn out so well?

If this is Nimbus, I can leave with her. Go back home, Nimbus could explain everything. Soul will be free. Probably knows where her husband is too. Had to, if she was this happy. …And Dash just realized it. I actually think this is her. Oh sweet Celestia. Soul suffered for no reason. She went through all that, and… I had to do the same. I lost my dearest friend for nothing.

We didn’t even get to say goodbye. Get a chance to even make things better. Before she was sent away.

Gone, because of squat. Her spirits fell. One moment of hope and another of pain. This really was turning out to be a truly horrible night. “I can’t believe it” Dash whispered.

“You’re gonna get yourself killed.” In the darkest voice she had heard.

6.49
Dash looked up. Not into the eyes of Nimbus… but into that of a pale sky shining bright in their glare. Bright to light up the gleam she saw of fangs coming at her.

So quick. She saw them go… right for her throat. Then it all hit her.

She gasped. Rainbow pushed hard, falling back. Expecting the worst, but it never came. All she felt was herself falling on her back with a loud thud. Opening her eyes back up. To the sheets of leaves above. She knew she saw them. That fear they gave her that now rushed all along her body when she suddenly knew how close she had come… when she looked up and saw her. The yellow furred pony of Nimbus Swiftshot glaring at her with such hate in her empty eyes. Eyes so deep and made of nothing left but fear going right into Dash’s heart.

That pony came closer, baring her mouth and… lines upon lines of fangs. The same ones as before. I knew it! This is not Nimbus. That was not Nimbus at all. Another trick. Another… it hissed, slithering a coiled tongue about in such anticipation with a grin. Like a monster wearing the skin of somepony that had been so close to her. …Wearing the skin?

“No way!”

A Changeling! She knew she recognized it, and it just tried to… oh my Celestia. I came that close to...

One more second and, she felt a ping in her throat. Like she already anticipated the feeling. Escaping it, but… not anymore. It was just her and this Changeling parading around in her lost friend’s coat. Like it was trying to torture her with remembering. Remember the face of her beloved teacher now so hideously writhed in agony and hatred. A lust for her. Like this forest wasn’t bad enough.

Rainbow screamed. Right as it jumped at her. No time to even think. Just to do. There was only one thing she could do. Seeing those fangs coming closer and closer for her. Dash met them. Turning around and she aimed true. Bucking her hind legs in the hopes they would connect. Until she felt something solid hit them and the cry of a tortured voice.

6.50
The Changeling fell back. Crying out in anger as it held its false nose. Squirming on the ground.

This is my chance. I have to get out of here. Doesn’t matter if my wings are useless. She decided to make one last decision. I have to go to it. That darkness. She can’t go back the way she came into this forest. She couldn’t waste any time, not with this here. Maybe set a trap. I gotta get rid of it somehow. Yeah!

Dash ran off, careful to avoid the rocks and logs she had passed. Only making a hoofful of steps before she skidded to a halt, and she screamed… screamed when she saw the coat of silver. Silver so bright to match that of the fangs it wore. One quick glance and she knew what was facing her.

Nimbus Swiftshot and now… Starry Veil.

Wife and husband together here. Still with his same wild mane of blue flames. Both so different, but both the same. Rainbow knew when he hissed. Clamping his jaws wildly for her.

She had no time to even react. No way to get away from him, and she felt it behind her. She didn’t need to look. Nimbus was right there. Growling her anger.

Two of them?! I can’t deal with this. And… she looked around at both of them that surrounded her. Blocking off her only ways out of here. They both want to… to kill me!? Since when do Changelings… she shook her head. How is this happening?

“Leave me alone!”

They were too quick. Rainbow fell over. With so much weight on her. She hit the ground. Almost losing all her breath from the impact. Reeling back and looking up to see… Starry standing over her. Towering tall and glaring upon her with such greed in his blank eyes. Rainbow flinched. Struggling. Yet her legs did not move. Not with how they hurt, the pain getting worse and worse. A huge stallion like this standing on her legs. It felt like they may be crushed. It made her scream again. Only able to whip around the rainbow tail that was still free.

6.51
Tears drenching down her face. She had nothing left to think of. This has never happened. What am I supposed to do? Bucking her head up and down. Wriggling and shaking. Nothing changed. Nothing could stop this Changeling from leaning close to her and baring his endless rows of razor thin teeth. She couldn’t care about the saliva pouring onto her. She only tried to lean back as far as possible, even trying more and more no matter how solid the surface she lay on was. Anything to keep away from him.

“Please don’t.” I only wanted to help Soul. I only wanted to make her smile. Is this my punishment? My punishment for what I did to her? I’m so sorry. I don’t want this, I just want Soul. Yet all that chance was gone now. Gone in the laughter of this evil beast on her. These monsters going around as her old instructors. Out to kill her. Take away any hope she had of having a great life with her best friend again.

That life we lost so long ago.

All because of me, because I was mean to her and didn’t listen. Now it’s my turn. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me. Forgive me for… for not listening to her? When she said… she said those things. Now here I am. Soul had said that. She did. And I didn’t listen. Now the proof… it was right in her face. …What the hell?

Dash stopped struggling. Her eyes widened. Not even trying to hide her throat from it.

I can’t believe it. …I ignored her. When she was… No. Please no. Please, may it not be true. Because then that means that I really am a terrible friend. No! Please. I may deserve this but I don’t want to die. I want to make everypony happy again. Time slowed down, but the growling did not… and one last tear ran down her cheek.

I’m so sorry.

6.52
All she could see anymore was the roar of light.

A blast of light. Cast raw in the red of the Moon she last held Soul under. With a hail of red.

She didn’t even flinch. Couldn’t even say a thing and have a thought. It all happened so fast.

A warm feeling rushed over her face. Splashing her. As quick as she blinked, and Starry came down on her. Still. His legs sliding off of her. Rainbow didn’t move. Did… did it happen? W-what is all this? Is this all mine? Though no pain came. Nothing happened.

She took a breath. Twitched her leg. Still felt her tail begin to run along the ground once more. She looked down, not sure what to expect. Certainly not that. That thing that made her heart beat so hard. Starry Veil laying on her, motionless. Facing her with his gorgeous mane, made gorgeous no more while he lay huddled against her chest. Her chest soaked in the red that matched that which drenched all his mane. Darkening it.

Spilling out through the gaping hole in his head.

It took her a while. But she saw what it was. Blackened and searing… torn through his mane. With all this warmth over her face. She looked up, gasping. Tasting it in her mouth. Dripping into her nose. He’s… he’s… Rainbow screamed. Flailing her legs and catching hold of the body on her own. Grabbing tightly, enough to toss it off her. Baring her chest, where she saw so much blood. Seeping into her fur and draining down along her sides.

“Holy shit!” she screamed on. Leaping to her hooves and backing away from the corpse that had been on her. What was left of her old instructor. With nothing but pain left in his vacant stare. Looking at her. It made her sick. Rumbled her stomach and churning it. She almost felt the need to vomit. Made worse when she saw just how much of this blood covered her. This blood that was not her own. It made her panic. Sending it flying off her in a hurried shake of her body. Desperate to stop all of it from flowing even more along her. She gasped and cried. Nimbus gasped.

6.53
Dash looked over to what was left of the mare, no way that mare was angry anymore. Light on her hooves, she knelt back… in fear. Hiding all those fangs she had.

Rainbow couldn’t react. It happened even faster. When a burst of light came out, faster than Nimbus could turn to run. Dash witnessed it. Something so horrid. Pluming the ground in blood, and the mare collapsed. With no legs to hold her up. Those limbs left to roll away to a standstill next to the crying Changeling. Shrieking in such unimaginable pain the likes of which Rainbow had never heard before. Not even sure it to be possible for anypony to scream that loud. Not even sure if a pony could watch this sight.

She couldn’t take it anymore.

I got to get away from this. From whatever… whatever this is. Rainbow turned tail… to see another pony.

Oh no. Please no! Not another. As dark as a Changeling but, …wait. Rainbow Dash stared at her. This pony… before her. Standing over the body that was Starry. Running a black hoof down his side and under his stomach. Pushing and prodding, shifting the body around until she stopped. Still glaring down at the body with piercing yellow eyes. The same eyes she knew from before. For only one pony had them, only one pony she knew looked like this.

“Soulblight!”

She’s here! Oh thank Celestia. She couldn’t ask for any better pony to be here. No matter how cold and unfeeling that pony looked… even when she crunched a hoof down into the body of Starry. Making Dash cringe when she heard the cracking and grinding. As sick as it was, like Soulblight really was too invested in it, Dash was so happy.

“And they die like any other” the dark Pegasus said. “How pathetic.” And she turned to look ahead. Not even bothering to look at Dash, no matter how much Rainbow wanted her to be with her. Dash even ran closer to her.

Did she kill the Changeling? How? Oh who cares? I’m just so glad somepony is out here. Thought I’d be out here alone forever. And… she saved me. She’ll know what is going on. She’ll know where to go.

6.54
“Soulblight, I’m so happy to see you. Thank you so much!” Rainbow came close to start crying again with how unbelievably happy she was. She could just hug this pony if she didn’t look so upset standing on top of that bloodied body. One she stepped off of.

“You made the right decision, Soul” that pony said blankly. Leaving the body of Starry behind and… Rainbow watched her walk softly. Her massive black wings hanging high over her. Walking and… nothing more. As she left Dash behind without a word, and their eyes never met.

“Wait, Soulblight.”

“I’m doing this for Dashie.”

She heard a small voice speak behind her. Small and frail. Tinged in the hint of such inexorable youth no matter how frightened it sounded. How sad it was. None other than a filly’s voice. None other than… looking behind her, the small pony wrapped in magenta fur with a mane that only one pony could have. With eyes so beautiful that Dash found them unmistakable. Wandering along the ground so close to her tiny hooves. That was why, she couldn’t believe this to be Soul.

But she’s… exactly how I remember.

The same pony who slept with me, who kissed me, and played with me. That’s the pony I… abandoned.

The exact same pony. The same filly. A filly that Dash stood high above, small enough for her to even walk between Dash’s legs if she wanted. “Soul, is that you? W-what happened?” What is going on here? Soul is a child. The same kid she remembered. No difference. Even had the same absolutely wild strands of her mane that had disappeared with time, and a flank… Dash looked over to it, barren. Nothing but magenta. Soul trembled just as the splitting sound of bones breaking and the last sounds of a crying mare broke out before silence fell behind Dash. The only thing she did. Not even looking up at her old friend that stood with her.

Rainbow shook her head. This place… what is this place. Changelings and… our instructors. Why is Soul a kid? What kind of magic is this place? I don’t even think this can exist. Never even thought possible. Like she really was seeing things. Rainbow Dash touched the still warm blood on her chest. All so real. Everything was so real.

6.55
“Explain yourself, Blight!” She yelled to the black pony behind her. Not even moved when she saw that pony kick the bloodied and broken body of Nimbus aside. Her anger raw now. This can’t go on. That damn pony better stop whatever she was doing to cause this and fix everything. I’m not dealing with this anymore. Coming close to death and every moment in this world was an absolute pain, a drain on her. Terrorizing her to no end, because… one fact remained.

This all was so real.

But none of this could be real. Yet Blight didn’t answer. Why isn’t she answering me? Why is this happening? Just over there, proud of what she did. Whatever she did. Some Pegasus, Soul’s sister, that could cast magic like this?! Kill Changelings. She said she was supposed to help me. “How does any of this help!?” she screamed at her.

Nothing. “Stop ignoring me!” Rainbow stomped her hoof. Until the pain became too great to bear when Soublight did something that could not be expected.

She started laughing. Standing on the corpse of Nimbus and laughing to the sky. Her wings set out and flailing in synch with that laugh. Making Dash shy away. Without anything left on what to do.

I’m just a Pegasus. How… how can I do anything here? I feel like I just want to cry and beg for somepony. Oh man. For there to be so much death in this place. To see Soulblight kill these Changelings. Nopony can handle… she killed…

Rainbow widened her eyes. Slumping her shoulders. As the whole world collapsed around her. Not even Soul cared. Dash couldn’t care either. Not with something running through her head and the pain she felt going all along her body. The tingling and trembling. She couldn’t admit it. Not with a held tongue curling against the roof of her mouth.

Soul you… that filly walked past her. Not batting an eye, and neither pony could be close no matter how close they were. The filly stepping along with the shadows roiling past her, creeping along the ground under her hooves and pulling her in. As dark as Blight was, and that pony vanished within. Roaring, howling… with so much laughter ringing in her ears. Rainbow closed her eyes. I can’t… believe it.

Soul Serenity.

“Now you’re safe, Dashie.”

Blacking it all out and lost forever in the blinding bursts of the Sun rushing over her and tearing Soul, all of it away. Till there was nothing left.

6.56
I just saw that. I just felt that. I just heard that. But for all it was worth, all it did was break Dash’s heart. Break it into thousands of tiny pieces and crush them like a black hoof upon bones. The cackles of pain roaring out all around her, letting her know just what it was that she just experienced. What it all told her. Yet… it was not over. Like it would never be over. For nothing was right. This was not home. This was not reality.

And yet, this is Equestria.

It was all wrong. It was all terrifying. Not a single moment passed. Not without the pain of knowing what it was she just saw and all the countless voices shouting at her now. So much so that it ached and forced her to clasp her hooves to her head. Not wanting to see anymore. The writhing horror of it all slithering all along her muscles and up to her head, tingling and shivering.

Soulblight, you are doing this to me. What have you done? Could you have just told me instead of doing it this way. I asked for help yet you give me nothing but the painful images of what it was I did. Just how painful the truth was. As it became part of her own. Telling me would have been better. Much better than almost having me die and… and showing me all that.

I felt it all. It was all warm. That was… blood. And Soul… she sounded so sad. I never thought a kid could sound so sad.

Yet Soul did.

Looking down to the ground. Rainbow opened her eyes. Staring upon the dying soil of a forest birthed in white. Listening and knowing that she was alone, not at all wanting to look up to be completely certain if it meant seeing that cursed forest any longer. Being amongst this place where nothing good came to pass. Nothing good at all and only the cries of the tortured could ring out in this place, wrapping around her mind like the sound of her best friend.

6.57
Rainbow Dash actually started to cry now. Harder than she could care to. Watching all her tears fall between her legs and soaking right through that white layer beneath her. Burning holes right into it as water took their place.

I know. Soulblight, if this is your way of telling me, …why do you have to make it this way? How can you make it this way? I never ever want to see Soul that way. …But… she hated to know it was true. It was all true. A kid, one as sweet and innocent as her dearest friend, able to be so deeply sad. Sad while another pony slaughtered in front of her. Without even batting an eye, without even caring for anything else. With only one thing for her to say.

I hate myself a lot more now.

This was not helping, it was only making me worse. I know. I know already. You don’t need to rub it in. I never want to see her like that. …But she already had been that way. To not even care about me being there, like she really didn’t want me. Soul only seemed to care about being there to watch that horrible thing happen. That thing that no pony should ever see. So brutal and merciless… all for me.

She made the right choice? Is that what Blight said?

I knew it from the start, the start that Soul didn’t do it. I trusted that. But did I have to see just how painful it was to her?! Just to do something for me. Why did she do that for me? Why even try to do anything for me after all I did to her? She should have just let me die. At least then she wouldn’t have to deal with me anymore. I could have died and everything would have been fine.

Are these the thoughts you want me to have?!

All I can think is that. Get me out of here.

Rainbow had no way out, not with the cold coming upon her and her shivers of fear joined with those of chill. I don’t want to see any more. “No more” she whispered. “I’ll tell the world. It was all just like I thought, I’ll make everypony believe me if it means she can be happy here again. I’d rather she just forgets me… and live life like she was supposed to.” She doesn’t need me because I’m the pony who made this happen to her.

And Soul was right the entire time.

I messed up so badly. I didn’t stand with you, and you suffered because of it. I understand that. Just as I thought. Just as I thought. And like I have been my whole life “I’m so sorry, Soul.”

6.58
“Why are you sorry for me?”

Rainbow looked up. Eyes blistering for a moment, like sunspots shone deeply into her eyes. Dissipating and warping with the turning of the world as she sat amidst a flurry of snow, one that broke and tore away for the one who still was with her. This whole time… The little filly, Soul Serenity holding herself and shivering in the cold.

The filly smiled.

Soul? Soul Serenity? Rainbow Dash all alone… with that little filly. Sitting here together. Only them. Just a little filly staring up at her. No more pain on her face.

Soul. Is that you? Are you really here for me? And why are you smiling at me? It was like that filly just did it to tell her everything will be okay. Just like before. Before when that smile was the warmest thing of her world, like it warmed her up even now. Even before Soul, Rainbow couldn’t stop crying. Not when she remembered. Not when she saw the last moments of this filly as she had been before all that Dash had done to ruin her. I did ruin her, she should not question me being sorry.

I don’t care. We are together now.

Mare and filly. No matter how little she is, this is my Soul Serenity. The same pony I left behind twelve years ago. To see her so close and with that smile made her want to keep crying. Dash still tried to wipe them away to no avail. Quickly coming back. Trying so very hard to smile for her. Smile just like the filly.

“Soul…” Rainbow sniffled. Coming down closer for the filly. Getting so close to her, refusing to let themselves be apart any longer. She wanted to hug her so much but didn’t. Not with Soul holding herself like that. Closing herself off with her legs and even her wings. Still so large even for a little one. It was so nice to see her like she remembered. Her smile became purer.

6.59
“Soul, sweet Soul” Dash said in the tiniest voice she ever heard herself speak in. Almost breaking down hearing how so very happy she was to see this pony again. Like we are reunited. Together forever. Even if this isn’t true, I can’t help but see you how you used to be.

It’s like I finally get to see you happy again.

She reached a hoof closer to her. Setting it on the snow before the little pony. “I’m so sorry for not believing you. I should have never left you, not when you were doing so much just for me. I…” she wiped the tears off her cheeks. “I will always be there for you. No matter what.” Like all the times I should have been there for her.

I told her that I hated her. Hated her! And she sacrificed everything just to keep me safe, just to keep me happy. She said I was in danger. How selfish of me to write her off when she did all that… just to give me the life I have now. I can’t even imagine what would have happened without her. This filly… she means the world to me, just like she always did. You always were my world, Soul Serenity. I want it to be that way again… even if I don’t deserve it. I will always be here for you.

Like what I should have done so many times.

I should have gone to find you. I should have spent my whole life trying to find you just for the chance to get back the pony I missed. The one I still miss. The one who doesn’t need to cry anymore. When I feel like there’s nothing I can do to make you happy, yet you still find a way to smile even now. When you shouldn’t. No pony like her, who went through what she did, could smile and should never have to deal with the one who made it all so terrible.

And you manage to smile for me. Like a sweet filly again. Like my Soul Serenity.

“I don’t want to be a burden on you” that filly said.

Rainbow shook her head. Not wanting to hear anything like that from the filly, let alone how saying that made the filly sound a little sad. No, no. No more sadness. Not while I’m here. I’ll be the beloved friend you remembered, now that I’m here, nothing more can harm you. I will be there for you.

6.70
Rainbow came in closer. Wanting to hug the pony. I’ll hold her like we used to do. I’ll put my wings around her and tell her just how much she means to me. Keep her safe from the cold. From anything that could hurt her. From all the memories of the terrible things that happened. You don’t need to fear anymore. I’m that friend who always loved you. I will hug her. It’s what this filly deserves.

Even when Soul leaned back a little, because Dash saw that she herself had been getting closer, opening her large cyan wings to the filly. Like she was afraid. She had every right to be. I’ve been a terrible friend. Maybe I deserve it. But, …I can’t help… help but want to make it right. No matter how much she may hate me for what I did, I can’t let her go on feeling like there can never be any more.

Soul. I’m always going to be there for you. You will never be a burden.

“I’ll do anything for you, Soul. Because that’s what we always did for each other.” Before the time when I broke that beautiful friendship we had. And I lost…

The only pony I’ve ever loved.

I’m here for you now. No matter how young or old you are, I’ll be there to make you happy.

“I’ll do anything for you too, Dashie.” Soul said… as she lowered the legs and wings she held around herself. “Anything…”

Rainbow stopped, and her eyes widened. Widened when she saw the red… all the red. Flowing down that gorgeous fur.

Soul?

Dash shivered. Watching her dearest friend drop her wings and expose herself. Expose the pain that made it even worse with the last words she uttered… and the clang of glass shattering among the ground. Lost in the shard that disappeared forever, Rainbow Dash saw herself cry.

It all flowed out… from that beautiful filly, along with those words. “Anything to keep you happy.”

Soul Serenity collapsed, …and her eyes closed. Leaving Dash alone. Alone amidst the snow. Left to watch her dearest friend bleed before her. Nothing but silence.

6.71
Rainbow screamed. Scurrying over to the body of Soul Serenity. Crying out harder than ever before. Leaving all restraints behind. Seeing this, the worst thing she could ever see. No! No!

“Soul!” Rainbow reached a hoof for her… almost touching her still body. But it came back. Came back to slam against Dash’s cheek. “Soul!” She screamed at the top of her lungs. Echoing across the treetops and lost in the swaying hail of the snow.

She just killed… No! Soul, please wake up. I can’t believe this. Rainbow took all the strength she had left to crawl over to her friend. Falling into the snow. Just enough to be among her oldest and most cherished friend. What was left of her. As the last breaths escaped from that pony’s mouth.

What have I done? What has she done?! Keep me happy? How does this keep me… ugh no… Rainbow shook her head. No. I have to save her. I’ll get her out of here. Bring her back home. Anything to keep her alive. Keep her with me. That’s the only way… this can’t make me happy. You have no idea what these twelve years were like. I can’t go on anymore. Especially after seeing all this. After seeing just how broken you were. I will save you, Soul. You’ll be happy again, and so will I. Right?

We can live together now. We can always be there for each other. I’ll wake up everyday to see you there rubbing my shoulder to wake me up and I’ll do the same for you. So we can do all the things we lost out on doing. More than that. We’ll have it all back.

So please, please don’t leave me.

I don’t want to see you go. Not when I have so much to say to you. So much to last a lifetime. To hold you in my wings. To be held in yours. Don’t go. Rainbow reached for her. Her tears soaking the fur so much that all the blood upon them washed away in their torrent. Pick her up and hold her. Like best friends.

It never happened, when her back was sent slamming into the ground from the force of the wind smacking into her. Shrouding her in the dark, and Dash looked back. In time to see her. Not Rainbow who picked her up. For Soul to be held in the forelegs of a pony so dark, and Soulblight lifted her wings. Wrapping and coiling until Soul disappeared in them… with those yellow eyes staring down at the pony she cradled amidst dark feathers.

How dare she. I’ll help her. Rainbow struggled to get back up. Yelling as she did, casting her wings upon the black pony and her hind legs itched. “Get away from her, you bitch!” She’s my friend. I’ll protect her… like I always should have. Even if she’s like that. I’ll still do it. It’s all I can do. But Soulblight didn’t do anything. She did nothing more than glance over with vacant eyes upon the magenta eyes that met her. Wrapped in the voice of pain that governed this world.

“She still loves you, my dearest Soul.” And her wings enclosed. Until even Blight herself disappeared inside of their black embrace. Until the world itself disappeared in it. Rainbow Dash fell back, screaming.

6.72
Plummeting right into the snow. So much snow, even more than she thought there was until… it was obvious as she leaned back up with a shot and the drain on her throat. They drain on her mind that this world was doing to her as everything was so dizzy until she could see straight enough to find herself no longer within that terrible forest anymore. Gone with that world but not gone with the fear of what was going on as this nightmare proved to never end. Not now, not with how this was not home.

This was not Equestria, and that meant this was not going to be over anytime soon which made her panic even more with the thoughts of seeing her dearest friend dying before her. Looking around immediately. She could not find Soul. Or Soulblight. Alone again. Alone with the creeping feeling that took her so quickly and so suddenly like a knife to her back. Sending shivers all along her body and forcing Dash to cover up using her own wings to shield against what she could see coming in at her. Just in time to prevent a hail of snow and wind from blasting her face, well protected under the layers of feathers even if wind did pierce through enough to make her seal her eyes and cry. The tears she could feel already starting to freeze on her fur from a cold unlike any she knew.

It was not ending. No time soon enough for her as her mind went blank. Slipping her wings up a little to let her legs come within their shield and huddle herself. She tried to scream. It didn’t come out in the howling gale.

She fell back, leaning until she could lean no more when her back hit against something hard, and she sat against it. Suffering in the frigid winds blowing over her curled up body and wings. Even with it all howling and all the oncoming pings of frost coming over her, Rainbow Dash could only stare down at the spot between her legs. Down to the snow at her hooves. There where nopony was and she could only remember seeing that same image scarred into her brain of the young and nice filly bleeding before her, and the tragedy of knowing what it was that did it. The tragedy of feeling that she had to be the one to witness it, that she was the one who needed to be punished so much as to see the thing she never wanted to see. With just one burning question lighting her fire within. Like it were the only thing keeping her warm.

Why did Soulblight do this to me?

6.73
The wind finally died down, though it took Dash a little longer to decide to leave from her protective wings. Revealing herself to the world slowly, feeling the still chilly bursts of cold air licking against her face and snow came down in droves to start coating her. Even her wings had a light layer of snow already packed on them. Shining bright with white in the darkness. She looked up, seeing just the faintest hint of light casting a glow over the pitch-black sky above plagued in layers upon layers of thick clouds, clouds so large she doubted she could even break them. That any Pegasus could even control them.

It all shrouded the night veiled world in a sheet of white fresh out of a scene of winter… instead bombarded by blizzards the likes of which she didn’t know possible. So strong that she was scared to move any further, but she had to. It was the only way to get out of here. I have to get out of here, I need to make sure Soul is safe. That that did not just happen to her. Damn it, gotta get moving. As hard as it will be. But she did it anyways.

Took a lot to get on all fours. Feeling the full force of the cold slithering all over her body and making her shake so violently. Staring out into an endless field of white beneath a blackened sky where the snow came down in such blankets that the darkness almost turned to white and the clouds became one with the land.

Now what? Where am I now? First that horrible forest and now this. Where even was this now? In a land so damp in snow and cold. This shouldn’t even be possible. But here she was in it. She backed up away from it all. Trying to figure out what she could do, if there was anything that can be done, until she hit that thing behind her again. Turning around quickly to see. Expecting something much like what all this night had been providing her with. Except it wasn’t.

6.74
A wall. A wooden wall stretching over her and curving up into an angled rooftop, a rooftop not that far above her. When she realized something. That she was standing right next to… the top of a darkened window. Almost entirely submerged in snow.

This house… it was buried? What?

Rainbow looked along it. Trying to find some clue as to what it was that was going on and finding she was not alone with this house. There were more. To the left and right, and she leapt away enough with the help of her wings to… wait! Rainbow looked over her shoulders. Both her wings flapping in tandem and keeping her aloft just over the snowy ground.

They work now?

They did! So why now? She looked all around. Giving her wings another burst of power, before she was forced to hold her place when she almost was flung right out of the sky by a fresh blast of wind. Taking so much of her strength to keep herself aloft. Prevent herself from tumbling away until it died down again and she had to courage to do what she wanted. She took off, not too high… not when the air became so horrid enough to even breath in with so much wind and snow hitting her face the higher she went. Only able to get just above the building she had been standing by and being able to see what it was she was dealing with.

That building and the others she had seen were just few of many. Many of these houses sprawled all along the land under her to where even some of them were hard to see in this snow. But she made them all out. All of them looking almost exactly alike before this assortment of buildings ended abruptly. Centered together in the middle of… a giant land of snow. Scaling far and wide until it could be seen no more in this weather.

The lone monuments of a snowy world… a snowy world?

Rainbow felt her heart begin to race. No. It couldn’t be, as she looked around at it again. Wanting to get rid of that thought. No matter how much it stung into the back of her head.

6.75
Rainbow landed down on the house under her, and she almost slipped upon landing. Curving her hooves and angling her wings to catch the wind enough to stop her from sliding down the roof and she stood up on it. Wow, that was close. She set her hoof down in such deep snow, deep enough for her hoof to dig deep into it and still not even touch the wooden surface of the roof. Waiting to feel comfortable up here under the constant threat of falling off and so much wind coming over to sweep sheets of snow off the rooftops of other houses, proving this place to be so dangerous for her to fly in. For anypony to fly in.

What, so is that why I get my wings back now? Unbelievable. I need them. I want to go home. Even though the prospect of that happening was slowly slipping out of her mind. Not with how imposing this place was and how alone she was. Begging inside for it all to change again when it just kept going and she could no longer stand to be still in this cold. Wandering around the top of the roof just trying to look out and see if she could find anything. Just empty darkness under a shrouded Moon.

The Moon… that’s impossible! Rainbow almost fell back when she saw it. Even covered in clouds… she still could make it out even if she didn’t want to. Couldn’t believe it to be so. To see it like that again with the likeness of a mare cast within its disk. Bursting out in a shine and glaring down upon her.

“The Mare in the Moon” she whispered up to it.

But… there’s no way. It’s been years since… she shook her head. What is going on here? Somepony tell me now. As if she had gone back in time. Gone back in time and travelling to… No! I gotta stop thinking that. That’s not it.

She looked out at the blank and frigid world that froze her to the bone. This can’t be it. None of it can be. Even… as she kept looking… seeing more and more of the nothing until only one thing could be seen in all of it, taking the form of a vast array of mighty mountains tearing out in silhouettes in the darkness. Towering high in the distance. Those mountains that told her one thing. That made it all begin to make sense to her no matter how insane it sounded to her. I can already hear the others laughing at me if I told them this, because it is insane. No amount of smacks to her face could get rid of the idea, just smother it a little to fester inside. Down there with the pain of seeing her best friend so sad and to see her bleed before her. Just another trinket of this world. This world that she began to think was her own.

6.76
Only for a hum to break through the howl of the wind and take her attention. Soft and diligent, it sung out within the emptiness of this world. Like it was all around her. But it made Dash nonetheless curious, looking all about trying to find where it was coming from. To no avail. It was the only thing in this world that she could claim to be anywhere close to something she could follow, so she did.

She waited for a break in the wind to open up her wings and take to the air in long leaps to other rooftops. Running across them and leaping to another and another. Going all around, she looked left and right and the humming did not change. It still sounded like it was everywhere. So she searched everywhere. Leaping towards the front of this village, being careful not to slip like she came close to before. Until she actually did and fell with a thud into the snow-topped roof fresh out of her flight.

“Ow” she stood back up, slowly rubbing her chin. She gasped. Holding still. To hear the hum actually so close now, close enough for her to tell where it was as its tune grew softer and quieter. Wracking her with the sorrow of grief that she now could hear somewhat within the tune.

Rainbow looked over. Over to the house across from the one she stood on. To find another figure over there. One that also was upon a rooftop just like she had been. Perched towards the edge, just short of falling off it. But that pony had no fear as it stared up to the Moon with black slit eyes and wings timidly twitching to her sides as their tips scratched across the snow. Not even caring that Dash was here, even though she should.

Soulblight again.

6.77
The black pony has a lot of nerve showing up again. A lot of nerve though Dash was not at all upset to see her no matter how much she wanted to yell at her. To get this pony to stop all this. Send her home now. She was just about to do that. Leap on over to her house and demand, but one thing stopped Dash. Planting her hooves back down and her jaw dropped.

Like the tears dropping from Soulblight’s face, shimmering in the moonlight.

Each tear shining before they disappeared in the snow. She’s crying? Staring at the Moon and crying. No matter how scary she had seemed, seeing that pony like this… she’s almost unreal. Almost familiar. With the same eyes and fears inside, like she was a real pony that Dash felt for.

Does she always cry like this? All alone here, sitting and staring up to the sky? Not even caring about the cold that didn’t even seem to matter to her. Nothing to break that pony away from her sadness, a sadness so deep that Dash felt… like it did seem so familiar. To see those tears falling from her. I’ve seen those tears before. I’ve felt those tears before. The true sadness that they shone with to pierce the night sky in their glimmer with no others there to see it, and no others there to comfort her.

Nopony there to comfort me.

I can’t watch her. I know the feeling, …and didn’t you… didn’t Soul? Which pony was it who did tell me? Was it you or was it Soul who told me so well what it was like to be all alone like this. Sitting alone… with nothing but the Moon as your only company. Rainbow widened her eyes. “Soul…” the pony disappeared. Gone in an instant. Leaving nothing behind where she had sat, not even the snow did move, and Rainbow Dash was left with the memory of what this all may be. The truth of it all. When she looked back out at this world. One where nopony should ever be forced to be in. Where not even she wanted to be. Something she never wanted to experience.

But somepony did. Somepony close to me.

This is what it was like. This is what it was all like for her. So much that she even did… that to herself. Rainbow lowered her head. Casting aside the last bits of doubt she had left. Realizing what it was that Soulblight had meant about helping her. She was helping. Soulblight, you are showing me what it was like.

With Soul’s memories.

6.78
Nothing had changed and Soulblight never showed up again. Disappeared though the snow did not as it made Rainbow ever more cold to the point where she was begging for a blanket. She hoped one awaited her. Because this was the only house in the village where she could find a door that was not covered up in snow. Made possible since a porch rooftop managed to save the door from the snow to where Dash had slid down to find. Brushing snow off herself and giving her whole body a quick shake to try and send it all off her. To the best of her ability.

She sighed. Accepting that she had to try and find shelter in this wretched looking house where no signs of life was present just like every other house here. She looked back first before anything else. Up to what she could see left of the night sky peeking out from under the porch rooftop, and still no sign of anypony else. Still no Soulblight or even Soul, though she began to expect to find her best friend somewhere around here.

I think I know what this place is. I think I know what this house is. So that might mean…

Is she here? What can I even say to her? Can’t even think right. Not with the cold beginning to numb her head and the tips of her wings felt like they may fall off at any point soon. I have to say something to her. I was the one who sent her here. It was all my fault that she needs to deal with this. That she had to deal with this.

How would Soul even react? Please may it be different than last time. At least a little happy to see me. Because this is the closest I’ve come to… to being able to come and rescue you. I’ll never get that real chance. Another gust of wind hit her butt and made it so that even her tail could not keep her warm enough to stop the coming shivers. Fine, already.

Oh Celestia, please help me. Rainbow came up to the door. Taking a simple turn and a click to make it crack open and she let it wing open before her. Pulled by the wind that made her want to rush right in.

6.79
Running onto a soft carpet that was immediately flaked in snow piling in from the outside, stopped only when Dash kicked the door shut behind her and saved herself from the wind. Though it didn’t do much as the cold still hit her. Not as bad as outside. Not nearly especially because she actually found herself inside of what she could call a house. To the best of the extent.

The entire dirty carpet she stood on lit up… because of the one reason that made this place even a little warm. There was a fire going in a fireplace. Crackling against charred chunks of wood and other things she couldn’t make out. That alone let her know… somepony did live here. Or they had been. Because Dash was alone as she looked around the room. Just a small room with not a thing to make her think that it lacked any sense of space. With only a small table and some chairs perched against it… and even a large bed to her right just under a window almost completely blocked out by the snow. Not even the fact that a blanket and pillows were present on it made her any less infatuated with this place. Not wanting to free herself of the chills still running along her body.

Somepony really did live here if they were able to leave blankets and pillows strewn in such a mess. If this is all true, I think I know who it is.

So this… this is where she had to live for twelve years. Inside this dusty, old house with almost nothing to it. She even got a fire going in here. Not sure how she did that. She needed to keep this thing going for so long. Had to. It’s so cold in here. But there was nopony here. A small relief from the fear. Would Soul ever be here? I just don’t know what to expect anymore. How some world like this may work.

I was brought into her memories… so what now? How do I do this? There was literally nothing that she could think of on what to do. Not even the others would know. Not with this crazy magic… not with this horrible situation where she had to relive moments. Feel what was felt. Like this sense of loneliness that even the walls of this place brimmed in. Seeping down and saturating her. Like no happiness could exist in here.

6.80
Rainbow slinked by the fireplace, looking into it for a moment. Wondering how long one may have to stare at this thing. Like this was the only thing a pony could do out here in this weather. Where only this fire was your company. Lost out here, all alone. This is the only thing you have. So much loneliness in here, how still it all was, and she just walked on. Looking all around the room, just trying to get a sense of what a pony would have to deal with being in here for so long.

This was her home. Even has a mirror in here, one that Dash looked into. One that had blended in so well. Stepping by it softly and staring at herself. How messy her mane looked, with strands of red and orange sticking out wildly and all her fur soaked with water and small splotches of… blood. All that was left of that painful moment that she was reminded off… and even more pain when she saw even more blood that made her stand still and stare at it.

Not on herself, but… on the carpet.

Pools of it. I can’t stop staring. Large pools soaked and dried into the carpet and even smaller ones all around it. Like somepony got hurt here… and Dash didn’t want to think of how. For she had a good idea. It made her skin crawl. Hateful of having to witness all this no matter how good intentioned it was. Now having to just be here and witness all of it, all the things that Soul had to deal with. How miserable. But I’m not upset.

Whatever this place is, it’s supposed to be something. And I can’t leave even if I wanted to.

The wind was so violent out there, slamming hard against the walls of the house. Proving to her even more that she couldn’t even fly out there, and the creeping feeling of cold still hung all over her. Reminding her that there really was nothing she could do now that she was alone here without any guidance on what to do. Sounds a lot like somepony else I know who had to deal with this. Still no sign of that pony or any other around here.

I’m really alone. Alone until… something. Something happens. Whatever it is. All she could do was sit back against the wall and slowly lean against the bed frame. Staring down at the filthy carpet and doing all she could with her wings to keep herself warm.

What am I supposed to do?

Rainbow closed her eyes. Not to rest or hide this world from her sight. Simply to keep herself from crying. Squeezing tightly. Waiting with the wind outside.

6.81
Dash opened her eyes back up right as she heard a slam. Followed quickly by the howling wind blazing into the house, and she saw from over the bed that the door had been forced open. Wide enough for so much snow to fly in in sheets that made her worry that the whole house could be filled with the stuff if she did not close it. Amazing that the wind was so strong to be able to force the door open, and she stood up. But held her ground when she heard the sounded of wings flittering in the air and the tap of hooves upon wood.

The door was being held open.

Alone in here, not anymore, and that fear came back. With everything this place had shown her… Dash was scared. More afraid than she ever wished to be. Not after everything else this world had given her to deal with.

She could only kneel down. Wanting to just hide behind the foot of the bed, in this dark corner of the room until she realized that she could actually fit. So she did.

Rainbow crawled under the bed. Brushing aside the cobwebs and fighting really hard to keep herself from sneezing with all the dust blowing into her face. It took a little effort but she managed to squeeze her hind legs in and crawled in as far as she could go. Snooping along with not a sound. Oh, what is it now? I just want to get out of here. Just leave me alone, whatever it is. Whatever it was… could be as dangerous as anything else she had to deal with in this world. This snowy realm did not seem happy for her to be here. But she stopped with a startle, looking over to the doorway when she heard a rushed exhale wrapped in a shivering voice.

Hooves dragging along the carpet… hooves of reddened fur. So damped in exhaustion that they didn’t even lift off the ground as they walked along, and the door shut behind them. Clearing what was left of the snow to flurry in, and whoever that pony was let out another drawn out exhale. Matching their shivering legs and quaking violet and silver striped tail.

…Wait.

6.82
Rainbow watched that tail drag along the carpet much like those legs, leaving a damp trail of water and snow behind before it twitched and shook off piles of snow. Even more piles falling down all along where this pony walked. That tail, how it looked and how it was kept. It looked exactly like… no way.

Dash dragged herself forward right as that pony stepped by the edge of the bed. Their red legs coming close enough for Dash to even touch if she wanted… but close enough to see even more to them. Such beautifully red fur capped in spiky tips scattered among chunks of blackened dirt and soiled skin that bore open to the air where patches of fur were not even present. Making Dash gasp into her hoof as this pony passed by.

Oh shit.

That pony walked by and showed… how many wounds were all over their legs. Not dirt at all. Scabs. Open scars and bleeding wounds billowing red liquid all upon the fur and dripping a little onto the carpet behind them. Turning small spots of the carpet black and red. Just like what she knew it to be.

Blood.

As much as she didn’t want to believe it, she had an idea of what it was she was actually looking at. That that was not the natural color of that fur. Though she hated to think it wasn’t. Because that would mean one thing just because the tail did belong to her. This pony stopped just short of stepping in front of Dash’s nose, standing close to the bed’s edge. Close enough that Dash couldn’t look away at the horrible sight of the leg closest to her. All the mangled flesh and torn ligaments protruding out from all that fur with deep lashes spread all between them. Like somepony had actually slashed them.

Torn them to shreds.

The closest thing that came to her mind was walking through a thorny patch which made her cringe and shudder. Wanting to look away from the wounded leg but her eyes could not leave it. She could not stand to look away knowing who these legs may belong to and whatever it was that they had to deal with to get this bad. It was a surprise she could even walk on those legs.

Damn it, I already think it is her. Please, no. She didn’t even think of the possibility of this pony looking down and finding her hiding here.

6.83
No matter how long it was, she couldn’t look away. Even watching when the pony finally turned around and trudged off on broken legs towards the fireplace. Shaking as they walked. Swaying that gorgeous tail towards Dash. Gorgeous just like… she smacked herself.

No! Stop it, stop thinking it’s… and those wings came down.

Those wings draped off the pony’s sides so they may drag along the floor. Where the legs were red, these wings were magenta. Wrapped in such brilliant and thick feathers along wings mighty enough to tear the sky in two. Much like the pony Dash didn’t want this one to be though her wishes dwindled, and she accepted the horrible truth that… that this was Soul she was watching.

What on earth happened to her? Why? Dash thought over just how painful it must be to walk on those legs… how horrible it must feel to look like that, and whatever it was that made it happen. What did she go through to look like that? What pain? Was it like the sadness in her young face, the horror in her face when she fell to the ground with a slash to her throat and a bloody shard in her hooves?

How? How can anypony suffer so much?

Rainbow fought back the urge to leap out and cry for her. Smacking her hoof against the floor over and over with tears coming down. “Pffff….” She muttered out of her mouth barely holding in her pained cries. What happened to her? Soul, I can’t… I hate to see you like this. So why are you so calm? The Pegasus making naught a sound as she sat down by the fire… down enough for Dash to see that… it was really her. With her long and beautiful mane draped along her back and ears set down hiding her face as she stared down into the fire. No filly at all.

It was Soul Serenity. Tormented in blood and scars.

6.84
Calm down, Dash. Calm down. I… she looked back at the pony and all the blood spilling out from her legs. Damn it all. She looked away trying to catch her breath. Get those fears out of her mind because she had to be the stronger mare here. Because time was passing and passing and only Soul remained here shivering in front of the fire. Not even moving, as Dash’s only company and her unending desire to just go out there and try to comfort her best friend. Since this really did look to be the most needy time her friend had.

She didn’t even need to see her face to know that Soul was in such sorrow to even display any emotion from herself. Not after all she knew about what it was that Soul had to go through.

Dash couldn’t believe she almost stepped out from under the bed, so hard to stop herself. Damn it, Soulblight. What is it I’m supposed to do? You said you’ll help me, help me find out what I have to do to help her… but… if she’s like this then what can I do? I’m just one pony. One pony who screwed up badly. It was all my fault she got like this. How can you ask me to help? There’s nothing I can do. No. Not after what I did to such a poor mare.

I did this to her.

Just laying here was proving to be more daunting a task to do than trying to get Blight to answer. As an itch ran all down her legs just seeing her best friend in such a state… and all the drive in her to comfort her. Just like when you got hurt. Every time when we were fillies, I always was the one to be there for you when you fell, when you hit a wall or fumbled a landing. Scraping your legs and hurting your wings. Just like I know you’d do for me. I would always hold you until you stopped crying… can… can this even count? With how much pain you must be in.

Am I even good enough anymore? Good enough to be there for you?

Soul sniffed. Breaking Dash out of her trance. Staring over to the sad pony by the fireplace who did all she could to warm herself up. Hiding the obvious from Dash.

I can’t let this go on. No matter what, even if I don’t know what to do, I need to try. I wanted to treat you just like I used to, I want you to feel so welcome in your new life and to leave the old one behind. I guess… this is the best place to start.

Rainbow pulled herself out from under the bed.

6.85
Soul did not turn. Not with quiet steps that Dash took towards her. Leaning her head down with wings drooped upon her sides. All the sadness she felt seeing Soul get closer and closer. I’m getting so close to her. I’m not gonna hurt you or scare you. Just, please, see me as the pony you used to know. Trust me, please. I only want what’s best for you.

You used to be the strong one, it’s my turn now.

Dash hesitated on one last step. Feeling she could just run out the door and leave. Prefer to freeze over dealing with what I’ve done to her? She gulped. No. I can’t run from her. I need to deal with this. It’s the only way I can think of to save her. …Huh, if that was your intention, Soulblight, it sure isn’t easy.

But it’s not like life ever was easy for us, Soul. I see that you really did… have it so bad. Now that I can see it with my own eyes. I can’t help but cry for you inside. I don’t want you to be like this forever. Please, I just want to see you smile again. No matter what you do, I’ll try twice as hard. Listening to Soul crying behind her mane. Try so hard to stop the tears that have been building up for so many years. It’s all I can do. All I can do to get you back. All I can do is be strong.

6.86
“Soul.”

Rainbow’s heart skipped when Soul bucked her head up in surprise. Flailing her silver mane up in a jump and her huge wings rose along her sides. Then she quivered. Huffing behind her mane. Trembling ever so worse than she had been. Keeping Dash away from her in this pitifully frightening display the pony made. Not even from being startled. Dash could tell one thing.

Soul was scared. So scared that she didn’t even turn around. Grabbing hold of one of her wings and pulling it forward, wrapping her face in it and whimpering. Refusing to look away from the fireplace. Drenching her wing in blood and quaking in her wounded legs.

“Soul, it’s me. It’s Dashie” Rainbow stepped a little closer. Opening her wings just a little. Not entirely sure what to expect from how so very scared Soul was now. Like she was just afraid of the fact that Dash was talking to her. …No, I have no right to be here. Not after how long I left her like this. Left her with those last words I gave her. I’m probably the last pony she would ever expect to see here. The last pony she would want to see here. But I can’t leave you like this, Soul.

Dash made the stride towards her old friend. Just short of tapping her on the shoulder, which she almost did but held back. Held back when Soul trembled even worse knowing that Dash had gotten closer. Dash brought her hoof back, whispering. “I… I’m so glad to see you. I…” she really struggled to find what she may say to a pony in this situation. If she should ask about her wounds and tell her how much she missed her. How bad it was for her to see Soul like this. But she had nothing more to let out of her mouth. Nothing at all.

“Please don’t hurt me.”

Dash looked back up. Hearing Soul correctly. It made her heart writhe. To hear her best friend say something like that to her. Why would she? I… “Soul, I…” Dash stepped one hoof closer.

6.87
Then Soul did turn. Turn and showed her eyes as if they weren’t her own. No longer with the beauty of the Sun or the rush of the life that they had once been with. Drained of all happiness… as they sat there plagued in red and cracks around her tiny pupils pulsating at her. Shriveling with the fear so clearly stitched in her face.

All Dash could see of them before Soul fell backwards with a jolt and a scream. Falling on her bloody legs, and… breaking Dash’s heart. When she watched her best friend scurry away from her. Kicking her hind legs against the floor just to push herself away. Shrieking and panicking. Yelling at the top of her lungs without even trying to look at Dash.

No. She’s… running from me?

Just trying to get away. Back away until she could not back anymore when her wings flurried against the wall and she quickly curled up against it. Crying beneath her bloody legs.

Oh Soul… Dash shook her head and trembled watching her friend act like this. Shaking on her legs now in fear. Afraid of what it was that made Soul do this. Act like this. Because this… this was not Soul. I’ve never seen Soul like this. She’s never gotten like this. She’s like… a scared kid now. What happened to you?

“Get away, get away, get away.” Dash’s wings jumping each time that was said. Flailing about and sending feathers scurrying. Sweet Celestia, what has happened to you? She’s… she’s afraid of me? But I… Rainbow backed away, looking down at her own hooves. No longer sure what it was she could do anymore. I wanted to comfort her. I wanted to be her friend again, but she’s… Soulblight didn’t think of this. Did she? I can’t do this. I can’t. I’m not the friend I used to be. With every time she heard Soul mutter for her to get away sent even more daggers into her mind, cutting and scalding until she could feel nothing but herself begin to break down. Wanting to hide herself in her own wings, run to a corner of her own and hide from Soul.

That is how we left each other. Just like this. Just like what I wanted from you.

So now I get it. I’m the one who gets the punishment now. The punishment of seeing my best friend so scared and afraid of me. She wants nothing to do with me. Since I was the one who sent her to this world. I was the one who made it so she had to deal with all this. I’m no better than a monster and… that is why…!

Dash stared at Soul. I made you this way… because… you’re afraid of me. After what I did to you.

Soul Serenity is afraid of me.

No better than a monster. A monster who told her the most hurtful words anypony could say to her. So… that is how you see me? That is what I made you think of me. So it’s true. It’s all true. This whole world and everything it was.

…This really is Soul Serenity. A Soul Serenity that Dash did not want.

Soul, I’m so sorry.

6.88
I’m not gonna have any more of it. I’m not your monster. I’m your best friend and I will prove it to you. Just like we used to be.

That is what made Dash walk, on her own… over to the crying form of her best friend. Over to where her pleas for her to leave grew stronger though she never lifted her head. Never showed those eyes gripped in sorrow to her. I don’t wan’t to see those eyes again. All I want is my Soul Serenity back. The one so beautiful and happy. Whatever I can do. And I think I know how. Just like we used to… the last time we did this. Our last night together.

I’ll do it for you again. To let you know there is nothing to cry about. To let you know that I am here for you just like I used to be, and you can rely on me once more.

Soul Serenity, I’m your best friend… and you deserve everything from me. Including this.

Rainbow stood over Soul, taking no second thoughts to walk around her prone body… and she laid down too. Not caring about any blood that got too close to her. Not caring if Soul lashed at her or flailed wildly. Because I trust her. I trust Soul to be that pony I once knew. The one who will love this.

Dash raised her wing. Pulling herself close… until… until their fur touched, and Rainbow did something she missed so deeply. She pulled Soul in, in between her legs and held her tightly. As both pegasi lay there together. Silently, as Rainbow Dash set her wing down upon the shaking body of Soul. Curling it up and covering her entire body in blue feathers so that only her best friend’s head loomed out under her legs… where she cried.

Dash tightened her grip. Planting her nose into Soul’s mane and closing her eyes. Waiting… waiting with the seeping feeling of warm blood covering her wing. I don’t care if her blood is getting on me. I just don’t. I’ll do anything for her. I’ll lay here as long as I have to, with her. I’ll hold her until she feels safe. Until she has nothing left to be afraid of. As we go back to how we were, when you hugged me like this on our last night together. Soul Serenity.

6.89
Holding on for as long as it took. No matter how much it made Dash so very upset to see and feel how Soul was really wanting to get away from her. Tossing and turning under her wing, but Dash would not let go. Not until she saw just how little she had changed and that Dash was wanting her to be happy. Even now. Whatever it was that tormented her. This hug will save her. It will remind her of what used to be. Until Soul would stop. Stop her squealing and pulling. All her fears of who it was that held her.

She has every right to be afraid of me, it was me who ruined her after all. Me who betrayed her when she needed me most. I’m the one who caused all this pain to her. It may as well be all me, me personally who did this to her. Who made her bleed and made her cry all the time. Is that why you cry all the time? I won’t let it go anymore. Until you’re happy again and we can be the best of friends just like we used to be.

It was all that Dash wanted as she kept her eyes sealed against Soul’s mane and struggled with all her might to keep her held. Keep her safe.

I’ll always be there for you. Even now, just like I should have been when you were here by yourself. I’ll make up for it now. Ignoring her cries and screams. Letting herself calm down just enough to lean in and rub her cheek along the back of Soul’s head. Whispering for her to hush in her ear and stroking her side under that wing of hers.

Not letting up with her strokes, when Soul tried again to leap away and Dash held tighter. Not wanting to give up when Soul began to quiet down. Rubbing her stomach the likes of which nopony else would ever receive from her. Only Soul would get it. You’re the only pony I’ll do this for. Only I would.

Don’t you see, Soul… it’s me. The Dashie you loved. The only one who will do this for you.

“I really missed hugging you like this” she whispered to Soul right in the middle of one of her panics. But that would not keep her from saying more. All she knew to do to remind Soul of who they once were, and… all she would do to bring those times back. Just like now, as I suffer this world for you.

“I wanted it so badly… Soul. Didn’t you?” she asked over Soul’s screams. “So much that I… even came all this way to find you. I saw everything you had to deal with, and I went after you so you would not feel all alone anymore. Just like I should have done earlier. I should have come for you, I should never have left you to this. But I won’t leave you anymore. We can go back to this. Just like you used to love, and we can be the greatest of friends again. Isn’t that what you want?”

Dash nudged her face deeper into Soul’s mane, …which lay still now and heavy breathing burst out from the darkness of Soul’s hairs. All she could hear now that she wanted to listen, that and her own tears. Her own sniffles, crying into Soul’s mane. Holding her tighter no matter how much the pony she held struggled to move and escape.

“I miss it so much, Soul. And all I have left is… is the last time you did this for me. It’s all I had left of you, all those years ago. My last memory of you. …Back when we were fillies, do you remember? When we slept together. I was so stupid to not tell you how much that meant to me. Because no other pony ever did that for me. Just like nopony else did it for you. But… you did it. You held me for so long. You kept me safe. You are the only friend I’ve ever known to give me that feeling.”

That feeling. The one deep in my heart, I’m always too afraid to admit it to you. But I will let you know everything else. Everything that you did for me.

Rainbow scooched over, closer to Soul’s poised ear. Close enough for her lips to touch the fur. “I loved it. Every second of it. Not even my own parents gave me that feeling you gave me. …And I hate we left it like that. All I want is to return the favor… so you can feel what it was like when you did this for me. And I’ll do it for as long as you want. So please… please Soul don’t be afraid of me. Because I’ll never hurt you again. I’ll never be that pony you’re afraid of. And I will do everything I can to make you happy again. Because there’s so much I want us to experience.”

And…

“You should know why.”

6.90
The day you left me… it was the worst day of my life… when I heard what had happened to you… I did something nopony else knew I did. I even lied to my parents that I was just studying flight patterns and needed absolute concentration. Anything to keep them from opening my door and seeing me. Anything so nopony else could see what losing you did to me.

I skipped camp… for many, many days. I only left my room to eat or use the bathroom. And my flying got worse with how many weeks I spent alone in there. The days my parents didn’t even know I was skipping. Because I couldn’t bring myself to go there… without you. I would rather stay in my room… and cry.

Cry so much that it… it was like my bed was soaked. Until I couldn’t cry anymore and fell asleep with only one thing on my mind. The one thing that kept me sad. That was the fact that I had lost you, that I would never see you again. Banished just like the princess… I thought it would be the same way. That I really would never see you again. That we would be apart till we both would die.

Me at our home, and you lost forever.

At our home. The home we should have shared. Our town. Our sky. The thought that you were gone from it all and I would not be able to experience it with you was too much for me. Too much… that… I even tried to come find you. All the months I spent outside of flight camp, I spent searching for you as far as I could go. I was just a little filly, and I went so far for you.

To Canterlot and Ponyville. Over Everfree and on to Manehattan. I spent so many months looking for you that… that I even got kicked out of camp for it. And my parents yelled at me when they learned what I had been doing, and I couldn’t do it anymore. They even sent me back to camp… without you. But that didn’t stop me. None of that stopped me.

What stopped me, when I was just a mare right out of her filly years ready to fly as far as Equestria could take me, was myself.

Knowing what I had done to you, that I abandoned you and told you horrible things. I was my own fear that kept me from you. I was such a coward to turn back and never try again, thinking you were better off without me. But being apart from you and thinking you were better off didn’t keep me from being sad all the time, no matter how good I was at hiding it.

Every day I spent training, I looked over my shoulder and wished you were there with me. Every time I went to bed, I wished you could hold me. Everypony I hung out with, it wasn’t the same as when I was with you. Because you were the best pony I ever met. The only pony I could call my truest and greatest friend. One I wanted to share my life with. Even when I moved to Ponyville and met the others, I still regretted not having you there with me. For you to come along and we could start our lives together in a new town fresh out of training and ready for the world with so many new friends we could make. So many new things we could do together. Until the point when we could finally realize our dream together.

All the others thought it was so great, but it wasn’t. That day was the happiest and saddest day of my life when I finally passed the test and could actually call myself a Wonderbolt. I smiled and cheered… until I got home, …and I just cried. I cried holding my new uniform for hours… and hours… that I couldn’t even sleep. Because you weren’t there with me. I didn’t get to see you accomplish your dream, and I hated myself that you wouldn’t be able to. You were lost out there. And there was nothing I could do to help you. Nothing while I did what we both wanted to do.

It’s funny… I kept going for that dream just for you… but it didn’t feel good to do it. I thought I would love it, accomplishing it with you on my mind… but it was the most painful moment of my life. I had nopony there to comfort me. I didn’t have the one pony I trusted to comfort me. All because I am the worst friend ever. When I want you to be so happy, to accomplish everything you ever wanted, to be there for you every step of the way and I just left you. I left you to suffer and lose everything… and I hate myself for it.

Everypony loves me… but I don’t.

I hate myself so much and I don’t think I can ever go back to being the pony you held. And I’m so terrified you will never go back to being the pony I knew. So we can go on to do all we wanted together… without having to be so afraid. There’s so much I want us to do. So much I wish we can do. So many places to go and so many things to experience but I’m so scared it won’t happen all because I am not good enough for you. That nothing I can ever do will ever make it right again.

Soul, …I’m so scared. I’m so sad. And I don’t ever want us to be apart again… but I feel we are always going to be apart.

So what can I do?

What can I do to show you I still am the one you used to know? Please tell me. Because it’s all I’ve ever wanted. I’ll do anything for the chance to see you happy again. I’ll give anything. Just as long as we can go back. So you can forget what it was you suffered from. So we can stop feeling like the past has never left us. Cuz I want to be there for you, forever… without anything holding us back.

So please tell me.

Tell me… so you can trust me again. So we can go back to being what we used to be.

Tell me… so I can finally admit to you… how I really feel…

6.91
A feather touched Dash’s cheek. Rubbing the tears away.

Those soft, magenta feathers running so gently across her cheeks. Even when they came so close to her eyes. But they never did. Gently running along her face… and they fell off with the huge wing that came up and… and locked together with Dash’s own wings. From the pony who looked at her. Glanced over to her from the side… with a huge smile on her tear-filled face that even lit up her horribly reddened eyes. Before she rolled around under Dash’s wing, never letting go of the grip their wings had on one another, and she faced her.

Both pegasi laying there face to face.

Dash was silent… silent as a hoof came up, and magenta fur touched her face. She blinked. Falling calm as that hoof brushed along her even more gently than the wing had, and she felt herself being pulled as well. Slithering over her and knowing the feeling… the feeling that Soul was… was hugging her under their wings. Gone was the feeling of warm blood dripping over her. Nothing but the warmth of her fur and the brilliance of her smile drenched in tears.

Rainbow Dash lay down, holding her tighter right as Soul did the same, and both ponies came closer. Together in the glow of the fire, where not even the cold could be felt anymore. Not in this warmth that made Dash smile… closing her eyes and seeing her dearest friend’s smile in the dark of her sight and a stroke of Soul’s hoof along her face. Comforted by her saying it as happy as she could. Soft and gentle but… she heard how happy she was.

“Dashie.”

6.92
“You were suspended?” Soul giggled over it.

Dash didn’t take that lying down, squeezing a little tighter in her own way of telling her not to laugh at it. Dash was the one who could do what she wanted now, now that she had Soul… and Soul really could have just gone off as she did before in fear over being so close to Dash, but she didn’t. She actually looked so happy as she was down there where Dash kept her head set upon Soul’s mane and both of them stared at the fireplace. Watching it dance and basking them in warmth that Soul surely didn’t need, being completely covered up in Dash’s wings.

Soul probably really likes this. I don’t know if she has an idea how much I’m loving this. “Yeah I sorta messed up on one of our shows and did a lot of damage” Dash said going through with the want of running her chin through Soul’s mane, warming up from her touch. Really just wanting to do this forever. For them never to leave from this moment if they could keep it going till the end of time, and never have to experience anything less. For now they were together.

After so long, and this was the one moment Dash felt so happy doing this again. Dream or not. She didn’t want it to end. Not with how real it did feel, how real her happiness was and hearing Soul actually talk to her like this. Talk like like she had no worries. Like she really was comfortable being around Dash. Not even doing the thing Dash thought she would do upon learning about her time in the Wonderbolts… Soul didn’t even flinch. Not at the fact she was not a member and couldn’t experience these moments herself. But genuinely happy to hear about what Dash did.

It took all this just to get to this moment. When we could do this. We can actually talk like great friends again. Talk about anything and be close like this. Like we never left. If only it was true. Still, this is more than anything I can dream of. After all the terrors and hopelessness she felt… for it to lead to all this. This one small moment that meant more to her than any other. That it could lead to more. She dreamed of it to be so. Wondering if Soul thought the same even as they just talked about other things.

Do you feel the same way I do? Are you afraid? Are you happy?

6.93
“I hope nopony got hurt. Wow, …I can’t believe they actually suspended you.” Soul leaned back to look upon her. “Are you upset that you can’t fly with them?”

Guess she doesn’t want to say. That’s fine, I think I already know the answer. Because I feel it. “It’s only for a little bit. And I guess I deserve it. I did do some pretty risky moves and didn’t really think over it. I was more focused on impressing really.” Rainbow sighed. “Still crashed anyways.”

“Something tells me it was more than a crash” Soul snarked. Oh now that was clever… and great to hear. Dash smiled. Yes! I missed this. “Something tells me you couldn’t pull it off either” Dash said back.

“Maybe I could.” Soul flexed her wings under Dash’s wings. Grazing the spans of them along Dash’s feathers. “It’s not like I spent this whole time sitting around.”

I know. You’ve done so much and I’m so proud of everything you managed to do even when thrown into this world. “You do have very beautiful wings” Dash whispered, getting an immediate response when Soul swooned and budged her head back against Dash’s chin. Such a soft touch.

“You really think so?”

“Yeah” Dash said. “They’re perfect for a future Wonderbolt.” Soul went still. Though Dash couldn’t see her down there, she heard her breathing. Soft and slow, and the slightest kick of her hoof against Dash’s wing. Such a giddy move. Whatever thoughts she may have, Dash hoped they were sweet. Something beautiful to go to bed with and hope for.

“I can see it now, you and I… the greatest flyers in Equestria, impressing everypony with our skills.” Dash giggled. “I bet Scootaloo would be dying to join us.” I’d love to see that filly with us someday. We can actually be together and not have to worry about a thing anymore.

“That’s the second time you mentioned that pony, who is she?” Soul asked. Oh yeah… I didn’t say that. More focused on the story. But that filly really would be somepony Soul should meet… we can totally show her what a pony can become, no matter how difficult it can be. Who better than Soul? Me crashing sure didn’t help that at all. I kinda hope Scoots had fun watching me.

6.94
“I’m sorry…” Dash said. “She’s my little sister.”

“You have a sister!?”

Oh, I did sort of say that bluntly. “Well, kind of. She’s a filly who’s having a bit of a hard time learning how to fly… and she seems to really like me.” She looks up to me yet she, just like every other pony, has no idea that I’m not a pony to be looked up to. Not when I make such bad mistakes that drive others away from me. I hope I can at least come close to being the pony Scootaloo dreams of being. Which seemed so far away when she looked down at the pony she held, the one who was closer than her at being that pony. I can only try. Just like I tried with you.

“She didn’t have anypony to rely on and… she never could find one to teach her. I took her on as my student but…” oh I’ll admit it truthfully. “She really is like my little sister now. I love it when she calls me her sister.”

“She looks up to you?” Soul asked. Dash nodded, and Soul sank a little lower into her. Staring at the fireplace with Dash. “And she wanted to be your sister…?” Soul droned off. Lowering her head a little. That made Dash look down at her. “Something wrong?” Noticing that her friend was indeed a little shaken right now. Does she not like the idea that there’s somepony else in my life that I like to be around? No, that can’t be. Soul is not the jealous type. I hope. Especially after so many years… a lot had changed.

“No” Soul shook her head. Laughing again. “She sounds like such a sweet girl. I’d love to meet her.” Leaning back into Dash again. “Dashie has a sister” she said in a mocking voice. Yeah, I do. She hugged Soul even more. “Too bad I crashed in front of her. It was so embarrassing, and I thought I had it.”

6.95
Both ponies fell silent. Soul didn’t seem to have any thing else to say about it. I wonder why she got all quiet when I told her about Scoots. Is it a shocker I got a sort-of sister? I don’t think I should ask. Soul, she always hides her feelings. I don’t think I’ll get much out of her. I’m not one to talk. I’ve been holding back so much from her and it drove us apart.

I have no regrets telling her everything I’ve had to go through over the years.

“Do you regret skipping all those classes just to look for me?” Soul asked softly. Wow, I didn’t think she’d ask me that. Regret it? Well… even after what it did to my performance; I know I could’ve been a lot better back then if I hadn’t. Still…

“Not at all. I’d do it again… because I really wanted to find you. I’d do anything for you.” Besides, I still managed to improve even if I started sucking at camp. I did it for you, I skipped for you and improved for you. Because I wanted to impress you whenever I found you. “But you have no idea…” Dash hugged her even more. Getting a happy squeak out of her best friend and a little flutter of her wings. Proving more and more to Dash just how much she loved this. To do this again. “How happy I am to finally find you again after so long. I’d do anything just to see you happy again. Even skip class and go through so much crap just to get to you.”

Really now, Soul, you have no idea just how much I had to see tonight just to get to this. And all that training and time spent thinking about you, crying about you, it was all worth it just to see your smile again. Just to get the chance for us to do what we wanted to do when we were fillies. We can finally have a future together. I really think we can. We finally get to hug now. And you seem so happy to be around me again.

6.96
“We can train together to make up for lost time!” Soul said excitedly. “I can show you what I learned and you can show me what you learned. I bet we’ll be the greatest flyers of all time with us working together!” Sweet Celestia, that sounds like an awesome idea. And Soul sounds super excited about it. It’s funny. She’s like this now when she was so distant just days ago. But to become the greatest flyers? Well… that sounded impossible… considering there didn’t seem to be much point to work towards that when they already were. Dash had enough proof for that.

But, still though, why spoil it? She had no reason to… and, looking down at Soul, to the pony who looked up to her, she saw it in her eyes. That was not the real reason she wanted them to fly together. How excited she looked and happy… no, Dash bet it was the same reason they had back when they were kids. The real reason.

“I’ll be your wingpony, anytime” Dash said. “And I’ll be yours” Soul said back. Laughing and just brimming in joy. The likes of which Dash remembered when they used to fly together for the real reason… the real reason of being together. “There’s a bunch of mountains here that I like to train with… maybe we can fly through them together” Soul suggested. Mountains? Wow… the same ones that gave Soul these wings. Out here? Dash loved the idea but… she looked back out to the half-buried window. “I don’t know if I can train when my damn wings are icicles” she joked. But Soul was quick. “It’s just another blizzard tonight. It’s not so bad in the daytime. It’s still pretty cold but you can fly around out there.”

Sheesh… I’m being so gullible. But I have to accept that offer. Even if I’m here for a long time, I’ll still do that with you. Until we can go home together. Go home and be happy. I’ll fly for as long as you wish in this world… so long as I get to do it with you.

6.97
“Alright, you convinced me… I’d love to join you.” And Soul cheered. Happily leaning back into Dash, where Rainbow felt she may topple backwards with Soul but she kept them up and laughed alongside Soul. Laughing like we missed so many opportunities to do, now it’s all back. “Just like we used to” Dash said.

“Yeah! The skies are ours again” Soul kept going with how happy she was. Like a filly again. Carefree and excited for so many things she had no idea what would come to. “Flight buddies forever!” she said out loud in such a shrill voice that really did show that things were really changing.

Is this Soul even real? How can a pony change so much? After all I put her through, and now she’s wanting to be my wingpony again?! I… I never expected this. I never thought it would come to this when I saw that horrifying forest. When I felt all the pain and suffering you went through. Now it ends like this. I may as well say it with pride.

“Like best friends!” Dash said. “We can go home together, get out of this cold and show everypony that we’re the bestest of friends.”

Soul pumped her hoof out from under Dash’s feathers and into the air. “That nopony will ever beat us.” No, none will. Nopony will ever keep us apart. We will be like this forever, as long as I have a say about it. You’ll see, Soul. I’ll never let anything happen between us again. Whatever bad things I did to you in the past are meaningless now. And you never have to be afraid again. Rainbow was beyond happy over the fact that she could think that. Oh, all the things that this can lead to. If this was a dream, she never wanted to wake up. Not until they could have the life they should have had together.

“We can go home, …and you can live with me. I got…” Screw it. “A big bed we can share just like old times. And we can wake up together and do everything to make everything better. We can get your life back together.”

6.98
Soul looked back at her with a frown. Not the reaction that Dash wanted from her. Hope that didn’t sound too weird to her. I thought that’s the kind of stuff she liked. Or maybe… she probably doesn’t trust me enough for that yet. She’ll trust me. In this dream and then… then in reality. It’ll all be real. As long as we take our time.

“Do you really want to sleep with me?” Soul asked. W-was that it? Dash waited to see if Soul had anything more to say, but the pony stayed silent. Waiting and watching for whatever it was Dash had to say. Sleep with her again. Just like we did on our last night together. The best moment I’ve ever had with her. Then all those years that kept us apart. This miracle that has happened, ...it allowed for it. For Dash to finally be able to think of it again. As close as they were now. For it to go on forever. I’ll hold you forever… be there for you forever… until the end. Just like you did for me. …My bestest friend.

The pony I love.

Rainbow Dash nodded. “I really do.”

“Living together…” Soul slumped back down into Dash’s cradle. “You have no idea how much I’ve wanted to do that… for so long. …I missed being home.” “You don’t have to miss it anymore. I’m here for you” Dash said down to her. Reaching one of her own hooves up and wiping a tear she saw on Soul’s cheek. “You never need to be afraid again. Best buds stick together.” Always.

“They stick together?” Soul whispered. Looking up to the wall. Leaning her mane back against Dash’s chin. Clutching her tightly. We’ll always stick together through anything. “Hey Dashie.” “Yeah, buddy?” Both of them locked eyes… and smiles. “There’s somepony I will want you to meet. …Friends stick together… right?” Dash grinned. They do, and I know exactly what you mean, Soul. After tonight… I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I can’t wait to meet her” Dash said. She held her close. “And we can all be best friends.”

6.99
“Maybe if she gets down and begs for it” Rainbow heard herself say even when her mouth did not move.

I would… never say anything like that. No way. And Soul, she’s… shaking.

What?

Soul backed down. Scooching back with a shake as she tried to… to hide.

“That stupid kid has a lot of nerve to think she can have it so easy after what she did.” That made Soul do something that hurt Dash’s heart. She whimpered below her chin, reaching up and coiling her hooves around Dash’s wing and holding her tight with a small “No.”

Rainbow Dash turned her head, over to where those cruel things came from.

Coming out of the mouth of Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash standing over there… across from her on top of the bed, with a glare so deep that it did hurt Dash’s own soul to see it. Made her tremble from the chill and the silence that captured the room, turning all into a maelstrom of absolute stillness set between the two cyan furred ponies where the only motion was that of what Dash felt shaking in her wings.

“What… the hell?” Dash blinked again, still… she stood there on the bed shaking her head in disappointment down to her. Scoffing at her. “You really are so pathetic to cave into that bitch so easily. Here I thought you were tough enough not to go crawling back to her.”

Is she saying that… to me? Who the hell does she think she’s calling a bitch!? Dash held Soul closer to her. Keeping her safe under her wings. It was her turn to glare at this other pony, even when she had no idea what was going on. She has my fur, she has my eyes and my mane. Her fluttering wings, the same as Dash’s. With her shadow cast upon the entire wall behind her. Like a looming phantom above the darkness. The darkness of a pony who had everything about Dash… but one thing. I would never say those things to Soul.

6.100
Trick or reality. Nightmare or not. I’ll never let anypony say those things to Soul. Even if this was some sort of thing Soulblight was pulling off… or maybe, …what? Dash had no time to think. All she knew was she was the one getting mad now. Even more startled when… when that Dash took a step forward on the bed. A step… and a jump by the pony Dash held who moved away just as Rainbow walked forward. Moving as one, but Soul squealed. Trying to pull herself away, though Rainbow would not let her go.

She doesn’t need to be afraid. Whatever this is, I’ll deal with it. She doesn’t need to suffer anymore. Just please be happy… even when she felt a cold tear touch down upon her wings.

“Crawl back to her? Okay, …I don’t know who you’re supposed to be but nopony talks to…”

“My friend like that” the other Dash mocked in a shrill and antsy voice that grated on Rainbow’s nerves. “Cut the crap” she went on leaning over the edge of the bed and staring down on Rainbow. “You’re as much a liar as she is” that pony pointed to Soul. “All those lies we lived. They meant nothing all because of that baby who couldn’t even help her friends without hurting them. If she spent the same time treating others right as she does whining all the time, maybe she’d have a better life. If not, then I don’t want her back home ever again!”

That was the thing that finally made Dash cringe thanks to what it did… as Soul began to cry. Holding her hooves up and burying her face in them. Weeping so loudly into her fur, louder than Dash heard from her. Like there was real and genuine pain in her cries. As painful as… the terrifying sight… of blood dripping from her legs in small plops upon Dash’s wings. “Isn’t that right, Soul?” that Dash said to her.

6.101
Dash fell forward when she was pulled along. Soul bursting out from her wings and freed from Dash’s grip with one mighty flap of her wings and a cry of panic. “No!” she screamed. Taking Dash with her until Dash finally let go and tumbled along the floor. Not caring at this point… when she lay on her back and stared up at the ceiling. Listening to the cries of her best friend. Hearing a disappointed groan from her voice, and Rainbow looked over in shock at the one who made Soul cry.

Rainbow Dash stepping down from the bed with a flap of her wings, gently landing with such beauty and grace that fought so much against the hate burning in her eyes. The cruelty in her tongue.

She is me, but not me? And how could she say that stuff to Soul?

Soul already had it so hard after all this time, why torture her more? By telling her these lies.

Rainbow hated that venom dripping out of that pony’s mouth. Seeing that she was coming closer and closer until… no. Dash rolled over and got on her hooves. Lashing out her wings at her sides, burst out to stand before this pony… this pony who was going to where she knew she was heading. Dash glanced over just enough to see the silver tipped tail of her best friend squirming in the corner. But she would not take her eyes off this… thing. That was the best way to describe any pony who dared to be so mean to Soul.

Whatever this is, if its another test, I won’t let Soul down.

“How dare you. Get the hell out of here…”

“Or what?” Rainbow said back. “You’ll protect her, don’t make me laugh. You and I both know you don’t actually care for her. You only want her love” she said squirming her body with a grin. “Really such a stupid thing you expect to get out of her after what she did. Not like she would ever love you anyways, right? Not the way you do for her. Oh no… not at all” she shook her head and still walked along like Dash was not there to threaten her. With every word coming out of her mouth and every despicable motion she made making Dash more and more uneasy. Watching her trot around her with a smile on her wicked face and words that left Dash speechless. Unbelievable words. I can’t listen to this crap.

“Never love her? Soul is my best friend… I would never treat her badly. I came all this way just to find her, and I know she suffered because she wanted to protect me.”

“Protect you? You know that’s not true. After all, you two did make it so clear that there never was anything between you. Soul did it all for herself, cuz she’s so selfish. That’s why she’ll never get anything from anypony.”

Selfish?! How the hell could this fake Dash say that? Rainbow opened her mouth, ready to yell at her. But she shivered… shivered at the voice softly whispering to her in her ear, when that pony tucked a hoof around her neck and held her close for that tongue to make her frightened.

“She made you cry. She made you hurt for so long. You lost friends and you lost confidence in yourself and you lost so much happiness all because of her. She chose to betray your trust and left you behind with how she really feels about you. Don’t worry, I understand… I hate her too for telling me what she said to me.”

6.102
Rainbow almost fell to the floor hearing that. No, don’t say those things to me. None of it is true. I… I didn’t feel that way. I didn’t...

It hurts. One thing that made Dash shake. Make her wings begin to drop when that pony giggled in her ear. Her words writhing around in her head and hurting deeply. It hurts just like every time I used to lay in bed and remember how much that horrible day ruined me. I hated it so much. I never wanted to remember how I felt.

I decided to never feel again.

The only way to forget it… and it took years. So many years to lose that pain… the pain at what we did and what it did to us even when I missed you so much. I lived every day in regret. Gnawing at me until… until I finally saw you again and it burst open once more like a wound. And now I bleed, just like your entire body. Just like you have always bled. Bleeding your pain when you lay in bed just like me. All because we destroyed one another.

Soul… I ruined you. …And… Dash sniffed. You ruined me.

I miss the days when… when I could say she was lying about how I feel. But it’s all true. You made me cry so much, you made me lose so much that day and I suffered for it. There used to be a time when I could be proud of myself. When I thought I could stand tall above all the others and prove myself to be a pony that all can look up to. I loved the idea of the attention and the love I’d get. Because I could never get enough of it. I craved it and couldn’t wait for a time when all could love me.

But… there is one thing that none of those ponies would ever know. If that day ever came. The one reason why I stand up and choose to be the pony for them. Because, Soul, you were the one who showed it to me. I loved the feeling. The feeling that I can make other ponies smile. To give them hope and to… let them know that they have somepony to look up to. Because they would never give up on their dreams, just like I did. Just like I took from you. Took from you when you said that horrible thing to me.

6.103
I hate her?

…It’s the truth. I did hate her. That Rainbow Dash is not lying. Just like she was there with me.

Like she was me.

Me when I told Soul how I felt… when she told me how she felt. When she broke my heart. Tore me apart and destroyed me. To the point where I no longer know if I’m even good enough anymore to ever love a pony. Good enough for anypony all because of what you said to me. And I said the same. And I did the same to you.

Soul Serenity, we hurt each other so badly. When we were supposed to be friends. You betrayed me and I betrayed you. I did hate her, and she hated me. We never were the same again all because of what the other thinks. Soul.

Rainbow fell onto her rear. Letting her mane and wings droop down with her ears. Staring out into empty space, listening to the laughter of herself, the small steps walking away from her and the tears of her best friend that grew worse. When Rainbow looked, managed to see that she had left herself. Stomping over to the pony cowering in the corner. Hiding under her huge wings, pleading her to leave her alone. Crying for her to stop. That she was sorry.

Nothing but laughter.

My own horrible laugh. That’s not who I am. I never was. …Soul, …Dash watched them. Watched when Rainbow Dash… she pulled a chair to her with a clunk. Looming over Soul with it at her side, and all the blood flowing out from that stricken mare. With pain and sadness before an unfeeling Rainbow Dash. Rainbow gasped. Soul Serenity’s thoughts… so this was it.

This is what you meant, Soulblight.

Soul Serenity, this is how you see me.

6.104
After what I said to you, I deserve your fear. Because… I felt the same. I was so afraid that I failed you. That we were never meant to be happy together and that you would never want to be with me again because I was the one who ruined you.

I never knew you felt the same. That you had to deal with this all the time. Deal with the same thing that made me… all those nights.

Soul Serenity… I won’t let you deal with it anymore. Because there is still one thing left between us that nothing can ever say is gone. You proved it by coming back and I proved it by helping you. We both care for one another. That spark, it never left. We may have been separated but our feelings for one another never broke.

Soul, I will be there for you, always. And I know you will do the same. Because we will go back. Back to a time that I miss so much. One you miss too. Where we won’t have to cry anymore.

6.105
I’ll have no more of this!

No more screaming and no more of this shit I’d never say to Soul. Because that pony is not who I am. I’ll save you, Soul.

Dash got back up. Wobbling and sore but never giving up. She didn’t even bat a lash when seeing herself towering over her best friend. Laughing down at her… with a chair held up high over her head, Soul begging for it to stop. But it won’t, not from that. Only I can.

She won’t hurt her anymore. I won’t hurt you anymore.

Dash bared her teeth. Bursting her wings out, no longer afraid, with so much courage in her to do this… the right thing. For the first time in years, I’ll be strong. I’ll do the right thing. The one thing I know to do.

I never would have known what to do if not for all this. You were always so silent, Soul. You always pretended… just like me. But its time we no longer hide from one another. For us to be our true selves. …Thank you, Soulblight. I understand now. What I need to do for her.

Rainbow went at her. Leaping forth with great strides in her legs, her wings flailing… and she took off. Going right for her… herself. Now that pony looked, turning just in time for Rainbow to glare into her eyes. Her now panicked eyes, as both Rainbow Dash’s turned to one another. Look into their eyes and see.

Look at me, I am not you anymore.

Rainbow Dash put her legs out, flying right at that fake. Before anything bad could happen. Doing exactly what she wanted. What she always wanted to prove to Soul. That I will protect her. I will do anything for her. Even destroy myself. “No more…” she whispered… before Dash’s hooves hit home. But not with herself.

6.106
The chair fell. Not upon the crying pony in the corner, but slamming down onto the carpet with such a loud thud. Coming to a rest. Just as Dash landed next to it. Reeling down and bucking her hind legs at it, to send that chair crashing across the room and buckling against the wall. Left there with only herself and Soul as a blue mist sank around her. The last of it swaying and weaving to the floor and dying under Rainbow’s hooves.

Till the two pegasi truly were alone. Alone with the cries of Soul and Dash shaking.

Whatever it was… it was over. It’s gone. No more. No more pain for either of us. Dash looked around one last time. Nothig happened. The entire room fell still. Safe. As the wind died down, and Dash got up.

Time to end this nightmare forever. No more crying. No more crying from either of us. So we will never need to fear what we did. Even if we still feel that scar, we will move past it. It all starts with one last thing. To prove it. That there is nothing left to stand between us. No more tears in the dark over your nightmares. Your nightmares of me.

Rainbow did her best, fighting her flailing best friend. Avoiding her hooves and twitching wings as she desperately tried to keep away from Dash. Begging her to leave her alone. As she should, after all these years. So many years of you crying at night over what I did to you. But it will all be alright. Because… I know what to do.

It’s time to tell you the truth.

Rainbow clamped her hoof down on Soul’s back. Then the other. Tightening her hug, keeping Soul still. No more being afraid of me. A hug is not enough. It will never be enough. Nothing I do will ever be enough except for one thing. The one thing that bonded us so deeply. I’ll do it for you… and more. I’ll do something no other pony has gotten from me.

Dash let her legs give up, laying still on top of her best friend. Keeping her teary-eyed face deep under Soul’s chin. Summoning all the courage she needed to tell her the hardest thing she could ever. I never told anypony. Not even my parents. Not even my friends. None has seen it. Except for the one who caused it… who is in the same boat as me. She will know once and for all. So we can go back.

6.107
“I’m so sorry, Soul. So sorry for making you cry so much.” Dash lifted her head up. Holding herself upright over her trembling friend’s face. Letting her own tears join Soul’s in drenching her cheeks. Her mangled rainbow mane coming down and gliding over Soul’s forehead. Locking with her mane. Coming undone when Dash rn her hoof over Soul’s forehead to see that sweet face hidden underneath. The face of a truly broken mare. Broken no more.

“You don’t deserve to cry anymore. Neither of us do. So we can both have nights without tears and wake up to better days.” Dash leaned down. Covering Soul in her fur. Closing her eyes.

I can feel my heart pounding. This… this is what I want. This is what my heart always wanted. It’s scary. It’s so weird. I’ve never felt this before. But I like it.

This… is what Soul must have felt like when she did it.

“I’m so sorry.” I’ll tell her.

Now… after all these years.

“Soul Serenity, my best friend, …I love you.”

Her lips touched fur… fur and tears.

The tears stopped. The blood stopped. The world stopped. As Rainbow Dash listened to her own heart beat and her passion be made real. Lifting her lips from Soul’s cheek.

6.108
She opened her eyes.

Rainbow looked out… at the moonlit sky. Basked in the blue glory of the orb over the serene and everlasting image of a world she knew cast in the silence of a sleepy night. One where only she stood to witness from here. One where her mind finally stood clear. No more pain.

I can breathe.

The first night in ages. I feel… happy. It’s all so real.

With no Soulblight in sight. She wasn’t alone. Her happiness made possible when she felt the pony behind her. Joining her with this moonlight. Where a pair could experience a friendship long since lost.

What a perfect night… to be with you… with the pony I love.

Rainbow turned around with a smile. To see that pony standing there with her… and her smile. Soul. No more pain, no more fear. Dash could only cry. Leaping forward… she joined with Soul. Hooves came around her. Her hooves went around Soul. Both pegasi cried… hugging one another… till they fell to the clouds. With the moonlight being the one thing to see this. Hiding themselves off from the world, as darkness came upon them.

Wings of magenta, wings of cyan, coming together.

Dash cried on Soul’s shoulder. Just as Soul cried on hers. But she felt one hoof slide up along the back of her neck. Calmly soothing under her mane. She smiled bigger than she ever did. “Dashie… I’m so sorry.” There’s no more need. Because we’re together. I’m here for you. Twelve years apart. So much pain and sadness. All to lead up to this moment, the one moment where Dash actually felt it. Happiness.

“I’m here for you, Soul. I’ll never let you go again.”

“I’ll never leave you either.”

Never leave me. Dash’s heart jumped. Her smile buried itself in Soul’s fur. This is her. Soul Serenity. The Soul Serenity I loved.

We’re back.

6.109
Soul let her eyes wander off in the last moments she had left. Feeling like… she actually wanted to with joy. Without hesitation. Because this was the one time… the only time in twelve years when she was not afraid. Because there would be nothing left. Nothing there to fear. Whatever it was. It made her think back to all those words and those feelings that felt so close to her now. All because of one pony. The only pony on her mind in the dying moments of her time to stare at the dark walls glowing of the moonlight all around her. Where not even the night could keep her cold.

No. She felt so warm. So safe… under the covers. Under the grip of that pony with her. The pony who lay behind her, with her nose buried into Soul’s mane. Breathing softly inside of her quiet sleep. Yet she never let go.

I want to sleep like this. Sleep with you. Under your wings. The ones that kept Soul warm.

…This is what I wanted. This is what I’ve always wanted to go back to. To hear you call me your best friend. To hear you say those things to me. From the pony that I missed all this time. Drift away. Sleep so peacefully. Without any more fear. Just the words you told me. Those words… that still make my heart feel so weird.

Soul placed a hoof to her chest. Rainbow sighed happily against her back.

Rainbow Dash… loves me.

6.110
“I understand.”

Blight touched her chest. Deep in that darkness. She could still see it. I understand and I see. This power.

“My power. This is why I feel it all now. Deep inside me. Hehehe!”

“Rainbow finally told you how she feels. How lucky you are, Soul. The moment comes when both of you will be together…”

And I’ll be alone.

A tear fell. Landing down upon the hoof she held to her chest. Soaking… her magenta fur.

6.111
A moonlit night. Brightly shining. It’s so beautiful but I… I can’t stop crying. I can’t… Twilight wiped the tears from her eyes. Staring out from her bed to that bright orb out there.

“What was that feeling?”

Part 3 Solace - Act 7

7.1
This had better not be a joke. Getting me up this early. It’s not even time to raise the Sun. Please be a joke.

The doors slammed open. Near buckling from the force of that golden light that came over them. Keeping them wide open for a stallion to rush through them. Even in such heavy armor, he could still gallop at full speed. Like nothing was there. As he should be after what he had said. How terrifying it sounded. The way he said it all and how he looked, whatever this was had clearly shaken him. That was what made the next pony follow after him.

Running right through those doors on such long legs. Clanging loudly on those golden armored horseshoes. Frantically rushing just as fast as that stallion was that led her.

“You had better not be lying to me” she yelled after him.

“I’m telling the truth” he said. Just barely able to get the words out between his breaths. “Something happened. She’s going wild against us. Threw a pot at one of the guards.”

She threw a pot? Oh dear. I can’t imagine what can be wrong. All I knew was that she was crying and so upset. Now I hear she’s acting like this? She doesn’t usually get like this. Something must have happened. “Can you tell me if you noticed anything strange before it?”

“No. I uh… was away and came back to see her like that.”

Away, huh? I’m not so dumb as to not know you were asleep at your post. Oh well… it’s just one guard. The castle has hundreds. I’m just glad he was able to bring me this news. Sounds like I’m the only one who can deal with this.

7.2
There’s the other guards. A line of them up ahead. All standing about within the many pathways etched across these gardens. So many of them. This must be where she is.

The two ponies ran past the long docks of pots for so many countless daisies, roses, flowers of so many colors and backgrounds. No walking through these lovely gardens right now to wander about in the beauty of Equestria. No, not tonight. Not with so much worry. So much panic as the guard who led her yelled to the others. “I got her!”

They all turned. So many heavily armored guards in gold and white. Black and blue. The many ponies who protected this castle. So normal when they saw their companion come back. That all changed when they saw the one who rushed in behind him.

They all clambered to attention. Standing tall. Making not a move. Nothing that Princess Celestia could see.

Celestia went by them all. Leaving a gust of wind blowing behind her in the brilliance of her shining aurora mane. Skidding right to a halt. I’m here so where is… She looked to the daffodils. Shining in the light of the burning blue Moon. All along the empty bench of pure marble that gleamed just as bright. Where one could sit at by the railing. Because beyond that was where you could watch out upon all of the city.

One pony normally sat there, looking out at Canterlot in the peace of the night. When I would look out from my bed and sometimes see her sitting down here. Quiet and alone. It’s no shock that she would be here. She was here. Not sitting on the bench. No.

Princess Luna. Laying so still. All alone against the foot of that bench.

“We found her like this, Princess” she heard a guard say behind her. Almost missed him saying that. It was too hard to not take her eyes off that pony laying over there. To not stare in silence. “She refuses to speak to us.”

“Sister…?”

Celestia glanced over. Spotting what she had missed. Where so many shards lay strewn about with the sad corpses of flowers among them. The pot she threw. Must be. That must be why all the guards kept their distance. None of them dared to try anything. I would think they might. Especially now… Celestia’s ears perked.

She heard it. Luna… was crying.

Hidden inside of her mane over there. Huddled up in her own legs. Like the night was covering her up in the darkness of her gorgeous coat and glimmering mane. The tiniest noise of such a sad cry. One that made Celestia gasp. I know the sound well. All the times she has cried. All the nights I had to calm you down. The days when I would help you fall back to sleep from a nightmare. I know what it’s like to hear her cry. I am the one she needed.

“Thank you for watching over her. You all may go.”

It took them a moment. Celestia looked at none of them behind her. Didn’t need to to hear their armored hoofsteps march away without a word. I know they all meant well. But I understand them not wanting to try and be there for my sister. When she gets like this… it can be scary. Not enough to scare me. All alone. Just the two of us. Celestia went ahead. Softly striding across the garden. Joining with that pony who lay by the bench underneath the railing. She laid down too. Next to that pony in the shadows of the daffodils.

7.3
“Luna.” She whispered into the mare’s ear. Spoken so gently to lightly rustle that blue fur. “Sister, it’s me.”

Don’t be afraid. It’s only me. Your big sister. Whatever is wrong, just know I’m here now like I always am. No more days like the old days. You can trust me. She must have. She did. Even if the princess did not move, nothing flew at her. No violent outbursts. A huge step from long ago. She doesn’t need to do anything right now. She just needs to know I’m here for her. The little cries under that long mane was what made Celestia summon the courage to gently stroke a hoof along the soft fur along the pony’s back.

Nights like these are rare. Just the two of us, sisters, together. So many long and tiring days. I never get to spend much time with you. The few moments we get to just sit down and not be so snippy about how tired we are, I love them. Sometimes you can even be okay with me touching you. But, often, you don’t like it. So what is it now? Why is she letting me touch her for so long? Luna was just laying there. Not even moving from the soft touch against her back. The fur that ruffled between her huge wings that lay out along the garden grounds. Like they covered the garden in the black of night. As dark as she was until…

The shine of bright blue like the ocean itself that looked out from under her mane.

Luna’s eyes. Like they could reflect the moonlight. Shining bright in the water of so many deep tears. Light that illuminated them both. Just them staring at one another under the deep blue light. Looking deep into those sad, little eyes of the young alicorn. Celestia did not know what to say. What to think. How could one take this? Being woken up late at night to find your dear sister crying so much. Like her entire face and mane was fresh out of a shower. How can one react when that same sister now started smiling?

She looked up. Not at me. No. Something behind me. Above me. Celestia didn’t need to look to know what it was that Luna was looking at from behind her deep blue mane of starlight. Such relief in her voice as she spoke in the most elegance she could even while crying. “It’s so beautiful. Thank goodness.”

The Moon.

As if the Moon was her family. Something she could brag about like she sounded like she was doing. Just like when we were kids. Who had the more beautiful astrological body? Crying as she said that. Smiling even wider before that pony finally laid back down. Not on the floor, but against Celestia. Finding a place against her chest. Like she was truly at ease now. Was she?

Celestia looked up at the Moon. “Of course, it is gorgeous.” Like the nights when I told you this before. Such a sad mare. Ever since she came back home. Having to hold her like this on such rare moments and ask me if the Moon was beautiful. Like she wanted praise for it. But I know the truth. She wants to know if… something else is beautiful. Something else… after so many years of being seen as something horrible.

“The Moon is always so beautiful. She always is.” Things aren’t like they used to be.

“Is it? Was it?... Was it beautiful tonight!?”

Luna reeled back. Falling back against the dirt. “How was it beautiful!?” Like it all changed right there. No more smile. None as Luna cried even harder. So many new tears. So much pain in what she had just said.

Is it beautiful?

“Sister, tell me what happened. What’s wrong?” Just tears. Luna staring off with not even a murmur anymore.

What is she saying? Was it beautiful? The way she said it. I’ve never heard her so… hostile about her own Moon. It hurts to hear. Why isn’t she saying anything? She’s not telling me why she said that stuff. When she never should. I promise her that the Moon is beautiful. That she is welcome here. Nothing has changed. “Why would you say that?”

Luna sighed. Looking… such solemn eyes. Even sad as she spoke. “Are you saying you did not see what happened? Not even felt it?” Luna asked. “You saw not what happened to the Moon? To my precious night?”

Well… the thing is… I was asleep. I’d rather not mention that to her. She seems pretty upset… and scared. Scared over something that happened to her night. I’m honestly afraid now. My sister, when does she get this worked up over her own night?

“What happened to your night?”

“Blood” Luna spat.

Celestia felt her heart skip a beat. Such an awful word coming out of her sister’s trembling mouth. “The entire sky was blood. …And my Moon was as red as a rose.” The patches of roses among the many other flowers of the castle gardens fluttered their petals with the wind to accompany Luna’s claim.

“I lost the Moon, sister!” Luna tossed herself to her side to face away from Celestia. “I don’t know how, yet nothing I attempted brought it back to me. All I could do was sit and watch it leave my grace.”

“You lost the Moon?!” Celestia let out in a high whisper. “How?” “I don’t know!” Luna screamed. Her voice went down to a whimper. “I don’t know what happened to me.” And the wind came in. So sharp like an icy chill. Celestia felt the fur on her back stands up. Her skin begin to crawl under it all.

7.4
“The night was as beautiful as always” Luna said abruptly. “I walked the gardens enjoying those very sights and sounds with the Moon smiling down on me.” The same things I always see when I walk these gardens too. I know them well. Like a light of rainbows that just tell you how serene and warm this land of ours can be.

“It came upon me so quickly. More than just a shadow that made me think the Moon was dying but a feeling that pushed me away from it. It was not as if I couldn’t reach out to the Moon. I… I felt so much…” Luna could not go on. Couldn’t reach the Moon? What does that feel like? Celestia almost wanted to gulp with how much her heart began to race.

I can’t even imagine. She lost the Moon. How can we lose the things we are tasked with? It’s like… what if I lost my magic or… my Sun? How does it feel? I can’r even imagine it right now. Can’t even think about what she is talking about to feel like the thing you love is dying. But she’s telling me it happened. And I need to know.

“What did you feel?”

“It… was a feeling that…” Luna sighed. “It cut me off from the Moon. I… simply could not concentrate as if it cut through me. Can you imagine how terrifying it is? Almost as if your soul is split by…” She looked off. Not even blinking.

What? Tell me how you felt, Luna.

7.5
Luna gulped. She could almost feel her own heart stop. What was that feeling? What can I tell her? Celestia stared down at her. I have to tell her something but… I can’t describe it. It’s like it should be something I know but… more. Put a word on it. I know the feeling. I know it well but it’s like it wasn’t my own. That feeling cut me off from the Moon, but it’s that same feeling that kept me company on the Moon for so long. Such irony.

Can I even say the feeling was this?

“…Loneliness” she finished. “I don’t know why but I felt so much sadness, and… it was not my own.” She fell back just to let those tears she felt coming finally flow out. I can’t go on anymore. Don’t make me talk anymore, sister. I can’t even think straight. Not after it.

Pain. Loneliness. Regret. An incredible loss. With an undying anger.

I was so afraid of it all. I felt it all. It was overwhelming. Like it took the Moon from me. Me! How can I describe it to her!? Looking up at my Moon, my sky, and see it all covered in red while feeling this way. I’ve never felt such pain before. I thought I knew what it was like. Don’t make me talk about it anymore.

7.6
Something touched the back of her neck. Such warmth softly rolling along her fur. Two large, white legs went across her and pulled her back into a cozy blanket of white fur all along Celestia’s chest. That was all it took. Luna felt her tears… slowly stop in the calm silence of the night. As calm as her heart became. She looked down at those legs that held her, seeing that her tears had soaked the white fur. Until no more tears fell.

“It’s okay. Everything is okay.” Celestia’s muzzle rubbed up against the side of Luna’s head as she set her own head down upon Luna’s shoulder.

Okay? Is it truly okay? Please. I never want to feel that again… and I don’t even know why I felt it. I never want to see that again. Just let me lay like this for a while. Finally some comfort. Some that she fell back into. Just to forget the pain. Whatever it was.

“I’m exhausted” Luna muttered. Celestia nodded next to her. “You should get some sleep. I’ll take you to your room.” Yeah. Morning is almost here. I just want to go to bed now. Forget it all. Not have to look up at the Moon, my Moon. At least until the next night. I don’t want to see it again. I don’t want to see that darkness. Darker than any night but as red as blood. Luna set her head against Celestia’s. Just give me a few minutes.

“I’ll lower the Moon in a moment. Just… can I just stay like this?” “Of course.” Like this in this moment. It’s like it never happened. But it still stung. I can feel it. What indescribable pain. Something. Something made me feel this way. …What?

Just the shimmer of the blue Moon upon this world. A world that felt so hollow now. Like it was all gone. All I can remember…

Anguish.

7.7
Normally I would be afraid of all this. I wonder what’s changed. All this darkness and silence. This world that I feel like I should know so well by now. It’s so different. Like something is ending.

“Soul Serenity, …I love you.”

Dashie? Did you really say that to me? I don’t get it. I can feel the fur on my back standing up. I can feel the chills and the loneliness. This place always did this to me. It never changed. Surrounded by the darkness of the forest. Where the vines and thorns tore at the night. It always felt like they could tear at me. But it’s like it’s all gone now. Nothing. I don’t feel afraid.

What has happened to me? What are these words I keep hearing?

All the scars. Where are they? Soul stared down at her legs. All over her body. My fur. My beautiful fur. That’s all it is. It’s all gone. They’re gone…

She loves me? Soul put the hoof she held up to her chest. I don’t get it. What did this? Why did she say that to me? Something happened to change it… she should never say that to me but she did. She told me she hated me, now she loves me. It’s real. Yet I feel so... confused. I don’t know what to feel. After what she said to me. I think I know why she did it.

After all this time, she still does this for me. Blight.

“Did you do this?” she asked. Asked the darkness. All around those deep vines. The leaves that fell upon the dirt she sat on. I know you’re there. You did something. Admit it.

“All I did was show her everything you’ve gone through. It’s the least I could do.” The least? Blight. There were too many questions. Waking up next to Dashie… after she said all that to me. I could hear her. I heard it all. Like she really was there with me in that cold house. Waking up to the land I missed and hearing the pony I missed tell me that she loves me. She loves me. “Why did you do that?”

Soul’s ears perked. She heard it. The sound of leaves crunching and finding it was from a dark hoof stepping upon the ground that was as dark as that pony was. Only her those yellow slit eyes peering out from that darkness. There you are. “You sound disappointed” Blight said from over there. “I thought you could use my help.”

“I’m not disappointed. Not at all.” Soul couldn’t be. Not with her heart racing in joy. Like a warm flush going over her. It felt so amazing. So amazing to not be afraid anymore. Still though… “I wanted us to work together to make things right. Why did you do it on your own?” “You let me have a good time at the party” Blight said just as she stepped out from the shadows. Trailing that darkness behind her shimmering black body. So gentle in her stride. Soul could not stop staring at her. What is that? Something was different. Blight…

Like a wind of black coming around her. Her misty body. Wherever she stepped wrapped in darkness. “Blight?”

Wisps of silver echoing and then silently flowing away from that pony. As if the wind itself melted around her. “I wanted to return the favor in the best way I could. And now Dashie is yours again, right?”

Soul was silent. Watching that pony step up to her till she was just a leg’s reach away. Sitting down with her as the ground beneath that pony fell into darkness. Soul just stared, not able to take her eyes off this. Off the face that stared at her. The shine in those yellow eyes upon that black pony. Like they glimmered in the dead light of this world. Shifting. Even if she’s smiling… it’s like… she’s sad. “Are you okay?” Soul asked.

“Of course. Ever since I met you, I’ve only wanted you to be happy. It brings me such joy to see that all the work we’ve done is paying off. How far we’ve come. It’s amazing.”

“You gave Dashie back to me. You brought me home. I feel like I’ve done nothing. That you are just putting everything on yourself. I want you to be happy too” Soul said. “I am happy. Don’t you see?” Soul stared. Blight smiled. I do see. I see something else. Even if this mare was as bright as could be, that darkness. It had never been so bleak upon her black fur. “I wanted to try and show Dash that I was sorry” Soul said.

“You did.”

Soul froze. “You did by being there for her and showing just how determined you were to come back to her. Banished for twelve years and now you’re back. You never gave up in the end, she knows that. It was quite an adventure, one that’s not done yet.”

“It is just the start.”

Soul felt her heart jump. I know what she means. There is one thing left that is keeping things from being normal again.

Blight’s dark wings wrapped themselves around Soul’s body and pulled her up to her chest. That loving Pegasus hug Soul always found so heartwarming to see such a pony perform. Warming… like...

What is this?

7.8
Soulblight. She’s warm.

When did that happen? Soul couldn’t move. Sitting there in time underneath those black wings. Against the shimmering fur of the pony who warmed her. The pony who never warmed her like this before, and Soul shook. Shivered. Something is wrong. She glanced back at that pony who smiled up into the darkness. Her cold stare… as cold as she used to be, and Soul could say nothing.

“I told you I wanted to help you, and I will do that. Anything it takes to help you.”

Like all the fur on Blight’s body glowed in that brilliant black. To see darkness so bright like this. As if her fur could shine in the night they both sat under. Burning away the darkness itself, like nothing was left to threaten her.

I should be afraid. Something. Is there something wrong? Blight? But I… I can’t even move. This pony does everything for me. She has always protected me. I feel like I’ve not done much to repay her. Rainbow Dash loves me. She’s giving me… Dash is making me feel this way. What is this? This feeling in my heart? Blight did this. She got rid of the pain.

My fear. And I’ve done nothing for her. I don’t know what I can do anymore.

“Princess Celestia will not let me stay in Equestria though. I don’t want to hide away from the world forever. I need to do something.” “You won’t have to. You don’t need to face your past alone” Blight said.

“I want Celestia to know the truth and I want to convince her. She needs to see the filly that she banished twelve years ago again. She needs to know what I have done to make it back here. That I will never give up.”

This is something I can do. I will show the entire world just what I can do. A pnoy who had everything taken from her, I’ll do the impossible and change my fate. They will all see that I was supposed to be the great flyer I was destined to be. I’ll do it. “I want to try and do it. You don’t need to do anymore. You gave me Dashie back… for that, I really do thank you so much. For all you’ve done. Just please… can we work together to see this through to the end?”

Black tipped hair hung down in front of her. Down from the pony whose head sat high over Soul’s own. Blight finally took her eyes off from the darkness, staring down at Soul with those piercing yellow eyes and she smiled. “Yes, but I still want to help at least. You don’t need to face your past alone anymore. I’ll talk to you later, Soul. …I promise you by tomorrow, you will be free, but for now just rest.”

I’m glad to hear that. “Thank you.” Deep in this darkness, even if so much felt wrong, everything still sounded right. I had twelve years of dreaming of this day when I can finally have my life back. Everything is so strange now. This warm touch on my back. Something so dark that slithered and seeped. She felt in her ear as it spoke.

“Sleep well, my little pony. Enjoy your dream.”

7.9
Morning. The Sun beaming in. Just like how every morning usually is. Waking up to the light pouring in and seeping over this room. Another room. So different from any other I’ve slept in. Like sleeping inside the clouds themselves. Surrounded by the light that was so high in the sky outside the open windows all around. Casting the shadows of all dressers upon the carpet. High up? Is it midday?

Wow, it really is that late. When did I got to bed? When did we go to bed? This room… so it all wasn’t a dream. It was all true. All those words I heard, as real as my heart that’s pounding. It’s beating so hard because that would mean…

I can feel her. Something soft touching against her side. She’s still there.

Soul glanced to see that cyan wing wrapped over her body down below. She’s really here, sleeping with me. Soul turned, just able to look over her shoulder. Yes, Dash… Dashie is here. Rainbow still laying there right at her side. Sharing the same pillow. So close, close enough for her own fur to mix with that of Soul’s. Like how I did this for her.

She’s holding me.

Soul looked back. Away from Dash. Her eyes so wide. I feel so weird like this. Why? I slept with her before. It never felt like this. Something is different. She never made me feel this way before. Like so much has changed so quickly. But it’s true. We’re together. She’s holding me. Everything she told me was true.

“It really is like old times.”

Soul almost gasped when she heard that. The voice behind her. She had to look and see that the rainbow-maned Pegasus was still there and was awake. Staring at her with such shining magenta eyes under her long lashes. Blinking so gently with the tiny tears in her eyes as she yaewned. “But I get to do this for you now” she said.

Dashie?

7.10
“Sleep well?” Dash shuffled her wing a little over Soul. Not much, just enough to bring it further up till those feathers even covered up Soul’s neck. Feeling Dash’s leg underneath that wing as it held Soul. She really has been hugging me all night. I… I don’t know what to say. Soul gulped. It’s all like a dream. It’s come true. I’ve never felt so happy before. Not that I can remember. And she’s the one who’s doing this. This pony that I hurt so long ago. She wants to do this for me. Dashie, you really are something else. For making me feel this way. Soul finally let her hoof go from her heart.

“I slept great.” That was the truth. Staring at one another, Soul just felt the warmth under those beautiful feathers. There’s just something about this that makes it so different. Being held by Blight was one thing… Dashie is doing it now. Soul couldn’t hold back her smile. “Better than I have in so long.”

“I’m glad.” “What about you” Soul asked. Looking at how Dash yawned again. “You looked tired.” Dash licked her lips. Staring under her lowered lids, barely able to smile. “See right through me? Yeah, late night… and took me a while to finally pass out.” Oh man, I’m sorry I had to keep her up last night. I kinda didn’t expect what Blight did. “Why did you have a hard time falling asleep?” Soul asked. Before a long pause.

“Just remembering and thinking” Dash said as her smiled faded. Before she sighed and looked past Soul. Nothing could be said. Soul just listened. “Sleeping together like this, it’s just been so long. It made me remember just how great we had it when we were fillies. You held me just like this and I could never forget that feeling. I always thought I’d never get the chance to do it for you. I’m so glad I could.” Dash’s hug tightened. “All these years that have gone by, I feel like we finally have a chance to make up for all of it. I finally have you back.”

That was what made a tear go down Dash’s cheek.

7.11
“Dashie?” Soul moved her hoof underneath Dash’s wing. I’ll wipe it off. Her hoof was stopped, stopped when she felt Dash’s own hoof push her’s away and that pony shook her head. “Don’t. Trust me, I’m happy.” Dash sniffled. “So happy to be able to do this with you. I have you back. And I’m here for you. Screw those twelve years, I’ll be there for you from now on.”

What happened while I was asleep? Dash, you’re never this nice to me. Except for… long ago. Rainbow. This is the Rainbow I remember. She really is here with me, my best friend and the pony who always made me feel like I belong. Blight, I know I said I wanted us to work together on this, but I can’t help but be so thankful. You’re why she has changed. Why I feel so happy now. Life is so different all of a sudden.

“But can you ever forgive me?” Dash muttered.

Forgive you? Soul shook her head and finally pushed Dash’s hoof aside. Where she could place that hoof upon Dash’s cheek and hushed her. There’s no need to feel sad anymore. I know everything you had to go through after we parted. No more sadness. “I forgave you a long time ago” Soul said.

“Really? I… saw everything you had to go through, it was horrible. The pain you were in and how much you suffered. Alone all that time. I could have stopped it if I had just been there for you. There’s just a part of me that makes me feel like it’s my fault.” Soul hushed her again.

So she saw everything. This is why she couldn’t sleep well. She saw what I had to go through, I don’t think anypony can sleep well on that. Poor Dashie. I never blamed you. “You were always my friend, the one pony who I never forgot. You were the one who gave me happiness, so I coulds never blame you. Don’t blame yourself because I’m not mad.” Indeed, you’re the reason I’m here now. I never gave up because of you.

“How can you not blame me?” Dash asked with another tear falling. Sweet Dashie, no. Soul ran her hoof over her cheek. Softly making Rainbow close her eyes and cry. “I abandoned you. All these years I felt like it was my fault and that you hated me. I’d hate me after what I did to you. You were right all along and I ignored you. Why forgive me?”

“Dashie!”

Rainbow opened her eyes. So many tears making her eyes nearly red. Just shut up and listen to me.

“Rainbow, …she showed you everything, right?” Dash perked her ears up. Hesitating. She knows what I mean. She’s quiet so it’s true. They did talk last night while I was asleep. “She showed you what I went through. Did you happen to learn why I went through it all?”

Soul asked. Rainbow didn’t answer.

The same reason I always had. “Just to see you again” Soul said tightening her hug. “I could have given up at any moment but I didn’t, all because of you and her. Because you’re my best friends. It’s why I’m so glad you two could actually meet and… and now… I think we can all finally have the lives we wanted. It’s such a wonderful feeling to think that… it’s possible now. It’s why I came back when nopony wanted me back. Just because I always dreamed of this moment.”

Rainbow wiped a tear from her eye. “She’s a good sister to you.”

Sister? Did Blight say…? Soul shook her head. No matter how much it still hung on her mind. “She is a good friend but so are you.” Soul let go of Rainbow and rubbed a hoof on her messy mane. “Look at me, I want to tell you something.”

7.12
Rainbow kept her eyes on Soul. Look at me when I say this because I am serious. Because, after what you said to me last night, I can’t get this weird feeling out of me. It’s like my heart is racing. Like I can break down. It’s so hard to deal with all that has happened. In the end, all I remember are those words she told me.

“I never lost how I felt about you. I never hated you, and now I see you never hated me. Dashie, you’re still the pony I love.”

Soul held her smile just as she held her tears in which Rainbow failed to do as one managed to escape from her eye. And more. Soul felt her heart jump. Is she…?

Dash looked away. Not quick enough. Soul still saw it. The mare was blushing. “Damn it” she said. “Saying that to me. I uh…” Soul could feel Dash’s wing get tighter around her. “Oh… thank you. I promise things will be normal again. We’ll do all the stuff we used to do.” That’s all I can ask for.

Even if you try to hide it from me, I can tell. Soul smiled when those wings came off of her and Dash sat up next to her. Stretching her legs. Waiting for Soul to also get up with her. I can tell.

Something has changed between us.

7.13
Soul could hear somepony’s stomach rumble. From the mare who sat next to her, and how Dash shyly giggled. Looks like it’s time to get going. Speaking of which, Soul felt it down below. I do need to use her bathroom. Wait… “Where is your bathroom again?” “Oh, just go out my room and it’s the first door on the left side.”

Good. I’ll leave her to it for a moment. I kinda need some alone time with a certain pony as well. “How’s about you head downstairs while I clean up the bed. I’ll make us breakfast” Dash suggested. She’s the one who’s hungry, but I’ll never turn down food from her. I’d love it. Soul nodded and she got up on her hooves. Stretching out her own huge wings. Breakfast with Dashie. I wonder how she cooks. Her first meal for me, things have changed.

Soul flew out the room leaving Rainbow to make the bed. Flying off right there to see exactly where that bathroom was. Fix up my mane and clean up a little and also…

“So I’m trying to think of a good time to find the princess” Soul whispered. “Do you happen to know where I can find her?” I do, but I’m not telling.

“What?” Soul held her mouth closed. Almost shouted there. Why not? You know I want to get this settled soon. Remember, I want to be the one to deal with this.

I clearly remember. Don’t worry. You will get to meet her. I just don’t want to rush anything.

Rush what?

Just enjoy your day. The time will come. I feel like today will be one you want to experience without worrying about the princess.

What do you mean? You’ll see.

7.14
Rainbow flew right down the stairs, hearing the flaps of another pair of wings right behind her. Soul hurdled right out the bathroom. Her mane was perfectly kept once more and she actually smiled. Laughing a little as she kept up with Dash down the stairs. Joining one another to hover over the living room, lit bright in the noon Sun shining in through the windows. Feels a lot like old times. Back when she hung out with me in my old house. Following each other around. Being together in the same house. It’s been too long. Mom and dad made the food last time, now it’s my turn.

“So whatcha want to eat?” Dash asked, floating on over towards the counters of the kitchen. Leaving Soul to herself and that Pegasus actually had an answer. Pretty quick to say “how do you feel about pancakes?” Oh thank Celestia, something I know how to make. Not what I expected her to say either. “You liked them from yesterday? No prob. You’ll love how I make them.” I got everything I need for them. Dash went right ahead and pulled everything out. Making food for a guest, been a long time. Nopony ever comes over for this and I’d never expect it to be her of all ponies. It kind of does feel like things are how we were long ago.

I never make meals like this. Turning on burners, pulling out pans and lots of stuff to make something. Usually just something simple for me, never anything for guests. I think today is gonna be a new day.

Hope she likes this. Dash poured in the batter, stirring and separating. Getting everything else ready to be thrown on the stove. I’ll make a lot for her and add some of my touch to it. She’s gonna need it all for what I got planned. No more games. Soul is my best friend and it’s time we go back to doing things together. Dash was just too giddy over it all. So much to do. No need to worry about a thing for today. No. I want to show that mare a good time. Starting with this.

7.15
Start pouring in more batter into that steaming pan. Like a dozen of them. More to come. So many more.

A noise. Dash almost panicked. Grabbing at the spatula she dropped out of her mouth and caught it just before it could land on the floor. What was… oh crap. Who can that be? Dash turned back. Looking over to where the front door was. Somepony just knocked, and she looked over to Soul. That pony also stared at the door. Damn. Dash looked down at the pancakes. I can’t leave them.

“Hey Soul, sorry to trouble you, but can you get that?” Really I never get guests and now somepony is here. Better be the mailpony. Dash shoved the spatula down into one pancake just as Soul called out. “Sure!” Seeing the pony fly off towards the door. “If it’s the mail, can you leave it on the couch for me?” “Yeah, I got it!” Soul yelled back down from the hallway.

I think she’ll like this. Dash finished flipping each and every pancake. If I know Soul then I know just what she will like with these and the key to them is… Dash opened the fridge and found what she picked up yesterday right there. All the strawberries. Oh yeah… I now how to service her. Grab some of these and… whipped cream. Yes! If there’s one way to show a pony how much they mean to you, it’s to really please their stomach. And I sure want to show you how happy I am you are here with me. Who knows? Dash smiled down at all the food she set out. Maybe I can start making you food a lot more often.

“Hey, Dashie.” Dash didn’t turn around, too busy washing those strawberries. “What’s up?”

“Nice of you to sleep so late, Dash.” That sounds like…

7.16
“Twilight?” Dash almost dropped everything. Turning back.

Soul and… Twilight. Both standing at the other side of the kitchen. “Sorry, Dash. I didn’t know what to do so I sorta invited her in. Hope it’s okay” Soul said. This was different. Twi hasn’t been over in a while. Usually just to grab something. Is… is that what she’s here for?

“No, no. It’s alright. But uh… Twi, didn’t think I’d see you here.” Dash checked back to make sure the pancakes were okay. Already turning down the burner. “Well it’s really late in the day and nopony has seen you today” Twilight shrugged. “Hope you aren’t too busy.” “Late? Oh well… yeah I was up late last night.” Such an understatement. How late were we even up? Besides that… “Do you need something? We were just about to have breakfast. Unless you want to join us.”

“Oh no, it’s technically lunch now and I already ate. But… I did stop by to see how you were and talk to you for a moment, if you can.” Dash nodded. I can spare a minute. I’d like to get to giving Soul her food soon and get out of here as quick as we can. Mostly cuz I have something I really want to do with her. Hope it’s not a long talk. Sorry Twi, just been so long since I’ve hung out with Soul.

“Mind if I talk to Dash for a moment in private?” Twilight said that… to Soul. To the pony who looked at her with so much confusion. Just like Dash was now confused. In private? What can be so private that Soul can’t be here? Is this… is this about what Twilight said to me yesterday? That was what made Dash hold her tongue. Kind of hurt to hear how tiny Soul’s voice got when she spoke. “Oh, okay. No problem.” Her ears even fell when she took to the air and flew off. Landing by herself onto the couch in the living room.

Oh… don’t be worried, Soul. Please make this quick, Twi.

7.17
Rainbow was all alone in the kitchen with her. Twilight actually stood still for a moment, like she was afraid to step close at first. Looking back over her shoulder at Soul. She even had to whisper. “Did everything go okay last night?”

Rainbow stopped pouring even more batter. Looking back at her. Flustered. She can see it, can’t she? Because I know I am freaking out a little. Some fear inside of Dash. So hard to contain it, she had to look back at what she had been doing. Why would she come here asking that? Did she… oh no. Does she know what happened last night? Was I not the only one who saw the Moon?

“Why’d you ask?”

“I was just worried something might have happened last night. It’s not like you to be this late so I wanted to see if something is wrong.”

Rainbow set the bowl of batter down now that enough was frying in the pan. Going right back to flipping the other ones that had plenty of time to brown. She sighed as she let the spatula down on the counter. So… she doesn’t know what happened. Honestly, I don’t full know what happened. Soulblight and that world I was in. That magic that I’ve never seen before. Everything I saw.

What am I supposed to do about it?

Maybe… Twilight is a pony that should know. After seeing all that, I’m not sure what to do. Can my friends help me? Would they believe me? Unless Twi really did see what happened. “Did you notice anything late last night?” Rainbow asked. I want to be sure.

“Well not really, I was sort of sleeping… for a time” Twilight said. For a time? Dash shot her a look. The alicorn nodded. This look on her. Something is off. Like Twilight was so deep in thought. So taken by something. I know that look. Something is troubling her. This was more than just checking on me. “I’m worried” Twilight said.

So she did notice something. I hear it in her voice. “Why are you worried?”

Twilight glanced back once more. Still checking on Soul. The Pegasus still busy over by the couch. Sifting through her own fur. “I take it she’s doing okay” Twilight said. “But I notice something is different with her today. It makes me wonder if something really did happen last night because… I admit, something did happen to me.”

Dash widened her eyes. She knows. How can I explain this to her? I really need her help. I need everypony’s help. If they could only see what I saw, they’d understand why I’m so afraid. Everything that happened. None of it is stuff any pony could ever imagine. Let alone trying to figure out how to fix it all.

I’m just one pony.

“Yes. Something did happen last night. And I need your help with Soul” Dash whispered. Twilight was silent. “You told me I needed to take care of her but I realized this is not something I can do alone. I need you all.” I need them to trust me. After all that I saw, I know I’m not able to solve everything. So much needs to change. Soul needs her life back. She needs her world back. “I can’t really explain what happened.”

“I see…” Twilight muttered. Finally breaking that dead stare. Her voice low. Like it could cut through the air with how harsh it was. “Did you feel it last night too? That… sadness?”

“Sadness?”

“I woke up last night. And I was crying. For some reason. Just everything felt terrible and I don’t know why. I thought you might have an answer to it.”

7.18
“You two are whispering over there… but I can hear you.”

How noble of them to want to help Soul. I can feel it. You are all the key to it. It’s all I want, and I feel I am getting so close to finally seeing this happy ending you all want. Finally live up to being that pony that Soul will love more than any other. No matter how dark it feels. How dark it gets. This little body of a Pegasus. Staring down upon her blackened fur. Sifting in the stings of so much whirling darkness. So different, so empty. It’s almost like… I’ve felt this before.

Any cost to feel happy. To stop these tears. These tears that kept falling upon her black hooves. If this is all the only way to be able to do it… then I’ll do it. I’ll let them all do it and then… happiness?

“No more sadness. A day will come when I won’t feel sad. Maybe soon… when Soul and Dash…” she wiped her tears away. Only more came out. Thinking about what will come next. The tears hurt. Today will be their day and it will lead to when I won’t feel sad anymore, right? To know Soul will be safe in this world. My best friend will be safe. Reason enough to not be sad.

Sad. So… the princess can feel… my sadness?

7.19
“Something did happen” Dash said. “But I can’t talk about it here. Not now. Not with Soul here. Just, I need you to know that this is not something I can do by myself.”

“Dash, what happened?” Rainbow shook her head impatiently, just wanting to get to the point. “I’ll need to talk to Soul first. Could you possibly tell the others I need their help? We’ll all meet up at Sugarcube Corner this evening. It’s better to do it later with everypony.” That was what finally made Twilight nod.

“Alright, I’ll talk to them. Just don’t exert yourself if you need our help.” Rainbow went back to scooping those glowing brown pancakes out. All ready for the plates. I don’t plan on running myself ragged. For now, it’s my time to service Soul. I can give her a good time just like she deserves. “Awesome. You gonna stay for breakfast?” Right as Twilight turned tail. “At midday? No thanks. I just stopped by to make sure everything went well last night so I’ll be heading out now.”

I get it. Better not be you think my food may be bad.

“Are you heading out?” came the voice of Soul from over in the living room. That Pegasus perched right up onto the cushions with her wings out. Like she was about to fly after somepony. “Is something wrong?”

“No, no. Nothing is wrong. I just can’t hang out right now. I got things to do. Just came to check on you both. But… I will tell you…” Twilight stopped dead in her tracks. Rainbow watched the two ponies smile to one another from across the room. Such a beautiful smile from the alicorn. It was strange. Seeing Twilight be so sweet to such a new pony, and a pony that she knows about. Making Dash hesitate with dropping the pancakes she had held up down onto the plate. Twi really does know something is up.

“I do want to hang out with you later” Twilight said to Soul. “You were a lot of fun to have over yesterday. For somepony that’s been gone for so long, you sure know how to liven up a party.” That was what made Soul pause and Dash raise her brow. “Oh, it was my pleasure” Soul said. “Thanks for letting me join you all.”

Was that even Soul at the party?

“Oh it was no problem at all. Till next time?” Twilight cocked her head.

“Till next time.” That was what made the alicorn step out. Softly. With not another sound before the door closed behind her. Twilight? What happened to you last night?

7.20
“Come sit down” Rainbow called out. Going back to stacking all those pancakes up on the plates. She glanced back to the door. Nothing. Twilight was gone. But Soul was the one who moved. Quickly flying in like she was so eager.

“Almost done” Dash said. All that’s left is… she dropped down so many strawberries on top of each stack and then practically drowned them in whipped cream. She could already feel Soul hovering over her. Staring down at what she had made. “Well they certainly look more colorful than the ones from yesterday” Soul commented. “They’ll taste much better as well” Rainbow said, grabbing both plates atop her hooves. They found a place in front of the stools at the kitchen island. Serving Soul today. I feel so good doing this. “And lastly…” she poured a ladle of syrup over both stacks. There we go. This is my first actual meal for her. The first of many. Dash rubbed her hooves together.

“Rainbow Dash’s world famous pancakes.”

“World famous, huh?” Soul remarked setting herself down on one of the stools. “We’ll see about that.” You’re gonna love them. I made sure to make them extra brown and gave her more strawberries. Those things that Soul was already eyeing. Almost drooling. Dash giggled. I think I did good. I can tell she’s real happy about this. Score!

“But thanks a bunch, Dashie. This is really nice” she said with a smile.

Aww man… I don’t know why I’m blushing at that. Dash had to run her hoof along the back of her head. Hiding her face. This is nothing like making food for anypony else. Just knowing she loves it, that’s reward enough for me. “It was no problem” she muttered. She just took her own seat and a deep breath before she had the courage to look Soul in the eyes and smile at one another. Didn’t last for long. Soul threw herself into the food.

Haha, I guess some things don’t change. She wasn’t as ferocious when she ate yesterday. But Soul was already tearing apart those pancakes. Paying extra attention to the berries, it looked like. Is this because she likes my cooking better? No way. Except that Soul happily groaned. Smiling so deep when she took her moment to down it all. Then Dash looked down.

She’s already done with half of it!

I should get to mine too, and she did. So late in the day, her stomach ached, and turned out these pancakes were actually pretty good. I still got it. Mom taught me well. Been a while since I made something, but I still can tell I’m better than the normal delivery. I want to cook more often. As long as Soul lived here, she should get all the foods that she’s missed all these years. She’ll get them all from me. Cook for both of us… well… Dash paused. You know, I wouldn’t mind making food for somepony else as well. After all, that pony did help out. Like some sort of dinner for all of us? It makes me wonder.

7.21
“What food does Soulblight like?” That was what made Soul stop eating. Almost instantly. Frozen.

Did I say something wrong? “Weird question? I know” Dash admitted. Just a dumb thought I had. Wherever that pony is, I do want to repay her. But she’s left so many questions behind. That moment. Meeting her. So brief, seeing and knowing just what that Pegasus can do. Is she even a Pegasus? She has wings like me. And those eyes of hers. I really do want to know more about her. She didn’t need to leave.

“Well I don’t really know. Food is not something we talk about” Soul actually answered. “And… I’ve never seen her eat. Never got to see what she likes.”

I can tell. She’s not your sister. Soul never had one. Such a mysterious pony. I’ve never met one like her before. But I can tell something. That pony means something to Soul. There is something I don’t know.

“Speaking of which, was she nice to you?” Soul asked.

What? “Wait, you don’t remember how she was? You were there… in that… place.” That place that feels more and more like a dream. Such insane magic. Soul doesn’t know? Soul shook her head. “All I remember is waking up next to you last night… and the words you told me. I still remember them all. I finally know… just how you felt.”

That made Dash look down. Down at her half empty plate. “I’m sorry.” All of that happened so fast. That world. Seeing it all. I just lost control of myself and told her everything. I still have this feeling in my stomach. It’s like a dream. I actually told her everything. The things that nopony else ever knew.

“Don’t be sorry. I know exactly how you felt. I’m glad that I was not the only one. And that it’s all over” Soul said. All over yet so much to do. So much that I don’t want to even think about right now. Just to spend time with her. This time that Soulblight gave to us. I’ll cherish it for as long as I can, until the time comes when we will make everything right. “Soulblight, …she has a really weird way of greeting ponies. I’ve never seen anypony do magic like she was… or whatever that was. She scared me and I just got more and more afraid as it all kept going.” Dash could tell that was making Soul raise her brow. She did not look too happy.

“But… she’s not at all bad. She spoke to me. Told me a lot. A lot of it made no sense. I can tell that she cares about you a lot. I don’t know who she is really or why she can do that. That pony left me with so many questions. But it takes somepony special to show me everything you went through and give me the courage I needed to finally make things right. That I should not be afraid of you. That you were still that pony that I knew as a kid. We both have times when we are weak… and we still are there for one another to help.”

7.22
“She was good company for me in the time I was gone. She has a hard time with other ponies but is a great friend. Kind of like a… teacher, I guess. She was a big reason why I was able to come back here. That’s right, Dashie. I wasn’t able to return here on my own.” “And there’s nothing wrong with that. After what I saw, I can tell why you had it so hard.” Soul put her hooves to the table. “I’m just so glad to finally be back. To feel like I have a chance at having my life back. Thank you, Dashie. Without you and her, …I don’t know what I could do.” Every word that Soul spoke, it was like such sweet melody to Dash’s ears. She really has gone through so much. I can tell just how happy she is. This really is the same Soul Serenity.

“I’ll never leave you behind again” Rainbow said. “From now on, we’re a team again. I’m here to help, and I guess Soulblight is too. I’d love for all three of us to be able to just sit down and talk but I don’t know where she is. Do you?”

“Blight, …she’s a mystery to me. She’s shy and troubled and worried a lot. She may look different, but she is just like you and me. I would love for all three of us to be able to eat together. It’s just hard for her. Right now, I don’t know where she is. She’s still a shy Pegasus. Still, though, she did come to you last night. Maybe she’ll end up trusting you enough to show again. She is a lot of fun and so talented. I know you two can get along.”

That’s a lot to take in. And that’s all about that Pegasus I met last night? Sweet Celestia. Soul sure knows how to make her friends. She never came off as the type of pony who would ever meet somepony like that Soulblight. Almost sounds too good to be true. Such a mystery pony. She’s still a good pony to me. After last night, for sure.

“Well if she’s a friend of yours then she’s a friend of mine.”

7.23
Soul was so quick to eat up the last of her pancakes. Almost viciously. Seems like she has gotten more greedy with food as time went on. Being away from it for so long, she should be. That pony looked so innocent with her happy look to her and cheeks stuffed. “You’re a mess” Dash said. “I guess my cooking was okay?” “Okay? It was the bomb!” Soul winked. “Since when did you get so good at cooking?” She has no idea actually. I think I’m a really good cook. “My mom taught me, you remember her?” Soul nodded. “Time went on and I started making food for my folks” Dash said. “But ever since I moved out, I haven’t really been able to make anything for others. I never feel like making food for me so it feels good to be able to make some for you. I can always do more. I know a ton of recipes.”

I’ll even make dinner for her later. Amything to make this day perfect for her, just like the plans I have for her. “You’d actually make me food?” Soul asked. “Of course, I will. Stuff you’d die for. I’ll have you wrapped around my hoof soon enough once you see what I can make.” Rainbow finished off what was left of her pancakes. They did taste good, Soul probably really did like them. That warmed Dash’s heart as much as her stomach was satisfied. We both ate, that means it’s time.

“How’s about we go outside” she said, reeling back and taking to the air with a quick flap of her wings. Wanting Soul to join her in the air. “I got something planned for us. Just like old times.” Just like old times. “Really? What is it?” “Come outside and see. I know you’ll love it” Dash said. That was when Soul joined her in the air. Flying with those massively powerful wings that just proved to Dash they would so be down for a little fun right now.

Both pegasi flew out onto the cloud porch. No red in the sky or darkness. Just the shining Sun that really did make it out like nothing happened last night. Peaceful and lovely. So many birds singing all around and the glow of the spectral light from all over the house. All underneath this beautiful sky. Didn’t take much to notice that Soul was behind her actually staring out at it all. In awe. This is the world you wanted to come back to. Time we make it like you remember it.

7.24
Rainbow set down upon the puffy white clouds all over her house. Listening to the gentle strum of the running water streams all along her house. Such a warm day. It’s almost begging me now. She could already feel her wings shaking in excitement. It’s a perfect day for it. Dash had to start stretching out her legs.

“So what’d you have in mind?” Soul asked above her. Haha does she really need an explanation? “What do you think?” Dash stretched out her powerful wings with a crack of their bones. Already feeling all the tension gone from them and they were raring to go. Soul laughed. The Pegasus landed down right next to her and she did something that actually made Dash a little shocked at how different this pony was. Soul cracked her neck like it was nothing. So much confidence in her look. Going right to stretching her own legs. You wanna try and prove something to me?” she asked.

She has gotten so confident. She reminds me so much of her when she was a kid. “No, this will be for fun” Rainbow said walking to the edge of the porch. “Just like old times.” Soul walked up beside Rainbow at the edge. Both looking out at the world beyond, and then the wind struck against Dash. Not from the sky but from right next to her where she saw what it was. Soul sighed so pleasantly when she outstretched her wings… as far as they could go. Stretching them… and leaving Dash without anything to say. Not even noticing herself staring. Oh wow… I… haven’t taken the time to really see them much but… hot damn, Soul. Fully stretched, they’re huge. I always thought you were so special to have such impressive wings as a kid but now, like this. Even a mare shouldn’t have wings like you. Such thick and long spans and near countless magenta feathers. They looked to be as thick as Soul was tall. How can anypony have wings like you? All the effort you put in to get them like this.

There are no words. She leaves me speechless.

Every time I look at her, I’m always reminded of how beautiful she is. Even now. Seeing Soul finally noticing and the poor mare backed off a step. “What?” she nervously said. Guess it is weird to stare, you’re just so pretty. I can’t believe how much you have changed. I like it.

“Your wings are pretty cool. I can tell you worked a lot to get those bad boys.” Looked like that really embarrassed Soul more. No telling how hard you worked. “It was a good way to pass some of the time I spent gone, much like the work you’ve done all these years… despite everything.” She’s pointing at my wings? Wait she is actually saying I look good too? Well I... Dash giggled. Don’t make me blush. Idiot.

“Well our previous race was not exactly what I would have in mind for fun so let’s make up for it.” Dash pointed a hoof to the dense expanse of trees marking the Everfree forest off to the right, all across the horizon. “How about we do some maneuvers through the trees, go straight through the forest.” She trailed her hoof across the forest and out to the far-off open fields between the forest and Ponyville and then off to Ponyville itself. Should be an easy path to warm up with. I know it like the back of my hoof. “If you are still good at keeping up, you should be able to follow me through the forest and to the fields. Should be a fun warm up, like old times.” “Sadly for you, I am still damn good at keeping up” Soul said. Then I hope we can both fly together like old times.

I don’t care about winning. Just… flying with you again.

Rainbow and Soul arched their rears up and dug their hooves into the clouds ready to push themselves off. Dash flapped her wings. So ready to go. And Soul… she did the same. Such a fierce look in her eyes. Determination. So different from yesterday. Soul really is like she used to be. How feisty she always was to show off to me and impress others. There is no other pony I’d fly with.

7.25
This feeling again. All the wind hitting me. So strong. Like I’m being wrapped in it and feeling it all come off my wings. Soul flapped them once and then she heard it. The crack of thunder behind her. The sound of all the water along Dash’s house being sent flying, and the warp of air ripping open before her. The same feeling as always. Just another flight except for one thing. She blasted off from the porch with Rainbow Dash next to her.

Such amazing speed. We both can do it. Seeing herself and Dash already blazing right out over the land below and down towards that massive forest. Following where Dash went. Soul felt her so close, knew where she was. Not even needing to look to know they both had the same speed. For now. Even if this is just a flight, Dash still is so capable. It’s amazing how much she’s progressed. That cyan mare already flew out in front of Soul where she had her eyes fixated on that rainbow tail flapping wildly and her mighty cyan wings flapping just as ferociously as Soul’s were. The wash of the air from that pony and feeling the vibrations in the air. I can sense it all. Dash is just as great as always. To think I’m so close to a pony like her. A real honor. I don’t think there’s any other Pegasus out there I’d like to fly like this with. Even if it’s just a short flight to town.

Soul felt it. Dash put plenty of power into her wings just to get in front of her and she just stayed like that. Not getting ahead of me much. Hmm… is she trying to race me or no? I’m not entirely sure what this is. A race or not, I’m glad to fly with her. I’ll even follow her. Besides, she knows she can’t beat me if I tried. Not needed at all. Soul flapped her wings so hard as they flew down into the forest, could always push harder.

Why try to race her? Why should we race? Dash didn’t seem to want to. No, not at all. Maybe she’s thinking what I’m thinking. This is our first flight together in so many years. Our first go at actually doing what we used to do as kids. Even if we’re in this dark forest. Soul side-swiped around quite a thick tree and came back to Dash underneath the thick brush of the leaves shielding the sky above them. Even like this, it’s just like long ago. Flying and dodging clouds together. We used to wathc out for one another up here. Look at us now. Dash, she’s just as accurate as I am. That pony dodged so easily around so many trees and left Soul to do the exact same. Never keeping away from that rainbow tail in front of her.

Just like old times.

7.26
“Hey, doesn’t this remind you of something?” Soul called out and then spun around an entire line of trees. Rolling and spinning out through the thickets of vines and branches. The forest getting even more dense. “Something that we used to do?” Dash asked back. Does she know? “You talking about camp?” She does. Haha those were the days. Soul laughed, eyes closed, still able to feel it coming. Still able to dodge around what she could tell was such a threatening tangle of spined vines. She opened her eyes back up and saw Dash staring back at her, still flying and dodging trees like nothing was different.

“When we did training together there. We used to do these obstacle things, remember?” Soul said. “Yeah” Dash giggled, turning back to see where she was going again. Probably doesn’t even need to look where she’s going. “We always helped each other out up in those skies. Those were the days. Man… we were kids back then. A lot has changed.” “Yeah, like I can tell you have gotten somewhat better at flying” Soul said. Dash gave a kick of her wings and a thunderous clap struck Soul. Right as that rainbow-maned mare weaved through what would look like a wall of trees. She saw it too, so do I. Soul spun herself. Wing to the ground, the other to the sky. Squeezing right through the same hole Dash had flown her way through. Piece of cake. Still right on Dash’s tail. “Maybe you’ve gotten better too” Dash said back.

So much has changed. We were both great flyers back then but we always helped each other. I even showed you the move, and I can see you have mastered it. We don’t even need to help one another anymore. Separated for twelve years and we both progressed without the other. It’s sad to see how different we are. We’ve both grown up and gotten to these points… without one another.

But that doesn’t matter anymore. Even if we are both already master flyers, I wouldn’t want it any other way than to fly with you. Racing or following you. I love it either way. It’s like we aren’t even in the forest and my wings are just doing their own thing. Just you and me together. Flying like we did as fillies, and now we’re both mares flying the same way. You used to follow me and I helped you. Soul stared at the tail in front of her. Now I follow you, and you want to help me. You are still so nice… even if you’ve changed everywhere else.

Soul looked down. Right under that rainbow tail. Flapping and waving, …she could see under that tail… and she felt herself smiling. Really changed…

7.27
“Alrighty!”

Soul shook her head, hearing Dash’s voice and then… she felt it. The air rumbled so slightly. Feeling it along her wings right before it happened. Dash turned. Such a sharp turn around the trees and her tail went off. What am I…?

Soul banked hard left, almost right behind Dash. Not even the sound of Dash’s wing flap could be heard before Soul already rounded that tree and followed on with Dash in her sight. That pony looking back with a smile. “Nice move! Almost like you knew what I was gonna do.”

Yeah… though I almost missed it. Dash turned back and Soul… she put a hoof to her head. What… what is with me. She looked again then away. Oh Celestia. I don’t know why… my heart is pounding.

Turned hard left. Must be heading towards the town now. Just flying through the many trees of this forest and never losing her short distance away from Dash. Wings flaps almost in synch with one another. But Soul kept her eyes on Dash’s head. I don’t know why I did that. I’ve never looked… at Dash… there. She had to shake her head again. Shit… am I going crazy? I mean she’s been very sweet to me and I… she is that pony I remember. Yeah, she’s still that same pony. Nothing has changed. Even saying that she loves me.

Hehe… better finish this flight. Soul just felt herself bob for a moment. Kind of getting distracted. Can’t be long now, right? Haha and I don’t know why stuff is running through my head. It’s just Rainbow Dash. The pony I’ve always wanted to be with again and here we are together again. Flying like normal. Yup, nothing has changed.

She’s my best friend.

Soul blinked. It really is a short flight. Her ears twitched. The air, a break in it. Not far off. We’re getting close to being out of here. Flying straight and true with Dash right in her sights.

I always used to watch her when we were kids. She was such a rowdy and careless flyer a lot. And she was always so innocent when she flew. But she had power in her. Now look at her. She’s as tall as the adults were back then. Long, strong legs and powerful wings. Her mane and tail, the most beautiful colors of this world flowing so gently in the wind. That was the thing about her flying. It’s gentle. Peaceful.

Flying is freedom. It’s strength and determination. And I see it all in her. Confidence in her flying. Beauty in it. An elegance that… I have. Rainbow has changed so much. She’s a mare just like me and I… I admire her. I appreciate her. Both of us flying together. They both flew out as one through the trees and into the vast sky above the rolling fields below. Onwards to the houses beyond. To Ponyville. Like I’m no longer in that darkness and back… I Equestria.

The words you told me last night, like I can feel safe again. I’m home. Just thinking about it, she makes my heart race. Why?

7.28
Soul had to snap out of it again. Stop it! Just stop. I don’t know why I… feel this. I’ve felt so different since last night. What Blight did for me and what Dash said to me. The world is different. It’s not what it was.

I thought I was alone and never would know what it was like to be home again. But here I am. Together again. Like when we were fillies in Equestria and I always wanted to hug you. Now we’re mares together again and now I want to…

No! She’s still that same pony. It’s still Rainbow Dash, my best friend. We may have changed but not our feelings. Right? Did I ever feel this way? Just wanting to be with you again. Soul looked up to that pony again. So close. Really just one strong flap and I’ll be right next to her with how close we are. My wingpony. My best friend. I… Soul felt herself blushing. She’s so much to me. I don’t think she’ll mind if I thank her.

We’re slowing down. I think we’ll be safe enough.

All it did take was a simple flash of her wings. Flying right in at the pony ahead of her, and Soul held her hooves out. “Dashie!” Right before Rainbow could even turn back to see her coming.

Soul wrapped her hooves around the pony. Clasping her so tight and keeping her still in her grasp. Rainbow could only yelp in surprise. Freezing her wings up and both of them flew forward. Almost like it would be a crash. Soul held her wings out. Giving one more flap. That’s slow enough. I won’t let go. She smiled and set her head against Dash’s chest right as both of them slammed into the ground.

Soul felt herself shake and legs did a small scrape along the ground but her wings flapped once more and shot the air out across the fields. The push it took to slow them down and tumble together. Both came to a halt.

7.29
Rainbow stared up to the sky. Everything held still, just a small shock across her body. Nothing hurts. She… Soul was able to stop us? How strong are her wings to stop both of us? And I can’t believe she did that. She looked down upon the pony. Soul down there, hugging against Dash’s chest. Laying on top of her with Dash’s back to the ground. Hugging so tight, and Soul was smiling so deeply into Dash’s fur. She really did do that. Sheesh, Soul. Dash let her head fall back to the ground… and she giggled. I think I made Soul happy.

“This is the type of stuff I’d expect kids to do” Dash said. Pulling me out of the air just to hug me. Goof. But Soul never let go down there. Dash gasped when she felt Soul’s head slink up against the bottom of her chin. Oh wow, I uh… Dash glanced left and right. Yup this is the real world. So different from yesterday. Soul is actually doing this? This is like… when we were kids. Even Soul nodded down there.

Dash laid back. Not even moving. Just laying there with Soul still laying on top. I think she’d even fall asleep like this. Soul was breathing so softly. At total ease. She has changed. More than just her appearance. She’s really back to the pony I used to know. I never thought the day would come when her and I would be this way again. We even got to fly together. I really do feel like we have gone back in time. “Are we kids again?” Rainbow asked.

I think we are. Flying together and hugging like this. Such a closeness I’ve not felt with anypony in years. Of course, it would be Soul who would make me feel this way. Such a dork.

Soul couldn’t even answer. Not before Dash made her own move. Here you go! Dash shoved her hoof right into the top of Soul’s head. Burrowed into her mane till she felt the skin beneath. Take this. That was when Soul nearly jumped when Dash gave her that noogie. If we’re kids again, then you’re mine right now. Dash laughed and those magenta hooves flailed out at Dash’s leg. The pony squirming and grunting. “Stop it!” Soul raised her voice with a short giggle. Not a chance. You look so silly like this. Soul going wild like this trying to make it stop, laughing and groaning. Just making her mane even more of a mess.

“You’ll have to make me” Dash said. Closing her eyes for a moment but not letting up. This is kinda fun. I think you’re the only pony I can do this to.

Not for long. Dash gasped when her hoof was forced away. Feeling the air wash over her and opening her eyes up to see Soul’s huge wings blasting out above her. Then the magenta pony rushed in. Her hooves came down and pushed Dash’s legs away. Shoving her entire body down upon Dash’s shoulders, couldn’t even try to move them now. It didn’t hurt but impossible to do anything. Dash laughed. Damn, she got me. Staring up at the pony above her. Soul completely blocking the Sun with it’s shining rays bleeding over her and her vast wings, and the way she smiled. Such joy in her face. Dash had to smile back. Seeing her have fun, it makes my day.

7.30
Soul felt her smile go away. Dash had closed her eyes. She kept laughing. Even pinned down like this, she’s happy. I don’t think I’ve ever done this before. Standing over her. Staring down at her, laying between my legs. I don’t know. Did we ever do this as kids? I think… I’d remember. Looking down at a Pegasus like this. With the sweetest smile and laugh. The slightest burst of sunlight coming over her, and her long mane so gently rippling along the grass beneath her. Soul couldn’t laugh anymore. Couldn’t feel the joy. No. Not when seeing this.

I feel my heart… going crazy. I’ve never… realized that she is… beautiful.

It’s like something is stuck in my throat. Looking at her… and I’m on top of her! Oh no, should I move? I uh… Soul looked off and then back down at the pony. I don’t know. Just her and I together like this. She’s so sweet and happy now. I’m happy. But it’s strange.

Dash is such a nice friend. Such a sweet and beautiful mare. She told me everything about her. I know it all and now… now I can’t stop staring. Looking up and down her slender body. Dash I um… I should probably stop this. Or should I? She’s happy and I… I want to get closer. It feels just like when she kissed me last night.

Why do I have that feeling now?

“Why’s your face all red?”

7.31
Dash stared at her. Soul is… she’s blushing? The mare even had to blink twice up there and it was like something snapped in Soul. Right before Soul almost fell right back off of Dash. So frantic. Dash had to sit back up. Watching Soul roll off of her and then sit up… with her back to Dash.

Was that wrong? Soul… she was so flushed. Like she was somewhere else. Is she okay? Hope she’s not getting sick. “My face isn’t red” Soul blurted out from behind her mane. Just how she said it, she sounds so confused over there. Dash got up on all fours. Standing over Soul. She glanced past her, trying to look over her shoulder. Soul’s mane was too long. But I think I know what’s up… and Dash smiled.

I get it. Your face was red, Soul. I’m flattered.

7.32
What the hell was that supposed to be. Soul held a hoof to her lips. Rainbow is right behind me and I can feel her staring at me. I’m acting like a total idiot. But I… I just don’t understand why. Why did I feel that. And it’s not going away. Soul planted her hoof to the ground. Shaking her head. Shit, I don’t get it. Acting like this and she caught me. I just know she saw me staring.

Come on, Soul! She’s my best friend!

Looking at her like that. Knowing everything she told me. We’re like this again. It’s like we are back in time again, but I never felt this back then. We were so close before, and all this time I just wanted to see her again. Now that I have… what now? What is making me… see her differently? It all changed since last night.

“I’m. I’m just fine” she said. Rainbow laughed back there. What? Soul almost looked back but stopped herself. My face is still so hot. I just… Soul groaned. Damn it. “You look really funny when you’re blushing” that was what Rainbow said and made Soul want to just fall to the ground. Oh my Celestia, she saw! I can just die now, please. Soul smacked her hoof to her face and pulled her mane down as well. Please just don’t make fun of me. I don’t know why this happened. It’s so weird for me.

Soul heard hooves. Dash walking over to her. She wants to see me, doesn’t she? Oh… Soul closed her eyes. I’m sorry. How was I supposed to react when I saw you like that? Not every day I can get you on the ground with… wait, what am I thinking!? I just… Soul froze when she felt it run through her mane. Such a soft feeling.

“What are you doing?”

Soul looked and saw Dash’s hoof running through her mane. Pulling up the long silver hairs and doing something with them. So gentle. “Fixing up your mane. I know you like it in your style and it’s a real mess right now” Rainbow said.

Why is she doing this? She could just laugh at me and tease and all that but… no. She felt Dash standing behind her, softly strumming her hooves all along Soul’s head. Can even give me a noogie. She’s taking care of me? But I can fix my own mane. I totally can, yet I’m not stopping her. Maybe it was how soft it was. Such a lovely tingle running down Soul’s back and made her shiver.

She watched her loose hairs being pulled away out from in front of her face. Dash’s hoof coming over and straightening it all out. Such a lovely touch. She’s actually making my mane perfect. Soul saw her hairs brought back down over the side of face. Just a bit over the eye. Some mock brushing Dash did using her hooves. But she knows exactly how I style my mane. Wow. It feels so nice, even nicer to know she is doing this for me.

I… my face doesn’t feel hot anymore.

“Thanks for fixing it” Soul said. Dash straightened out the rest of the hair just as she said that. All fixed up from that messup from earlier. It was sweet of her. Soul wasn’t even afraid anymore when Dash walked out in front of her. “No problem. We gonna get going now that you’re presentable again?”

7.33
Rainbow didn’t even say anything more on that, she even just took to the air and started to float off towards the town. Leaving Soul to hesitate. Wait, what? Soul cocked her head, flapping her wings once. Staring at the back of Rainbow’s head and she found herself blindly staring now. I thought she would have more to say. Maybe she doesn’t really care about how I was. “What… are we doing?”

“Well we’re gonna meet up with the others later” Rainbow started. The others! Soul stopped her right there, even making Dash slow down when she raised her voice. “Are they… upset with me over something? About the party?” After all that chaos yesterday, I can’t see why else they’d all want to see me. I hope everything is okay cuz I really have no explanation on what happened.

“No. They’re worried about you so we’re just gonna talk to them.” Rainbow stopped and turned to face Soul. “Talk to them about you and everything.”

“What do you mean?”

Rainbow dropped her gaze down. The look on her face, she was serious now. That made Soul hold her breath. This means what I think it means?

“We need to tell them everything. They know something is up and actually want to help you so I think they should know everything about you, how you’re not a murderer, and… introduce your sister, …formally. They need to see it all.”

So that’s where it’s at now, huh? Finally at that point. That was all what hit her so hard. Soul stared down to the ground. I knew someday I would have to come clean to everypony here. I didn’t know how and when, just that it needed to happen if I wanted my home back. It’s this soon? I already need to tell ponies about it all. But what if I’m not ready? That sent a chill down her spine. Learn about what I did and who I am. What I went through. Blight. What should I even do?

Blight?

Nothing. Silence. Blight? Oh no, don’t tell me you’re being this way right now.

She won’t say anything. No, this is all on me. I wanted to be the one to change things. “What if they don’t believe me?” Soul asked. “They will, trust me. And you got Soulblight to back you up” Dash was almost proud to say all that. Yeah, easier said than done. And Blight wasn’t saying anything. I don’t think she’d want to show up to all those ponies. “Why do they need to see Blight?”

“Because we need to explain how you did nothing wrong and Soulblight is the one who showed me the truth. She’s our best way to do that. Don’t worry, they’re all very understanding and will hear you both out, especially when they see what I saw last night. Besides, if you plan on living here, I bet we’ll all come to know your sister eventually.”

7.34
Well at least Dash thinks I have a future here. But, it’s so much harder than she thinks. She’s literally wanting me to just tell these ponies everything. Blight? Answer me, please. She’s been so quiet.

“I don’t think she will be there to talk to them” Soul softly admitted. “She’s not that good at socializing. And I don’t know what it is she showed you, but… I don’t think she’ll do it again.” Knowing Blight, I can’t imagine what magic she used. No. I think I’m on my own in this. Just like I wanted. This day was gonna come. Dashie is with me again and now this. This moment.

I do wonder if they’ll believe me.

“I know what you mean. Yeah… probably not a good idea for that all to happen again. Okay, how’s about we just convince them ourselves? Both of us at once, they’ll have to believe you” Dash said. Yet somehow, I think this is the right thing to do. So much has changed. So quickly. MY feelings and my world. Can this change too?

“You really think they’ll believe me?” “Soul, I’ll be right there with you. I know what I saw and they’ll believe me. I don’t think they will doubt you. Not after they see the pony that you are.” Dash floated closer to Soul. That warmth of the air from her wing flaps so gently gliding over Soul like those gentle words. “They’ll come to know the pony that I know. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Not anymore.”

Dashie. Soul smiled. She really thinks so? Well I… I can’t say no. Not when I’ve come so far. This time was coming. “I think I’m ready to meet them now.”

“Not now. Don’t worry, we’ll meet them later today so you got plenty of time to just relax” Dash said. Just her and I together for the day. I couldn’t ask for anything better. This mare is the one I’d be happy to spend all my time with. Everything is going to change. “Maybe… I can give you a little tour of the town for a while. There’s a lot to see. Ponyville is a great place to look around” Dash suggested and that sounded so pleasant.

“I’d love to.” Soul finally got up on her wings and joined Dash in the air. That beautiful and kind Pegasus, spending the day with her, it might be just like old times. Old times. Like my life is coming back. Such a lovely take of this world to return to. Not alone. No. It made Soul so happy when Rainbow set her foreleg around the back of her neck. Guiding her to join. Flying off towards the town. This town that might become my home.

“Come on, Soul.”

7.35
This place is pretty amazing. I saw it all before but it’s kind of like seeing it all over again. Ponyville is a lot different from Cloudsdale. Or what I remember from Cloudsdale. Like when do ponies just give you free food for being a new member of the town? That never happened in Cloudsdale. And it seemed like everypony was happy to see me. Though… they all were so nice to me when I first arrived here the other day.

Funny though. All these nice ponies here. Seeing so many just doing their normal routine. So many, and the day is almost done and I haven’t seen Twilight or anypony else all day. No, this was an entire day with Rainbow Dash. Relaxing and flying around. Like nothing to worry about. Like all my fears were gone for an entire day. Plus it’s always nice to be so close to her. Even now.

Rainbow stretched her wings out next to her. Sprawling herself out upon the bench both of them shared. “I’m pretty beat with all that flying around we did” she said. “It was still nice to spend that time with you.” Rainbow looked over at Soul with a genuine smile. So sweet of her. I enjoy it too. Any moment with you. Just hearing her say this stuff to me, she makes the fur on my back stand up. This happiness that I feel. Back in time. Yet I don’t ever remember feeling this happy when I was a kid.

She makes me even want to reach out and pull her against me. Close the gap between us. Like if she could rest in my lap or something. Oh, I don’t know if that’s too much for her. That is what made Soul not make a move. “I’m glad I spent it with you as well” Soul said. Not good enough to show her how thankful I am.

Rainbow has been the nicest pony to me. My best friend. Doing everything she can to make it like I’m back home. A simple life again. One where I can reach for my dreams. I don’t understand why she is doing it. All the things she said to me. Do I really mean that much to her?

She confuses me.

Something about all this means so much more than normal. Like life is back to what I dreamed of. Even for a moment. This moment with Rainbow Dash. As the evening comes in and nothing to worry about at all. Both pegasi sitting here under the orange glow of the Sun and in an empty street where not one thing stirred. Just her and I. This moment is so much different than normal. It really does make me feel. Still, I wonder…

Does she feel the same?

7.36
I’m not stupid. I know what this is. Things have changed so much. We used to sit together long ago and it felt like normal. I’m sitting with her now and I feel so strange. I can’t stop looking over at her. Hearing those words she said to me. How beautiful she is. Dash not even noticing. Too busy looking out upon the sky. It’s like something has changed with her too. A pony this devoted to wanting me happy after all those things she said. Dashie… I wish I knew what to do.

Soul set a hoof upon her chest. Staring down at it. Lowering her eyes. Can’t believe I’m even wondering this. Would she even like me? I… I don’t even know if she likes… mares.

I’m really kind of nervous now.

Dash broke that when she jumped off from the bench. “Tell you what, I’ll get us some ice cream to help us relax. Do you like any particular flavor?” Soul glanced at her with glistening eyes, so many thoughts running through her head. “I’d like chocolate. Thank you, Dashie.” “It’ll be so sweet” Rainbow beamed and walked off towards a line of shops. Soul’s eyes were set on every stride she took walking away from her.

“What should I do?”

“Wazzup?”

Soul almost fell right off with a shriek. Shit! Who is… she looked. Greeted by that dorky smile and piercing yellow eyes. The pony sitting on the bench with her. Soulblight.

Almost gave me a heartattack. I thought somepony was spying on me. Well… I’m glad to see her. “Sheesh… Blight. Stop scaring me. Where have you been all this time?” Soul looked her up and down. Same, old Blight. Huh… how pitch black she was but she looks normal now in the sunlight. I remember her… how dark she was all around her. Guess my eyes were messing with me or something. The Pegasus actually sat with her on the bench like nothing was wrong. Making herself comfortable. “I didn’t want to get in the way of your day with Dash. You two need to catch up on lost time.”

Hmm… still wish she would talk to me every now and then. But here she finally is. Out here with me. Wait. “What are you doing out here like this? Somepony may see you, you know.” Soul glanced around to see. Nopony was here in this little corner of the silent street between the many houses.

Blight rolled her eyes. “Your head is much too cramped and way too noisy. All I hear is stuff like ‘Oh Dashie, you’re so beautiful.’ You’re too adorable, Soul.”

What did she say? “I don’t say that!” Soul shouted. Almost feeling herself about to flush. Oh Celestia… she is too nosy. I totally forgot she is up there. How much does she even know? Soul looked over to her… eyes so down like some sort of defeated puppy. Blight didn’t do anything. She just smiled. Almost innocently. So is she okay with it? “How much do you know?” Soul whispered.

“So you think I might be shocked or something? Please. Before I say anything, Soul, you do what you want. I’m your best friend after all and I’ll support you. I’m not dumb… and I can tell how much things have changed between you and her. I’m not judging at all.”

What is she saying!? Now Soul was blushing. No, no, she can’t possibly be saying what I think cuz I don’t know if that’s… that’s how it is. I don’t know if that’s how I feel because… “I don’t know what this feeling is.”

7.37
Blight was silent. Soul sat with her. Looking over and then back down at her own hooves. My heart is racing. Just all these thoughts. My life is changing so much and I don’t know how to take it. Blight did so much for me and I said I wanted to deal with all this myself. She’s the only other pony I trust. And I still feel I need to come to her for help. I need somepony to talk to.

“Blight, can I talk to you?” A black wing came down over her. Along her back, it pulled Soul in. Blight so gently bringing Soul to lay against her side. So much change. My feelings and my world. Even Blight feels warm like she did before. “Nopony is around” Blight said. “I’ll listen to you.”

“I uh…” Soul clasped her hooves against Blight. Holding on to her. This entire world… it’s not the same. “I’m scared” Soul said.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I thought all this time I just wanted to have my best friend back. Hug her again and apologize. Just be in her life again. Why… why was it not enough? I don’t get it. She said those things to me and it made my heart race. I couldn’t breathe. She made it out like I am the most important pony in her life. She never even made it out like that back when we were kids… yet I meant that much to her? She always was the one who made me smile as a kid. She was the one to stand with me when I was all alone. She was the first pony who made me feel wanted. So why now… do I feel so much more than all those times? I look at her now and I can’t look away from her. I see my best friend and… something more. Like a pony who always wanted me to be a part of her. What happened?”

Soul looked up. She felt her heart skip a beat. Blight… glancing down from the corner of her eyes above her. It was like the entire world had froze in an icy chill. Split in the light… of a burning Sun shining from her eyes. As bright as the Sun but as cold as night. Even if she smiled… Soul felt it. Something deep inside those eyes looking at her.

“We are such strange creatures” Blight said. “So much can change for us. Our feelings and views on this world. All changing with what we desire out of it. Sometimes for the worse. Or, in your case, for the better. You spent so much of your life alone and now you have ponies with you. But there was always one who was with you from the start. And I think you now saw she never truly left you.” Rainbow never went on without thiking about me. She never truly abandoned me.

“I know it’s strange for you. But I think you need to listen to what your heart is telling you. Not just down there… but here too.” Soul flinched when Blight tapped a hoof to Soul’s forehead. Staring so deeply into her eyes. “You’ve seen it and you know it. There was always a pony who was with you. That very pony you wished for to be the one who you could dream of spending all your time with. She was with you twelve years ago and is once again. I’ll just say this.”

Blight sighed. Closing her eyes so gently and a black hoof slowly sifted through Soul’s mane. Soul felt a tear coming in.

“Don’t be afraid of what it is you desire.”

What I desire. Ever since I was sent away twelve years ago, there was only one thing I desired. I thought I had it when I came back. All I wanted was that pony back in my life. How in my life? She was the first pony I ever held. The first one I wanted to be close to. The first one I loved. And she loves me… too.

7.38
I know what I want.

“We’re both mares, though. I don’t even know if she feels the same.” That tear finally fell. “What if she doesn’t love me like that?” She told me she loves me but I… she makes me feel different. So nice to me and doesn’t care about any of my faults. She sees me as a special pony to her. How does she feel?

“Rainbow Dash is your best friend. She shows so much kindness and care to you. I truly believe she would understand your feelings. It would not be right for you to continue hiding exactly how you feel. …I’ll leave it up to you but you should not hide it anymore now that you can have your dream of a pony that will be there with you through anything.”

“I’m so scared” Soul said rubbing a hoof up and down her other forehoof. Rainbow has done so much for me. She was the first pony to ever call me a friend. She was the one who gave me purpose to go through that hell that no othe pony could survive. To stand with the cyan Pegasus who gave her life purpose. Throughout all the blood and snow, all the terrors of the night, the loneliness; it was always Rainbow Dash who stood there looking back at me begging me to go forward to get to this point where I could actually reach out and touch her. To the time when I could hear just how much we both mean to one another. It takes a special pony to do that to me, and I know how I feel. She said she loves me.

“I love her too.”

That was all that could be heard in the silent air of this calm street. Where only the black mist stirred and Soul was left alone once more.

7.39
There she is. Rainbow did not take long. The Pegasus trotted over on silent steps along the dirt path. Looked like she did what she set out to do, holding two ice cream cones wrapped in one of her legs. I’m on my own again. Blight isn’t here to help me. Just me and this pony. The pony that came up and sat back down next to Soul. Handing over one of those cones. Double scooped and covered in a lot of chocolate sauce. “For you.”

She really did buy this for me. So sweet. Soul accepted it in her own hooves. Looking down upon it and just marveling over how it looked. Looks just like I remember ice cream to look. “Thank you.”

Rainbow laid down next to her and started furiously licking away at her ice cream. Just Dash and I alone here, eating ice cream. Just like back in the day when we always hung out alone just letting the day go by. And back then, I always couldn’t stop thinking about how much I liked Dash for doing that with me. To think it would lead to this. Blight is gone, and I know what it is that I feel. Soul took a look over at that pony. Dash didn’t even notice. She was too busy eating away. So messy, leaving ice cream all over her soft lips, but she was so delicate with it. A little smile on her face that came up every now and then. Licking her lips and then going back at it. Those same lips.

Soul felt a little tingle along her skin. Over her face. I still feel it. She finally did kiss me back. That little desire I wanted long ago. I didn’t know how happy it would make me.

It actually took Soul some time before she finally made the first lick on her ice cream. It’s so good. Really does remind me of the foods I missed. This really is the life. I got to sleep with my best friend, I get to eat the foods I missed, and I get to fly through my home land again. It’s so simple. How I always wanted it back. This happiness it makes me feel, kind of just makes me want to shout out how much I love it all. How much I love the pony who did this for me. Hehe… out here. No way. But… Dashie is sort of in leg’s reach. I can pull her close to me. Nopony is in sight. I can. She didn’t.

One wrong word… I don’t know if I should. Are these feelings real? I always wanted Dash back and always loved being around her. To think it would change to this. Soul looked back to Dash from the corner of her eyes. Rainbow’s ice cream disappeared. All gone. The pony sat there… staring at Soul.

Huh…?

Dash quickly turned away. She was staring at me. Watching me. Soul felt her face redden. She quickly looked away holding a hoof over her cheeks. Oh my… I… I didn’t expect that. She could still feel Dash behind her looking away. Why is she so shy now? Was I doing something weird? Here I am acting weird, oh no.

“You like your ice cream?” she head Dash mutter back there. Dashie, …are you trying to hide something like I am? I think I’m not blushing anymore. Soul turned back around. Dash still hadn’t. But Soul caught it down below. A swoosh of colors along the air. Rainbow’s tail wagged against the bench a little. Soul giggled inside.

I think… I may have the courage to ask her. She’d understand, right? It’s just a question of how she feels. Besides… Dash has been acting weird lately. “Yeah… I love it.” Soul went back at it. Surprising herself with how quick she made that ice cream disappear. A miracle she didn’t get brain freeze. We have some time. We can at least talk. “I…”

Rainbow yawned next to her. “Jeez, I really did have a bad night’s sleep. I got nothing to do ‘till Twilight and the others show up. So…” Soul’s heart skipped a beat when Dash scooched back. Her butt going against Soul’s side and then the mare laid back… against Soul… and she pushed Soul down to lay with her atop the bench. Rolling over and almost curling herself up on top of Soul’s stomach. Letting her wings relax. Completely covering Soul up. Just happy to lay on her. Laying on me like she’s a cat? What? Dash just grinned down there with such mischief in her eyes.

“What’s up with you?”

Rainbow shifted her head slightly. “I’m sleepy, duh.” Soul giggled. Of course. Such a dork. Soul even laid back, herself. Staring up into the open sky above. Not even a single Pegasus pony flew the skies. All she could feel was Dash wrapping her hooves around Soul’s sides and her soft fur all over. Using me like a bed. Celestia’s sake.

“You know something, Soul. You’ve really opened up since the other day. You were quite a nervous wreck” Rainbow said. Soul smiled. “Well you’ve gotten much sweeter since the other day. You were a bit scary then.” “Oh you know me. It’s just how I am when some smartass Pegasus challenges me to flying” Rainbow said. Yeah… and that’s something I like about you. You know how to be strong. Not even afraid to lay here with me. I think you’re the only pony I’d do this with.

“And… I was a bit sleepy after that flying” Dash yawned. Whatever she says, but things are different now. Days ago, we’d never do this. But now Dash is down there and she’s fallen asleep on top of me. Such a child. Hehe… and I love her. Soul also closed her eyes.

7.40
“Hey, wake up gals.”

Soul opened her eyes. The Sun was still up. Did I pass out? Probably not for long. Long enough. Two ponies stood over her. Soul had to blink a couple times and saw that it was them. Twilight and Applejack. Standing tall with the Sun over the farm pony’s hat. Just enough light to see both of the mares smiling down at her. AJ even chuckled a little. What’s so funny?

Soul rose her head up and saw the rainbow hairs laying along her. Oh yeah. Dash snored on top of her. She’s out cold.

“Hey, you two” Soul greeted them. Putting a hoof out to push against Dash’s shoulder and that is what made the pony stir. Groaning under her mane.

“Well, looks like you two have been getting along” Twilight said. Soul could feel herself start to blush. And what does that mean? We’re just napping together. “Hey, …we were tired” Rainbow maoned in such a drowsy voice. Slowly slinking herself up from Soul’s soft fur and rubbing her eye. She looks so tired and irritated. Guess I was comfy. Soul giggled. Rainbow did not share in that. She so slowly got up with so much desire in her eyes to go back to bed. “Why wake me up?”

“I thought you wanted all of us to talk. It’s kind of late in the day” Twilight said. That made Soul also sit up. That time already!

“Did you happen to get everypony?” Dash muttered. “Yes, they’re eating at Pinkie’s” Twilight said.

“Great, we all should talk now” Rainbow yawned so loudly before getting off the bench. Reaching back first to set a hoof on Soul’s shoulder. Like she didn’t even look tired anymore. Such care on her face. “You ready?”

This is something I have been fearing for so long now. I don’t think I could do this without Dashie. That’s the thing. I’m not by myself with this. Soul had the courage to nod. Rainbow loves me. When I never thought it could happen. Maybe it’s true. This is a world I can live in again. For ponies to accept me… again.

7.41
Rainbow was the one to force open the door. Like she was eager to step inside of this Sugarcube Corner shop. Even AJ and Twilight followed right on her tail, but Soul paused. Looking up the outside all along the brightly alluring sight of this place with all its cakes and pastries in the windows. She sighed. No point in delaying it. I put myself into this. She stepped in. First time inside. Why was she even surprised to see this place looked exactly like it did on the inside as it did on the outside?

A real sweets shop. As intricately designed for that role as it could be. Like the entire place looked like a cake with the colors and décor and even something that reminded her of whipped cream coming down along the walls, and all over was so many desserts. Tables covered in platters of colorful cupcakes, cabinets filled with candy and cake decorations… so many candle stacks, even a pair of huge cakes sitting at the counter which stood along the entire end of this room. Wow, Cloudsdale had no sweets shop like this. And Dashie gets to come here whenever she wants. Lucky.

So this is where I will finally reveal myself.

Came too soon,… they were all here. Empty tables along the floor but a few of them was were other ponies sat.

Rarity. Fluttershy. Pinkie.

Then Soul realized she truly was in here with all six of them, about to confess to it all. They all will know. These are all the ponies I’ve met, I’ve seen and heard. The only ones who have even tried to get to know me in this town. The ones that Dash says will be happy to be my friends. Will they after they learn about me?

“Soul, sweetie. Good to see you’re doing well” Rarity said. So happy to see me and none of them know how scared I am to see them. “Thank you” Soul said, looking to Dash who motioned towards one of the tables. The one where Pinkie sat at and two seats were left open there. Soul did as she suggested followed right by Dash, both of them taking a seat there. So silent in here. Soul could feel the air was heavy. Or was it just so hard to breathe?

This day is a lot for me. All these feelings and all these surprises. Now… I see it. I wanted to get my life back, it’s being left up to me to do it. Here and now. Even so, I don’t know what to say.

Applejack came over as well to take a seat at the other table. Twilight stood by the door, and that was it. All of us are here. Everypony is looking at me. “So tell us Dash, what you get Twilight to gather us all up for?” Applejack asked. That was when the butterflies rushed through Soul’s stomach. Dash really did have this all planned. She’s so confident. Even strong in her voice when she cleared her throat. Soul watched the Pegasus stare across all of them and could tell that Dash was still nervous. A tiny flicker in her eyes. Those eyes that looked at Soul first. What’s wrong? The cyan Pegasus didn’t even do a thing. This gaze both of them shared. To know this time had come. I’m so scared and she’s scared too. There was something else in Dash too. That steely gaze and strong stance.

Confidence.

Soul nodded to her.

7.42
“Well guys, I think we should all know exactly what’s going on” Rainbow finally broke the silence.

“What’s going on? I didn’t think anything was wrong” Fluttershy spoke up. They all nodded. Really? So none of them suspected a thing. Except for one thing that drew Soul’s attention. Twilight made not a single move. She didn’t even blink. Even with all the others gripped in wonder. I did a good job hiding myself from them. For the most part. Twilight isn’t stupid. I think they all will find out eventually.

“Well…” Dash paused.

Silence. So Dash is having a hard time saying it. What, is she scared of how I might react? She should be after how I’ve been acting lately. I hid myself from everypony and was so afraid of Dash and I thought the worst of it all. I thought Dash was somepony else. How childish of me. They will find out about me eventually. Everypony, even Dashie, will learn everything about me eventually. And there was one thing I need to remember about myself. I was taught to be strong.

What good is a strong body without a strong self?

Soul set her hoof upon the table. “Guys” she said suddenly. Rainbow and the others turned their attention to her. They’re all looking at me. Me, the pony the think they know. But really just a pony who wants her life back. What better way… than to introduce myself?

“I want you guys to know my name.”

“What are you talking about, silly? We already know your name” Pinkie said.

Heh, well I didn’t do it properly last time. Soul shook her head. Here we go. “The truth is… my name is Soul …Serenity.” She felt her ears twitch just from saying that. Hearing it in her own voice. Soul Serenity. Soul Serenity. So long since I’ve said my full name to anypony. As a kid, nopony really cared. It’s just another name. These aren’t those times anymore. So… what do ponies think now?

Soul looked around, only Twilight glanced at the others. Dash bit her lip. That… was it.

Rainbow was right. Nopony knows who I am.

7.43
“That’s a nice name” Pinkie said.

“So none of you really know who I am?” Soul asked. The other four… they just looked at one another. So confused. It really is true. Rainbow walked up to stand next to Soul. “May I?” she asked. Soul let her beath go. I’ve been holding it in this whole time? Just because her heart was going wild. So much that it hurt. Took so much just to say my name, so much that my whole body aches. She just wanted to lay down and let it all go away. So Dash wants to try too? Soul nodded.

“Soul was… she was sent away a long time ago. She never left to go train in other lands. She was sent away because…”

She’s gonna say it. That horrible night. All coming back. Soul’s eyes shut tighter. Twelve years… ponies will now know what I had to deal with. Yet none of them will ever be able to feel what it did to me.This fear alone, just to say my own name.

“She was blamed for killing two ponies” Dash said as fast as she could. The mare almost fell over, seeing that her legs were shaking just from saying it. This is hard for her too. Even Soul felt her wings tremble. “She… was banished for it. We can’t lie to you all anymore. She was gone all this time because… because Celestia sent her away. She was gone all this time when she was never the one who did it.”

It was like they were all stuck in time. None of them moved. Just Dash. She looked so serious. Just a ruse. Her legs were shaking badly. Even her voice had gotten strained when she spoke. This whole world coming to a stop. When it all stood still, and Soul could feel the terror in her heart. The need to pull her mane down over her face, but she didn’t. Just that nervously subtle fear deep down as all was numb inside.

“Yer joking” Applejack said.

I was the first pony in so many centuries to become a killer. I’m the most hated pony in this land. Having to hide ever since I got here. Can’t even go back to Cloudsdale. Can’t even try to be a Wonderbolt because I am that pony. I am the one that everypony should fear. Soul sat up. Listen to me.

“I was never travelling. I was never out on some self care journey or anything. I… I… ever since I was a filly, I was banished. So long ago. Banished to a winter nightmare where I almost froze to death so many times. Where I was alone… and scared.”

“You… you were really banished? Since you were a kid?” Fluttershy squeaked. Sounds like they are starting to believe me. “Since I was nine.”

“…Um, Rainbow, did you happen to know all this?” Rarity asked. Such shock in her voice. Just how they were all talking… are they scared? Angry?

“Yeah. She’s rather well known in Cloudsdale.” Rainbow confirmed. Twilight walked up to also stand at Soul’s side. Of all ponies, she was the one who spoke out among them all. “It’s true. I learned about her from the princess a long time ago.” Soul glanced over at the alicorn. She knew the whole time? So… a princess is a princess in the end. I was so stupid to think nopony would notice. She knew. She knew!

What has she been saying?!

“And you brought her here!?” Applejack yelled. True anger. That was it. There it finally was. They believe me. Twilight knew the entire time. They really are gonna be mad. That made Soul shrink back in her chair. Away from them all. With her wings up. Like they covered her from the ponies around her. Not again. I didn’t want them to be mad. I don’t want it again. Surrounded… by ponies that hate me. Not again. Not when I did nothing wrong. Not when I lost the life that I loved. “Please no…” Soul whispered.

Rainbow wrapped her foreleg around Soul’s neck. Such a soft touch. Soul looked up, finding the pony pulling her close. Standing by her side… and anger in her face. “I said she didn’t do it, Soul is not one to do anything like that!” “Well if she was banished, I reckon the princess must of had reason to. She don’t make decisions lightly” Applejack said. “Why on earth would ya think she was wrong?” “It doesn’t happen often” Rarity was the one to speak. “We all know the last time she had to do that. Princess Celestia only does it… when she has no other choice.”

“Did Soul really… kill ponies? I… I don’t want to believe it” Fluttershy said. All of them speaking outside of Soul’s wings. She could feel her tears coming.

“Celestia was wrong because I decided to give Soul a chance. I’m glad I gave her that chance. Because I learned what happened. How’s about you all listen to me before you start talking crap about my best friend!?” Dash shouted. Echoing through the room. So angry and passionate. That was what it took.

“We’re listenin’.”

7.44
Soul looked up from under her feathers to Dash. The pony who still stood next to her. Never flinching. Even if she shook, she had that strength to her. The same strength she had long ago. I still see it and she’s standing up with me again.

“We’ve all seen some pretty crazy things. Crazy magic. What if I told you I met somepony who had magic that showed me Soul’s memories?”

“Memory spells?” Twilight asked. “That’s pretty advanced magic. It was hard for me just to learn memory restoration. Are you really telling us you found a pony who can show you memories?” Show her my memories? How did Blight do that?

“I don’t know if it was that spell. I don’t know exactly what it was. But it was magic unlike anything we’ve seen. I actually saw what Soul went through. I actually could see her memories… like I was really there” Rainbow said. Soulblight… how powerful have you gotten to do all that for me? She really does so much for me. She… called herself my sister? How sweet of her. Not even my own mother… would treat me like Blight has. I’m so lucky to have ponies like her. But there’s a time when I have to protect myself. Stop being so afraid. Take action just like Blight did.

“Uh huh and who showed you these memories?” Applejack asked. I doubt Dash will be able to answer. No, this is up to me. Soul let her wings down. “My sister did.”

“You have a sister?” Fluttershy asked. As surprised as the rest of them. Hehe, if that’s what she wants Dash to know her as, I’ll call her that too. Besides, I do kind of like it. “Who is this sister of yours” Twilight asked “I don’t remember anypony ever mentioning you having a sister.” Yeah, I never had one. But she’s starting to be more to me than what I thought she could ever be. Soulblight, even if you hide all this time and have been so quiet, even if you have scared me before and made mistakes, I still see you as important. As far as I care, right now, I’ll call you my sister. Anything… to make this world that we can live in together.

“I do have a sister” Soul said proudly. “And her name is… Soulblight. And you all have met her.”

Blight can hide from them but I won’t hide her. They all can know about her. They all should know because I know that Blight really did enjoy being with them. “Huh?!” all of them said as one. Think I should explain that one. “You all did. If she can show Rainbow memories, don’t you think she can do more? You all talked to her yesterday and she really did enjoy being able to party with you all. She was really shy so I did her a favor and let her… use me.” I sound so crazy right now. Whatever. Either now or later, you all will see the truth. Blight will join us in this life eventually. Then you’ll all see she is just as fun as she was at the party. “That’s right, she possessed me.” “So… when I danced with you, that really was…” Soul stopped Dash from finishing. Such a sad nod. “I’m sorry, Dashie. I wanted to give her a day to enjoy life without being afraid. I decided to make it her party… because she deserved something for the help she gave me.” Rainbow’s gaze fell to the floor. I didn’t even know they both danced that night. Dashie… wanted to dance with me. “I’m so sorry. I’d love to dance with you whenever you’d like to” Soul whispered. “I’ll take you up on that. And I understand, you did what you felt you had to do” Rainbow smiled.

“How can you expect us to believe you were possessed?” Applejack said. “Because it’s true” Rainbow stepped up this time. “I spoke with her last night as well and that’s when she showed me Soul’s memories. When I learned the truth. It’s why we slept in so late today.”

“You sure it wasn’t a nightmare?” Pinkie asked, her eyebrow raised high. “All of this sounds really bonkers. I mean, how can some pony we’ve never heard of be able to do all that?”

“I know what I saw and it was all real. Soul here, she’s my first ever friend. I believe what I saw. You all are my friends. Don’t you believe me like I believe her?”

7.45
Everypony looked at one another. Even AJ, who lost that stern gaze she had. As if they all pleaded one another for an answer. Soul caught sight of something. So quick. Because Twilight was fast to look away as if nothing happened. But Soul saw that she had been smiling over at her and Dash. She still spoke out. “I don’t believe Soul would be a pony to kill others. She wouldn’t be that way.”

“You reckon that’s true, Twi? I just… Dash, what did those memories show you?” Applejack asked.

“That Soul never killed those ponies. They were Changelings who impersonated them. …Soul’s sister… she was the one who killed them to protect Soul… and me” Rainbow said. “Killed them? I’ve never seen anypony bring themselves to kill for any reason. Why did she resort to that?” Twilight asked. Really just as concerned as all of them were. A pony that kills. They don’t know the half of it. I don’t want them to know the things I’ve seen.

“I was the one who asked for it” Soul said. “I didn’t know what to do to protect everypony. It’s my fault too. I wanted them to die. Anything to save my best friend.” Rainbow patted her hoof on Soul’s head. “You protected us all. I can’t even imagine what would have happened if you did nothing.”

“So you’re saying Celestia got it wrong? You were banished by mistake? Your sister is the one who did it?” Twilight asked. I don’t want her blamed for something bad. Even if I was accused of it. I was banished for it. The fact is that Blight is a different pony now. “Blight had no choice. She wanted to keep me safe, don’t be mad at her. Both of us were banished to that terrible place for twelve long years! It was so horrible. I hated being gone from all of this and only wanted to come back home so I could be… be where I belong. The only reason I survived it all, was because of Blight. I just want a day to come when I can come home and my sister doesn’t have to be afraid to be around ponies. We just want friends.” I heard everything Blight said yesterday. She gave you all an idea of what we went through. She wasn’t lying and I remember it all. So much that it makes me cry right now! Making Soul need to sob into the fur of her forelegs. Now they all know. It’s all true. That happened to me and I hate it.

I just want a chance.

Rainbow gave me a chance. Soulblight gave me one. Now I need one to never have to go back to that horrible place. If Celestia sends me back... “I was punished for wanting to save my friend. I just wanted my life back, nothing more.” Rainbow hugged her from the side and hushed her. “Everything will be okay.” Will it?

The others stayed silent. Looking across their faces, they all changed. They were all sad. Sad for me? I just told you all that I know, all that I can say. So please have mercy on me. Not like what was shown to me twelve years ago. “Please forgive me.”

“Hey now, don’t worry about a thing, sugarcube. We’re yer friends and friends stick together.”

Soul held her breath. To see and hear those words coming from one of the ponies. From Applejack herself. She really said that?

Friends?

“Yeah, we believe you” Pinkie said sweetly. “We all do” Rarity said as all the ponies stood up from their seats. Soul sitting in the middle of all of them. Circling around her… with five hooves all reaching for her. Held there together in front of her face. Like they offered them to her. Am I…? Soul looked up to all of them. All the smiles on their faces. Even in the shine of her teary eyes, she could see it. She could see five ponies who… believed her. “We’ll find a way to clear your name, we promise” Twilight said.

Rainbow? The cyan pony stood beside her. The most beautiful smile on her face. A little wink that she gave to Soul as if to say that she was right all along. They would believe me. They do. Soul held her own hoof out. Set atop all five of the others before the cyan one came on top of Soul’s. All together. A web between all of them. That made it true.

Rainbow, you gave me… friends.

7.46
Soul followed Rainbow in their gentle flight through the clouds which were lit bright orange from the setting Sun in the horizon. Just the two of them. In what must have been the most relaxing flight. Like nothing wrong could happen. Nothing to fear anymore because the impossible happened. Ponies believe me.

Rainbw looked so relaxed too in her flight. Just up ahead leading Soul home. Not a care in the world with her sweet smile and her gentle wing flaps. She deserves it. After all, this was all because of her.

Why is this day so perfect? Why is nothing bad happening? It’s seems like my whole life before this was nothing but fear and pain. Until she came back into my life and now I can’t stop admiring her for it. She doesn’t even know just how much I love her for all this. My best friend and the closest thing here that makes me feel so welcomed. Funny, I’ve begun to think that I really do have a future here. A future with her and with all these ponies. Eventually, you’ll know just how much I appreciate you, Dashie. I don’t know when, but I am so happy regardless.

I still think you should tell her.

Hey, Blight. Good to hear from you. I knew you couldn’t be without my voice for long. So tell me, …did everything go well? She’s joking. I think you know the answer to that. This whole day has gone better than it could even be dreamed of. I heard it all. Haha those ponies are so nice to you. I really do think you are so close to that perfect life you want back.

A perfect life. Soul lovingly looked across the world ahead of them. Those lines of trees all glimmering with what was left of the dying sunlight that shone over the lands beyond. Where the mountains bled black in their silhouettes. To… the towers over them. A city. One that I should fear. But I don’t. Canterlot. And Ponyville behind me, flying in this sky with the one pony I wanted back. Not a worry on my mind. It’s what I wanted. Not even afraid. I can imagine the life I want… with the pony I love. All this time, my feelings just got stronger. Over these years, and now this world is mine again. …Almost.

“Just one thing left” Soul whispered. One thing. I believe it can be done.

Days ago, I didn’t think it could be possible. Convince this world that I’m innocent. That I am still that same Pegasus from long ago. Grown up and just wanting to live again. It feels like it’s possible. Even with one huge truth.

I’m not afraid.

7.47

Blight, I might be crazy, but I need to tell you something. So much has happened. So much has been given to me. This world that I longed for, it’s almost back to me. One thing left… and I think I can do it.

I want to talk to the princess.

Hmm… and you’re sure that’s a good idea? Why not? I made up my mind. Maybe things really haven’t been the way they seemed. Maybe this world is different from when I left it. All the ponies who abandoned me long ago, it’s like they don’t exist. This is like the world I once knew and I can be the filly that it once knew. I can do something to prove that I am me. I am Soul Serenity, the same Pegasus who only wanted to inspire others to be their best. I can give back. I can show them all how much I love this world. I said I wanted to try and I intend to.

I’m glad to see you are overcome your fear. What is it you plan to do? Simple, I’ll go to Canterlot myself. I’ll prove to them all that I am not the pony they were afraid of. And now I feel you are blinded by what happened earlier with the others.

What do you mean?

Soul… I killed those monsters in front of everypony. So many saw it as you doing it. Even if you are innocent, they don’t believe it. I think you alone can’t do it.

So what, should I really ask for help from the others? Blight, I don’t want to ask them. They’ve done enough. The thing is, I want to prove to the world that I can save myself. I’ve always had others stick up for me all the time. It’s time I do something for them. I love Rainbow Dash a lot, I want to show her how much I love her. You can try to stop me.

I never said anything about asking them.

7.48
Soul, I know you love Dash a lot. You’ve grown into a very strong mare and I understand you want to show that after all this time. So I say… do it. Talk to Celestia.

Really?

But you’re not going alone. You know I will never leave you to face uncertainties. I want to join you, just to help. Try to convince her and, if you need proof, I won’t do what I did back with the others. I’ll stand with you and show her everything to back you up.

I really want to show Rainbow Dash just what I’ll do to have a life with her. And you will. Just let me join you. Been a while since you and I did an adventure together. I won’t interfere.

Thank you for listening. It means a lot. You really are a great friend, and I’d love to have you along. So she will go to Canterlot with me? Amazing. I feel like we really will have the life we dream of.

Not to Canterlot.

What?! Do you think it’s a good idea to just walk right into the castle with all those guards and all those ponies? Then what do you think I should do? Easy. Have her come to you. Just you and her, what does she have to fear? I think she will be more than eager to meet you one on one. Perhaps even in those fields you and Dash did your little moment at earlier today. Nopony around. Isolated. It’s perfect!

Well I... “You know, I got some cool books back at home we can read if you’re not tired. You haven’t really been up for that long” Rainbow chimed in so suddenly from up ahead. Startling Soul. The cyan pony had not even turned back to say that to her. Just continuing on her flight. “We can do that” Soul said. Oh man, that was scary. Anyway…

One problem. How the hell would I get Celestia to come see me? Should I write her? Sounds hard to do even if Blight’s idea sounded really good. I need this to go perfect just like this whole day has been. Then… I can have my life with Dashie. I can truly have how I see her and I.

You can do the talking. Just leave getting her to come up to me. I think I know a way to grab her attention. But that’s for later, wouldn’t you say? Isn’t there another pony who needs your attention?

Read me like a book. I can’t get her out of my head. Even flying with her, I love it so much. Anything to be with her. It’s why I’m doing all this. It’s why I will do it. The fields. Blight and me. The time to finally end this and my dream can come true. Rainbow Dash, it can be our dream. Together, forever. Like I wanted since I was a kid.

You make it out like you have to do a lot to show her how you feel.

Because it is. What if I do something wrong? I want to do anything I can. I’ll move the skies for her if I have to. Even convince an entire land to accept me again. That time will be soon. Rainbow Dash’s house was just ahead. I’m confident of it. Confident even if the butterflies went rampant in her stomach. A chance to spend the rest of my life with her.

You’ll find that it’s easer than you think. Rainbow may be your best friend but she is also a mare who has cared for you for so long. Don’t be afraid of what your heart is telling you. Your heart is bound to hers.

7.49
Soul landed atop those fluffy, white clouds. Right between the small streams going through the clouds and cascading along the house. Landing just behind where Dash landed. That pony already giggling up there. She’s so happy. I am too. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Just her and I alone here. Rainbow so carefree and joyous. Practically leaping along the clouds towards the door. Such beauty in her steps. Such grace.

Easier than I think? Rainbow has been so nice to me and has cared about me for the longest time. To think this beautiful mare sees so much in me. That she had the courage to tell me that she loves me. Should I have it too? To not be afraid of what my heart is telling me? After all these years, it’s told me the same thing.

That I want Rainbow Dash.

There’s a part of me that is afraid and a part that… I want to listen to. The part that has always been telling me what I want in life. And here it is, right now. Just Dash and I. Thinking that, it made her shiver. A tingle running along her spine. Making her wings twitch. Yet she still smiled. Smiled for all the feelings inside. The truth that was in her. Is Blight correct? Should I show her how much I appreciate her? Soul felt herself begin to flush. I’m not even scared. Not scared to look like this weak, nervous mare with her legs shaking. Feeling the red along her face. And there was a time when I would be. But now, I’m fine being like this around Dashie. After all the words she said for me and all the things she did. The years we were apart, they now feel like we were always together.

“Hey, Dashie” Soul whispered. “What’s up?” Rainbow responded, stopping up ahead. “I really appreciate everything you’re doing for me.” “Hey, what are best friends for?” Rainbow said as she opened the door to her house. Best friends, but I want more. And I can hear it in your voice. Dash sounded nervous hearing all that. Even hearing this. “I could never repay you for your kindness. You’re really nice, you know?”

“Oh come on now, Soul, don’t get all sappy on me right now. You know I just want you to enjoy yourself and… it makes me happy to see you happy.” Rainbow rubbed a hoof over the back of her head. Laughing a little. So scared to say such nice things, but you still do. That’s something I love about you. You aren’t afraid to tell me what you feel. You treat me like I am important. And all you want is for me to be happy. Since we were kids. I know it now. It’s like we’re back. Back with feelings I was too stupid to realize back then.

Soul looked into the magenta eyes looking back at her. She warmed Soul’s heart. Like when she held me. When she kissed me. Things so few do for me. Soul sighed. It’s no wonder I feel this way. You’re strong and kind and sweet. Something I want to be. She’s afraid to say those nice things to me and she does it anyway. Maybe Blight really was right. Maybe I shouldn’t be afraid to show her how I really feel after all these years.

7.50
“Dashie” Soul said quietly. “Remember what you told me last night? After I woke up. We were both out here.” Those words that keep repeating in my mind. “What I told you? You mean after what Soulblight showed me? Which ones?” Dash scratched her chin with the tip of her hoof. “I think you know” Soul pressed her. Feeling her entire body begin to grow weak. Watching Dash look around, really thinking back.

“You mean… how I said I felt?”

“About me” Soul nodded. “What did you mean when you said it?” I have to know. I have to see how it is you really feel. “I uh…” Dash looked at her. She did nothing even when Soul began to walk closer to her. Closing the gap till both of them stood together on the steps. Soul just on the step below her. Looking up into her eyes. “I realized I couldn’t hide how much you mean to me anymore. Seeing everything you went through and how much me leaving you did to you, I felt so stupid to pretend you and I would not even come close to how we used to be.”

“Soul, I always dreamt of you being with me again. There wasn’t a single night where I didn’t wish you back. I told you everything that us parting did to me. Then you came back, all of a sudden. It was like a miracle and, yet, I was stupid. Because I was… well, never thought that I could have you back or… feel the way I used to feel about you.” Soul stepped closer. “How did you used to feel about me?” Soul asked.

“You know… I was… kind of always wanting to be with you” Dash was getting flustered. “It was kind of crazy. No other pony made me feel so… happy than you did. And there was a part of me that was wanting to… tell you.”

Now I see. You felt the same way I’ve been feeling. Dashie, you know that I want you in my life too. There was no other that made me as happy as you did. Soul took her next step. Putting a hoof down next to Dash’s, another hoof placed itself to Dash’s lips. Soul shushed her. It’s okay. You don’t need to say anymore. “I was also really dumb for thinking you and I would never go back to how we were. I was so afraid you didn’t like me. That you wanted me out of your life. But then today happened and I realized that we really can be that way again. I think… we actually are.” That is what made Dash stare deep into her eyes. Both ponies standing side by side. Soul joining her at the top of the steps where the wind brushed lightly over both of them. Beneath the glow of the risen Moon. In the warmth of this night. Where no fear was left. We are back and that means… it is true.

My feelings for you are real.

“Dashie” Soul whispered. “You told me that you love me. Now I can tell you… all these years, my real feelings. That I was so stupid to realize long ago. Until I saw that I want you in my life. More than you know.”

“Soul?”

Soul shook her head. Smiling so deeply in the shade of the night. Where the glow of the Moon only lit up her gleaming eyes. To be bold enough to set her hoof against Dash’s hoof. As close as we were when she held me last night. Like I always wanted from her, and I always wanted her love. A stupid filly who wanted to do everything in the world with this pony. Now I see it. I came back for you.

“Soul, what are you saying?”

“I’m saying…”

“I’m in love with you, Rainbow Dash.”

7.51
My face feels so hot. My entire body is trembling. I can barely feel my wings, and the soft brush of my tail along my legs. My heart is racing, and I’m more scared than ever before. But there is something about it. It’s not the fear I’ve come to know all these years. It’s something else. Something a little more pleasant. Like it was comforting at the same time. To finally say these words I never thought of before. To say how I feel.

“You’re the first pony I’ve ever felt this way for. No other pony has had my sights like you have. Even back when I was a kid. You were always the only pony I wanted. Now I see… what it was.”

Looking into her eyes. Her eyes as bright as apples glistening of starlight. Rainbow Dash looking deep into her. Not a word to be said. Not a single move. She kept her wings high over her, still. The most silent gaze a pony could have. To listen to these words.

“I’ve fallen in love with you.”

The words that made the first tear fall from Soul’s eyes. These words I never thought to say to anypony. No stallion or mare before. None of them could get me to feel this way. And you are the one I want. My greatest friend. The pony who stood up for me and kept me safe. Who regretted her mistakes just like I did for mine. The only pony I would fly with any time. Live with and love. I don’t care if we are both mares. For you are the true one I wanted. I’ve said all I can. Soul sniffed. Wiping her tears away over her smile.

“You’re in love with me?” Dash whispered. She didn’t blink. Not even flinch. Just stuck there in this moment with Soul. Her voice like silent echoes in the wind. “Wow. I’ve heard many stallions… say that to me. But none of them could move my heart. And I never thought I’d hear those words come from my best friend. From my wingpony. Never did. Even back when we were kids, I never saw it.”

You never saw what? “Nopony has ever been able to touch my heart. I never see myself with anypony. I never thought one would come and mean it when they say it to me. If they were just rushing or not sure how they feel. I more just want to wait for the right one.” Dash finally broke her stillness. Reaching her hoof away from Soul’s and set along the back of her own head. Her eyes… broke away.

For the right one?

“Soul. You’re in love with me? …Well I… that’s a lot to take in.”

7.52
Soul felt her own hoof slink back away from Dash. Well… it didn’t hurt to try. At least I got to tell her how I feel. But now… it really does hurt to see what I’ve done. Soul had never seen Dash so nervous before. Taking a step away from Soul. Like she was too afraid to even look her in the eyes. So… what now?

Soul took a step back. She knows. She knows and she… she’s scared. Why? Is it because I’m a mare? Or do you really not feel that way about me? “You want to find the right pony?” Soul mumbled. Slinking down behind her long mane. Whoever it is… will be so lucky. I’m an idiot! No, I… I gotta let her forget about it.

“I’m… I’m” She turned around in shame. Already feeling her wings kick up in strength. Just one flap and I’ll be out of her. Leave you to it. Because I am so stupid to have rushed this. To have thought that everything would go right for me. Soul shooked her head hard. I need to keep my friend. “I’m sorry!”

Soul let her massive wings out. Give you time alone. Please forgive me.

“Soul! Don’t leave.” Soul completely froze herself. Even so, it was as if she could collapse. Why keep me here? It’s best for me to just go and let you recover from this stupid shocker I gave you. In love with you, I’m an idiot. “You tell me that and then you dare to try and run away from me!?” Dash shouted behind her. “Don’t be stupid.”

I am stupid for telling you that. We could’ve just gone inside and leave it at that. I could’ve hid my feelings forever. As long as it kept you from being mad, which you are right now. I can get my life back here. I can get my dream. But that doesn’t mean I need to be with her.

“I’m so sorry, Dashie. I’ve been… been feeling so confused over how to take everything that has happened. All those years I’ve been gone, you were the only pony on my mind and these past few days we spent. Well they… you made me so happy just like back when we were fillies. So happy that I learned what it is that I’ve been feeling all these years.” Soul began to cry. “It’s so hard to keep my feelings hidden anymore. But you want the right pony for you… even with I thought you were the right one for me. Ever since I was a kid. I’ve only wanted you so close to me. I’m an idiot for trying this. Please don’t be mad at me.”

“You’re right. You are an idiot. But not for the reason you think.”

Dash’s hoof set against Soul’s back. In the most chilling touch just like the first cold wind that came over them. Blowing Soul’s mane along her face. Rippling her feathers in its course. “You really think you telling me that will change our friendship? I’m not gonna be mad at you” Rainbow said. “Truth be told, you are pretty brave for telling me that. Ponies I’ve barely known usually were the ones who said that type of thing to me. It’s never been one of my friends before. I think it’s scarier to admit then.” That let Soul lower her wings a little. Not fully. Her feathers still hung high to the wind. Relaxing, even as she started to. But disappointment. Rainbow Dash won’t love me. Not like that. After all these feelings I’ve had. I should count myself lucky she’s not mad. Soul let out the deepest breath.

Still, I’m so sad about it.

“When did that happen? When did you get so brave?” Dash asked behind her. “A lot must have changed. Not even I would be brave enough to say that to another pony. I should know.” Soul faked her little laugh. Hidden behind her wings. Nopony could see her tears. “So you’ve loved before?” she asked Dash. “Yeah… long time ago. But I didn’t think they were the one. So it just never happened in the end. That’s what I did think. I don’t know, maybe I was lying to myself. Maybe I was just too afraid. Cuz sometimes I look back and regret it. Like I regret a lot of things. Lately, those regrets have disappeared. I’m still so lucky you’re back. I won’t let anything ruin our friendship, so don’t worry. I’m not upset.”

Still doesn’t help… how I feel. How much it hurts.

“Soul. I think you and I will both find the right ponies for us. Maybe sooner than you think. So don’t be worried. I’m still here… and I still want you to come inside with me. …Getting a little cold, you know? We can talk about this inside.”

At least that’s something. She still wants to be my friend. Still though, there will never be another pony who will make me feel the way you do to me. That is what made Soul ashamed and so disappointed. At last, something so painful had to happen. Like always. That kept her eyes closed. Soul turned around. I’ll just go inside and… I’ll just go to bed. I’d rather not deal with this mistake I made.

7.53
That was when Soul opened her eyes for the feeling she did not know. Opening them up to see it… as Rainbow Dash… set her lips upon hers.

The jolt of lightning down through her heart. Like she could collapse from the shock of seeing it while her eyes widened. All the while Dash kept her eyes closed. Even in the dark, to see her face so close to her own. Their muzzles together, and Rainbow’s face as red as Soul’s now was. Such heat and such a feeling. Her wings could give up. Her ears felt so hot. But all along, Soul did not let go.

Is this happening?

The world fell still. The air was silent. Not even like it was chilly or warm anymore. No, nothing could exist inside this moment. Nothing but the two of them. Locked together with the soft touch upon her lips. Rainbow…

Would there ever have been a pony who would love me enough to stay with me forever? Hold me in bed and keep me safe. Touch me so gently and let me know there was nothing to fear. I never could see it. I was always just a scared pony who had no idea how to do anything right. Alone for so long. Scared for many years. Without a pony there to make me feel… the way I do now.

It took you. My greatest friend. You are that pony. The one I’m alone with. The one who holds me tight. Safe enough that Soul closed her eyes. Give in to this, this moment. One unlike any other. That makes my heart leap. You were always the one. You took me away from all the fear and pain. You gave me my dreams. You were always the one I fought for. And now, here we are. Kissing together under the Moon.

Rainbow wrapped a leg around the back of her neck. Soul stepped up. Held tight in her grip. Never letting go. Never ending this kiss. The most gentle and loving kiss she could ever receive. One I’d never want from any other. This is our moment. The moment I dreamt of, to be so close to you forever.

Soul could feel her wings shutter. Such a gentle breeze. I can’t even feel it along my fur. All I can feel is her lips against mine. This feeling I will cherish forever.

7.54
Rainbow’s lips let go of hers, but it was like they never left. That moment. Soul stared, as did Dash. Both looking to one another in the deep entrancement of their glimmering eyes, shining bright of the moonlight.

“You’re so brave for making the first move. How could I not reward you?” Dash whispered.

She really kissed me. That happened. I still feel it. It made Soul feel so weak. Her wings couldn’t stay still. Her lashes fell over her eyes. This is unlike anything I’ve ever known. Where I thought flying was the truest love and freedom… I was so foolish to not realize it. Rainbow Dash. You were always the one.

“I thought you were waiting for the right pony” Soul said.

Dash shook her head. Looking back at Soul with longing eyes. “I was. I was waiting… for you.”

One tear let go. Falling down Soul’s cheek. Me? …It’s true. “Dashie, you gave me… my first kiss.” Something I never knew could be so sweet. With the pony I’ve always loved since I was a kid. Rainbow chuckled a little under her breath. Like she was shy, the way she looked. It never went away, but her cheeks got redder. “Yeah… it was my first too.”

Rainbow never kissed any other pony? I was her first! There are no words to how happy that makes me. Just like there are none to tell how much I love this. All the tears falling from her face. Soul didn’t even flinch when Dash’s hoof touched her cheek to wipe them away. I need to know. Is this real? “Rainbow, …do you like me?”

Soul gasped when Dash’s wings came over her. Both of them holding her tight in their feathers. So tight. Soul couldn’t move in that warm hug Dash gave. The cyan Pegasus set her head down on her shoulder. Whispering into her ear. “You dummy. What makes you think I don’t? I could tell you had feelings for me. The truth is… I’ve always loved you. Ever since we were kids. You were a beautiful and kind filly who grew into a mare I could not stop myself from loving. Yet I was so dumb and scared to try and tell you. But you did. You were the one who was brave enough. I’m sorry. I always loved you.”

“Rainbow Dash, I love you” Soul squeaked out. The last words before she cried. No more tears of pain. Soul smiled so deeply. These are finally tears of joy. She heard the smallest sound in her ear. A little sniffle coming from the pony next to her. Whose grip got tighter and both her forelegs wrapped around Soul under her wings. “I love you too, Soul Serenity. I always want you to be with me.”

It’s true. No more tough mare from her. No. Dash is real. This feeling is real. She loves me. I’ve never heard her so happy before. Those were the words I’ve wanted to hear. My mother, my father. Nimbus… Starry. They never said that to me. They never stayed with me. I lost you once. It’ll never happen again. I promise. For you, I’ll do anything. Rainbow Dash.

7.55
Rainbow’s grip let go. Her wings leaving. Just one leg left to touch against Soul’s mane. Both ponies there to look into one another’s eyes. Soul could only see those magenta eyes going along her face. Like Soul did to her. To be so close to the pony you love. To look into one another and see how much we mean to one another. I never want this to end.

“When I said you look funny when you’re blushing, I was lying” Dash said. “You look so beautiful. You always do. Is it okay… if I call such a beautiful pony… my marefriend?” Her marefriend?! Soul held her breath. Oh my Celestia. This is real. “Rainbow…”

“How can I say no? I’d love to be your marefriend.” Rainbow came close. Soul already stepped forward for them to both give the most loving kiss to one another again. One. Two. Three. Soul counted it in her head. How long this moment can go. Rainbow gently ran that hoof along the back of Soul’s neck. Moving her silver mane away from her ear for Dash to let go of their kiss and softly speak in it. “I’d love to be your marefriend too.”

Locked together in this passion that no other can give us. I will always love you. You will always be the one for me. I swear it… for this, I’ll do everything for you.

7.56
Such a gentle tickle touched under Soul’s ear. Not fur or a hoof. But Soul felt it. Rainbow’s lips against the side of her neck. A soft kiss back there. Like a kiss from the wind that made her fur stand up. Oh wow… Soul shivered. Dash didn’t stop her kiss. She’s holding me, stroking my mane… kissing my neck. What is this? It feels so nice. Is this the touch I can get from the only pony I love? Like a gentle stroke of wind. A touch of electricity along her fur. It made her heart beat faster. Soul put her own hoof around Rainbow. Holding her close. Close enough to smell that lovely scent of rain in her mane. Making a smile that could not fade.

“Dash… that tickles.” “Do you like it?” Rainbow paused. Even just a pause… Soul’s heart kept pounding. Like it wanted more of it. I can still feel her gentle touch on me. Don’t stop. Soul nodded. That was what made Dash giggle. “Good. I wanted to give you a real reward for coming back to me. Only a brave pony like you can ever get it from me.”

What?

Soul gasped once something touched her ear itself. She isn’t! Soul shivered so violently when the sensation went all along the side of her ear. The feeling she could tell… was Rainbow’s… tongue. Licking over her fur. That’s my… ear! Soul gritted her teeth. Oh shit… I didn’t think she’d do that. Enough to make Soul start to kick her hind leg. Kicking with every tiny stroke that was made. Going all along her curvaveous ear. To the tip. That almost made Soul fall into her. Oh my Luna! I knew we were sensitive up there but… crap! Why is she licking my ear? “Dashie…?”

“Just enjoy it. My treat.”

Enjoy it? I… Soul whimpered. That feeling. Dash’s tongue so lovingly went along the back of her ear. Do I like this? I don’t know. Whatever it was made her chest tighten. The nonstop kick of her leg. My tail is wagging. Like it’s doing it on its own. Rainbow. Soul gripped Dash, holding her closer… with one of her mighty wings. What!? I just pulled her closer. It’s like my body is doing this without me. And… I… I like it. Nopony has ever touched my ears before. This is something lovers do. I remember catching a stallion doing this for a mare when I was a kid. He did it so briefly and she giggled. I’ve read about it. No wonder those ponies liked it. I love it too.

And Rainbow is the one doing it for me. She is in love with me.

She is my marefriend.

Soul could hear Dash laugh a little as she ran her tongue along. I think she’s enjoying this. This is Rainbow, she’s probably happy about what I’m doing. Soul’s free wing flapped. Right as her long tail flipped over and twirled. That terrifyingly lovely shiver that went along her spine and down her flanks. I feel so weak to this. Like she has me in her hooves and I can’t get away. I don’t want to get away. Keep touching my ear. It made her whimper even more. Rainbow took a deep breath next to her and then… Soul shrieked.

This is my reward? The feeling of something so soft. So lovely. To feel it there. She licked my ear. I can feel the wet fur. And now she did this. Soul almost collapsed when Dash kissed the inside of her ear. That was when she stopped and Soul fell right into Dash’s grasp. Her legs felt so weak. Held up only by Rainbow Dash now.

Soul stomped her hooves back down into the clouds. I can… can stand. Stand and she took a step back with a heavy breath. Stepping out of Dash’s grip. She could finally see that rainbow-maned pony laughing. Laughing even if her face was blistering red. As flushed as Soul’s was. She kissed my ear. I, uh…

“Wow, Soul. You look so tough… but how sensitive are you?” Dash teased her.

Oh shut up. I just… really liked it. Soul actually smiled to herself. I can still feel it. She kissed me there. Dashie. Soul touched a hoof to the top of her ear. Letting it flop against the side of her head. The feeling was still there. Such a beautiful kiss. She glanced at the mare who did it. Such a sweet and innocent looking pony. Laughing to herself. Proud to make me weak… or just happy? Maybe both. Only her touch could turn me into this. This blushing mare. A mare who has always longed for this pony. And now that she is with me…

“I gotta reward you too.”

7.57
She pushed her forehooves into Rainbow while putting all her weight forward. Pushing her down. Both of them falling together onto the fluffy clouds. Seemed to surprise Dash. Don’t worry, I won’t leave you hanging. Soul rolled off of her. Laying right at her side but she left a hoof to cling on to that pony who lovingly stared at her. First… Soul grinned.

She dug the tip of her hoof into the fur. Finding its mark. This is for everything. Soul tickled her hoof along Rainbow’s stomach. The cyan pony couldn’t even take a breath. Not before she burst out laughing. You dork. Teasing me all the time. This was supposed to be our moment and you go and kiss my ear. You always love to mess with me. And that’s something I love about you. You’re the only pony who I would ever let do that stuff to me. I’ll do the same to you. Enough to make Dash even start kicking her hind legs in the air.

“Hahahaha hey, stop that. Hahahahahaha! That’s not fair.” Laughing more and more.

Well you acted like it’s funny that I have sensitive ears. This is just for that. But I have a reward for you. Dashie is lucky. No other pony will get this from me. Soul whispered into Rainbow’s ear. “You want it fair?”

Soul lowered her hoof. Slow enough… for such a gentle caress along Dash’s belly. Rainbow stopped laughing just like that. That’s right. This is for you. Making this sweet Pegasus so relaxed. Rainbow moaned under her breath. Closing her eyes. Like she was in heaven. Laying down completely still and happy. So comfortable. So innocent. She looks so beautiful like this. Such tiny whimpers that she made. Is this how I was when she kissed my ear? I don’t know what she did to me… I don’t know. I’m usually not this touchy. But there’s something about Dash, something about being so close to her and touching her. Hearing her moan so softly. …It makes me hot.

Soul crossed her hind legs. Letting her tucked wings relax. Slowly unfolding around her. Just like what Dash’s wings did. That sweet, cyan pony kicked her leg once. Kicking when Soul ran her hoof so slowly up the entire length of her belly. Oh Dashie, you look so adorable. I just want to pull you close. I want to reward you so much. Anything to show how happy I am.

She must like it. Dash bit her lip. Trying to hold in a long sigh that Soul could hear. Hehe… I’ve never seen her like this. Soul glanced over. Seeing that rainbow tail was actually wagging along the clouds. Wasn’t my tail wagging? Yeah… she’s just like me. Talk so tough… but you’re like this now. You look so defenseless. So innocent and happy. You sound like you really are enjoying this. That’s what I want. Seeing you happy. Being able to touch you and do this to you. I feel so weird. Like my entire body is tingling. This thing I’ve never felt, I just want more. I want to do this to you more.

I want her.

There is something that I’ve thought about. Soul smiled. Smiling and she could feel her body shake. Her heart race. Like I really want more. I want to know if she’s enjoying it. Let me know and I’ll do more. Anything for you. Anything you ask for. Because right now, it’s just me and her. We can do whatever we want. And I think I know how to make her want more. I can’t even think anymore. Just… want.

Soul slithered her hoof along Dash’s side. Scooching herself a little closer. Close to where she could practically whisper into the pony’s ear. So close to it. She let out a gentle breath that fluttered the fur along Rainbow’s ear. She glanced over. Dash looked like she was struggling. Holding something in. Not even able to open her eyes. Poor thing. Let me help you. Soul buried her nose right into the fur on the side of Dash’s neck. “I love you, Dashie.” Her lips kissed against her neck.

Rainbow let out the most pleasant sigh she could make with the biggest smile she had. Blushing so much. But that didn’t hide it. Her entire body trembled. “Soul… I love you.” Dash flipped her forelegs up so quickly. Gripped against her own muzzle right as she let out a sharp breath, and her hind legs shook in the corner of Soul’s eyes. Shaking a lot. That’s what I wanted. Soul chuckled. She moved her hoof once more and then one of those cyan hooves smacked hers away. “No! Stop. I… can’t” Dash pleaded. “Oh my… such a tough mare” Soul whispered. That was what got Dash good. The pony let her legs fall and her eyes finally opened. She didn’t look ashamed at all. No.

Dash turned over, facing Soul. Both of them froze. Soul couldn’t even breathe. Not when she was staring into eyes she had not seen Dash do. Like her eyes were so deep. As vibrant as the sea. Lowering her lashes. As if her entire gaze had become a love for the pony she looked at. So much that it stopped Soul’s heart for a moment. It jumped. Her eyes make me feel so weak. Yet Rainbow leaned in to break it. Giving a quick kiss on Soul’s nose. I love it when she kisses me. It almost brings a tear to my eye. I can’t believe this has happened. We are really together. Twelve years of waiting for her and now…

She kisses me.

“Were you actually trying to get back at me… or was it something else that made you do that?” Dash whispered. Oh dear. I can’t answer her. But Soul couldn’t even keep herself from chuckling. Looking away from those magenta eyes. It might have been something else. She eyed Dash rubbing her hind legs together. Near heart-pounding to see that. “Come closer” she heard Dash speak softly. Uh, oh. Soul hesitated. Pushing herself close enough for Dash to bring a leg around Soul’s neck. She was the one who ended up pulling her closer. Close enough for their muzzles to touch. To make Soul blush, and that feeling all over her body became agonizing.

Dashie… you make me like this.

Rainbow giggled. “You jerk. I’m not gonna let you leave me hanging. How about we go to the bed?”

Part 3 Solace - Act 8

8.1
“Sister, I suggest you should go to bed now, it’s rather late” Luna said watching out at the dark sky beneath her glistening Moon. Celestia still standing there after so many requests to go. “But I’m concerned about what happened to you last night. I only want you to feel safe tonight” Celestia said from behind. Luna looked back. Her older sister had not left her spot at all. Standing tall in the middle of the doorway. Only the light of the candles showed her face. Concerned so much for me. I appreciate it. Such compassion for me. Even so, I can’t have her staying up all night over something that neither of us know how to respond to.

Truth be told, even Celestia knew little about it.

I don’t even know. All the books we scoured through and spells that were cast. Nothing. It still concerns me that she had more books than just that. Celestia had been looking up psychosis. As long as she knows, those feelings I felt were not my own. Those feelings. I’ve never felt them before. Like something gripped me. Something unnatural. And I feel…

Luna looked back out to the moon-shrouded land beyond. Whatever it was… was not right.

It took my Moon from me. I saw the entire world covered in blood. A dread that the world should never see. A true nightmare. Such loneliness and loss. A despair that I never want to feel again. It almost reminded me… of the past.

8.2
“There’s nothing more we can do on this. I’m happy you are concerned but I don’t wish you to push yourself too much. You should get some sleep” Luna said glancing back from her position on the balcony overlooking Canterlot. Celestia sighed. “Would you like me to get something for you first? A glass of water perhaps or a snack?” A very kind gesture indeed. I need nothing for tonight. Just time alone to watch and see. “No, thank you.” Luna turned around to face her with a smile. “Good night, dear sister.” Celestia finally took the hint, shaking her head.

She may be displeased. I am too. Neither of us found anything. Learned nothing. I wish to go back to it tomorrow. Celestia turned to leave the room, but she stopped just to look back. For them to lock eyes. “Don’t hesitate to wake me if you need something. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Sleep well.” Luna watched her older sister slowly walk out from the door until her gently flowing tail moved out of sight and until the light taps of those hooves no longer graced her ears. Morning. One of the few times I get to actually talk with my sister. It’s so hard to rule this land together. Something Celestia had to do all on her own not long ago. I’m happy to help her now, but it’s frightening to think about what happened last night. That I wasn’t able to perform my duties. I don’t want to look weak. Still, I just don’t know.

Another boring night tonight. Listening and watching. I hope all the others can sleep peacefully tonight. Not worry about the fear of the nights that I now know. Though I want to figure it all out. A trip to the library could do some good. Maybe find something we missed. All the millions of texts in there. Countless books, scrolls, and writs.

How can it be possible there was nothing on ponies… losing the heavens? Taken from my grasps. Something must say. From ancient spells long forgotten by the masses of the common wizards, recorded dialogue between emissaries from across the land, and historical accounts of Equestria.

Luna’s ear flinched. Feeling a gentle breeze go over her. So sorrowfully. What is this night? Such fear on my mind. I used to go to the library to have fun. Learn everything I missed out on. So much has happened and it’s all fascinating. Not searching for answers that keep me up during the day. Literally. Luna let out a long yawn.

Would it be nice to just sit down and read for fun tonight? Such stories. Like the one where something bad happened in Cloudsdale. A certain incident years ago. To think something like that happened while I was away. It’s fascinating. Although… Celestia… she never wanted to talk to me about it. The pain I saw on her face. I can tell… it’s a soft spot. Things like that, they are better to think over than the dread that lingers on my mind.

No matter the anguish, I’d like this to be a peaceful night.

8.3
Luna stepped further out onto her balcony first, her eyes going over the vases of gorgeous flowers she had settled under the railing and then back up to the dark blue sky as beautiful as she could hope to make the night. All is calm out here. Just like the world was like yesterday night before… it happened. How I’d like to know why. I have a long night of reading ahead. For right now, I want a minute with this. This night out here.

Stand out here and watch out over this gorgeous land of mine. All the ponies down below and across the land who peacefully slept beneath the calm and loving glow of her grace in the sky. Luna crossed her forelegs up on the railing of her balcony giving her a comfortable place to set her head down for her to continue her gaze at the lovely land of Equestria. The chirping of crickets and the silent streets beneath. The glow of candles in the windows of the homes that made up this great city. Light up this land, like my Moon does. Softly ease all my beloved ponies to sleep. It was all so beautiful.

Yet, something out there is sad.

So sad. To break me. To lose my sense of self. Can something so strong… really be so sad?

Something is out there. Out in this beautiful world; I’m not sure if I should feel angry or sad for it. How bothersome. Maybe I kind of did want my sister with me tonight. It would have been nice having her company through this ordeal if only for just a little bit. In the morning. During the brief time we would have to talk. I hope to at least get a hug. If she’s not too rushed. She happily sighed at this thought. I love to have somepony there for me in these hard times. Anything to keep away the sadness.

Luna stood there, her eyes set to stare out at the dark land beyond while she humbly listened to the soft breathing of every pony sleeping under her watch. Such a soothing and lovely world.

8.4
How long has it been since Dashie passed out? Laying there in Soul’s warm embrace. It felt like forever… a time she never wanted to end. To always be so close to her, even when she knew it couldn’t last. Not for tonight. Yet this was a feeling that was hard to fight. Being so close to a pony you love, when you know you have to get up and go. So hard to let go. So hard to get it all out of my mind. All that we did together. Things I never thought I’d do with another pony. Let alone… her.

I couldn’t even fall asleep after that. I don’t know how she did.

I always want to remember this. Never forget a second of this moment on top of Rainbow’s blanekts. How happy I made her, and how happy I was. Such beauty all the way to the end when Dash finally drifted to sleep inside of Soul’s wings. Just like a kitten sleeping so softly, little murmurs that sounded so happy escaping her every now and then. She must be dreaming. Dreaming with a big smile on her face. I can tell she loved it very much. Everything I did to her.

Soul hugged her closer. Smelling that scent of fresh rain water coming off that rainbow mane. Running her hooves gently over the slumbering pony’s stomach. So warm inside the magenta feathers. This is all that I would do for only my marefriend. My marefriend.

I can’t believe she’s mine!

I never believed it could lead to this. To think, years ago, all I thought about was the pain and loneliness. Like I would never know happiness again. So much… I wanted to die. I never would’ve been able to experience this. So much that could have stopped this. Yet it happened. Rainbow sighed so lovingly down there. Startling Soul when she moved. The Pegasus only fell back a little more, deeper into Soul’s fur. Fast asleep. Never would’ve seen this. Soul smiled.

I have so many ponies to thank for this. This life that is mine. It’s like all that pain is gone. All that worry. It was pointless. And she is the one who helped get rid of all of it. Rainbow Dash. Soul set her muzzle deep into the rainbow hairs. Smiling into it. Closing her eyes. Not wanting this to end. Never.

8.5
My best friend… and my lover. It feels like this was always meant to happen. There was something special about you. You were the pony who broke me out of my shell. The one who gave me her hoof for the first time and showed me a better path to a life I wanted. Even if we fought. Even if we parted. We never left one another. And… we always came back. Stronger and happier than before. This is the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. To say this to a pony, say it like this.

“I love you so much” Soul whispered into her ear.

True love, like it always was. You’re the pony I wanted to fly with all the time. Become Wonderbolts with. Grow up with. Discover all of life together. And if we were apart for twelve years, we can still do it all. The day I’ve always wanted… is almost here.

“Just think, Dashie” she spoke softly. “We can both go to Cloudsdale together again. I can see your lovely parents. I’ll join you in the skies of the Wonderbolts show… and I’ll be the best flyer possible. With you. We can live together and see the world.” I know one thing I’m itching to do is to do a true race with her. I don’t even care who wins. As long as I get a kiss. Always be by my side. The future we have. I can see it.

And there’s just one thing left in the way.

Rainbow Dash. She is like a real pony to do anything for. That type of pony you wanted to go above and beyond for. To prove you will do any challenge and become so strong for. Soul glanced out to the window. Out there, in the night sky that shrouded the land in the glow of the Moon, somewhere out there… is the end of this all, and Soul was about to finally reach for it. This moment I’ve known would come. I’ll be the strong pony and give us a world we want.

The desire to keep laying here and hold this pony, it couldn’t last forever.

8.6
“My sweet Dashie” she whispered. “I’ll do anything for you. And that’s why I’m doing this.” I’ll deliver the world to us. With my own wings and my own voice. I’ll face fear and terror for you.

“So I’ll take the gamble. Whatever happens. The start of our life together, or the end.” And I’m the only one who can do it.

I think I’m ready, Blight.

You sure you don’t want to take a little more time with her? Perhaps another go?

Soul shook her head. Not even blushing. The black Pegasus knew what they did. It doesn’t matter. Blight had to see… this was going to come eventually. Just like this moment, and I can’t delay it any longer. Rainbow has done enough. The others can’t do this. I am the one who needs to save my world. Rainbow will understand.

Soul gave the Pegasus one last kiss on her cheek. The last thing to do before she unraveled her wings and let the pony go. Moving so slowly until she was well away and able to fly off over the sleeping Rainbow. “I’m not sure what’s going to happen, but I want to leave you with something. And I promise, I’ll do anything to return to you.” She was greeted back with a small smile from the blue Pegasus. Sleeping gently while Soul covered her up in the blankets.

Soul pulled open the drawer to the night stand. There was paper in there. Just like there was a pen laying on top the stand. Good. Just like I thought. A little something for you, in case you wake up. Sorry if my writing is a bit sloppy. She hovered over the stand, pen in mouth, writing down what needed to be said. I know if you see this, you’ll understand why it is I’m doing this. It’s not easy for me. I’m terrified. I can feel my heart beating so hard doing this. There’s nothing more I want to do than just fall back in bed with you and sleep.

In time.

For now, I need to finish this. All of this.

Soul set the paper down right next to where Dash slept on her pillow. Backing away from the pony. Soul couldn’t stop smiling even if she was afraid. Things never were easy for me. Don’t expect it now.

Once we get to the fields, there will be no turning back. Are you actually ready?

Soul giggled. “Here goes something.”

8.7
Where had that peaceful sky gone? Soul flew through it. So much on her mind, yet to look out upon this land she flew over. Cast in the night sky. So dark… where even the Moon itself had been shrouded. Lost in the clouds that littered this sky. Even so, ponies slept all across the land under this. Though Soul stared with weary eyes. Feeling a chill run along her when the breeze struck her once more. Stronger this time.

She glanced down. All the trees danced in the wind. Like a mass performance under this heavy sky where not one star shone. It’s like the world is scared. This dreary feeling up here in these clouds. Across a land where not one light stood out. It’s strange, the sky was so lovely earlier.

Now… look at this.

So dark she could barely make out the fluttering treetops of the Everfree forest down below. I can see it. Because I know what it feels like. The land is scared. The sky is. I’m flying through a world so dense and dark. Yet I can’t turn back now. No. Not when I’m so close to finally achieveing what I want. And I feel sorry for this world since I know the feeling. I’m scared too. None of it stopped her. Her huge wings kicking hard and she shot across this sky that felt so unknown.

It’s like the world knows what I’m about to do.

“What do you think, Blight? Something is up with the wind.”

Everything is fine. Best for us to hurry. Your new life awaits you.

Soul frowned. Okay. She sounds kind of frustrated. That made Soul flap harder. Onwards towards the rolling hills she finally picked out just beyond the forest. Right where Ponyville lay beyond. Good, I need to get out of this wind. Soul dashed in at it.

She took a few flaps to hang over the dirt and grass along the hill she hovered over. Watching it all whish about. From her wings or the wind, no way to tell. It coursed through her long hairs. Sending her mane flying. Howling across the sky like some horrible monster all around her. With the sound of countless leaves ruffling, it was terrifying. She could hear wind chimes ringing in the distance. Sweet Celestia. This is all so worrying.

“Hey Blight, are you okay? You sound a bit upset over something. And… I’ve noticed you’ve been really quiet.” Soul landed down upon the grass. Flipping her mane back forward. Having to hold it with her hoof. If something is wrong, I want to know now. I want her happy because we are about to do something amazing.

8.8
Concerned about me? I don’t know why. Seriously, I’m pretty happy that this is finally happening. You’ve waited twelve years for this moment. Now here we are. Quite a long tale, am I right?

“Well you seem hurried. Is something bothering you?” I’m also excited to do this, but Blight has been acting strange for a long time lately. I don’t know if she’s just worried or nervous about being in a new world. And this is a world I want us to share together. “You hear that? Don’t think badly. When this is all over, we’ll both be happy. You know that, right?”

Well, duh. Why do you think I’m so wanting to do this now? The sooner, the better. And after, I might be convinced to show myself to your friends.

I want nothing more. Blight has been my guardian for so long now. Such a good pony, and I appreciate her helping me with this. Soul closed her eyes tightly when such a powerful breeze came over her and the entire hillside. Hopefully, I won’t need her help with this. Soul looked back out at the entire world before her. The Moon was still hidden. The clouds broke and twirled. As if it was all flying around her. It was fascinating. This feeling. This sight. All this, while I do what I have feared for years.

Confront my past.

8.9
I’m not the pony I was back then. I’ve been through so much. Seen too much. Things nopony should ever see. It made me dream and wish for something better. Made me want to fight so hard for it. Never be that trembling filly again who would take her own life over fighting for what she wanted. Who sat like a stump in front of ponies who were just so ignorant. I could never do this back then. To sit in front of the one who did this to me and want… to talk to her. It will not be a repeat of that horrible day. It won’t. Even as the world changed and shifted in the wind. Where the light of the Moon began to cast through the holes in the sky. Such brilliant rays of blue over the land. The only light to break the darkness. A darkness that feels… soothing.

That is what made her feel chills.

Something is different. Something is wrong. And I don’t know what it is. That’s why I need to ask… “Blight, remember I want to talk to her. But… if I fail, please help me convince her.”

I want to do this on my own. I really do. I’d even face a demon if I have to. I don’t want to chance being alone again. Only time will tell.

You absolutely sure? I promise to do what I can. I do. However, I should warn you of something.

“What is it?”

If she tries to get rid of you, I will not hesitate to fight back.

That froze Soul’s heart. The words were like ice, chilling and horrid. Like she could see them as well as hear them. Fight back. All I can see… is that terrifying look on Blight’s face. She gets that way over me? That laugh and that scary magic. I forget just how powerful she is. What she can do. I don’t want her to do that.

I’ll say this now, nothing will stop me from protecting you. If she does not want to reason… then I will be forced to. I’m sorry.

She’s serious. I can hear it. The sting in her voice like when she was angry back in the snow. If Celestia doesn’t want to hear me out, there’s nothing I can do. Would she get rid of me… or worse? I’m a killer in her eyes. All I can hope is for me to do it. Still… “And I suppose I can’t convince you not to.”

I’ve let you do this all on your own. You’re an adult pony now and can look after herself, yet that doesn’t stop me from wanting to protect you. I will do my part perfectly to help you talk to her. And I will also confront her if she wants to harm you.

Soul’s lips felt dry. Funny, the wind stopped. I don’t think there’s anything I can do to stop her if it comes down to it. That’s why I hope I can do it. The visions, though. All that happened back in the snow. I can’t help but remember it all. I knew when I came here, it would not be easy. Nothing ever is. I can only think of one thing. “Fine. Only if I fail. But I need you to promise me something.”

Tell me.

“Do not kill her. Do not kill anypony.” Blight was silent. Probably didn’t expect me to say that. Well I mean it. “I don’t want anypony to die over me. Blight, I care a lot for you. You’re my best friend and the pony I want by my side. Despite that, if you kill somepony over me, I will not forgive you.”

…I understand. I promise not to. If it comes down to it, I’ll do what I can. Nopony will die.

That’s all I can ask for. As terrible as it is. My hoof is forced. I need to warn you, though. I don’t know if I can stop her if she tries to get rid of you. What?! Then why even tell me about…

No need to worry. I can still do something… with your help. Let’s hope it all works out. It’s the best idea I have now if all else fails.

Her and I together to do this. That sounds exactly like what I want. I’ve trusted Blight for so long. I trust her to do the right thing tonight. And when the Sun rises, it will be a new day. One I can share in with all these ponies in my life. When they see how much I’m willing to do just to be with them. There’s only one pony I feel safe with at my side to confront this, and she will be there in my life forever. As my best friend. As… my family. “I’m ready to do anything for Dashie and for you. All I need is to talk to the princess. Nopony will need to fight. All I ask is to help bring her to me.”

That… can be done.

Soul closed her eyes. Looking up into the sky. Feeling the fresh wind coming upon her. So strong that her wings buckled. That her tail flapped. To hear the clouds rushing overhead. Up there, in the sky she looked towards under closed lids. In that darkness… where blood flowed.

8.10
Soul opened her eyes. …Impossible. The entire world stood still.

Blight?

The Moon blazed above. Ripping the clouds… and the world in the shade… of blood.

8.11
What is this?

The covers flew off and Twilight stared out. Out upon the glistening shine of the castle walls. How they would light up the room in such a gorgeous night sky, like Luna herself graced it. Not anymore. Not when the tears fell from her eyes as she looked out upon this nightmare.

This red and dreary world she found herself in. “What is going on?”

She stepped out of bed… only to fall to the floor. Oh… it hurts. Everything hurts. She winced and the tears did not stop. I don’t know why I feel this way. What even was this feeling? Like something impossible. That she could barely even move her own wings let alone step forward. So hard just to get up. Someth… something bad is happening. I can feel it. I got to see… what this is. First last night, now this. I knew I felt something. But I never thought it would be this.

Just gotta… get the strength to… Twilight felt her entire self break down. Terrified when she heard herself begin to cry.

This… this has never happened before. This isn’t right. Why am I sad? She squeezed her eyes tight, yet she could still see the blinding red piercing through the darkness. What is going on? Where are my friends… I need them. Please. I… I need to stop this. Because it hurts so much. Like something is tearing me apart inside. Like it’s…

Sompony else’s sadness.

Twilight opened her eyes. Looking up to the world beyond. Outside of her window, the Moon sat high. Bleeding bright in the color of blood.

“Luna.”

8.12
Luna wiped the tears from her eyes. “No! Not this time!” She shook her head. I will not fall for this again. I’m not going to be that sniveling child that I was last night. This time, I’m going to figure this out. Even if it is hard to. It feels just like last night. Exactly as I remember. I’m more than convinced, this is not right. None of this is, these feelings that don’t belong to me. As if the entire world was shaped by it. Turned around by it.

Luna let her wings out. Sending the dust flying all around her. I can’t allow this to happen! Not my land.

She was no longer alone. Not this time. The entire city of Canterlot gripped under this horrible world that she now knew well. Under the blazing red Moon. Wrapped in the dark clouds churning the skies above. It’s all so different from yesterday. The way the Moon shone through those hauntingly dark clouds to cover the land in this blood hue. It was near maddening to see, and nopony has any idea of what it is. Not even I do.

All those ponies had joined her out here.

Not like last night, no. It was terrifying to see so many ponies out on the streets down below. Staring up upon this nightmare. Pegasi flying over the rooftops with their wings draped red in bloody light. So many countless ponies. All of them get to see my Moon like this. Even if Luna felt that gripping sadness, she could feel her own deep inside. This is not my Moon. It’s not mine anymore. I can’t even control it. Please nopony blame me for this. I promise to figure out what is happening.

What is happening? Not one pony down there… was crying. Am I the only one? How pathetic… and I feel so powerless against this. Whatever it is.

8.13
Luna took flight. Leaving her balcony behind. Joining into the sky with that bloody Moon. High above the city where she could look down and see just how many ponies were about. As if they had all been drawn out to see this horror. Trust me, my ponies. I will find a way to stop it this time. I’m more prepared to meet it.

“Luna!”

Luna came to a halt. Hanging high above the castle, yet she could hear the voice calling out to her from behind. A familiar voice… wrapped in grief. Sister.

Luna turned, finding Celestia was the one who stood out on the balcony she had just left. Wings out. Her eyes running through the sky to meet Luna’s, eyes that made Luna gasp. My big sister is… crying. Impossible. Is she…

“Luna, don’t you leave without me.” The white alicorn burst her wings forth and she came out into the sky. Her stride and her gaze. It left Luna stunned. To see her sister like this. Something was wrong. I’ve not seen her cry tears like that since… I returned. The stunning shock of seeing such a strong pony wrapped in this pain. Luna held still, not moving even her wings when Celestia’s hooves grabbed hold of her. Holding her close. That was when Luna could hear the horrible cries her big sister made. “Sister, are you okay?” Luna asked. Bringing her own hooves up to grab hold of Celestia. Looking up into her dreary, red eyes which let out so many tears. She is… just like how I was. No…

“Sister, tell me… what’s wrong? Why are you awake? What is making you cry?” Luna demanded. I must know. This can’t be real.

“Luna, I don’t know… it’s like… is this how you felt last night?! Is this it? Because I can’t stop crying. It all hurts so much. It’s like… I thought I lost you. That I was all alone. Like everything is gone. And I don’t know why. Why is it like this!?”

Sister. No. That’s exactly what I feel. That terrible pain in me. You feel it too? Luna stared out to the lands beyond. Out to the reddened hills and vast forests of Equestria beyond the city. Something out there is doing this. First me, now her. And they dare to steal my Moon from me twice! What horrible power is this? Such unearthly power. To think it’s so cruel to do this to us. Not this time. “This is exactly what I felt last night, but this time… I will find out what it is.” They don’t have me wallowing in the corner. This feeling, it’s so intense.

I can sense it.

Haha if somepony wants my attention, then they got it! Luna bared her teeth under her tears. “Then you feel it too. You can feel it out there?” Celestia nodded to her. “It’s no coincidence then. Something is out there… and I don’t think it’s good. Anypony who wants to take my night has to answer to me.” I think I can do this. Just need to focus on it, even if the pain hurts. But there is something. Something is hitting me. Not like last night, no. This is something more. It wants my attention. “And I will find it.”

“Sister” Celestia whispered. “Let me do it.”

8.14
She tried to let go, but Luna stopped her. She held her dark hooves around her white fur. Not letting her go. Go and do something so ridiculous. When I am to be the one who will find it, Celestia doesn’t need to subject herself to this. Unless… “Do you have any idea what that can do?” Because I’m starting to get a feeling I know what it will do. All this horrible pain and sadness, what will it be like… to give in to it? What can happen if I try to find where it is? Luna already felt chills going along her. “I’m well aware” Celestia said.

Luna looked to her, the mare already staring past Luna. So set in the sight of this terrible, bloody sky. As set as her steely gaze. “I saw how you were last night. I can only imagine it, even if it already hurts. And that’s why I’ll do it. You don’t need to this time.”

Insanity! “This is my sky! I will be the one to solve this” Luna shouted. She acts like I’m not used to being sad. Luna felt her own tears falling in a stream. Soaking all her fur. I’m used to this. “You wanted my help with this” Celestia muttered. Her legs kicked. Freeing her from Luna’s grasp. Where both alicorns had to use their own wings to fly now. “I will not…”

Celestia waved a hoof, stopping her. “Please stop. Let me do something for you this time.” Even for such a mighty alicorn, Celestia still cried deeply. Looking like it took a lot just to look like she meant it all without breaking down. Never wanting to give in. That has always been something about her. It’s annoying. Ever since I returned, she always wants to do these things for me. It’s hard to feel so powerless. Against her, and against whatever this horrific feeling is. “Let me try, please” Celestia softly spoke. She looked off towards the distance. Staring so far away. Luna followed her gaze, off to the great forests and the hills beyond. “Something tells me… this is something I should do.”

Luna managed a small smile. Thinks she’s so strong. Sometimes… she can be. I can’t stop her. “Fine… but I won’t leave your side and you won’t stop me from helping with whatever it is” Luna said and her sister nodded. We don’t often get to do things together. This should be interesting, and it can’t end sooner. We are the princesses. We rule this entire land and control the skies. Something like this… should not turn us into such whining babies. I hate feeling like this, and I hate seeing my sister like this. I never want to see her cry. It was hard for Luna to see her sister start to shed so many tears. So many…

As she stared, entranced, taken by something beyond.

Tears and pain. Celestia winced, her wings failed and flapped again. But nothing rid her of the glow that came out. Shining bright in the red light, a solitary glow of gold atop her horn. Like light that drove away the darkness, save for the black fur of Luna that set itself against Celestia’ side. She would not let go. Wrapping her hoof around her sister’s body and holding her close… while listening to those whimpers of true agony. I know, sister. That’s exactly how it was for me. And whatever it is… will not get away with doing this to us. Because nopony should be made to feel this way. Not even my sister.

Luna gasped. A flash of light. Arcing the sky and she heard everypony down below so startled to see it. Cutting through the red, lightning struck far away. “My word…” Luna shivered. Her wings paused and… something made her fur stand up. I could feel that. She even forgot to blink. The roil of crackling energy coursing the skies and then… a blast of thunder all across the world before another bolt of reddened lightning shook the sky.

Luna felt her ear flick. Listening to the sounds of all this. This entire sky was turned red raw. To terrify the ponies below. Tearing the world in the sound of rippling thunder. This… is different. This is not like last night. “Luna…”

She turned towards Celestia. Finding the pony already staring down at her, her eyes blistering red! Her tears glowing bright in a flash of lightning. If only to show… the terror in her eyes. That is not pain, that is fear. “Luna… something is out there. I don’t know what it is. But it’s… horrifying. I’ve never felt anything like this.” Even the glow atop her horn began to fade and flicker. Both their wings sent fluttering in a sharp breeze that rushed across them. That was what made Luna’s heart freeze. Fear.

“What… is this?” Luna’s mouth quivered. Shaking entirely. This is different! “This is not what I felt last night. Not at all! I… we may need help for this.” To think… I need to beg for help now. This isn’t right? There’s something that is doing this to me. It’ll only be a matter of time before the entire land experiences this. “We might need Twilight and the others. Let’s head for Ponyville.”

“Sister” Celestia whispered. “Whatever it is… it’s already gotten to Ponyville.”

8.15
Rainbow Dash screamed, flipping the blankets off her. Such a terrifyingly loud sound. She looked all over. Blinking. Twice. W-what… the…?

Thunder and… what is all of this? She stared, wide-eyed all across the room. Her room cast deep in blistering red light. So bright she had to rub her eyes. As if all this red ran deep through her walls and the clouds above, where rays of light were up there shining through it. Everything flashed. She turned back towards the window. Lightning?

Dash got up on all fours atop her bed. Already feeling her wings shiver at her sides. No… not again.

Soulblight. This has to be her. What the hell does she think she’s doing?! Bright red flashed through the room with a crackle the singed the air she breathed. Like she could smell smoke. The entire air felt so heavy. So dreary in here. This is not like last night. Blight… what have you done?

“Soul!” She turned back, looking out upon the bed. The empty bed. Soul?

No she didn’t. Dash turned back to the window. She can’t! Blight took her! That little bitch. Dash felt her teeth gnarl along her lips. Already bringing her wings out. This is all her. How can she take Soul from me again? I made everything right, she can’t do this again. Dash took a step… and she felt something tap her hoof. Gently sweeping along her. It felt… different, something that made her look down to see the paper at her hoof. Nearly crumpled under her and laying on the sheets. Somepony wrote on it. Was it…

My beloved, Dashie…

That made her stop. There’s only one pony who could have wrote this. Something that made her heart sink when the room lit up again for a brief moment. Roaring thunder all across the air. But everything held still. None of it took her from looking down on the words. Soul wrote this for me.

My beloved, Dashie
Don’t be mad. You know how I can get. It’s pretty bad now, but I gotta do this. After everything you’ve done for me. When we were kids, when I was gone, and now. You were always the one pony in the world that kept me going. You never left my mind. And I understand why, I truly love you. You are the kindest, strongest, and most beautiful pony I know. So I think it’s time I return the favor, don’t you think? I’m gonna end all of this and take back the life I lost with you. My reward for you. Soon, we’ll be Wonderbolts in the sky together. Nothing will stop us.
I do all of this for you, my sweet Dashie. No matter what happens, I will always be your special somepony. Thank you.
Forever yours, Soul

Rainbow looked out the window again, her eyes glistening. I understand. I understand why you want to do this. It’s not Blight. It’s you. This is what you wanted. You’ve always been that pony who wanted me happy. And I know you’d do anything for it. I’ve seen it. But there’s one problem, Soul.

“You forgot that I love you. And I’d do anything for you too.”

8.16
Such horror that Soul found herself looking out upon. This entire world covered in blood. Shining bright in the red that bled from bleak darkness all across the sky. Only that one glow of the red Moon could burn through it all above her. Before the lightning that made her shudder. I’ve never seen anything like this. This sky made her stomach churn. Such a horrid sight. And she’s the one doing it…

“Blight! What have you done? Now I know something’s wrong. No more hiding from me. I want to know what is wrong. Why have you done this?!”

“I’m only doing what you wanted.” Soul’s ears flicked up. Turning to face where the voice had come from. From right next to her, where the darkness moved past her. Barely different from everything else, where the red gleamed off her black body… and the shine of silver laced in a misty tail. That was what made Soul’s heart stop. When she saw her in the darkness. This pony she knew. Because Blight was not the same. It wasn’t a trick. When I saw her before like this. Something is wrong! The darkness shedding off this pony’s body, seeping the ground beneath her hooves and coiling about her. Like wind circled only her. Silver bursting through it… just like the blinding red in her eyes. Red. She’s just like before. Long ago… when she was so angry.

Soulblight’s eyes burned brighter than the sky itself, looking at Soul. A deep stare.

Blight, you idiot! You’ve been hiding this from me all along. This is how you were before. “Tell me what is wrong! I’ve never seen anything like this all from you… and I know you are upset over something. So tell me.” How powerful really is she? She’s doing all this… and I don’t know how. Like that blank darkness around her was draining deep into the sky above. Not able to shroud her reddened eyes… and her terrifyingly big smile.

“What you asked. You want the princess here so you can talk with her. How better to make her come? Once she senses my power… nothing can stop her from coming. Isn’t it great!? When this is done… you’ll be happy, right? You’ll have your life back nothing left to fear. The entire past will be gone. I know you want a life with Dashie again. You’re so close.”

Lightning flashed through the sky behind the black pony. A horrifying red glow casted over her. Soul couldn’t take her eyes off her. She couldn’t stop shaking her head. “But what happened to you? This isn’t right. Something isn’t right and I want you to tell me. Did I do something wrong? This is exactly how you were when you were angry before. I made you angry, right? Please… tell me. I don’t know what’s wrong.” With Blight… it’s impossible to know. She is always like this. How hard it was to help her before. She’s my best friend, and I’m scared right now. Scared of her needle thin pupils that had a cold stare. Her grin that grew wider… to show such sharp-looking fangs. This is more.

Something bad happened with her.

Blight giggled. Just turning away to look to the sky. Smiling upon it. “what’s wrong is that this has gone on long enough. It’s time to change it all. I entrust you to do it… because here they come.”

8.17
Rainbow’s feathers stood up when another flash of lightning skewered the sky around her. Already terrifying to fly through all this, but that bolt was close that time. Whatever it was, it made something tingle through her bones. Such power in it. This is all Blight. I can’t believe anypony could do something like this. And she put Soul in danger. Stupid ponies.

We were supposed to all do this together, Soul. Rainbow shot past the rooftops of Ponyville. High over where she caught a glimpse of so many other ponies down there who got to see this all too. Yet none flew in it. She was the only Pegasus who dared to. It may be scary, but I’ll also do anything for her.

Soul, you’re gonna get yourself hurt. I can’t stand the idea of you being banished again. You can’t stop the princess. And I have no idea what Blight is planning to do. We were all going to do this. All of us, we could find a way to convince Celestia. But you didn’t give me a chance. I can’t blame you. Not at all.

“You’re just like me. No wonder we fit so well together.” That’s why we will stand together for this. You’ll risk yourself for me again, I’ll do the same for you. As fast as I can.

Rainbow’s wings beat the air faster and she could feel this dreary sky warp around her. A crack of thunder sounding out behind her. Like all of Ponyville was flashing by. On her towards one place that stood out. Soul wouldn’t do this in the town. It makes sense she would be way out there. Out there. Where the sky split from red rays in the horizon. Above the rolling hills. The grass we fell in yesterday. Lightning streaked down upon the ground behind it. Where the winds swept and circled around those hills. She could already see the countless leaves flowing through it… and another burst of lightning… then another. Except something was different about them. Something that made her fear.

Two streaks of light. Burning brighter than any lightning could. So bright from the blue and white starlight they shed upon the world. Shooting across the sky ahead, through the clouds and on towards the hills beyond them.

“No! You aren’t taking her from me!” I won’t forgive myself.

This time will be different. Soul won’t need to handle this alone.

8.18
“Wait, Blight! You never…” Soul turned to find that she was all alone. Gone in the wind. Leaving only her to stand there in that deep shade of red along the grass. “Answered me.”

I won’t get my answer, will I? Soul gulped. The sky cracked above her. Already feeling the feathers in her wings ruffle. I know I won’t because I can feel it. Something made her turn back at that moment. That trickle of fear in her spine. It made her legs shake. Like something familiar. To feel something from so long ago. That same light from before that now burned bright through the red around her. Soul couldn’t even move. Couldn’t back away when it struck down before her. A blast of lightning. Brilliant white. Before a strike of blue. So close to her that she felt the ground shake under her hooves. Just like she did when that light faded.

This is it. Soul forgot to even breathe. Everything that is happening. Everything I’ve done till now. This terrible sight that is all around me. As painful as so many other things I’ve seen. It was all for this moment. It’s like I’m a filly again. Back in this same situation. Repeated.

Just me… with the princess.

No crowd of ponies around us. No cries and anger towards me from so many. No terrifying walls caging me in; no binds to hold me. She’s here with me. That pony who stepped forth. Her gentle stride along the same grass Soul stood on made it awash in sunlight that seemed to burn from her very fur. As white as it always had been. Like I’ve remembered. When I stood in front of this same pony. Who was nice to me.

And hurt me.

“Princess Celestia” Soul whispered. Here with her. Together once again. Face to face, they stared.

8.19
The leaves fluttered past Soul’s nose. Looking down upon the pony who looked up to her. Atop this hill, at the bottom of it. Neither pony moved. As if time stood still. This world has stopped. I’m here with the pony who did this to me. The pony I vowed to confront all this time. Now it’s here, and there’s no running for me. No way.

The princess already made a step. Coming up the hill with a small stride. Such a breeze flowing through both ponies. Soul’s silver mane swayed at her side. An aurora mane bled into the sky from the princess. Leaves fell upon the pony’s white fur. Glistening in red. They flew off. Yet Soul never stopped staring down towards her eyes. I really am here with her. Soul finally moved when lightning struck the land.

This is the moment. “Blight… “ This is your chance. She has come. Now let her see the truth.

She says that like nothing is wrong. I’m so afraid. Alone to deal with this in a world of red. Blight acts like nothing is off. But I know something bad is happening. And there’s nothing I can do.

Soul gasped in panic. Panic from seeing what she now could find behind the pony down there. She wasn’t alone. I didn’t even feel it. I can’t feel any of this. And now I am terrified. There was another pony. Stepping out from behind the princess. To join her in walking up the hill. Side by side. So much smaller than Celestia, that meant nothing. I recognize her.

The books always told of this pony whose mane glowed as brilliant as the winter solstice sky. Who wore that mark Soul could see upon her flanks. As black as night around the shine of the crescent moon. Looking at the Moon itself, her glorious blue sheen along her fur and the glow of stars upon her eyes. As beautiful as I always knew she would be. But so powerful. That horn upon her head and the vast wings of hundreds of feathers at her sides.

This is her. After all this time. This is how I meet her.

Princess Luna.

Blight, you did something to the Moon. Did you know Luna would come as well? No answer. Soul shivered. I always thought my first meeting with her would be to show her my own aerial performace. Not this. Life has always been so hard for me. This is no different. I have to deal with both sisters. And now Blight is so silent. Where is that confidence? Where is mine? When I told myself I would do this. I would do this for Rainbow Dash.

For my life.

8.20
“Sister, did we get it wrong?” Luna stopped down there with Celestia. They were so much closer. Soul could see the gleam of night in Luna’s eyes looking up at her. Such a short gallop away. So short away from the one pony Soul turned to, her burning, fiery eyes cutting the air. This is Celestia. This is the same feeling. The way the princess stared. Something was in her eyes. I can see it.

Pain.

That’s the same look I remember. Scorched into me. From so long ago. The princess never turned those eyes away. Didn’t even answer her sister. No, Soul was the only one who stood before her. And her voice…

“Excuse me, may I ask who you are?”

Celestia was the one who spoke. No doubt. That’s her voice. It rang in Soul’s ears. The same pony.

I never wanted it to be like this between us. I wanted to be that amazing flyer who would perform for both of you. I wanted to hear both of you praise me and see you both smile. So long ago. A filly’s dream. A filly who didn’t know how cruel the world can be. We all stand here now, and I know things won’t be happy. You don’t even know who I am. How quickly… you can forget what you did to me.

Are you gonna say anything?

Soul waited. Blight said nothing. No. I told her I wanted to do this on my own. This is my chance to change things. All those years ago I didn’t have a chance to change anything. I was a scared filly with nothing to live for anymore. Now look at me, I’m a scared mare who will do anything for the last chance at life. I’m still just a Pegasus standing against an alicorn. One of the most powerful ponies in the world. And I need to convince her.

“I always was like this” Soul whispered to herself. Trying to do the impossible for the ponies I love. I got myself into all this twelve years ago just to save my best friend. The best friend who would become my love. Yeah, a ton has changed. But that one fact hasn’t. That I’d do anything for Dashie. Even face down this pony. This pony that I need to convince. Because if I fail, I have no idea what will happen. And now I see that Celestia doesn’t even remember me.

Does she even remember what she did to me? Or does she even give a shit?

“My sister and I both felt something out here and want to know if you’ve seen anything, my little pony” Celestia spoke again.

My little pony? Haha, you would never call me that, if you knew who I was. Soul actually smiled, having to giggle to herself a little. What have I gotten myself into? It’s all up to me now. I’ve been wanting this for so many years. I’m not that scared filly anymore. And besides…

I have to do this, or else.

8.21
“No… I haven’t seen anything” Soul finally said. Her first words to the princess in many years, and they were a lie. She doesn’t need to know. She won’t need to. Because I can do this. “But I’m glad I got to finally meet you. It really… has been a long time. A lot has changed. I guess that’s why you don’t recognize me.” “Meet me? Strange” Celestia spoke. “Most ponies bow to me or try to avoid me, but you wanted to see me?”

“Should I bow?” Soul asked. I never thought to do that. It’s like she ceased being my princess after all this time. “Oh, no need to. But I’m wondering something.” Soul watched the princess look around herself. Even catching the smallest glimpse of Luna glancing up to her before the princess looked away. Turning to look eye to eye with her sister. They both looked so lost. Until Celestia said “I take it… you’re not a pony who is just glad to finally meet us. We felt something and it brought us here. Here to you. Who are you? Are you sure you don’t know what’s happening?”

I don’t even know. This entire sky around us. The lightning that echoed far off in the distance. Roiling the skies even far over the mountains. Like it all circled the deathly sphere of the Moon. There’s no telling what Blight has done and she won’t tell me. Just what I want. “I’m not sure if I’m glad to see you or not” Soul whispered. “It’s been many years since I’ve even gotten a glimpse at you and now that it’s happening… it’s like I’m reliving those days again. I can’t tell you why it is that you were brought here… but I can say that I’m glad it happened. Because I’ve been wanting to have a chance to talk to you after all this time.” Soul looked back up from the grass. Able to smile down at both princesses.

“I get to finally speak to you, Princess Celestia. And I get to see you in person, Princess Luna. It’s good to meet you… if only it would be better circumstances.”

“Um…” Luna’s soft voice echoed across the wind. The first taste of that strong yet sensual voice to ever grace Soul’s ears. She’s as lovely as I imagined. “Good to meet you too” Luna said. “I’d come down and shake your hoof… I don’t know” Soul said. “But I don’t think it’d be right for me to do that. Not now. Maybe after I prove myself to both of you.”

8.22
“You see, I’ve always wanted to do great things for you both. I used to look up to you as the rulers of this land that I love… and there was always something about you, Luna. Something made me really like you. Reading about what you went through and how much you wanted to prove yourself to the world. I felt so inspired to do something for you. I wanted to find a chance to prove myself to you. That a filly like me, who had such a terribly hard life, could one day do amazing things. I wanted to show you that you can do the same too.”

Luna’s eyes were wide… but she made such a small smile down there. “I’ve never heard such words before. A pony wants to show me what they can do? Why… what is it you can do?” Soul noticed… Celestia cocked her brow. Her mouth held open.

“I’ve trained all my life to become something that my mother never thought I could be. So few ponies know about it, but I can tell you both. My parents abandoned me when I was a baby. I couldn’t be the pony they wanted me to be. So I decided to change that. Many, many years of training… in Cloudsdale. With my best friend and my teachers. By myself for many years. I never gave up on being what my mom thought I couldn’t be. I became something. And now, ponies call me one of the greatest flyers… in the world.” Soul extended her massive wings. Held high at her sides where she felt the wind go through those feathers. Seeing the princesses in shock at seeing such a thing. Except for Celestia. Her eyes… shimmered.

“After all that time, I finally felt I had a chance to show the world what I can do. For my best friend, for the ponies I’ve lost, for the life I once had… that was taken from me. I returned to do it. Because I learned to not give up. So many painful lessons I needed to learn, so many times that I almost failed everything. But I did it. I’m here now because of it. I was once a sad and broken filly who lost it all. Now… I’m returning to you, Celestia, as a mare who wants to prove herself to you.” Soul closed her eyes. The breeze sent her mane flowing along her. Her magenta fur rustled, and she stepped up. Presenting herself to both princesses. Where her cutie mark, that blank darkness at her flanks could shine in the red light. Her beautiful wings held over her head to cover the sky. “I want you to see what I will do to come back to you all. To be that pony I’ve always wanted to be.”

It was silent. Just the cold chill of night. The echo of the wind. But the thunder had stopped. Soul could even hear the princess breathe down there. The trickle… of a tear. Not from Soul. She heard it… from below. “May you please open your eyes?” Soul did as she asked. Open to see the princess down there. Stepping forth from her sister… small tears in her eyes. Those eyes that stared into Soul.

“I know you. Everything you said. You’re just like her. Please, who are you?”

That’s right. You know who I am. I’m the filly whose life you took.

8.23
“My name is Soul Serenity.”

I have the same fur you remember. The same eyes and wings. But I’m not a kid anymore. I’m stronger and experienced so much. I’ve found love and I know what it is that I want. I know why it is that I do all this. I had lost the world long ago. Enough to be just a frightened kid in front of you who couldn’t stop crying. Who had nothing to say. Who just accepted what was going to happen. I was fine with losing everything back then because I had nothing.

“I had nothing back then. But now… I have so much to love” Soul whispered.

“Impossible.”

Soul’s ears lifted. You sent me away long ago. She never thought I’d return. For us both to stand together again. Not in a crowded throne room. Just here, on a silent hill.

“I spent twelve years… in that icy prison you sent me to. I was only nine years old, nothing left for me anymore. I lost my family, my friends, my home, my dreams. They were all taken from me.” Soul took a step forward. Stopping right there. Watching the princess shake her head. Such disbelief in her face. Even Luna stood by her side, looking to her sister. Neither of them could understand. How could they? They thought I was gone.

“I was left with nothing. You sent me to a world with not even food. No warm place to live. Just an endless blizzard. I almost froze so many times. Sound familiar? You sent me there… and it’s like you wanted me to die.”

“Soul!” Celestia finally spoke out. “Soul, no… I never wanted you to die. I only wanted to save you.” So you believe it’s me now. The pain in Celestia’s voice. It struck Soul’s heart. “By Equestria, I never thought I’d see you again. I sent you there to keep you safe. I knew a pony like you would find a way to live. To make the most of herself. Because I couldn’t have you here anymore. Not after what you did. But I could never bring myself to doing to you what everypony else wanted me to. They wanted you to be an example. I couldn’t allow it. Never! Not to one of my own ponies. Not to a child. Just to protect you. …You… you shouldn’t be back.”

Princess. Soul flinched. Startled when she saw Luna was the one who stepped up. “Soul Serenity. You are that Soul Serenity? Do not think my sister wished you harm. She would never want anypony to die. She just… had no other choice.” Luna looked to her sister. Her crying sister. The tears I’ve never thought I’d see from the princess. But Soul couldn’t cry. She felt nothing. Just the drive to fight. To know why.

“I’m back. I came back because I wanted to have my life back. I wanted to have a chance to meet you again, princess. I want to prove myself. That I deserve to live here like every other pony.” Soul flapped her wings. Making both princesses look to her in shock when the Pegasus took to the air and landed right in front of them both at the bottom of the hill. Kicking up a hail of dirt from her powerful wings. The wings she kept aloft, even in front of them. “Look at me, I became this pony in front of you.” Soul bared the muscles she knew she had along her wings. Her long legs and even that mark on her flank. She could see both princesses noticed she had gotten her cutie mark. All this that I’ve done. “I did this all just to come back and show you that I am not the pony you thought I was. So I’m glad you’re here. Because this is my chance to prove it all. The chance I didn’t have when I was a kid. I’m ready to talk now. I’m ready to be strong. Like… Rainbow Dash would want of me.”

“Rainbow Dash?” Celestia asked.

“Yes, I got to meet her again. After all this time. My best friend in the world. How I missed her and she missed me. I failed to live up to what she wanted back when we were kids, but not this time.” Celestia was so close now. Soul stared up to the tall alicorn. Face to face. At last. The closest we’ve been in years. So different now. I’m not the one who’s crying this time. I’m not the one with all the pain. “I’m doing this, not just for me, but for her. This is the moment I’ve wanted. To finally confront you and ask you… do you hate me enough to keep me gone?”

I want to know. Are you still that scary pony who I felt didn’t care for me?

“I could never hate you” Celestia said. “Soul, banishing you… was one of the hardest decisions of my life. I couldn’t sleep for weeks after it. Like I was reliving my greatest nightmare all over again. You were a filly who had nothing left. Something inside me told me that it was wrong to do anything to you. I wanted to let you go. But… it was so hard. I didn’t know what to do. I’ve only been put into that position one time before… and I hated it. Was it right? Am I a bad pony for doing it? I asked myself those questions over and over. I saw… my sister in you. A pony that nopony else understood. And I had no answer on how to help you. There was nothing I could do to convince the others that you may have been just an innocent pony. Everything pointed to you. I only did what I did to save your life. I understand why you’d be upset. I wronged you… but it’s too late now. It’s been twelve years and there’s nothing that can change what has been decided. You were banished to save you from what fate had in store for you.”

8.24
I still see it all. All those ponies who hated me. And Celestia was right in the middle of it. They all believed I was the one who did that horrible thing. None of them knew what I had to go through. None of them cared. They didn’t even care that I was a kid. No. I don’t believe her. She got rid of me because she really thought I would be a pony who would kill. I’d never do that to ponies I care for. To anypony.

“You banished me because you were afraid” Soul said. Making Celestia gasp. “You really did think I was a murderer. What proof did you have that I did it? Just because I was there? Is that all it takes? If ponies really did see what happened… then they would have known it wasn’t me.” “Everypony said it was you” Celestia now was the one who yelled. Almost made Soul back away from her because the princess took a step closer. So close to her. Her shadow over Soul. “There was nothing to prove it wasn’t you. If you did not do it then why did you not say anything when I begged you to convince all the other ponies?”

“Because I was a kid!”

Lightning shocked the clouds beyond. Lighting up the ponies in its red glow. As red as the blood from that horrible day. It was all still there. Right in front of Soul. That day never left, and a tear fell from her. Like the tears from that day.

“I lost the ponies that I cared for. My best friend abandoned me because I made a mistake. And I saw something I never wanted to see. How can you expect me to do anything? Princess…” Soul looked up to her. “I was terrified. I didn’t know how to deal with it all until I grew up. And I’m dealing with it now! Because I want my life back! I want the thing that was taken from me for twelve years! I have my best friend back, I have my world back. All I want is to live in it without being afraid of ponies hating me for some stupid bullshit I never even did. How dare you blame me just because I was silent back then, well I’m not silent now.”

“I didn’t kill Nimbus or Starry! Why would I ever kill the ponies that I loved?!”

8.25
“I had my own proof. They were killed by somepony else. I was just too afraid to say anything” Soul whispered. “But please, be the ruler that I always saw you as, see that I’m not that monster you thought I was. I’m just a mare who wants her life back. I just want you to end my suffering. End that chapter of my life. I told you all I could, it’s all in your hooves.”

She watched Luna look up to her sister. As if she needed an answer, only seeing that Celestia was in stunned silence. So different from twelve years ago. Back when she looked so powerful and so convinced. Now she looked no different than a helpless mare. She had nothing to say. Soul saw Luna was looking at her now. That stern look to her gorgeous eyes. But her voice was sweet. “I was not there to see what happened, Soul Serenity. But I can assure you that my sister did not do it because she hated you. She isn’t like that. I know… she had another reason for it.” Luna stared down to the ground. Glowing bright in red like the Moon that shimmered deep above her. Like the entire sky slowly became awash in such deep red and the strong breeze flowing over them.

“I did have my reason for it” Celestia spoke out. “I never truly believed you could be a pony who would murder others. You never gave me that feeling. And I tried to convince others you weren’t. But… you missed the point of what I told you. I banished you to save your life. If I had not done that then you would have been executed!”

So that’s how much ponies hated me?

“There was nothing to prove you didn’t do it. You were the one who was seen doing it. Even if you didn’t, no other pony believed you. I had to make the decision because the day I watch any pony in my land be executed is the day I darken the Sun forever. I want you to live. If I just let you go right now, you’d not survive in this land. I can’t allow it, Soul.”

“You really do hate me.” I can’t believe this. Soul backed away from her. Already feeling her wings begin to shudder, wanting to take flight. I just told her what I should have told her long ago. She still doesn’t believe me. “You aren’t the princess I looked up to. The one I wanted to perform for. That princess would never try to ruin an innocent pony. I did nothing wrong. You still see me as that stupid filly from before.”

“Soul Serenity!” Soul jumped at that frighteningly powerful voice. One that was almost unknown but it came from the alicorn that stepped in front of Celestia. Luna stared down at her. Like her dark fur burned even blacker in the red glow of the night. A flaming, piercing gaze of anger. But… there was something else, even as she spoke. “My big sister would not try to harm you. She did it as a kindness for you. I know her too well. Anything to save your life. This is how you repay her? By insulting her? I love my sister… and I feel so insulted that you see her kindness towards you as a mistake.”

Soul took steps back. Keeping her distance from the darkn alicorn. “I’m not insulting her. I just want her to see.” Wait! Blight!

Soul glanced back and then to the princesses once more. Blight, I need your help for this. I need you to show them what I’m saying. You are the one who proved it to Dashie, please, help me with the princesses. All they need now is to see it.

“I can promise you this, Soul” Luna said. Soul looked to her and then to the crying Celestia behind her. “If you are allowed to be out in this land again, you will be killed. You were the first pony in centuries to murder. Ponies won’t forget that. It is only right for you to be kept safe. My sister loves you just like she loves every other pony. She loves you enough to protect you.”

She is not going to protect me. Soul’s eyes widened.

Blue light washed across the grass. Shimmering in her eyes. Like it lit up the world around where the three ponies stood. Glowing bright, coiling in white shadows that danced around the solitary blue flame… atop Luna’s horn. A spell.

I can show them but… one problem.

Blight! Finally. Tell me what it is. I’ll make it right, just show them. Whatever is bothering you, I’ll help. You just need to tell me. Soul…

“I didn’t do anything!” Soul cried out to the princesses. “Just please give me a moment to explain.” Give me time. Whatever is needed to help you, I’ll do it Blight. Soul could feel the air sizzle around her. Looking and spotting the magic coursing along the air. Crackling and popping. The air trickling in an icy chill. All from that light that got so bright from Luna. I know what that spell is. Just like Celestia. She can’t! They didn’t give me a chance back then and now they aren’t doing it again. I have to make this work. All I need is Blight. My best friend. Then we can have our lives back. I can live with Rainbow Dash.

Please.

I’ve come too far.

Soul… I’m not strong enough to do that to them.

What!? Soul shot a look back at the princesses. Blight… what do you mean? No.

I didn’t know you would need me for that. I don’t have the power to do that to the princesses. Alicorns are different from a Pegasus like Dash!

You can’t do it to them. Then that means… no. I can’t let it happen. I wanted to do this. I didn’t want anything bad to happen here. The princesses have to believe me. Please. “Just give me a chance! Please! I have to be the one to prove it to you! I would never kill ponies I love. I just want to be home.”

Luna blinked. Looking down from Soul across this expanse of grass that divided them. “She would never harm you. And I want no harm to you either. We do love you, Soul Serenity. Just like any other pony.”

Maybe I shouldn’t have tried this on my own. Maybe I should’ve waited. After all this time, I still can’t do anything on my own. I never could. I can’t even save myself. Soul let her tears fall. There was no fear. None for the icy cold. Even when she saw… that terrible sight. A blinding blue light that lit the world… and came at her. What that will do to me. I know.

No fear. No reason to be. Just pain…

I’m a failure.

8.26
Soul felt the air split around her. So deep and dense. She couldn’t even see it. Couldn’t even feel the air around her anymore. It was gone. Even if the wind struck her so hard to send her mane flying. Like nothing was there for her to see something so dark rush right into the blue light. Then it split.

Luna and Soul watched. Watched that beam of blue light fall to pieces between them. In an instant. Disappearing into the air as fast as it happened. The air that grew darker, and Soul felt it… so heavy against her back. Where she could only see Luna over there, her eyes wide open, watching what was left of that spell turn to cinders between the two ponies. This entire world around them that felt so cold.

I didn’t want it to come to this.

“So, looks like they don’t want to listen after all.”

Soul glanced over to the voice that spoke. From the pony who silently walked past her. Her walk was so chilling. Soul shivered. Shuddering until she fell to the ground. Sitting there, not able to stop this pony from stepping in front of her. What can I say? I failed. I really can’t do anything on my own. I always need ponies to save me and I can never be strong enough. I don’t want anypony fighting over me. Please don’t do this, Blight. I beg you.

“Looks like it’s time for me to step in” Blight said. Looking back to Soul with those deathly yellow eyes burning in the red of the sky. “Who knows” she said to Soul. “Maybe I can do something to make them see you’re right.” I don’t know anymore. All I wanted to do was prove it to them. Soul looked past Blight, just as Blight also looked to the ponies that Soul looked at. Where both princesses stood, their eyes wide open. Cast in the shadow of the dark light burning across the sky. Blight’s body shimmered, bleeding of black when she took a step closer to them. Letting her wings out. Held far at her sides and her hooves stamped the ground. No. She was serious.

Soul gasped. “Princesses! Please, listen to me. I didn’t do anything! Please just let me prove it!”

“I will not allow you to cause any harm to Soul!” Blight shouted out. Shocking Soul with how she sounded. Her voice echoed in the light of the Moon. The trees danced to her words. The wind swirled through the air. “If you fools will not believe her, then I’ll force you to. Just know that I will never let you take her life from her. Not again.” “No, Blight. Let me handle it. Please don’t yell at them” Soul begged. Already seeing Luna didn’t look happy. I can’t let her.

Soul got on her hooves. I’ll stop her. I have to. Already about to leap forward. Fall onto Blight and just stop her. Not when she’s like this. I can’t let her. Soul yelped. Something crackled so loudly in her ears. Before she even saw it. The black light that flashed around Blight’s legs. Bursting down in an instant and disappearing into the grass she stood on. Was that… lightning. Soul looked up to the pony in front of her. That terrible glare she had on her face. Not looking away from the princesses. Blight bared those terrible fangs to them. Her eyes lighting up with another bone-chilling shock of lightning. It arced around her. Flashing away before they were all lit in the blast of a red thunderbolt far off.

Blight, …what has happened to you?

8.27
“How dare you insult us!” Luna yelled. “I don’t know who you think you are, but you have no right to intervene. We are here to protect Soul and won’t let somepony as rude as you stop us.” Soul’s eyes watered. Please don’t. She couldn’t stop the light from burning atop Luna’s horn. Another spell churning the air around her. Making Blight plant her hoof even deeper into the grass. This small, black pony standing before the princesses. I can’t let them fight. I don’t want anypony to get hurt. No! I have to tell them.

“Princesses, please don’t do this. Blight, stop it!” Luna’s eyes met Soul’s; Blight turned to face her. Gone with that burning anger in her vicious eyes. If just for a moment. “I have to protect you, Soul” she said. “No! I don’t want you all to fight” Soul yelled. “I wanted to solve this without anypony getting hurt. Blight, I know you mean well but I also know something isn’t right with you and you won’t tell me why. So I can’t let you fight. Please. Princesses, don’t fight Soulblight!”

“Soulblight?” she heard Luna whisper. “Why be concerned? We only want to save your life. Nopony needs to get hurt, not even you. I only need that pony to step out of the way.”

Soulblight made Soul’s ears rise. Made them all silent with such a terrible laugh. Sending the dirt flying with a kick of her hoof and a flash of her huge wings. Laughing to the red sky. She didn’t even open her eyes. “Nothing is wrong with me. I only want to protect you, like I’ve always done. Do not worry, Soul…” she opened her eyes, looking to Soul. Such burning light in those narrow pupils of hers. “Nopony will get hurt. I did promise after all.” Soul felt so defeated. Not able to bring herself to words, not when Blight turned away from her. Back to the princesses. “And I hear they still intend to get rid of you. You will not send Soul away. Nopony will take her from me!”

“Get out of my way, simpleton!” Luna yelled.

No, please don’t fight. Soul let her tears go when the world lit up, roaring from thunder with a crack of Luna’s horn and the blast of blue light. Another spell sent free, coming right at them. She could see it over Blight’s black feathers. Her wings rising and Blight just laughed. Screaming out and making Soul cry. “I will not let you!”

The wind struck Soul. Frozen in silence. Seeing what it was, this sight she had never seen before. The blue light that burned away and set flames to the grass. She watched the cinders fall to the ground. Landing and fading into the wind. Cast away in the glow of darkness that was ever brighter than any light from that spell. The spell was gone. Soulblight stood there, letting out a deep sigh. Giggling over what had just happened. Soul saw it. The darkness before them. Shimmering in the light like a wall. The wall had stopped it and Soul could see the princesses through the wall. Both of them taken back by this. This shield that disappeared. Blight? She stopped that entire spell. Amazing.

8.28
Blight’s tail whipped the ground. She let out such a deep breath. Soul saw her legs tremble a little. Yet Blight never let her wings fall. She never gave up where she stood. A pony between Soul and the princesses. But Soul felt it. She heard it in the air. Blight made a little whimper in her breath. “Like I said, you won’t take her from me.”

“Who are you?” Celestia called out. The older sister finally took a step forward. Joining her sister side by side. “Why are you doing this? If Soul stays here, she won’t be safe. She would be better outside of Equestria.”

“You really are idiots” Blight hissed. “You have no idea how much she suffered in that hell you sent her to. Princess Celestia…” Such a terrible chill. The entire air went still. To see Blight glaring at the princess. I’ve never seen her like this. That… that is hate in her eyes. What happened to make you like this? “I will never forgive you for doing that to her” Blight whispered. “As long as I stand, she will not be harmed. She will live her life in the land she loves. Nopony will take it from her. As her best friend, I won’t let it!”

She really does care for me that much. Just like back in the snow. She would fight the princesses. But I don’t want her to. She doesn’t need to get hurt.

“Hey Soul.” Soul looked to the black pony. Blight glanced back to her, such a small smile on her face and she let out another deep breath. “I’m gonna need your help. Remember I said I would need you if it cames down to this? Well… that last spell was a bit much. Can I ask you for something?”

I knew it. That spell. Blight looked exhausted. She really isn’t strong enough. And I thought she was powerful. But… the princesses? Can she even stop them? Soul wanted to shake her head. No I shouldn’t want her to stop them. I still think I can do this. Soul didn’t even answer her. She just blinked. I can still convince them. She looked to Soulblight. Then to the princesses and back.

I don’t know why this is happening.

8.29
“I need you to think” Blight said. That was when Soul completely stopped. She had to listen. For how serious Blight sounded and the depth in her eyes. For that moment, the world fell silent. “Think about the one that you love. How much you want to spend your life with her. The things you want to do with her. The life you want to live with her. Show me how much you love Rainbow Dash. More than anything else.”

What was it about what she said that makes my skin crawl? Soul shivered. The words she had said. The way she said them. There was something terrifying about it. It was chilling. Like the lightning that singed the clouds above. Such horrible darkness inside the eyes of that pony who begged of her. Begged… for me to tell her about Dash? But she knows how much I love Dashie. Why is she wanting me to do this? Why does she have that look? Soul was lost in the searing gaze of that black pony. Where her eyes shone brighter than any star. Shimmering. Water in her eyes. I’ve seen this look before. Way back… in the snow.

She was afraid I’d leave her…

Soul’s heart skipped a beat. Blight is sad… I know that look. That’s why she isn’t telling me anything. Why I don’t know what’s wrong. Blight, you’ve always hid your feelings from me before. I thought we were friends enough to not do that anymore. But your eyes. I see pain. That was what made Soul shake her head.

I don’t know why she needs me to do that, but I won’t do it.

Soul took a step forward. If she doesn’t want to tell me, that’s fine. Later. Right now, I have something I need to do. Didn’t even look at Blight, she couldn’t. No. Now is not the time to deal with this. I’ll make sure we have a life after this, then… I’ll hold you, Blight. And you can tell me everything. There will be nothing more to be afraid of.

I thought we put this all to rest back in the snow. I guess we didn’t.

Soul didn’t even care that another star of burning blue lit the sky, ripping the air along Luna’s horn. She didn’t care at all. Just stepping forward. She was the one who was angry now, and she saw Blight was silent now. Even if the black Pegasus tried to put a hoof out to stop her. Soul just pushed it away. Sidestepping her entirely. She was surprised that Blight didn’t try to stop her again. What was holding her back? Letting Soul stand beween her and the princesses. I’m glad she isn’t because I will stop this before anything bad happens. If Blight is like this… then I know I can’t let her go any further. Soul stared into the blinding light from Luna’s spell and then to the white alicorn who stood at Luna’s side. “Princess…”

“I will not go back to that prison. I will prove to you that I will do anything to be a pony who can call this land her home again. I have too many dreams I want, there’s no way I’ll give up.” “Soul, they won’t listen to you…” Blight whispered behind her. Soul shook her head.

“Blight, …let me do this. I’ll fix this and then… I want you to talk to me” Soul looked back to the princesses. I understand why they don’t want me here. I remember it all clearly. So many ponies would want me gone if they knew who I was, but there are others who still want me here. Who still love me. I can’t let them down.

“I am sorry for what has happened. I know it’s been so painful you, Princess Celestia. I’ll be honest, you are still my princess in my eyes and I will do anything to be a part of your land again. I want to be your pony again. I’ll do anything. Even if I have to convince every single pony in Equestria. As long as I can get one day to truly have my life back. …I love this land. I love my home. I never want to leave it again. I never want to leave the ones I love behind again, just like Nimbus and Starry. I loved them. I really did! I’m just so sad that I couldn’t get the chance to have the happy life I wanted with them. Please, just give me a chance to have a happy life again.”

8.30
Soul held her wings close to her. It was getting colder. The thousands of leaves rustling so violently in the wind, beckoning the trees, and the grass waved in an endless dance along the reddened hills. Glowing pure red as Luna’s spell… faded. “Sister?” the young alicorn spoke to Celestia. Soul didn’t back away. I mean it all. I will do anything. I’ve waited too long for this moment. All I need is for her to listen to me. For her to reach out to me.

Soul extended her hoof out.

Come to me. Take my hoof. I’m still a pony who wants to be yours. Soul locked eyes with the princess. The light of the Moon gleaming so bright. She could see it in Celestia’s eyes… and she could see her own eyes shining in them. Things haven’t worked out in the past for both of us, but they can work out now. If she just gives me a chance, I’ll be a pony she can love again. I can truly love this land again. Just take my hoof. Don’t be afraid.

Celestia’s hoof stepped forward. One step. Nothing got rid of that pained look in her face. Like the entire grief of the world was burning inside her. No way to tell how much it hurt. I’ll never know how sad she truly was. She doesn’t need to be anymore. She may have banished me to save me, but I don’t need her saving anymore. I’ll do this all myself. That one step that Celestia took… I want us to hold hooves. Do all this for everything I love.

And for Dashie.

What is enough to make your heart burn of pain? Everything that had been seen? Soul thought she knew. But for the world to fade away and all she could see was that one little light. It gleamed. Shining bright as it fell to the earth. Seeing all the ice and snow that glazed the land in that horribly blue chill, seeing it here… falling to the ground of a reddened Equestria.

One little tear.

Celestia cried.

8.31
“Nopony… will ever accept you here.”

Soul let her hoof down. No more words to say. Only the fear. The pain. For a princess to say that to anypony. It broke her heart. She will never love me. Never again. It can’t end like this. Please… somepony stop this.

I can’t do this anymore.

“Nopony will accept… me.” Soul turned, hearing Soulblight’s words. That black Pegasus… she let her tears go. Blight? The pony lit up in the shine of the stars. The entire hill lit up. Blistering white light burning across the sky and it all came from behind. Soul could only see that light blast out from Celestia’s horn. Not even her feathers could twitch in response. Frozen like a stump.

Darkness.

Soulblight shot in front of her. In an instant. Soul couldn’t even take a breath in time. Not before that black light rushed out once more. A wall of darkness before her and, on the other side: the Sun itself. All that was left was the ear-splitting roar. It felt like her ears would bleed. The entire world shrieked and Soulblight screamed.

That massive spell sent flames all across the hill. Soul stood in stunned silence, her eyes could not leave the sight. All the cinders flying and dancing in the wind. The wisps of black air and shimmering light flickering and disappearing in the night sky. As fast as it happened, it was over. Both spells shattered to pieces, leaving Soul to watch Blight be flung to the side. The black Pegasus flew past her so quickly. How powerful was that spell? Soul was terrified. Her legs shaking. Seeing Blight get blasted away like that. She spun about. “Blight!”

There the black Pegasus lay, sprawled out in the grass behind her. Her eyes closed. All those wisps of darkness fading from her and her wings laid still. Only her feathers fluttered so gently in the breeze. Oh, no. Blight… please don’t be hurt.

“Celestia, why?”

Soul felt the chills. The entire world cast in that white light again. She just hurt Blight and now… Soul looked to the princess. With her horn again lit in the light of the stars. So many tears falling from her eyes. This can’t be happening. I’m all alone against this, and I failed. She’s gonna get rid of me. Will… will I be alone? I’ll never see Dash again. I’ll never see those lovely colors that light up my world.

Blight is gone. And now Dashie will be too. I just wanted to be with her. I wanted us all to be together.

I can’t have it. I will always be a failure.

8.32
“Leave her alone!”

The air rushed in. Echoing with that voice. Hearing it one last time, Soul was so happy to. Even more to see it. Those colors rushing in once more. It wasn’t Blight this time. Rainbow Dash sent the dirt flying, blades of grass torn off from the force of her wings. Such a strong gust as she set down right next to Soul.

“Rainbow Dash?” Celestia cried.

Rainbow? I didn’t think you’d come. Can I be seeing things? The cyan Pegasus stepped up next to her. Looking to her so shortly with those burning red eyes lit so bright in the violent lightning across the clouds. She did not look happy. “You idiot…” she whispered to Soul. Soul didn’t care. Didn’t even back down from her. I know. I failed so badly. Just know I did it all for you. This was all just too much for me, maybe I did need more ponies to help me after all. I just thought I could do something good for once. I tried my best. It was like Dash knew all of that. The pony was not angry for long. She shook her head but still smiled for a moment. Gone when she walked past, finding her place… in front of Soul.

Between Soul and the princesses. That was when… the light faded. Celestia’s horn dimmed until nothing but red was left across the sky.

“Princess Celestia” Dash cried out. “I’m not gonna make the same mistake I made years ago. I didn’t stand with my best friend back then. I didn’t stick up for her and help prove she was did nothing wrong. Well not again! I’m here now and I won’t go anywhere. Soul is the most important pony in my life, I’ll defend her myself! You’d do the same for the ponies you love.”

“Rainbow…” Celestia whispered. Dashie, I can’t believe you’re doing this. Soul watched the little Pegasus stare off with the alicorn. Holding her wings out, she really was here to protect Soul. Soul blinked. Seeing for just a moment. Rainbow was a filly again. Just like when she stood up for me long ago. It’s like we’re back in flight camp. I never thought she would do something like this. Standing up for me against the princess of Equestria. Dashie…

“Rainbow Dash, you don’t know what you’re doing” Celestia said. “Please. I’m doing this for Soul’s own good. I do know… you both have history, but that should not blind you from what would be best for her. If she stays here, she won’t survive.”

“How do you know? My friends and I have already accepted her. We don’t care what happened. …And you should know by now, I’m loyal to the end.” Soul saw that beloved pony run her hoof across her face. Seeing she was crying. Never letting go of that determination on her. She means it. “I’ll be here for Soul no matter what. I’ve learned the truth and want her back into my life. Nothing you do will take her from me. Nothing will get rid of me. Because she is my best friend and…”

Dash sniffled but she made such a small smile. Those words she spoke, they all hit a chord so gently. Such true words to be spoken. They made Soul’s heart skip a beat.

“I’m in love with her.”

Soul did nothing when Dash’s wing came over her, pulling her close into Dash’s grasp. The pony clung to Soul. Her hooves holding her tight. “If you get rid of her… you can send me with her too!”

No more spells burned. Even the lightning stopped. Silent in this moment where Soul looked to the pony who held her. The truth that she spoke.

Rainbow… I can’t believe what you’’re saying. You’d… go with me? Rainbow didn’t let go. She never let up with her grip and that look she gave the princesses, she means it.

You keep reminding me of times we had together. How you stood up for me and helped me gain the confidence I needed to do the impossible. You pushed me to become a pony that I shouldn’t have been. After all the pain and heartache, you somehow brought me back. Just like you do now. It was all true. I am the most important pony to you. You would do this for me. Even if I am banished, you’d come with me. You really do love me. You really are the pony that I remember from long ago.

Nothing has changed.

8.33
“Rainbow…” Soul didn’t wait for her to answer. She set her hoof on Dash’s cheek, pulling her to face her. Eye to eye, so close together. To look into the teary eyes of this beautiful and sweet pony, I couldn’t have it any other way. If I’m banished, I’d rather see this every day. I’d rather do this for her every day.

I don’t care anymore.

Soul set her lips to Dash’s.

Even if we are in front of the princesses. Even if the entire world now sees us, so what? Let them all know I am in love with Rainbow Dash. The kindest and sweetest pony I can ask for. Both of them lost in the kiss they shared. She watched Dash close her eyes and then she did the same. Never letting go of one another. This is what we will have for the rest of our lives. My best friend. My marefriend. The only pony I can see myself with forever. Just like I’ve always wanted. I love her so much.

I’ll always love her more than anything.

8.34

Soul opened her eyes, letting her lips free from Dash’s. Both of them able to look each other in the eyes one last time. No matter what would happen, at least this moment could come. I get to kiss her again and we will never be apart. I’m glad I got to look into her eyes again. Dash’s magenta eyes… flashing bright with red.

Lightning raced across the sky. All the silence died. The rippling thunder and terrible flashes of red, the sky churned. Something about it, as Soul looked up to it with Dash at her side, it felt so wrong. Not even the Moon could shine through anymore. Like all the red upon this world came from the lightning that flashed through the sky. Tearing holes in it for rays of red to pierce through. Thunder and lightning burning through the sky. Soul felt a pit in her stomach. Looking at it, why… why am I crying?

Soul saw it too… Rainbow shed a tear looking at it. Before their tears flew in the gust of wind. The roar of the leaves all across the treelines lit red in the lightning flashing over them. Far and beyond. To the mountains in the distance, an endless storm. A beautiful sight yet so dreary. Such pain. I can feel it.

Her fur stood up.

Something… I can feel something. “Dash?” She met her eyes. Rainbow could only shake her head, shedding so many tears. Soul could see it. The fur on Dash’s back also reached for the sky. What is… Soul gasped.

Behind me.

The trickle of shock along her spine. Like that made her feathers twitch and her fur shiver. I’ve never felt something like this. Such horrible fear, echoing and ringing all throughout her. The silence of the air, yet it chilled her ears in the howl of the wind as the sky darkened.

It made her turn her head, both of them turn their heads.

A dance of grass, blades swirled and floated through the air with the leaves that blew by them. Only to be brought back and dance with the grass beneath the red sky. As if the air split right there; that was it. Her wings shook. The shudder in the air, it all rushed pass. Curcling all around like some cyclone. Rising and falling. One leaf fell to the ground. Falling before the split, yellow eyes that stared at Soul. One little tear fell from those eyes. Dripping along her black fur and fled from her smile.

Why do I feel the need… to run? Like all the world demanded her to gallop away. I shouldn’t be afraid. I’ve seen this so much. I’ve accepted her as my best friend. But this is not the pony I knew. This feeling. This fear. I’m afraid of this pony. The pony standing before Soul and Dash, her long, black mane flowing in the course of the shimmering darkness around her. The air was so much darker around her. Could it be dying from her? How can air die? But it feels like it is. Even if the air flowed through their manes. Just like how a pony could look so happy, yet cry such painful tears. I’ve never seen her like this. I never wanted to.

Soulblight’s smile grew wider. She lowered her head. Nopony could even see her eyes under her mane, yet the tears fell from her. Falling to the grass. Burning away. Cast aside in the darkness. Vapor or steam, it seeped from the soil. Billowing around this pony. One of Blight’s legs shook. It almost looked like she came close to falling, and she whimpered under her breath.

Why am I afraid? Why am I so sad? Not from seeing her like this. It’s not me…

Her only answer was the lightning that tore the sky behind Blight. Lighting her black body in the glow of red. A burning, fading shimmer of such brilliant magenta around her outstretched wings where that darkness coiled through her feathers. Reaching for the sky around her, fading into the wind. What is she doing?

“Blight…?”

“That is all I needed to hear…” she heard the black pony mutter under her bangs. One last thing to be spoken and then Soul’s own feathers trembled. I can feel it.

“Soul! We need to get out of here!” Dash wailed. No… did I fail? Soul could do nothing, just accept that Dash grabbed hold of her with her wings. Taking her with her. Soul’s legs moved on their own. Running from the pony who was… her best friend. She is my best friend. I should not be scared of her. Blight only giggled. This isn’t her. This is not the Blight I know. The feeling, I don’t feel safe around her.

This is what I wanted to stop. Now, I can’t do anything.

Soul’s legs gave. No… Dash tripped. Soul couldn’t stop it. Taken down with the Pegasus to the dirt where they skidded to a halt. Soul put her hooves to Dash. Holding her tight, no way to stop the tears. The tears in Dash’s eyes too. What has happened to us? This horrible, horrible thing. Please… Soul looked to the sky. Once, it always felt so inviting and loving. It was only desolate and terrifying. Lashed in the bolts running along it. I’ve never seen anything like this. What is this magic? Is there anything I can do? No. Princess Celestia stood over her. She just realized it. Both of them laying so close to the princesses. These ponies who wanted to get rid of me, they’re not doing anything.

Celestia and Luna stared over to where Soul did not want to look, tears in their eyes.

I never wanted anything to happen to you two. I just wanted you to forgive me. I failed. “Princess…”

Celestia looked to her. “Please forgive me.”

8.35
Is it the Sun rising? A star bursting to the sky, lightning the world in its golden light? Rushing through the clouds. An echo across the skies. There was no way to know what it was, but a light brighter than any other and a roar that could split any ear. The Pegasus could not even hear herself scream. Could not even feel her pain anymore. There was no way to. Not anymore. To watch the sky split apart and the clouds be burned away in a blast of light. The treetops glimmered in gold.

It truly was a star.

A pillar of light streaming to the sky… and Soulblight was gone.

“Blight!” Soul screamed out. Couldn’t even hear herself. She felt so stupid for trying to get up. Trying to run for that light that burned away the hilltop. Blight once stood there, now she was gone. Gone… like Nimbus and Starry atop the same hill. Soul blinked. She wasn’t there anymore. Just the pulsing ray of light. A mountainous thing rising to the heavens. Farther than Soul could see. Taking away my best friend.

Soul pushed herself. Tried so hard to get up, Dash didn’t let go. “Get off me! I need to save her. Please. Blight!” Can anypony even hear me? Do any care? No, not when we are seeing this. I’m the only one who can’t stand this. She’s being taken away from me. That pony wasn’t my Soulblight. Something happened to her. It wasn’t real. None of this is possible. The trees all broke and shattered around them. Leaves hailing from the sky. All of them glimmering in a sea of gold that floated across the sky wherever those blankets of leaves would fly. Like little stars twinkling in an ever-fading red night. Gold… fading to red. Just like the entire sky. Leaving just a rush of golden light to fade into the distance. Forever cast away into the clouds and beyond the mountains.

Blight… is gone.

Soul stared to the hill. She had stood there moments ago. Nothing was left. What did she do? And why… why am I not sad anymore?

It was all gone. Just like that golden light. Just like… the red in the sky. “What is going on?” Dash whispered next to her.

What is this color? Something new that bled across the world. The clouds all turned with it. Like the rays of the Moon were forever lost in it. Blending in as the entire world changed. Swirling around the solitary storm of black flames atop the hill.

Soul looked down at her fur. Watching the air change around her. The grass changed. Like the entire world lost its colors. Soul managed to escape from Dash’s grip. Standing over her, Dash didn’t even care. The Pegasus stared at the flames standing tall over them all. Soul just shook her head. Rainbow’s tail, her mane, it wasn’t right anymore. She sat there lit up in the color that the world changed to. What have you done, Blight? Soul stared at her own fur. Seeing it right there. Before her eyes. She just couldn’t believe it.

No more red skies. It all faded away. The world turned to magenta. Such a soft touch along her fur. Such a calm color upon the earth. Soul blinked. Seeing it flow around her hoof. Such beautiful and glittering light fading and shining once more. Millions of them all running through the air. Setting down on her fur and disappearing forever. All around. Falling from the sky. Gentle and lovely.

Blight… you’re still here.

8.36
Soul stared ath the flames burning atop the hill. So many cinders of silver falling from it, flickering and turning to magenta. Red lightning struck down far away through the magenta skies. The little trickle of wind that ran across those flames, it made them so lively. Reaching for the skies and giving up so quick.

Yet it was gorgeous.

Black fire rippling in the glow of silver cinders to burn in its embrace. Circling the hilltop in such a terrible inferno. Yet… it wasn’t hot. Even looking into the flames, how large they burned. How it scorched away the grass, Soul couldn’t even feel any heat. Just a chill coming over her. Icy cold winds flowing all through the air. Making the flames sway and beckon. Ripped away from one another and burning away into the air. Lost forever and Soul could still hear it like cries in the wind. A distant howl of pain. That was all the flames were.

Pain.

Soul stepped forward. She could feel the other ponies watch her. She didn’t even bother to see. Nothing could keep her from stepping closer to those flames which grew smaller and smaller. Something like them being so gentle and so agonizing to see. No way to take your eyes off it. I don’t want to. It makes me want to get closer. It’s weird. I don’t feel like… she’s gone. I don’t feel sad. Just the chills. The temptation. Watching fire burning so tall above her, standing at the foot of the hill. Even so close, she felt nothing. Just icy cold.

I feel like… I know this. Some gentle thing that is there for me even when it’s so cold. Looking at this fire, I know it. Even if I’ve never seen it before, it’s like it was always here for me. Always there to protect me. I was so scared of it earlier. This feeling. But now… I want to reach out to it and hold it. It’s a part of me. A part of my life. Because she always was.

“Blight.”

The fires faded. Dying away into the ground. Into the sky. Falling away from something that made Soul never take her eyes off it. The thing within the flames. Where the black fire could not even hide the dark shape inside it. A pony.

It stood slowly within those flames. A dark silhouette. Lit up in the red lightning. Atop its four legs. Standing so tall over Soul. Just a shadow of something… and it made Soul’s heart feel so warm even if her skin froze. A chill all along her when something rose over the pony within the flames. Like four long spines rising over it. As black as the pony was. They all flapped atop it.

Wings…?

“Blight… please come out. I’m here for you.” I’m here for her, and now… it’s like my heart can’t stop pounding anymore. This is the pony I’ve always known. She is the one who got me through everything and became the friend I needed. I know her. Even if it doesn’t look like her, this is her. Whatever is inside that fire. The fire that died away.

“You should’ve left. This is not the place for you” such a haunting voice spoke out from the fire. Deep in such terrible pain. It made Soul’s ears fall. That voice. It echoed of pure terror inside her. Such a gentle and calm… but dead voice. Wrapped in the sound of such a familiar Pegasus. “I’m going to make this all right. I swear, I will fix everything and then I want you to talk with me” Soul said. “Please. Let’s just sit together like we used to and I swear I’ll be there for you. I always will be.”

Yellow eyes looked out from within the flames. Glowing so bright in red. A deathly gaze. Like no other. That’s not the same look she had before. They stood tall with those wings. Coming forth within the fire. Black flames that dimmed and fell apart at the sight of this figure that came forth. Something that didn’t look real even if it felt just like somepony so familiar.

“Nothing will be the same again” that pony said.

A magenta hoof stepped out from the fires. Stamping down upon the cinders of the ashen grass. Crushing the flames beneath it. Fires smoldering along her long and luscious magenta fur only to do nothing to it but die away against the skin.

“Never again will harm come to the pony I love. Never again will she be made to suffer. I will get rid of her past. That is my vow.”

Soul’s eyes widened. Like looking… into a mirror. A pony stepped out from the flames. Tall over them all from her perch. Locked in an endlessly beautiful coat of magenta fur flowing gently in the breeze. This pony… she has my fur. She has… Soul shivered. Silver hairs.

She has my mane.

“I am the one who will get rid of her suffering and she will know happiness again.”

She has my mane. Long and flowing locks of silver hair draping down her face and all down her neck. Set down along her chest, glimmering so bright in the red light, piercing starlight all along her violet-laced hairs. A night sky in her hair. Coming all down her neck, falling along her back. No ragged hairs, the most beautiful mane she had ever seen, pulled into a long ponytail along the back of her neck. No more darkness to cover her up. Nothing to hide this pony. Soul put a hoof to her own long mane. Feeling the silver hair she had. How it all ran down her neck. Falling in front of her eyes. Looking at the same mane split where those dragon eyes stared down at Soul.

She looks just like me… Soul took a step back. To look up at this pony standing on all fours like a tower above them all. Looking down at them all with flaming eyes. That terrifying look from before. Blight… what happened to you? “How did you…” Soul whispered.

“I will always love Soul Serenity. That is why I will do this.”

All the flames were cast aside. A single pony left to stand on top of the hill. Wind breezing past her, making her mane flow with the leaves around her. Wind caught in those massive wings she held up to rise to the sky. I’ve never seen anything like this in my life. I always thought her wings were beautiful. The most lovely black wings I’ve ever seen. Something I knew other pegasi would be jealous of. What am I seeing now? A pony with…

Four wings.

A wing atop the other. Spans of magenta… shedded of their beautiful black feathers. What even is a Pegasus without her feathers? What did you do to your wings, Blight? Soul shook her head. Horrified. Just four huge wings set in flesh. Draped over her spans. No. Your wings were so beautiful. I loved them. What happened!?

W-what… are you?

Blight lowered those huge wings over her head. High in the air to split the sky. Atop something that rose even higher. What are you? You aren’t a Pegasus anymore. I don’t even know what you are anymore, not when I see this. It made Soul feel cold to the bone. To see Blight have this. A thing that split her mane in two atop her head.

Soulblight giggled. Looking out to the world. She rose her head tall, such power in her stare upon the skies. Almost skewering the sky as she let out that terrible laugh. Her wings rose. Such vast spans to cast their shadows upon Soul. The terrified mare. My best friend. This isn’t you. I feel it’s you… but that’s not the Soulblight I love. This is not a pony I should be backing away from. Such a mighty and powerful pony. I see now why you were always so powerful. You never were a Pegasus.

I don’t know what you are.

No more. When there was a horn glowing bright atop Soulblight’s head. Between her wings, raised to the sky and glimmering in the lightning. Coiled so long like it was some sort of blade on her head. She looks just like the princesses… but… are you even a pony anymore? You’re not a Pegasus. Soul locked eyes with her again. Blight looked down to her with that grin she wore. That power in her eyes. The air rippled around her. Churning around her horn. Bleeding of black light flowing from the tip. That look you have. I can even feel it. I can feel it in the air. In my wings. Such frightening magic. I’ve never felt this. You’re not even an alicorn… are you?

I don’t know if she is a pony. But I see it in her eyes. I can still see it. You’re still my Soulblight.

“Nopony will take Soul’s life from her again…” Blight’s voice chilled the world.

8.37
“Blight!” Soul yelled out. “You don’t need to do this! Please… be the pony I always knew you to be!”

I get it now. You’re afraid. You’re afraid I may be gotten rid of again. You’ve always been the pony to protect me and, of course, you wouldn’t stop now. You became this pony. You did this… because you still want to protect me. Enough to do this to yourself. I should have seen it. You think… I will be taken away. You think I will be gone. I know…

I was so bad back in that snow. So many times, I almost died. And you had to watch me so sad and miserable all the time. It tore us apart. And now that it’s over… you never want to go through it again. You never want to see me sad again. I know… because you felt it was your fault. You told me it was your fault. So this is what it does to you? “This is what all that pain did to you?” It turned you into this? This is how much you care for me? You never want to see me in pain again. You never want to feel at fault. So much that you stuck by me until it almost destroyed you. Your pain was that much?

And you lied to me… by making me think you were okay.

I see. This is what I did to you. You were never okay. And I ignored you. I never even tried to help you. You are still afraid of failing again. You really were serious about protecting me. You were serious about doing anything for me. So much that you destroy yourself just to keep me happy. “Why did you never tell me?! You know I am here for you. I am your best friend. All you need to do is talk to me and I’ll listen… but I guess I was stupid for thinking you were okay after all we went through. I never even tried to look out for you. I just focused on myself and got what I wanted without ever learning why you were so sad. What it is that you’re afraid of.”

“I am no longer afraid” Blight said. “There’s no more need for fear or pain. Not when I have all the power in the world to end it all. I get to see you happy once again and the mistakes I’ve made will finally be erased. Even if I want to be happy, I’d rather see you get it first. That was always my goal. You will have your life back.”

“What’s the point if you’re not happy?” Soul whispered. “When I know it’s all my fault for treating you like a monster and never treating you like you deserved. I should have seen you as my world. You were the one who saved me and saved Rainbow Dash. You were the one who looked out for me. Kept me warm and safe. Rescued me and saved my wing. You aren’t the one who should be afraid of failing. I should be. I need to be the one to be there for you. And I need to start by stopping you.”

Soul looked up to that pony. No matter how dark she looked, Soul could not stop from smiling. “Please come to me. I’ll show you that I’m not going anywhere. I’ll always be in your life and I’ll be the one to repay you for all that you did. Nopony will take me. We can live our lives together here.” Soul heard the hoofsteps to her side. Turning to find that Rainbow actually came up to stand next to her. She looked afraid. Standing before what Blight had become. Seeing what I did to another pony. But she’s here, looking up to Blight. She knows… we can all be together. Blight doesn’t need to be afraid.

“All of us can” Soul smiled to Blight.

8.38
Blight chuckled under her mane. “I’ll make sure you get what you want. Forget about me.” Her horn glowing in black.

Soul almost saw the gust of wind rush her. She could spot it… she couldn’t even blink. Not before that horrible scream pierced her ears. A scream from Rainbow Dash.

It all happened so quick. The grass swayed violently. Not even Soul’s wings could move in the wind. That cold gust of chilling wind running along her side. So quick. Such a surprise. To not even feel it coming in the air. That was not even scary. Soul just turned her head and Dash wasn’t there anymore. A small glimpse of rainbow hairs. Looking to find her. The Pegasus was already gone and Soul just let herself go limp in fear when she heard the crunching sound and a pained cry.

Rainbow landed hard to the ground. Soul caught it just in time. To see the Pegasus fall limp in the grass. Far away to land right next to where the horrified princesses witnessed her body slam to the ground. Rolling in it once like some sort of doll. She didn’t even move. Laying still before princess Luna. Like when I crashed as a kid. Soul’s eyes twitched. So this is what it was like to see me crash. This shiver in her stomach. Like her mind went blank. Rainbow Dash laying there on her back, her wings didn’t move. All Soul could see… was blood running between her closed eyes. I couldn’t even do anything. She couldn’t. I just watched my Dashie… get hurt right in front of me. This can’t be happening. Hurt?

Dash… made not a single move.

Soulblight… Soul shook her head, she couldn’t even cry. As if her tears had not caught up. She couldn’t feel it. Only that emptiness of seeing this.

Why would she do this? This isn’t her. My Soulblight would never do this. I want to take Dash away. Keep her safe… what can I do? My best friend… did this. Like all of it didn’t even have time to surface. Soul was left there with that broken cyan body burned into her eyes.

“Blight… how could…”

Soul turned. Looking into those burning yellow eyes right in front of her. A nose length away. Where Soulblight stood before her. “…You?”

Soul’s ear shuddered. I didn’t even know she was here. How did she… why did she do this? All of it like a nightmare. To see this pony so close. This pony I thought I knew. And I see her like this. Still so much shorter than Soul stood. Still with those lovely, yellow eyes. That warm smile. Yet the most cold and heartless stare she could have. Nothing was in those eyes. Soul looked deep into a black void splitting her eyes. No light shone in them. Not even a single trace of life. Even as she began to spoke, it felt like death in her cool breath against Soul’s chest.

“She’s only knocked out. I don’t want anypony in my way while I do what needs to be done. Trust me, she will be fine. I made sure of it. However… there is still one pony left I need to keep out of my way.” Blight blinked at her.

“Nopony is in your way” Soul whispered. She is not getting rid of me. I came here to make things right. I won’t let her do this. I never knew what she would do but this isn’t the right thing. “This is not what you should do. Please let me help you. The Blight I know would never do any of this.”

Soul looked along those four giant wings rising high over Blight. Their flesh swaying so gently in the breeze along the spans. Not a single gorgeous feather. Even the light shimmered off the spans. These were not even pony wings anymore. These are not the beautiful wings of such a kind and loving pony. I want the Pegasus I grew to love. Not this pony with such horrible hate in her eyes. Where Soul could feel the air freeze just being this close to her. Staring into that terrible smile lit red in the rush of lightning through the clouds. Even if I look into this pony… I can still tell…

This is Soulblight. She is still here with me. Whatever pain she is in, I can help her. “Just let me help you. I care for you.” Go back to that warm pony I want to hold under the blankets. Don’t be afraid of me. Don’t let the past hurt you. I am still your Soul Serenity. Please…

“Be my Soulblight.”

A tear soaked the magenta fur. But Soul did not cry. She saw this pony in front of her cry. Blight cried. Even if she smiled. Glowing tears of twinkling light flowing from those dead eyes. Those are her tears. I can feel it. I’ve known you too long now, and I see that it is you who is in pain. Soul opened her wings up to her. Come to me. Let me hold you.

“I am your Soulblight…” Blight whispered. Sniffling in her tears. That smile never left. “It’s just a shame the day had to come when you would see what I truly am. And now that you know, now that the world knows the pain I am and how terrible a pony I am, your Soulblight… can’t be a part of it anymore. She was never meant to be.”

“Blight…?”

What are you saying?

“But I can still give you the life you deserve.”

The world vanished.

8.39
I’m so sorry, Soul. This needs to be done. I just regret I couldn’t apologize to you in person. Now that Soul was gone. Vanished before Blight. It’s too late to bring her back. Too late to say anything to her. The power is too great and the stakes are too high. I can’t have you here. You’ll be safe. Such a shame you had to see what I am. I was never a pony that can be loved. Even I can feel my own deathly stare. This horrid body. Blight looked down to her hooves. Burning so bright in that magenta fur scarred in coursing lightning. Rippling and crackling along the ground and the dying grass she stood around before shooting up her legs only to vanish.

I knew the day would come when I’d see myself again. If only under better circumstances. I’m just glad it worked. That’s all I can be thankful for. Seeing you so happy may have been painful but it was worth it.

Blight sighed. She held a hoof up to her face. Looking down upon the blackened nail running along the base and covered in so much fur. How that fur stood up and swayed under the streaming black mist churning through the air. As if the air burned. I don’t know how long it’s been but I forgot just how powerful I can be. Looking at this, nothing can stop me from saving her. Is this even my talent? What am I?

Blight took a look back under her wings. Raising these wings up. Only to see more and more of the pony she was. Reminded of it all. Such beautiful fur. This lovely tail of mine. So long and dancing in the wind with its silver sheen. Burning in starlight. Like her body glowed. A star in itself. I have all this. This beautiful body. These wings of mine that can take me to the heavens. This frightening power. It still scares me, sends tremors all over my body. Yet… I still am nothing. Not when her flank stayed blank.

No, all I am… is Soul’s protector. Nothing more. There is nothing else I’d rather be anymore. Not like a pony like me can live in this world. Not when they see… what I can do. I only hope to make it quick.

She turned to face those two princesses. The last things in my way. I will make even those blinded by grief be able to see.

They don’t even know what true suffering is.

Hehehe! And I won’t allow anypony to make me suffer again.

Part 3 Solace - Act 9

9.1
I never expected any of this. Never could have dreamed to see this happen. In all my years as a princess, I could never be prepared to experience this. All the horrors I have seen. The deaths that I never wanted to see again. The terror I’ve seen in the eyes of innocents. The most horrific beasts to ever step foot in my land. I never wanted to see anything worse than those days. To feel anything worse. Yet Celestia could not shake it. This deep and dark pit in her stomach. An icy chill over her. With that damning thing itching in the back of her head. That pain. It never lifted. Never could stop. Only to get worse when seeing all this.

Never-ending sadness.

She didn’t even look when the leaves blew past her nose. Could not take her eyes off this sight. The grass blowing around her hooves, and the entire world shining brightly around her in that dense sheen of red. I came here wanting to find Twilight and the others. Not knowing what to expect. “Rainbow Dash!” she heard Luna shout. Her ears twitched. Listening to the subtle breaths the Pegasus made next to them. Slow. She really is knocked out. Such a fine trickle of blood coming down her head. One of the Elements hurt. And seeing Soul Serenity…

After all these years.

I never could protect her. I feel like such a failure. So helpless. She’s gone now and I don’t know where. Gone in a flash like the red lightning booming across the sky. These terrors no pony should ever have to experience in my land. How I wanted it all to end. And now I stand here under a sky I no longer control and watching my innocent ponies be harmed. And I can’t take my eyes off her…

Celestia looked across the flowing fields of grass. Where the lightning lit the sky over the land. Over the pony that stared at her. Never taking those eyes off, Celestia lost herself inside those eyes. I don’t know what it is. Looking at her. Such emptiness in those eyes. Split black between fiery suns. No matter how bright those eyes shone, only darkness was all she could see. An endless sea of dread that… it’s like I can feel it. Yet I can’t look away. I never thought I’d see a pony like this. Whoever she is. Such long, silver hair over a coat… just like Soul’s. How she looks so much like her. It’s terrifying. But she had it…

That horn. Four wings. I’ve never seen wings like this. Such a small pony, but that pony unfolded all four wings to stand like titans over her. Dripping in flesh. She scares me, and she is looking right at me. Staring into me. I feel so violated. So afraid. It made Celestia shake her head slowly.

“You’re no alicorn” Celestia whispered.

9.2
An alicorn would not make me feel this way. This is not correct. A pony I’ve never heard of who feels like this, are you even real? Like a shade in the red light. Shimmering in black coursing around her before a bolt of lightning quickly scattered around her wings, making Celestia flinch. I could feel that. That power. So brief.

Celestia shivered.

This is unnatural. We can’t run away. Not when so much… fear is in me. Fear for everything.

“Luna, please… check over Rainbow Dash for me” Celestia whispered. No turning to her sister though she felt Luna look to her. “I need you to help me with that. While I deal with this…”

We’re alone with this pony. Luna just ran off to where Dash lay. My sister and I with this pony. Nopony else is left. And I can’t leave her. I can’t leave this pony. Something is drawing me and I don’t know what. Like looking into her eyes is… alluring. No matter how long she stares.

“I removed Soul from this. Do me a favor and send Rainbow Dash somewhere safe” the pony hissed from over there, never taking her eyes off of Celestia. But the pony smiled. “I don’t want her getting hurt.” So you did do something with Soul. It made Celestia loose a ragged breath. She even heard Luna over there, the princess growled. Only briefly. Like Luna must have seen it too when that pony’s smile grew wider. Don’t want her getting hurt? You just injured her… how dare you? Celestia didn’t even raise a hoof. Not when looking into that unblinking stare.

“Luna, how is she?” “She’s only knocked out. I think she’ll be okay” Luna called out from the side. One weight off her shoulders. So many more and I have no idea where this is heading. To see one of my most beloved ponies get hurt right in front of me, I can’t stand it. I’m supposed to ensure their safety. Like I was supposed to do with Soul. Now she’s gone. Celestia had to look away. Glancing over in time to see Luna’s horn shining so bright in blue light, that was all it took to gently send that poor looking body of Rainbow Dash to float away. Set down in the grass away from this all; Luna shot a glare at the pony Celestia looked away from. “How dare you harm her!” the princess said. “We won’t let you hurt any other pony.”

Celestia looked back to find the most chilling face looking back at her. Such a callous glare. I know you’re upset, sister… but I don’t think we should be saying stuff like that to this pony. Even if my own blood is starting to boil. Not just yet. I want to know something first. Celestia nodded to Luna right when she came back to stand by Celestia’s side. As if the young princess understood just from that, she nodded too. She must feel it too. It leaves me with so many questions. Something about this pony…

Why is this feeling familiar?

9.3
“Who are you? Why did you do all this?” Celestia asked of her. She could feel the air splitting between where she and that pony stood. This ominous chill. This was all supposed to be just a normal day. I was looking forward to eating with my sister this morning and all the ponies of this land should have gotten a peaceful night’s sleep. Not waking up to this. Not gripping me in this fear. First Soul comes back and teared at my heart, now this pony. “You must have a reason for all this madness.”

She heard the pony sigh over there. Hissing air between her shining teeth. Even her wings lowered a little. Relaxed. “You want to ask questions now?” she said. “Now if only Soul had been given such opportunity. Is it because you can feel it? I know you can. You, Princess Celestia, no longer have any choice. Not when you see just what I’ll do to make Soul happy again.”

“Make Soul happy again?” Celestia whispered.

“We don’t need any drama” the pony said. “You can simply give Soul her life back now and we can all go on our happy ways. No need for me to do anything more… doesn’t that sound nice?” the pony grinned.

This is that same pony I saw who protected Soul. I felt something from her, and I feel it again with this pony. So much stronger now. Like she can sense my fear. How cocky she is. And I no longer know if I can be strong against this. I’ve been strong for twelve years now, dealing with the pain of what I did. To send another pony away from her home. I could barely take it. And now I can barely handle this. I did it to protect Soul. I did because I did not want to see her die. And you claim to be the same way? “What did you do with Soul Serenity?”

“She’s safe now. I’m keeping her away from this place until this is all over. After all, who am I to know if you or your sister would try and harm her once more.”

“I would never harm her” Celestia hissed. Only to hear that pony laugh. She laughs at me? After what I had to deal with. Does she know what it’s like to take a child from her world? “I am serious!” “Not so much…” the pony spoke.

“My name… is Soulblight. I am a pony who knows how much of a lie you speak now. Who knows just how heartless you can be, thinking you do the right thing to protect ponies. Yet you forsake Soul.” Forsake her? But I… “You will never know what it is she went through. Such flaws in your idea to protect her. To this day, I’ve done a better job protecting her than you ever will. All those years that she went through and I finally get to see her dreams be realized. All I need… is for two naïve little princesses to drop their bullshit game and accept an innocent pony back into this world.”

“I did not do it lightly!” Celestia yelled. How dare her. As if it was hard enough with Soul, now I have to hear this Soulblight ridicule me for all the pain I had to go through. “How would you know? You don’t know the pain. I sat there with a child’s life in my hooves. I was thrown into a terrible position I could not get out of. I had to make the decision… if only to let her live. Do not ever tell me my decision was a game. You never will know…” Celestia felt tears come down her face. “The horrible pain I had to deal with. Like it was all over again. A thousand years of this. I hate to do it.”

“I think you do know how I would know” Soulblight said. “I can tell you feel it. Ever since this red night fell, I’ve seen it in your eyes that you know it to be true. So… go ahead and look into my eyes again. You know the truth. If you’re so sure of yourself, you shouldn’t be afraid to face that truth.”

9.4
All I see… is undying emptiness. Like a heartless hole that I don’t want to know. Looking into her eyes, they make me feel like ice is on my heart. Like all those days I spent crying. Nothing to be happy about anymore. I’ve felt it. My sister felt it. You are the one who made us feel this way, and your eyes are the pain that I fear. I feel it in my sleep, I feel it when I remember that terrible day. I still see that fear when I had to look Soul in the eyes and banish her. Take her entire life from her.

I wanted to get rid of that feeling.

Your eyes… are that feeling. You are that pain. The same pain I’ve always felt. How much I want to get rid of you, never deal with you again. Get that terrible sight out of my head. An empty, black hole. Two of them. Ripped to shreds in a flash of light.

Celestia gasped. Looking out of those eyes. Right as lightning shook the sky. I can see that day when I banished her. The same light that I made, to take a child away. Forever. There is a fear. A pain. Such sadness I’ve never wanted to feel again. It is oh so familiar. Something I know from back then. The same pain in the eyes… of the filly. And the same pain she must have seen in my eyes. This pony is that pain. This pony…

“You were there.”

Soulblight smiled. “I watched you take my beloved Soul from her life. All over a mistake. Her entire life was torn to shreds and you did not care. If you wanted to punish a pony, I don’t know why you went with a child. Such foolish and blind grief, giving in to the others around you just to satisfy what little sanity you had left. I know it all. Such horrible madness… so familiar to me, as if it’s my own. You see, Celestia. You and I aren’t so different. We both are stricken in the grief of our mistakes. I think even Luna can stand with us in that grief.” You talk like you know us. Like you think you are one of us. You will never know the pain. Never!

“Since I am the one who bares the pain of ruining Soul’s life” Soulblight whispered. The entire sky went quiet. What is this? Something in her voice. I can hear it. I can see it. Even if Soulblight is staring at me, I saw it. A tiny flicker dancing in the void of her eyes. As if it breathed. A glow in the night. Solemn and… alone. Her lonesome voice.

“If you wanted to punish a pony for killing Nimbus and Starry, it should have been me. If only to protect Soul. My only regret… is not taking the blame. Even if Soul hated me for it for so long. Even when I can still feel… all…” Soulblight lowered her head, placing a hoof to her chest. Never to imagine a pony like this actually look so sad. “The pain in my heart. To know what I did to her. To all these ponies! I can’t stand it anymore. I will not stop until Soul’s life is back.” Celestia shivered when that pony looked up to her. Wrapped in darkness.

“And I have all the power to make it happen!”

I knew it. Soul could never be a pony to kill. I knew it all along. And I still had to banish her just because nopony else believed it. I gave in to the pressure. I gave in to the fear. And I let Soul’s silence control me. When I should have done more to figure it out. To see that it takes a pony like this to do that. I was such an idiot. Such a stupid foal. Maybe I really am a failed princess for Soul. I was never a good enough pony to love her. But I can be good enough to save her.

9.5
“Then… you should be the one who I should have gotten rid of. You are the one who has no place here” Celestia whispered. Celestia looked to Luna, meeting her eyes. Already having that look in her eyes. Luna knows too. She knows the right thing to do. She knows just what it is I had to go through. And now, now I want to make it right. “Soul…” Celestia glared upon Soulblight. “Was a sweet and innocent filly who lost her guardians. She had so much to look forward to and such promise and I took it all from her because of a lie. None of it needed to happen if you had not been there. Maybe back then, I could have made a difference. It’s too late now. But I can still keep her safe.”

Soulblight bore such a heinous smile. One that made Celestia silent. All the fire swimming in her eyes. “You may be right. I do have no place here. But you are wrong about something… hehehe. I will not let anypony take Soul away from my life. I am here to keep her safe and that shall always be the case. Nopony, not Rainbow Dash, not you will ever take her.” What is with her? Something about her… she’s so much more… cold. Celestia could feel her fur standing up. As if the world began to slow. Why do I want to run away? Celestia saw it. Such a short motion behind that pony. Soulblight’s hind legs twitched. Her tail waving so gently along the grass, and such a terrifying smile. “I can give you one chance” Soulblight said. “Allow me to show you the truth and you will see that nopony should ever take Soul from me. I am here to protect her just like I did long ago. I can prove it, if you want.”

“You don’t have other ponies to save you this time” Soulblight said. “No Harmony here to fight your battles. And you know just how powerful I am. You can sense it. I’m not even trying to hide it. No way I can hide it. So much and it feels so good that there’s no way you’d be stupid enough to even try and stand against what I want. I seek what is best for Soul, and none shall take it.”

You make a fool of me in front of everypony. You murdered Soul’s guardians and made me think she did it. I banished her instead. I had to go through years of misery and had to remind myself every day that I’m not a horrible pony, all the while I feared for how Soul could be doing. Living with all the regret. And now you threaten me when all I want to do is the right thing. I don’t want pain anymore. I want all ponies to be happy from now on. That includes Soul. That means… I can’t let her be in danger anymore. I will take her back.

Soul will come home!

“I don’t need the others to stop you” Celestia said. Standing next to Luna. With my sister at my side, we can end all the pain. End all of my mistakes.

“So you forfeit your chance to know the truth?” Soulblight giggled. The wind howled over the trees. Sending endless leaves in the sky, rippling the grass all around where she stood. “Very well…” Celestia looked right into the eyes of the sky. Burning red in flames. Glimmering for just a moment… before it all went dark around her.

“But you won’t take her.”

9.6
Celestia’s eyes widened. She felt it. Feel it before even seeing it. All the fur on her side warmed, such incredible heat and that sound of whishing air that sent her ears up in time to notice it, right before it happened.

Her heart stopped. The entire sky lit bright in orange and that echoing boom ringing in her ears. The sight of orange cinders and a blast of air smacking her so hard from behind, sending all the leaves scattering. Leaves picked up from the ground and many more that floated away, burning bright in flames. Turning to ash in the air. It even felt like her tail was burning. Celestia looked to Luna. She was standing there, looking just like Celestia. Eyes so wide, staring in deafened silence. Even her wings twitched, because she knew it too. Just like me. Luna looked back with Celestia. Where the entire treeline was burning.

Such a huge hole blasted right into all those trees, curled and morphed into such a hideous sight of burning leaves falling asunder where the trees once stood. Only for it all to be aflame. The whole forest burned. Right before where the grass had a whole path charred through it. What… was… Celestia looked back to Soulblight. That pony grinning so widely at her, her horn bled that darkness around it. No way. I didn’t even feel it. “Luna…?”

“Sister…?”

I am too afraid to tell her. But… I fear we are in trouble. I couldn’t even see that attack. Couldn’t even… “That was a warning” Soulblight whispered over there. “I don’t need to miss.”

What kind of pony is this? I’ve never seen anything like this. Never felt such fear. Something like this… I can’t let it be in my land. This is the power that killed Soul’s guardians? No wonder… no wonder they were both torn apart back then. How terrible. If only Twilight and the others could be here… but, I don’t know if they can do anything now. This pony… it’s unreal and it’s here in my land. “I don’t think we have a choice” Celestia said. “Agreed…” Luna muttered. So she knows too. “Such a thing…” Celestia’s ears flicked up, hearing that whirling sound to her side. Already feeling the power, not needing to look to see that Luna’s magic swirled all around her. That rustling noise of her feathers flowing in that power. Celestia heard her own as well. I have to do what’s right, after all this time. Even if I’m afraid. There is no other choice. I’m just glad I have my sister with me this time.

Hope I don’t regret this.

Celestia let it all loose. The sight of that incredible beam of white light rushing from her. Burning the grass at her hooves, rippling the air around her. Joined with that flash of blue light at her side, and both beams came at the pony. Joined together, we fight together again. Luna, let’s do this for our land. That Soulblight won’t be able to handle this. Celestia looked up, spotting the pony in one last moment before the light of day and night came over where she stood. Rumbling and burning the red night away. Then it all disappeared.

Celestia’s heart sank. What is this? The spells vanished. Celestia watched in horror as all that magic from her own horn died out like some pitiful flame. Cast away forever from her horn, turned to white dust that was left to sprinkle the dirt. Float away in the breeze like dying stars. Joined with the blue cinders that fell away from where Luna stood. Left to face the truth. Soulblight still stood there, surrounded in what was left of those dying spells. Impossible!

She nullified our spells?!

“What is she?” Celestia whispered. I was so afraid, but now… she blinked… and looked right into the flaming eyes right in front of her. “Sister!” she heard Luna shout. No. Where Soulblight had been, was now empty. She’s here with me. Right in front of me. Looking down upon the vast wings laid out in front of her and the smiling pony who looked up to her. “Wh…” Soulblight’s wings flapped, that was all she could see before the world went flying.

What is going on? Celestia looked up to the sky and felt all the air fly through her mane. It’s like I’m flying but… then came the pain.

She screamed out. Feeling it all along her back, something so hard striking her. Where chips of bark flew past her and drops of blood saturated the air. Mocking her. Joining with that huge pain all along her back.

9.7
“Sister!” Luna turned just in time to see Celestia slam right into the tree, falling from it. She had to watch her sister land with such a horrible crunch to the ground, her mane swaying in what was left of that huge wind she had felt. She just sent my sister flying. All she did was… Luna looked to find Soulblight standing where Celestia had been at her side, glancing over to her. Smiling like you’re proud of yourself?! Luna growled. “I’ll destroy you!” Luna sent her horn forward, only for the entire earth before her to explode in a blast of blue fire. Pelting her in rocks sent flying. I don’t know if that got her. She looked back to where Celestia lay. “Sister! Wake up. Please, are you okay?” Oh, no… is she knocked out? She isn’t moving. I can’t believe that…

She spotted the movement to her side. A rush of wings splitting the air, sending all those blue flames flying. No! Soulblight’s wings flapped. The pony spiraled up into the sky above that crater Luna left before her. All the way up into the red sky. Such a tantalizing sight, seeing those four wings flapping atop one another before they all spread wide and the pony hung up there. I can even feel all that power in her wings. Like it’s making me afraid. Chills running all along her. There is no way a pony like this is real. And Celestia is out… I have to do this. But nothing stopped Luna’s legs from shaking. She took my sister down in one blow. Just using those damn wings of hers. What if she hits me with a spell? I’m terrified.

A glint of black.

Holy Equestria! Luna kicked her legs just in time, pushing herself away for her wings to take to the air and get her out right when that ground she had stood on exploded in such a violent pillar of blackened flames. Sent flying from what was left of the spell that cut through the air. Luna kicked her wings hard, almost losing control of them in the gust of wind that hit her from that explosion. So close to being sent crashing down to the ground but she took flight. Shooting right up into the sky, into that heavy air that weighed down on her entire body. An echo of fear. The chill in the wind. She’s really trying to take me down. I can’t believe I got out of that. I don’t want to risk that again. Luna looked up to that pony. I can’t even look away from her. Such grace, such power. A pony like this, if I don’t pay attention, I might regret it. Even if she’s so fast. “Looks like I’m on my own for right now” Luna smiled. Catching Soulblight smiling as well. “Trust me, you won’t last long” that pony said. “A pony like you will never take me from Soul. She is mine to protect!” “After what you did to Soul, you don’t deserve her” Luna said. “And I won’t let you stay in my land!”

Luna let her wings free. The entire air blew away, ridden in the light of blue fire echoing from her horn. You may have taken my Moon, but I’m not entirely helpless. She eyed the clouds. Right as they began to roil in shimmering blue light. Burning through the red. All the clouds rumbling in that power. You’re not the only one who can do this. Let’s see how you take it. I’ll smite you!

Luna’s eyes lit up, so quick. The lightning shot down. As if it shocked Luna’s heart as well. That thrilling power and magic that coursed through her bones. Bring it all down on Soulblight. And now… Luna sent all the energy lashing out from her horn. Her wings almost gave just from it. Try and dodge this! Lightning came down. Rushing right for the spell that split the skies. Rumbling in thunder, the world shook as both spells came together upon the pony above. Luna sat in the air, floating before that huge explosion that rocked the skies when all that lightning struck with the magic right into where Soulblight flew. The clouds ripped apart. All the air shimmered in glistening blue heat that Luna could feel all along her. Covering all the skies in churning smoke where fire fell to the forest below. That won’t be enough. Luna let all her magic come back to her horn. Fire again. This will finish you. I don’t need my sister to protect…

A pony popped into the air before her. All that magenta fur. Coming out of nowhere. “What!?” Did she just tele…

Soulblight smiled. “Nice try.” This can’t be. Luna could only watch and see that razor-sharp horn point to her. Couldn’t even move. I’m stuck here, so afraid. Like all the magic seeped out from her, left to be helpless before all the blazing black magic that rushed her. All she could feel was the heat. That terrible heat that made Luna scream. A flash of darkness coming over her and she saw all the air rush by her. She just hit me. I just know it. And it hurts so much! It’s like I’m on fire. Something burning. And I can’t… even control myself. Damn it!

“Luna!”

9.8
Celestia rushed in. Carried on those huge white wings flapping at her sides. They almost burned with how hard she made them hit the air. Even worse with all that power that came from that attack she had seen hit her sister. The entire sky was hot. But that won’t stop me. I got you!

She held her hooves out. Rushing in at the blue alicorn falling from the sky with smoke trailing from her limp body. She could still hear that cry Luna made in her ears. Please be okay. She couldn’t even fly anymore. Plummeting right down into Celestia’s hooves with such a hard thump; it took so much just to keep aloft holding the pony in her legs. Choking on the harsh smell of smoke pluming from Luna’s wings. Such a horrible thing that caught Celestia’s eyes and made her gasp. So many of her feathers were burnt away. Many more seeping smoke. Even Luna coughed from it all. Thank goodness, she’s alright. Luna just reeled up, yelling out in agony. Such terrible pain on her face… so much blood dripping from the cuts all over her face.

“Luna, please tell me you’re alright” Celestia begged. I’ve never seen her hurt before. This is all unreal. A pony actually just attacked my sister. Did this to her. This should never happen to somepony like you, Luna. Not after all you’ve been through. And I can’t stand to see this. All of it just made her heart pound. “I’m… fine” Luna opened her eyes, glaring. Pushing a hoof against Celestia’s chest and letting her smoking wings rise to the sky once more. “I can fly, let go.” Truly angry now. Oh, such a relief. She is alright. Celestia couldn’t keep the alicorn from pushing off from her and hitting the air once more with her huge, blue wings to float next to her. Luna shaking her head and grunting, still glaring over at that pony. That damn pony who looks too proud of herself. Such horrible power. “Luna, are you sure you’re fine? That looked like it hurt. I can help you if you need it.”

Luna wiped a hoof over her face, dragging off the blood to smear over her face and soak her fur. Only able to look down on her hoof and see it. The same blood Celestia stared at. My family’s blood. Somepony dares to do that to one I love. It almost sent shockwaves through Celestia. Trembling. I’m not even scared anymore. “That beast…” was all Luna muttered. I won’t stand for this. Celestia looked away from that blood. Still knowing Luna bled, that was all she needed to course brilliant gold around her horn. “You won’t get away with that.” “Bring it on…” Soulblight smiled.

Celestia growled. Splitting the sky in a flash of light.

It was gone before she knew it, though she still felt all that power in her horn. Swelling through her body. The last trickles of piercing, burning light echoing in the air. Blinking before turning to nothing. Fading into existence. So much magic, can’t believe I put all that into it. But if you hurt my sister, I’ll take your…

Celestia blinked. Soulblight sat there, her head was tilted. Like nothing even happened. Such a spell, did it even hit her? It was too fast for even Celestia to see it. All I can do is feel the magic and yet… all that happened… a few strands of silver hair fell from Soulblight’s mane. Cut so perfectly, left to drift away in the wind.

I’ll take your head…?

Celestia shivered. That attack… nopony can dodge that. There’s no way. It should have got her. Taken this monster down. I haven’t used a spell like that in ages… I can still feel my anger. I can still feel that want to punish her. For all she’s done. But I can’t…

“You know…” Soulblight’s voice broke her from the shock. Spotting the magenta pony straighten herself back up, actually looking angry now. The pony ran a hoof through her mane. “Now that I have my lovely mane… I really do prefer it to not be damaged. Much less by my own prey. How about you both realize your place and just give up so I can end this show quickly? It’d be a lot less painful for us all.”

“Your prey!?” Luna screamed. Blinding the world in her light. Almost making Celestia close her eyes. Feeling the heat from such a powerful spell. …Then it all died off.

9.9
“Luna?” Celestia looked, finding the alicorn no longer burned in the blue light of her rage. Only fear in her eyes. What is… it took her a moment… to see that darkness wrapped around Luna’s wings. Like some huge, black cloud had swallowed them, pulling the princess back with such a hard yank that made her yelp. What is this? Luna was pulled up, held aloft by her wings like some puppet. Left screaming with all that black mist rippling around her wings. “Sister, help!” By Equestria…

“I didn’t want it to be so painful” Soulblight laughed over there with her horn glowing black. “But looks like I gotta treat you like children.”

She knows… telekinesis spells? On my own sister?! Luna… the princess struggled up there. Like she was trying to point her horn at the pony who did this. Only to flop over like a limp doll from the pull of the magic around her. Kicking and fighting against it. Nothing changed. I don’t even know how to stop that. Only way… Celestia turned her horn at Soulblight. The only way to to blow you out of the sky. “Let my sister go!” I won’t let anypony do this to her. Ever since she came back, I will never let any harm come to her. Not even from a demon like this.

Something tugged at her wings. So gentle and then… blistering pain that made Celestia wince and kept her still. My wings, I can’t move them. Then Soulblight fell from her sight. Pulled away and she found herself looking down upon the forest below. It’s like my wings are going to be ripped off. Such a terrible yank that made her scream out. Right when I wanted to save Luna. Celestia grunted. Almost yelping when the pain flared so much along her spans. She had to grind her teeth just to stop it. Shaking her hooves in a horrible spasm. I can’t even save myself now. She didn’t have to look to know that… Soulblight had her too. Held there with Luna dangling at her side. Yelling with her horn flaring.

“You see, if you girls had just left my Soul alone this whole time, none of this would be happening. But no… I gotta teach you both the hard way. But that’s fine. I’ll do anything for Soul” Soulblight said.

“Let go of us now! Give us back our wings” Celestia glared over to Soulblight. Trying so hard to turn her head enough to point her horn to the pony. Do it before I make you. Agh! Can’t even concentrate, it hurts so bad. No wonder Luna is still screaming. Kicking her hooves so violently. That poor pony, her wings are sensitive. I’ve got to save her. Somehow. “I’ll let you go, if you insist” Soulblight said. Really?

“Sister!” Luna screamed. “Look out!” Right as Celestia was able to flap her wings again. She turned just to see it coming at her.

9.10
Just when it felt good to fly again, it was cut so short. She heard it in the wind. A split second scream and Luna slammed right into her. Celestia cried out. That horrible stinging pain and she knew Luna’s heard hit right into her own before her wings gave out and the entire world spun around her. Caught in the flurry of blue feathers and black wisps of air that died into the wind, only to plummet down to the trees below. The trees that came in so fast. Celestia shook her head. It pounded so badly. Didn’t help that Luna screamed in agony, much like she also did. Her own voice echoing in her ears. She could only spot the trees for a moment and closed her eyes. Crying in agony at the horrific sting running all along her body. I gotta… get control again. But there was no telling how hard Luna had been thrown into her. She couldn’t even hear Luna’s wings. Just the wind rushing by them and that horrible laugh from above.

My wings aren’t moving. Aghhhhh! Can’t even think straight. Like my wings are on fire. And… she opened her eyes again. The trees came right in at her. No! Have to… damn! Move, wings! Nothing happened. Nothing stopped her from careening right down into the branches and leaves. That searing pain of a branch slicing right along her side, for just a moment and then it died away much like the pain in her wings. Knocked right away by that impact against her back, and she couldn’t breathe.

Celestia spat, trying to cry out though no sound came. Only the bone-shattering strike against her entire back. Leaving her just looking up to the sky, gasping for air. None of it came, and left her to just lay there. Broken, helpless. Staring up to the branches that fell upon her. Torn asunder through the hole she left in the leaves above. Up there, in that darkened sky of blood, where she could see those four wings flapping. Lit in the rush of lightning… and that red light that blazed on her horn. Swirling cinders of molten light flowing all around that pony up there. Around her dead smile. Even from all the way down here, not able to move or breathe, she could still see that horrible smile. How wide it grew. How bright it was in that blinding red spell.

Dear Equestria. What has happened. I can feel that power from here. Struggling to breathe. Struggling to move. All I can feel is that… thing… like ants all over my body. I can’t believe how powerful she is. Who is this pony? Why does she have to do this to us? Make me ruin Soul’s life… and now…; Celestia felt a tear flow. Let loose just like her breath that finally came. Taking in the deepest breath. Finally! And I still can barely move. She looked up to that pony. Crying… feeling all that heat rushing over her, like a star burning bright from that pony’s horn. Oh, no… if she attacks us…

“Please… don’t…” Celestia whispered.

Such horrible power. Such a monster. I just can’t. I just can’t let you ruin Soul anymore. I can’t let a threat like you exist in my land. And yet, I can’t do anything. She felt her wing move under her. Gotta… try. I can’t let her do this. I can’t!

“Hahahahaha! Look at the royal princess reduced to mere children! How I’d love to see you both try and take Soul from me now” Soulblight grinned wider. “Much less… when you are nothing more than ash.” That star rippled the sky.

She… she wants to kill us?!

9.11
I want to kill them? Soulblight took a breath. There they are. The two ponies who want to take Soul from me. Celestia and Luna. Celestia… you were the one who wanted to hurt me. No better than all the other ponies who tried to hurt me. Take the things I love most from me. The only thing I love. I’ve reduced you to nothing. You… laying there with your sister. Both princesses sprawled in a crawling mess with there trembling wings, laying side by side down there. In my own shadow. They can’t even fight me. Now that I have all I need again.

…But… that’s not what I want.

Why do I want to kill them? Nothing can stop me from it. Nothing. Blight looked up. This light. She could even feel the heat above her head. This isn’t right. I don’t want to kill them. This is not the power I should be using.

Blight glanced back down to the princesses. Both of them struggling just to get on their hooves. Like limp children now. To think I can get rid of them right now. I shouldn’t. What is wrong with me? Blight shook her head. Just let it go. It disappeared just like that. The sky dimmed a little more. Fleeting red light falling away from her horn until it was no more. Just silent wind brushing her ears. Such a shame. All I need to do is make them see the truth. I don’t need to get rid of them. Besides, they see now… that they can’t stop me from saving Soul. Never. I feel like such a fool. Such a monster.

Those thoughts shouldn’t go through my head anymore.

Blight lightened her wings. Gently floating down. Spotting branches dangling from trees right where the princesses had struck them. I didn’t need to be that rough. No more. I just need to get them to stop. I need to stop… before things get bad. Her eyes caught that one stray blue feather stuck in the trees. Torn and smoldering. Slowly simmering into ash. It only made her shudder. I did that to her? I… I hope she will at least listen to me.

Blight set hoof upon the ground. Standing beneath the vast treeline, her hooves crunched upon a blanket of leaves. Leaves sent scattering with a final flap of her wings before all four of them folded upon her back. A leaf blew far, flying past Princess Celestia. The alicorn stumbling up onto her own hooves, and she spotted Blight. Tears in her eyes. Should I even feel grief about doing this to her? Celestia had so many cuts and scrapes all over her. Bent feathers. And Luna… I don’t know what to say. She looked angry. The young sister stood behind Celestia, like some vicious dog or something. Her wings were almost blown out. Blackened feathers all over her. Bleeding along her legs. I didn’t even think I was that rough with them. Maybe… I do need to end this now. Before anything happens.

Starting to feel afraid?

This is not what I want to do. I am not here to hurt them. I’m sure they will see reason now. “I don’t wish to continue this. You both see I am serious about protecting Soul, so can we just drop all of this? I promise I can show you both the truth of what happened.” Should be easy now. I have all the power. I just need you both to settle down a little. She lifted her hoof. Offering it to the ponies standing across from her. As long as they just leave Soul be, I’ll be happy. We all should want the same thing now.

Except they don’t want us in the picture.

That’s… that’s not true. They will see I had nothing to do with anything. That I am as innocent as Soul is. I know I am. I am meant to be Soul’s protector. Ever since I met her, I knew I wanted to be that pony she can rely on, and they all know it. None of them will take her from me. So, come on now. Blight waved her hoof a little at the princesses. Why aren’t you coming over? I don’t want to fight anymore. Not when I’ve made my point. Come over and see that I mean no harm. I really am a pony that Soul can rely on forever. Please.

“I… I can’t believe you” Celestia said. “After all you’ve done, how can we know you won’t do it again? Please… we only want you to leave. Just go and leave our land in peace. A land that Soul is more than welcome to live in again.”

“But… I need to live with her too” Blight said. “She is the most important pony to me and I can’t leave her side. You don’t understand why I want to be with her.” It doesn’t matter. They’d all rather take her from us. Shut up! “Shut up!”

She looked back up to find the princesses in stunned silence. No, I can’t let them take her from me. I can convince them. Nothing will ever change. “Please. Soul is the world to me. So much that I had to do this for her. I had to show her what it is I really am and… I can’t bring myself to imagine life without her. Not after we spent so long together. I can’t let her be taken from me. Give me a chance.”

“I think you were the one who said you couldn’t be a part of her life anymore” Celestia said. No, I didn’t mean that. None of them will accept us. Now that they know the truth, we will be like back then. Stop it! I am… it’s not like that anymore. Soul is different. The world is different. I… I want them to love me too. I want to be a part of this life. Can I? “And after all you’ve done, you’re too dangerous” Celestia continued. Soulblight felt her hoof shake. Almost becoming too hard to keep it held out. Too hard to hold it, too hard to ignore the shivers running up her spine and coursing to her horn. Hearing herself hiss.

We have seen… Soul no longer needs us. They all know it. They will do what those ponies did before. I can’t let it happen. Soul is mine. All mine. Not Rainbow Dash or Celestia or any swine in this world will change that. They are all just prey to me. Like it was back then, make it so again. For my beloved Soul Serenity. A world for us. No more threat of her ever being hurt again. She can be with me forever.

That hoof came reeling up, slamming hard into Blight’s own face. Punching herself to send spittle flying and her wings jolted as she yelped. Shut up! This is not the way! I can’t do it. I can’t… no. Soul loves Rainbow Dash. She loves this land. It wouldn’t be right to take it all away. No matter how afraid I am of her being hurt again. And I don’t want to be hurt. She’s my only friend. “Please let me stay with her” Blight begged down to her hoof. I never want to feel like I’ve lost her. But a pony like me… I can’t. What are these thoughts? What am I seeing in my head? They made her eyes tremble.

I can see myself… killing them all. Just like before.

We can do it all again.

“No!” I’d rather abandon Soul before I destroy all the things she loves!

I’d rather have her all to myself.

9.12
Princess Luna slammed her hooves right into Soulblight. Even Luna was surprised when she felt her hooves strike against the pony’s chest. Falling to the ground with her, Soulblight pushed down into the grass. I can’t believe it worked. Even now, Soulblight looked stunned. As stunned as she had been. Such a wide-open pony. I’m so glad I pulled it off. Luna stomped her forehooves down onto Soulblight’s chest, pinning her down into the dirt. Laying atop the magenta pony with her hind legs clamped down onto her. She felt Soulblight’s own hind legs stop moving under all her weight, sitting on top of her. Staring down into the eyes of this pony who had hurt them so much. Reduced to nothing but a silent and wide-eyed mare laying on her back under Luna.

I can’t believe this pony caused us so much trouble. Being so close, Luna couldn’t help but notice just how much smaller the pony was. Only her huge wings that lay flat at her sides made her any larger. Such a scrawny thing, I can even see her ribs. Her thin legs and small neck. Like a helpless child now. She looks so weak but I know differently. And I can’t let this go on any further. I could feel that magic she almost used on us. I’ve never felt anypony gather that much into one spell. She can kill us. Luna pushed her hooves down even further. Never wanting to let this pony get free. You can’t run now. Can’t escape this. Luna pointed her horn down towards the pony’s face. Looking up, finding Soulblight stared right into the point of the horn that sat before her eyes. One spell is all I need. She’d be wise to give up.

I hope she does.

“Just… give up this game” Luna said to the shocked pony. “It’s over. Leave Soul and everypony alone and get out of here while I am feeling generous. You are not allowed here.”

Luna felt a small motion under her hind legs, Soulblight’s own hind legs trying to squirm underneath to no avail. Only a waft of air from what had to be Soulblight’s tail waving wildly. Even the pony’s four massive wings rose high over both of them, as if they wanted to cradle them both. Casting a vast shadow over Luna. A shadow that terrified her. I have her right where I want her but I’m still afraid. I can still feel so much magic in her. Such horrible fear, and Soulblight’s silence did not help. Do not do this to me. Give up. I don’t want us to keep fighting because I am afraid of what can happen. Though Luna tried so hard to hide how afraid she was. It was harder when she saw Soulblight had calmed down under her, looking up to Luna like she just didn’t care anymore. Such stillness in her eyes. Soulblight only licked her lips. Frowning at Luna.

“Isn’t it classier for a mare to get to know another pony before she starts riding them like this?” Soulblight muttered.

What the hell? Luna froze. Almost feeling a little lost hearing that come from a pony’s mouth. Especially in this situation. She’s going to make a joke like that? This freakish bitch. “What the hell is wrong with you?” Luna whispered. Getting a smile in response. Deathly darkness in Soulblight’s eyes and such a chill coming from the pony’s very skin. Like all the heat in the world started to drift away. Leaving Luna there feeling that sensation again. Such magic coursing in the wind. Flowing into her horn, and it all came from the pony she sat atop. Now I know a freak like this can’t stay in my land! Luna put all her weight down. At least I got her where I want her. This lecherous beast.

Soulblight’s magenta fur lit up in blue light.

Luna almost blinded herself with all the magic swirling around her horn. This will shut you up! She let it all go. Piercing the world in that light to drown out the sight of the pony she sat on. All she could see left was that smile. Feeling the cool chill of the pony’s magic before it disappeared. All of it vanished, and Luna felt herself falling right into the blue flames that burst out from her spell. Ending it all in a snap. She stopped the spell.

Luna fell on her rear over empty grass. Looking down at the imprint left behind in the grass. Nopony to be seen. What the…?

9.13
Something made the fur on the back of Luna’s neck stand up. She didn’t even need to look to know that I was right there… behind her. No way. She heard the little giggle cursing her ears. The pressure of so much magic along her back. Lightning shot across the sky once more. Nothing changed. The sky as red as ever and the wind howling in the night. I’ve got to stop her.

Luna flipped her head around, casting the spell. Watching all the ground behind her explode into burning chunks of grass and ashen dirt. Falling into the wall of blue flames she left behind. A desperate attack to get that pony away from her. Finding Soulblight was there. Popping out of nowhere in a hail of black light just short of the blue flames. Completely unharmed. Still smiling as she had been before. What is this monster? I’ve never seen a pony able to use magic like this. It’s like she knows what we’re going to do. I can’t even hit her. “Sorry, I will never leave my Soul Serenity in your hooves. She may have seen you as somepony to look up to, but I don’t” Soulblight said. Darkness coursing all along her long horn. All the magic flaring from her.

Burning yellow light lashed forth right at the pony who stood before Luna. So quick, Luna barely saw it coming. All of it happened so fast. A rush of magic and a giant, magenta wing rising up over Soulblight. That spell slammed right into the wing. Luna back away from all the heat that spell had in it. Sizzling the ground under it. Rippling the air like a river. My sister is so quick. Luna saw Celestia standing over in the trees, a brilliant beam of light running from her horn. Not quick enough. Like nothing could work.

That spell fell to pieces against the wide wing Soulblight held up at her side. Not even a single cut along the span of that wing. Nothing done to the flesh that draped from it. She blocked it with her wing. Can anything even hurt her? Such gnawing dread, even Soulblight glanced over to where Celestia stood. Unimpressed. Bringing her wing back down to her back. That attack didn’t even get rid of all the magic flowing around Soulblight’s own horn. The pony stood there, tall over the pillars of fire. Laughing to herself.

This pony protected Soul? No wonder Soul escaped her banishment. And now we have to face her. This mad murderer. A killer can’t live in our land. She’s a monster.

Luna shot out another beam of blue flame at the pony, screaming loudly. Letting it all rush out and explode in a flash of light. She saw it even before all the fire billowed upon the earth. Soulblight disappeared in a flash of black light. Swallowed up in it, leaving nothing behind but a twinkling silver light blown away in Luna’s spell.

That feeling was gone… for a second. “Disgusting fiend!” Luna got up on all fours, staring up into the sky. Deep in the dark red veil of clouds where the Moon barely shone through. My own Moon taken by her. Burning red behind the pony flapping all four her wings high above.

Dirt went flying around her black adorned hoof. “There has to be some way to stop her” Luna whispered. I don’t know why Soulblight didn’t even do anything when I jumped on her. It’s like she didn’t even see me coming. But why? What happened to make her do that? Because it is damn impossible to hit her otherwise. “Luna! With me” Celestia called out, flapping her huge wings and taking to the sky. I guess there’s no other choice. Something happened earlier. I can only hope it happens again. If not…

I hate to admit we may be in trouble.

9.14
Luna took off after her sister. Flapping her wings so hard and catching up to fly at Celestia’s side. Shooting up to the sky. Up to that pony whose wings blotted out the Moon. Wrapped in the red sky, leaving her just a dark figure high above. But her horn was darker. She’s going to attack. Luna looked to her sister. Celestia already had a spell ready at her horn. So much magic in just that one spell. I only hope we can do something. She couldn’t help but shiver looking back up at the pony they closed in on. Almost able to see the billowing red in her split eyes up there. Two eyes in the darkness and a wide smile of glistening fangs. We got to make this count.

Luna let the magic flow to her horn. We’ll attack together. We rarely get to fight alongside one another, sister. That’s the only comfort I have. Knowing you are there by my…

A twinkle of light. Her eyes went wide. It didn’t even come at her. That light burned right past her. Luna’s feathers singed. Seared in the heat of a ray of dark light that split the two sisters apart. Celestia flapped her wings, barreling over that spell she must have narrowly avoided. Rushing right past them. No matter how far it was, it didn’t stop Luna from jumping when the roar of an explosion ripped the skies. Lightning the world behind her. Soulblight’s spell tearing the forest to shreds down below. She didn’t need to look. Seeing black fires rise to the sky they flew in. The clouds retreating from the force of that spell. I am so glad that didn’t hit us. I can’t let anything like that hit…

Another flash. Too fast. Luna gasped, listening to a cry of pain. The howls of such a terrible impact. Turning her head. Celestia was still for just a second, gone in an instant. Trailing so much smoke behind her and blackened cinders falling with her. Nothing but the remains of a dying spell that had hit her. Leaving her falling, frantically flapping her wings. Sister! Luna looked back to Soulblight. By Equestria. She was hit! I can’t take my eyes of this pony. But she listened. Celestia’s wings were moving down there. The pony grunting but the wind almost echoed with her wings. Celestia’s okay. I should go back and… she had no time. Not before she spotted that flash of darkness blot the sky before her. Coming right at her. Faster than she could blink. No time to think!

Luna let her spell go.

It all happened so fast. Like an instant. When the entire sky became washed in the light of two spells that thundered across the night. Churning the clouds with their ferocity and even the shockwaves could be heard everywhere. Luna listened to all the trees rustling below her. A chorus of howls that rang out over the unbelievable sight she witnessed. All that magic and power, how it rushed from her body. So hot that she feared she may burn her own mane away. Tearing the sky apart and slamming right into that vast beam of darkness. Boiling together, both spells beckoned to one another and Luna felt her entire body almost go limp with how much she let go. Almost drained. Feeling so tired when she saw her spell rush over the darkness. A plume of blue light slowly overtaking it and then it all turned. The dark flames of such a massive spell swallowing up the spell Luna had sent out. Both of them eating away at one another between the two ponies. All in an instant.

Before it exploded.

Luna flew back, sent rocketing away by the winds. Crying out. She had to close her eyes. Such a blinding light of blue and red fires pulsating in the night. She could still see it through her lids. Barely able to keep her wings flapping against the gale all this violence unleashed. The roars of the forest below. An echo of incredible thunder booming across the skies and beyond.

She did her best to keep her wings in control. The wind fought so hard. Flying through a tempest. As if she may fall from the sky at any moment. I’m exhausted. I’m hungry. And I can’t give up. All of this is almost too much. I’ve never had to fight like this. Deal with magic like this. Such incredible power. I had to send out everything just to stop it. Now my wings hurt. My legs are aching. All I can smell is that choking smoke. Is that smoke from my own fur? The ring of such an explosion droning on in her ears. Even if it died down where she could finally open her eyes back up and see the plumes of smoke falling to the land below. Flames and smoldering ash littering the world like rain. All from our spells. A sphere of smoke that stood between the two ponies. Yet Luna still saw her and she felt her heart sink.

Those fours massive wings flapping beyond the smoke. Darker than anything else, and two red eyes gleaming from it. Not even an exhausted flap of her wings. Nothing. As the smoke cleared, Soulblight flew there. Like nothing happened to her. How much power does she have? Luna let out a strong breath. All she had left to give out. I feel so helpless. Looking up to a pony who stared down at her. Vicious hate in that pony’s eyes. And there’s nothing I can do. A pony like this killed Soul’s guardians. She is a murderer in my land. And I can’t stop her. I want to bring justice for poor Soul. I want to keep all the ponies safe. It’s the least I can do after what I did. But I feel like such a failure now. There’s no opponent like this. Completely unharmed. Soulblight only frowned at her. Raising all four of her wings so high. Casting their shadows down on Luna. In the light of the red Moon. “No…” Luna whispered.

“A whelp like you can not keep me from what I want” Soulblight spoke softly. “You are powerless. All of you are. And I will make it clear.”

Her wings stood tall. Those four spans of flesh glimmering of starlight along their flesh in the reddened night. Burning as bright as the Moon. Soulblight grinned, and Luna felt it. Before it even happened.

The sky erupted in flames. Fire bursting before Luna’s very eyes. Billowing red and golden flames blasting from the starlight along Soulblight’s wings. So many fireballs. Those alone were bright enough to turn the sky gold. Light up Luna’s eyes. All of them came right at her. Dozens of them let loose from those wings and careening down upon the princess.

I can’t believe it. The way those are moving. They made Luna shiver. Backing away in fear for seeing what it really was. The way Soulblight smiled. She knew it too. The fireballs spiraling down from the heavens and rushing right at her. Their movements… like they went right for where Luna backed away too. I’m so tired. My entire body hurts. And now this… if those hit me… I’m finished. Such a fear of them hitting. Knowing what this spell was. Homing fireballs. She really does want to get me out of the picture.

I have to try. No other choice. Luna flapped her wings so hard. Sending her off and away from those spells coming for her. She turned and fled. To the forest. I have to lose them. I’m sorry, sister. I can’t help you.

9.15
They wish to take her from me yet they are so weak. Like all who have ever tried to harm me. Turning to mere cowards when they see the truth. I will never let anypony hurt me. Soulblight smiled. The powerful Princess Luna reduced to running from me. Exhausted and worthless. Not even a threat to a pony like me. She never will be, not when she tries to hurt me. It’s all right! I won’t let them take her from me! Luna still was able to fly off at such speeds. Down to the sea of trees below. Lighting up the entire forest in the golden light of those many fireballs that scorched the sky. Chasing after the pony. That will hold you off for a long time, long enough for me to do what I want. As it should be. Kill them like they deserve. Or maybe not. I can still force them to see the truth. Then nopony will be taken from me! None of them! Even Rainbow Dash will see how dangerous it will be to steal Soul from me. For any of them to treat me like I’m any less than them. Like I’m not worthy of love and acceptance!?

If they want to split us apart, they will pay. Starting… with you. Blight’s ears flicked up. I can hear you. Wings hitting air. Two large wings. Such magic in the air. I know it’s you. Celestia. Blight’s smile grew wider. She’s behind me. I knew you’d be fine. You’re the only one I need intact. You will be the one to see the truth.

“Still wanting to take Soul from me?” Blight asked. She slowly turned her head around.

There you are. Princess Celestia floated there. Like she was trying to look angry at Blight. But I can see your fear. Those wings and all their whitened feathers tainted in huge splits where feathers had been burned away. Her fur a total mess. It was as if her aurora mane struggled just to light up the pony anymore. Celestia looked so grim. Blood splattered in such small spots across her chest. The mighty princess… looking like this. I really am back to my old self. Never would’ve imagined the day when I’d be stronger than this land. Strong enough to save my beloved friend. First you, princess, and then anypony else who dares. “You can keep trying all night long but you won’t get anywhere.” Soulblight faced herself to the princess.

“After all, I am still holding back” Blight giggled.

The grief in Celestia’s eyes. How somber she held herself there. But the slightest hint of some defiance. That foolish idea that she will get rid of me. It never will go away, will it? But the princess was sincere. Not even doing anything. Only asking “Why are you doing this? Why did you do the things you’ve done? What even are you?”

What even am I anymore? It’s like I have returned to myself. Magic is nothing now. The ponies of this world are nothing but play-things now. Now that I am this again. Whatever Soul wants, I can make so. What I want, can be made so. I have all the desires to make things right and all the power I need, coursing through my bones. Yet she’d never understand. A mere alicorn. None of this is even subject to her. For how would she know what it’s like to destroy yourself for the one you love? She banished Soul so easily. Ruined her life. Is that why I can’t forgive her? But what is this truly… because I feel that it’s all wrong.

This is not the way I used to feel when I was just a dark pony who played with Soul. So much has changed. Except for one truth.

“I am simply the one who remains on this earth to protect the only friend I’ve ever had. She is my only purpose for going on. I care not for anything else besides her own happiness.” Her happiness is all that matters.

“She was happy!” Celestia yelled. “She had friends and ponies who loved her deeply. They all wanted her to be successful. And you took them from her. You are the one who killed her guardians. And you hid away while she was framed for it all. You are no friend to her. No friend would do that.”

Blight bit her lip. Burning pain as her fang dug deep into her flesh. Such foolish arrogance. You dare to pretend to know what happened. “And that is what happens when you refuse to listen. I killed the beasts who killed Soul’s guardians. Creatures that take the shape of others, and they wanted to kill my Soul Serenity. I would not sit idly by and do nothing. It was all I could do. And you are the one who destroyed her life as a result. So do not try to know what it is I have done, do not try to offend me. Or else… your past mistakes will come to HAUNT YOU!”

Blight swung her horn, already seeing the flood of darkness that screamed forth through the air before her. A wave of magic, destructive and powerful. To suck the air itself out of the sky. Burning all of it away. The princess could only float back before she brought up… her own shield. Such a huge sphere of the Sun itself burning around her and she disappeared in that black fire. I am here to protect Soul and that means from you as well! Blight clapped her wings so hard, bringing herself to bear upon where Celestia flew within the flames. But Blight could still hear her. I’ll take you down. One flap of her wings, rushing away from where the princess was and where Blight brought her gaze upon. Already seeing the glimmer in her own eyes. A beam of light willed upon the sky. Burning the clouds away. Punching a hole through the red haze upon the land, lightning shot down. A flash of red that burned Blight’s own eyes. Ruffling her fur from the force. Almost splitting her ears with that loud crack it made. Right where it came down upon the princess. Blowing away the flames. Blight’s wings felt it. A rush of pure thrill by the remains of that bolt of magic that left a hole through the sky. She could feel her own magic in the air. What was left of the spell which turned the entire land below alight in such a horrific red light. Fading and finally dying like all the smoke that hung in the air.

I will force you to see. Nothing will stop me. All of this is mere foal’s play to me. So come now, princess. Try your hardest to fight me. Send anything you wish at me. Your sister, your ponies of Harmony, your entire land. I don’t fear anything if it can lead to Soul’s happiness. I will do anything!

Blight felt it. Wings flapping. Still flying. Soulblight smiled, casting the spell to rid the world from her sight. In an instant. Then the sight of a white mare filled her entire vision, staring right into her eyes of surprise to see Blight teleport right before her. Blasting all the smoke away, all the magic from the shield away with just one flap of her four wings. It all died around her. Sapping the magic away. “I will not give up!” Blight screamed. “You damn fiend” Celestia brought her horn up. Slicing the air with its sharp point, coming right for Blight’s face. You are so persistent in getting rid of me. So damn lost in your own delusions. But I am just as persistent to get what I want.

Blight struck down with her horn. Slamming her long horn right against Celestia’s. Pushing it aside with such force, before she was stopped, looking down at Celestia’s horn that pointed right for Blight’s eye. Holding it right there, Blight did not give in. Putting all her strength into pushing her horn against Celestia’s. Anything to keep it away. To force Celestia to struggle right in front of her. Growling and pushing. Such stress in her face as the small pony completely stopped her. You may be larger than me, but I am still more powerful. You are nothing but an unbelievable fool. “Such a fool who is stuck in the past and blinded by what she thinks is right for Soul” Blight said.

“And you think you are the right thing?” Celestia struggled to speak. Ferociously putting so much strength into trying to push Blight’s horn away. “She doesn’t need you. You are too dangerous and all you did was ruin her life. You are the one who took it all from her.” “Then that makes two of us!” Blight yelled. Silencing the alicorn. You damn mare. All these years, I lived with the regret of what I did and you pretend to be better. “You took out all the anger of the land upon Soul, who was a child. A child! You took her away from the only home she ever knew and she never got a chance to make amends with her friend. She got no chance to make anything right all because of you. Stupid alicorn trash! You don’t even care. Blinded by your own grief. I made a mistake and thrust Soul into that horrible situation but at least I had the stomach to own up to my sin! Where were you, princess? You never came to protect her. Instead you threw her into an icy tomb. I did everything I could to try and earn her forgiveness for what I did. I protected her out there, kept her warm and alive. Made it so she never starved to death. Without me, she would not have made it. And you think you did the right thing?”

“I did the only thing I could have done” Celestia said. “There was nothing else.”

“Yet you could have protected her. You decided not to. Why not? Was it because you saw so much of your sister in her that you didn’t want to even try and face the challenge? Not want to go through it all again? You talk like you care, but you never made it clear. At least I did my best to be the family she never had!”

“Shut up!” Celestia cried twin streams of tears down her cheeks. Lighting them up with the magic swelling atop her horn. Right in Blight’s eye.

You know I am right. Neither of us are innocent.

Blight let her own magic go. Watching the darkness grab hold of Celestia’s horn. Like that alone was enough to pull the alicorn’s head back, almost able to hear her horn crack from the force of such a vicious yank as the magic ripped Celestia away from Blight. Wide open.

“Everypony abandoned her. Even I hurt her and I’m the one who saved her life. She deserves all the love in the world after that, but not from ponies who harmed her. Be it you… or I. Everypony will pay.” Blight felt the heat come over her. Such a rush of power. Blinding bright over her head as such magic swirled around her horn. Watching the princess struggle just to free herself from the magic that held her in place. To no avail. You are all mine. That darkened light burned bright red. As red as Blight’s eyes. As red as the sky. Turning the princess’ white fur red in its light. And the first to go… will be you.

9.16
Princess Luna could barely even see the trees she shot past. No matter how hard she breathed, nothing slowed her down. Just pure fire pushing her to go faster and faster. Turning all the trees she flew by into nothing more than shapes that disappeared as fast as she saw them. Skimming her way through the thickets or branches and leaves that she could hear smoldering right behind her. Swallowed up in the heat that bared down on her. Like none of this could keep it away from her. Another explosion rocked the entire world around her, casting the light of fire upon the trees before her. Another one just struck one of the trees. She dodged more and more of the forest, anything to shake them all off. But nothing worked. There had to be dozens of them. Those huge fireballs that warmed her butt. Wherever she went, they went.

It’s been so long since I’ve seen anypony use a spell even close to this. They’re following me perfectly. The control that pony has over her magic, it’s not even pony anymore. I knew she was powerful… Luna eyed the flames coming down on her. The intense heat that built up more and more. Shining bright behind her. I didn’t know this powerful! Luna went right in at one of the oncoming trees. Every time she had to do this, she immediately regretted it. But there was nothing better. It didn’t matter how tired she was getting. There was no telling what would happen if those spells hit. The tree grew before her in an instant. Filling her sight until it nearly made her spine tingle just from the fear of coming so close into ramming it. This was the only way. Luna felt the tip of her hoof graze the bark. Skidding over it in a heartbeat, such a neck-jerking turn she had to make just to get around it. Dodging the tree perfectly. Though her wings screamed in agony. Such a horrible maneuver. I’m not meant for flying like this. Yet that painful move was proven right.

Such a massive explosion pierced through her head. Sending countless splinters flying around her, landing on her and bouncing off. Seeing the smoke trails left behind from it all. So much of it. She didn’t look back. That tree was likely ash now; and still so many more of these things left. Sweat beaded over her forehead.

I feel so useless in this battle. I left my sister to deal with that monster on her own! And I can’t even help. I can tell now, Soulblight wanted to get rid of me. Such a spell. So many of them. So she wants to keep me running. Not that I was much help anyway. And I hate that. I hate it so much. I felt I could find a way to take my Moon back. Then it all leads to this? Take it back from a beast who… I’m afraid is too powerful. Such a threat to the land. But there’s nothing I can do about it. “Damn her.”

Luna flipped over. Kicking her wings back, not even losing her speed. Don’t have long to do this. Leaving herself flying backwards, facing such a hellish sight. So many fireballs. They consumed the entire land behind her. Burning it away. Searing such a blackened path over the land she flew above, and they all came in at her. Spinning and spiraling around one another. Almost reacting to the slightest move she made. But they can’t dodge. I still have something left. Beams of blue light blasted out at them. Going right into many of the fireballs. Going through their centers. They buckled and ruptured. Spewing flames everywhere in a violent blast. So bright that Luna had to turn around, seeing spots in her eyes. Leaving behind so many explosions. Not enough.

Luna kept flying. Eyes forward. In time to dodge through a thick treeline. She came close to running right into them with that stunt she pulled. A couple more seconds of flying backwards, wouldn’t have ended well. Another fireball must have struck those trees. Just one. She could still feel many more. It’s like more just keep coming. I can’t keep this up forever. Sister needs me. Even if I’m weak, she can’t fight that pony alone. I won’t let her. I waited so many years just to be with her again, I’ll not let her down here. I need to keep them away from me. Somehow.

Her eyes widened.

She had to fly up, narrowly missing the walls of vines. All their shining spines that came so close to cutting her. Sending out a shockwave and jets of leaves. Luna flew out over the canopy. Free into the open air. Then the rustle of thousands of leaves behind her that burned to ash. Lighting up the red sky once more. The fireballs followed her. This is preposterous! Can’t even concentrate. So much happening. I can’t fly around in the forest forever. Especially when she winced. Her wings stung. These things will follow me everywhere. But I got to lose them. I don’t even have much magic left. I’m afraid… she tried so hard, focused so hard on it. Only searing pain rippling across her wings. I can’t even teleport. She screamed out. Pushing her wings further and forcing herself through all the wind.

I should be better than this. So many opponents in the past yet none pushed me this much. She’s playing with me. And there’s nothing I can do. I’m almost drained. How much I’d love to just lay in bed and just lock myself away for hours with mountains of food. Such petty fantasies. A nice way to try and get my mind of this. But that’s not the case. I can’t let my sister down. I can’t…

“Celestia!” She screamed out. Already seeing it. That horrible sight in the skies. A flash of white fur shining bright under a bolt of red lightning shocking the world above where Celestia was with that pony. Even if the lightning was gone, it was something else that cast the princess in red. Something that made Luna’s heart skip a beat. Because she felt it. A jolt that made her stare up there. Not even paying attention to where she flew. Captivated by that spell. The magic boiling in the skies. Far above her, above the forest. Soulblight’s horn glowed as red as the sky. Burning of such intense light. It truly was a star that shone upon the land. A deadly spell. And Celestia was right in front of her. In just a blink of an eye, that’s all Luna had to look. Look and see her sister held there. Not even able to move anywhere. Panicking. Kicking her legs. But nothing worked. Held there like some puppet. She really did want to get rid of me.

She’s going to kill my sister!

I can’t. I can’t let her down. Luna glanced back at the fireballs. Damn her to hell! Soulblight, you won’t get away with all of this. I’ll find a way to stop you.

The fireballs were so close. Getting closer. There has to be something I can do. Any magic I have left.

Through all my life, all I did was resent you, sister. All I did was harm you and yell at you. Treated you like you were supposed to be lesser than I. When I should have been your loving sister. That’s what… what mom would have wanted.

But it’s like I’m no different than Soulblight is. I was no different. I saw you in front of me, broken and bloody. I stamped my hoof down on you. Laughing over it. Just a desire to… to kill you. So long ago. I never want to repeat that. But it’s like I am. I see what it was like. Again. You’re so helpless and hurt. All alone against a monster. And I left you alone for a thousand years. I can’t let that happen again. I won’t take it. I will never see you be hurt again. Not from me… not from anypony. Even if it kills me.

“But I’d rather take that monster with me.” Somehow… I’ll stop her. But first…

If Soulblight will use telekinesis, so will I. That’s how. Just a little magic left. This should buy me some time. Plenty of trees to work with down there. All it took was a simple spell. Her horn glowed once more. Such a frail and fragile light. Flickering. Not a lot left. Just enough to spot what she wanted. As her magic took grip of the world around her. Like a weight over her head. Such weight and power. But her magic still burned. Nothing will stop me from helping my sister.

The canopy ahead ripped open. Trees and leaves giving way. Torn open when two trees flew high above them all, gripped in the light of the Moon. Their roots still showering the land below in soil. Leaves scattering from them both, and both of them crashed together. Held tight to one another. A wall of bark. Floating in the air ahead of her. I’ll only need to dodge a tree one last time. She could sense all the flames right on her tail. Burning bright across the sky. Almost casting a deep shadow upon her and such horrible heat that warmed her fur. Feeling her tail singe a little. Two huge trees. Should be able to buy me some time. And then I’ll make Soulblight pay. I’m not going to fail my sister again. The flames were right on her. Roaring over her ears. So close, she could taste ash in the air. That’s right, stay right on me. All the way to the end. I can make these things hit… Luna gasped.

I can make them hit whatever I want…

She dodged around the trees.

9.17
Explosions rocked the world around Celestia. Shocking her. To see flames bursting out all across the forest. Smoldering ashes and raging fireballs careening down upon the land that was hers. Such a devastating thing to see. Fires burning across the sky. Raining down on the world. It didn’t help. None of it helped her to stop crying. The tears only kept coming. The true pain of knowing just how much she had failed. I failed so many. And now I fail my own land. Left there, not able to move. Looking out upon a horizon set ablaze. As if the Sun was setting.

Oh, Luna…

I’m sorry I can’t be there to help you. But I can’t even help myself. I can’t help anypony.

So this is my punishment? That terrible sin I made years ago. This is what happens. I never could have known just how terrible a mistake that was. But there’s nothing I can do. There was nothing I could have done. Nothing… except regret. As I watch upon this land that I love, watch it all burn. Knowing that nothing can be done. I’m just not a pony who can do it.

I couldn’t keep Soul happy. I couldn’t protect her. I failed. Again! Another pony that I think I save… only to hurt her. If I had known back then, would things be different now? I don’t know. Nopony knows. I always sought to protect my land and my ponies. I always wanted them to be happy. That’s my only goal. To see them smile. Such a terrible thing… that all that happiness can be so fleeting. Even worse when I know that I caused it. Now this is what happens. This is my punishment.

Celestia looked up to the pony who flew across from her. That sickening smile she wore, so proud to see me defeated. Stuck here, pinned down. Imprisoned… just like Soul was. Left here all by myself to face such horror. This is what I did to Soul. I know this now. But I’m still so afraid. Even if… Soulblight speaks truth. I’m still afraid. I’m not dumb enough to not know just what I’m facing. All the magic burning around Soulblight’s horn. Circling her horn like some ring of flames burning of bright crimson. Shining gold light upon the world. A billowing sun bursting and lashing out around her. And Soulblight just held it there. Such horrible power right at her horntip.

Maybe I was a fool. Maybe I was so lost in the past that I couldn’t make the right decision. But does that mean I should… die? I know… this power that she has can kill me. Even if she kills me, what then? Will Luna be next? Twilight? All of Equestria. We can’t even touch her. Our magic is worthless. This pony is right, nothing can stop her. She really could… hurt my entire land. All because of what I did. A mistake that can’t be righted. I want Soul back in the world. I want her to know that I love her. She is as much a pony to me as all others. But my mistakes… created a monster. Did I let this pony loose upon the land? Was it all me? All the hate in her eyes. How angry she is with me. Such hate and power.

I’m so afraid… if she were to stay in Equestria. But now, I don’t think there’s anything I can do. I’m sorry, Soul.

“Yes, …I did hurt her” Celestia whispered. Soulblight even cocked a brow. “I truly know this now, just how much of a mistake I made. All that time, I thought I was doing justice for both my land and for her. Just like I did so long ago. I thought if I had done it once, then the pain might be less. But it only hurt just as much to do it. What a waste. And now… I don’t care about how much it hurt me. Not when I know just how bad it was for Soul. If only I could go back and change what I did. I was blinded by my fear and what I did to my sister. It made me make the wrong decision and I guess now is the time I own up to it.”

“And in your last moments upon this land, you finally realize that? Such a saintly pony you must have become” Soulblight said. Like nothing could get rid of that empty darkness in her burning eyes. That venom in her voice. Like it had grown darker. Even if the pony burned bright in the glow of her horn. “Should I pity you?”

“No. Never. I don’t even pity myself. The only pony I pity is the one I cast out twelve years ago. One failure to lead to another. And now… I can’t even do anything to help her regain her happiness again.” Celestia looked out at the land beyond Soulblight. Where the flames raged across the entire forest. Glowing bright. The sky turned red. Over all this, the land I love. A land that should be Soul’s again. It always should have been Soul’s. I never should have taken her from it. And now… it may be gone. Because of you… Celestia looked back down to Soulblight. Just looking upon her, it made her fur stand up. Lightning coursing all around the pony. Staring deep into the eyes of hatred. “I don’t… care about myself anymore. I was already selfish before and it led to this. But I still care for my land… and for Soul, who deserves to live in that land.”

“She doesn’t need you to regain her happiness. I am all she needs” Soulblight smiled. “From all my time with her, watching her grow from such a pitiful filly to such a strong mare. When I felt her touch and heard her kind words, I knew she was the one. The one I’ve seeked. And none will take her from me.”

It makes my skin crawl listening to something like that. I don’t understand this pony. I thought she wanted Soul’s happiness. I hate hearing this. This talk… like she wants to take it all from Soul. I saw it with my own eyes. Heard it all. Soul wants to be a flyer again. She wants to live among the land she loved. Perform for my sister and I. Be the best she can possibly be. All the not be the pony she used to be. And now… even after all she went through, she still found love. I never thought I’d see the day. Never thought of it. For her to come back and fall in love with her old friend. Such a charm that only a pure pony of this land can have. And I can see that she can have such a beautiful life to live. One she was always meant to have. Yet it could all be taken? That doesn’t sound like something a pony who claims to love her would do, and this pony is serious. I see it in her eyes, and she has the power to do it.

“Please tell me something. Why do you love Soul?” Celestia asked.

“Why? She was the only pony who ever cared for me. Who ever considered my feelings. She was there when I only knew loneliness through my whole life. Like a little ray of hope that I needed. She gave it to me and became my first friend. If you had only been there to see what she did for me and hear what she said to me. She gave me confidence in myself, gave me a desire to be more. I truly do see her… as my own family. Unlike any I’ve ever known. The one pony in the world who treated me like I mattered. I will do the same for her.”

I can tell she is serious. She really does see Soul as her family. If any pony could warm a beast’s heart, it would be Soul. “But is this the way to repay her?”

“Repay her? I am saving her happiness. Her and I can finally have happiness together. That is what she wanted. But she can’t do it the way she wants. The only way is through power as I make this world see what is right.”

“Soulblight… I don’t think that is what she wanted. Not this way” Celestia said. “And I can’t believe you. Not after what you said. I know that Soul went through a lot. I know how much she means to you. But doing this is not going to help her.” “And you will never truly know if what you speak is the case” Soulblight said.

“I do… because I did the same.” It’s all still clear to me. “I ruined a child’s life thinking it was going to be the right thing for both me and her. But in the end, it only destroyed us both.” Soulblight… was silent. “Nopony knows this because it was never told before. They only saw me give over the official declaration that Soul had been dealt with… and then I locked myself in my room… and didn’t leave for days. Because I couldn’t let anypony see just what it did to me. I felt I did the right thing. It only turned me into a bitter pony. One who laid in bed… crying. Hating myself for it. It was just like when I made the same decision with my sister. I banished Luna because I thought it would be best for both of us. I never could’ve guessed what it would do to me. So many lonely days. Haunted by my decision.”

“I’ve ruled Equestria for countless millenia. I’ve seen the worst in ponies and the worst of the world. Nothing could have prepared me for the worst of myself. Getting rid of my sister… there’s no way to describe it, Soulblight. I did it to protect us both! Until I realized it was all because my own stupidity. My own blindness to her suffering. I never even gave her a hug. Everything was my fault. And I lived with that regret for my entire life. All the moments when I cried alone, ate alone, had nopony to talk with, hating myself… to the point where… I almost wanted to end it. Even a princess like me… can fall. And it was all due to my own selfishness. I ruined Luna’s life. I ruined mine. And then I did it all over again with Soul. Couldn’t even wear my regalia or call myself a princess for so long after I banished her. What kind of princess ruins the life of one of her subjects? All because I was a coward. I thought I did the right thing, but it only destroyed everypony involved.”

“And now I can’t stand to hear it from a pony like you. Soulblight, do you have any idea what can happen if you go through with this? You said you would make everypony pay! Why? That’s not what Soul would want. She has a life to live. She has a home. She has the chance to make friends. She even has love. Why take it from her?”

“Because… I need her.”

“I don’t know what happened long ago. I don’t know what happened between you and her. All I can say is don’t take away from her the things she loves. You’ve only expressed callousness and hatred towards the world and all of us ponies ever since I first laid eyes on you. But that is the world and the ponies that Soul loves. All you’re doing is making yourself a danger to her and to the world.”

9.18
Could eyes like those truly have remorse in them? Could they show emotion? Nothing but a dead and empty void where no starlight could shine. She only made me feel fear. See that there is true hatred in this world. Just how powerful that hate can be. Soulless eyes that burned like suns. Ravaging any sense of a pony that she could be. If any one moment could change it, it was this moment that left Celestia silent. Seeing a pony’s two burning, black eyes actually twinkle of life. Just from the tears that she shed. Soulblight’s eyes were wide. Shaking, and crying.

You are terrifying. You are unlike any enemy I’ve ever faced. You are so troubled yet so dangerous. Even after all that, I see a trace… of a pony in you. Something is different about you. You’re a threat, yet you are more pony than any other threat I’ve known. I know you have the power to do horrible things, you are fear unlike any other. But for this moment, she leaves me speechless.

“I want to destroy everything. I want to get rid of the past. I want a world for her and I… but not like this. I’ll do anything to be with her only if it makes her happy in the end. But I can’t shake the thoughts. The fear. Because I know a pony like me can’t live in this world. I want to so badly.” Soulblight’s horn dimmed.

Celestia almost gasped when she came close to falling over when her wings could take over once more, such a sudden move all because the magic that took her horn was gone. Leaving her able to fly again. Free at last. She looked over to the pony. She actually let me go. That pony who hung there, ears down. Her eyes looking down from Celestia where only tears fell to the earth below. Blinding red magic still swirled all around her. Lightning shocking her own fur. All that horrible magic still there. That same fear that seeped off her like a plague upon the world. She is hatred and fear. Except for this one moment… of sadness from a pony like this.

“Can a pony like me even truly be a part of this world? I’m always so doubtful. After all, I’m the one who put Soul in that terrible situation in the first place. My true shame. A pony like me is too… wild, too stupid to even try and live here. I can never get these angry thoughts out of my head. All of them making me want to hurt others. Anything just so I can feel good about myself. It’s all a pleasure I should not be happy about. Wanting to hurt others and do any wrong thing just so I don’t need to feel sad anymore. I thought I’d finally find happiness with Soul, but I only ruined it all. I can never forgive myself. I tell myself… I should just leave her! I should be alone! I should suffer! But I don’t want to. Ahhh!” Soulblight put her hooves to her head. Holding her own ears down. Gritting her fangs together.

“I ruined her life. I want to ruin the lives of others. If only to help her. But it’s not helping her! I’m only doing it for myself! I can’t do that.” Soulblight opened her eyes. It was chilling. Her eyes as red as ever. Churning in tears. Completely blind anger flaring in them. “I’m so confused. So angry and I don’t know what to do! Princess, I want what’s best for her but I also want what’s best for me, and it’s like two voices are telling me two different ways on how to do it.” Her long mane fell right in front of her eyes, sent flying back up with a wave of her hoof. She screamed out “I want to be with her!”

“Soulblight…”

“I ruined her life. Now you think I killed her guardians. Twilight and her friends would never love me. This entire world would not want me. How can I even know if the world would want Soul? She made mistakes too. Will she also be seen as a monster?”

It’s like she’s spiraling out of control. It stunned Celestia who sat in fear, watching those needle thin pupils burning even brighter. Such violent magic flowing all around Soulblight. Magic swirling in black and red, reflecting like stars around her. As bright as the stars in her mane. It made Celestia fly back a little. I feel so much pity for her. Should I cry for her? Seeing a pony break down before me. A pony like this. I don’t know why she is like this. Being able to talk with her, she comes off more pony now than beast. But that fear still haunts me. Everything she says… it’s scary.

I don’t know if she can let it all go.

She killed Soul’s guardians. She said horrible things that she wanted to do, and at the root of it all… protecting Soul. Soul, if only you were here right now. This pony loves you. I feel you’re the only one who can get through to her. I’m not the one and can only do what is possible for me. And that starts with protecting the land Soul loves.

9.19
“I can’t let it happen!” Soulblight screamed. Fire in her eyes. Split in an instant…

By a flash of white.

Celestia shook. Shivering. It all echoed inside her body. Such a sharp pain in her mind for just a moment. As quick as it happened. It all died off. The rush of magic. A thunderous shock across the world. The Sun itself cut through the heavens. A blinding light, taking her sight.

I have to do what is right. I can’t be that pony anymore. I can’t just let myself be controlled by doubt and by the past. I need to do what it takes to be strong for my ponies. Give them all the happiness they deserve. The happiness I lost… at least they can live it. My only hope now… is for a world that Soul can be happy in.

I hate having to push myself to make these decisions. Is it wrong like the past ones? In the past, I did such unspeakable things to protect the ponies I care for. Doing it all in the name of peace. Anything to maintain the fragile tranquility of Equestria. First with my sister… then with Soul. And to do it again, is it right? Light shattered the sky. A beam of brilliant sunlight bursting out. As if time slowed. She couldn’t blink. Her wings held in place. Frozen in time. The world frozen in time. Where only one spell could live within this fraction of time. Shot forth from her horn. Too late to wish for something else. Only to hope that the right thing, which was always so fleeting, could be done here and now. This pony, Soulblight, she is in pain. I see it. Monstrous and horrifying. Yet there is life in her. There is innocence in her. But something has made her lost. I am not one to know what it is. If I could ever know what it is. Something has happened… long ago…

To make her fear being alone.

I can’t cry for her. I can’t be sad for her. Only true pity to know that I can’t do anything for her. All I can do is the right thing to save my ponies. I made mistakes in the past. I can’t do it again. For now, I do this to save the world. Time disappeared, torn away by the blinding spell. How it split the world in two. Burning from her horn, carrying out the only truth left for Celestia. That this needed to be done to protect Equestria.

This pony is far too gone. And all I can see of her is her eyes. Opening wide, but Soulblight could do nothing to prevent it.

I’m sorry.

9.20
Blood flew. Red upon a red night. Sprinkling in the rays of the Moon. Like rain from the storm above. Hailing down to the land below. A sight to never be sought. To draw blood from another. I never wanted to see it in my land again. And I never imagined I’d be the pony to strike such a blow again. It’s been so long. I didn’t want to be that pony again. Celestia blinked. But I must be. I could be called cruel. I could be called a killer. But, in my heart, I must be a protector once more. After twelve years, I need to be. My only regret is that it had to be like this.

Silver hairs drifted in the air. Running slick in blood dripping from their roots. Torn away into the wind with tufts of magenta. Splatters of blood. Flesh ripped away. Burning away into ashes. Carried away in the wake of that spell that rushed into the horizon, never to be seen again. Having done what it needed to do. Leaving the four-winged pony behind.

Soulblight, I’m so sorry. You really do want to protect Soul. Your ways of doing it, I can’t let it happen. How I want to know what it is you were thinking this entire time. How you felt. I’d want to be one you could rely on to look towards for help. There was good in you. Deep in your eyes. If it had just been different.

Soulblight fell before her. Falling so slowly. Her four wings held still, not able to flap. Only able to flutter in the wind. They always did look so strong. Reduced to nothing more. Weak and lost wings whose starlight slowly faded. Falling with the pony who they belonged to. No longer able to embrace the wind. To see her fall, it was almost gut-wrenching. Such a powerful pony. Such fear and sadness in her own eyes. All gone now.

Soulblight fell to earth.

Celestia could only see the trail of blood left behind. Shimmering away. All that magic that coursed around Soulblight died off. Her fur fell still. She… fell silent, and Celestia’ could no longer see… that sad face.

It pains me so much to do this. Celestia closed her eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

Forgive me, Soul.

The wind strummed over her mane.

9.21
Roaring wind!

Celestia opened her eyes, greeted by a painful blast of wind into her face. Pounding and mind shattering howls. Chilling her fur; she let her breath go, seeing her breath become mist before her eyes. Burned away in a blast of red flames. Making her fly back. Screaming. What is happening… Celestia’s eyes widened.

Four wings flapped in the wind. Rising up once more, casting a great shadown upon her. A shadow that rose above her. The dark figure who blocked out the Moon above. Impossible… I saw you get hit. I did hit you! The black silhouette whose magenta fur glowed red in the light. Lighting the pony up in the hail of flames circling around her. Red magic. Shaking the skies. Running all along the pony it belonged to. Glowing bright under the star churning at the tip of her horn. It burned so bright. A massive spell. The chill of the air died. All that was left, the horrible heat, and through that was the gaze of a pony upon Celestia.

Soulblight, not possible. Soulblight’s eyes swirled in billowing red. A sea of fire around her pupils now rid of anything. Any emotion. Just a callous grin lit up in the light of her spell. Red dripped down across her own teeth. I’ve never seen true horror before. Fear unlike any other. Celestia slowly floated back. This pony… isn’t real.

Blood flowed down Soulblight’s face. Redder than even the hottest spell she wielded. Snaking down around her eyes. Dripping off her own nose. Blood spattering on her chest. A solitary silver hair fell before her lost eyes. Caught in the wind and taken away. Celestia felt her own tears beading in her eyes. Looking upon a sight that could not be real. But it was, and that is what scared her more than any horrid nightmare. More than any fear or regret. To feel for this pony, no longer a pony. No pony can be like this.

“And so the coward shows her fangs. If only to harm a pony when she is at her weakest. Such a shame, Celestia. You have not changed much. Still stamping your hoof down on those who show weakness. Well… I promise that I shall not show it again. But I must commend you…” Soulblight clapped her forehooves together. Blood fell upon her hooves. “Very few weaklings ever manage to get a hit in on me. Such a thing, it’s almost… exciting. To feel pain. Oh, how I’d much rather feel it upon my own body instead of on my feelings.”

“You’re… not a pony” Celestia whispered.

Soulblight puckered her lips, blowing up at her mane. Freeing the shredded strands off from over her eyes. Displaying it like she was proud. A smoldering hole bored above her eyes.

Celestia kept backing away. Not able to take her eyes off the hole cut deep through Soulblight’s mane. Out to see… the red sky at the other end of it. Blood pooling out from the wound. Cinders burning small tufts of her fur away. Blackening her mane.

“I am a pony. A simple and sweet pony who only wants what’s best for the ones she loves. And a cruel princess and an unforgiving land is not what my loved one needs. No… all she needs… is me. I won’t let her leave my side.”

I hit you in the head. It went right through! How is she still alive?! So much blood draining from her head. Until it even stopped flowing. All of it disappearing. Torn away in a wash of black magic. She’s… she’s immortal. Impossible. Celestia shook her head. All her efforts for nothing when that hole faded away. Soulblight’s silver mane fell back down over the fresh tufts of magenta fur where that hole had been. No more blood flowed. Her entire face covered in it. Shining, white fangs gleaming out underneath it all. I haven’t used that spell in so long. I don’t put that much power into my spells. Not until now… and it did nothing to her. I… I can’t stop her. I can’t stop this.

The spell on Soulblight’s horn pulsed. Red hot flames. Like it could melt Soulblight’s horn away.

“You are just another one of those hateful ponies who thinks she knows best. Bringing your resentful rage upon innocents. Soul painted such a lovely picture of this world to me, yet I see the truth. This world would harm one at the slightest mishap. Simply for being different, right?”

“No…” Celestia muttered.

“I thought you and I may come to an understanding. Too bad. You only remind me…” Soulblight glared into Celestia’s eyes. “Of them…”

Lightning rippled along Soulblight’s body. A chorus with the vast bolts of red that rocked the sky beyond. Swirling clouds over that incredible spell. It screamed and burned. Shockwaves running over Celestia. Nothing got rid of Soulblight’s smile. “I won’t let ponies take anything from me again. I refuse to allow it! First you and then everypony else. Left as nothing but prey to satiate me. Never to harm me again. Hahahaha! Such delight!”

Who… who took something from you? Again? The words didn’t escape Celestia’s mouth. She couldn’t speak. Is this why I still feel sadness in you? It’s all I feel anymore. The fear is gone. The pain is gone. Nothing left. Only that sadness that isn’t mine. You are the one who is truly sad.

“Sleep my sweet pony!” Celestia came face to face with Soulblight’s horn.

No…

9.22
They are all meant to die.

…But that’s not what I want.

Blight opened her eyes. What is this feeling. My whole body is numb. Like everything is moving so slowly. My legs… like they’re not there. Can’t even feel my wings. All I know… is the power atop my horn. How much I want to use it. But it’s wrong.

My magic. This is my true magic. The red flames swirling around her. Dancing before her, she could only see the frightened alicorn. The blazing light baring down on her. I want to kill her. I don’t want to kill her. And my magic is so powerful.

Lethal.

This isn’t something I can do. I can’t. Even as such incredible release came over her entire body. It all rushed out from her horn. Burning white hot at the tip of her horn. Burning away the air itself. The spell that shot forth. She can’t dodge it. I see. Nopony is fast enough to avoid this. Celestia didn’t even move. That desire, I can’t believe I wanted it. Not after my promise.

No!

Soulblight turned her head. All she could do before she shed a tear, seeing that spell come lose from her. A spell I should never use. Because it’s only meant for one thing. I can only hope for one thing. …Celestia screamed. Blight could only watch.

That ray of light shot right past Celestia. It all happened so fast. Blight saw it. Celestia’s fur evaporating at her side. The princess cried out in pain, disappearing in red flames. Slowly swallowing the world in its light. Even Soulblight cried out. Forced to watch… this horror. To know I did this. I almost… did this.

The spell plummeted to the forest below. Shooting forth, straight and true. Engulfing the trees below in the light of its flames. Blight braced herself.

9.23
Twilight opened her eyes. Just a blink and she found her hooves back down on solid ground. Crunching the grass beneath her. Another set of hooves stepping forth right next to her as Fluttershy let her hoof fall from where it had sat on Twilight’s back. Teleporting them both back… with no good news. It looked like nopony had any good news when she saw neither Rarity or Pinkie had even a smile on their faces. Both of them turning just in time to face Twilight. Such worry on their faces, and no Rainbow Dash with them. So they must have had no luck either. Yet Applejack wasn’t even here. Twilight didn’t even bother to say anything to them. Not when she saw it. What the two had been looking at over the hills outside of Ponyville.

All of Everfree was aflame. All those trees. They made Twilight forget to breathe. Seeing the shadows of trees dancing and dwindling away in the flames. I had seen the light. All the way from Rainbow’s house. I didn’t know it was like this. As if the world was burning away, shrouded under the bloodlit sky turned dark in the clouds of smoke hanging high over the land. And I still don’t know what’s going on. All I have… is an idea.

“Well?” she heard Rarity speak out. “Do tell me you found her. Because Pinkie and I couldn’t find her anywhere in town. …Or at least know where she might have gone.”

If only I had good news for her. This entire night, nothing but misery. I still feel the fear creeping along my back. An endless ping that pricked into her skin, burrowing deep inside. Never to leave. “She wasn’t at home. No sign of her” Twilight whispered. How is it she was the only one who was nowhere to be found? I have a hunch. “And Soul is gone too.”

“Well at least that means she has a friend with her right now. Right…?” Pinkie grinned. She tried her best but there was no way to hide the worry. “They have to be together. And something tells me that Soul is behind all of this. Somehow” Twilight said. And I’m afraid to think of where they may be. Whatever is going on, I don’t think they’d go out on their own to… whatever the hell this madness is. All I want right now is for all of us to be together. We’re the only ones who can fix this. Ponyville is counting on us. And we can’t let this go on any longer. Not with the forest burning down now. Fluttershy looked so very shaken by all of it. I am too. I’ve never seen destruction like this before. I don’t even know why it’s happening. All under this freakish sky.

We are all friends. Even Soul is. I can’t just let us all be apart during this. I need to know everypony is safe. Where are you two?

“Soul is our friend. And she is Dash’s oldest friend. Do you suggest she is the one doing this? I don’t believe she would be one to do this” Rarity pointed a hoof to Twilight. She is our friend. And I believe she would do nothing to put Dash in harm’s way. But… “All I know is they are both gone and all this is happening now” Twilgiht raised her voice. “I’m just suspicious especially after what Soul told us. I can’t help but think she caused this… and I’m really worried they both may be caught up in whatever is happening.” “Okay… Twilight” Rarity stepped back. “No need to get upset. I’m just really worried as well.”

This damn feeling I keep getting. Ugh, like it just makes me want to fly off. She had to shake her head over it. “I’m sorry. I want to find her. I don’t know what it is but there’s something that is really getting to me. Some sort of magic that I’ve never felt before. It’s almost making me wonder if it even is magic anymore…”

Is this something else?

“I also haven’t been able to sense either Princesses Celestia or Luna. No sign of them, Rainbow Dash, or Soul. And I can’t stand the idea of Dash being out there without us in all this. This feeling is terrifying me.” They all know what I’m talking about. They still do. All of them looked to her with such care. Because the feeling never left. Not since I told them earlier, when this all started. How I just want it to stop. I keep getting so paranoid. So afraid. And Rainbow is still nowhere to be found! Would it even be wise for us to see… what is causing all this?

Would it be? Twilight already saw her. The orange Earth pony rushing towards them. Please have good news. Didn’t seem likely. Applejack was alone. She galloped right in between all of them. Such fire in her eyes. Her hooves bouncing up and down. All the energy in her. She had been galloping for a while. Breathing hard, sweat all over her fur, and she even had that look of fear in her. She must have seen all this too. “We didn’t find her…” Twilight told her. “Please, tell me you found something.” Anything to ease my worry. But the look on Applejack’s face, it didn’t help at all. Everypony noticed it. Even Fluttershy set her hoof back against Twilight’s. She felt the Pegasus shaking. “I didn’t find Rainbow Dash” Applejack said.

Oh, no.

“But somepony saw a certain other Pegasus that we know” Applejack continued. “Soul?” Twilight whispered. Answered with a nod. “They saw her flyin’ earlier this morning. Whelp… I guess ya’ll may know where she was going” Applejack gulped. Then she shook. They all shook. Frightened by the boom that tore across the sky. Turning their heads in time to see… the massive explosion rip the forest apart beyond. Fire rising high over the trees. Sending smoldering fireballs into the sky over the vast plume of smoke and boiling red flames. Lit bright in the glow of the lightning striking down across the sky. It made them all take a step back. Twilight could feel it, her wings shivered. A tingle struck her mind. That was magic. What kind of spell does that? A tower of smoke rose high above the forest. As if it burned away from the raging flames themselves. Making the entire world fall silent. Silent like the streaks of silvery light flying away from the explosion. “By… Celestia…” Fluttershy squeaked. Such a horrible spell. Whatever it was… was deadly. Somepony is out there. There’s no other explanation, and Twilight already knew what this now meant.

“She went… over there…” Applejack said. A pit fell in Twilight’s stomach. The horrible truth and the reality. “If Soul went over there… then Rainbow must be with her” Twilight said. Dash would never let Soul go alone. She had to have gone with her. Soul… you really are behind this, aren’t you? Please don’t say that I was a fool for trusting you. It looked like everypony felt the same way. Like their spirits dropped. Thrusted into this impossibly terrible reality, and the result that it would lead to. Twilight was well aware of it. Because we can’t leave Dash. Whatever that Pegasus decided to do, we just can’t let her do it alone. “We need to find Dash” Twilight said what they all knew to be the case.

“And there’s only one place I think she can be.”

9.24
Ash fell from the sky. Littering down over Blight’s fur. Blackening her gorgeous magenta colors, blotting out the stars that faded away along her slowly flapping wings. A smoldering cinder struck against her chest, bouncing off with a puff of smoke and falling away to the darkness below. Lost forever in the trees. Joined with the countless burning debris that rained from the sky. All of it made Soulblight shiver. True terror when she saw just what it was she had done. I did that. This… this really is my magic. Just as I remember it and I almost used it on her. I’m so scared. I don’t know what came over me. Even when I know this is wrong.

The world got to see her magic now.

The forest was ripped to shreds, blown away by a simmering crater where no trees could hope to exist. Left behind under the remains of smoke rising to the sky. All of it was burned away. No trees, no grass. Not even soil was left. The only thing that stared back at her from down there was a massive patch of gleaming white glass scorched across the land. A scar in the forest. The air evaporated over it. How hot it must be, burn my own flesh off if I stood on it. All from my magic. And I almost did that… to her. Blight looked back to Celestia. As ashamed as ever to see, once more, the horrible thing she did to another pony. I didn’t want it to get this bad. I told myself not to do this, not to give in. I made a promise. I came so close to breaking it and now this is the proof as to how I really am. Celestia’s entire side was scorched.

That one wing with barely anything left on it and struggling to keep flapping with the other one. Feathers burned away. Blackened, singed all the way down across her entire side. Burned. There wasn’t even… skin left. I mutilated her. What is wrong with me? Celestia didn’t even bleed. Didn’t even flinch. Just a scar of charred flesh along her side. Seared into her body, a mark that kept Celestia staring over at it, her entire side burned away. The horror of seeing it, it was etched in her face. Her legs shook. Wings almost failed. Whimpering like a baby. Reduced to nothing. For she also knew how close she had come to death. How close I almost made it happen.

Celestia wasn’t even crying. Tears fell. But they fell from Blight. Still feeling the rush of energy across her horn. Such intense magic going wild throughout her. What was left of the horrible truth she knew. I really am going back to my old self.

So… this is why it’s been happening.

Blight put her face into her hooves. Crying into them. I only did all this to make sure Soul can have her life back. Why is my mind so cloudy now? Like I forgot why I am doing this. All I can think about is wanting her. I want Soul for myself. No! That’s not right. Stop thinking that. I wanted to kill the princess. I… I almost wanted to kill everypony. Anything to keep her but that’s not what Soul wants. She wants a life for us all. All of us to be happy and I’m up here trying to take that from her?! Idiot. Idiot! Blight smacked a hoof so hard into her own face. Can’t even feel the pain. I’m losing myself! The desires are too intense.

And I had no idea it would get this bad.

It’s almost like from before. I can still hear the cries of those wolves. I can still feel the rage. Thinking that Soul is going to be taken from me. Doing horrible things until I’m nothing more than a beast. But that’s not me. Not me!

I am Soulblight. I am a pony. I am Soul’s best friend and the one she wants to spend her life with. I am kind to the ones I care about and support them. Like I vowed to do for her. I make promises, I keep them. I promised myself to see her happy again. But she would be devastated if I did the horrible things I was thinking about. It’s like I really haven’t changed. I don’t want to be that pony again. Never again. I want this to end. It needs to end. Now!

The voices. The thoughts. Keep telling me to not lose her. But maybe it would be best if I did leave her. If she forgets about me. I don’t want to be that pony again. Not in front of Soul! She stared down into her hooves. Seeing her own glimmering fangs in the sheen of her hooves. Breathing hard into them. Licking her lips, still tasting blood on them. I don’t want to be this. I’m not a killer.

Not again.

Blight did something so hard to do, she looked right into the eyes of a pony she almost killed. There’s no excuse. I’m horrible. “I’m… I’m so sorry. So very sorry” Blight cried. Whiping tears from her eyes. “I didn’t mean it.”

I just want this over. Before it’s too late.

9.25
Celestia, it was like she was completely broken in front of Blight. The mare couldn’t look away from that terrible devastation along her body. I must be the first pony to ever do something so terrible to her. I didn’t want to do this. But how can I explain it? All I want is to be with Soul. I’m so afraid of not being allowed to live in her life. Ah! All the damn thoughts. I can’t get rid of them no matter how hard I try. They made me do this. …I did this. Blight stared at that wound. Like she could see something hard protruding through the charred remains. Blackened. A blackened bone? I don’t even know if all that is her flesh or muscle. Just that her entire side was almost burned off. I came so close to killing her.

“What…” Celestia’s voice broke Soul’s stare. Frightened. Looking at the princess. The terror in her voice.

“What… kind of monster… are you?” Celestia looked to her. Her eyes so wide now.

A monster?

“You’re… insane” Celestia stuttered. “I don’t even… want to imagine what horror you did to Soul’s guardians. You… you did this. Only you could have killed them. You’re outright crazy… crazy to think you can live in my land. Not when you are like this. Not when you have this kind of terrible power.”

“Please… don’t” Blight whispered. A monster. She’s just like the rest. Shut up! I made a mistake. I made a mistake long ago and this is how they treated me too. She is the same! They are all the same. Blight could feel her entire body tremble in such immense magic. All of it boiling to the surface. I almost killed her. I can’t do that! I made a promise!

Do not be weak. It will happen to me again.

Nopony will take another from me. But not this way. “I swear… I did not kill them. I only want to protect Soul.” “She needs protection from you” Celestia said. “All ponies do. You’re a beast unlike any other. Leave my land…”

“No!” Blight screamed. Don’t make me relive it. Please. I came so far. I truly do feel Soul is the pony I have been searching for my whole life. I only want to be accepted too. Don’t take it from me. “Soul means the entire world to me. She is the only pony who ever treated me like I matter. She made me feel like a pony. This is something I’ve never known before. Please don’t take it away from me. Please…” She will take her from me. Don’t be weak. Be the master of these swine. That’s not… me. “Before I can’t take it… anymore.”

“You… aghhhh!” Celestia screamed out, clutching her side for only a moment. Whatever stinging pain must be setting in forced her to keep her hooves off that massive wound. “I’m pretty sure I can heal that. Just let me…” Blight gently flapped her four wings. Coming a little closer, hoof reached out. Offering it to Celestia. Greeted by a vicious glare. “Get away from me, freak!” Celestia flew back.

Blight’s heart jumped.

“You tried to kill my sister. You tried to kill me. You threatened my entire land and all the ponies I love. I will never believe you. I will never let you get away with any of this” Celestia said.

Blight let her hoof fall. Do not test me. She curled her lips. Knowing her fangs were there for all to see. Do not test me. Leave Soul behind. She will be gone forever. I can’t lose my only friend. No other pony will love me. I made a promise to Soul to not kill. I told myself to not give in. I know it will be right for me to just leave. Let it all end. Give up all I cherish. Lose the only thing I have left. But I can’t. I can feel this magic inside me, an ocean of anger just wanting to be released. They all want me gone. Rainbow Dash would never dance with me. She would hate me for what I am. The others are such cowards, once they know I’m like this, they’ll get rid of me. Even the princesses tried to kill me. They would all rather see me dead instead of being with the only pony I love. My only family left. I can’t… no more!

Don’t let them take her… I can’t lose another family!

Blight felt the touch against her side. A brush of feathers, running along her fur. Looking in time to see right into the turquoise eyes peering into her, before they flew past. Princess Luna rushed by her in a flash of dark feathers. Lit bright in the oncoming fire. Already sensing it before she saw it. Blight glanced over her shoulder. Fireballs coming right at her. Filling her whole vision. She only grinned.

You think you’re clever?

It all disappeared. Washed away in a sea of blinding blue light and shimmering starlight twinkling in the red night. A blink of Blight’s eyes. One simple will. The fireballs vanished. Turned to nothing more than streaks of dying starlight rushing past her like a sea. Harmless. Dead. Only brushing her mane in the wind. Pelting her fur and becoming no more. The air fell silent. Still. The spells turned to dust falling into her fur. Forgotten. Breaking the silence with a rush of lightning roaring from the heavens. As red as the flames burning around the hoof that Blight held before her face. The magic seeping out. Dancing among her fur, coiled in the lightning coursing her body. Only one thing is left. Blight looked to the princesses.

I will make them see the truth. It’s my last chance.

9.26
Twilight was surprised to see this when she stepped down onto the ground. Everypony with her, letting go of her, dizzy for a moment from the teleport. But they all saw it too. All of them standing on it. Here I was thinking we’d find the nice fields outside of Ponyville. No. Twilight’s hooves, they crunched down on the blackened ashes. Littering the hilltop. This isn’t what I remember it to look. Not at all. Because it was different. All this ash, they way it was shaped. Grass. She stared out at it all.

All the hills rolling along these fields, covered in it. As far as she could see. This all used to be so beautiful. Now, the grass all stood still. Frozen in time, reduced to ashen figures. Some of them disappearing into the wind. Something happened here. No way to tell what. Just a chill in the air. She felt it tingling in her ears and across her fur. Something left here. Whatever it was… it had drawn her to this spot. This dead landscape. Sitting before where trees filled the horizon. Covered in the light of a burning world beyond it. Didn’t even feel like they travelled that far. So much has changed out here. So much closer, the heat washed her face.

Twilight flinched. Shocked when ash fell right onto her muzzle. By Equestria! She swiped it off, immediately seeing it was smoldering. Still feeling a slight ping of heat where it had landed on her nose. Watching it fall to the ground, burning. More fell upon the hills around them. No question where it came from. This close, they all looked out at the cloud of burning smoke rising into the sky. How vast it was. Such a terrible sight, what was left of that explosion from earlier. Had to be.

“What in Celestia’s name?” Rarity whispered. I don’t know. Twilight had no words. Something drew me here. That’s all I know. Such dense magic in the air. I can almost smell it.

“Guys!” Fluttershy screamed out. I was right to bring us here. Fluttershy showed them what it was. Behind us the whole time. Something horrible happened here. Horrible enough to make this happen. Rainbow Dash.

The Pegasus lay there… atop a hill. All alone. Her rainbow mane swaying. Her feathers dancing.

“Rainbow!” Twilight took to the air. Leaving the others behind. Hearing them galloping towards it as well, Twilight didn’t waste any time. She isn’t moving! First all of this madness, Rainbow disappearing, and now here she is. What if she’s hurt? Soul wasn’t anywhere to be found. Soul… did you lead her here and get her hurt? I just hope she’s okay. Everything around her, it only made her worry more. Even worse when she saw… the blood along Dash’s face. Oh, no!

Twilight set down next to her. Almost stumbling. About to lose control of her wings. Just seeing it. A stream of blood caking the fur between Dash’s closed eyes. Little drips falling to the ground. Rainbow lay there, on her side, completely still. Wings stretched out over her. But she breathed.

That little rise of her chest, Twilight felt a huge weight come off her. Thank goodness. Everypony else made it over just in time to see it too. It almost looked like Rainbow was just sleeping if not for that gash on her forehead. Whatever hit her, did it pretty hard. Hard enough to knock her out. “Oh, Dashie. Who did this to her?” Rarity said. “I swear, somepony is up to no good around here. And I got a feelin’ that it has something to do with that Soul” Applejack said. Not at all looking happy. Like all of them believed it. Even I think something may be up with Soul as well. Dash followed her out here, had to. I can’t imagine what Dash went through. I can’t dwell on it. I need to wake her up.

Please, may Soul not be the one who did this. After I believed I saw something in her.

“Give me some room” Twilight asked of all of them. She stepped up, standing over Dash. Looking down at how gentle she was in this moment. Like she was at peace. But that wasn’t the case. There was no way of telling just what she went through. All I want is for her to be okay. Twilight set a hoof on her. Running it along Dash’s side. She really is knocked out. Oh man, she doesn’t look so good. I’m gonna need to do a little something to get her up. I know just the spell. I just hope it’s not too hard. Whatever did this really didn’t hold back. Even if magic was saturating the air, Twilight could still sense her own magic. Smooth and gentle. Focus on just Dash. Not on the magic that made it almost too hard to breathe in it. Such fearful magic. The entire forest drenched in it. The hills blasted in the wind that carried it. As terrible as when this red night first fell. Through it all, at least get one moment of comfort. To know Rainbow is okay. To know what is happening.

“Rainbow, wake up” Twilight watched her spell flow. A gust of blazing purple light swarming over the pony. Rushing across Dash’s wings, her legs, her face. A flash of light that lit her rainbow hairs into the color of starlight. For just a moment. Dash took a deep breath, her eyes closed, and Twilight let out her breath when she saw the blood seep away. Drifting into the wind, nothing more than dust. You’re gonna be okay. I’m glad. Even if I want the town safe, I want you safe even more. Whatever Soul did, I won’t let it keep hold.

Twilight blinked. Running a hoof over Dash’s forehead. Her own hoof glowed from the light along Dash’s body. For just a moment. It faded. As did the light. The entire world turned red once more. Twilight looked up to her. Looking into the magenta eyes staring back at her.

Rainbow Dash blinked… and she whispered… a name that made Twilight’s ears perk up.

“Soulblight…”

9.27
I’ve had enough.

Soulblight didn’t blink, not when lightning erupted before her very eyes. Shocking the air between her and the princesses. I’ve had enough of these games. I am finding it too hard to hold back so… “forgive me.” But I need to end this now. Before something terrible happens. That air which crackled from the lightning… simmered. Blight smiled.

The entire world around the princesses exploded before her. Wrapped in black flames eating away the entire sky around them. Drowning out their screams. Disappearing in that flash of darkness. I will whittle you both down. Blight felt the weight on her mind. Her horn glowing above her. Fast and easy. That will not stop both of them… only shut them up. Stop calling me names! Silence your worthless tongues before you both get yourselves killed. Bloody and broken. Bones shattered. Wings bent. Anything is fine… as long as they don’t die. Anything can be reversed after… I know I can do it. But I can’t let them get to me. I can’t let the thoughts get to me or else… there won’t be an after. Even if I hate you both… I can’t do it. Blight glanced to her sides. Like the forest had come to join her. Leaves falling around her. Branches coming close to encase her. It was not to be.

Two trees floated beside her, gripped in the flow of darkness as black as her own horn. Right when she spotted the wings shooting out from the explosion.

Celestia burst out to the sky. Carried by what was left of her wings. Shining like the Sun itself. “Begone, you monster!” the alicorn screamed. Then the world itself warped from the flashes of beams, vast and bright, consuming the sky and closing on Blight. The spells were so hot. So powerful. Celestia is quite powerful. Blight stared at the spells while they completely filled her sight. Shaking the world around her. The trees even lost their own branches from the winds. Just one thing mattered in Blight’s mind.

“I am not a monster.”

The spells fell apart. Bursting to countless shards of glassy light. Torn to nothingness by Blight’s own stare. The fires splitting before her, where Celestia could be seen, stunned. Frozen, watching just how useless her efforts are. An insect compared to me. All of them are. Somepony so small has no right to insult me again and again! Not after what she did and what she wants to do to me. “You will not take her from me.” The trees circled, pointing towards the alicorn. Coming at her in an instant.

“I am not a monster!” Blight lit her horn bright. Even before the trees rumbled through the skies. Sent flying when one flew past Celestia, only a last-minute dodge could save her. It didn’t last and Blight smiled. Smiled when the second tree shattered. A storm of bark and leaves exploding, making a little cry of pain. A whimper. All the remains of that tree fell to earth. Falling alongside the alicorn, bleeding all over. Frantically trying to get her wings to work. You’re mine now! The spell coiled all around Blight. Howling over her head. Ready to shoot out and end this. But…

Blight widened her eyes. That’s too much magic! Damn it! She smacked a hoof to her face. Sending blood flying. Already sensing that deadly spell she had ready slip away and fade. I didn’t even try to do that! This is unbelievable. She shook her head. It all felt so bad. My body feels so light right now. Like I might throw up. Ah! I can’t get rid of all this. My magic… she gasped.

It’s too powerful. This is what I’ve always wanted. All the power to get what I want in life. Finally!

It’s not right! I can not do this to these ponies. There is another way. …There has to be.

Some way I can make them see.

She caught the glimpse of black fur in the corner of her eyes. Missing it… for a moment. Princess… Luna? A spell of dark light came right at her. Casting Blight in a shadow. She could see it in her eyes. Right before her. Almost missed it.

Blight swung one of her wings. Flinching from the force of it. That spell slamming right into her wing. Such a murderous screech that spell made, bouncing right off her wing with a strong smack Blight gave it. Blasting if off to the ground below. Going right for my head. Just like your sister. Blight bared her fangs. You all really do intend to try and take everything from me. I won’t let it happen. I won’t…

Her fur stood up. All along the back of her neck. Running along her mane, her hairs flowing gently. From the force of the magic she still sensed behind her. Luna’s spell. Something… else. There is something else. Who is… Blight turned back. Staring down to the land below. Her heart sank.

…That?

Another strong magic. I thought it was Luna’s spell. Blight didn’t care if she had her back to the princess. She must see it too. Just like Blight did, fear coming over her. Luna’s spell careened down on that magic… another pony down in the hills. Ponies… and Blight saw the rainbow mane. Twilight Sparkle? Dashie! Soul’s friends. All of them down there, and a split second before that billowing bolt of darkness came down on them!

Blight’s pupils narrowed. “No!”

9.28
Blight set her hooves to the ground. In a flash of light, all she could see before she looked up to the bolt of magic coming down at where she now stood in what was left of her own spell. Didn’t even need to think about it. She had no time to. Just do it. Before that spell hits them.

One spell and it all went away.

Luna’s attack shattered. Turned to dust. Sprinkling down to the ground. Rain to the dying grass. Blackening it just like the rest of the hillsides. Such a deadly spell reduced to nothing more. Wind flowing through Blight’s hair, that all it could do. Fading away. She was still stunned. Listening to the dying whispers of her own magic whirring around her horn and dimming. All was silent. As if nopony knew what it was that had just happened. It had all been so fast, even Blight took a moment to realize it. I did it. That was way too close. Then she heard the rustle of grass behind her. Hooves sifting over the same land she stood on.

So this is how we all first meet. Face to face.

Blight glanced back, back to see all six mares close to one another behind her. All six of Soul’s new friends. These are all the ponies she wants to spend her new life with. It was so quiet. So still. Like the night when I first met Rainbow Dash. All of us here, under the blood sky. They all look just like Dash did. I understand. Blight looked over her own vast and starlit wings. Glowing red. That glow followed wherever she looked towards. They all get to see me in my full shame. That left Blight frozen.

I never wanted to show them who I was. I never thought them to get involved in any of this. After everything I did before… at the party. I didn’t want this. Why are they here? Why is Dash awake? This was only supposed to be between the princesses and I, and nopony was supposed to see this. They’d all hate me. I just can’t shake this fear. She could sense their eyes going all over her. It made her want to curl in on herself. Her own wings even started to fold, wanting to cover herself up. Like I’m being violated. It was a sicknening feeling. A deep pit in her stomach. Stop looking at me.

I just saved you all so stop judging me! Her lips curled as if they wanted to speak those words. Wanted to scream… and her magic felt red hot along her horn.

No! Stop it! Don’t think that!

“What are you all doing here?” Blight actually spoke to them. “This is only between the princesses and I. Get out of here!”

Leave! I need to finish this soon. Something was stinging along her forehead. She winced. Trying so hard to ignore it. I wanted no audience. Nopony here to get in my way. Especially when… Blight growled to herself, looking away from the ponies. She held her hoof to her head. I need to get rid of them. They’re here to stop me. Take Soul from me.

They are her friends! I can’t do such a thing. Shut your damn mouth. I will finish all of this and nopony will be hurt. Not even them. And they are still there!? “What are you waiting for?” Blight flexed all four wings out. “Get out of here!” She spoke it with such anger yet… she could still hear herself whimpering in her words. Please. Please leave. I beg you all. “Nopony is supposed to get hurt. I can’t stomach the idea of you all being here where you could be harmed” she whispered. They mustn’t know the thoughts I am having. But anything to get them to go. “I barely was able to save you all. I don’t want that luck to run out.”

“Why did you save us?” she heard a voice ask behind her. Hoofsteps. Somepony came closer. Looming over her. She could feel it. A shadow upon her. “Who are you?” Twilight was the one who was asking. The same alicorn from the party. Meeting her in my own body. I feel so small compared to her. She could hear it. Twilight’s fur rustling. She’s taller than me. Much taller. But the magic in the air, that power that singed the grass under Blight’s hooves, it was so strong against that pony’s figure. Yet she didn’t back off. You fool. I know you can sense it. You’re an alicorn like them. You can sense my power. Why do you dare to approach me? Blight’s eyes widened.

“Back off!”

Blight turned to face her, swinging her wings. The alicorn leapt back from that swipe. Struck by the wind. All of them reeling back from it. Don’t get close to me. None of you dare to even approach me. “I am not here to play games or shoot the breeze with you ponies. I am here to do whatever it takes to make another pony happy.” Blight eyed the rainbow-maned pony who stared at her. Dash even looked… confident. She sees a pony like me. Why act so tough? You think you can intimidate me? Such foolish ponies. Her eyes locked with Twilight’s. “You have Rainbow up and about again. Take your friend and leave while you still can. I am only here for the one pony who means the world to me. I’d rather not have you all in my way.”

“You’re Soulblight.”

Blight’s ears twitched. She looked to the very pony who had said that. So shocked that her of all ponies knew. It was that very pony who looked so confident. No wonder she had been. Rainbow Dash. She even took a step forward. Making Blight’s heart sink. When she saw all the ponies stare at her. Knowing who she was. The look on Dash’s face, she still remembers my face.

“This is Soulblight?” Applejack whispered. “Sweet Celestia…”

Blight glared upon her. Then shot a look to Dash. Damn it! This is wasting my time. Do not interfere with me, Dash. Not if… not if you want your beloved Soul. The same pony I want. But I… she shook her head. So now they know who I am. What a waste. They all get to see what I am. Too bad… I don’t have Soul to hide behind this time.

“Soulblight. You’re the one who is doing this” Twilight said. Not even a question. She knew. “This is your magic. I can feel it all around you. No wonder… you’re an alicorn?”

How dare you. Liken me to such a pathetic creature. Hahahaha simple ponies do not know true power when they see it. I am not like them. Never! Not like you at all! …I can not fault her. I just can’t. But I need to get rid of these thoughts. Please. They are only Soul’s friends. They can’t be harmed. No matter from whom. “I’m not an alicorn. I am…” there has to be some way for them to trust me. “I am only Soul’s sister and I will do anything to protect her. And… that includes the ponies closest to her. So please… please just leave. I can’t stomach the idea of any of you getting hurt.”

Yes, I am the same Soulblight you have all come to falsely know. Even if I live off a lie, I only want you all to trust me. “Trust in me, like you did the night we met” she said to none other than Rainbow Dash. The Pegasus who stood face to face with her. In front of everypony else. The one who looked the most familiar. Because we both know one another. “You of all ponies should know the depths I would go to protect Soul. Do the same and just trust in me, it’s all for her sake.”

“You knocked me out. You attacked me. I thought I could trust you” Rainbow said. It was starting to get hard to calm the feeling. Blight was so close to the Pegasus that stood over her. So foolish, like she isn’t afraid of me. I guess it is true, she really is strong when it comes to wanting to stick around for Soul. That stubbornness is why I had to knock her out. “You can trust me. I had to make sure you and Soul were not in the way. I did it only to protect you both. She means the world to me, …I can’t let you be harmed.” I can’t. None of that was enough to make Dash back away. Blight started to shiver. The Pegasus did not look happy. How can she be? So few ponies would be happy with the things I’ve done.

“What did you do with Soul? Where is she!?”

Rainbow… she’s angry. The Pegasus even showed her teeth. She’s not afraid of me at all. Such determination. No wonder Soul likes her so much. It’s something I lack. First the princesses and now Rainbow Dash. So many ponies I need to fight with just to see Soul happy. Well… Blight cocked her head to listen. At least the princesses are stuck up there like dumbstruck deer. Must be too afraid to do anything. And I’m getting afraid too. Blight’s own hind legs shook. I don’t often get confronted like this. But I understand. I’d be just like you, Dash. “She is safe. I only sent her somewhere to wait this out until I’m done. She will be back, I promise. Soon.”

A place that… none of you would understand.

“You’re an idiot” Dash whispered. Idiot? Blight stepped back. Already… she felt her wings twitch. W-what was that? I’m… I’m scared? I actually thought she might hit me. I don’t get it. A pony like Dash… mad at me. I don’t want ponies mad at me.

“We could have all handled this on our own! We are all here for Soul. We believed her and all want her to have her life back. I want her life back. So I was prepared to do anything for her. You didn’t need to go out on your own and do all of this!”

All of this?

9.29
Such demanding ponies. Like handling foals or something. “Look…” Blight toned herself down. Just want them to understand. “You all did enough for Soul. Friends, that is what she wanted. And you gave her more… Dash.” Blight smiled. Smiling because Rainbow almost blushed right there. Guess your friends don’t know yet. Don’t worry, they don’t need to know yet. Not the point, though. “But there is something that none of you could have gave her and that is her freedom from the past. As much as you think it possible, I simply didn’t believe the world would believe her in the end.”

“And how could you have known?” Twilight actually spoke up. “We could have handled it. Besides, we believed Soul. Why would nopony else?” Blight sighed. I really do understand what they’re saying. Not a moment went by when I didn’t think about what needed to be done. But one truth remained. The truth I believed.

“It was guaranteed if I just showed them what really happened. Just like I did with Dash. I made my choice. There is no going back.”

Blight looked to the sky. Up towards that bloody night that fell across this world. Tormented in such thick clouds of smoke. All because of me. I turned this world into some sort of hell all for the one thing that I can’t give up. No matter how much I think it be right if I do as is asked of me and just leave. It’s too hard. That is why there is no going back. “That is why I am fighting. They know what truly happened. Soul is finally free… but that’s not enough. They know what I’ve done. And I’ll do anything to make them see that I, as much as anypony else, deserve to stay with the only pony I love. This world will not take another from me.”

Blight stepped close. Just short of her own muzzle pushing into Dash’s. Looking into the stunned pony’s eyes. “Do not take that chance away from me. I don’t need help. It’s too late for that.”

What I’ve started can’t be brought back. I’m a monster. A horrible pony to this world. But I don’t want to be that. I have to be the one to finish this regardless of anything. And in the end, Soul will be mine again. Nopony can take her. I can be happy with her in this land too. It’s what I really want. Something I am always wanting. And, like always, I have to do it alone. Even more so now. Now that I feel this inside me. I know what it is that is happening to me. I have to end it quick. Before it all happens again.

“Why can’t you let us help?” Dash finally asked. That was all she could say. None of them said anymore. None of them could know what to say.

Simple. “I made a promise to Soul that nopony… will die.” It was like that word made them all flinch. It’s the truth. “I can’t risk it. Not when there is so little time left. I can’t risk any of you getting hurt. If you want to try, I won’t hesitate to make you all get out of my way.” She said that as harsh as she could. Having to scold them. Forgive me in the end. Please. I only want what’s best for us all. “I didn’t want any other pony involved. None of you. I can handle this on my own. It’s the only way that I feel I can keep my promise to Soul. Please, …none of you know how dangerous it would be… so I’m serious. Back off.”

Nopony can be hurt. Nopony can be hurt. Get it through your thick head! None of you can get hurt. I can’t hurt them. They came so close to getting hurt. And… I’m so afraid it could happen again. I made a promise. Well? …Why are they still standing here? Can they not understand me? I can handle this alone just like I’ve always had to do. Having you mares in the way…

What’s the point of a promise if I fail?

In the way? Soul cares so much about them. The princesses… care so much.

Blight smiled. The princesses care, but should I care? It can be a way… to end this quick. Maybe… I can use these ponies. I can use them! And in the end, Soul will be all mine!

Get that horrible thought out of my head! Blight stepped away from the ponies. No. It was the other way around. They all stepped away from her. Because she saw why. Right when lightning crackled along the ground around her. Such horrendous heat. Where the ashen remains of the grass atop the hill fell to pieces all around her. Just dust blanketing the ground. Vile and repulsive. Just like those thoughts. They made her shake. I can still hear the ideas. I can’t get rid of this. It’s like I’m going wild.

I’ve done it before.

I am not that pony anymore!

…I’m… I’m a good pony.

9.30
I can’t let this go on any longer. The thoughts, I can’t handle it. I have no idea what will happen. Just that… I will end this now.

Whatever it takes.

“Princess Twilight” Blight whispered to the pony standing behind Dash. You haven’t been so talkative. I can sense the fear inside you. I understand it. I can feel it in all of you. Such is the shame of me having to do all this. Correct the mistake of my past and you all get to watch it. “This may not have been the way I wanted to actually meet you. All of you. Face to face. How I wish we had more time… but I’m running out of time. I have to finish what I started.” Blight took a step back. Her wings raising. Ready to take flight. For them all to know that I am going to do this. I will be the one to make Soul happy in the end. “You may all try to stop me.”

Blight waited. Looking across all of them. How they all glanced to one another. Confused, scared. Not even Rainbow Dash. The Pegasus actually did something Blight didn’t expect. She bowed her head away. Such anger in her eyes. Not enough to do anything more. But that is okay. I’m glad none of them want to stop me. That’s fine. Because they have done enough. No need for Dash to feel upset. There will be no more need for anypony to feel upset after this. I will do what I set out to do, and Blight turned away from them all. One thing stopped her.

“I can’t stop you. I still need to ask you one thing. Do one thing. Bring Soul back to me… she deserves her home. No matter what happens, promise me that she can have that.”

Rainbow Dash spoke that.

Such a chilling breath seeped out from Blight’s mouth. One promise to Soul, now another pony to ask of me. Ask me that, yet it’s such a stupid request. She should know that it will be guaranteed. Trust me, Dashie. In the end… she will know happiness. With my own hooves. These hooves she looked down upon whose very steps burned the world in black mist. The power to do it all. And in the end, she will…

Be mine.

Yet Blight spoke. She heard herself speak softly. A calm, little voice to grace the wind. One that even surprised herself. Yet it had to be because the truth needed to be heard. Everything that has happened, I owe it to Dash. To at least calm her mind and thank her… for all she did for me. I don’t expect that of ponies.

“Dashie, …Soul is very lucky to have a marefriend such as you. …Really lucky to have friends like all of you. None of you may ever know just how much it meant to her. Then again, maybe you will. You all gave her hope. Something she has not had in years. I am so glad she can smile again… and I want that to last forever. I promise you… she will have her home again.”

The dust went flying. The world scattered when all four of those wings took flight. Shooting back up to the sky once more. To finish this.

I promise you… she will have a home with me.

9.31
I don’t care what has happened. I don’t care what I feel. Even if everypony else is against it, there is one thing I believe in. Rainbow stepped forward. Watching that pony fly off. A pony I never thought to be like this. I still trust her with one thing. You and I want the same thing. I did my best. All I can do is step aside and let you do your best too. Because, truth be told, I wouldn’t mind it if you are there with Soul and I.

There’s so much I want to find out about you. You may be different, but you are also… a friend. I can admit that.

“So… did she happen to say marefriend?” Pinkie muttered back there.

And you couldn’t keep that under wraps, Blight? “Yeah. She did” Rainbow said, speaking up to the skies. Up to a red night. Soon, Soul and I will fly in the beautiful sky again. Forget the past, only the happiness we had will remain. We came this far. So I look forward to what our future is. I trust Blight. I have no problem with flying with her as well. And all of this will be over.

Finally.

9.32
Funny. Neither of the princesses did a thing. They easily could have. Sent some sort of attack at Blight. Try to run away. Instead of just sitting there in the air letting her actually approach them. Maybe they are still worried about the others. Frozen in fear? Neither of them even know what it is I want to do. These terrible thoughts and this pain inside me. My entire flesh is burning. I still can’t let it consume me. I know I am angry. I am afraid. And as easy as it would be to just let it go, I still need to stick with my promise. Regardless of who I made that promise to. I just don’t want to be that pony anymore. Even if this desire is so strong. It could burst out of my veins. Rip the world apart. After I saw what it is that I wanted to do. I can’t.

So let me end it.

She could actually come up to the princesses. Floating there across from both of them. All of us together again. No more distractions. No more worry. It is just you two and me again. Neither of them looked ready for this. Luna had to be exhausted. She looks like she hasn’t had any sleep in days. Running out of steam. Injured and tired. Still letting out a terribly pained breath. But not as bad as her sister. With my own shame on her, like some sort of mark. Burned across her entire flesh. Bloodied fur and this look on her like she could just pass out. They can’t last much longer. One push, and it’s all over. They both know this. Is that why they hesitate to do anything? Not wanting to fight. Blight expected something to come but her ears only flicked when she heard it instead.

“You… you saved them?” Luna whispered. “I can’t believe how close I came to hurting them. I… I didn’t expect that.

“They are Soul’s friends. I would not let them be harmed. And they all know not get involved” Blight said. Making her think for a moment. Is that a sense of relief that I’m getting from the princesses? Maybe…

“Thank you” Luna said.

Maybe so. It actually did make Blight smile. “Will you perhaps hear me out now? See that I did not kill anypony and let me live here with Soul?” I know I’ve done terrible things. Even worse when this all started. I never intended for this confrontation to go about like this. I never imagined it could be like this. Even if I think terrible things, …I’m still happy that those ponies survived. If just for one brief moment of comfort where the thoughts can die off. For ponies to thank me. It makes me feel… proud. Can ponies really trust me?

Rainbow Dash does.

The princesses… Blight listened. Waited. Seemed to be waiting too long. Because she could only see them just look to one another, not a word to be said. Etched into their faces. Is that worry? Is that fear? Fear that you two could give me a chance? After… I tried to kill you both. They didn’t say a word. Not saying anything hurt so much more. Very well.

“Seems not” Blight muttered. The hard way it is. End it now!

Her wings struck the wind. Such a powerful gust of wind. Like it carried her forward. Before the princesses could even turn away from one another to look. Not even Luna could see it coming. Blight saw her magic do its work. Take them down. Fast! Luna couldn’t scream in time before a blast of that black light struck her so hard. Nothing to hurt her, I only want you out of the way. Luna was sent flying and… Celestia was right in Blight’s sights. Just about to flap her own wings. Wanting to fly out of the way as Blight came at her. It won’t be so. Those white wings held still. For just a moment and then… both of them were yanked back behind the princess. Making her yelp. You won’t be hurt. No more pain. Both of the princesses were so easy to overcome. They really must be tired. Luna couldn’t stop it and Celestia could not escape. Her wings held in place by a grip of darkness, her horn was pulled. Mine to do with as I please. Blight pulled her head back so that horn could do nothing more. Forcing the princess to only be able to do one thing: stare into Blight’s eyes.

Blight hovered in front of her.

I’m so close now. So close and we don’t fight. No. Celestia could do nothing. Kicking her legs. Not able to reach Blight. Not able to do anything at all when all four of them were grabbed in darkness. Yanked down and no longer moved. So Blight could fly closer. Looking deep into those eyes, finally. No more anger to come from them. Only fear. Desperation. Defeat. Because she knows that she can do nothing to me. I am in control now. Not her, not the thoughts. Just what I want, and what I want is for her to see the truth.

“You will see” Blight told her.

Now that I have you, nowhere to run… you are as vulnerable as Dash was. Delicious.

What is the point of a promise?

It was like something just struck her all of a sudden, right when a blast of blue light exploded against her. A wash of wind and heat. It actually made Blight tilt her head from the impact. Was that a bug bite? Or perhaps… Blight frowned, glancing over. Luna sat there, her horn burning bright. Panting so hard. Blight noticed the little bits of ash falling from the side of her own cheek, where Luna had just hit her. My… she really is running out of steam. I barely even felt that. She did feel something else. Something hot… right next to her. Then she realized it.

She looked, spotting it. Celestia’s horn burned white hot in her eyes. I let go of her!? It was too close. Much too close. So much that Blight could almost shake when the power of Celestia’s spell mixed with Blight’s own magic, her darkness consuming her horn again. Such insolent children! Even when they have nothing left, they still want to do anything to take Soul from me. Luna had another spell readied. Celestia couldn’t struggle to free herself. She had nothing left in her. She isn’t going anywhere. But… Blight turned to Luna. You will be!

9.33
There is no point in a promise.

Blight opened her eyes to look into those of Luna, the pony pushed down. Losing all control when Blight teleported onto her. Her magenta hooves slammed down into the pony. Her dark fur glowing bright in red light that was coming from… Blight’s own horn. Fiery red magic burning in a maelstrom along her horn. Those thoughts hit her.

Destroy her. Luna is right in front of me, stunned. The princess couldn’t fly. Couldn’t move for just a brief moment. Not under all of Blight’s weight. Where she could do nothing to avoid a spell right into her face. I could kill her. I could get rid of her and leave Celestia to my mercy. I want to kill her. I can easily do it. A thousand years of loneliness and torment. I know that it still haunts you. I can ease your suffering. Because Celestia betrayed you as well. Just like she did to my precious Soul. Now she has you here to defend her. I don’t see why you can still be her friend. Be her loving sister. I’d imagine you wanting to be just like me. Such a shame… you are not.

I can’t kill her!

The light faded away. It all faded away. Because I can’t kill her. No. All I need to do is show her as well. Nopony can die. I am not that pony anymore.

I will lose everything again.

Shut up!

“Listen, Luna. We don’t need to fight anymore. All I ask is for you to hear me…”

Blight gagged, seeing her own spit splatter. Drenching Luna’s fur. Right when something hard struck her right into the stomach. So hard. Her vision blurred. I will kill you! Luna actually fell away from Blight. Her black wings taking flight once more. Blight’s hooves releasing from her, and she saw Luna’s hind legs… jabbed right into her stomach. The princess kicking her away until both of them were freed from one another. Leaving Blight there to clutch her stomach. It hurts so much. She struck me so hard. So… this is how much they hate me. Won’t even listen to me. I did this to myself. I put myself in this mess. After all my mistakes. Yet this pain is nothing compared to it; the thoughts. That I really can’t do this. I am trying so hard to hold back. So hard to stop myself.

She looked up. Already feeling it. Her heart fell when she saw it. A spell burning before her. Such a bright Sun of billowing light. Where Celestia glared at her. No wonder. I can’t even feel my own magic anymore. I can’t control myself. I can’t… it hurts too much.

I can’t stop myself.

She couldn’t stop it. The spell struck her. Watching it fill her sight. Consuming the entire world. So much power. So much… she couldn’t even fly. Couldn’t even cast a spell. As her flesh burned. And I still can’t stop it. I still can’t. I don’t want to.

What is the point in a promise? …Not even mom kept her promise.

9.34
It was like Soulblight had truly disappeared. Taken away in a wash of light. Nothing left but to see that pony disappear into the clouds, blasted away by that spell. Lighting up the clouds in that intense, golden light. Such a powerful spell. The Sun itself coming to life. Even if it granted a brief moment of calm. A small glimpse into a more peaceful world even if the horizon burned. If the forest below was flooded in a sea of flames. It didn’t matter right now. For now, Luna could at least breathe. Like all her strength left her. Made her dizzy. She had to finally set down. Taking a place to land right among the hills. Clear of the flames which danced before her. Then all those flames flickered in the wind.

Light exploded across the sky. Seeping through the breaks in the red clouds. Torn apart with a rumbling explosion beyond it all. I can feel it. She stared up at the glowing sky. The Sun trying its best to peek through the cover. Such amazing magic. My sister’s. The pony who set down right next to her. Exhausted. Celestia could hardly breathe right. How much power she must have put into that. No wonder. Light trickling across the land. A thunderclap that broke the silence. Celestia’s spell destroying anything it touched. What relief it must be because Celestia actually fell to the ground. Terrifying to watch it. But all the blood dripping from her. The horrible burn. Luna had to look away. Seeing it again. I can’t believe that pony was able to do that.

I don’t get it. Even as the rippling explosion died down across the sky. The thought of it still hung on. I just don’t understand. A pony like Soulblight. I saw so much hate. So much power. The things that she said. So many times… I’m surprised we got out of it alive. Such a terrifying and powerful pony. Sometimes I even wonder if she is a pony. Until… I look into her eyes.

There is something in there. In those dead, dark eyes. I saw it. Something, and I couldn’t look away. Took me too long just to think to kick her away. And that is what is scaring me. I don’t know what is wrong with her. Because I looked into those eyes and I didn’t see hate. I didn’t see anything like what she has been. I saw something that I’ve seen before. So… I’m sad. I’m sad over this. I’m sad that that pony has been through so much only for it to end here. That she is so desperate for her friend. Longs for something out of it.

What have you been through?

I saw sadness in you. The same sadness I felt from you. A sadness so deep, it’s like there was no end. Will I ever find out what it is? …For now, Luna sighed. I’m so relieved. “Please… may this be over.”

“Luna…” Celestia whispered. Met with a gaze that was less than happy. No, Celestia was afraid. The worry never left. It all came back. “We don’t have much time.” “What do you mean?” She can’t possibly mean that…

“Soulblight is immortal! We can blast her all we want and nothing will happen. We need to figure something out now! And what are you girls doing here, still?” Celestia asked the six ponies. All of them startled from their hilltop. Well away from all of this.

She’s immortal? There’s no possible way. We can’t hurt her? So… what does that mean? Nothing more could have destroyed that hope. Nothing. Luna could barely even move. Even if Soulblight wasn’t here, that feeling of dread was upon her. Stabbing deep into her. She felt it in her bones. Stronger than ever. True terror. I saw sadness in her. I saw pain. I never knew a pony like her could even feel that way. Because I’m not even sure if she is a pony anymore. What are you?

I want to run away. Yet she could not take her frozen eyes off the sky. Somewhere up there. She’s there. She’s there and I don’t even know what to do. “Sister…” Luna muttered. “At this point, we may need Twilight and her friends. Anything. Because I don’t think we can handle this anymore.”

“There’s something we can do. I don’t want to risk anypony else against a monster like this. I can’t lose any other pony!” Celestia yelled. “She took Soul’s parents from her. No! I can’t lose anymore. I will destroy her my…” she stopped. Luna stopped.

I feel it.

9.35
The Moon was bright. So bright, Luna turned away. That red orb burned into her eyes. She could see it under her closed lids. The brief glimpse she got of it. That light that seared her eyes. From the Moon which hung in the sky. A red circle of the night. And all she could feel was the breeze dancing through her mane. A cold breeze. Howling over the crackle of the fires raging across the forest. She opened her eyes. The flames danced. Flickering and fading. Every way she turned, like the flames all died off. Trickling down to nothing under the heavy breeze that almost made Luna fall. She couldn’t fall. No way, not when she looked up to see it once more. The sight that haunted her.

Her Moon burned like a star in the sky. It bled. Bleeding onto the land below. So bright. Nothing was left to hide that horrific thing done to it. The clouds disappeared. Cast away in the winds. The Moon that I love so much. My beloved. I never want to see you this way. Educed to nothing more than an empty hole of darkness that no longer lit the night in its warm light. Nothing more than a chill. I can feel it. True fear. The Moon glowed like the Sun but this sight made it so cold. The pony that flew before it so high in the sky. A dark shadow in the wake of that red orb. She really is alive. And this…

Luna gasped. Something slithered across her hoof. Finding the ashes of grass floating upon her. Caught in the wind. Hot ash… before it cooled to dust. So cold to the touch. Chilled under Luna’s own icy breath. The cold chill across her. It made her shiver. Going right through her. It made the air so thick. The entire world felt like it held still. The air couldn’t even move.

This magic. This power.

Lightning cracked across the sky. Streaking across the pony up there. Where the wind left the sky cloudless. Not a single star could shine up there.

What is she doing?

9.36
Should I care anymore? Looking down upon this world. All the trees reduced to ash. A sea of black amidst an endless landscape drenched in red. The vast town of Ponyville sprawled out across the horizon. So many ponies in that town who don’t know my turmoil. Nor could these ponies before me care. High in this sky, Soulblight only could call the chilling touch along her skin her true companion now. The icy air. The lightning that struck down from around her. This was all that was left, the only comfort left. My stomach hurts. She didn’t even bother to tend to it. Right where Luna had kicked so hard into it. Because the pain is nothing compared to what I feel in my heart. It’s exactly like I’ve always remembered it. Like I really wanted to forget. But no, of course it torments me again. And I am so sick and tired of always feeling this way. Sick and tired of being alone!

Soul wanted to leave me. I convinced her to stay. Now you all truly want to take her from me. I knew it from the start. A pony like me! I could never be a part of your world. None of you would care. So why keep a promise? Soulblight laughed out into the sky. Lightning shocked the world above her. Seeing it trickle through the air. The entire heavens splitting apart before me. Hahaha! Oh… so pleasant. Enough to make her run her hooves over her sides. All the power that I love. The one thing that always gave me comfort. Even after I failed so long ago.

“I may have lost everything before, but not again. This world knows the pain that it inflicted on me. And it knows that I will never take it again.”

I left that scar upon the world.

What is the point in keeping a promise? Why should I give for ponies who never give for me? All my life, all I’ve ever known was that I don’t belong. I never had a purpose. I don’t even have a cutie mark to show for a purpose. All these ponies and their petty little lives and being so content. Never knowing true suffering. But so quick to put down one who does. Just like before. Celestia and Luna are no different.

Every pony is no different.

“The world only got such a nice Soulblight from me. And what did it get me?” Nothing. Nothing but the void. Left with the memories of the pain. The only thing that I ever knew. It all just led to the one thing that gave me a sense of belonging. The only pony who would ever love me. I do not care anymore! No!

“It will not happen again.”

Blight took to the skies. Flying so high over this terrible place. It will all end, one way or another. They will take her from me. All of them! Hahahaha! Rainbow Dash’s feigned love. What a joke! She cast you out, Soul. Just like I was. We are the only ponies for one another. You were the one I searched for all my life. And when the dust settles, we can be the family you always wanted. I will give you everything. All I ask for… is you. No more pain. No more longing. No more chances at rejection again. This world cast you out. It cast me out. The hate that it has, raging. Just like the sky around her that glowed brighter. Under the red Moon. Over a world that doesn’t deserve. No. “And the entire world will see just what I will do for you. I’ll do it again. Show you, Soul. Show you just like I once showed her.”

She watched the lightning run wild around her. The darkness burning across her own fur. As the world brightened. A glow of starlight. It even felt so much hotter now. Watch me, Soul. Watch what I’ll do to be rid of all the pain. Aren’t you proud of me?! Aren’t you proud of all I’ve done for us? I’ll end it! I’ll end all the misery!

“Hahahahahaha!”

9.37
A new star lit the night.

9.38
Never in my life… have I felt anything like this before. It kept the world still. Just as still as it kept Luna. There was no way to blame it. I’ve never been so terrified. The wind went quiet. Not a single tree dared to stir. Ashen smoke rising from a dead forest and the smoke even seemed to melt away. Nothing could exist in the sky above where the lightning criss-crossed and burned holes to blacken the red night. It’s getting hard to breathe. Why? Is it because I am afraid or from the skies and the world almost suffering under the tormentful sight above? Soulblight was nowhere to be seen up there. Not even the Moon was left. Nothing could exist up there under that burning gaze that grew across horizon. Redder than the Moon itself. All from the power that she witnessed. A power that finally made Luna take a step back. She saw her sister do the same. Both of them facing this together. Their hooves softly crunching onto the ground where the soil seemed to melt. Dust shaken from the ground, clouding everything around them. Only to be burned away.

All that… is a spell?

The largest spell I’ve ever seen. One that rose tall over the Moon until it was completely shrouded in fire. Red flames burning. An entire sea of fire looming down on them all. Was that a fireball or… is the sky actually on fire?

How can one pony have so much magic? What even is she? Luna looked to her sister. Celestia didn’t take her eyes off the sight above. She had no answer. Just fear in her wide eyes. She knows just as much as I do that that spell is meant for us. This pony is really going to do it. Can we even stop her? “Sister, …maybe we should just let her stay. I don’t know what else we can do to stop her” Luna said, though she wasn’t sure if she believed herself. What can I say? I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m tired. I’m hungry. I’m in pain and no longer know if we can keep up with a pony like this. I don’t think any of us can. Not when facing this.

Lightning crackled all across that spell. Rushing down upon the forest, she heard the bolts tear apart the land. Spiderwebbing and burning the forest and everything in their paths. She could feel the heat from it. A spell that powerful… by Equestria! Luna glanced back. Back to Ponyville.

That can destroy the entire town!

“Soulblight! No! Don’t do this, you have to stop!” Luna screamed out. Hearing her own voice echo. That was her only response. That star only burned brighter. “We can’t stop her” she heard Celestia whisper. “There has to be a way. I… I can’t allow anymore harm. I don’t know anymore.” That made Luna stare at her. Met with tears in Celestia’s eyes. “I just don’t know what to do, sister.” That’s the first time I’ve ever seen my sister at a loss. I don’t even know. What can I say?

It should have never gone this far.

“Twilight Sparkle!” Luna called out to the ponies standing over hills. I don’t care anymore. No matter what risk there is. “We need you and your friends. We can all stop this together!”

We have to stop her.

9.39
Rainbow Dash looked to Twilight and then to the princesses. The entire land glowed red hot now. She saw the dust floating before her. The fire in the air. All from Soulblight. She wouldn’t do this. Blight helped me with Soul. I thought she… she had the same idea as me. We could all be friends. I want to trust her. I really want to. Dash could only see the true fear in Luna’s eyes over there. Like all the blue in those beautiful eyes had been ripped away. The princess’ wings even shivered. Just like Dash’s. Then she saw it. Celestia turned to face them all. The princess was actually crying.

No way.

What kind of spell is this? What kind of magic? I can’t stop shivering. Rainbow’s legs shook everytime lightning so violently ripped through the sky. Flames tearing out from the sea of red above. Like fire that would fall upon the world. It’s like the Sun itself was up there. Burning the clouds away. Sending the trees in a flurry now. Rainbow’s mane flew wildly. All of their manes did, making them all cry out. Such a powerful spell. I don’t think this is something that is meant to make the princesses listen anymore.

This is not about Soul anymore. I wish you were here with me now, Soul. I wish. Because I need something to give me hope. Right now, because I’m about to start freaking out. I don’t want to believe it. Soulblight wouldn’t do this. We…

We have to do something. “Twilight?” Dash whispered. Looking at the back of the alicorn’s head. “Maybe we can talk to her. She helped me so… I think we can still find a way to just stop all this. There has to be something we can do. …Twilight?”

I don’t want to believe it. I won’t. Blight showed me everything. She brought Soul and I back together. She loves Soul. I know she does. She would not have done all those things for Soul if she didn’t. She’s… she’s a friend. So what is it that is holding me back? Why can’t I shake this fear? I try to flap my wings and nothing is happening. I’d go up there and stop her. There has to be some way. I won’t accept this. Anypony who helps Soul is a good pony in my eyes. We can do something. “Twilight?”

The pony slowly turned back to Dash. Looking at her from under her purple mane. Where her tears shimmered in the red light. Her mouth was still. Twilight said not a single word.

9.40
“Such nostalgia to see the world like this” Blight listened to herself hiss. “I could even call it beautiful. What else could be more gorgeous?” An entire land, as far as she could see, with its rolling hills and titanic mountains. Once green grasslands and the quiet of a lovely town beneath the gaze of a castle beyond. All turned to red. Where no light could shine except for that blinding glow above her very horn. To cover the sky. Blot out the Moon. I can’t be stopped. My own power has gotten rid of the very sights that all this land loves. Now… now all they can see is what I would do, my true desire. And how I would love to make it real.

Even if it is beautiful, …it only hurt. Something about it, looking up to the spell; the star that she held atop her horn. Which was the only thing left to exist over this land. Where no sky could remain. Such a mighty power like this, it only brings it all back. To know just why I have to do this. “Oh, how I wish it could have been different. How I wish I could be different.”

Celestia. Luna. Rainbow Dash. Everypony else. I see them all as such charmingly unique ponies. Such creatures I’d never expect to encounter in my life. Ambitions, talents, loves, and knowledge as much as any other that I once knew. Days long past, yet it’s like they have returned. Is that why I feel this way? Because… it’s like everything is being repeated. No matter how different they may look… “You all are no different from them.”

“You would choose to hate and fear me. To shun something like me. Not even listen or care. Just focusing only on the small things that your own deluded minds have devised about me. You focus on the mistakes I’ve made in the past. Never wanting to see what I am now. Well… what I am now, I can be the same as I used to be.” Blight laughed. “For all of you! If you treat me like this, how can I trust you all to treat Soul any better?”

“No! I can’t trust them. I can never trust anypony. It’s like an endless spiral… ahhhh!” Blight clutched her head, closing her eyes. Only seeing the red burning through her lids. “It never will leave. It will never change. I am who I am. A pony to be feared. A monster. Like everypony has ever called me. When all I wish to do is protect those I love.”

She could see the air chill in front of her. Lightning rippled all along the blazing fireball. Tearing apart the landscape wherever those bolts struck. Leaving nothing in their wakes. I have the power to protect the one I love. I couldn’t do it before, but I can do it now.

Blight smiled.

“Hahahaha! Yes! I have all the power in the world. All of it for her!” She held her head up high. Watching that massive spell almost rise higher over the land. It roared and echoed across the mountains beyond where the trees toppled under such horrible winds. Even the rooftops of the town shook free of debris. All she heard afterwards were the cries of countless ponies. Pathetic creatures who cower only after they make their mistake. They choose weakness now. I will not. Never again. The power, the strength to change things. To finally be happy. “Oh… it’s almost like ecstasy!” Blight licked her lips. Saliva trickling down her chin. “I’m so happy to know that I will finally do something right! This is who I am!”

Soul Serenity made a wish. She wanted a pony to be there for her, to protect her and love her, to never turn their back on her. A pony who can give her the sense that she never had before. Lost forever and trampled on. The idea destroyed for her. All the hardships I’ve seen her go through and all the pain. I never want her to feel alone or frightened again. Frightened of a world that would hurt her. “But I can give it to you. Soul Serenity…” Blight flapped all her wings, holding her hooves out to the world. Almost bathing in the light of such unimaginable magic. Yet she wouldn’t close her eyes. Even as she stared into the blinding light of a sun that she held, gripped by her horn. “I will be your family. We can be a family together. And when it’s all over, …no more pain.”

“I failed to do it long ago. I can do it now.”

“And now…” Blight curled her hooves. Holding her wings high above her. All the magic howled in a chorus with her. Wind churning the entire sky around her. Seas of ash sent flying across the land below. Celestia, Luna, all those ponies. They all stood there. Helpless animals. All that was left of this sadness. I will rid it forever.

The entire world around her lit up.

“I shall end this sad chapter of our lives!”

9.41
It was as if everything just stopped. A deafening roar, ringing endlessly. A light that made the world hold still before Luna. It all stopped. For just a second. Though it felt like ages. To watch the heavens split and run from that immense blast of light unlike anything before. Where no sun or star could hope to outshine it, making Luna turn away. That didn’t help. She could still see the sunspots burned into her sight. Clutching her ears. The sound never went away. All she could do was nearly collapse upon what was left of the ashen grass. Grass that scattered into the wind. Making even her own wings and fur go wild. Her mane flipped over her face.

She couldn’t scream. Or am I? Can I just not hear myself anymore?

I don’t even know what’s going on anymore. She looked up, spotting the six young ponies over the hill. They looked like they were screaming. I can’t hear them. Can only watch them all almost be blown away in the wind. Tears flying from none other than Twilight. Can she feel it too? Does she know what I know?

This magic… I don’t think we can stop it.

No matter what she did, that gnawing dread still simmered along her back. Such power. Such frightening power. And it’s coming for us. I saw it. That spell. …She’s sending it at us. Soulblight wants… to kill us. So much power to stop us. We have to… Luna shivered. Watching her own breath turn to ice before her. Shining specks that flew into the air. She couldn’t take her eyes off them. They flew before her and on to the many homes past the hills.

Ponyville.

She’s going to destroy everything.

This power isn’t meant for us. It’s meant for everything. And we… we can’t leave it. “She has us trapped.” She couldn’t hear herself speak, only reading the words in her head. I get it now. Even as she looked to her sister, Celestia looked towards her with her eyes wide open, I see we both know this. Celestia’s mouth moved. I can’t hear you. But I know.

We have to stop this.

We have to stop…

Luna found the courage to turn back around. To look up once more to the sky that no longer existed. Swallowed whole in the inferno of a mighty sun. I hurt to look at, yet so hard to take her eyes off it. The air opened up before it. Red fire that burned away the sky. Making wind slam into her face, the trees bent and collapsed under it all. So much power that pushed down on her and it all came for her. Whatever this spell was, this immense ball of fire that covered the skies, it was moving. Moving towards us all. I never wanted to dream of facing something like this, and now that I am, I can’t even stop crying. But the tears turned to vapor before her eyes. I’m not in pain. I’m not sad or afraid.

I hate to admit… I don’t know what to do.

There’s nothing left we can do except for one final act. I can still feel my legs shaking and my stomach hurting. I am so tired, so exhausted, but I can’t back down. One last thing I need to do. I never got the chance to apologize to Equestria for all I’ve done. May this be enough. Watch me… stand for all of you. Her horn glowed. White hot light burned the land next to her. Celestia followed her lead. All we can do. And when it’s over…

I hope I can sleep.

9.42
It’s too hard to watch this. Never did I imagine waking up today to see any of this. I should be able to see all my friends happy. Instead, all Twilight could do was shake her head. To accept the horrible reality before her. There was no way to hide it. And I think the princesses know just as much as I do. Yet they aren’t stopping. Because they want to see us all happy too. So much so that both of the alicorns, standing tall atop the hills, let loose twin rays of light. Blue and white. Arcing through the sky. Burning brilliant light across the land. Such a ferocity she rarely saw from either princess. Right for the sea of fire that came down upon them all.

They aren’t afraid to try. Twilight dug her hoof deep into the dirt. Clenching her teeth. She held both her wings up at her sides. Because those wings knew what needed to be done.

I can’t trust anything that Soulblight told me. I never expected it to lead to this. Maybe… I was a fool to trust Soul.

It all led to this.

She had to find the courage to wipe the tears away and accept the feeling deep inside. The feeling to do something right. Something only I can try. For my friends and for everypony else. She looked back at all five of them. Rainbow Dash. Flutteshy. Applejack. Pinkie. Rarity. They all stared up at the same thing. Like none of them could believe any of this. And none of them could tell what was coming. “Twilight… I reckon we grab the princesses and teleport on out of here” Applejack said, she really didn’t know.

We can’t run. Twilight felt her magic coursing through her veins. Such a warm feeling that ran along her horn. I was a fool to trust her. I have to help correct this. Do anything to stop it. Because… if I don’t try…

“There’s nowhere we can go where we will be safe” Twilight whispered the harsh truth. Peering out from under her ruined mane. To look up to that monstrosity in the sky. How it roared and tore the world apart around it. Right when those twin beams struck into it. Echoing a deathly howl. It pierced her ears. Only to see both princesses almost collapse. Barely able to keep their spells up. Nothing changed. I need to step in.

“All our time here, you girls did so much to help me. I need to ask you all right now, don’t try and help this time. Guess this can be a chance for me to pay you all back, huh?” None of them could get a word out. I won’t let them try and stop me. This is my fault for not stopping Soul. Twilight flapped her wings. Shooting off from the hill. Only hearing the cry of Dash behind her. “Twilight!”

Her hooves struck the dirt. Raising her horn to the sky. She peered up at that sky of flames. To see it come closer. Right down at her. Under it’s gaze. I can almost feel my own fur burning. Yet her breath came out as ice. Such horrible magic. Everything lit in the glow of her own magic. Purple light swirling around her. Her wings fluttered. Wind in a cyclone before her very eyes. Tearing what remained of the grass away. Turned to dust inside her own magic. Everything I have. I do this for everypony in my life. As long as I still stand, I will fight. “No more being the nice pony. I’ll stop you, Soulblight.”

She raised her wings high. Glaring up at the spell that came down at her. Like it all turned purple in the light of her own magic. Where leaves and dust filled the air. Striking her so hard. Such power she brought to bear, it’s almost too hard to stand now. But all three of us! She glanced. To see Celestia standing at her side. The other side. Luna right next to her. Standing with my own teacher once more and her sister. Fighting side by side. I’ve always dreamed of a chance like this. The magic of both sisters still holding strong at her sides. I’ll join you both with my own. She buried her hooves deep into the dirt. Such a huge weight upon her head. Butterflies in her stomach.

Let it all go.

9.43
Rainbow Dash stepped forward. Looking out from the hill. Down upon the sight of her friend below, alongside the princesses. Intense light of the starry night itself bursting out from Twilight. Her horn lit the land. Such a powerful beam of magic. Rainbow felt the force from here. Made her mane fly. What was left of the trees buckled. Sending a fierce wind across the hillside. That magic joined with those of the princesses. Striking home. That strike alone, it almost destroyed the magic from the princesses. Ripples coursing along the sea of flames above. It hit so hard… Dash flinched from the explosive sight.

Seeing Twilight go against that. Two mighty spells hitting one another.

Twilight is so powerful. She really is going to put her all into this. If only she didn’t need to. It only made Dash feel such sadness in her. I never wanted any of us to fight. When Soul came back, all I dreamed about was for the past to be gone forever. I wanted us all to have happy lives. After everything she and I went through, can’t we have that? I just don’t know what to feel anymore. Everything had been turned upside down. Soul is gone. Soulblight made it like I shouldn’t worry. She is the pony I trusted after what she did for Soul. And I can tell… “It was all a lie.” Wasn’t it?

She could tell the others were looking at her now. Heard her? Not even asking what it was she said. They wouldn’t understand. Because I felt I knew Blight a little better. She protected Soul. She did everything to bring her back to me. She even helped me find a way to make Soul smile again. And then she took her away.

A scream cried out in the air. She looked to see it. Twilight fell back on her legs. That’s not good. Her magic held firm. As strong as what the princesses tried to do. But…

They’re not gonna be able to do it. All their magic… none of it stopped the thing that came down upon them all. Whatever it was that Soulblight had done, that spell that roared over them all, it kept coming.

Soulblight really is this powerful? A pony like this is the one who was with Soul all this time. No wonder Soul came out of that. No wonder I got to see her again. All because of a pony who wants to kill us all. And that’s not the same pony that I know. Not from when I met her the other night. I know she didn’t want us to get in her way, but… I’ve never been one to listen. Especially now. Time to pull a Twilight.

“Sorry guys.”

Thunder cracked behind her. Her wings struck the air. Leaving them behind. Twilight can do all she wants down there trying to stop this. They all can do whatever they want, I don’t care anymore. But it’s time I stop sitting around and do something. Soul is my best friend and the pony I love. I won’t let it all disappear. Blight will give her back to me and she will stop. She has to. Because she would not have done anything like this on the day I met her. I think she would want us all to be friends. I wanted to be her friend.

Rainbow took to the sky. Flying up at none other… than that massive fireball. Never thought I’d fly at a bunch of fire like this before. Things sure have gotten crazy. That’s how it always was when you were around, Soul. Flying into crazy skies and weather that many pegasi like us wouldn’t fly in. We’d still do it… for each other. I only wish I could fly like this with you right now. Instead, she flew alone. High into the sky where the air became so hot under the light of that spell. Leaving behind a powerful thundercrack from her own wings that rang in her head. Somewhere above this is the pony who is doing this. And I’ll do this for a chance for me to fly with Soul again. I think I have to do this. No matter what happens. It’s better than standing around and waiting. I did that for twelve years.

It was starting to actually get really hot. Getting even harder to keep her eyes open. They began to burn, staring up at that sun that came in. She stared down with it. Glaring at it. The winds got worse. I can barely hear anything. Popping and crackling in her ears. Her fur burned. None of that could stop her wings. Flying high into a cloudless sky. Zipping in and then she turned.

Dash flew under that spell. Far below it, couldn’t even get any closer. It was getting too hard to stand the heat. Just gotta keep going. Not many ponies would do this. Though not many would be in this situation. Put myself in it for letting Blight try and do this all on her own. I’m tired of doing that. I need to be just like I was as a kid. I need to stand with the ponies who need me. Even if it is a pony like Blight. That drove her to keep flying. Faster and faster. Till her ears popped so hard that it hurt. Farther and farther. How far to fly? Until she couldn’t even see Ponyville anymore under her. All the ashen grasslands were gone. Flying over the coursing rivers that simmered under the fireball above.

I think I see what Twilight meant. Blight, how can you do this? I need to stop you. Somewhere up there, I’ll come to you. She didn’t need to look up. Only waiting until the heat died off a little, which felt like forever. That was when she soared up… right into the open skies. Where no flames were left. Flying high. As fast as when I raced Soul. Up into the clouds. Over the blazing sphere that she looked down upon… to see it burning through the sky. Covering the land below her. Till she couldn’t see anything else but fire. Like it grew. Thundering so loudly. Lightning dancing all along it. I don’t think fighting can make a difference. Not against this. Please… try to keep going as long as you can, Twilight.

Rainbow spun over what was left of the clouds. Coming back down and looking out upon Equestria below her. The horror that it showed. The rumbling spell tearing down across the sky and upon the land far below. Ponyville. Canterlot. All of the land as far as she could see… lit in the light of fire. Up here, the red Moon could no longer shine down on it all. Buried under the power of that spell. “Wow… I never thought I’d see something like this.” I trained for high-flying all my life. To look down on the entire world. And now, all I can see is something truly horrible. The land I love, all of Equestria, under the power of a magic unlike anything else. I should be up here, racing and having fun with ponies that I love. Feeling the thrill and joy I always get when I do. Not feeling fear.

The fur on the back of Rainbow’s neck stood up under her mane. She let out a sigh. Gently flapping her wings, floating back into the clouds just a little. She didn’t need to see to know what it was. Up here in the sky that I love. Alone with… her. Dash spun around.

9.44
Four huge wings flapped before her. The flesh hanging from them all swayed so gently in the breeze. They made Dash flinch. Seeing such sharp spans slice the air in front of her. Razor edges. They could cut her in half, it looked like. Menacing wings all attacked to such a frail body. Where Dash found herself face to face with such a slender magenta-furred back where even the pony’s spine stuck out along it. She felt the wind run over her every time those wings flapped. Can even sense the air almost turn to shreds under how much force those wings beat them with. A violent thing from such a gentle looking pony. Soulblight’s tail flicked. Her ears seemed to fold back, like they faced towards Dash herself. Every move she made, so soft. An elegant pony who was able to do all of the horrors that both of them flew over. It’s like flying with Soul. Side by side with her. Even has her fur. Her mane. But none of her charm.

Dash gulped when she saw the mare turn. A small and slight turn of her head, just for Soulblight to peer back at her under her mane with one fiery eye. As wide as could be. Going right through Dash with that cold and empty stare. A red eye, burning brighter than before, but so dead. An endless hole. One you would get lost in. Almost go mad looking into it because it sure was hard to lock eyes with her. So hard to not want to fly away. Being up here alone with such a monstrous gaze upon you, one that makes you afraid. It tells just how stupid you’d be to try and confront it. I can’t believe the princesses actually fought against her. That Soul was able to be friends with this pony.

Soul, I don’t know how you do it. But you’re brave. Am I brave… or just stupid to try and fly with this pony? In the end, not like I have any other choice. I won’t back down. I wonder if she can tell that I’m afraid.

Blight didn’t even make a move. She just floated there, looking back with that one eye. Not even blinking. She didn’t have to do anything. She made it clear. “Have you come to stop me? Be the hero?” she hissed in such a hushed voice. So dark and deep. Not even like I remember it. It’s like a whole different pony. “Try and beat me? You aren’t the first… but perhaps you could be the last.” Blight smiled. Her eye blazed brighter. “Wouldn’t that be so fun? Ending up the same as any other who has tried to take my happiness. It must be with how many fools try to do it. Hehe, it’s funny. I expected you to be smarter than them.”

What a chilling pony. Just what kind of terrible thing is she saying? I don’t get it. This is not how she was before. Was it all a lie? It was…

“I want to know why you lied to me” Dash said. I am here to stop her. She’s right. Ha! But I can’t fight her and I know it. I’m so lost and confused. So desperate to just know why. Why has she done this? She took Soul away from me. She tried to kill my friends. She’s making us fight so hard just to stop her when… we shouldn’t even be fighting. “Soul is my friend. Just as much as she is yours. Why? Why are you going to take her from me? All she wants is for us all to be friends. She only wants all the pain from the past to just go away! Do you really think she wants this?”

“If you believe this pathetic pity party you are doing will work, save your breath” Blight turned away. Giving the back of her head to Dash. “I care not for what you all think about it. All I want is for Soul and I to be together. And what I am doing is getting rid of the past. She trusts me to be there for her, so I am. Ah… it feels so wonderful to actually have a pony rely on me. It’s been so long. Hahahahaha!”

“You lied to me” Dash said.

“Isn’t it right though?” Blight said. “You judge me for lying. Please, how else can I deliver on the thing I vowed to do for Soul? I am so tired of failing and failing over and over again. Failing the ponies that I need in my life. All I want is to make them happy… because then I can finally be happy. If I can just keep them, never lose them again. Of course I’d lie to you, I’d do anything… to keep ponies from taking the ones I love from me.”

Dash blinked. She fell back with a start. In that instant, looking right into the eyes of Soulblight. The pony floated in front of her. Face to face. She suddenly found herself almost touching noses with the pony who was so close. Looking right into her dead eyes. Feeling her icy breath chilling her face. “I don’t care what you want. Because you wouldn’t care about me. None of you would. Why else would you all want to take her from me?” Blight didn’t back away. Neither did Dash. Both of them didn’t give an inch away from one another. Dash staring into her eyes, Blight into hers. The way this pony is. The way she is talking. It’s like staring into death. Fear itself. Nopony should ever be put into this position. But I am. Here I am, all alone with this pony. I decided to do this. Not knowing what would happen. Not this.

I can’t believe the things I’m hearing.

What kind of terrible thoughts does this pony have? Is she insane? I’ve never heard a pony believe such hurtful things. Take Soul from her? I thought we were both trying to be there for Soul. It’s what I wanted. And Blight believes something else. She truly does. She’s even smiling about it. What pony smiles about horrible ideas like this?

“You think I’m crazy, don’t you?” Blight chuckled. “Out of my mind? Broken?” Dash didn’t say a word. Truth is, I do. But I don’t know if this is all truth. There’s something about this pony that just doesn’t add up. There’s something that is keeping me holding onto not giving up on her. Then again, …I kinda can’t give up on her. I don’t know how much longer Twilight can hold out down there.

9.45
“I’m confused” Dash actually said to her. That made Blight raise a brow. Even looking interested. She kept on smiling. So eager to hear. “I want to know… if it was all a lie. Back when you came to me the other night. I got the feeling that you and I wanted the same thing. Didn’t you want us all to get along after all these years? Twelve years after that terrible moment we all had to go through, can’t we leave it behind? Can’t we all be friends?”

“So easy for you to leave it behind.” The pain struck so hard. Almost stunning. Dash could barely even think not before her sight almost went black, only for it all come back. Still looking straight into the pony’s eyes. With so much pain exploding across her own wings. Making her yelp. Grinding her teeth at how bad it was. Seeing that darkness come over both of her wings. Neither of them could move, no matter how hard she tried. Nothing. Only forced to look at this pony. Nowhere to go. “Because you never have to worry about jackshit, huh?” Blight said. “Oh… my name is Rainbow Dash and I’m so lonely just because Soul isn’t with me right now. Even if I have all the friends and family I want. Woe is me for not having my beloved.”

What the hell? Dash may have heard that wrong but…

She sounds just like me. She has… my voice. How did she do that? But that’s not what I say. It stopped right there when Blight came back with that fierce voice right into her face. “Try living with that feeling for millenia! Before this land even was a thing! Forced to be alone with nothing left, only the most painful memories and knowing you failed yourself all that time. Only to find a pony you can actually respect and want to comfort because you can feel how she feels. I came to Soul to be the pony for her… but most importantly, I wanted her to be there for me. A pony like her, I only trust her to make me smile. And time and time again I was so weak to let her down! I almost lost her so many times!”

Dash wanted to scream. It was starting to get too hard to handle just how much her wings were hurting. Like they were both being squeezed. Twisted and pulled. Almost about to pop. Yet nothing that was being said escaped her. To feel alone for so long…

“I failed… so long ago. I failed a pony who was dear to me. And it ruined me. I refuse to ever let it happen again. No. I’d sooner rend you to pieces and annihilate your land than seeing it happen again. I will not lose her. You will not take her from me!”

Blight’s eyes… shimmered. “Like I lost mommy.” For just a brief moment… she spoke so softly. Just like her eyes, shining like sunlight. Fading away once more. For her to smile once more.

“Shall I rip your wings away? Leave you to fall to your death? Crying and screaming for your life. As I watch your land burn, every pony in it turned to ash before me. Hehehehe… none of you can stop me. No magic you have can hurt me. And as long as I go on, I will overpower anything you can hope to throw at me… as I did long ago. Long ago when I knew not to hold my feelings back. I shall never make that mistake again. Never be held back by useless promises that only take what I love from me. Because…”

Dash held her breath. Shaken. Watching Blight lean in close and brush her cheek against her own. Icy breath whispering into her ear. “Not even mom kept her promise to me.”

9.46
What horrible things have I just heard? Can ponies even say stuff like this? Such a terrible way to think. Such pain… she must be in.

“You really think we want to take Soul from you” Dash muttered to the pony next to her. Getting Blight to reel back to face her once more. “You think you can’t have a life with her. All this time… you wanted somepony there with you. You must have been so afraid when she started liking things here more and more. That you might not be accepted.”

“What is fear anymore?” Blight asked her. “I have no need of it. I take any fear that I am given and crush it. That is how I have survived even when so many ponies tried to get rid of me. I am normally so weak and just take it. Not anymore. I am not like that. And I can see that you are the one afraid.” “I am not afraid” Dash said.

I can’t be. Not when I remember the other day. “I am sad for you. To see you get so pathetic.”

“Bold of you to say. Hahaha! I see why Soul likes you. She never was one for cowardly ponies. Nopony seems to be. Perhaps that’s why I was rejected. I was weak before. Not anymore.”

I don’t regret saying this. “You are weak.” Rainbow looked deep into her eyes. How they didn’t move. Blight didn’t even move. Maybe not even breathing. She heard me right. “So damn weak to try and pull this stunt just to get Soul to stay with you. Even when she showed you that she would never abandon you. But you’re gonna let what happened to you long ago make you do this? Make you toss away the friendship you have? Because I will say one thing. I don’t think you are a pony who should be alone. Even after everything you’ve done… because I know this isn’t you.”

Fire laced across the sky. Flares of flames, bursting across the sea of death that came down upon the land below. Thunderous. Powerful. You could hear the trees and buildings and grasslands shredded away in the winds. All brought about by this pony. This pony who would not do this. She wouldn’t if she would just get it. “You’re not alone.”

You are Soulblight. A pony that I know is better than this. I’ve looked into your eyes before and saw something other than this. I saw love. I saw desire. I saw a joy that you really want to know. And, even looking in your eyes now, …I see it. Her eyes that burned bright in bloody flames. Webbing all along her eyes. A galaxy of fiery stars that roared and burst across space, trying to consume the shining darkness deep within. A red flame that clasped around the blackened suns of her eyes. Growing and burning. Eating away at it. But it was still there. I looked into eyes just like these.

When you hid behind another pony’s eyes. I wondered what it was that I felt when I did. But I see. I was never looking into Soul’s eyes. Those were your own. Her beautiful eyes still lingered. Not taken away by the flames around them.

“I will never be alone. Not when Soul is with me. I’d prefer it to only be her and I. Rid of the ponies who would split us apart. Take the life away that we wish for. I’ve waited so long. There will never be another moment when a pony that I love will abandon me” Soulblight whispered.

“You think she might abandon you? Soulblight, …how can you worry about that? Why would Soul ever abandon you, especially when… I’ve not abandoned you?” Dash wanted to reach out and touch her. Let her know for sure that everything will be alright. She needs to know. I understand it. I understand why she is saying all this. “I can never abandon you, not because you helped Soul. Let’s just forget about that right now. It’s just me and you. No Soul. Nothing for you to hide behind. I won’t abandon you because of the things you said and the stuff you did back at the party. …Not just the dance.”

Blight cocked her head. Her smile vanished. Are you in shock? Well it doesn’t take a genius.

“It wasn’t just the dance you and I shared at that party. You… that was you the entire party, wasn’t it?” Dash asked her. Though she knew the answer. Don’t say a word. “Every word that Soul spoke was your own. That was all your feelings. That was all the pain you went through and everything you wanted. You were the pony who played with us and had fun with us. Even the dance… was lovely. You told us all how hurt you were and you still had the courage to dance with me and be with me. How could I ever turn away a pony like you? I’d never want you to be left behind.”

“That was foolish of me to do. When I was so weak. Desperately clawing for affection and love from you ponies. It only showed me that you all just care for Soul. You’d never care for me!”

Rainbow shook her head. “Not true. Even if you were using Soul’s body, it was still you who said and did everything. It wasn’t that it was Soul that made me enjoy that night, it was the fun and feeling like we were friends that made it for me. You gave me that.” Believe what I say. I don’t want to abandon you, Soulblight. You’ve done too much. I’ve learned so much about you. The feelings I had for Soul at that party, they were meant for you. I love Soul, I do. But I can’t help but want you in my life as well. “I will still be your friend.”

“I do not need friends!” Blight flew back from her. “What have they ever done for me?! Nopony wanted to be my friend. They see how I am and learn the truth. I’m a mere monster to them all. A freak! After all I have done, your friends, your land, this world will do anything to get rid of me. I will not repeat it. I learned from my past to never let it get to that point. Because that is what took everything from me! Ahahahahahahaha!” Blight struck herself so hard with her own hoof. It made Dash flinch. Seeing her own blood go flying yet Blight never got rid of her smile. “Ahhh… Soulblight is such a stupid pony. Hahaha! Letting herself be taken advantage of.” Then she looked to Dash. …Tears.

A tear rolled down Blight’s cheek.

“I won’t let it. Never again!” What? Blight whispered. Such a soft and gentle voice. As if it made the air… warm. Soothing. She didn’t smile anymore. Not at all. She looked… afraid. “Please don’t take her from me. Please. I don’t want to remember the pain. I spent years forgetting it.” Right as her eyes burned bright. “I have crushed countless ponies who tried to hurt me. Destroyed ponies whose powers you all can only dream of. Ended all the suffering. Do not… ever… try me. I won’t give you that chance.”

Red light erupted before her. Where Dash stared into the blazing flames of a spell Blight brought to bare… upon Dash.

I am not afraid. I’m just sad. Sad that I failed. Failed to give us all a happy life. “All I wanted… was for you, Soul, all of us to be happy together” Rainbow whispered. “After the mistake I made twelve years ago, maybe I just wanted to do something right for us all. To be a friend for others. A good friend. I wanted… to be your friend.”

It’s all gone now. Lost in the light of blood that turned the world to an inferno. I’ll die here. Never see Soul again. And Equestria… Rainbow closed her eyes… and cried. Our dreams. They’re all gone.

“Forgive me, Soul. I couldn’t bring us all together. I really am the worst friend ever.”

Maybe… I’ll see you again. Someday. This is all… because of what I did to you long ago.

…Dash’s wings flapped. They didn’t hurt. How could they when they were free?

That soft voice spoke into her ear. The world dimmed once more. Everything was still.

“I’m so sorry.”

9.47
“Princess Luna!” Twilight could do nothing. Just watch the young princess collapse to the dirt. All that was left of her spell drifted away as nothing more than mist. She didn’t move. Her eyes closed. She fainted! And now… Twilight looked back up to the wall of flames. For just a moment. She screamed. Closing her eyes. It hurts. Her eyes burned. Just like her entire flesh felt like it was burning. No! No! Damn it! I was such a fool. What could I have done?

I can’t teleport us out of here. Nowhere is safe. I can’t stop it. She heard Celestia cry out. The last she saw her; the princess was being pushed back. So close to ending up like her sister. She can’t hold out much longer. No. I can’t do this on my own. Twilight’s ears split. Torn by the horrendous roar booming across the sky above. The wind slammed down into her. Trying its best to stop her. Taking all she had just to keep the spell up. It’s no good. I can’t stop it! “Twilight!”

She opened an eye, glancing over to Celestia. Doing all she could to keep herself from looking to the star above them. The princess looked to her. Her tears were all gone. Nothing but steam. She looked like… she was in horrible pain. All the blood had stopped dripping from that deep burn across her side. Those sad and destroyed wings, shadows of the beauty they had once been, lay limp at her sides. Defeated and broken. The princess could not last long. She looks so tired. So finished. The most pathetic look Twilight had ever seen on her. Red eyes that begged to cry tears, no longer able to shed them. Her spell flickered. Her legs buckling. Speaking such sorrowful words. “I’m so sorry.”

“This is all my fault!” Twilight screamed. “If only I had just come to you earlier about all this, we could have stopped this before it happened. I was stupid. I just thought… all she needed was a friend. But Soul brought all this. I just didn’t know.” I can’t even cry. My tears are gone. My legs feel so weak. Like so much weight was on her. Can’t even flap my wings. Can’t even think. All I know… is the fear. I failed them all. “I never wanted this to happen. Forgive me, my beloved friends!”

And Rainbow Dash fell before her.

Twilight almost lost control of her spell. Looking down upon the Pegasus, rubbing her own head from the fall she just had onto the dirt before Twilight. She didn’t say a word. Looked so lost. Just as lost as Twilight to see her here all of a sudden. Dash? Rainbow looked to her. As if she would say something. An empty gaze was all that came and such tiny specks that floated about the Pegasus. Twinkling of black starlight. They looked just like stars, lost in the haze of a dark mist. Dark mist?

“The only pony who failed them… is me” she heard the voice say next to her. Taking the chance to make one last look over to where Celestia was, finding the pony standing between her… and the princess. Stepping forth upon her magenta hooves. Like she joined both of them to stand before the fire. Celestia looked to her as well. Both of them stared at the figure between them. Soulblight.

She’s here with us. The pony who did all of this. Yet she did nothing more than slowly walk forth. Even under this incredible heat, the pony didn’t care. It did nothing to slow her gentle stride. Not even stopping her from staring up into the sky. Unharmed. Unstoppable. She can kill us all right here… and there’s nothing I can do to stop her. Twilight gritted her teeth. All this magic I have and I can’t… can’t even focus. All I can do is keep up the spell. But so what?

I can’t stop this spell. Even if I try and take Soulblight down… I’m sorry, my friends. I’ve never felt so defeated before. All the threats we have faced. All the desperate situations we had to fight. I always held on to hope. Is this… is this the first time I have lost my hope? Rainbow Dash. Twilight looked down to her. She even looked ashamed. Unsure of what was to happen. I don’t want to think of what will happen. Yet Twilight listened to the crackle in her ears. A droning echo. Where such black magic flowed across the ground. Seeping into it. Turning the dirt to deep night, and the sense of what it was. Such magical power. Soulblight. The pony stood tall, wrapped in that darkness. Staring at Twilight, her long horn coursing in sizzling lightning as red as her eyes. Can I even put up a shield? Would it stop her? I just…

“Twilight! We’re coming!” She heard Applejack call out. Are they charging her?! “No! Don’t get close to her!” Do not try and fight her. Somewhere behind me, my friends are coming right at us. They’ll be killed. I can’t! I can’t let this happen!

What’s the harm in letting go? Twilight saw her magic dim. Fade out till it disappeared. Leaving her horn free once more. Nothing left to stop the incoming star. But she turned to Soulblight. Her vision blurring. But she would not give in. I’ll stop her! I won’t let you kill my friends! Soulblight only turned away from her, looking back to the stars above.

“I’ll protect your world, Soul” she heard the pony whisper. “Even from myself.”

Twilight watched her world spin. Her legs turned to jelly. I’ll stop you…

And the sky became black.

9.48
I don’t know. I can’t understand why. Why is it that I feel this way? It’s endless. Even if I try so hard, I can’t shake it. I try so hard to fight back against it all. To keep the fears and the doubts away. But they never leave me. I am Soulblight. I vowed to protect Soul and give her back a life she will be happy with. What does that mean though? Is it a life that includes me? Can it include me? After what I have done and what I now see myself as, I don’t know anymore. Ever since… I saw them kiss, I just can’t escape this. All the happiness I felt with Soul, it’s fleeting. Running from me. Dying out all around me. Watching out at the sky above her. Watching the stars fall across the land. A brilliantly blue sky covered in a sea of twinkling stars. The dust that blossomed all across the night.

Where red once covered this land, all that remained was the blue of this starry sky. All that was left of that spell which died before her.

It faded and fled. Scattering across the horizon. Shooting stars bursting apart, never to be seen again. Leaving Blight able to finally relax the magic atop her horn. Now that the spell… was gone.

A spell I should have never used. So much power. I don’t know what is wrong with me. Why I do this. All it does is make them hate me. Is that why all of Soul’s friends are coming for me? She didn’t need to turn and look to know the others were running at her. An effort to save Twilight from me? I understand. Blight slowly blinked. Lowering her head. It took only one moment, then she heard their hoofsteps stop. A surprised yelp and those ponies were stopped behind her. Looking over her shoulder, past her long ponytail, finding Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy held there… not able to move at all in the darkness that kept their legs still. No more need for fighting. None at all.

Celestia collapsed next to her. Her eyes closed. Knocked out. Even Twilight; Blight heard the pony fall to the ground. Then she found herself surrounded by all three princesses. They’re all down. I stopped them. It even went quiet for once.

I stopped them. If only I had done it better. I should have never ever tried to do it this way. If I had known that my actions would cause this. All this. The forest lay in ruins before her. Charred spires. What was supposed to be trees. As far as she could see. Smoldering. Burned down. No tree could be seen. Nothing was out there in that landscape of smoke and ash under the cloudless sky. Everything burned away around what was left of these poor and innocent ponies that now lay broken and hurt around me. These ponies who came so close… to death. And I even threw away the promise I made. I was willing to turn my back on what Soul asked of me.

I can’t forgive myself.

I don’t know why it is I am remembering all this pain. Why I have done all this. And why I can’t shake it. My heart aches. And I can’t stop crying. There are no tears. Nothing is left in me. I know I want to cry, I can feel it. I hate feeling so sad and hurt. I hate myself. For taking it this far and for ignoring my beloved friend. The only pony who ever was there for me. I betrayed her.

I do… need to leave Soul behind.

9.49
What is the point in pursuing my desires? They only brought ruin. They almost made me destroy everything. I’m not even a pony anymore. No. I really am a monster. And that is what they will all think of me now. Even Soul. And that is what hurts the most. I ruined myself. For what? To be with Soul? I was willing to kill all her friends for it. Take her for myself?!

Of course, they’d never accept me.

She found herself looking to Rainbow Dash. The Pegasus that lay next to her. Dirt all over her, or was it ash? Soiling her lovely mane. Bloodshot in her eyes. The one pony left who truly looked to Blight, not with hate or fear. She was the pony here who gave me a chance. And I never even knew it. She gave me, of all ponies, a chance. Maybe she is meant to be the one for Soul. In every way. Ha! I should thank her. I really should.

She needs to be the one to take my place.

That was what she was meant to be. Because… “I have no place here anymore.”

“Soulblight?”

Oh Dash. You remind me a lot of Soul. So kind and caring. Strong. Talented and devoted. You are loyalty. More loyal than I can be. A pony like you is what Soul needs. Even if it hurts so much to admit that. “Soul deserves better.”

She ignored Dash. Turning her tail to her. Staring out across the ponies around her. None of them can fight. None of them can stop me. Yet they should have no reason to fear anymore. I’ll remove any fear and doubt the remains while I still can. There is one last spell I can do. One final thing. I strayed from what I intended to do. I can still feel the pain clawing at me. To go through loneliness again. It hurts. It hurts so much, but I need to do this because I am running out of time. I need to end it. You all should be happy. All I ask is one favor.

“I wanted to prove to all of you just what happened twelve years ago. May it bring you all peace in the end. And I hope for one thing out of it. Please… remember me as a pony… not a monster. That’s all I ask.”

Her horn glowed black. I will show you all what Soul and I did long ago. Don’t remember me as a killer. That’s not what I want to be.

Remember me as Soul’s friend.

Part 3 Solace - Act 10

10.1
Red.

All I see is red. Is that all that is left? In this deep darkness. Yet that light still shines in. It flowed in. A ceaseless stream inside an echoless darkness. Where no sound was left. It feels like it’s gone on forever. The last sight of that horrible moment. Surrounded in the bloody skies, where the dirt that I stood on even shed that color of pain. Only to look into those two eyes that hurt more than anything else. I still see them.

What happened to the world I once knew? It seemed so peaceful. A land that I once remembered to love. Where I could enjoy it with my most dearest friend. Looking forward to a life we can share together. One that I sought to have alongside another who has stuck by me for longer than any other.

She was loveable. She was kind and somepony I slowly began to look up to and even respect as my better. Even when she was at her weakest, I still regarded her as an amazing mare. One I’d be happy to share my entire life with. Such life and love in her eyes. Something that rose out of all the pain she told me about. Pain she assured me was gone. And yet it all became a lie. Her words still hang in my head. I can’t unhear them. And I fear what it is that it can lead to. But all that’s left is my thoughts… and this darkness split in red light. I feel nothing. Nothing touches my skin. All it is, is an ache in my heart. To know that she is somewhere out there in the deepest pain. To know that she is lying to herself. Sweet Soulblight. You are ruining yourself. And I can’t understand why it is you have decided to do all this. I can never understand the terrors and pain you must have gone through to become this.

It’s like you’re no longer the pony I once knew.

That land I knew. The pony I knew. It is all fading away. Will it ever come back?

10.2
What is this land I am in? What is this world becoming? I once felt safe and loved in the land I know. To feel nothing more. Only the memory of what I saw. Leaving an icy chill along me. What do I have to do to go back to that world I love? Where all seemed perfect. If only for a moment. So I can see what it is that I loved. To get a chance, one chance to see Blight again and let her know that everything she believes. All the fears and doubts she must have learned in her life, none of it is true. I want to go back. I want to leave this and find that world once more.

I… I don’t want to be here anymore. I don’t want to be helpless. I will not watch her destroy herself.

Soul opened her eyes.

10.3
Should that red world have left? Should things have gone back to normal? What is normal anymore?

To expect to see the world you love the moment you open your eyes. To be rid of the nightmare. Yet the nightmare follows you wherever you go. To think stuff of nightmares would be the darkness. Only to open your eyes and find that light shrouding the land and making your fears true. Nothing has changed. The pain. The fear. The sorrow and tears. They remain. One thing changed. Only one.

Soul looked out, not upon Equestria anymore.

She stood on all four. Keeping her wings tight to her. Protecting herself. Frozen, yellow eyes peering out upon a dead world.

She looked down across a desolate and unmoving landscape. Going on and on. Until the very edge of what she could see. Out into the radiant fogs blinding the world beyond it all. Shimmering red. The ground bled. An entire land of reddened rock. Far below and far into the unknown. For that was all it was. A still and empty land under the cloudless, red sky.

“What is this?” She stepped closer. Her hoof touched down… to nothing. Almost tripping forward. Catching herself just in time before… she would have fallen down the thing that made her scream. When she found herself standing so tall over that land below. Down there, where the spires of rocks and darkened, red pillars coiled and twisted around the great monument she stood atop. High up here. On the peak of a mountain.

Soul backed up. Her breath so frenzied. Looking back out at it all. Where nothing moved. It was all so flat and lifeless. A world that looked like it had ended. Cracks spiderwebbed all across it all. Not even the wind could exist out there. What is going on? What is this place? It took Soul a moment to notice… I can’t feel anything. Her fur didn’t move. Not a hair on her mane moved. Nothing touched against her skin. No wind. …It’s not hot. Or cold. Not feeling chill or heat against her. Nothing. The air felt heavy. Stagnant. Stale. It hurt to breathe. This sense of utter stillness and calm in the air. How can this be possible? Even all the way up here on a mountain, nothing.

And how did I get here anyway?!

“Where am I? Blight!” Soul looked up to the sky. Into the red void high above. An empty plane. As dreary as the land below. Everything is so quiet. So still. So empty. It made Soul lower her head. Retreat from it a little. This uncomfortable place. Where have I been sent to? First thing, I was looking at what had happened to Blight. And now this. What did she do? How can I…

Soul glanced behind her. Her heart skipped a beat.

“Find… her?”

10.4
There was something. Something that rose tall in the distance. Reaching for the sky just like this mountain that she stood on. Like so many other things reached up for. As she turned around. Staring out upon this. The countless mountains that dotted the horizon.

Wherever she looked. They were everywhere. Such a vast wall of them so far in the distance. Where the clouds found a home around their spires. Reaching far and wide over and sea of mountains that went left and right. Mountains to both her sides. As Soul stepped out closer to the ledge. Looking upon a sight. A sight that made her shiver. Mountains that circled around the distances. So many that rose around the one she stood on. Reaching towards the ones in the distance until they connected. A ring.

A ring of mountains. Around an empty, rocky land below.

Impossible.

There is no way I can be seeing this again. I know where this is. I know this place! It made her wings twitch. Like they were ready to try and take flight once more like they did so many countless times over these mountains. The haunting and chilling world that these wings knew so well. As much as she did. But…

Not one snowflake dropped.

“How can I be here?” This is the world I was banished to. But… nothing but red everywhere. From something so terrible. Above the land she looked out to, she craned her neck. Finding the red orb high in the sky. Blistering fire seeping across its face. Bright red to shine out among the red world it graced. The Sun itself. Such a rare thing to see in this world. Not a single cloud up there. No wind or nothing. I… I can’t even hear the thunder. No.

Something has happened to this place. It has changed just like Equestria did. Soulblight, what have you done?

I never wanted to return to this place. I never wanted to see it again. Leave the past behind. Get rid of it. Look forward to only a new life for ourselves in Equestria. How long have I been here? Why am I here?! I don’t know what kind of terrible things run through your mind; I have no idea why it is you have done all this. Send me away to this place to do whatever it is you think is right. But it is not what I want for us. I do not want you to be that way. I do not want you to be hurt.

Soul unfolded her wings.

And I will not sit back anymore!

10.5
Something hit the dirt behind her. Almost startling her. Catching the wisps of black that fluttered past her and faded into nothing. It made the fur on the back of her neck stand up. Her wings twitched. Not even able to make one flap of her wings before she had to turn around. Finding something she could not believe. A pony. Another one.

And another.

Soul stared down upon the ponies that lay across the ground before her. No way. Ponies that she knew.

None other than Rarity fell flat on her face, surrounded by what was left of the mist that floated away. Collapsing to the ground. Much like the others. “Oh… dear…” Rarity muttered. Glancing over to the ponies around her. Ones that Soul slowly looked across. It’s no way that they’re here! Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie? The four ponies that moved. Scrambling to get up off the ground onto wobbling legs. They all looked so weak. But they all looked okay and as real as could be. Even seeing their own breaths sending dust floating up from the dirt. They really are here? How did they all get here? And how…

Soul almost gasped. Spotting the other ponies. Laying back there. But only one moved. The one who moved made Soul’s eyes widen. Not able to believe she was here. Here in this empty and dead void, the brightest of colors from her rainbow mane, as she rolled up onto her stomach. Rubbing her head. Looking so confused. As if she had not even noticed Soul right across from her. Rainbow Dash…

And the princesses.

Celestia and Luna laid as quiet as fillies. Their eyes closed. Breathing gently. With their beautiful wings left to lay at their sides. Celestia’s wing almost covering up the final pony. The last one to recognize. Twilight. As silent and still as the other princesses. Where Rainbow Dash stood over all three, staring down upon them. Her ears fell when the Pegasus looked up to the bleak sky. A sky that should not exist in this world. For her to finally set eyes upon the land that Soul knew so well. They all are here in the world I was banished to. We are all together.

How?

Are they really here? Is this them? Maybe that was what made Soul bring her hoof back. Not daring to take a step forward. Only to watch all the ponies nearly crawl back onto their hooves. So exhausted. All of them shaking their heads. Rarity fell over once more. None of them seemed to notice. More gripped by what was surrounding all of them. No longer in Ponyville or Equestria. The terror they must be feeling to see this place. I know that feeling well. All except for one. When Rainbow Dash locked eyes with her.

A long pause across the empty air between them. Where no wind dared to blow.

10.6
She looks just as surprised as I am. As scared? Dash didn’t do a thing. The total shock of us meeting in this place. And I doubt she knows where we are. To be honest, I don’t know where we are. This world. It’s unreal. As unreal as all of them being here too. But here we are, together. Dash slowly began to realize that. She took a step. “Soul?”

Every step she took, like it showed more and more the truth behind it all. I’m not alone out here. All my friends are here. The ponies who accepted me. And the one pony who I could never leave behind. She came for me. Is this a dream? I don’t know. The joy that she could feel at knowing that Rainbow Dash was here, in front of her. The last time I saw her, she was bleeding and hurt. Couldn’t say a word before she disappeared. I get to see her again, and the joy that lit up across Dash’s face made it so worth it. To where Soul’s heart felt a little lighter. The fear that fell away from her. For her to be able to walk up.

It’s too hard to smile. No. I can’t smile. Like her face refused to. Not when she began to cry. Soul ran forth. Right for the pony that galloped for her. Dashie! Right when I felt so alone and scared, you came to me. Rushed for her. Soul could not even make a move before she was pushed to the ground, held in both of Dash’s forelegs. Carrying her to fall to the dirt with her where Dash lay on her. No longer alone. She is here. In this terrible world I never wanted to see again. I am happy she is here with me this time. Hugging Soul so tight. Burying her head deep into Soul’s chest where she felt the warm tears stream over her fur. “Soul. It is you!” Dash cried. “I was so afraid.” You were afraid? You have no idea how afraid I was. None of this needed to happen. But that’s okay. We are here for each other. Soul put her own hooves around Dash. Crying up to the red sky above her. Never alone again. I’ll not leave you again. You must have been so worried. I know I was.

“Rainbow, you have no idea how happy I am to see you” Soul whispered. Looking away from the sky and down at the pony who held her tight. Soul clutched her. Kneeling her head down to finally give a kiss to the mare’s soft mane. It felt like we’ve been apart for a long time. Not knowing what was happening. If you were okay. Waking up to this world. “I was afraid I might not see you again” Soul admitted. Especially after the last time I was here. “Thank you for coming for me.”

Dash giggled down there. Pulling a hoof up to wipe her face. Looking up to Soul with a smile. “I was scared of that too. I didn’t know if I’d get to see you again. Not after all that. Sweet Celestia…” Dash pushed her nose deep into Soul’s fur. “I’m so glad to see you. You’re okay. I had no idea what happened to you or where you went.” What even did happen to me? What even happened to the whole world?

Soul glanced and noticed the other four standing back, watching them. So confused. Though… they did look afraid. That’s right. We’re not alone. All of you are here. And that’s what is freaking me out. “How did all of you get here? I didn’t think this was a place you guys could find me at” Soul asked. Dash didn’t answer. She actually stared up at Soul. So puzzled. Did she even have anything to say? What’s wrong? “W-we don’t know how we got here” none other than Fluttershy said. “Where even is here?”

They don’t know? That was what made Soul sit up. Carrying Dash up in her legs, holding her against her chest. Something bad must have happened. I rarely see Dash this worried. She won’t even let me go. And her legs… she’s shaking. “What happened?”

“Soulblight attacked us” Applejack said.

10.7
What!? Soul looked to the Earth pony. That pony… had such a cold face. Even when she closed her eyes and lowered her head. Blight attacked you? But how can that be? No. “No, …she wouldn’t do that. What do you mean?” Soul looked to all of them. As those terrible words repeated in her head. Blight would never do that. Her and I are supposed to have a life together with all these ponies… except…

I don’t think that’s what she wants anymore. She doesn’t want to be a part of my world anymore.

The final sight of that magenta pony that stood in front of her. Her eyes burning brighter than any flame. Eating away what was left of her blackened eyes. Are these the same tears I had when she said that to me? Soul wiped a hoof over the tear that fell along her cheek. That I know what she really is? And now… she can’t be a part of my world?

Blight, what is it you are thinking? What can make you do this? It can’t be true. But not even Rainbow Dash said a word. None of them did. Their silence said it all. So she really is behind all of this.

Blight, please don’t do this.

No! “You’re lying” Soul accused them all. None of them even shuddered at that. “Blight is my best friend. She protected me and wanted to have a life with us. The only thing she wanted was to be with ponies who loved her. I know her. She would never…” Soul noticed Dash down below, the mare’s solemn eyes drifted away. A tiny tear shimmering in them. Not able to look Soul in the eyes anymore. So… is that why the princesses are all laying over there? Did Blight do that? “She couldn’t. I trust her.” Blight, I wanted us all to be friends. It’s what I wanted since we agreed to come back home. These are all ponies who would want to be your friends. All we had to do was prove my innocence. Then we can all live our lives together. Achieve our dreams. It’s what I always wanted. I never wanted to see you sad again. But you were. Even when we came so close to the dream I had, …you are still sad.

Blight, you think you have no place in my life anymore. You did what I feared you would do. Even when I believed you were happy. I can’t handle this! Blight would not do this. She would not cause all this. I… I…

Soul let her hooves go. Falling off from Rainbow Dash. As weak as she was.

What have I missed all this time? What do I need to do to free her from the pain of the past? I want to give her all, is it even enough? She means the world to me. I thought I knew her. Turns out I don’t know her well enough. Not enough to stop this from happening. So much that I now see how stupid I really am. Soulblight is unlike any pony I’ve ever met. She is unique. Facing feelings I can’t even imagine. All from a past that I can’t understand. She is so quiet. So reserved. Never tells me anything about what she wants. I assumed I knew what she wanted. I didn’t realize all her fears are still there. She is still that sad pony that I hurt back in the snow. Nothing has changed. Whatever happened to you, can I even help you?

Blight, what is it you want?

10.8
“Blight did not want to hurt any of you. How can she have attacked you?” Soul whispered.

“Well she did!” A voice struck her so hard. Almost made her reel back. So malicious. Somepony to be so angry, yet it was none of them. It took her a moment to realize it when it was Twilight who stumbled up onto her hooves. Panting so hard, spit dripping down from her open mouth as she stared to the dirt. She couldn’t even see the princess’ eyes under her mane. She still could sense it. The anger that almost glowed from the alicorn. Completely exhausted. Not able to stop her from raving. “I don’t know… what you were thinking, Soul. Bringing that monster to Equestria. Not telling us just how dangerous she is. I… I’ve never seen anything like it. Such a horrible beast… and you brought her here!” Twilight flipped her mane up, angrily glaring to Soul. Her hoof pointed to her. Those words that stabbed Soul through the heart. To call Blight a monster. A beast.

“How can…”

Soul was cut right off. “How can you even think you can let something like that live in Equestria!?” Twilight shouted. Leaving all the others in silence. As shocked as Soul was. “None of you even get it, do you?” Twilight looked across them all. Then back to Soul. Shaking her head. “She attacked us, tried to kill us… with a spell I’ve never seen before. We couldn’t even stop it. The only reason we are still alive is because Soulblight stopped it herself at the last minute!” “She is not happy!” Soul yelled. “She would not kill you. She is only confused and scared because she thinks she has no place in my life anymore!”

“Scared?!”

Twilight stepped forward. The princess didn’t even notice the other princesses leaning up, trying to get up as well. No. She stormed at Soul. I can’t understand why Twilight is like this. She came off as so nice before. What is wrong with her? Even planting her muzzle right into Soul’s face. I should be mad. Soul found it hard to try and be strong. Not against this ferocious alicorn who had come off as so sweet before. “I don’t think she is the scared pony you think she is. You don’t know what kind of power she used on us. But I felt it! I know what it could have done. Trust me!” Soul backed off. The princess looking back at the others.

“That spell would have destroyed all of Equestria!”

10.9
“Nopony should ever put that much magic into a spell. But she did it anyway and attacked us with it. I didn’t know what to do. There would have been no point in trying to escape. We all would have died. I tried my best to stop it, I was just too weak. Even if she stopped it herself, …she tried to destroy the entire land. Our home!” Twilight stabbed her hoof right into Soul’s chest. “You tell me she is confused and scared. She didn’t care for our home and the thousands of lives she would have wiped out the moment she sent that spell at us.”

None of them said a word. None of them even tried to fight against what was being said. Even Applejack nodded. Sweat beading down her face. Just like all the others. All of them stunned to learn what had almost happened. Soul saw that Celestia sat back there, her entire body shook. Destroyed all of Equestria? Blight wouldn’t want that. Come on, why are none of you saying anything? Why are… are all of you treating Blight like this? She’s my best friend. She… “She only wanted a home that she would be safe in. She wants to be with me. She is terrified of being apart and will do anything to stay with me. Back when we were banished together, she almost broke down because she thought I was going to leave her. She has never had a friend and has been alone for so long. You can’t treat her like she is some monster.” Soul stepped right into Twilight. Not even caring the alicorn’s horn pointed right into Soul’s own mane. Glaring at one another. Baring their teeth.

“And right now, she thinks that she has no place with us! She is still hurt after what happened to her long ago and the last thing she needs is to be treated like dirt! I asked her not to hurt anypony and she did just that. You should be grateful she didn’t want to go through with it. Not after all she’s gone through. I’d give her a second chance. Because I did give her one and she became such a beloved friend.”

“You knew she was this dangerous? Yet you still brought her!?” Twilight yelled. “Maybe I should have talked to the princesses earlier about you. To never give Soulblight the chance to have done all this. She is too powerful for us to stop. The entire land is in danger from her. If only we had kept you away, she would be gone as well.”

Twilight…? Soul held her breath. The alicorn stepped away. Leaving her purple tail as the last thing Soul saw of her. And I thought we were friends. So you want me to be banished? Now you want me gone? And you still are treating Blight this way. That made Soul stomp a hind leg into the dirt. Almost wanting to tackle the pony. She really wanted to. I don’t care if Blight almost killed you all… she still stopped herself. She can still be shown that she is not as bad off as she thinks. We can still be happy. But you want to write her off now? I won’t let that happen. “You heartless bitch” Soul whispered. Making Twilight stop. Stamping her hooves down.

“Hey now, Twilight…” Dash spoke up. “I think we may be jumping too fast into this.”

“Oh, no” Twilight said. Her voice so high. Almost laughing. Turning around, as if ready to charge at Soul. If she wants to fight me, I’ll fight. I’m not giving up on my best friend! “I want to hear what Soul has to say.” “I said you’re a bitch! You call yourself a princess of friendship, and you’re gonna give up on a pony who really needs help from us?”

“I really should banish you” Twilight growled. Walking back towards Soul once more. “Maybe I will and then my friends and the ponies I love can be safe again. I am The Princess of Friendship! But I still need to do whatever it takes to keep my friends safe.”

“The same for me” Soul said.

10.10
“Shut up!” Soul silenced herself. That voice even made Twilight stop. Both of them frozen from that echoing and booming command. What…? Soul couldn’t react before Luna stepped in between them both. Swiping her wing against Soul. It made her step back. Pushing Twilight away as well.

“Stop acting like fillies! Yes, the situation is dangerous but we should not start taking it out on each other! Soul has done nothing wrong. Turns out she never even was the one who killed those ponies long ago. So I’ll be damned if she is banished again, …Twilight.” Luna leaned in on the princess. Making Twilight look away. What? How does she know that… whatever, I don’t care about that right now. “I’m not going to give up on Blight” Soul said.

“You won’t be making any decisions right now” Luna said to her now. “We don’t even know what we are dealing with or what she is doing. She must have sent us here for a reason. We need to stop fighting and start finding a way out of here immediately.” One final flush of her wings and Luna walked away from them both. You are all acting like Blight is a threat. She isn’t! She may have been hiding a lot from me but I can still tell she is not lost. I almost gave up on her back in the snow. I didn’t in the end and it paid off. Why can’t we do it now? Why can’t all of you give her a second chance? “I want to find Blight” Luna said. “I don’t think she is up to any good.” That was enough to make Soul bite her lip. Really wanting to lash out at the princess. You come to defend me from Twilight and now you’re gonna keep insulting my best friend. I don’t care what she did to you all, she is not the beast you all think she is.

“Fine… you’re right” Twilight said. “I trust Soul. I still think we need to find a way to deal with Soulblight.”

“Enough!” Soul yelled out. I don’t care what you all say. She flared her nostrils. Wings ready to take flight. Held out so far at her sides. “You can be nice to me all you want, but I won’t listen to you all attack my best friend.” Maybe this will make you all listen. “None of you can even hope to stop her. You have no chance. I know how she can get when she feels threatened and scared. Pushing her into a corner, you’re going to all die if you don’t listen to me!” And that is the horrible truth. Blight is no different than she was before. Nothing has changed. She is still that ravenous pony who stood between me and the wolves. She will do anything to keep me with her. She does want to be with me… I just wish I knew why she thinks she can’t be with me. “She wants friends. Don’t push her away! Please, she is not the bad pony you think she is.”

“Well then…” Twilight whispered to her. Not at all pleased. “Maybe we can consider it if you do a better job at keeping that mangy animal on a shorter leash because I don’t want to risk all of Equestria again!”

10.11
“Will you all shut up!” Soul’s heart leapt as the darkness fell before her. A flurry of black, so quick and silent, she didn’t even notice her own feathers twitch in response. Not even sure what it was at first. A wall of darkness that stood between her and the others. Dirt fluttered around it. Swiped away by the stomp of a hoof and sent to fly with a gust let out from black feathers. Soul blinked. I can’t believe it. Soulblight?

The black pony. Truly was! Pulling her huge, black wings back in where Soul could see her yellow eyes gleaming out from among the darkness shining along her fur. “Seriously, you all are supposed to be friends and you can’t even be with each other for five seconds without arguing” Soulblight looked over her shoulder at Soul. She doesn’t look happy. She actually looked… worried. Soulblight letting out a breath. Looking right into her eyes. Those dragon eyes shining of yellow. Like those horrible eyes from before faded away in Soul’s head. To see her again. This is Blight. This is the pony I remember. As black as the void, eyes so warm, and a voice that almost soothed her just by being able to hear her once again. Those two beautiful feathered wings. I’m so happy to see them. I don’t know what that other pony was, but I’m so glad to see my pony. Even if Blight sounded angry, she didn’t scare Soul away. Leaving all the others silent. Staring upon this pony.

Blight treaded on hooves of black mist. Warping around the very dirt she stepped on. Coming a little closer to Soul. Like she wanted to say something. Her mouth moved. She only turned away. What is it? Blight’s eyes fell away. Instead speaking down to the soil. “But at least I was able to find you all. I can count myself lucky. Still, this is no time for us to be fighting.” Blight faced the rest of them. Making some of them jump upon seeing her face. I don’t understand what is going on. Blight, I have so many questions. “Who are you supposed to be?” Applejack asked. Not one of the questions Soul had in mind, yet her heart felt so uneasy. Uneasy because of the stinging thing that was said.

“You’re Soulblight!” Celestia spoke out. Stamping down on all four hooves. Just like her sister. Side by side, as Soul witnessed both sisters stand before Blight. Like they may pounce on her. They do know who she is. Oh no, and Blight isn’t saying a word. “What is it you want? Trying to finish the job?” Luna said. Leave her alone. This is Blight. The same Blight I’ve always known. You all shouldn’t be afraid of her. Can’t you see she is her old self? Soul took steps forward. I won’t let them hurt her. I don’t care. But Blight’s hoof came up. Facing back at Soul. It was the thing that stopped her. Why does she want me to stay back? “Blight, I can handle this” Soul insisted. “They don’t understand.”

“And neither do you” Blight said. Why would you say that!?

“She’s right, Soul. You don’t understand” Twilight jumped in at the side. Like a shield in front of the rest of the ponies. “You are Soulblight! I’m going to stop you right here. I’ll protect my friends!” The alicorn’s horn came down. The wind finally howled.

10.12
What? Was something supposed to happen? All was silent. Nothing made a move. As if all the others were frozen. With just Blight left there… staring at the horn that pointed towards her. She didn’t flinch. Soul put her hoof back down. What happened? She was going to attack her. Soul didn’t even have time to leap in. To push Twilight away. To stop whatever spell she was going to do. Yet no spell came, and Twilight stood there with her horn calm. Even when she gasped. Grunting and straining herself. As if she wanted something to happen. Something isn’t right. Did she… did she run out of magic or something?

Blight sighed. “Save your energy. In this place… you have no magic.”

“What!?” Twilight reeled her head back. Looking up to her horn. That quiet horn. “Blight, what did you do? What is this place?” Soul asked. None of this makes sense. “I want you to explain yourself, please.” This once, tell me what you are doing. I am tired of not knowing what is going through your head. Time to tell me.

“I knew you all would be mad at me. So I did what I did the last time I brought a pony into this place, I removed your powers. Your magic and your flying. I had to if I was going to do what needed to be done. No need to worry, I’ll give it all back when we’re done” Blight smiled at Soul.

Smiling like what she just said was normal. No way. Soul flapped her wings. Nothing happened. Not a single warp of air. As if nothing was even there. She saw Dash do the same. She got rid of our ability to fly? “How did you do that? Why?” Soul demanded. “When I have you ponies here, I can do whatever I please. Just listen to me, all of you” Blight said. So this is how you convinced Dash the other night. This place? Soul looked around. It can’t be. Is this where she showed Dash what happened?

“I only want to prove to you all what happened twelve years ago” Blight found herself saying to all the ponies staring at her. Twilight did not stop glaring. You could feel the anger in the air. Of course. The reason why we did all this. So she still wants to carry it out. I wish I knew what happened while I was gone. They all made you out like you did terrible things, and you are still here wanting to do this. You still want to show them all the truth… so we can have a life together. That made Soul smile. “She only wanted to protect me back then. We did not hurt anypony. Just please, listen to Blight… you’ll see she is a wonderful friend” Soul begged of them. I failed to convince them of what truly happened. I don’t care if they know I didn’t do it. I want them to see just how dear and loyal a friend Blight is. Maybe they will see she is good.

Blight giggled.

“Take it as my farewell to all of you.”

10.13
Why can’t I say anything?

“At least, I know Soul is safe to have her world back” Blight said. As if she didn’t just say what she did before. Like it was all okay. “I still just want to show you all one last thing before I go. If you’d be so kind. I only want to show you all what happened before… because I only would like to leave knowing that… none of you will hate me. It’s…” Blight sniffed. “A small comfort, all I can ask for.”

“Do you mean it? You are saying goodbye?” Twilight asked.

“You’ll leave Equestria in peace?” Celestia chimed in.

“I will. I know I couldn’t keep my promises before, but… this should at least be the one I keep. For Soul’s sake. All I want is her safety and happiness. This is the best way to be sure she’ll have that.” Soul shuddered. Because Blight didn’t even try to stop this. Didn’t try to fight. Not standing strong. The black pony wiped a hoof over her face. Her fur was damp. Soul saw the shimmering eyes the pony wore. Even if she smiled. Blight cried deeply. More tears already coming out. The others… did nothing.

“That is why I did this. I wanted to bring you all into Soul’s memories just like I did with Rainbow.” Soulblight stepped up to them all. Walking away from the only pony who was her friend. To stand in front of others who, just moments before, wanted her gone. Had nothing nice to say about her. Now, they didn’t seem to care about being so close to Blight. Is it because you all get your wish? “I wanted to…” Blight wiped her face again. “But something is wrong.”

The air became heavy.

“I… don’t know where we are. These are not Soul’s memories.”

“You brought us here, took away our magic. Now you don’t know where we are? You had better start explaining now” Twilight demanded.

“I wish I could. I really don’t know what happened. I don’t even have time to explain” Blight became more frantic. “Please just don’t be mad at me. I’ll try my best to make this all right. We just need to get moving now. Wherever this is, …it wasn’t me that did this. I can’t even imagine what can be out here. Let me take you all somewhere safe.” The pony walked past them all… her head hung low. Her ears down. Even the darkness around her slick, black coat seemed to fade. None of it was right.

10.14
Why is Blight giving up? This isn’t how I remember her. So she’s just going to walk away after saying all this terrible stuff and pretend it doesn’t hurt me. Or does she really think this is what I want? Really?! After all the years we spent together, she thinks she can just up and leave me. Give in to what these heartless princesses want. I never could have imagined it would be this way for her. I don’t want this for her. I may not know exactly what she wants, but… those are tears that I recognize. You are lying to yourself.

“Where do you think you’re going, Blight?” Soul shouted after her. Blight stopped. Standing between the others. These ponies who would rather have her leave. Get rid of my friend! I can’t believe you all. Soul ran up to them. Chasing after the black Pegasus. Rushing past each of them, Soul glanced… looking to the one pony who she felt so disappointed in. Rainbow Dash. I didn’t think you would not care. You’re better than this, Dashie. But I guess I can’t rely on you right now. I thought I could rely on all of you. I wish I knew what happened to make you all think this way about her. Whatever it is, it’s a lie. None of you know just how kind and sweet this pony is. I won’t let her do this. Soul was the only pony who came up to Blight. Standing with her. Even if the pony kept her tail to Soul. “Soul, we don’t have time to…”

“I can’t believe how much of an idiot you are” Soul shut Blight up. Where the air was once stale, it began to chill. Wind came in over Soul’s mane. Blowing along the misty mane of Blight. It made the pony stand up straight.

“You actually want to leave!?” Soul yelled. “How could you? Do you even care how I feel? After all we went through, you want to abandon me?”

“Soul, I…” Blight turned around. Met with the magenta hoof that smacked right against her face. Soul sent Blight reeling back. Spit flying out from her mouth. The black Pegasus held on to her cheek. That’s what you get. I hope it hurt. Because you’re hurting me so bad. “You’re just going to walk away and leave. Act like I don’t matter. I was hoping you were lying when you said you have no place in my life. But you really do think that. How selfish can you be? Do you even know how important you are to me? You saved my life! You were the friend I always wanted! I… I can’t go without you” Soul found herself crying. Even Blight still cried. From sadness… or the pain of being struck? I hope you feel my pain. “I’m done being the nice pony” Soul said. “You’ve lost your mind. You made it out like you were happy and wanted to be with me. That I could rely on you to be my friend forever. And now I see it was a lie. You never were happy. You hid it from me. You want to leave me.”

“I don’t want to leave you” Blight said.

“Then why are you?! Blight, you’re breaking my heart. You’re a pony I can’t go on without. I want to be there for you, as much as I want you there for me. Don’t leave me.”

Blight tapped her hoof to Soul’s. It got swept away. Didn’t stop her. “Soul, we can discuss this later. Right now…”

“Shut your stupid mouth. I’m not putting this off any longer. You will stay here and tell me what is wrong with you. I will not abandon you! Stop trying to abandon me. If this has anything to do with what the others said you did, so what? I don’t care. Don’t leave me! I need you” Soul cried. She cried. Blight bit into her lip. Shaking her head. Even through her teary eyes, she brought out that angry self of hers that Soul knew well. “You expect me to be able to live here with you, after all I’ve done? None of these ponies would want me here. You shouldn’t either. You have no idea what kind of danger you all are in with me around. You had better drop all notion that you need me.” Blight sniffed. She backed up. Crying. “Please, …if you know what’s good for you.”

Soul’s fur stood up. Her wings trembled. Chilly air flowing from her breath. She is so backwards. What we did together, does it even matter to her anymore? Is she so afraid of everything? She is willing to get rid of the friendship we had. Don’t do this to me. Don’t. She’s wrong. You’re all wrong! “You’re a liar. Nopony wants you gone. You’re such a wonderful pony. …Right everypony?” Soul looked back at them all.

Some of you got to play with Blight at the party. You all can tell it’s her, she’s just as sweet as she was before. She did everything she could to bring us all together. She is not our enemy. Blight is my best friend and she can be such a great friend to all of you. Even if she makes mistakes, so what? We all do. You can forgive her. All of you can. Soul looked across all their faces. Their silent faces. They looked to one another. But none of them set eyes on Blight. None of them helpled to lift Soul’s spirits. They all know it. They know Blight is a good pony. They know she can be a great friend. Give her a chance. Give her another chance, just like I did. It was worth it. It gave me the best friend ever. Please, …let her stay. Please…

Why are none of you saying anything?!

“Soul, …none of them want me” Blight whispered behind her. Whispering something so hurtful. I can’t believe you think that. It’s not true. “It’s best… for you to move on without me. Now that all of you know what I am. What I can do.” “I don’t want to” Soul muttered. “One of you has to agree with me. Don’t you see? Blight is the reason I was able to come back home. Don’t get rid of her. Any of you.” Soul pleaded of all of them. Any pony she turned towards, …they shied away. They all did. Luna. Celestia. The princesses bowed their heads. Even Twilight… she had pain in her face. She did not say a word. Only one pony left, and Soul came to her. Meeting eyes with none other than the one pony who got to see Blight like this. I expect the best from these ponies. They wanted to be my friends. They wanted me back home, happy. Please, just let me have this. I can’t be happy without Blight. None of it is worth it. I can’t part with her. So… please, Rainbow Dash. You should be able to see the pony that I love as well. See her for who she is. Don’t you?

She helped me feel love, now Dash… you make me cry. Cry when the rainbow-maned pony slowly closed her eyes. Gritting her teeth. She still… turned away.

So you all can only love me. You can’t love the pony that I love. Soul’s mouth went dry. She shivered. So cold. What is the use of going on if I lose one of the most important ponies to me? “You see, Soul? It’s best for me to go. We need to leave now” Blight said. Soul didn’t need to look. She heard the black Pegasus weeping. As hurt as I am.

“Well…” Soul spoke softly. “Maybe it will be best if I also leave too.” Of course, that’s the thing that makes them all stand up. Everypony shocked. They should be. I mean it. “What’s the point? Without Blight, I’d not be here. She deserves to be happy with me. Maybe she will be if I go with her.” You ponies really did help me get a taste of how wonderful it is to be home again. I got to see Dashie again. That’s something. There’s no point in going on though. Not without…

The only family I’ve ever had.

“I will leave. I will go with Blight.” I’ll leave it all behind. I’ll show Blight just how much she means to me. “You can’t!” Dash cried out. You can beg me all you want. My decision is final. I’m done. Wherever she goes, I’ll follow. I’ll never let her go.

“There’s no need for you to leave” Celestia stepped up. “Equestria is your home.”

“Well it’s Blight’s home as well. If she’s not allowed in it, then I’m not either” Soul shouted.

Soul yelped when two hooves grabbed hold of her shoulders. Twisting her around to face right into Blight’s golden eyes. The cold breath tore at her fur. Spat out without any holding back. “You will go on with your life. Forget about me. I am not a pony that can be allowed to live with you all. I never can!” Blight said the words… that made Soul cry. They made Blight cry.

The tears became ice.

10.15
A clang that rang out in her ears. It was what made Blight’s own breath turn to frost before Soul. Blight’s eyes came to life. Another clang.

Another.

What happened to the air? As Blight leaned away from Soul, not letting go of her. Both of them watching the air haze between them. Icy cold. Almost burning Soul’s nose. Burning her entire body when the wind came in. Oh my Celestia! It was so cold. Hooves freezing, standing atop dirt that chilled to frostbite. Then another clack of something striking across the sky. Their ears came up. Soul looked into Blight’s eyes. I… I’ve…

I’ve never seen her more afraid than now. Then Soul noticed it. I’m afraid too. As another clap struck her ears.

There’s something there. I can feel it. It made Blight gasp when the Pegasus looked to the sky behind Soul. Such horrible fear. I don’t know what it is yet I’m so scared. It made Blight’s legs go limp, her hooves letting go of Soul’s shoulders. For the pony to collapse onto her butt, staring at whatever it was. A tortured voice that made her ears twitch like they did to Soul’s.

“Never could I believe that I could become so weak again. To see the day I would give up so easily after all I’ve gone through.”

10.16
The Sun dimmed. Upon a world that darkened. Only a faint red left to bleed across the land. Faded to black under the shadow. Where Soul looked up, where they all looked up. Everypony around her under the shade of the darkened, red sky where the wind whispered. Carrying the icy chill of a deathly voice. Spoken from the heavens where that clap came from once more. Like a true darkness to grace them all. Pitch black across them all. The tiniest rays of red sunlight struggling to shine through the black wings that cut the sky above. Mighty wings flapping. To blot out the Sun. Where a figure came down from that very Sun.

“I must say, being able to break me into submission like this. Turning me into a spineless coward. Even after the terror I once knew and learned from. It must truly be quite a feat. You ponies really have made an impression on me.”

Two hooves clapped together once more. Red light shining over the figure. Floating down to them all. Black turned to red, bearing over them the sight of four wings beating. Wings sparkling in starlight. Glowing bright. The night sky birthed across this thing.

I recognize those wings.

“Soul…” she heard Blight whisper behind her. The most terrified voice. Soul didn’t look back. Not able to take her eyes off this thing that came down on them. It opened its eyes. Blood red eyes peering out from the darkness. Blight’s dragon eyes. The same eyes I’ve seen. The same…

Its hooves clapped. Magenta fur came together. Coming out from the shadows. Where freezing wind howled down from it. Soul backed up. Covering her face. Seeing all the others backing away. She saw Dash look to her. Just a moment. Such fear in her face. She feels it too.

“That weakness becomes my own. The shared sin of the past. Never to be repeated. And here it is… rearing its ugly head once more. When I am so close to finally knowing peace. For that is what we’ve always wanted. You ponies…”

It clapped its hooves. Grinning over them with gleaming fangs. Draped in the silver hair from a mane tipped in moonlight glow. Flowing so gently in the cold wind. Impossible. That mane. The eyes that those silver hairs covered. Prying through. Glaring upon them all. Sending that fur into a frenzy under the wind blown from those four huge wings. “And even you, Soul Serenity.”

The light shone over it. A pony Soul never wanted to see again. For no other pony could do this. Such fear, like it seeped from its body. Coursing around those wings and the horn atop its head. Where even the wind carried it. Frostbitten wind that ran from it. Those hooves were held out to Soul. Hooves from a mare unlike any other. The pony I saw before Blight sent me away. This… this is Soulblight?

The pony smiled. “Forget those mad ravings; embrace peace with me. We are both hated. We are both meant to stick together. …For that is our lifelong curse.”

Her hooves hit the ground. Joining them all. Soul looked up, looked up alongside all the others. Staring across the mountaintop. Under the gaze of the red Sun, that pony stood tall over there. The pony from before. The same frightening pony. Soulblight?

A shadow in this bloody world.

10.17
“You…?” Twilight said. She was the only pony here who made a move, to take a single step towards that pony. Not even able to do any more. Soul could see the princess shake so subtley. Pinned down by the billowing eyes of that pony. “You’re here?”

“In the flesh” the magenta pony said. “I couldn’t leave my…” she licked her lips. “Guests waiting. I’d be heartbroken if you all decided to leave before I could at least be able to have a nice chat. Is that not what you ponies spout on about? Talking things out before rash decisions are made.” Soul froze. Frozen when that pony looked to her. Glancing at her and then… the pony behind Soul. “And how very rushed of a decision for you two to argue over. Really, it should not be such a complicated decision.”

“You will stay out of this!” Came a voice, the only voice that would dare to be raised right now. When all the others were stunned in fear. It was Soulblight who stepped forth next to Soul. Her teeth glaring out from her black fur. “It is my decision alone to make.” “Indeed, it is my decision” the other pony spoke back. “And to have such an idea as abandoning my dearest Soul Serenity actually float around in my mind… oh…” the pony placed a hoof to her cheek, pouting. “How naughty of me to even think of harm towards myself. Would it not be better simply go with the better idea?”

“Soul can be mine. All mine.”

“She will never be yours!” Blight shouted. “I’ve made my decision and it is final!”

“Then you are truly lost!” Black mist erupted from that frightening pony. Fading into nothing. But the sound of eerie wind still echoed in the void of this world.

I am at a loss for words. What is happening here? Who is this pony? And… Blight, why are you talking like you know her? This… this is the same pony that you were. I know it’s the same pony. Because this is the same feeling I felt when you became this. I just don’t get it. Something about it made it even more frightening to her when the others spoke to this pony. Soul was helpless to see Celestia actually approach her. “You, …who are you, what have you done?” “Do you not recognize me?” the pony spoke in an instant. Tilting her head to Celestia. To all the other ponies. Her silver mane fell from her face to reveal both her fiery eyes. As bright as her fanged smile. “I literally brought you all to heel just moments ago. I am Soulblight.”

Blight?

“Don’t you dare listen to her!” Blight shouted at the princess. At all of them. Everypony looked between this magenta monstrosity and the black pony at Soul’s side who said “I am Soulblight.” “Why, thank you for agreeing with me” the other Blight said over there.

“We are not the same!”

10.18
“Blight, …” Soul looked over at the angry pony next to her. As if her own words were enough to calm Blight down. Such a worried pony was all that was left standing at her side. “Please, …what is going on? You’ve kept me in the dark for so long. What is it you have done?”

“Soul, whatever is said, do not believe a word she says. I promise you, those feelings will not harm you or your friends. I will see to it that you get the life you truly wanted. Not one that she wants for you.”

“Ahahahahaha! What absolute crap” the other pony laughed. She made everypony nearly whimper. Stepping back when… when she took a step forward. Even Soul felt a chill. A chill from seeing her get closer. Another step. Then everything in front of Soul turned black. A flurry of feathers, Soulblight jumped in front of her. A wall of darkness between her and that pony who approached. What is this? What are these two ponies doing? Soul looked past Blight. The others stepped away. That pony walked past them all. Giggling to herself. Her four wings outstretched. Such sharp spans that sliced the air and split it into midnight with the stars that twinkled over her wings. “Oh I intend to not speak any lies” she said. “Only the truth, one that Soul knows. She saw it in me. She saw it in… us.”

“Every… single… part of it was just my own mad ideas” Soulblight said back to her. “I never took into account the feelings of every other pony, as well as Soul’s. She loves this world and she loves these ponies. So I intend to make it that she gets what she wants.”

“The words you speak… are mere delusions. How quick you are to forget the pain we know. No amount of selfless giving or foolish denial of your own desires can change what has happened and how it makes us feel.” The other Blight shifted her fiery eyes. Looking right at Soul. “I will not lie to you, because I am the same as her. Except for one crucial part. I… do not hide who I am… hehehehe. And how much I want to keep you happy.” “How dare you” Blight said. She looked back over her shoulder. “Soul, I have not hidden my dreams for you. I want you to be happy and for your world to be safe. She wants the opposite. Not matter what, I would never let anything happen to you all. Because that is who I truly am.” “Lies…” the other magenta-furred pony said.

What kind of position am I in? Am I really here, watching two ponies who are named Soulblight try to convince me about themselves? They both want to keep me happy? This… this is never something I wanted for us. I never wanted to see Blight have to fight to try and convince me of what she wants to do. When she looked at me… she looked so desperate. That sad and broken mare that I saw in those eyes before she sent me away. Of a pony who has never truly felt happy, even when I thought she was. And this is all put on me. I remember when I had to race for my own right as a flyer back when I was a kid. Or getting into disagreements with Dash. Whatever happened to those times? To lead to a moment like this. Those times are nothing compared to now. I don’t even know what it is I should do. And I don’t even think I have a lot of time. Her fur stood up from the red lightning that suddenly shocked across the magenta pony’s wings. Her smile growing bigger.

“This world and all who are in it do not deserve your pity. They do not deserve our pity and we both know it. You brought everthing out to try and stop those ponies from taking your world away.”

“That was you!” Soulblight said.

“It was you!” The magenta one said. “Why else would you give in to the power you know you had? The power you shame yourself in having. That you try to hide. Yet it’s that same power that you once embraced to suppress all the pain. To get rid of anything that would deviously seek to harm you. The same you did to these… pathetic ponies!” The pony waved a hoof back at the others. They all gasped. “Hey, at least we are truly there for Soul” none other than Rainbow Dash spoke up.

“You do not even know!” That magenta pony stomped a hoof down. Like that was enough to send such a terrible wind over the mountain top. Dash’s mane went wild. Making them all shield their faces. “You all abandoned her, you all hated her. I am no fool. Rainbow Dash, you were the first to abandon her when she needed you. Then the princess. And even the entire Elements of Harmony when you all thought she was behind my own actions. My actions are my own, nopony else’s.”

“We did not hate her!” Twilight said.

“Then why did you seek to banish her again?” That Soulblight said. “I overheard everything. Lies from lying, filthy ponies. Which only proves why I did it all. Why…” she turned her head to Soul. “Why I am there for you, Soul. Ponies hate us. One small mistake and they are quick to harm us. Which is why we must stick together. Because it is a pain that we can not experience again. That is why she is lying to you, Soul.” The pony pointed her hoof to Soulblight. “She hides her true feelings and desires. Yet you know it to be true, just by looking into her eyes. You see the pain that lingers and it drives our want to be with you. We will do anything to keep you. Look into your heart, you know us by now. You know Soulblight. And you can trust that she wants what is best for you, and also what is best for her.”

10.19
“Blight” Soul whispered. I would much rather like to ignore everything that was told to me. Everything that I have seen. Pretend that it is all just some sort of joke. Just that we are all so fine and happy, that we are so close to having the life we wanted together with all our friends. That we are back to what I thought was the case when you and I first became friends. I can’t. Those days have all burned away. They couldn’t exist not when Soul found herself face to face with two ponies who both looked to her. Answering her saying their name with perked ears. One pony who is so familiar to me. And another who feels like she has always been here. Everything they say, they are both as real as one another. It’s so unfortunate. All of this could have been stopped so long ago. Except for one thing.

“Why did you never tell me just how hurt you truly were?”

I am done with this game Blight is playing. Right here, under this red Sun, the truth needs to be told. I have seen it too much. That little sparkle inside of Blight’s eyes. It always looks like some fading flame that begs for a warm place to finally know peace. And it’s a peace that is now revealed. Spoken by the words of that other pony who should not be the one that Soul thought she had known for so long, yet she became more of the same to the one pony she had called her friend. They both have the same pain. No matter how they chose to act out against it, the fact was that they both need something.

They need me.

The black Pegasus almost seemed to give up. Her shoulder slumped. She stared down at the dirt. Mouth open. She had nothing to say. Is it because the truth is now here, for all ponies to see? To see just what it was that Blight had done to herself. “You lied to me and only kept hurting yourself just to try and please me.” Such a foolish thing to do.

“So foolish, indeed” the magenta pony said. Laughing for a moment. She looked so proud of herself. “Yet so needed… it only inflamed the desire.” That line is what made the black Pegasus look up from the dirt. Some life brought back into her as tears welled in her eyes. Staring out into the empty sky. Like she was lost in herself. “To believe that only fostering Soul’s own love was the way of being strong. Well, …it only reminded me of the pain. Every… single… moment that I felt so forgotten and sad only brought out the pain. It is that pain that makes us strong. It… is what birthed our desire. To have a friend for ourselves, that none could dare to harm. It is that desire that I shall shepherd, when my weak self thinks she can just walk away from it.”

Soulblight cried. A tear came down upon her black fur. One that chilled the world.

Blight, …you tortured yourself for me? Is that what you thought would make things right? To forget about yourself.

“Hehehe… and she believed the right thing to do was to take everypony to Soul’s mind and clear things up before she just fades away from your lives. Oh, no… that shall not be. You all wonder where you are. I have taken you all to a place where I can be sure our truest desire can be reality. To my own memories.”

10.20
“That’s… enough” Soulblight said as she cried. Squeezing her eyes shut. Trying to get all the tears out. She even shook her head. To become so pathetic before Soul. She became that scared and helpless mare from long ago. The one who believed she was all alone back in that snowy wasteland. Under the gaze of everypony else. All of them silent. Maybe even mystified by everything. As Soul was the one who felt her heart almost break from the sight of this dear and beloved friend become nothing more than a hollow and sad filly. As all her pain seemed to weep away from her. Her voice cracked. A small squeak. “Please stop. Do not do it!” She sounded like she was begging. “Leave them alone. I only want what is best for everypony. Not just me.”

“I… I am not that kind of pony anymore. I’m… I’m… a good pony. I just want to feel loved. I’m not a monster.”

Wind whispered over them all. Everypony’s manes flowed so gently in it. Where Soul stared down at that trembling pony and then to the others. To Rainbow Dash who bowed her head. The princesses who almost retreated away from any sense of power or authority. As if they didn’t know what to do or say. For, indeed, what could be said? Soul had nothing. Nothing except for a burning longing to have that smiling mare in front of her again. All of it fading away into dust. Like the dirt that was picked up in the wind and carried off. Flurrying past the only pony who dared to smile. That creature that called herself Soulblight. Who was… Soulblight. With all the pain in her eyes and the fear in the air, she still could be the one to smile.

“Do not fear who you are. You still harbor that power and desire for happiness. All it takes is accepting that power. Rejecting yourself again will only lead to the same pain as before. We were once weak. But true ponies must be strong. Or else we stand to lose, …like we did with mom.”

Mom? Was that what was needed? The final thing to be said before Blight finally sobbed into her own hooves.

Blight, what happened to you long ago? What made you into this?

“And so the cycle reverts once more to the start” the other Soulblight said. Turning her back to Soul and Blight. Stepping away. Across from all the others, she glared upon them all. Soul could see, underneath her long, silver mane, the gleam of fangs amidst her smile. “Where ponies once tried to take from me before, so will the events repeat again. To cast off the weakness and become…” She stomped her hooves to the dirt. Face to face with all of them. Her wings raised high. A shadow over them all.

“Majesty.”

10.21
“Blight did lie to me. She lied this whole time about being alright and happy. She hid all her pain from me and came so close to destroying herself because of it. I am very upset with her for letting it all get to this point instead of coming to me when she needed help the most. The thing about it though, is she’s not the only one who lied.” Soul made both of those Soulblights turn to her. Yet there was only one that she wanted to know she was talking directly to. Because she is no majesty. “You say that you are what Blight is. But you’re wrong. You’re heartless and cruel. You make ponies do what you want just to keep yourself happy. And that is not what the Soulblight that I know does.”

The magenta pony flicked her ears. Those words were the thing that made her actually lose that smile.

“Blight protected me for twelve years. Even when I treated her badly, she was still there to keep me warm. Make sure I didn’t starve. And kept me safe against the unknown. She didn’t need to do it. She could have easily left and be done with me after how terribly I treated her. She still found a way to forgive me and made sure I had the chance to grow into the mare I am now. She has done more for me than any pony else has. She… she is like true family to me. Encouraging me all the way to be my best. Pushing me to get to the life that I want. She does more than most mothers do. And she didn’t need to do any of it. That is what makes her special. She is kind and generous, and she is not the monster you make her out to be. The only monster that exists is you.”

“Soul has always been the one pony I have cared about. Even before I wanted her to be my friend, …when I saw her as a sad and helpless filly, I didn’t want to leave her all alone. Something about her made me want to nurture her. Made me want her to grow up into a strong and independent mare who can achieve her dreams. It had nothing to do with me wanting her all for myself. I never wanted anypony else to be harmed. To me, the only one I wanted to suffer any type of hardship was myself.” Soulblight stood up on all four of her hooves. Even with tears streaming down, she found the strength to face the other pony. To be that strong mare she always was. That is just who she is.

“I am Soulblight, not you. I do not want harm for any other pony. I do not want to cause suffering and I am tired of suffering. All I want is for everypony to be happy. I will never be like you. I am not that pony at all.”

Soul took a step back. Slinking away from the black mist that coiled across the dirt. Coming over Soulblight. A flurry of magic that seeped out from her very fur. Making the wind howl as dust was kicked up. Soul watched the seas of dust and dirt flow across the landscape around them. Shrouding out the world. Getting stronger and stronger. All from a power as both Soulblights stared down one another. It was a truly electrifying feeling all along her skin. Like the lightning that crackled along the magenta pony’s body. “You are really quick to forget yourself” that pony said. “You believe yourself to be pure. As if all the pain inside of you isn’t real?”

“I do have pain, but it’s not enough to push me to do the things you do!”

“Then should I remind you of a little thought you had regarding Soul a while ago? Or perhaps Soul would be so interested in hearing it. It’s quite the tale that shows just how much you like to deny who you are” the other Soulblight laughed.

Interested in hearing? Soul turned to Blight. Now what is it this pony is going on about? Whatever it was… it left Blight with wide eyes. “You will do no such thing! That was all a mistake on my part and I have learned from it” she said. “But it’s a mistake that could have been quite messy, because even you agreed it was the best course of action. Anything to keep a hold of the only friend you could ever have. To keep away the pain so we may never know it again.”

“Blight” Soul whispered. “You can tell me. You should know by now that I am a pony you can talk to.” She should know that. Sometimes, it seems like she forgets. Often. As if it was a hard idea to do it now as Blight hesitated to say anything. At least, the Blight that Soul wanted to hear from. The other one was the pony who spoke. “Back in that snowy wasteland, Soul could never stop going on about how she was going to leave that place behind and go back to her old life. She was so persistent in getting out as soon as possible. Just wanting to forget everything. All the pain and suffering that her banishment brought out. She didn’t even seem like she wanted to be with me anymore. I was so afraid of her leaving me, so afraid that I’d have to repeat all the events of the past again… that I…”

“You will say nothing more!” Soulblight hissed. That black magic around her got even wilder. Stronger than even the howling dust storms coming over the world around them. She only made that other pony grin. “I was content with cutting Soul’s wings off just to keep her with me.”

“Damn you!” Blight faced back to Soul. “Soul, I was just upset. I didn’t know what you wanted. It doesn’t excuse my actions, but I decided against it. I am so glad I did. It was a moment of weakness and I learned from it. I would never want to harm you.”

“You really are trying so hard to deny yourself and let yourself fall right back into the pain of the past. But… maybe it is that pain that will remind you…” the magenta-furred Soulblight took to the air. All four wings beating so hard against the oncoming dust as it grew wilder one moment and then slowly began to fade beneath the reddened sky of the bloody Sun. Where that pony held her forelegs out wide at her sides. As if she presented the entire world to them all. A world that emerged from beneath that sea of dust.

“Remind you of the pony you truly are.”

The wind struck hard against them all.

10.22
Soul opened her eyes. What happened? Everything went dark for a moment, now she rubbed her eyes. It was all in a haze. Slowly piecing back together in the bloody red light upon this world. Where Soul held a hoof over her face, shielding from the blinding light of the Sun. From what was left of the dust that danced around them all. Something stood so tall before her in the foggy view beyond. Was it a mountain? There wasn’t a mountain right there before. Then another. And another. Massive, black spires that rose tall over the landscape. A landscape of black. Taken in what was the red hue of that horrible Sun. A Sun that was blotted out behind the spires. Struggling to shine through.

Was it just not knowing what they were at first? She didn’t know. But, as the fog faded and the dust settled, she started to see it. As the seconds passed, her heart began to sink and her eyes grew wider. Where a land of dirt and emptiness once stood between all the mountains. Where a dead void seemed to be all that could exist inside this mountain range where the peaks stood tall around it like lonely sentinels. Where Soul could look out and see a world that once lay covered in snow. The land she thought she knew. It all disappeared. Leaving a sight unlike any other.

There was no deserted land or snowy wasteland. There was… a city.

“Remember… who we are” that magenta-furred Soulblight whispered. Glaring down upon them all, her wings held high. As if proud to show this world behind her.

Countless buildings, taller than any others to be seen before. Rising so high into the heavens. Like they could touch it all up there. They had windows. Lines and lines of windows. Bristling black and shimmering of silver light along them all. From the closest one to the furthest, they were all beyond any other building to be seen before. Standing tall over a city that spread far and beyond, up to the end where the mountains rose tall above them in the distance. A sea of buildings. Like ants all across land. Ringed in black and red. Where Soul stood to look down upon it all, spotting what had to be trails… except they were laced in something grey… and huge. Running across the city. Everywhere. Along a city drenched in golden lights, silent structures. Things Soul couldn’t even know what they could be. I’ve never seen a place like this before. What they hell is all this? It’s like looking out on Cloudsdale again. The windswept cloud city cast in the shadows of the city’s great spires and columns that rose to the rainbows above. Can this city even be compared to that?

This one… was huge.

“Where are we!? What have you done?” Luna cried out. Drowned out in the magenta pony’s laugh.

Where are we? I want to know that too. Is there even a place like this in all of Equestria? I’ve never heard of such a city. One that was so silent, so empty. Nothing moved out there. Just a city. A dead one. Where a light would flicker out there. Nothing more. No, there was only one sound that could be heard.

I want to know what has happened. A land like this. Where did everything go? Where did this city come from? The mountain range. The crater. The empty desert. All gone. Burned away under this city. Endless questions. No answers. Soul could ask nothing. Not when she felt a pit in her stomach. Listening to none other… than a gentle whimper.

From Soulblight.

The black Pegasus sat next to her, staring out upon the same sight as all of them. A tear hit the ground. Blight? What is this place? I’m so afraid to ask her. Who could ask her when seeing a place like this? After everything that has happened. The whole world they once knew was now turned upside down. Something about it made Blight’s eyes… sparkle. Not from her tears. A glint of red burning deep inside. A truly horrible thing that even Soul could feel. A feeling of sorrow. It came over Soul. It came over them all.

Soul sat next to Blight. Atop the mountain, looking out with her upon what had been an empty world. A world that once was incredible. Filled with agony. I feel like… we’ve done this before. Long ago. Her and I. I had… this same feeling.

Blight…

“And in the end… the best thing to do… is to never give in again” the other Soulblight said. “Never be that submissive pony again. Leave behind the world that would rather see you gone. It never was hard for us to do.”

“Blight…?” Soul stared at the black pony. Please talk to me. Whatever is making you like this, it’s not real. Whatever horrible thoughts are going through your mind, they are lies. You are a better pony. There is no need to be afraid of anything. Not when I’m by your side. That was what made Soul offer a hoof to her. Leaning close. Because… there is nothing better I’d want from such a wonderful pony like you than a hug. Blight turned to her. Holding a hoof up. So many tears in her eyes. Looking like a poor filly. The same poor filly I remember from when she needed me before. Whatever happened to you, I will not abandon you. Let me hold you, and hold me. Like old times.

“Soul…?” Blight gave a hoof towards Soul. That’s it. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be sad. You were there for me a lot when I was a kid. Always wanting to help me feel better. Let me do the same for you right now. Everything will be okay. The past is the past. Things have changed. And from now on… “We are all here for you.”

“I’m sorry, Soul…”

Blight’s hoof fell away.

“I’m a horrible pony.”

10.23
Whatever was left of that strong Soulblight was now gone. Washed away in tears. Only a shadow of a mare was left. Left to cry into her own hooves in front of Soul. Not a word left. None as Soulblight fell to the ground and curled up into a ball. Holding herself in her wings. Soul didn’t know what to do anymore. How could anyone know? This place. Whatever happened, it made Blight like this. But that didn’t matter anymore. Blight cradled herself like a baby, flicking her black tail up over her like she was trying to hide herself. You couldn’t even hear her cries. Whimpering to herself. Becoming nothing more than a helpless child in the face of this horror. A horror that haunted the sky. Whatever this world was, it was enough to break even Blight, and that… that was what made Soul shed a tear.

Oh, Blight…

Soul took a step to her. Shied away by the fear. A fear gnawing at her, a fear of the unknown. This was not the same Blight I know. Please, bring her back to me. Get rid of all this tragedy and give me my best friend back. I don’t want her this way. How… how can I help her? It seems like nothing I do works. I’m all alone, facing this by myself. A thing that I can’t stop as a pony I care for is destroyed in front of me. It’s like… twelve years ago. I’m still that child who can’t protect the ones she loves. Not even from themselves. There’s nothing I can do against this.

Soul looked up, hearing the sound of gentle taps upon the soil. That pony landed among them all. Another tear struck the dirt. Falling between… that pony’s two magenta hooves. Not even a smile left on her. It captivated Soul. Looking into the fiery eyes of a monster… who cried. It’s funny. Looking into her eyes. Their colors and shapes. I’ve looked into these eyes before. It’s like staring into those same sad eyes as my Blight.

“The memory is always too intense.” The magenta Soulblight closed her eyes tight. Squeezing out tears. Her four wings twitched. “I try so hard to squash it down and forget it. Leave it in the past, yet… it always finds a way to come back. This memory has never left us. It can never be repeated again.” She opened her eyes. Still not able to smile. Her eyes burning brighter.

“We were once weak, but we must be strong.”

The pony took a step towards Soul and Blight. A step that made Soul jump… before a rush of feathers scared her for a moment. The clopping of hooves upon the dirt as dust was kicked up. Sent flying from a skidding stop by Rainbow Dash. The cyan Pegasus stood tall… in front of Soul and Blight.

Dash held her wings out. Soul stared at her tail, but could still sense the intensity Dash must have had upon her face. Her legs didn’t even shake. She didn’t give in. Rainbow stood firm. A wall between Soul and that creature. How brave she really is. “I won’t let you hurt them. Leave Soul and Blight alone!” Rainbow? The Pegasus glanced back at Soul. She managed to smile at them both. “I’m here for both of you” she whispered to Soul.

Dashie, thank you so much. And… I’ll do the same. Soul stood up. I’ll stand with you. This monster will leave my beloved Soulblight alone.

“And so…” that dark pony muttered under her tears. “I shall snuff out that memory forever.”

10.24
Rainbow disappeared before Soul. Hearing only her screams, and Soul could only watch. Seeing that Pegasus be lifted into the air above her. Dangling down, her hooves reaching back for Soul. Held aloft by her own tail where a shroud of black took it. “Rainbow!” Too high up for Soul to even grab her. Her wings flapped. …Nothing. But Soul kept trying so hard to beat the air. Not wanting to accept she could do nothing but see this beloved pony frantically flailing to free herself. Flapping her own wings to no avail.

“Let go of her!” Shouted all the other ponies.

It all happened in a flash. Dash was there, then she wasn’t. A blur of rainbows across the air. Rainbow was thrown… thrown right into the ponies who had just tried to run for the other Soulblight. Tossing them aside like leaves. Dash cried out in pain, landing right on her head amidst them all. Applejack and Rarity fell over onto her. Tripping. Pinkie laid on the ground, under Dash. Rubbing her head. But Twilight was the one who stepped in front of them all. Somehow able… to be enraged. “I’ve heard enough. You will not torment anymore ponies!”

“I torment none” Soulblight cried. Raising her four great wings. “But I will expunge the ones who torment me. And the day I have sought for will finally be mine.”

Her tears were carried into the wind, ripped away from her in a shroud of burning, red magic and billowing lightning all across her body that made the earth shake. Rocks floating around her before turned to dust in her magic. As if the moutaintop began to burn under her hooves when she turned around to face all those ponies. Leaving her rear to Soul, left to look away from that horrific pony and down to the Blight who cried beneath Soul’s hooves.

Soulblight…

10.25
This is not you!

“You leave them all alone!” Soul leaned forward. Wanting to charge the pony. You will not hurt anypony because my Soulblight would never do that! Soul fell to the dirt, face first. Slamming down into the dust with her wings frantically flapping and her legs crawling across the ground, only to go nowhere. She felt it tugging her back there, glancing over her shoulder to find it was her own tail that was being held back. Clamped to the ground by a plume of black mist. Damn it! “Do not hurt my friends!” Soul ground her hoof into the dirt. Trying so hard to pull herself forward. That magic kept her held back. Much stronger now, pulling her butt right into the ground. “You monster, I will never be your friend!”

“Is that how you think?” That Soulblight asked. Then a cry almost made Soul’s heart sink. Coming from the black Pegasus curled up next to her. “I’m sorry! Please don’t hate me!” She wailed. Blight? I could never hate you. “I thought I was your friend, Soul” that horrible magenta pony said, placing a hoof to her chest. Like she was shocked. Maybe she was. Tears streamed down her cheeks. What is wrong with this pony? What the hell is happening? Just leave my friends alone and stop tormenting Blight. “My friend is Soulblight. She is the pony I care for. Not you!”

“But I am Soulblight. We are one in the same. I don’t understand if you care for me or hate me?” The magenta pony raised her hoof a little more, wiping her tears off. Daring to say such a thing. You are not Soulblight. You never will be. I can never care for a pony as horrible as you. Whatever you are. Soul opened her mouth to say just that… it never came.

“This is all your faults!” That Soulblight shouted, turning her head… to all the others. Even crying while having that vicious look on her face. Soul was frozen in fear. No, don’t hurt them. This is between me and you.

“I know!” the magenta pony said. “Soul needs ponies that can protect her and always be there for her. So… whoever is stronger…” she pointed her hoof at all of them. Even making them all shake on their hooves. “Is the one who can be with her. For that…”

Her eyes glowed brighter. Running red raw from her crying and the magic that coiled around her. Such a heavy feeling in the air. “You all can have your magic back.” That Soulblight craned her neck. Staring into the sky. She almost… cackled. Such fleeting tears fading away from her and into the dying wind. Disappearing just like her laughter which she strained so hard to make. Almost in pain. Who could laugh with such sadness on their faces? She found a way to. Until she stamped her hoof into the dirt, back hunched up. Glaring upon all the ponies. With that city behind her. The empty air of the wasteland behind the others. All of them… face to face. And Soul could do nothing.

I never thought it’d get to this point. They’re all going… to die.

10.26
“Soul.”

She glanced over. Finding only one pony turned away from Soulblight. To stare at her with a smile. Even though she stood there next to everypony else in the face of this monster, Rainbow was still able to be her cheerful self. As if trying to make it that everything will be alright. Exactly like she used to do as a kid. The one pony to stand by Soul’s side. To make her feel like things will not be as bad as she thought. Always with that smile. That confidence. She had it all now. Never able to stop being herself. Even now. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you for all those years. I am serious when I say that I regret everything. You really are strong and amazing to be able to make it this far. So we can be together again. You don’t need to worry anymore. Let us handle everything. You don’t need to fear anything. Not when we are with you. Because we are your friends. And I love you.” Dash gave her one last smile. Her eyes turned away. Side by side with all the others. True courage in her eyes. A feeling that all those ponies shared.

Dash. Twilight. Fluttershy. Rarity. Applejack. Pinkie. Luna. Celestia.

…They are all here for me?

I only wish that I could have been the one to fix this all. It should be me. It made Soul whisper. “I should be the one who deals with this. I was stupid and let Blight go on feeling this way. You all don’t need to do this. Just let me deal with her.” A tear hit the ground beneath Soul.

“I will go with her if it means saving all of you.”

To bring an end to this twelve-year nightmare.

“You’ve done so much already” a soft voice spoke. So soft and gentle. Spoken from the only pony who could shed a tear with Soul. Even all this was enough to make Twilight cry. Crying over her smile. The air wafted around the princess. Like steam that billowed from the ground. Her fur standing up. Her mane fluttering, alongside everypony else next to her. Standing tall with them all. Everypony here able to show such courage after everything, and Twilight became the strongest of them all. Stepping out ahead of them all. To face the monster. Leading them all against this pain and terror. Though none of them showed that terror, and Twilight’s words, …she meant them.

“You don’t need to be alone anymore. You still have friends you can count on. And we will never leave you to face the past on your own. Because you deserve your happiness.” The princess glanced to the black Pegasus.

“You… and her.”

10.27
“You claim to be her friend” the magenta pony hissed. “You say you care about her happiness.” The air around her split open in an instant. Cut red by the jolt of lightning that echoed across the pony’s fur. With every word she spoke, the air got colder. Thicker with the blistering red shining from her own body. Sending the dirt into vapor. She held her wings out higher. “But you were the one who wanted to banish her again. You are the one who questioned Soul’s kind heart. None of you believed in her.”

“I always believed in her. I made the mistake of not trusting her when I was a kid, but not anymore. Soul is still that same pony I’ve always known” Rainbow Dash said. She locked a hoof with Twilight. The air flickering around them.

All six of them locked hooves. With their manes softly swaying in this gentle breeze that was enough to hold them high. As Soul watched them all… float together over the seared moutaintop where the golden wind swept across it all. A plume of light that burned brighter than any star. What are they doing?

“I did question her” Twilight said in the middle of them all, her horn glowing much brighter than the gold shrouding them all. “But now I see the truth… and I forgive her. I only hope she can forgive me. But that’s not something I can worry about right now.” A gust of wind struck down beneath them all. Sending the dirt up into the light. It all burned to ash within. Turned to glistening flames. A starry sky within the wall of light. Ever so bright. Soul shielded her eyes. Amazing. What is this? She looked down between her own hooves. Where she could even see… the air. The air shimmering in gold. Like a river that flowed around her. What kind of magic is this? She looked back up at them all.

To the six ponies together.

Luna and Celestia stepped forth below them. Side by side. Their horns burning. All together, they all showed it. Determination. “The only thing that matters now is getting rid of you” Celestia said.

That light burned so bright. The wasteland beyond disappeared in it. Everything behind those ponies vanished in a sea of magic. Where the only thing that could exist in it all… were those very ponies.

This magic. Incredible…

“Lies!” The other Soulblight stomped her hoof to the ground. As if her word alone made it happen, the ground around her ruptured. A crack ripping through under her. Torn open in the explosion of red flames around that pony. A blast of light. Soul yelped. Leaning away when that billowing heat struck her. And the whole world behind Soulblight became blood. A world under the dark, red Sun. As red as the magic around her. Rising to the heavens. Lashing out and striking against the gold light from the others. Like a clash between them all. “You are all lying. I will not believe you. Not after what all you ponies have done to me. No! You would never forgive her. Not for her mistakes… not for mine. This world… never has any place for pariahs.” The pony shed tears. Tears that landed under her to be scorched away in a hail of lightning.

Red lightning flashed across the mountaintop. A criss-cross around the pony. Burning away the rocks. Making Soul’s ears ring. A frightening sight to see so much lightning so close. Spiraling all around the pony.

“We are the ones here for Soul” Rainbow Dash shouted.

“And we have the power to stop you. We will do this for Soul” Celestia said.

“To end… this nightmare” Twilight closed her eyes. Her horn glowed white hot.

Is this the real power of my friends?

10.28
“Ahahahahahahaha!” Soulblight grinned, baring her fangs. Even while crying, she still forced that smile. The magenta pony hunched her back. Her wings held out like scythes. Where the lightning lit up the night sky within those wings. The sight that came was enough to make Soul’s heart stop; the sight of that pony bringing her horn down to face the others. Her head low. Grinning at them all. And lightning arced up along her horn. Such a thunderous sound. “You are all so foolish and so lost! And it shall be your end. My weaknesses are gone. There are no more promises to hold me back. No more fear. Ha! No more fear! None when I am finished here. I have suffered for too long. But that suffering gives me the power to protect Soul. You will not take her from me!”

That Soulblight actually sniffled. Her voice spoke… but not from her. “Please don’t leave me, Soul” a small whisper came. It came from the pony who lay next to Soul. Where the black Pegasus pulled her mane in front of her. Hidden under her wings. She cried. Cried just like the other Soulblight.

“Don’t hurt me anymore.”

Blight? A crack of thunder rang out, making Soul shoot a look back at it all. Thunder… and then silence. Where the world hung still for a moment. Shrouded in the red and gold that split the world between Soulblight… and the ponies who stood as Soul’s friends. Coming out from it all: Blight’s gentle voice. Speaking through her tears, through her black feathers. “Please… love me… too.”

“Like mom once did” the other Blight said.

“I will not lose it again.”

10.29
She had never seen a sight like this. Two unbelievable powers at once… before her. Swirling and clashing. Such magic that they all had. I never could have guessed that Dashie and her friends had this. That they could be so powerful together. Such strength when alone. But together… their light shining as bright as that of the other Soulblight. There was wind. She could feel it over her. Such a warming touch. But there was nothing left to hear. The entire world gone silent. To peer out upon this still and desolate world where no sound could exist, cast in the shadows of the massive towers only to be burned away in the light of these ponies. It was almost… beautiful.

Dash told me I could rely on these ponies. That I can trust them. Even if they got angry at me, I still see it. They really are all doing this for me. Dashie never lied to me. The cyan Pegasus was even up there, floating alongside the rest. Giving a small glance to Soul. As if she knew. She must have. Dash winked at Soul. Like a little sign to say that there was nothing left to worry about. That this entire nightmare was over. We will get rid of this terror and bring back a world that we can all be hopeful for. And at the end of it all, I’ll be there for Blight. She will never need to feel this way again. She treated me as her family. It’s time for me to do the same. Maybe that is it. I really do mean that much to her? So much that… the monstrous fears took over. Even if I can’t do anything now, I can still smile. Because I’ll be there to help you in the end. Our friends stand with us and I stand with you. To end this horror. Just like Dash and I did long ago. Together, we can do anything. And they are all doing the same.

Soul looked up to them all.

“You have no right to take Soul away. You are not there for her. You have proven it, that you only are there for yourself. That is how you’ve always been” Twilight’s voice boomed down upon the magenta pony. Enough to make her eyes burn in fire as the pony cried. The lightning grew wilder around Soulblight. Her own fangs burrowing into her lips. With the glow of all these ponies baring down on her. She didn’t back away. Didn’t give in. “Just as we have protected ponies before, we will do it again. …For Soul” Twilight’s horn erupted in light.

All six of the ponies disappeared in the burst of gold. Cast away. The wind disappeared. The world disappeared. All Soul could see… was that magenta pony… glance her teary eyes over at Soul. No anger. …She was sad. Clenching her eyes shut. Listening to Twilight’s last words.

“Because that is what true friends do.”

Soul screamed. The world erased. Blasted away… in a sea of rainbow. Coming down upon Soulblight. The echoing fire. The magic unlike any other. The true power of these ponies. Everything slowly faded away.

Soul looked up. Spotting her. The magenta-furred Soulblight staring up at the oncoming magic. One final tear turned to steam in her eye. She kept her eyes closed… but found the strength to smile. To speak in a hushed whisper through the chaos.

“I am her friend.”

10.30
Where the rainbow flooded the land, a storm of red erupted. A single flick of that pony’s horn.

Soulblight smiled.

Rainbow Dash?

10.31
Soul fell back. Struck so hard by the wind. It all flooded past her. The color of that rainbow sweeping her like a tide. Almost taking her away. Falling right back and flopping over, held down by the magic along her tail. Laying there to see that poor, black Pegasus collapse next to her. Her legs flailing. Becoming nothing but a puppet. Then laying still. Huddled under the hail of magic. Burst away in one final rush of light… and then… it all melted into stars.

Soul looked and saw the flicker of a firefly floating past her. A glow of magic. Another. Hundreds. Raining down around her. Falling to the dirt and then dying out upon it. A boom of thunder just as it hit the ground. Echoing loudly in the distance. Out where the barren land sent up plumes of dust clouds over it. Carried off by what was left of that magic. There was no telling what happened. Impossible. No. It all rang in her ears. The sunspots in her eyes. A sight of searing light scorched into her sight.

My whole body is shaking. My heart is racing. And I can’t think at all. Only one thought, one urge.

To turn around. To look.

Her ears perked up. Listening. Such a small pinprick in her ears. Something that glistened and speckled the air in a gentle tune. One that made her take that daring move to look and see. To see the thing that fell to earth. How it sparkled and seeped of smoke. Glowing bright in the red Sun.

Under the red sky.

A horn.

10.32
Soul’s heart dropped. Watching it shatter to pieces upon the ground. To hundreds of… purple shards.

There was nopony left up there in the sky. They all vanished. Vanished in a hail of floating purple feathers. Dancing in the wind. Gently touching down upon the dirt. A bed of feathers where they all met with their master, and the other ponies upon which they covered.

Soul felt herself tingle. Shaking. But something else. Something warm, seeping over her cheek. She put a hoof to it, pulling it back and looking. It almost blended in. Soaking into her own fur. As warm as it was on her face. Blood. Her eyes settled upon the little shards, how they tumbled along the ground. All that was left of that horn. Caught in the wind and sprinkling down into the blood that soaked the ground. Somepony moaned. Almost like a dozen moans. Where Soul saw the purple alicorn laying there. A heap on the ground. Not moving. Just a sigh. A sigh and blood that flowed down her head. Her entire mane turned to red. Blackened red. Or was it…

The hole in her head!

Smoke twirled around her head. Scorched deep into where her horn once was. It made Soul want to scream. Scream at the blood on herself. Scream at the horror. Nothing. Nothing! I can’t scream. Twilight!

W-what just happened?

Rainbow Dash. Rarity. Pinkie. Applejack. Fluttershy. Celestia and Luna. They all lay there surrounding the broken princess. Where not a sound came from them. Nothing. Even the blood was coating all their furs. One feather fell. Landing in such calm upon Dash’s head. Then taken away in the sea of smoke. None of them moved.

“Rainbow!!!!” Soul screamed out.

Thunder cracked. The loud clang of a hoof digging deep into the dirt. Somepony huffed. The only pony left standing. From where the towers rose tall in the sky, Soulblight. Like the flap of her wings cast away what was left of the magic across her body. Not anger. Not joy. Nothing of the kind existed upon her. Even if she was the last pony to step out from the light. Her steps had no confidence. Only pain as she walked to the ponies who lay there, torn and crippled upon the ground.

There’s nothing I can do. Please stop!

Stop this nightmare!

“I’ve… had enough of these games” that Soulblight muttered.

10.33
“Twilight Sparkle” the air chilled to ice. “Whatsoever happened to all your boisterous and pandering preaches about friendship and tolerance?” Soulblight slowly stepped across the ashen ground. Kicking up the darkness in her hooves. Shrouded in the light of her glowing red magic. “You claim that I am unsuitable for friendship or tolerance. What makes me unworthy, I always wondered? What was it that made ponies reject me from the start? To cause me so much pain. To torment me when I’m weak and leave me with nothing.”

The crack of glass. Her hoof crushing down upon what was left of Twilight’s horn. Wind howled. Watching that terrifyingly somber pony so casually walk. Approach the ones who lay defeated at her own hooves. With nothing left to stop her. There is nothing. What can I do?

“Only for those ponies to have no match against me when I finally show them just what my longing and fears have created. You all are no different from them all.”

Celestia and Luna. They stepped up. Flaring their wings out. A wall between that pony and the fallen friends. The princesses of Equestria… drenched in blood in an instant.

Soul felt her heart stop. Not even seeing the light until it was too late. A blaze of red magic. Carrying forth the red blood from the princesses… and their screams. As she saw a sight that made her shiver. Made her silent. Like it all happened again. Before. The terror of it. Celestia and Luna collapsed. Screaming. Screaming so loud at the horror that was done to them. It made Soul want to scream. Watching… their legs tumble away from them. The princesses forced to watch those poor limbs fall away from them in a trail of blood. Cut away in an instant. No!

Don’t do this.

Their screams haunted Soul. It made her cry. It made the princesses cry. I never wanted it to end up like this. Forgive me!

“Friendship never mattered. Love… is fleeting” Soulblight muttered under her breath. “The trust and hope I once held turned out to be a fool’s weapons. Much like it was for you all. It only leaves one… as a broken husk.” No matter how much blood coated that pony’s magenta fur. No matter how dastardly she looked in the glow of the magic around her. Even with her icy breath. She still… cried. “Broken when it is all taken away. Never. I will never feel that again.”

Leave them alone.

Twilight laid still. Rainbow Dash laid still. The princesses… the most pitiful sight. Frightful. Even more when… the others got up. No!

“Even the Elements of Harmony, such a false title, can never hope to inflict that pain on me again. You will not take from me!” As if her voice sent out the gust of wind. Wind that struck upon them all. It made Soul’s mane flow. It made Soulblight’s long ponytail flip into her face. A force that slammed down upon all of Soul’s world. Applejack. Fluttershy. Struck aside. Left to lay. Still. Silent. With their eyes closed. Not able to see or hear the thing that was too much. “NO!” Soul screamed. Screaming with the others. As Rarity and Pinkie… disappeared over the ledge.

Only their screams echoing from below.

Soul fell to her legs. How… how could you? Blight. How? L-leave them alone. Why? Why can’t I say anything? She… she doesn’t listen to me. She is in her own world. As my entire world is taken from me.

10.34
Twilight coughed. Trembling on her side. Her hoof came up to touch the empty hole in her head. Feeling it and taking away the blood that flowed out. “M-my… my horn.” A gentle whisper. She tried to step up. Failing. Twilight lay still on the ground… under the shadow of the magenta pony above her. Staring down at her. The pony flicked her ponytail out of her face and smirked.

“Princess of Friendship.”

The most horrific scream that could ever strike any ear. The only thing that made Twilight jump up and flail. When a magenta hoof slammed down into her leg. A strike. Something that made the most sickening sound. A crack piercing the air. Almost as loud as Twilight’s own scream. The poor pony tried, tried so hard to pull her hind leg out from under Soulblight’s hoof. Pinned deep under it. Her leg made no move at all. Only folding in on itself… so slowly. Cracking. Grinding. Something that made Soul sick to her stomach. Yet this was not enough, not enough to make that magenta pony stop. She leaned closer to Twilight. “You think you can take her from me. Be her friend? Your lack of love for her has made you weak. You don’t deserve her. You don’t care at all. While I protected her and cared for her like my own daughter! Even after so many ponies treated me like shit, I still had the compassion to care for her. What have you done?! Everything is given to you. You fight for nothing. You don’t know hardship. So… a true friend is meaningless to you. Not when you have sooooo many friends already. Selfish bitch!”

Soul’s skin crawled. Twilight screamed out so loud when Soulblight stomped back down upon her leg. “None of you truly care. None. Just seeing how lustful you all are in wanting to take Soul away… pursuing your own desires just to make me feel lonely again. To tear…” Her hoof slammed down once more. Again and again. “Away… the only… precious thing in my…” Her hoof rose tall.

Don’t.

“Life!” Twilight’s scream… forever haunting. When that hoof came down and whatever it struck finally snapped.

I’m sitting here. Sitting here like a stump. Useless. Watching the only ponies in my life be taken from me. Be put through so much pain. It’s the entire world; the entire world was frozen solid into this eternal nightmare from which there was no waking. I’m useless. Reduced to this helpless filly. Watching my entire world be taken. The entire world that I’ve dreamed for is ending. The chance I had to finally have my life back. This life that I wanted for both me… and Blight. Is it really her? Is it you, Blight? The one who is taking that world from us? After I could see it for both of us. After how happy you were. And your happy face is gone… just like that dream. I’m just a filly again… watching the ponies I love be destroyed in front of me. A repeat of that world I thought I left.

What do I need to do to stop it? What do I need… to sacrifice?

“Get off her!”

10.35
No!!!

Rainbow Dash, she was the one who took to the sky. The one, the only one left to stand against this monster. The last pony to try and stop her. Because she was the one slammed her own hoof right into the back of Soulblight’s head. A cracking kick of her hind legs. Ripping the silver hairs. A buck to the head that made Soulblight lean forward from the hit. …But the four-winged pony didn’t even flinch. All it did… was make her lift her hoof off of Twilight.

No. Get away, Dashie. “Run!” You always were brave. This is not the time. Leave us!

Soulblight turned her head. Soul saw the hate in her eyes. “And you… you were the one who started it all. You were the first… to abandon her. …You don’t love her.”

Run!

Blood splattered the ground.

10.36
Twilight laid there… her horn gone. Her leg crushed. The princesses, crying. Such agony. Left there in sorrow over their missing legs. Pinkie and Rarity were gone. Blood soaked the mountaintop. A moment that reflected the past. The true horror. The horrible and ghastly things that unfolded. Like a slow torment. Forced to watch it all with nothing that you can do to stop it. Till you have nothing left. Till the only two ponies left happened to be your best friends in the world. Where one stood tall over the other. The other, torn away. Torn into such a sight that would make your heart harden. As it did. Like a rock formed in there. Till Soul… could no longer cry. There was no way to. As, in an instant, her most beloved pony’s entire world was ripped away. Taken away by Soul’s best friend.

A blue feather set down before Soul. Dripped in blood. The only feather left.

I sat here… nothing more than a useless idiot. Trying too hard to hide and run from this moment where my life is taken from me. Where I once thought I knew how my beloved friend really was, and to think that I could be the one to give her a smile. One that would last forever. I was never the one to do that. I was never meant to bring joy or happiness to any pony. Everywhere I go, misery follows.

Maybe that’s how I am. For I have destroyed… the most important pony in my life.

Rainbow Dash groaned. Rolling onto her side to face Soul, with tears streaming from her eyes. As she felt the truth of what had happened to her. Where Soul felt only hollow. I see her pain. I see her misery. And, yet, I can’t feel for it. No. I can’t feel sad or upset or even angry. No. But I feel something. Feel something to look upon Dash like this. Looking upon a Pegasus who had just lost… the most important things to her.

Dash tapped a hoof to the blood pooling around her. Looking at it. Like she realized it was her own. For it was. Flowing. Soiling her beautiful fur coat. That is not what made her fearful. As she twitched. Her back reeling up and down. Trying so hard to make something happen. Just the sickening flow of blood. That was when Dash made nothing more than a whimper. No strength or courage. She rolled onto her belly. Crying into her hooves. Not able to see the thing behind her.

The holes in her back.

You took… her wings from her. How could you?

But Soulblight… she didn’t express one shred of regret. Towering over the downed Pegasus. She only shook her head at Dash. “You know, Soul almost lost her own wings when she was banished. Torn right from her. What a dreadful experience for a Pegasus, it must be. So I return the favor…” Dash yelped. Reeling up from the sharp kick into her gut. Soul’s heart trembled. “And none of it had to happen if you had not cast her aside like trash. You claim to be her best friend? Her lover? You abandoned her!” Please stop.

Rainbow almost screamed at the top of her lungs. A sound that hit too hard home. Struck so hard in the stomach. It almost made Dash flip over. It made her curl up. Crying. How can you do this to Dashie? What is wrong with me? What can I do? I… I can’t do this…

Soulblight stepped around Dash. Staring down at her. “Such a horrid mistake you made. Something I’d not expect from a friend to another friend. A mistake I’d expect you to make again. After all, you had no problem with Twilight threatening my Soul.” Dash shook, she coughed so loudly. As if trying to say something. Just a blood-filled hack coughed from her throat. Soul saw the blood that speckled the ground around Dash. She can’t even speak. She’s going to kill Dashie. She’s hurt, laying there with useless wings. And nopony is there to comfort her. I’m not there to hold her. Like she did for me long ago. I… I can’t…

“That’s okay though…” that magenta pony whispered. Kneeling down, down until her mouth whispered into Dash’s ear. “I shall grind your mistakes into the ground. As you will become. Mere dust spread upon the ashes of the entire world.”

“As before, it shall be again.”

10.37
Dashie.

You gave so much for me. You stood with me during tough times. Even if you made mistakes, you never lost your love for me. You brought me friends and a life that I love. You gave me hope that I can one day become what I truly wanted to be, and be able to reach that dream together. You were the inspiration for my life. The joy in my dreams. And the hope for my future. You are the one for me.

You love me.

And I’m sitting here, watching you be taken from me. Watching you suffer… and your future is taken from you. Everything is taken. All because of me. You deserve your life. You don’t deserve a pony who can do nothing for you. Who has become nothing. Yet that’s not who I am.

I want you to be the best. I want you to be happy. I failed Blight. I can’t fail you too. I… I can’t do that. I can’t watch anymore.

N-Nimbus… Nimbus once told me… she wanted me to have friends. I remember. I remember what you said. So, I will. I’ll be the friend that Rainbow Dash needs. The one who will give… everything.

10.38
“I’ll go with you!”

Those words, those words spoken from a bleeding heart and a world of sorrow, were what was needed to silence everything. For everypony to lay still. For Dash to stop crying. And for those terrible things to stop being spoken from the voice of Soul’s best friend. It was as if the sky itself finally hung still. And the only thing left that would dare to move was Soul herself.

Shaken. Stunned. She had really just said that. But anything must be done to protect them. Anything. Even this.

“Please. If you don’t hurt anymore ponies. If you, please, just reverse all of this. Send everything back to how it was, I promise… I’ll…”

Nimbus wanted me to be friends with somepony. Throughout all my life, I seeked a pony to be that friend to. I wanted there to be ponies I can finally make happy. This… this is how. And I accept it. I’ll make my friends happy… so they can have the lives they wanted. This is my gift.

My gift.

I do this for them. “I’ll leave them all behind… and be with you, forever. Nopony will ever take me away. It can just be you and me. I promise.”

The magenta pony set her hoof back down so softly. She locked eyes with Soul. Teary eyes that shimmered under the bloody Sun. Till she blinked and wiped her face with a blood-smeared hoof. Even with blood upon her, she came across as a pony… who had no cares. Her wings finally relaxed. Her ears fell. Yet she was able to do it. To smile. A smile upon this pony. No matter what it looked like, it was sickening. Sickening that a horrible pony can be so happy after what she had just done. After making me do this. But it’s my decision. She didn’t cause this. No.

It was all me. I didn’t pay attention to my best friend’s sadness. It’s okay. I’ll make it all right. That Soulblight spoke the words. The words that told her… this was the right thing to do. “Y-yes… I’ll do anything for you. We can be together… like we talked about long ago. You… you won’t abandon me? You won’t leave me?”

Long ago. Long ago… I dreamed of a life for all of us. Not this. Soul had no choice.

“I promise.”

10.39
Her ears perked up. Did I hear that right? It sounds so unreal. Something she shouldn’t say. No, it isn’t something Soul would say. She’s going to be with me? After all I’ve done? She opened her eyes, expecting to see magenta fur along the legs she hid her face in. Met only with such soft, black fur that tickled her face, and Soulblight found the courage; what Soul said could still be heard, it made her look up from beneath her legs. From under her black wings. Where she found herself laying on her side. Dirt caught in her fur. Tears soaking the ground and herself. The tears of a monster. Yet… I’m still going to… to have Soul?

It was true.

Blight found Soul slowly strutting along. Past her… and all Blight could see was a defeated mare. Her head hung low… even if she tried to form a smile. Yet her hooves dragged across the ground. Something so unreal of a pony who was once so strong. Letting go of her defense; she will finally be with me. A pony who walked towards the one who made this all happen. To my… real self. Somepony that made Blight shake. That magenta pony leapt over the still Rainbow Dash. Standing tall. Like she waited for Soul with a smile. She is mine. She is finally mine and nopony will take her from me. She will have her home. Funny. …These thoughts are really mine. This will… it is true. I don’t even have the courage to lash out at myself anymore. Even when Blight looked across at the ponies who lay there. Bleeding and broken. Crying and moaning. The same ponies who once portrayed themselves to me as friends. Not anymore. Not now when I know what they will do to me.

Is it still wrong?

I want to speak her name. I want to call to Soul. I can’t. Is it my shame? Because I know this is wrong. Blight still looked down at her hooves and saw them shaking. So much that there could be no way for her to stand. Only left to lay there. I don’t know what it is. I used to only want the best for Soul. I can’t shake it anymore. I truly want her. I truly want her as my friend and nopony there to stand in the way. To hurt us again. I’m not sure if this is me anymore. Soul. You expressed such desire to want us to be with these ponies. To have a life together in this world. And now it’s all cast away. Carried off into the red sky above the looming black towers beyond. Out there, a world that slowly wilted and shimmered behind the daunting magenta pony with the four wings. A world that I am bringing upon Soul.

This is all my fault.

I am wrong.

… “Soul…”

That little word that she whispered. That she heard her own shame in, her own regrets. The pain of an extraordinarily long life. Coming out. Calling for one pony. The only pony I can trust to… to hear my cries. It was what made Soul stop and turn to her. Looking down upon a defeated black Pegasus. Can you feel my sorrow? Can you see just how much I wish… I wish I could change everything? How much I’d love for things to go back to normal. But they won’t. I can’t make it so. Not when I feel so confused. Not when I’m so afraid. I was once the pony you could look up to. Maybe you can be that for me now. Please. Don’t leave me like this. Don’t leave everything we worked so hard to make together. I am so truly sorry. As I look up into your beautiful, golden eyes, I can at least feel a little calm in finding the glow of a young and kind mare still beating in those orbs. The pony I watched grow into this. I get to see you one last time… with that shred of happiness.

My final solace.

Soul did not walk off. Not at all. That kind mare never left Blight’s side. She still is that same mare. Even when she is faced with me. I’m proud of her. And so deeply sorry.

“May I talk with her for just a moment, …please?” Soul whispered.

The magenta Soulblight nodded.

10.40
There was a shadow over Blight. Something for her to look up to and find that Soul stood above her. As if she were some sort of pitying mother looking upon her hurt child. For this is what I’m reduced to. I’m nothing. Not even worth her coming to me anymore to comfort me. I don’t know why she wants to see me. Why she wants to be with me. Those days are gone. Finished. Where we could be together like a happy family. Looking out for one another. No. Now that she knows what I wanted all along. I only wanted her. All I cared for was for her own love. So much that I do this: take away her life. I’m horrible, as horrible as that monster over there.

What even am I anymore? Am I me? Am I that mare who protected Soul and wished for her happiness? I feel so ashamed to be in her presence. Blight managed to speak up to her. “I’d apologize for everything. I truly would, but it won’t make much difference. Now that you’ve seen just what it is that I am. The horrible things that go through my mind. I’m… I’m not a pony who deserves your forgiveness.” I never was.

All my life, all I’ve known is suffering and pain. I can still hear it, hear the cries and terror running through my mind. I still feel the agony all over my body as if it could seep into my heart. Rending my soul apart. Could that be why I feel this… this numbness in me? The reason I can’t cry? Maybe I’ve run out of tears. After all these countless years, I can’t cry over it anymore. Blight lay her head back down on the dirt. Looking down from Soul. Just staring… staring past the pony and to all the others. All the blood that lay splattered. Spilled. Draining from open wounds and crying mouths. From ponies I once knew, torn to shreds. I felt I didn’t want it to lead to this. Is that what I wanted? It’s like I’ve forgotten my hopes and dreams; maybe this always was my dream. To be rid of the memories. Become that horrible creature once more. Who I am. I’m not even that pony I used to be.

“I still remember it all” Blight whispered.

We sit before the fireplace, holding one another. Sharing our stories and tales. Bonding and becoming close. Forging a future for us. You learned a lot about me. I grew happy to hear your soft voice in my ear. And I betrayed you. As you never would learn about me. What it would do. “We had dreams. Goals. Lives to wish for. Together. In a world most familiar.” She spoke down to her hooves. “They all seemed so pleasant. Like a world beyond the one I know. I’m so foolish. So very foolish.”

Your dream, our dream of a world for us together where we could live normal lives. Have friends and be free of suffering. Yet the suffering never leaves. It clings. Holds to us like a plague. This billowing flame in my heart. Always burning me. I hear the nightmare within. I still see it all. And it haunts me to this point. To the point where I… I turned my back on you and on our dream. Where all I seek is an end to the torment that has lasted a lifetime. A torment none of you would understand. Not even I. All I can do… is feel this. The fear. A fear I don’t want to happen again.

“I can never make those dreams real for us. I was doomed to fail. Pushed into a corner. Never able to be the one who could protect you and see you happy, not when I’m just this child who is backed into a corner. All alone. How could I help you when I can’t even help myself? I am always a victim to my fears. Enough to hurt the others around me. …Maybe that’s why I was left alone so very long ago. I am always useless.”

Soul didn’t speak. Good. She doesn’t need to. Not to me. No. For nopony would ever want to be with me. No, that is why… I destroyed everything for her. To keep her for myself. “I didn’t want to lose you too.”

The sad truth.

“I was never meant to be a part of your life. Something like me, I’m not even a true pony. What kind of pony does this to others? I’m… I’m not a good pony.” Blight slinked her head down into her forelegs. Tucking her wings in tight. “Not a good pony. That is why I was always taken away from those I loved. That is why nopony ever saw me as… the sweet, little Pegasus I wanted to be. I… I… I was going to lose you too. I was so afraid.” Blight squealed into her fur. “You are the last thing that makes me happy. I don’t want you to suffer. I don’t want us to be apart. I don’t want other ponies to take you from me. You were the only pony left to care for me. You are the only pony who would care for a monster like me.”

I’m a monster. Not a pony.

“And I ruined your life too. Of course…”

“I deserve nothing from you.”

10.41
Two hooves slipped under her. Blight couldn’t even widen her eyes in time before they clasped her tightly and such a gentle whisper touched her soul. “Come here.” Blight didn’t even do a thing. She didn’t need to. Soul was the one who pulled her up with all her strength. Where Blight gasped… held against Soul’s chest. The mare sitting down, hugging Blight against her. Her black hooves left to dangle at her sides. Blight could only stare off into the world beyond this moment. With no words to say.

She’s actually hugging me? She’s hugging me. And I don’t even have the will to hug her back. Just held there like a baby against Soul’s chest, such a gentle touch of a hoof running through Blight’s mane. Why would you do this to me?

“Oh, Blight, …I missed this. You’re still so soft. Still the only pony I’d always want to hold like this. Just never let go. Have it go on forever. Forget about everything else.” Soul sighed into her ear. Such a tormented voice. Such kind things to say to me. When I don’t deserve it. I hate it. I hate being pampered like this. I… I… Blight sniffed. No tears came. She gave up. Relax. Fall into this embrace. There’s no point in trying to get away. I’m… I’m not soft. I’m not a good pony to hold. My… body is as hard as my heart. I’m as cruel as can be. An emotionless and hateful husk. Somepony who would kill so many just to wrongly take what doesn’t belong to me. How can you do this? How… “How could you hug me? Why? Why hug a monster like me?”

“Shhh… shhh” Soul tightened her hug. She slid her hoof under Blight’s hair. Such a soft stroke down the back of her neck. Don’t make me cry. Stop. Blight’s legs shook. Laying against Soul. Such a safe place. Is that what it was? Like before when she would hug me. Keep me safe from all the hurt and fears. Is that what you’re trying to do? Soulblight let out a hushed breath. Silent when two massive wings shadowed her. Soul’s mighty wings came down over her.

You are.

“Just let me hold you. Please. Let me remember. I want to hold you… so we can both remember. To be together again. Please… please, can you hold me too?” Soul? You shouldn’t ask that of me. Because you should know that’s my weakness. To protect you and cherish you. Don’t make me indulge in my desires. Don’t treat me. You should hate me. Hurt me. I wouldn’t even mind if you were to strike me. Stomp on me and crush my wings. Break my heart and leave me with nothing. It’s all I deserve. So please don’t torture me like this. Don’t pretend to like me. I’m not that motherly pony you had to care for you as a child. I’m a killer. I’m a monster. I can’t hug you like I used to do. “I can’t.”

“Please. If only one thing can happen before it all ends, I want it to be a hug with you. Don’t let me go. Don’t let me forget. Please” Soul whispered in her teary embrace. I… I am not worthy of feeling joy. But you are. Fine. Even if it pains me to do this with you. This false hug of a time long lost. Blight slinked her hooves under Soul’s forelegs. Crossing her back. She held Soul to her. Her black feathers brushing against Soul’s magenta feathers. Wings locked. As if their wings held to the other’s wings. I’m hugging her. Just like I used to. I shouldn’t be doing this. I shouldn’t enjoy this. But I can’t stop myself. I… I can’t… Blight buried her face into Soul’s chest.

10.42
“Oh, Blight. This is how I remember it. Your hugs. They’re like the touch I’ve always wanted from a pony. Why is it that I love to be held by you? Why do I like keeping you safe in my wings?”

I don’t understand why she is talking like this. This isn’t you. The last time I made a mistake, you hated me for years. Now I’ve ruined your life once again. Don’t treat me like this. Hate me again. Please. Punish me. Destroy and ruin me so I can know what it’s like to be alone again. That’s what I need. I only deserve to go back to suffering. So I can never exploit another pony again. And I’ll always miss this.

Your soft touch. Your loving embrace. The feelings I’ve lost long ago. Why do you care for me just like I remember being cared for? You should just leave me too. I didn’t deserve it back then. I never wanted to feel that loss again. Why did I let myself be put into this horrible nightmare again? I never should have come with you. And then you would be happy right now with Rainbow Dash and your friends. Just like everypony else. Except me. I’ll lose you too. I’ll know that loss again. Because I’m the one who drove you away. “You should not hug me. I’m not that pony anymore. I’m not the one who watched you grow up. Who kept you warm. Who protected you. I’ve… I’ve abandoned you. And I inflicted that loss upon you.”

It can’t be. I really did do all this. I really did betray myself. I abandoned what I wanted to be. I betrayed… Soul’s wish. The wish she made so long ago. I am not the one for it. I never was. And now I’m going to take you. Crush your world and take you. After so long of being alone and feeling lost. This is how I act. I inflict that pain that I’ve always known onto you: my best friend.

“You should not come with me. Leave me and go with your friends. If you go with me, you’ll never be happy.”

10.43
“Soulblight” it made her shiver. That hoof that tickled the back of her neck. Soul massaged her. Such a methodical touch. A caring touch for a child. So nice and gentle. Something she never does. Never to me. She should never be this nice to me. Stop making me feel. Stop making me so weak inside. I can feel my heart writhe. The tingles across my body. From such a serene voice and loving touch. Unlike anything Soul has done before. Soul’s hug got tighter and her countless feathers pricked along Blight’s fur. Running over her. Those massive wings slowly rising over her and then falling once more.

She made Blight look up to her with teary eyes. Finding Soul with her eyes closed. A smile across her face. Leaning down atop Blight’s head. Such a smooth and calm breath that glided over Blight. As if Soul was in total peace. And there was no way of telling why she was. Did everything leave her? Has she forgotten? But she held Blight like it was truth in her feelings. Like she really was happy. This is the happiest I’ve seen her in a long time. Not even with Dash. There’s something else to her and it was a mystery she could not solve. Blight didn’t try, only falling back down against the soft, magenta fur. Cradled by this mare. In a way I’ve not seen since… since you… Nimbus.

She’s holding me like you did for her. Soft and caring.

This is what… Soul loved. What she longed for. What I was supposed to be for her. It was…

My destiny.

“You always are the one who was there for me. You never changed” Soul whispered. “So kind of you to care for me and protect me. Something no other ever could do for me.”

Do not pity me. Do not give in to me.

10.44
“Do not go with me. Remember what it is you want. Don’t give in to my heinous desires” Blight pleaded. “You must be with your friends. Go to the life you wanted. …Leave me.” Remember what it is that I am.

Lightning cracked across the sky.

Do not destroy yourself. “They are the ones you love.”

“There are many ponies I love. My life is not to be given to just one. I am here to make everypony happy. Because that is what I wanted for so long” Soul said. “For my friends, for my world. And for you. I could never leave you out.”

What are you saying?

“I am choosing to do this because it is the right thing to do. It is the best thing for me and everypony else. To run away… together with you.” Soul! Do not do this! Blight pushed herself away. To look up to the mare. Met with a hoof to her mouth. Soul silenced her. Where she could stare into her golden eyes. Seeing her own fiery eyes within. Split in the void of such pain. Yet they glowed just as Soul’s eyes did. Locked together. An eternal embrace. Within the kindest eyes, the most matured eyes to ever be seen upon this magenta Pegasus. And that was when it became true. Soul means this.

“I can leave it all behind. I can give it all. Just like I did twelve years ago. As my way to show my love to everypony else. My way to protect them… and to protect somepony else. Somepony so special to me. There was only one pony who cared for me enough… for me to actually believe what I’m about to say.” Soul’s hoof slinked down. Touching under Blight’s chin. Pushing up, and both looked to one another.

Blight looked up at Soul.

Soul looked down at Blight.

Together in this embrace.

“You did not care for me…”

10.45
“You were the one who raised me” Soul finished. “And so I will gladly give it up to be with you. To be with the only pony in my life… that I can call my family. Somepony just like me. Who stood there with me as I did with her. Like family would do; …like sisters would do.”

Blight’s eyes widened.

“I will go with you, …my big sister, Soulblight. Forever.”

Soul?

“And that is because…” The world froze. Blight only saw her. It all faded. Torn away. Only one truth could exist here. Deep inside the embrace of feathers. Where the darkness met magenta.

10.46
Blight felt the kiss upon her cheek.

A kiss from the pony… the pony that I… I…

She heard the last words spoken to her. Soul’s voice fading away. Stricken to ash in the void of this whitened world. Leaving the touch of something unlike any other upon her cheek. Something… I remember. I remember… words like this.

10.47
“I love you.”

10.48
It was wind in her hair, whispering to her. Nothing harsh. Nothing foul. Calm and gentle wind. A little breeze that surfed the land. Even in this world, such peace could exist. As if all the terror vanished. Where no blood seeped into the soil. No cries of pain to curse her ears. Nothing left of the horrors of a past so long gone. Gone within this realm, where the flowers tickled her hooves.

It’s gone. Is this peace? Am I free? May it all be gone, and for me to be alone here. I am alone. They’re all gone. Soul. Rainbow Dash. The princesses. Everypony. Just me. Alone in this gentle plain. As I look up into a sky, a sky running in the light of a golden sun. In the cloudless sky, the soothing touch of something to her face. What is this? Just looking up at the sun, it feels… strange. This sensation over my fur. This feeling inside. It’s lovely. I don’t know what it is. I don’t remember. Even when I place my hoof to my cheek, running it over that feeling. It only reminds me of the kiss. Like it’s all over my body. All from the sun. It’s soft. Something soft against me; these… flowers.

Blight looked.

All across, the world that once stood… was gone. Taken away in the breeze… where snow flurried through the air. Not snow. Those are. Another breeze came in, she watched them all be taken away from their mothers. The petals that flooded the sky. Given away from… the sea of colors. Everywhere she looked. The most serene scene of nature. Unlike any other. No land of snow. No world of towns or cities. No pony to be seen. Only the colors. The colors of endless flowers. Sifting and dancing. The sounds of them all dancing at once in the breeze like thunder. What is all this? Why do I feel this way? Her hoof scratched the ground below. Tickling her back and her legs as she sat in the bed of them all. She looked down at it, at these flowes she sat among. As tall as her legs. Their beautiful petals open to her. Bared. As if they truly wanted her to see them. For they looked up to her as she did down to them. I’ve never seen flowers so gorgeous before. Not since…

Blight touched a hoof to one. Staring. They’re… they’re just like the ones that Soul gave to me. Is this your gift to me, Soul? Was this what you wanted? To remind me… just how much you care for me. Like the first time you showed… your love to me. For that is what it was. Can it be true?

Blight tipped the flower up to her. So careful not to pluck it from its stem. Gripped in its beauty. Like Soul had never left. She never did. These flowers… why… why am I so taken by them? Why do they remind me… of a time so long past?

“This isn’t the first time.” Blight ran the tip of her hoof along the flower’s petals.

I love you.

They rang in her head. Made her twitch. “It isn’t the first time.” Like a bell in her head. A swirl of voices. All saying the same thing. The voices. But they don’t madden me. They aren’t like the others. For the first time, I’m without them. “You love me?” So many voices… but they weren’t Soul’s. Who are they?

Blight let the flower go. It swayed in front of her. Mesmerizing. I love you.

Who are you? Why are you saying this to me? Why do you remind me of… somepony else? You’re not Soul. You’re just a flower. A flower brimming in shimmering, fiery petals. They shone of the sunlight. I’m in a world, alone with flowers. But this one… I can’t stop staring at it. There’s something about you. Something about you… “That makes me feel this way.” Like I’ve never felt this way with Soul. With nopony else. What is it about you? A mere flower, no different from all the others. And you make my heart flutter. A flower. A…

Blight’s eyes grew.

A blossom.

“A blossom… beautiful and gentle. Who knows nothing but love from those who… care for her.”

I love you.

Her tears watered the flowers. “I love you too…” she tapped her hoof to its petals. I always have. “Ever since I first felt like I had met a pony who truly wanted me, I loved you. These feelings of mine, how long I’ve held them in. When I first saw you as a mere child… you awoke something in me. The first I’ve felt the need to care for another. To be there. Or that is what I thought. This feeling of mine… I can’t shake it. I know that I’ve… felt this before. Somewhere deep in the pain and memories so long lost.”

Deep inside. One hoof touched the blossom. The other set upon her chest. Over where something beat and fluttered within. A feeling so strong. I can’t get rid of it. I don’t want to because… whatever it is is making me cry. Cry these tears that aren’t born of sadness. Because I’m not sad. I’m not lonely. Even alone in this land of blossoms. I feel at home. At home in the blossoms. Surrounded by something so familiar.

A world that once was.

A time that I… remember. This place. These flowers.

“This is where… you made me happy, mom.”

10.49
You were here, by my side. This is where you gave me the piece of myself… that I always cherished. This is the time when no pain or sadness ever could exist. Not when you did this for me. Not when you held me, kissed me, whispered my name… my name so lovingly. For the first time.

“I’m crying. Just like I cried back then. Until I took my first look upon this world and saw a face.” Blight lowered her hoof over her chest. Her wings rose tall at her sides. “That was when I first felt happy. I awoke in your embrace. Small and frail. And I heard the words that you first spoke to me. The first words I ever heard.”

I love you.

“Mom…”

It never left you.

Blight looked up. Slowly. It tingled all across her body. That sensation.

Even all these years, you still have it. My sweet, beautiful flower.

She looked behind her. Only the flowers greeted her. All around her, they danced. Caught in the smooth breeze upon her back. She couldn’t speak. I can’t. For it touched her so deep inside. Something beyond words. Beyond imagination. In this world where no pain existed, she felt… free.

Never forget what I always taught you. No matter what happens, you will always be loved by somepony. The years may pass, and the world may change. But you’ll never lose it. It will always be there. I will always be there.

You’ll always be there. In a moment of peace, Soulblight looked down upon the lone blossom. The one that she touched. The only one who looked to her. …I… I remember all the pain. All the sorrow of my life. Like that is all that ever existed. There was never a moment when I thought I could be happy. That happiness could be a gift for me. I thought it was always something I would be without. But she loves me. She loves me. “She loves me… just like… you did.”

It made Blight’s eyes widen. Breathing so hard. She had to wipe her tears. Wipe them and smile. Because I know it’s true. There was not always pain and misery. And… and I feel… so happy inside. To hear the words again. “I never thought I’d hear them. I thought I was unworthy.”

You never were. From the day you were born… there was always somepony who loved you. I love you… now and forever.

She brought both hooves around the blossom. “Mom!” Her tears fell upon that flower. “I can hear you. I can… still feel your touch; your kiss on my cheek. You… you never left me. You are still here for me. You… still love me?”

I could never stop loving my most beautiful flower. Never forget that. Even when we part, I am still there with you. Your family… never left you. It is still there for you. I am here for you. Just like she now is for you. You no longer need to fear. You are worth having love.

“Mommy… please… tell me. Even after everything, do you think I’m a good girl? Am I good enough… to be a pony?”

10.50
My darling daughter. You’ve never changed. Even if the years have passed by, you still are the same little pony I remember. Hehe, you always were a worrier but you never lost what it was that made you special to me. You always… so deeply love the ponies who are in your life. The ponies, even the animals. Just like long ago.

…When you were just a filly, you always showed such kindness to those you loved. It warmed my heart forever to know that I had a daughter like you. You’re sweet and gentle to everything you love. I still remember how much you protected the ones you cared for, no matter how small they were. The beauty you made with your own hooves. How sweet your laughter was. You were the purest spirit I’d ever seen. There is no way a mother couldn’t take pride in that. Even if your mind became clouded, I still see it… the pony you always were. I know things have been so tough for you and I deeply regret not being there to guide you. But you still proved to me that you never truly did lose who you were. You were a pony all alone in this world… until you found her. Where I failed to guide you, you succeeded in guiding a poor filly who you never needed to help… but you did because you will always remain that kind pony I watched grow up. You raised her, you taught her. You protected her. You even held her when she was sad. …I… I only wish I could have done the same for you.

“Mom… it’s not your fault.”

The flower swayed in the wind. You became a better mare than I ever did. You were the better mare for that pony… and she loves you because of it.

Never forget what she said. She loves you. Just as I always have.

“Mom, …will I… ever see you again? I… I want you. I need you.”

And I miss you… so very much. But I’ll always be here. And now… you have others who will be there for you. Never forget that you truly are worthy of love. You have a family now. And… I’m so blessed to be able to be with you one last time. …To answer… your question…

You will always be my sweet and good little girl. No matter what happens. You are a pony. You are no monster.

And I will cherish you forever. You are my flame… and my Soul.

10.51
Your flame and your soul. I… Blight gulped.

You will always be there for me. I never lost you. And I will always keep you… close to my heart. Tears fell down Blight’s cheeks, falling upon the hooves she reached out with to touch upon the flower. Cradle it between. Until it snapped. So gently. So soft. As Blight pulled the flower… free of its stem. Close to her heart. Pressed so gently to her chest.

Under the breeze, she held it close.

“This… must be what this feeling is. Like when you used to hug me. When you held me.” As I hold you now. We are together again. Love. This is the feeling of love. I feel it now. “It’s… so warm. I feel… warm again. I feel… happy.” So this is the feeling of having a loved one there for you. How I’ve missed this. Deep in the embrace she shared with those petals of fire. Deep against her soul. Under the roar of the endless blossoms.

“I love you, mom.”

I will always be with you. Never forget who you are. You are no monster. You… are my beloved daughter. You are my…

10.52
Soulfire Blossom.

10.53

Oh, Blight. I could never let you go. Soul laid her head atop Blight’s head. Under this cover of her own wings, where none could see them. Together. Alone. Like the old days. With nothing around to worry about. It’s like we are back to our own little duo. A duo I’m more than happy to go back to. You will always stay that same pony that I grew to look up to. How smart and caring you are, hiding just how frail and scared you also are. You’re just like me. You always were the friend I wanted.

Never let me go.

Your hug is so lovely and brings back memories. I want to always remember them. The first time you ever hugged me, even if it was cold, was the most beautiful moment of my life. Now… we can go together, and I’ll never let you go. As long as I can always feel your gentle touch. Your soft fur. Your warmth there… to ease me. Like right now. Let’s forget it all. Holding each other forever. Blight, …you’re so warm. I love it. You’re…

Warm?

She didn’t need to open her eyes to feel something rise over her. Tall and majestic. To blot out the red Sun. The feel of something so… beautiful taking to the air. She heard Blight’s little breath under her. A small whisper. Soul’s ears perked. “Mommy…”

Blight?

The world unveiled. Covered in the light of dark red. There was no Sun. No sky. To open her eyes, looking out to a world shrouded in the sea of a thousand feathers. For they were wings that rose tall over her. Twins of red light. To look upon those wings and making Soul gasp. Looking upon… her own wings of magenta. They came over her. Covering Soul’s wings. Pulling her close. A shield to this world. Where the tiniest wisps of wind found their way through the thick layers of feathers and soothed her as much as such soft wings could. Such beautiful wings. Thick of feathers, slim spans. Great wings unlike any I’ve ever seen. Why? What is this?

What have I woken to?

But this was no nightmare. Not when… I’m being held like this. Held by this pony, and Soul found the strength to look down upon her. Leaning back, that pony did the same… to look up to her. Black lightning streaked. Soul almost jumped. The lightning zipped over her own fur and on to the pony who held her. It didn’t even hurt. Still stunning to see such a thing, …then the many other bolts dancing over magenta fur. The magenta fur of a pony who looked up to her.

Impossible. Yet it was real.

She looked upon this pony, not greeted by the slit eyes of dragons… but by twin orbs of sunlight. Beauty and grace. A calm unlike any other in them. Covered by the long strands of silver hair brimming deep in starlight. Like the ponytail draped down along the pony’s back held by such a large, bright orange bow that bloomed from her mane. Such a truly beautiful sight to be greeted by. Something so impossible. The black pony who faded like smoke, gone. Forever.

Like looking into a mirror. Is that… me? The pony even blinked softly with a smile, like she knew. Knew things were not right. She said nothing. Her dark fur gone, cleaned away. Nothing left but the black mist coursing around her. The black mist? …The sweet smile. It can’t be. But… Soul glanced when she felt those pair of wings gently run over sides. Looking upon them so close. They caught her eye. Made her heart race. Because…

Those are her wings.

“Blight?”

The pony chuckled under her breath. Smiling sweetly. Like that made the lightning swirling around her go wild. None of it hurt. Even when it touched upon Soul’s flesh, as if it only went through her. It captivated her. Mesmerizing. Such an unreal moment. Calming. Here… face to face… with the pony that was once Soulblight.

10.54
The pony let go. Those wings slowly freeing Soul from their grip. Her magenta hooves came down, and she stood with Soul. So much smaller than me. Such a short Pegasus. She looks smaller than before. But this was her. Every motion she made, every soft sound she muttered, was that of Soulblight. Such a small giggle as she looked down upon the lightning swirling across her own hoof. Blight twirled her hoof, making the darkness dance. Dance and seep down into the earth below her. Rising. Such power. Soul felt her fur stand up.

A chill over her… from the most gentle voice.

“You no longer need to worry” Blight said. Closing her eyes. She sighed. Soul heard something strike the dirt behind her, making her look. Her eyes widened. From the plumes of black mist that disappeared before her eyes, they left two ponies there. Running their hooves over their heads. Just as shocked as Soul was to see them here. Pinkie and Rarity. Safe and sound.

“Oh my Celestia! What just happened?” Rarity frantically cried. I don’t know. “I was falling and…”

“No need to fear” Soulblight said. Silencing everypony. “I’d never want Soul’s friends to be harmed.” She held her hoof to her chest. Glancing over to the rainbow maned pony laying across the ground. She found a way to smile even when looking upon Dash and the blood that soaked her. “Or… my friends.” Blight? Did you just say…?

The magenta pony rose her wings once more. The wind howled. Such a massive gust of wind all from those wings. That flap they made sent all the darkness to scatter. Joining with the sky. Disappearing. Soul fell back onto her butt. Shielding from the wind. As short as it lasted. There was no need to fear that wind. There was nothing left to be afraid of. Something made it all calm, all perfect. In this world of red, under the shadow of a dark city, Soulblight was there… and she was what made this terror disappear. All the fear. All the pain. It’s gone. Gone when I see just how beautiful Blight is. Her magenta body glowed. Soulblight took flight. A ray of light upon them all, carried by those great wings. That red Sun glowed behind her… and the light caressed them all.

Somepony coughed. A voice so familiar. There was no pain. No suffering or agony. I can feel it in the air. It’s making my wings twitch. Blight, …you did something… incredible. It was what made Soul smile when she looked upon the cyan pony set hoof upon the mountaintop once more. A rainbow mane that flowed so beautifully in the wind. Flowing over the wings she rose over herself as Rainbow Dash stretched them… and she laughed. Laughed when she looked back and saw her wings. The joy in the air, and Soul couldn’t stop from smiling… at seeing herself surrounded by the ponies who once lay upon the soil. Blood rid away forever. No more pained cries or fear. The princesses walked, stretching their legs. Twilight tapped a hoof to the top of her head. Not able to stop herself from crying to find a horn at home once again. There could be no way to truly know just how happy they all were… but the tears did not stop with Twilight, and even Soul shed a little tear, looking up to the pony who darkened the sky in her wings.

“They were always with us. …She was always with us.” What Blight said made Soul cock her head. Is she talking to me? She was not.

It made Soul shiver seeing those might wings fly over her. Soulblight soaring through the air, her elegant flight… like the grace of which she set down so gently upon the mountaintop. Right behind where Soul looked over her shoulder to find the pony was staring, not at her, but at the other pony who wore a coat of magenta. The Soulblight with the four wings. Neither of them could turn away. Entranced. With everypony there to watch them. The lovely wind blowing over them all. Sending Blight’s mane flying. Coursing and circling in entwined, silver hairs. Falling back down upon her chest. Swaying away… like the clouds that uncovered the sun beneath them as fire burned bright from the pony’s mane.

The tiniest thing. So small and hidden. Something Soul had never seen before. Something never to be seen before now by anypony. Beauty itself upon the gorgeous mane of a pony like Soulblight. A light that could never shine in the darkness that had once been her fur; and when she walked, it shimmered under the sunlight. Exposed to the world. A blossom that matched the sun itself Hanging onto the side of her mane, like a gem along her neck. No way to tell how she got that, only that Soul could not look away. Its beauty. It’s… it’s just like the ones I gave her before. She kept one this whole time… or did she always have that?

“Impossible.”

The other Soulblight stared upon that flower with eyes that watered. Jewels that lit upon her face. Her pupils narrowed… and tears bled out from them. She could do nothing. Nothing to stop Soulblight from walking to her. Thunderous lightning coursing around her hooves where she trotted. But she stopped. For they stood face to face. Soul stepped up, next to Rainbow Dash. The others. Looking upon this sight.

Two Soulblights together. One of feathered wings. One of sharp wings of darkness. Staring upon the other, golden orbs looking into fiery eyes of a dragon. Yet… they both cried, and only that Soulblight who Soul truly did know was the one who smiled. Smiled… and she laid a hoof upon the four-winged pony’s shoulder. Wrapping it around her neck.

“She came back?” That dark Soulblight bowed her head. Tears falling to the ground and… she whimpered. In a moment of weakness unlike any other before. Where this creature who acted like a monster… could truly become a pony.

10.55
“Everything will be okay” the other Blight said, opening her feathery wings to the pony she held. Taking a step closer to her crying twin. But Blight began to sob as well. Sob and smile. “She never left. And… she will always love us. And as long as we remember that…” Blight reached her other hoof out, grabbing the pony. Holding her tight. Blight hugged the dark pony. Making the pony’s hind legs shake and give, sitting down and falling into Blight’s chest to cry against her fur. Protected inside of those beautiful, magenta wings. The only moment where this once horrific pony became… innocent. Changing into something else. Something that was not scary or fearful. No, and Soul felt her heart leap. Leap when she saw it under Blight’s wings.

That once deadly pony… smiled sweetly.

“Hush now, the loneliness is over” Blight whispered down to her. Gently stroking her hoof over her back and making the pony fold her four massive wings. Making her stop shaking. A soft breath. “We’ll never be alone again. We have… a family.”

“Mom… you never left us. You gave me back the flower after all this time” the dark Soulblight whispered. “After all I did, I still mean something to you. Enough to remind me of the times we once had. You never did abandon us.” She laid the side of her head against Blight’s chest. Sighing and closing her eyes.

“I love you, mom.”

10.56
The pony faded into dust.

10.57
Soulblight opened her hooves once more, freeing the dust from her. Blown away into the wind where the magenta pony watched it. Watched it all dance into the sky over the land. Fading into twinkling light. And Soul could still hear it… the soft cries of a happy pony.

Soulblight stared down at one of her hooves. Smiling. Shining bright like the starlight across her mane and tail. Shimmering along the silver locks and into her eyes… freed of the grief that had always been in them. “And she loves us too” she spoke to her hoof. Turning back to finally look upon everypony else. A truly happy pony.

Blight, …you’re finally happy.

10.58
Soul felt it may be Rainbow Dash who stepped up beside her. Side by side looking out at the lone pony who stood out at the edge of the cliff, staring over the darkened towers across the land. “Is this… really the same pony you came here with? That’s the pony that I danced with at the party?” Dash whispered.

The world she stared out at was dark, forboding. A world of pain and fear. Yet Blight was now the one who shone bright over it all. The most radiant of starlight that sparkled across her silver mane that softly blew in the breeze. A scrawny, little thing… so different from the shadow she once was. Such a change. And I have no idea how it came to be, but I like it. I can tell. It’s on Blight’s face. She is able to smile. Whatever happened to her, she’s happy. A cloud of fear torn away from her. To become something so beautiful. I can’t stop from feeling proud of her. I think… something really did change for her. She is back. Even if she looks different. “That is my Soulblight. The pony who raised me.”

She could sense Dash shaking her head. “You sure found a weird one. But… hey, she’s cool in my book. And I’m thinking she’s turned a new leaf now. She really is your splitting image.”

Heh, yeah… I think she’s just like me. In more ways than one. I’m so glad to see her smile. Blight, you have no idea how long I’ve waited to see you happy. I feel we can be happy together now.

Together.

Blight was the one who raised a hoof. Presenting it to Soul. The dust settled around the pony, like the lightning that died out around her. A hoof offered and Soul accepted. Not afraid anymore to walk across the mountaintop. Only her to stand next to Soulblight at the edge of the cliff, and set a hoof upon Blight’s hoof. As we are brought together. Finally. Like no other time before. I know for certain that you and I will never be apart. And you have nothing left to fear. Nothing more while I’m here. It looked like Blight knew that. Her soft smile. Radiating eyes of the Sun. She looked at peace.

This is my chance to look upon a Soulblight like no other. A pony unlike any other. This pony who I’ve known for so long. You are the most beautiful pony I’ve met. I can’t believe… you are my family. But you are.

10.59
“Soul” Blight whispered in such a soothing voice. The pony pushed Soul’s hoof back down to the ground, keeping her own hoof on top of Soul’s. She stepped closer. Folding her wings. A little tear hanging in her eye. She leaned on Soul. Baring her ears to listen.

“You really do love me? I’m your family?”

That made Soul close her eyes and grin. I can tell… I mean the world to her. Just as she does to me. She really needed a pony like me, just as I needed one like her. Looks like I did it. I really did it.

I made a pony happy.

“You are my beloved big sister” Soul opened her eyes. Just as she opened her wings for Blight. “And I’ll always love you.”

And her heart was warmed, as warm as that magenta fur that Blight now had, when her big sister fell into Soul and hugged her. A little sob down there where Blight cried against Soul’s chest. True happiness. “I really am loved” Blight happily cried.

Now and forever. I’ll never stop loving you. Soul clasped her hooves around Blight’s small body. Holding her close. “I’m here for you.”

10.60
It became like the Sun itself had risen again. Such a bright light, as gold as Blight’s own eyes, that bloomed across the moutaintop. Soul had no idea what to think. How sudden it was. Disorienting. The rays of light that spawned and blinded everypony… everypony except Soul. She could still hear the bewildered chatter of the others behind her. The confusion, though it was short lived… as even Soul could see what it was. I can’t believe it.

It was Soulblight who was the one that shone like a star. A blaze of light from within Soul’s embrace. Something that made Blight shudder for a moment until she calmed herself and rested her head back down. Just as Soul was calm. Calming to see the light glowing… from Blight’s own flanks.

It felt warm. Incredible. Like it’s as warm as I remember it many years ago when I last saw something like this. And now I know… I know that you’ve done something so amazing, Blight. It made her hug the pony tighter. After all these years since I first met you, the moments we shared and the time we’ve spent together. As I watched you grow into this beautiful pony I’m now holding. Just like you watched me grow. Just like you witnessed me achieve this same thing. And now, after all those years, it all was meant to make this happen. The day when you finally discover your talent.

I’m so proud, big sister. Soul let herself be consumed in the light. Sudden and short. The world came back to being. Leaving Soul with the pony whose flanks radiated of light that blazed of gold before softening to darkness. A void as black as night that her flanks both set upon the world around them. Just as the Sun itself began to fade, and the world that this was ever so slowly darkened. The pinpricks of light that dared to flicker across the land could not even come close to how lovely that dark light was that Blight now possessed upon her own body. And Soul could look upon it. Her eyes running down the pony’s slender body and to the two things that now dotted both her flanks.

To Blight’s cutie mark.

10.61
The hearts as red as flame, burning within the blackness of the void.

10.62
I can’t believe what I’m seeing. Soulblight, …your cutie mark. Soul could not look away. As her eyes creeped along that mark scorched across Blight’s flank. Like the flames that they were. Smoldering black and curling in a dance around the three hearts, to cover her entire flanks in darkness. Yet Blight… didn’t seem to care as she so calmly glanced down at those same marks and closed her eyes with a smile and a chuckle. There was something about her that just slowly rid away the shock of everything. For it seems so fitting that she has the same cutie mark… as Soul. For some reason, I’m so proud that she and I have discovered this.

Everything we went through. All the stories we have to tell and the ones that remain to be written. A bond that has been made… and it can never go away. I feel so happy that even our own bodies have that same bond. Soulblight, I’m so proud to have met you.

I can think of no other to share everything with. For that, Soul laid her head down upon Blight’s shoulder. Holding her. Never letting go of this warm and beautiful Pegasus. I don’t know what it was that brought us together, I’m just glad that it all lead to this. The day I also got to see you achieve what you wanted. And for you to be happy. Let’s be in this moment together.

“Blight, …we did it” Soul whispered into her ear. “I feel like we really have made it together. Twelve years. We finally did it.”

She set a hoof between Blight’s wings. Running it slowly up her back. Teary eyes staring off to the darkening world behind Blight. A red Sun dying and a world of pain fading away. As if the others had ceased to exist here. Everything. All that’s left was them. Like it always was.

“You got to watch me grow into the mare I am now. Now… I feel like I got to do the same. Blight, I can’t tell you how much it means to see you like this. To see our nightmare finally end. How I love it. I love seeing you finally happy, my beloved sister.” She sighed. “The same life, the same family, same stories and future. The same cutie mark. You and I really are the same. And I couldn’t ask for any other pony.”

Blight giggled. “You dork. You don’t need to say all that. Hehe… but I love you too. …Maybe now would be a good time to finally let you know something. What our talent is.”

Our talent?! Soul leaned back to look upon the pony. Pure shock, and Blight said it like it was nothing. Didn’t even seem surprised. Just more than happy claim what she was saying. She knows what our talent is? The look on Soul’s face must have said everything. “Yup, I actually remember” Blight said. “From the first day I got it so long ago. It’s coming back to me… just like my mark. And it all makes sense now. No wonder we both got the same mark. We both had such a different life compared to everypony else. Something unique that no other can achieve. For they’ve not been through the story we’ve gone through. A story that has made us who we are. And that is what our marks say about us. I just needed you to reteach me it. Would you like to know our shared talent?”

“Yes.”

The Sun became a mere speck. Blight being the last thing that could be seen inside this dark world. And her smile lit it up. As cheerful as her voice when she proudly said it. “No matter how much we lose or how hurt we are, you and I… we always find our way back to being able to truly love. Our hearts… remain strong. Always. Hehe, I just kinda forgot that for a long time.” Blight lowered her head. “Thank you.”

Was the world gone? Hard to tell. An empty void. Yet the two sisters remained. The only lights to shine in the darkness. Where there should be fear, none could exist. The joy that these long twelve years led to were what made Soul cry in the dark. No matter what we are put through, her and I are still together. We will always have love and ponies in our lives. Whatever happens in the past does not need to hold us down anymore. We are there for each other. Inseperable. For that, I love her so much. Soul didn’t care to wipe her tears. She let them fall upon Blight’s fur when she held her. Embraced under one another’s wings. A shield to the dark that consumed the terrible world that no longer remained. Soul could only utter one word.

“Soulblight.”

“Thank you” Blight whispered once more. “Thank you for helping me remember who I am. For giving me back the happiness I wanted. I got to hear the words I’ve always wanted to hear again, and… they were told to me. The true me. And, thanks to you, I know the true me.”

10.63
“Soul. You asked for my name long ago. And now I can give it. The name my mother gave to me long ago.”

Soulfire Blossom.

…..

10.64
“My word, is she okay!?”

“She’s definitely breathing fine. Might be best to not crowd around her.”

“Shh… she’s waking up.”

Where am I? What is this world now? A veil of darkness and I feel so comfortable. Like laying in a warm and soft bed. Relaxed all across my wings, my body. Yet I still see those eyes of such a sweet pony looking back at me. As if we never did leave from the void of that dark and quiet place. And I hear the voices. They’re familiar. Friendly voices to greet her from a long night’s sleep. Kind of like when I’d wake up to the voice of… of Nimbus. Nimbus and Starry so long ago in a time that felt so unique. And now I know… those times, those happy feelings could certainly come back.

I still wake up to look into the eyes of a pony I love. So many it can be. And I see that gaze. Where I can wake up like I did as a filly to find the black pony waiting for me. A pony unlike any other. I see her smile. A warm greeting. Half expecting to wake up and look upon the pony known as Soulblight. …Her magenta fur.

Soulfire.

She opened her eyes.

10.65
No morning dew to drip upon the soil from which she lie. A cool breeze or the songs of birds. So unlike the world she would expect to wake up to. As her body lost what resembled the comfort of a bed. That was gone. So very gone. Did I ever leave that world? Soul… Soulfire’s thoughts? Her own special world. A dark and dreary place. A nightmare that had faded away. Bringing back a world that reminded her of those horrors. Laying on her back and huddled in her own wings. She looked up to the sky. The big sky that she could fly through once more. Draped in the glow of the rising Sun. The Sun that held still, motionless under the veil of darkness spanning the skies. Clouds that this darkness tried to be, for they were not real clouds. Soul could see what it was they were.

A sky of smoke.

The Sun struggled so hard to peek through patches in that blanket over the land. Woken from her sleep to this world. Soul could only groan and turn over onto her side. Trying to set her hooves upon earth once more… and she turned to find her fur land down across a bed of ash. The ash falling from the sky. A waterfall along the horizon. From where the fires roared. Blazes all over. A world set alight. She was left frozen. The trees and remains of a forest was what she could pick out. This… this is the Everfree forest? There were mountains rising high in the distance. Their snow-capped peaks like the ones Soul knew. Still able to poke out from the smoke. Radiating so beautifully in the glow of the fires. Fires fading and dying the long that Soul stared at them from where she lay on her side.

Is this really…?

“Soul?”

Her ears perked. That voice. That was not Nimbus or Soulblight. It was…

She turned her head and found the rainbow mane hanging down to her from above where Rainbow Dash was there. Blotting out the sky above. Standing over her with a smile on her face. Rainbow. I’m not alone in this place. Even after all that, I still have ponies by my side. In this world, in… in my home. Soul looked over, past where Dash stood over her. Ponyville. Over the distant hills. Under the fog of this smoke. Tiny holes being made within that massive cloud over it all. She could see the tiny dots zooming across the sky, making holes where they went. There were ponies at work under this scene of destruction. It made her wince. I know what this all is.

Ponyville disappeared behind the shining hoof that stepped in front of her. Almost looked like it was golden at first until she saw it was a hoof adorned in gold plate. Standing on all four legs once more. Not a scratch on her white coat, Princess Celestia. …And the others. Luna. Twilight. Pinkie and Rarity. Fluttershy and AJ. They are all here. Standing around the pony who lay there. But Soul took the hoof of none other than Dash. I… I have to get moving. Because something here is not right, and I know what it is. Somepony… isn’t here. Wherever this world really is, if it truly is Equestria, then everything should be back to normal. Right?

Soul still fell into Dash’s hooves. Held inside of her cyan-feathered wings. She hugged the Pegasus back. Just as relieved as Dash must be to be back here. Back in this world where it all started. For everything I know that happened before that nightmare, all of this destruction… Soulblight did this. So this is the result of her fears. The fears she held before Soul had stood before such a beautiful pony that she now looked across the horizon for. I still see her in my eyes. A beautiful Pegasus with the locks of starlit, silver hair. Blazing like a night sky over those sweet eyes of hers. Now she’s not here.

We have left that nightmare. Returned. She must have come back with us.

Soul had to whisper into Dash’s ear. “Where is she? Where is… Soulfire?”

It must have been a name that left Dash lost. She was silent for the longest time. Long enough to make Soul begin to worry. Rainbow let go of Soul, leaning back from her with a puzzled look. The Pegasus glanced past Soul. So confused. She must have realized something because she lifted a hoof.

She pointed to a place behind.

10.66
Soul stepped alone. Climbing over the steep rise of the hill. Her hooves tracked across barren soil of ashen grey. Up to the small patch at the top where the grass could still grow green. Rising above to overlook what was once a great forest. Now shambles as Soul could step tall and see the massive scar scorched across the forest. …But trees still stood tall. Far in the distance. The forest yet lived. As if that was what it was that the Pegasus known as Soulfire was looking out to with a somber look, yet she seemed so calm. A gentle breath, and Soul could get the pony to glance at her as she sat down next to where Soulfire sat. Two magenta pegasi alone with the gaze of the others behind them.

The flames were dying. A silent sight out there that both of them could sit together in silence and look upon in wonder. How the flames danced and swallowed one another until they were no more. Sown deep under the blankets of ash that fell upon them like rain. A land where the Sun struggled to light. No, the flames were all that could shine under the cloud of ash above. Such devastation. Soulfire really went all out.

Was this the right path?

I could never know if things would be different. So much uncertainty. Just like this world was. Impossible to tell what things can turn out to be. One thing was clear. Soul could not be any happier with the result that sat next to her.

Twelve years ago, …if anypony had ever said something like this could happen to me, …how could I ever believe any of this could happen to a pony like me? I thought I was just a normal Pegasus with a talent. To see things nopony else ever could and live a dozen years unlike any other. All the chaos I went through. Ha! I can laugh at it all. The fire and blood. The fears and anger. I’ve seen suffering. Nightmares. Death. Nothing anypony should ever know. And now, I look upon a world that I always knew. Wrapped in fire and smoke. Yet… this is the most calm I’ve ever known.

Cuz how could anypony claim to have met a pony like Soulfire out of all that? Did all of this happen for a reason? Who cares? All that matters is one thing. I have a family. Her name is Soulfire Blossom. Soul looked to that pony.

“What are you thiking about?”

10.67
Soulfire grunted. Smiling at that. Soul actually had to giggle as well. Kinda weird to ask that after all we just went through? Like we’re totally in a normal situation now. She was even able to get Soulfire to shake her head. Never looking away from the annihilated land out there. “Ohhhh… just thinking about what just happened” Soulfire said. “I never expected it to end up like this when I first looked upon the open land this morning. Things are… so different.”

Soul watched out the corner of her eyes. Marveled at how Soulfire lifted her own hoof and looked over it. Just as hard to believe as it was for Soul. Just how much she has changed. Soulfire looked up to the silver bangs dangling before her eyes. Grinning at them. A look in her eyes as if she saw something all too familiar. When she looks upon a body that seemed as real as Soulfire’s own astonishment. No longer a shadow. No fire in her eyes. Soulfire looked like the pony she always was. A Pegasus with the most elegant wings resting upon her sides. Her feathers flickering in the breeze just like the long ponytail down from her head. But one thing about her, something that shone brighter than any other. The thing that Soulfire put a hoof to so she may look upon it. The blossom that dotted her luscious mane. She’s unlike anypony I’ve ever met. But she still is the same. That same pony I fawned over. Looked up to. And now I get to see her achieve what she wanted. All of that… it made Soulfire one thing.

“You truly have become one beautiful pony. It’s like there’s a light coming from you” Soul said.

She saw Soulfire blush a little. Running her hoof through her mane. Smiling. Not able to look Soul in the eyes. Something that told Soul that Soulfire knew it all to be true. “Everything is so much clearer to me” Soulfire said. “It’s almost impossible to imagine. And it’s so strange.” Her voice was so soft, just as gentle as how she near obsessively combed her mane with her hoof. As if fawning over the beauty she had become. Or in shock over it. “What was it like?” She asked herself. “I think I can kind of remember it. Twelve years ago. When all I saw and knew was the darkness. I can remember how lonesome it was and feared never being able to escape from all the demons that haunted me. Until that darkness… led to you. Led to all of this. I have no idea how long I waited. Plagued by all the memories and fears. Nothing but the worst things that I could feel. How was it all able to lead to this? Why… did I deserve you?”

“Do you want me to answer that?” Soul asked. “Because there might not be a real reason why.”

Soulfire shook her head. “I think I know the answer. I don’t know exactly what it was that led us to one another. But I think what it was had just one reason. We deserved one another. Us two ponies, it was only us who could be there for the other. I thought I had to bring ruin to this world. Destroy everything that could deny me what I wanted. Become that pony that I never wanted to be. And none of it was true. When all I needed was that one pony to truly believe in me. After all I have done…” Soulfire glanced at her. “Somehow, I have a sister who loves me. And you were able to show me just what kind of pony I really am. I’m not that monster that I feared. …I can look and see just what kind of pony I am. I know who I am.” She flicked her mane with a brush of her hoof, caught in the wind. Like a sea of silver. Soul’s eyes sparkled. Soulfire’s mane lighting the world with its flickering starlight. Shining of a diamond, and as all her hair flowed, the Pegasus smiled to the ground and a tear fell.

“I am Soulfire Blossom. I had a mother who raised me as the Pegasus I truly am. These wings that I soar the sky with and a cutie mark that I can finally know. I truly remember what I am. I am no different from any other pony.” The Pegasus sighed. The most heart-warming moment Soul could ask for. She could not look away. In awe to see the pony she had known for so long finally be able to be this way. A pony who could unravel herself. Truly learn to love herself. To forget everything.

I think she can finally be happy.

“I remember who I am. I remember what I can do. As if every memory of mine… is coming back.” Soulfire looked to the sky. Hoof to her heart. Calm in her eyes. In her glow as she reached for the big sky above. Where the ash slowly opened up for her. Sunlight shining down upon the land. “And… I can finally feel free. And it’s all thanks to you.”

10.68
These years have been long. It feels like too much has happened. The world has changed. Life has moved so quick in these slow turns of the years. As much as it has changed, I have also changed. Even if I am still Soul Serenity. Who just went through a story I never thought I could be a part of. To see changes that so few others could ever claim to see and even fewer could learn to appreciate. There was a story to my life from long ago. When everything seemed so much simpler. Could I ever wish for things to go back to how they used to be? As if none of this happened? I think not. Even if it means I could have everything back. Where none of these years of struggle ever happened. Because what is the point of that?

Back then, I wanted to please others so much. Live up to some standard while I sought to be the very best at what I was. But that only held me back. Back from my truest desire. I may be an exceptional Pegasus who has a place in this world to become something great once again. Yet I still look back to that little wish that a certain somepony told me about. Something beyond just being the best and pleasing others because I was so afraid of not fitting in. That something is sitting right next to me on top of this hill.

Nimbus…

You wanted me to have a friend. I could not save you, but… I know I made you proud. Proud by me just being the true me. The Soul Serenity I was always supposed to be. Wherever you are, I hope you are smiling when you see me like this. With a pony by my side. A pony I truly love. All of these ponies. Who are there for me because of who I am. They are my real family. This is the family I always wanted.

“I have a future I can be proud of” Soul whispered.

“What’s that?” She heard Soulfire ask. Making her ears jump. Saying that out loud. Spaced out in the revelation of just what kind of world it was that she was now in. A world where Soul really was at home. Nothing left to fear, and Soul smiled. Just as Soulfire did. Looks like Soulfire already knew what was going on. She felt it too. Surprising Soul when she asked “Do you think I have a place in this world too? Can I truly be accepted back as a pony who may live among others?”

“You should already know the answer to that!”

10.69
The pony who said that suddenly landed down between the two pegasi. It was Rainbow Dash, whose wings closed on her. The wings that Soul had heard coming and surprised her to the fact that Dashie actually wanted to come over after all that happened. Even more so with what it was she had said. Something told Soul that she already knew the answer. Already knew what Dash was talking about and that is what made her raise an eyebrow. That answer seemed to not hit Soulfire. The Pegasus looked kind of nervous with Dash so close, even more so with how confused she was. Expectantly looking to Dash for an answer. She was dumbstruck. It made Soul giggle.

“Really, Soulfire? You don’t get it?” Soul asked of her. That Pegasus looked shocked about it. Soulfire even pointed a hoof to herself.

“You really think I will be allowed after all I’ve done? I mean, you’ve all seen just what I can be. What I can do. I find it hard to believe you could accept somepony like me here.” And yet you aren’t running away and certainly aren’t acting the way you were before. Something told Soul that Soulfire was actually really hopeful inside. As am I. I know that that pony who scared me is not the same pony that you are. You have shown me just how beautiful and loving you can be, and I know that you are a pony who deserves everything that all other ponies can get. You may have had such a long and troubled life, but that doesn’t keep you away from what you want. I won’t allow it. And I think that all the others will feel the same way.

“Even after I… I tore off your wings?” Soulfire asked. “I almost destroyed everything you loved. Why would you of all ponies want me?” Rainbow Dash didn’t answer. She eyed Soul. A little nod of approval. My sister needs to finally see just what it is that she is. She is a true pony. I promise her. Everything will be alright. She will listen. Soul looked over to all the other ponies back there. Tilting her head for them to come over. They all know what to do. She saw Twilight nod to her.

“It’s not the first time I’ve been without my wings” Rainbow said. “…Look.” Rainbow turned herself to face Soulfire. Even if she couldn’t get the magenta Pegasus to turn to her, she did not let that stop her. Her determination, it was real. It made Soul smile. “I don’t know what it was that exactly led to all this and I don’t care. What matters to me is what I’ve seen of the real you.” Soulfire’s ears flicked up.

“You were Soulblight, right?”

Soulfire nodded.

“So you’re the same pony who Soul said protected her and kept her company in the twelve years she was gone. You did for her what I wasn’t even able to do. What I failed to do. Not many ponies would do that. And I’m still so grateful. I can’t stay upset with you. You’re the reason I got to see her again. You were strong where I was weak. To be honest, I… I really don’t want you to go. I don’t and I’m so sorry that I didn’t believe in you. I guess we were all being tested.” Rainbow ran her hoof along her leg. She was right. All of this, we’ve all come out of it changed. Soulfire’s eyes were alight in the glow of the dying fires in the distance. A sight she didn’t look away from. Even when she spoke. “Soul always spoke so highly of you. I always wanted to have friends who can love me for who I am. The way she talked about you always did make you out like you were some sort of wonder mare who would like me and actually want somepony like me in their life.”

“I’m not a wonder mare…” Dash grinned and blushed. “But I am pretty awesome.”

“Do you really forgive me? Could I really be your friend?” Soulfire asked.

A long pause swept across the land. There was no worry. It was all calm. Soul sat with the two. All three pegasi left to stare out upon a land of smoldering cinders and windswept ash. Where the Sun struggled to peek through the veil of darkness and shine its light over the land once more. Where the mountains could reach out over the clouds of ash. Silhouetted in the light of day. As if the light slowly pushed away the destruction. Cleaning the world of the evidence of what happened here. We are all here together on the edge of the annihilation that led to what we all are now. We are what I’ve always wanted us three to be. What I hoped for. It is finally here. Soul didn’t even need to hold her breath to see what would come. As her dream came true.

“You real name is Soulfire” Rainbow pointed out. “And you’re Soul’s sister?”

“Her big sister” Soulfire agreed. Enough to warm the heart.

“Then you’re the exact same pony that I met at the party. I can’t see any reason why we can’t be friends. I would love it… but as long as I get to dance with you again. I’d really like that.”

Soulfire smiled deeply.

10.70
“The same goes for us.” A familiar voice made Soulfire widen her eyes. Finding herself and Soul surrounded by everypony, and Soul slacked her shoulders. More than satisfied to hear it. Now that Soulfire will know the truth. Exactly what Soul believed would become true. Now that they all see who you are. Twilight was more than happy to set a hoof on Soulfire’s shoulder and say “I was wrong, we all were. And I hope we can all be friends. Maybe I just let my fear get the better of me and not see that you were a pony who belongs. I won’t make that mistake again.” “We all won’t” Applejack said. Joined by all the others. So many ponies who Soul could see were now what Rainbow Dash had said they would be. Not just to me but to Soulfire as well. Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Twilight, Applejack. Our friends. That was what got Soulfire to do it, to finally turn her head away from the ashen landscape. To look upon the ponies who accepted her. Lowering her wings, lowering any guard she had. No longer that scared, little pony. That’s right, you belong here with us. I hope you see.

Soul glanced to the two ponies who stood behind the others. Standing tall, where Soulfire also rose up to face them. In a moment where no more fighting could exist. No more pain or blood. Between the ponies who had fought here. Twilight and the others stood aside so the three ponies could be together. Where Soulfire stood before Celestia and Luna. In this place where Soulfire had inflicted such pain, she didn’t show any remorse or doubt. The most confident I’ve seen her in a while. And it took all this to do it. So now I get to watch my sister, the pony who had been so afraid of everypony here, stand with them all now and face the princesses. Not as a threat. Nopony was a threat. That made Soul stand up too. Walking over to stand with her older sister. So she could hear Soulfire let go of all fear.

“I apologize for everything I’ve done. I will never fool myself again. I will never become that pony again. May I ask for your forgiveness and be allowed to stay with my sister?”

Your sister. Soul felt tears in her eyes. Hearing that. Soulfire saying I’m her sister to the princesses. To everypony. Like we’re admitting to the world. I could not ask for anypony else to be my family… and the others know that too. Soul stood by her side. Two magenta pegasi. Sisters. Under the eyes of the two princesses.

Whatever fighting had happened here. The hatred and gruesome lies that had driven it. What created such annihilation over the land and led to all that lay fresh in Soul’s mind. In the minds of everypony, and how quick it transformed. Like the darkness did when it created this gorgeous pony who bowed her head to the princesses. How everything changed. And Soul’s ears rose tall when she watched a gold-plated hoof touch down onto Soulfire’s head and Princess Celestia leaned over her, …smiling.

“I will not make the same mistake I did twelve years ago. Today, I will listen. Listen to a pony who needs my help. Who needs all of our help. I will not abandon you. So… I see no problem in letting you live with the ponies who care for you. I accept your apology.”

Soulfire smiled to the ground with clenched eyes. A tear freeing itself and running down her cheek. Just like one did with Soul. We can be together. We really can! Soul locked eyes with the princess. Both smiled at one another. “I have no right to separate two sisters from one another. Not when you both deserve to have a life together.”

“Does that mean…?” Soul held her mouth agape.

Celestia nodded. “Welcome home, Soul Serenity. To you and your sister, Soulfire.”

10.71
Soul hugged her sister. Listening to Soulfire crying, she’s making me cry. After everything. All that we went through. Twelve years together in the snow. In the icy cold. A tomb that took us from a life we wanted. Fighting so hard. Surviving every day and struggling to make it to the next. Becoming strong together. You put me through hard times just as much as I did to you and we made it out together, always together. Because you and I are together. Forever. My sister. My family. Soul sunk her head into Soulfire’s mane. Holding her tight. As the wind brushed over them both. Ash flying. Mixing with the leaves fluttering across the land. Into the sky that lay open for them both. As big as the world that was now open to them.

Twelve years away from it all. Finally, we are back. Me with my sister, who was once Soulblight. You are Soulfire Blossom, the family I never had. And I’m proud to spend my life with you. I really am.

Soul looked over Soulfire’s shoulder. “Thank you” she whispered to the princess. Celestia did not lie about any of it. She was happy. The happiest I’ve ever seen her. She had a smile I’ve not seen since I was a child. And now… I am able to see Celestia accept me back, but Luna as well. Finally seeing the youngest sister. The youngest just like I am. To see her also… happy. Through everything I’ve ever known of her, I’ve not known her to be happy. And here we are, I truly am home. Back in a world I’ve dreamed of. A world I love. A world without the fears of the past. As it was all ripped away. I’m no longer sad. I’m happy. Happy for myself. Happy for my sister.

“I finally can have a home” Soulfire whispered.

As the dust settled. The fires all died off. Calm across the land.

10.72
This is our home. This ashen-swept landscape running across the world. Up to the mountains where a great castle stood tall over everything. Its shadow over the town at the edge of what was once a forest. And somewhere out in those skies, the great city of Cloudsdale was here. Over the countless other towns and villages across this land. This home. A home I once longed for. Now… I’m here. I am back to the home that Nimbus and Starry wanted for me. Soul held her sister closer. Both of them sitting together to look out at it all. It’s crazy that it’s been twelve years. Twelve and all of this happened. So many times, I didn’t think I’d see this again. Wondered if I had a place here. Yet I do. This really is my home. Under the silent winds and the crisp, blue sky that the rising Sun lit. This sky that I once flew through. Over the rivers and fields that I could look down upon when I was just a filly who could watch the world from her home in the clouds. I didn’t know if I’d have anything when I could one day fly upon that world. I was a crazy filly.

Soul hugged her wing tightly over Soulfire. Smiling with her at the land. Her other wing pulled Rainbow Dash closer. All three of them, and Soul sat between the two ponies who changed it all. Who changed my hopes.

I am free. And I am here… with a family of my own. Two ponies who love me, and I love them. Everything is different. My life feels complete, and I’m free to do everything that I’ve wanted. One day… “One day, I want to fly for all of Equestria. And show the world just what a pony can do, no matter how hard things can be. Would you two like to join me on that day?”

Dash giggled under her breath. Sitting her cheek against Soul’s cheek. Whispering. “I’d love to.” With a sudden jolt that made the fur on Soul’s back stand as something soft touched Soul’s cheek. A little tap when Dash gave a gentle kiss. Soul sighed. Like everything is back to normal.

“I really have a home now” Soulfire said. “…There’s no other place I’d feel more inclined to fly for. When the day comes, I’ll fly with you again, sister.”

Soul saw it in the corner of her eyes but couldn’t even react. Not before she felt Soulfire’s own lips tickle her cheek fur. Such a quick kiss. It made Soul stare at the pony when Soulfire reeled back in Soul’s wings, looking down at the ground. “That… was for earlier.” Soulfire blushed. Is she actually embarrassed? Soul glanced to Dash, both of them chuckling. That didn’t even phase Soulfire. The beautiful Pegasus seemed to wave off what she just did. Even though the meaning was forever left in Soul’s mind. My sister loves me. Just like I love her. Oh, come here you dork. Soul brought her wing in, not letting Soulfire go from her. I’m with my two favorite ponies, so let’s stay like this.

“I want us to be like this forever” Soul told them both.

Forever.

10.73
“You know…” Dash started. “I really wouldn’t mind all of us being together at the house from now on. I got plenty of space and all.”

“Would it really be alright for me to stay there?” Soulfire asked. Such a stupid question. Dash thought so too. “Duh! You aren’t getting away from Soul and me. You can have the guest bedroom. Just make yourself at home. This is your home too” Rainbow cocked her brow at Soul with a sly grin. What? Oh… Soul understood. Giving her that same grin. Looks like I will be sharing a bed from now on with a certain somepony. Soul ran her hoof along Dash’s back. “I wouldn’t want it any other way” Soul admitted.

So it is. In the end, I really am together with her. With all of them. Soul finding herself surrounded by the ponies now in her life. She downed her wings. Soulfire hugged her. Dash did too. Twilight, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie.

They’ve all accepted me back. They all love me just as much as I love them. Making Soul laugh. As she heard the last wishes of Nimbus in her ears. Anything can come true. Now I see. I see the truth. Thank you, from wherever you two are watching me. Thank you Soulfire. Rainbow. Everypony. Because of you all…

The sky is the limit.

…..

10.74
“Perhaps we should get to cleaning all this up?”

Princess Luna looked to her sister. Scoffing. All the ash and cinders that smoldered across the land. I wonder why I’m not so excited to clean that. She gave Celestia quite the unhappy look. The white alicorn seemed to get it. Sighing in submission.

“We will. But not right now. I’d like to get some sleep first. After all we went through. I think we need it.” It was true, she could barely feel her wings. Nearly impossible to keep her eyes open and listening to her stomach rumble. But… one thing first. “Yet there is still something on my mind” Luna said.

The dark-furred alicorn turned to the magenta Pegasus next to her. Soulfire Blossom. She looked up to the princess. Listening. Waiting for what she was called over for. For the questions Luna had. Those questions were… “Can you tell me… what happened to Nimbus Swiftshot and Starry Veil? And do you know why it happened?”

A long pause. Soulfire looked away. Into the sky. Her wings twitched.

“I can tell you what happened.” Her blazing yellow eyes glanced back.

“But I have no idea why it happened.”

…..
One last stroke. The paint still wet. All across the canvas that I stare upon. Yet it is a gorgeous result. To think such hardship I had in making it so… could finally lead to something beautiful. Hmm, I impress myself sometimes. How easy it can be to witness as fate’s strings are tugged ever so slightly. Yet the slightest stroke of a brush can make such a massive impact. Striking! I smile because of it. Grinning with the brush held between my teeth. Another piece to add to the collection. Another story upon countless others. And with that… I end this ballad upon the canvas.

My teeth find their way through the brush till two pieces fall broken at my golden hooves. Yet another brush comes forth. Sitting there before my eyes. Enticing me. As I know what it seeks. It’s exactly as I seek. A new brush for a new song. A dazzling spectacle upon the sheet.

I see. I see what you mean. I nod to this prospective brush. So full of life and eager. Like I should be. Everything went so well. So, why not?

The brush came closer. Making me laugh under my breath. Soon I can finally do what I’ve wanted. With every means to do it. Soon, as I look up into the ashen sky overlooking this vast land of Equestria.

I can make everything up to you as I paint… your story.

Part 1 Illusion - Act 1

Scars of a Soul
Written by Lunar Cipher

Illusion

1.1
I don’t often come to this city. Never been fond of it. To be this high up in the clouds for all eternity as the rest who live here do. Though that is their calling. For I can still see the reasoning behind any Pegasus pony’s want to live here. For here to be where their prospective callings are made.

Up here, I find myself often hearing the roaring cheers of countless crowds applauding the sights of the very ponies who do make this city known. As it is here where they grow, where all pegasi do stay to aspire to be like them. To train and learn. Like it was their own lives rather than what ponies back in Canterlot would call lives.

Yet I often stand out there, in the chilling air so soft to my fur, among the flowers and décor of the castle grounds from where even the princess herself does leave to enjoy those same spectacles. Out on the terrace or upon the streets, to sometimes look up and see that great city float overhead. Leaving so much trails of water and wind in its wake. Really a sight for them all.

This, being my first time to actually be here in many years, it’s amazing how little has changed now that I get to see it for myself again. Still left to see why it is so many pegasi do love this city that I now walk through. Even under the moonlight, I look up and see that sight of a mighty rainbow towering high and over the entire city. Still glistening in the night sky, like a solitary star to follow the city forever. Where so few pegasi can be out right now to see it, yet I do. Mostly alone. I see an occasional Pegasus fly by over the clouds and homes built from rain water. None greet me. Likely out on their last runs before heading off to bed. No reason for any of them to be out late tonight, not like any performances were to happen. Such a shame I’ve never taken the chance to ever see one for myself.

Though I can tell from how ponies do feel over it that it is quite the thing to see those very ponies who represent this great city in action. Hearing them all chatter about wanting to be like them. Not for me. I can never seek to be a Wonderbolt, not when so much was left to me that can truly be called fascinating in this dull and tiring land. Where so few things changed. I still can see it… for the better.

1.2
No, I prefer what I am here for now. Though, cannot now with my hooves stepping upon the puddles soaking in the clouds and the rain sweeping upon my mane as the weather pegasi did their job and gave the lands around the city a lasting shower overnight.

But I still have plenty of time. Many more nights for the few chances one would get to see this as I hear them call to me once more to drain the sky in their lights over so many nights, enough that ponies can even spend a whole weekend able to witness it. But how it would be so well to actually see it with my own eyes over this land. To see somepony happy over it. It would be a welcome thing indeed. So many nights painting the sky as I peer upon the stars and the Moon itself. Crafting such works that so many of Canterlot do enjoy. Even if the princess would not care for my work.

Indeed, the one time she did browse my display… she scoffed. I could take it as her being rude until I took the time to see what it was she did find unnerving. For it to be my best work. Of a Canterlot skyline… shrouded under the Moon. A Moon of such vivid detail. It was no wonder she didn’t like it. Likely hurt, as I could have guessed her to be. On a night like this, it looked no different. I look up to the sky and see that orb burning of the ocean light amidst its charge. With the one pony it kept comforted in its embrace high up there and her gaze down upon the world that the Moon itself wore. But I only did it for how wonderful it did look on that night, so much brighter it was and to come out perfectly at the tips of my brushes. Princess Celestia… she was not at all happy. When I got to see her frown upon it. I saw the pain. I can say I felt it too.

I must have, if I am here for this chance to paint something new for her. Something to make her feel better. For which only this city could provide for me. This great city of Cloudsdale. Home of the pegasi, center of where I can see that sight of a sky falling behind the rainbows of this beautiful city. Made even better by that sight I look forward to seeing tomorrow as I get to set with my brushes and paint a scene so much different than any I have. I can see it in my mind right now. So glorious! For the sky to burst fire from the falling stars.

1.3
I still walk down the clouded streets of this city. The rain such a fright for any other pony, but a Pegasus like me, I do love it kissing my back and my wings held tight to my sides. For what is a little rain to one so inspired by the beauty of the sky? Those few others out here, I applaud them for taking the time to join me with it. Unfortunately, none of my friends here decided to join me.

So I get to walk alone. Stop by the shops on their last moments of the day and browse what they have for me to come home with. Coughing up the bits I have, buying one bag of strawberries who still were left with the sweet aroma of a spring day and the tint of water dripping along their sides. Not one flaw at all. I leave this shop, back out into the rain all alone with nothing but my food and my desire to wait. Maybe the rain will clear soon. I have no idea if the pegasi plan to come out in the middle of the night to cut the water… or perhaps I should do it myself. Laughing inside at the idea of me taking down all those storm clouds with my own hooves. Big and small though it was just too much.

No way I can bring my supplies out in this downpour. All I have left is much of the same, to wait. Waiting by the shop, looking up at that rainbow in the sky that still shone bright around all the black clouds. Lit up more and more with each burst of lightning and thunder cracked through the air. I sure hope those Earth ponies down below enjoy this rainfall. I can just imagine them being happy for a nice shower for their crops and greenery until they step into a puddle and dirty their hooves. As long as there will be no more showers at least for one night over the next three nights, I’ll be fine with it. But that was a given for one to be clear. Even with sneaky pegasi who may want to play a prank.

1.4
No, I can just sit here and wait. Enjoy what I have in front of me. Looking back down at the tantalizing shine of the fruits at my lap. Laying against the wall and my hooves kicking down into the clouds under me, plopping one right into my mouth and, … that’s nice. So much so for several more. Chomping down on it all and looking back out at the empty clouds of the city. Where so few lights did still shine from windows. Where the weather factories lay silent. Not even any ponies left to fly about.

As time passed… even the shop owner came out and bid me farewell before leaving for his place. Flying off into the stormy skies and leaving me alone. Such is the usual, I never do have any extended company. Except… as I look over down the cloudy streets, not right now. Waiting to make sure none did spot me. Certain the owner of the shop was gone; my ears focus once more on the sound of chittering wings bustling right down the clouds to where the blue speckled buildings did part.

I know somepony is there. Maybe spying on me? An admirer? Many mares have always seen me as a fetching stallion. How many have called me pretty? Though such a foolish thing to think it may be some new mare watching around the corner. Certainly so because I turned to see and found nopony there. But the sound went on. Watching and waiting for anything different. No, just the same sound. One that continues to leave me a little worried. They definitely are wings.

1.6
Taking another moment to look around, that is when I stood up with my bag of fruits in my mouth and slowly trotting over towards the sound. One that really became a little intriguing to me. Wings they were, beating the air though nopony flew. None of that sound of wind to grace my ear when pegasi did fly overhead or even when I fly. Just an ever-strong urge to go and see what it was.

For something different from the boring nights. Hidden away around the corner. Something in there down the dark alley between these buildings. …Then I hear the chattering teeth. Wait. I ran off straight at the alley as fast as I could, I almost dropped my own bag in my rush. Making it in no time to look down it, down its incredibly dark length where not even the shadows could rustle in the breeze and water drained down all over it to pour streams of it coursing from the dark and down to me, around my hooves. Slinking like snakes in the clouds. But I blink and see it all.

All the trash and waste left behind and forgotten here. Lingering all over and beyond to become drenched in the rain that masked any scent that garbage could have. But the chattering kept going even as I see nothing. Nothing there… but the box left further down between all of this sight. Empty alley, yes… still leaving me wondering what exactly did hide within. Deciding best to see what it may be. Because the sound alone, I knew I was not by myself.

For somepony to be here with me. That I join with them in this dark alley ringing loud with my hoofsteps echoing from the thuds against the clouds bursting upon my steps.

1.6
A box indeed, left alone in this place though not entirely. Seeing there to be so many colors dripping out from underneath it that did confuse me at first until I realized them to be… blankets. Sheets or maybe towels. Something of the sort left at the foot of this box.

My curiosity soared. To see what it may be. Stepping closer to this box soaked to the brim till its light brown coloring was left to be nearly black and folding in on itself where the edges buckled. Holes put into it. Such an old box. Left here for a long time it looked. Seeing many rain showers. I would just leave it as that, as some piece of trash left for a long time… except for how it was propped up by a board. Held up at an angle. Like I could just slip in under it. And that made me fear. Made my heart stop for a moment… just like the sound that came from within that box.

As it stopped, gone with the chattering. But I know better. Something is not right. Something is here for me. And that dumb curiosity that drives me. I can’t just leave it. No matter what I may fear it to be. My hooves step closer. Peering around the side of the box, looking down under the dark interior of it where the blankets they were did spill out from. Where I see a shuffle within that made me gasp. To know my fears were true. For I saw hooves inside. Scurrying back into the dark for me to not see. Hiding under that box. Though I can’t let it hide any more.

I can’t leave it. Not now. Not when I know. Taking it as my responsibility to see this through, dropping my bag down so I may walk over in front of the box and grab its edge with my mouth. Lifting it off the board that held it up to free the blankets underneath.

1.7
It’s not often I find a sight that makes my heart ache. Makes my eyes widen and bursts them in the feeling that I might just cry tears to be hidden from the rain drenching my fur. Nor the anger I feel. Swallowed and torn away by the strong pity I feel. To see this trembling in front of me. Looking up at me with yellow eyes of such intense sadness. Like they wanted to speak to me when her mouth did not.

For I find not a mare, …but a filly. One so small and defenseless, huddled up in her hooves clamped tightly. Protecting herself… from me. Wanting to back away, but she couldn’t. Trapped by the box held up behind her and my shadow cast on her. I mean her no harm. Saddened that she is afraid of me, though I understand. I can’t dare to show her any more than I do now. For my anger is bright and blaring within.

Something about it, about seeing such a tiny child so much smaller than any filly I do see frolicking on the streets with their mothers and fathers. Just fresh from being a foal. She quaked in front of me. Closing her eyes and squeaking beneath her lips. Tightening her hooves around herself and reeling back from me. I can only show her how sad I am for her. Not how mad I am to see her like this. To know she was suffering.

Afraid and unhappy. With a mane so lovely, shining bright of silver and the night sky wrapping around themselves and left to plop down onto her face, hiding an eye, run down her neck and cover her body much like her ragged tail that curled around herself. To the magenta fur so bright in the dark I can see it if not for how drenched it was in the rain. Her entire self soaked to the bone for she began to shiver once more.

1.8
Teeth chattering in a familiar sound beating behind her. For she was a Pegasus just like me. A small and frail one. I look upon those pair of wings she had shaking in the air behind her, beating along the box itself now with nowhere to go. Feeling like I really am cornering her. It took me a while to look away from those wings of hers. How they made me feel so lost in how they were… how different they were. Like none other I could claim to see upon a filly much like her. It doesn’t bother me. It can’t.

What does bother me is that this pony was left here all alone. Under this box… for a long time, when I look at how filthy the blankets are. Covered in dirt and grime and… the remains of spoiled foods. Apple cores and orange peels. Carrot tops and moldy bread. Piled all around her. Living in her filth. Built up after so long. Of all the nerve. I never would have expected anypony to do this to a filly, let alone… I look back at the buildings back outside the alley with a scowl. How anypony can just ignore this. Not see this.

How infuriating. I didn’t expect anything like this to happen upon me arriving here, but I’m glad it did. Looking back down at her, funny how things turn out. Well, I won’t be like any other pony. It’s not often I have company or can share in any experience. Can I count myself lucky to find you? I bet you are so scared of me but, I won’t let that last. So you can also feel so lucky somepony found you. No longer lost or alone. After how long it may be, I’m here for you.

It was only when I saw… her tear going down her cheek, so different from all the water soaking her magenta fur, that I felt so different. That this was something I needed to do, when I’ve never done this before. In my long time among ponies, I’ve never actually felt so giving for a pony. That somepony does need me. For me to help without… without asking for anything back. She still tries to scurry away when I give my hoof out to her, failing thanks to the box. But I won’t give up.

She’s just a child so small, not at all knowing what to do.

1.9
“Hey there, why are you all alone out here?” I say to her in as sweet a voice I can manage. Knowing well what the answer may be. She doesn’t need to say it, she didn’t want to. Clinging to herself and wanting to get away from me.

“I’m not going to hurt you.” I look down upon her and shake my head so slightly, wondering how it is that I can calm her down. I’ve never had to interact with a child out here before. It’s been so long. Little things barely up to my joints that they… hmmm. So I decided to try it. Bending my legs and falling down to the clouds so that my belly may lay upon them. So low that… this filly who sat away from me was at eye level with me. Right before me between my extended hooves. Where she continued to shiver and shake from cold and fear. It does not deter me.

I can’t let her go on like this, but I won’t force her to do anything. Give her some reason to trust me. In all that I have left. So little things for me to work with, except for… I look back at the bag I left to the side. Just close enough for me to reach out with my wing and pull it towards me. Even catching a glimpse of that filly opening an eye again to see what I was doing before she looked away. I bet she’s hungry. If she’s been out here for so long, it must be hard. It must be painful.

So why not something different for a change for her? Pushing the bag over with my nose so that the strawberries may spill out to the clouds. Rolling out in front of me. One stopped right at my nose. Waiting for me. I take it. Planting my nose right against it and looking up at her. She looks at me. Eyes open even as she keeps shaking, not looking at me, but the fruit I have. Yes, she is hungry. I’ll gladly share. “Would you like something to eat?” I say and press my nose against the berry just hard enough to make it roll over to where she was. Stopping right at her hooves. “It’s a strawberry, go on… it’s yours.” Though she just keeps where she is. Staring down at it for just a moment. Not taking much time to look away from me. Her fear so strong. Afraid of me when I mean her the best. Want to show her the best. I guess I can show her. Invite her.

1.10
There are plenty of strawberries around me, one of which goes right into my mouth. Being sure to give off how satisfying it is to eat it. Smiling at the filly. Expressing my enjoyment. “They’re good for you.” Nodding to the one by her hooves. “Don’t worry, I won’t take any more. They’re all yours.” Letting her know this. Putting my head down on the clouds and smiling at her with the bag at my side and so many berries about my face.

Watching her bend down a little and then stop, looking back at me with startled eyes. I make no move. Give her no reason to be afraid. Show only my desire to keep her safe. Does she trust me at all? Hard to tell. Driven by trust or hunger, I can’t say as she grabbed the strawberry in her mouth and chomped down on it so quickly that her tiny teeth made it disappear in a flash.

Good! Pushing a second one over to her for her to enjoy. Then a third. She gobbled them all down. Her wings even stilled. Like she began to brighten up just a little. Giving off a satisfying groan while she chewed. Licking her lips of all the mess she made on her face. Gladly accepting even more berries from me. It was actually a little enjoyable to watch her munch down on them without pause. Just how giddy she was to eat them all. Looking back at me a couple times until she no longer cared to look. Just enjoying her meal that I kept providing for her. Only stopping when I ran out of berries to push over to her. Still plenty in the bag. Perhaps she ate enough by now? I can’t be sure. Though my desire is to let her have even more if she pleases. For all I know she could have gone days without good food.

Days out here all alone in the weather. Weather now like this. That really was the goal now. To get her out of here. Bring her someplace safe. Maybe find who left her. If she was lost. Or… forgotten. How terrible. Well, I won’t make the same mistake. This pony must feel so left out. So afraid of me, it told me a lot. That she has not been around anypony in a long time. Could I be the first in a while? Can I give her the company she wants?

1.11
“See? I’m not gonna hurt you.” She looks at me and blinks. A little shake here and so many shivers running all over her cradled body. “You must be cold out here.” Lifting my head back up though I kept to the ground. But I knew what I was offering her. Something I have seen a father or two do on occasion for their little one. Rarely have I done it myself, yet it feels kind of natural to me to want to give it to her. As only a Pegasus can give. Presenting it to her with my wings coming out to loom over the cloudy surface at our sides and encase this little space we shared together. Holding them out to her. Out to this filly whose eyes widened brightly, glistening of water along their yellow shine to grace me in her wonder.

As those eyes went along my wings, she let her mouth drop. For a moment. She couldn’t hide it from me. She seemed to like my wings. Well, not many ponies would ever be allowed to be near them like I offer to you. It has been an extremely long time since I did this for anypony else. Extremely long. It brought back memories. Ones that made me have to shed a tear. Falling and dripping onto the cloud. She shuddered with a breath. Before she leaned forward. Coming towards me on her hind legs. Where even her forelegs loosened a little and those wings of hers dropped to the ground. Looking deep at me, coming a little closer to peer through the bangs of her drenched mane. “It’s okay.” I am sure to whisper to her. “You’re not alone anymore, little one.” Managing to give her a smile no matter how I feel, how much sadness fills me to do this again for a filly. Such a long time. Such a long time.

1.12
Her forelegs open, something clanked to the ground and she came to me. On all four legs, stopping just shy of touching me. So sweet and innocent, she looked down to the ground and… my heart skipped when her touch hit me. As her fur came upon my own and she crawled down. The tiny thing laying down right under my chin. Buried in my ochre painted fur. To nestle against me… it almost did make me weep. Taking all it took to stop it, to stop the memories. They didn’t stop me. Closing my wings around her. Putting myself over her till no more rain could drench her and I felt only her warmth upon me. Her satisfying sigh so sweet and free, she must really trust me when no other pony would come for her. But I did. I do it for you.

After so long of being left here, she must truly be happy to do this with somepony else. Even one such as I. Though I’m not ashamed. More happy to know that I am doing this… this… looking down at her. At her smiling face and shut eyes, her balling up inside my cradle. Happy for me or happy to be warm? I can’t complain. Just amazed that this could happen for me today. …My eyes set back to what it was that she did drop.

Left behind without pause. I know what it is. I did see them before… surprisingly… at the same shop I bought these strawberries from. Left out at the counter for anypony to buy. Looked just like them. Now how did she get that, I wonder? None other than a small, plastic figure of a Pegasus in full blue and yellow garb flying forth into the sky. A Wonderbolt. A little doll for young pegasi. Didn’t even look worn or damaged. Not even dirty. Like it was new. Huh. Well… however she managed to find this doll, I still find it a little sweet for her to have it. For it to be what she was cradling. Looking back down at her to see she was staring at my wings again.

1.13
Can it be safe for me to assume that this little filly was no different from so many others? Even out here like this and so cold and scared, she still held on to that dream. I knew I saw something in her wings. For her to go through all the trouble to get a hold of this doll, it said a lot to me. As was her fascinations with me. But she fascinated me instead.

It’s not often I can think that anypony can just do this and still be able to keep hold of their selves. She still has that desire for freedom, that longing for adventure that I see so strongly in any young Pegasus pony. But to be so open to none other than me as well. I have to say, I feel so happy for her. Glad that she could still hold on. A terrified little thing who still was so strong. Strong enough to even accept me unlike others. I’d hate to break her heart though, because… we’d have to return that doll. Even so, my mind was washed in ideas. Things even better than some doll for this filly, and all the prospects she had in herself for me to see.

It was then my heart jumped from the feeling. Looking down at her, to see that filly nuzzling her head against my chest. Her face glowing, her smile growing with each passing second. It near touched my heart again just how this filly can be so strong and so giving when I’ve done so little for her. Oh, I just have to.

I reached for the bag again, burying my nose inside and digging around for one. Pulling out another strawberry by the leaf and showing it to her. Close enough for her to grab hold of it and pull it away for herself. She ate it so quickly. Much quicker than the other ones she had. Not at all showing any less that she loved it. It was when she looked up to me and laughed so sweetly when I felt something more. It left me stunned. Staring down at her. I can’t even say it to be so dull in a sense. No, it was something I have seen. Looking out from my lonesome self to the families who passed. That great joy I did see in the faces of the mares and stallions so proud and enthralled with their little ones. It reminded me every time I did see it. With the happiness that those children had. I don’t like to show my sweet side to anypony else but… this filly, she actually made me happy.

1.14
I needed to nuzzle her back, running my nose along the top of her mane. Her little giggles doing nothing but making me go on. Such a sweet thing. My voice even leaving like some sort of embarrassing chortle that, thankfully, only she was to hear of my pleased self. She had her own special way of rewarding me when something yanked at me.

“Ow.” It didn’t hurt that much, nothing I can’t handle let alone make her stop doing it. The filly grabbing hold of my mane of flames and silver and pulling my head down with so much laughter in her voice. Wow, she really was just out of being a foal. Kind of cute to me. I can’t stop her from enjoying something so small. Such a goofy thing. That was when I had to laugh with her. Laughing so much while we looked upon one another, she never letting go of my hairs and never letting go of that joyous look in her vibrant eyes. From where I can see myself in them. Looking back at myself. So I can see that I really am smiling. The happiness in my crimson and azure eyes so uncommon for me to ever see.

She can do this for me? Somepony like her given nothing and left here yet always able to keep that part of her that can make a pony such as I be capable of feeling like I can smile… genuinely. Why… there was only a couple ponies I can think of that could do that. Long gone. Yet she reminds me of them. Should I feel so thankful for her? Or to be so giving? For that is what I want to do for her. Now that she does this for me. Having to give her one last nuzzle.

“What’s your name, little one?” Would she have one? I must call her something to remember her by after all was done. But she held her tongue for a moment. Stopping with her yanking of my mane and placing a hoof to her mouth. Curling her lips and trying to say something. Only for her tongue to just slither out “So-Sou…” Her eyes dropped. As did her shoulders. Looking so defeated. Sou something. It leaves me curious. For she did have something to say, some sort of name to claim. Indeed she did, when she actually did something I did not expect. To point one hoof back to the box she had hid within.

1.15
I saw it. Atop the blankets. So well hidden. Like it was supposed to be hard to find. “May I?” She did not fight it. Actually scooching back under my wings so I could crawl forward, close enough to pull that piece of paper inside over to us. Soaked in small patches of water. I held my other wing up over it to try and save it. For the words were close to being gone. So close yet there. After so long, they never were taken away from this world. This filly… she did a great job at protecting it. Like she did it just for this moment for us. I’m so glad she did. For me to be able to read the words written on it. Though they broke my heart, something else made me feel like it was worth it to read. Just to know the beauty that could roll off my tongue when thinking of her.

Please take care of me. With the words I sought after. That made me look back at the filly hiding under my other wing where my rusted yellow feathers tickled along the top of her head. My name is… You know… I never thought something like this would happen for me. It truly did make this day worth it. As I always wait for the chance to feel like there is something worth remembering that is so different from the dreary setting of this land. It took a pony like this… for me to feel like there is something that can make… anypony smile. I look back down at the letter.

Sure. Take care of her. But… I can’t. I’m not fit to father anymore. For I know I can’t handle that memory for long of times long passed. Though that won’t stop me from helping her. For all she did for me and what she can do. What I see so far off… that she is more than capable of doing for me. “You’re such a treasure” I let her know. “So I won’t leave you here by yourself. But…” leaning closer to her to tap my hoof gently to her nose. Making her grin so widely. “I know someponies who can.” Two who come to mind, far more fit than I to help guide you. “How about we get out of the rain?” Even more so now that another breeze came over me and still managed to chill the little filly, cradling her tighter in my wing and pulling her close. Close enough for me to wrap my forehooves around her small body and pick her right up. Holding her so close to my chest as my wings began to beat the air.

With the doll and our food in the bag, left to dangle from my mouth, cleared of my many fangs, I still spoke down to her as we both went to the sky. “You’re going to make so many ponies happy, I just know it. A sweet thing like you, it’s just what you do. I can’t wait to see what you become…”

Soul Serenity.

1.16
Oh yes did it rain last night and looked like it had been a lot. She didn’t really know why they always had it rain on the city itself. It just seemed weird to her for a city of nothing but clouds to have a shower for itself even when just soaking the land beneath it. She couldn’t complain. Nopony ever did give her a straight answer on why, just that it sure was not something she’d ever wish away.

Waking up this morning to a bright Sun shining in on her room and then that first breath to take when she opened her window up with all that freshly fallen rainwater left behind really leaving her so awake no matter how tired she was when first falling out of bed. That didn’t happen today though. The delectable smell was great and all but there were far more better reasons to be awake for today was going to be special. Promised to her right before she was sent to bed like some cruel joke. Cruel because, wow, was it hard to fall asleep.

Such little sleep but still so lively. Like she could feel so many bolts of lightning coursing through her. Enough to make her jump for joy across the cloudy surface of the city. Basking in the morning Sun and all the bustle of a city alive. Even with the storms now passed, so many weather pegasi flew across the wide-open sky where so few clouds stayed to even show it may have rained. So many yet so quiet as was Cloudsdale where the only sounds of this city were those of joy and laughter from the hundreds of pegasi that she came to know as a part of her life here. Flittering across the sky on their wings, twirling and arcing so quick she was amazed she could see them. Looking up in awe at them flying over her and that real feeling she knew them to have. Such a pleasure that she could do the same.

1.17
Like any other day, no way to tell what it was that happened here, for all she knew was how wonderful it was to see this city again. Her home. Whose great cloudy surfaces slicked in the sky’s own hue themselves shone as bright as any star. Where the rain and the rainbows being the purest wonders of this city. She couldn’t see it from here, but probably could back at the park on the end of her neighborhood from where the towering spires could not block the view of the great rainbow that really was the most beautiful part of this city to her little eyes.

Oh the chance we could be leaving it all for a while! Even for just a few days, it would be fine. She was just too giddy at the idea of what could come, this amazing surprise she had been promised, and she was certain on what it could be. It had to be. For it just turned fall. From where the Sun burned bright and warmed her back so, not too hot or too steamy like the summer, with a nice breeze coming over her. Just right… right enough for another swim still. She jumped back up thinking that and it made her laugh. Yes, that was it! She always said how much she wanted to go back to the lake. It had been two years since last being there. She had an idea where it was, having seen it when following them to it. But it felt like it was happening. Clear as could be in her mind.

A long trot around the city to gather up food and drinks for a picnic all the while saying they had a surprise for her. Before they all flew off for a short glide across a warm and comfortable sky and then… seeing that big circle of water over the horizon that left her star struck. Oh how I’ve missed it so much. Being able to swim in it again, really will make a long winter, spring, and summer so worth it. That is what left her so excited. With how happy they were to see her this way while she followed between them… with the bags in their mouths. It really was familiar.

Yes! Yes! The market they got to go through just now and leaving off with a few bags of food she didn’t get to see them pick out. Not with them insisting it would be a surprise. She followed their instruction and didn’t try to look. Not that she needed to. She wasn’t dumb. Nope, I’ve been a great filly so far this year. Even after so much crap to get through a long time ago, I still impressed them. Just as they wanted. And now they’re rewarding me for it. Yay, I can’t wait.

1.18
Feeling it about to happen right as she splashed down into a deep puddle going up to the tops of her hooves and soaking her magenta fur. The water felt good. Warm to her hooves. Not wanting to leave it, she didn’t need to with so many more puddles all over the clouds that she got to hop into as they walked.

“Careful, don’t fall over.” She wouldn’t fall over. Not too clumsy for that, no way it could happen with her carefully placed steps into the puddles. Certain she couldn’t trip. Not with how she could call herself majestic with these leaps. Not even a wobble when she landed into quite a deep one that splashed her belly and wetted her long tail till the silver was nearly as dark as the night sky of her colors. It only made her giggle a little and shake her tail to send all that water flying off. “Careful” she was told again.

“What? Afraid to get wet?” the filly asked back. Splashing some of that water up with a toss of her hooves to strike the mare’s side and soak her yellow fur. “Hey, now” she laughed with the filly. Holding a hoof over her like she expected more water to come her way. “Try not taking a bath in public, Soul.” Oh what? She was the one taking a shower. But the mare was not angry. Always like this during the few times they got the chance to.

Moments like this were the ones that Soul Serenity cherished when she could, for any time she could get these two off of work to play with her were really some of the best indeed. Now, she was getting the chance to spend more time with them swimming. Maybe a whole day like last time. Even just an afternoon. Just some time they could spend together free from all the work they all had to do. A good break like this was hard to come by.

1.19
Soul hopped back out of the puddle to join with the two pegasi with her. “I’ll dry you off” she said, running her leg along the mare’s fur and really doing a number on ruffling it. “There you go.” “And now you’re all wet, you goofball” she said back before Soul found herself being attacked. Attacked by a hoof rubbing the top of her mane and really tickling. Oh no, not another noogie. She already gave me one this morning. She loves to tickle me. Soul had to push her away. Happy nonetheless that they were this playful with her today. Not so much that her mane had been messed up. Draping in front of her eyes… again. Being sure to give the mare a disapproving frown to which she laughed at her for. Oh well, I tried. Slicking her mane back up and over so the silvered strands touched her cheeks and ran down her neck.

“You really are excited today” she said to Soul. Just finishing up pushing her mane back over till it still lazily draped over the side of her face. It’s fine. Soul liked that silly look to her mane covering her eye up. Kind of like a blanket for her face as she called it. “Yeah, you gonna tell me what we’re doing? You kind of kept me waiting all night.” That yellow mare shook her head. “Nope, it’s a surprise.” She pranced off on silent hooves with that mocking smile on her face to join with the silver coated stallion who waited for them. “Oh… Nimbus…” Soul shook her head.

Great, so I get to wait more. Why not just tell me? I already know what it is but… oh the slight chance that maybe it was something better. Like a Wonderbolts display?! At the least. Something different and exciting that didn’t involve training or reading. Ugh that Nimbus was pretty annoying sometimes. Still, it was part of her charm. Soul didn’t fault her for it. She actually kind of liked her childish behavior sometimes. An adult with so much to do but the right amount of fun that only Soul and Starry Veil over there got to enjoy sometimes. “Fine…” “Don’t worry, we’re almost there. Trust me this is gonna be a great day for you” Starry said to her. The stallion turning tail but stopping short to look to his wife. Soul could swear… they probably thought she wasn’t looking to see those two ponies clank hooves together and smile stupidly. Oh they are really doing their best. Well this had better be worth the wait. Soul had put in so much work around the house and with learning. Even being sure those two came home from flight instruction to a clean house. Always given a fun time from Nimbus and a night of flying with Starry, or even both of them, just for what they say as their thanks for helping them. Soul loved it but… those moments were always so short and… she really just wanted to spend some more time with them. Maybe they wanted to as well.

So many long days of teaching young pegasi how to fly certainly seemed to be a stressful one for how they often came home tired. Putting on a fake face whenever Soul came in, but she noticed. She did like how they still managed to give her things even when tired. They didn’t have to, but… I feel so special that they decide to personally train me every night. They really are good friends. Except for the moments like this when… Soul sighed. Being sure they didn’t notice her, too busy in their own enticement of one another. She could say she liked them more when they do things like this for her. It doesn’t always last. Soul followed after them.

1.20
This was why. Right now. Soul looked away as she walked with them. Listening in to the conversation those two were having. Just a few words here and there that she cared to hear, not with how it made her smile fade. Moments like that, which Nimbus had shared with her, she loved them. Too bad it didn’t last. Going back to talking about their flight routines and what not. One would think Soul may be so infatuated with joining them in speaking all that jargon and topics so fresh in her mind. Routines she could play out in her mind the moment she heard them talk about them. They can have all that nonsense for themselves as much as they wanted.

Soul never did find it fascinating to know what they planned to do for the trainees or the aspects of how camps went. Hearing something about them believing one kid definitely being able to be weather Pegasus material in no time. That was great and all, some kid becoming one of those esteemed flyers who actually brought out the storms such as the one from last night. But it always left her wondering… each time they talked like this about other fillies or colts. Just others.

She looked over to the side. Passing by some stands it looked with big umbrellas covering over tables where pegasi sat and talked. Mares at a table together. Two stallions chatting. Or a whole group together drinking whatever it was they were. All adults. All such impressive pegasi including some that looked pretty strong to her. Their wings bursting in pride at their sides with such a strong sense of accomplishment she could see in their eyes. Why those pegasi were amazing, just like all the other adults that she saw flying every day. Up to those pegasi… those very ones she wished to see someday in their blue and lightning coated suits swift through the clouds just like that very lightning. Amazing stuff to hear about. To see. But… to Soul. Something more.

1.21
Her wings fluttering along her sides. Like they were so filled with energy just at the thought of it. They were! My wings are always the best. The best things at her side. No matter what other ponies may say. However hurtful they were. For her wings were the reason she could fly so well with Starry or Nimbus. To feel so proud even when… when nopony said that of her. She had to rid that thought. Shake her head. No! Don’t let that get me down. Looking up at all the pegasi above her with their mighty wings so gorgeous in the Sun to inspire her like they always did. However long it takes… she never did lose that desire. It pumped her every night. For her wings to carry her off just like all of them. But not stop there. That was just the beginning.

It never did interest her to hear of the small achievements that other kids accomplished outside her sight, that only Nimbus and Starry could see. Not like those kids could have the same goals. Soul actually did hear of many pegasi even going off to Canterlot. Where she imagined them well dressed and speaking so annoyingly. Or even to other towns she knew little about. Not sure what was waiting for them there, except that Cloudsdale was the place to be to become great. Her home for so long. As far back as she could remember when she saw the eyes of Nimbus and Starry for the first time. Bursting of their reds and blues. Really… the best moment she had in all her life. Things just felt to be so much better the more she thought of it, no matter how hard it was. Really taking a lot to make the best of it before… whatever was left.

1.22
“Hey Starry” Soul interrupted them. They still did both look down to her. Actually stopping their own conversation for me. She could think of something to talk to them about. Perhaps get a little bit out of them for what it may be they were doing. “Will we be doing any training tonight? I’m dying to hit the skies again.” There wasn’t any training last night. Dinner when they got home and Nimbus let her have a book for her to read while she only listened to them in the next room cheering over something. Something that had to be in the papers she saw Nimbus bring in. Then hushed whispers before she was surprised to hear them send her off to bed with the exciting news. The last training was a couple nights ago. Basic stuff to Soul. But it still made her wings burn. Aching for a chance to try out some of the crazy things these two taught her at some time and to impress somepony.

No, she always lost to these two but someday… it will come when I’ll blow everypony away. It would just take some more time and plenty more training. “Oh” Starry cocked his head back up. “We thought since you’ve been training so hard lately, that you could get a long break from our late-night training for a little bit. Have some fun with the two of us.” Uh huh, Soul inched an eyebrow up. So no training for a little bit? That could mean they were going somewhere that did not involve that. Plus a break? Did that mean they were going somewhere for a bit longer than what she had thought? Her mind raced with ideas. The lake and swimming, a vacation and then…

1.23
Soul gasped with a hoof to her mouth. “Are we gonna see the Wonderbolts!?” That had to be it. Any chance these two took to take a bit of time off, it always was spent going to see a Wonderbolts display. A long break away from their routines. It had to be! She could almost feel her wings rattle with excitement to want to take her off to the sky. She held her grip. Really needing to calm down. “It is isn’t it?” Soul said. Leaping forth with the two ponies and jumping around them. She passed by Starry with a giggle.

“Wonderbolts. Wonderbolts” she sang to them. Almost letting out a scream and then realizing… oh, they didn’t answer me. They didn’t. Not at all. Starry smiling and looking to the ground like he may be sulking a little. But he went back on his walk with Nimbus right behind him, cheering out in her happiness “Wonderbolts. Wonderbolts.” Soul caught that. She was saying it just like Soul had just been. Then… Nimbus leapt once. Just like her. Oh that’s real cool of you. Soul frowned.

Well whatever, she still got an answer. It had to be yes. With them acting like that. Soul had no idea what to expect, her first Wonderbolts show. It had been a year since those two had gone to one. It sucked to be too small to be able to join them but… now… Soul looked to her body. Confident she fit the qualification now to be allowed into the stadium. Not even knowing what it could be to expect. Amazing stunts were the least of it. But to see those uniforms right before her and to see ponies that aspired just as she did. Performing for the world all on their path to the ultimate goal that so many pegasi strived for. Of which she could only see them in paper or poster. Pictures or words. Always the talk of the town. She ran back up to join with the two of them. Careful not to fall behind in her lost excitement. Still holding strong. Coming up with the perfect time in her mind that she let them all know of with how she trotted happily between the two of them.

The chance they could be going to go swimming and then… whatever afterwards. Or perhaps they were going to the other side of the city. Going to stores to… oh! Buy her a bunch of Wonderbolts stuff or maybe a new hat after her old one was blown away. Go to the stadium and spend a whole day there before going off for an evening flight over the beautiful city. Soul did want to see if they could maybe go to the big rainbow. She had heard one stallion comment how it had a good taste to it one time. She didn’t even know pegasi could go up to it and actually taste it. She had to try. Or… maybe combine all that stuff into one. A whole vacation. She really wished she knew what these two had planned. A whole night of waiting followed by an entire morning, it wasn’t fair. Though… they were always both so determined and would never just flat out tell her. Just like the last time they went to the lake. She expected them to do the same with any other event she could be a part of.

Still, that didn’t keep her from fantasizing of the idea of coming up to that stadium and look up in wonder at its vast, blue walls that towered to the heavens themselves. From where hundreds could roar their cheers. After these past couple years… it would be worth it. Just to know that these two would do something like that for her. Spend time with her after so long. I may even have to hug them when we get to the stadium.

1.24
Driven by her excitement, the little filly had a hard time hiding just how much she was looking forward to today. Smiling and humming to herself as she kept close to Nimbus. Neither of them able to not love her reaction, though Soul saw that Starry halted so suddenly that Soul almost rushed ahead. He didn’t look at all upset over anything. Finding that he was actually walking off without them, waving off to them. “I’m gonna pick something up. Sweetheart, could you go on with Soul and I’ll meet up with you two there?” Didn’t seem right to ask Nimbus now, he was already going off to wherever he was going. Soul’s curiosity was strong to see what he may be doing, but… the chance to be with Nimbus. Not that she played favorites with them. But Nimbus was… always the one she felt more comfortable around. Even if they were in a crowded place. Coming home and going straight to her when she needed somepony. Not like her to give up this chance that she gladly took and leaned against the mare’s side. Only to be pulled in a little closer from that golden wing coming over her body.

“Will do” she yelled after the stallion. “See you soon.” And she leaned down to look to the filly, giggling. “Looks like it’s just us ladies.” “Yeah!” Soul leapt inside of the mare’s wing.

“So…” she hinted to her. “Are we gonna go on ahead and enjoy our vacation without him.” She made sure to laugh just to let her know she was joking. It wouldn’t be the same without Starry. “Yeah, he can be such a nuisance” Nimbus joined in on the fun. Scoffing kind of like… she sounded like some pompous pony with it. A good impression. “But sure, let’s go.” Soul was just about to barrel right out of the wing that held her but Nimbus was the one who freed her and then… she knelt down. Keeping her tail up to the sky and beckoning her head upon the clouds where she signaled to Soul with a wave. “Climb on board.” What? Oh this has to be something special. Nimbus giving her a ride, while Soul loved flying on her own, more so when she could just rest atop another pony and watch from above with her wings stilled and the comfort of it. It wasn’t often she got to do this. Not at all helping to contain her.

1.25
Climbing up and over the mare’s head and pulling herself up along her back, which straightened out when Nimbus stood right back up. All the more easier to turn around and lay on her large back where those big, golden wings stretched out around Soul and the orange and blue hairs became her pillow. Soul letting her head rest right against the top of Nimbus’ lush mane and holding on tight around her chest as only this mare would ever allow her to do. So lucky it could be a flyer as strong as her. “You ready back there?” she glanced back to Soul. “Ready!”

With that, Soul joined with the clouds. From one great sweep of wings and feeling all the air rush over her, blasting her face when Nimbus did as she always did and rocketed right up into the sky, leaving just their tails to reach back down to the city. Up high where Soul was with all the other pegasi. Flying past them so quick, not from their speed, but from the very reason why Nimbus got her name of Swiftshot where nopony else up here could even blink in time to notice them fly by before Soul could scream in joy when the clouds poofed around her and she could look down at the entire world below. From where the greatest of rainbows did shine down over them and reaching back to the vast city below, as far as she could see. Always being the best sight she could get. With so few chances to do it like this. It made her tighten her grip around the mare who flew her so nimbly and gracefully around the clouds with such small flaps of her wings. All the more why Soul adored her.

Really wishing they had a lot more time to do things like this… but it was not up to her. It never had been, so she had to take the time and cherish it always whenever they could fly like this together. So often being side by side, so few with her belly upon Nimbus’ back.

1.26
To the sea of clouds below where so many pegasi could see so often every day, this home of theirs. Flat like a sea and rising like the waves to float across the entire world below. Her land of Equestria spanning so far and wide in the glory of its beauty as far as she saw. The rolling hills and the greens of dense forests, to the sheets of clouds so far off over an endless land. So much beauty she never got to be with. So much to love from up here. Till the time I can go on by myself and see it all. From the oceans she could once see in the city’s endless travel across the land, to the clustered castles she saw looming so high among the mountains whose shadows did darken where the brilliant Sun could not touch. Places where so many other ponies could be for me… to give me more than what I’ve had. How long to wait?

Sometimes she hated being a kid, but sometimes, such as now, they meant a lot no matter all the bad that made her look off with a frown and lift her hooves up over Nimbus’ chest and neck to touch at her chin. The moments so few, it was always best to keep them so close to her forever, just to remember there was still more out there for her. Still, moments she could be happy like right now. Like what was coming now that she and Nimbus and Starry could be together for even just a little bit. Without any worry or bother. Really looking forward more and more to the plans that they had together.

1.27
Soul squeaked a little when she was surprised by the puffs of cloud that burst around her and the cheer of the mare who kicked it apart in their flight, before she beat her wings up and over. Soul spun, watching the sky go all around her. Not at all making her upset. Joining Nimbus in the joy of this flight even when she felt her stomach go up into her throat right as the mare plummeted down just short of smacking through a cloud before her hooves softly tapped on its surface and, one flap of her wings, they blasted back off into the sky to plow through so many lines of clouds that tore apart from their force. Their soft remains poofing out of existence against Soul’s face and even leaving some water behind. Really drenching Nimbus who didn’t even care. Laughing her heart out and looking back at the filly she carried.

“Hold on!” Oh no. Soul smiled. Tightening up a little more. Clamping her hind legs around Nimbus’ body now that… that she already was starting up. With her wings beating harder and the sky peered down on them, so high up there but they barreled in at it. Along with the feeling that she may fall off at this angle. Not a problem. Soul believed she could recover herself if she were to fall off at these speeds. She doubted it would happen though. This wasn’t the first time they did this stuff. Making the entire sky spin around her again, slower and slower. With the land below lost now under a layer of cloud cover, so nopony may see. Not them at such heights where only daredevils would try to be this high up… let alone try this. Not freak out at this with both their backs facing the land below and Nimbus’ belly up to the sky. Holding it. With the wind gusting and the air colder. It felt good. Soul so calm as was Nimbus.

“If you hold on, I’ll give you a hint where we’re going.” Huh?

1.28
Soul came back to earth when she felt the wind blasting right into her face and her wings held tight to her sides. Right as the roar of gales so strong almost echoed hard in her ears, yet she didn’t let go. Wouldn’t dare. No matter how intense it was, flying back down to the land below to where the clouds almost exploded before her in an instant. Nimbus only cheered. Falling this fast, it was no problem for her. Not even shaking or losing any bit of her control. Holding her wings straight out at her sides. No buckle or break, with the feathers flapping wildly. Hitting the clouds, it almost felt like she may get smacked off of Nimbus’ back.

How hard those little wafts of air curled around her and the sky bled of glowing light leading their way back down to where the only clouds left were those of a vast city of rainbows and rain reaching up to them once more. Guiding them in. Coming right in at it like they may crash if even one more second went on. That’s what it would seem like. Silly Nimbus, thinking I would fall. Soul yelled out with joy when they roared past the cloudy skylines of the city, to where the other pegasi could only hear the howls of wind left behind with nothing left. Flying right back up into the sky from their plummet and… Nimbus’ wings fell gently to her sides as the wind died around them. Carrying them both forth over the city. To join back with all the others.

Soul could only laugh. Clambering back up onto Nimbus’ mane, over it and looking down to where the mare glanced up and smiled. Nimbus Swiftshot carrying them on, gentle in the breeze like nothing had happened. As was befit of her.

1.29
“Starry never does that stuff for me” Soul spoke down to her. “Glad I can do it for you, it can be our little secret” Nimbus reached up and rubbed a hoof over Soul’s head. Always such an exhilarating ride, and… it was all for… letting Soul in on the plan? “This can also be our little secret too…” Nimbus looked left and right.

Oh yes, so that was the main reason for Nimbus at least. Maybe. Though it did pique Soul’s interest more and more. Nimbus really was eager to let her know, why else make holding on the condition for it? Soul never let go. “So, is it true?” Soul asked her. “Are you taking me to see the Wonderbolts?!” Wait, that was her idea. Those two never even passed the possibility. Whatever, didn’t hurt to ask. Really an amazing thing to go off of and really hope for. “Or what are we doing? Please tell me it’s the Wonderbolts.” “I was just going to give you a hint, Soul” Nimbus said back. “Oh… right” Soul said sadly, forgetting it was just a hint.

Ugh, these two were good. “So… why even tell me a hint?” Not like these two ever told her much about plans or ideas. It seemed to just be their thing. Surprises and fun. “Well, I kind of felt bad about telling you last minute” Nimbus said softly. “I guess it was a bit hard for you to sleep last night after when we told you.” She had no idea. Soul nodded. “Oh, I’m so sorry” Nimbus rubbed her head again. “Truth is… we didn’t know until yesterday. But…” she looked back up. Glancing back to Soul with a cocked eyebrow. “I…” She frowned. Shaking her head. “Ugh, you really are such a great filly, I can’t just lie to you. We’re not seeing the Wonderbolts.”

1.30
She sounded so sad saying that. Soul even saw her cringe a little as she said it. Like it hurt her to say. Rightfully so, she probably thought… she’d break my heart. No… not at all. It did hurt that it wasn’t the
Wonderbolts. All because I got too excited. I hope she isn’t too hurt over having to say that to me. Soul being the one to run her own hoof over Nimbus’ head this time. Trying her best to hold in just how unfortunate it was that they wouldn’t be able to see a display together soon.

But… there was always some other time. Soul had to learn that the hard way when she got the crushing news that she was just too short. That guardpony had been a jerk. I can’t take it out on Nimbus. She still had something in mind anyways. “That’s okay” Soul whispered to her. “Maybe… I can go with you guys sometime?” Soul hoped to at least give her the idea. She felt she was tall enough now. “Oh definitely” Nimbus said. “You’re old enough now.” Much better than a fresh filly who could barely speak. Nine years old now, it must be good enough. Right at the turn of her birthday, Soul knew she’d be ready for it and... yes! It paid off. We get to see the Wonderbolts. Not now, but later on. Hopefully soon.

“But no, Starry and I have been talking…” Nimbus looked off with a long pause. Leaving Soul in wonder. “You’ve been doing so well lately, we thought it’d be nice if we could take you someplace fun where you can train with us for a while. It took a while to make it happen, but we got it done.” She looked back to Soul. “It starts today.” Train with them for a while?! Soul’s eyes lit up. No way. So… no more short nights of them flying together. What, was it some sort of resort or special getaway where they would all get to be together just so they can help teach her? Only her?! Why… she felt so special. The chance they did this for her. Even with it not being the Wonderbolts, this sounded very good anyways. A real chance to be with her two favorite ponies. Maybe even get to do more riding like right now. Nimbus fell silent. Soul wanted to see if she had anything more to say. That was the hint. A good one at that. It made Soul only more excited for it. Of course it had to be Nimbus to lift her hopes up.

1.31
“Training with you two and then… we’ll see the Wonderbolts sometime.” Soul accidentally kicked one of her hind legs against Nimbus’ side. Stopping herself from doing any more. It didn’t hurt the mare at all. “Yup!” she gleefully said. “There were some Wonderbolts events coming up but we decided not to attend them. …But…” she looked back with a wink of her eye. “There’s one in the winter we can go to…” “The winter!” Soul planted her face down into her mane. Sighing her displeasure. That’s several months from now. She really had to wait that long? Well damn. She really didn’t like how they always had to work so much to the point where they were all missing out on so many events. …But the best were always needed here in Cloudsdale.

“That’s no fair…” Soul let her know. “Telling me we’re going and then telling me it’s still far away.” “Sorry, Soul. But it’s the best we could do. However… I hear that one is going to have a special routine that they rarely do. Just think, you get to see that.” Still not fair to tease her like that. Even if there was something amazing to look forward to… at the end of the year. Soul groaned. “Well… thank you for whatever it is we’re gonna be doing today. It’s still nice of you.” Nimbus let out a saddened moan. Even letting up a little on her flying.

“I’m so sorry we couldn’t go sooner. I know how much you want to see them.” “Don’t you worry” Soul said. Taking a deep breath and accepting there was nothing that could be done. No matter how much it sucked. “I’ve been able to wait this long, you know? But maybe…” Soul set her head back down. Right against the back of Nimbus’ neck. Listening to the faint beat of her heart deep inside. So soft and calm. “Can you tell me what it’s like? So I know what to look forward to.” “You want to know what it’s like at an event?” Soul nodded.

1.32
It took a long time for anything to happen. Soul waiting there, listening and not sure what it was that made Nimbus so silent. What made her so calm even like the gentle flaps of her wings. Did I say something wrong? Maybe I offended her or ask her to do something too hard for her? Those events were probably very hard to explain.

“Soul…” Nimbus spoke out so soft and sweetly. Not at all like anything Soul expected. Actually sounding… distant. Looking up and seeing the mare was staring up… up into the open sky they flew through. “When my mom first took me to a showing, she didn’t tell me anything about what to expect. Because… it’s not something you can really put into words. There’s a feeling to it… seeing them in action. Seeing just how great a Pegasus pony can become. I… I can’t put it into words. I can’t tell you something that I just don’t know how to. The amazing moves they pull off and the speed you can actually feel them performing at. The perfection and wonder of… of just what they had to do to achieve it. How long it took. It sparks something. Because I felt it too when I was just around your age looking up at them with my mouth pretty much hitting the floor. I knew what I wanted to do… and I can tell you that it’ll be a feeling you get to enjoy as well. I’ll let you know right now… I can’t wait to sit next to you and see that same spark in you that I had. It’ll let you know that everything you’ve worked on for so long has been worth it, and that something amazing can await you. Whatever it can be. It will drive you to those dreams.”

To my dreams? Soul looked up to the sky. Can it really? There is really something like that that can make that happen for me. Drive me to my dreams… did it do the same for you, Nimbus? Soul looked past her shoulder… to see it. One little tear going down the mare’s happy face. It did. Then she does the same. With how she flies, she could have been something even more impressive to many ponies. But, for the filly who held on to her and smiled into her mane, she impressed her. To drive dreams in her own special way.

1.33
“Tada!” Soul cocked her head. Staring right up past Nimbus, that Pegasus standing up on her hind legs and wings left out like they held up the very thing she presented to Soul. Extremely happy over showing it to Soul… who actually had no idea what she was looking at. Looked like some sort of building or something. Its cloudy walls going far and wide, kind of like a coliseum but much shorter. Well it may as well be something of the sort with its impressive entrance. The thing that Nimbus was more than happy over.

Kind of funny, she really thinks I know what this is. Like the sky itself going all around the doorway into whatever it was. Columns all around it reaching high, towering over any pegasi who could stand before it, spread all around the staircase leading up to this doorway. Soul looked over them. They looked cool. But was this supposed to be where she would be able to train with Nimbus and Starry? Maybe it was some sort of field or… a resort? A big, walled off resort. Now that sounded like a trip indeed except for the strange fixatures that stood out at the top of those columns and all about the cloudy hangers that drooped and spun around this place.

Hooves and tails. Small and so filled with energy as they all bucked and reared. Some even floating about with the clouds whose colors they shared. With so much joy and happiness in their blank faces. Like somepony carved them out of clouds themselves. They all shared something so unique. No matter how they were, they all had their wings… stretched out and touching at the air they joined with. Flying in place over this staircase. Some even kept aloft perfectly with nothing to keep them there. Like their wings actually did have them flying, though Soul knew better.

These little figures weren’t real, though they all resembled something that was. She knew what she was looking at. Little fillies and colts… children flying and welcoming her just like the clouds she flew through. Welcoming anypony who came here. Dancing about with the wind just like all young pegasi sought after. Dreamed after.

1.34
It didn’t answer her question though. Soul smiled anyways to the best she could without showing how very confused this made her. “Where are we…?” She grinned. Nimbus even falling right back onto all fours and her mouth dropped in embarrassment. “Oh…” she laughed. “You’ve never been here before. Sorry.” The Pegasus ran a hoof over her leg. Eyes crossing along the ground. About to say something, Soul waited for her. Then somepony did it again… when Soul recoiled from a hoof grinding over her head again and a shout of “Surprise!” That didn’t matter to her. She really just wanted to know what was going on. Swatting her hooves at the one that pushed her head down and ruffled her mane to the point where it almost tickled.

They finally stopped and Starry himself stepped in front of her. Was it any surprise he had the same excited face that Nimbus had worn a moment ago? Staring down at Soul in anticipation of her being, what, thrilled over seeing this door. Or maybe even an impressive wall. “It’s a great wall and all…” Soul muttered, doing her best to fix up her mane again.

They really needed to stop doing that to her, it took a long time to fix all this hair. “But I still don’t know what it is.” About to mention that it was supposed to be someplace she would get to train for a while with the two of them but stopped herself when seeing Nimbus. Knowing she wouldn’t want to be exposed for giving even a hint of what was happening. Soul could already see the stern look Starry would give to that silly mare.

1.35
“Yeah…” Nimbus said. “We never did show her this place before.” To which Starry was quick to smack a hoof over his head. “Ah… and here I thought we had it all planned.” “Guess we got too excited” Nimbus agreed with him. None of this helped to calm Soul’s curiosity over what was going on. About ready to just jump up to him and beg him to tell her. Because this wait was getting to be too much for her. “Well, you’re gonna need this for it” Starry said. Reaching back into the bags he held over his back. Rummaging in there. Soul looked over. Pulling it right out, gripped between his teeth, …a hat.

As blue as the city itself. “I was sure to buy a little something for you for your first day” he said and let the hat go onto the clouds right at her hooves. Soul’s eyes lit up looking down upon it, and what it was that was clearly there just for her. A gift that made her wonder why it was they did this for her. Her first gift like this. At this golden shine that brightened her face. Made her want to reach out and touch it. “I think it’s great for a talented flyer like you” Nimbus said as she joined with them. Wrapping a hoof around Starry’s neck. Both of them urging her on to take it. It was hers.

The little filly gulped and knelt down to it. Putting it atop her hoof so it could look back at her. Such a small hat that looked just for her. It’s whites and blues and the gold that made her stare. Emblazoned like the Sun. Shining of the sky. Where she could see her own yellow eyes looking back at her inside that winged lightning bolt spanning over the hat. The symbol she knew so well. Seeing it so much, on papers and outfits. To the very ponies who actually wore it in their photos. Proud and true just like the ponies who could claim it. These two gave it to her? Her very own Wonderbolts badge. She didn’t know what to say. Close to hugging the hat. Left to smile instead. It really came close to making her have to weep over just how much Nimbus and Starry were doing for her today. Was this all really my reward for being so good lately? Even after everything that happened… they still will do this for me? There was no way she would delay it any further. Proud to wear this hat and the badge it had. Covering her head right up till the silver-tipped strands of her mane fell down out of it and all could see the gift these two ponies gave her. So sweet of them. They must really have something wonderful for me.

“Thank you so much…” Soul smiled deeply. Holding a hoof to her chest. Not even capable of looking them in the eyes, though she knew they were very happy for her. They should be. It was so nice of them. She did her best to calm down. Close to just swooning over it. “I bet I look pretty awesome in it, right?” This actually being her first time wearing one like this and, she already could see herself in it. She knew for a fact that she did look great. Really the best thing for her to wear for this first day of training with these two awesome ponies. They were more than happy with her. “You sure do” Nimbus said. Both of the pegasi turning to present the door to her again. “I bet all the others will too.” “The others…?” Soul quickly felt her excitement plummet. What others? There was nopony else here.

Nimbus and Starry led her on. Opening their wings up to her. If only she could share in their happiness. “Welcome to Junior Speedsters!”

Junior Speedsters?

Flight… camp…

1.36
So this was camp? Exactly where so many young pegasi went to learn how to fly. Just as she’d imagine it. It really looked not much different. Walking down the empty expanse of clouds within the walls of this place. Staring off at it all. Really just amazed at how massive this place was. That’s what let her know this place was not the norm.

Soul never could think about how different a camp could look with nopony around, where she was the only one there alongside Nimbus and Starry. Both of them so eager that they even went on ahead with Soul at their heels. Until she gave up trying to keep up with them. No matter how she felt. She did it for now, staring up at the sky and all around her. Not even able to move when she felt so very small inside this place. Where the clouds towered high over her. Where not even a single Pegasus could be seen flying about, not in these early morning hours. She wondered if she was the only kid here. If any could be inside the many buildings scattered all over the place with their shining blue windows bursting of rainy blends. She had no doubt… some of them had to be rooms. Leaving her to fear it in a way that only built upon the never ending sights of this place that just beat her down. If she should even be here. Because… she felt so stupid to never figure it out even with the hint. Just her being able to train with Nimbus and Starry for a while, even for a whole day. It never happened. Not when those two, they were always so busy at this place.

Now I get to see it, the place they go to when I’m left on my own. This is where all the pegasi they talk about day in and day out train.

1.37
All around this playground of the skies. With funnels of water pouring down everywhere from the clouds above. To where she passed by pools of water draining over the clouds and seeping through. Looking at it and the filly who looked back at her. To see just how upset she looked. Soul understood her. I understand her so well. Though I should be happy. Coming to this place, where only the best of the best come out of, and now I get to be here with them.

For how long? Soul could only assume for a little bit. Inside this place where the clouds blanketed all the sky in their patterns of layered shapes set atop one another like there were even floors above her. Floors of clouds surrounded by so many… so many hoops. Some pegasi had to have shaped those because clouds could never be made to look like those, and set out all along the sky. Just able to see herself flying through them. Doing tricks with them or something like what Starry or Nimbus would do with her at home. It all looked great. To anypony it would. Soul couldn’t help it, she pulled her hat down. Looking away from it all. Over to the ponies she saw had stopped and were waiting for her. I should at least keep them thinking this is great. It is great. For anypony else, it would be. I only wish I could feel some sort of excitement over it. Having to wear a fake smile and running back up to join them in their walk down the clouds. …I only wish it could have been different.

1.38
Soul looked up to Nimbus, that mare facing ahead, not even aware Soul was looking at her. What she had said. It sounded so awesome. But… if I had known it’d be… in camp. Oh, Soul wanted to groan. Drooping her head back down. She felt her ears slink out from under the hat and set upon the sides of her head. I wanted to train with them. At camp like this, at their… job, that’s what it was. A job. One she knew these two to be quite passionate over. Maybe too passionate, so much so that they brought her here to join with it. Not at all what she wanted. Remembering the clouds right above her and all the open space they gave to her.

She could still see it, her flying alongside both of them all day long. That was a nice dream. All it was, a dream. Skidding to a halt just in time to keep herself from slamming right into the yellow furred leg planted right in front of her… just close to smacking her nose against it. Soul looked up. Finding Nimbus looking over her, reeling back a little. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you” she said down to her. Huh? Why stop when I’m right on your tail then? Soul had no idea what to think of the mare. Except… she let her smile fade so quickly. Putting a hoof out to Starry, touching him against the chest.

“Dear, could you go on ahead and finish up everything. I’m gonna show Soul around.” Whatever it was, Starry actually just stood there staring. Like he had no idea what he was doing. What was going on. Making Soul wonder what these two were up to. Did they really have any secrets left to hide after all this? It took Nimbus actually rearing her head to him over to some building up ahead before Starry snapped out of it. “Oh yeah… I’ll get right on it. Soul…” he looked down to her. “Welcome to our camp. You’ll enjoy it, okay.” Before he looked back to Nimbus. “Take all the time you need.”

1.39
Soul watched him walk off. More puzzled now than before. For whatever these two were cooking up. Was this really something even worth showing me around for? Not like it’s anything new to me. I can find my way just fine… if I’ll be in a camp for a while again. No matter what Starry said, she was not at all lifted. Her heart sank just a little when Nimbus even took the time to step over and stand right at Soul’s side. The big mare kneeling down so that she could be face to face. Still so happy. So cheerful. No matter how serious her voice was.

“Come on, I’ll show you where to put your stuff for later.” Okay… if that was the only reason. It sounded so menial and basic. Not at all. Soul knew there was more to it with how Nimbus set her wing down upon Soul’s back, coiling the feathers up to gently rub against the back of her neck. Soul followed her. Staying right under her wing that covered her up. Having to look back at it. For Nimbus to be holding her like that.

She was glad nopony else was here to see her like this. As Nimbus did not even know what was hidden under the hat Soul wore, frowning underneath. Fully aware what was to come. No matter how good or bad.

1.40
This building probably was one of the ones that had rooms in it for young fillies or colts to sleep in. If she had any knowledge about this stuff, since she was in here, this was probably for the girl’s. Not at all knowing where it may be where the beds or rooms were in here. Not when Nimbus had guided her right in and found this big hall with none other than lockers. Spaced so far between one another, Soul passed one and could swear it was as wide as she was long. So many of them not being at all the same with so many little things put up to wrap them in colors. Stickers? Drawings and even a poster left to drape those lockers. A poster of none other than the Wonderbolts with the same winged lightning set between the sight of so many of those beautiful pegasi who could wear the uniform.

Soul did pick out some other Wonderbolts designs. But mostly stickers and things she had no idea what they meant. Some lockers were even completely bare. But there were just so many that were not, it gave Soul what she wanted to know. The unfortunate truth. Even such a prestigious and wonderful camp like this was not free from that which worried her. With so many, she bet it even meant more and more that she wouldn’t get the image she wanted all thanks to that hint the mare with her had given to her. There really will be no Wonderbolts. Soul looked away from them. Looking past them all to see many staircases were set around the hall, with their blue walls leading up to what she could only imagine. Pretty sure she knew. Funny, she would think being in such an empty building for a place like this would be wonderful. No.

As she walked past all this, she could hear it all. The laughter and cheers of so many ponies. Those which would fill this place up. To where she would not feel so safe as she did right now under Nimbus’ wing. A touch she feared to lose. She had to ask her now.

1.41
“Am I gonna have to sleep here?”

“What…?” Nimbus said back. The mare even stopped. Soul didn’t dare to leave from under her comforting wing. Keeping her hoof back from reaching up and grabbing hold of the wing to try and cover herself up in like some blanket. Soul didn’t talk. “You mean having to stay in camp? No, no” Nimbus said and did help to light up Soul’s heart a little after it crumbled down when she knew what was in store. “You’ll come home with us every day. We won’t make you sleep over here.”

Well that was nice. A huge load off Soul’s back that she wouldn’t need to be stuck here all the time. Need to get familiar with this place. Nimbus and Starry still were nice with that. Still more than willing to do something she never did expect them to do even in the past. Not after a hard day of work when she would often see them tired but they still were always there to come and get her. Even now. Though she thought the last time that happened would hopefully be the last time. That is what Soul didn’t understand. Why did she need to be trained in camp? She always thought the time they spent together at home, no matter how short it was, was great enough. “You’re worried, aren’t you?”

1.42
Nimbus hit the nail on the head. Soul would not deny her. The mare should rightfully know just how worrying this place would be for Soul. We just got here and Soul knew that, it was all about to begin. That she had little time left before it all started again. It really would’ve helped if they had told her earlier about this. Maybe then she would be able to think it all through instead of feeling this huge weight come down on her right now. So why do it? “Why?” Soul whispered. Of all ponies, Nimbus should know just what camp would do to Soul.

There was no reason Soul could come up with to justify having to be here, not when she had something better at home. In how little time she had to be at that home and do this all her way. It had been great. Why change it? “Why do I have to go to camp?” “Oh Soul” Nimbus tightened her wing around her and the mare walked over so she could try to see. Soul wouldn’t let her. Turning away. Wanting to hide just how upset she was.

Soul couldn’t hide that obvious fact. She was well aware the mare knew how she felt. I don’t want her to see my face. Though Soul was worried. Worried that she may be upsetting Nimbus. It must have taken a lot to get Soul into this place. Junior Speedsters. Where a Pegasus goes in a novice and comes out a master. Soul could not even count just how many wonderful flyers came out of this place. All the boasts that Nimbus and Starry made about it and the ponies in it. And they managed to get me into it. That didn’t matter over the painful fact. One still so strong on her mind. Even so, she couldn’t understand why it was she needed to come back to a place that made her remember.

1.43
“I thought we were doing so well with training at home. It was so fun” Soul said. “But I…” “I know” Nimbus whispered to her. “I guess… it didn’t turn out the way you thought. I really wish I could have told you sooner but… Starry and I… we just feel it’s the right thing to do.” “The right thing?” Soul asked. In what regard? They should know. Do they not? Because it hasn’t been very long. Not long enough to forget. And they decided to do this to me even knowing that. It all was hitting her too fast. Soul couldn’t believe how much those two just threw at her in an instant.

Of course I will feel this way. Of course I can still feel it. The feeling that made her want to twitch her wing. The same one as normal whenever… whenever this happened. And they’re going to put me in it again. “I just want to be trained by you both. I don’t want other ponies with us” Soul said it bluntly. Anything to make her forget the pain of it. “Soul… you can’t stay home forever.”

But I’ve been doing so well staying home. At least it keeps me away from all of it. At least I’m safe there. I’ve always felt better without other ponies there. The same one that always made me hurt. At home, I can do this without fear or worry. “Come here, Soul.” Soul looked up to the mare. Nimbus sitting down in front of her. Her wing falling right off of the filly, sitting down on the floor with the other. Circling the two of them in this little gap between them. No matter how upset Soul was with her, she couldn’t help herself. She walked over. Willingly letting the mare close her wings up around her. Holding her right under to where Soul could even curl up against her. Hidden away inside of her feathers and safe, if she were so inclined to. Not with the thoughts. The pain and the piercing fact that… it was all happening again.

“You’re still afraid after what happened.”

1.44
Soul felt her wing tingle. Like it wanted her to hold it. Just as she should.

Of course I’m afraid. You were there, Nimbus. You were the pony who rushed in to protect me and flew with me in your legs. I can still see the tears falling down your face and onto me. How so scared you were. The first I ever saw you truly sad and afraid. A moment of weakness I didn’t even know adults could get. And she shared that with me. After so long together, it was the first time we ever cried together. That’s why I only let you hold me like this. But… still… you decided to bring me back to it.

Soul had to use all her strength to keep herself from falling apart right now. She had to be strong for Nimbus. Really just wanting the pony to take her home again. Leave this behind. But that was selfish. Not everypony can get into this camp and Soul knew it. She’d get to be with them all the time but why… why did it have to be like this? To put her back in the situation again. I don’t want to relive it again. Frankly, Nimbus should also not want that too. But I can’t believe I need to be here and tell her that. “I don’t want to go to camp again. I hate it here.” Even Soul felt terrible for having to say that. But it was true. The thought of it, she held her wing close to herself inside her legs. Certain that Nimbus could feel her holding it underneath her feathers. “Why can’t we just train at home?” And I remember just how happy I was when you first brought me to a place like this. I really did believe it would be a great experience and that it was something I truly did want. How wrong I was. This isn’t the same as last time, Nimbus. “How can you take me to this place? After what happened. I never want to go to camp again.” Soul buried her head into the wings that held her. Choosing more so to forget it forever.

The longer she stayed at camp, the harder it was to forget just how painful it was.

1.45
“Soul” Nimbus softly stroked a hoof along the back of her neck. Sending chills down her spine with how soft she spoke and how gentle she was. “We could easily just teach you at home just as we’ve been doing ever since then. It has been going so well, but… Starry and I had a long conversation about it. I’ll let you know… if you’re upset with us, just be upset with me. Starry didn’t want us to do this.” “Then why did you do it?” Soul couldn’t understand. If Starry didn’t want it, and Nimbus was so understanding of her right now, why do it? “Why?”

“I wanted it for you.” Says the mare who was most upset of what happened that horrible day. Did she not know it could happen again? What if it did? “We could’ve just gone on and kept you at home all the time, but I didn’t want you to be like me” Nimbus said. But that was what Soul wanted. She was an amazing flyer, so natural and perfect. Really like the sky was what she was born to dominate. No matter how simple her wings looked, how innocent she was with her youthful face and her bright, fiery eyes. She was truly powerful. There’d be no way Soul wouldn’t want to be like her. “As in… I don’t want you to have my childhood.” Her childhood? Soul actually held her breath for a moment. Thinking of her as a kid. Whatever her childhood was like besides all the events and training she did.

“I may have been a great flyer, just as talented and full of life as you are, but I wasn’t happy.” “Why weren’t you happy?” Soul asked, stopping Nimbus’ stroking hoof with her own hoof and she held it tightly. “Things happened to me as well… I…” Nimbus shook her head. Breathing deeply. “I… don’t want to tell you the things that happened to me. Just that… I was the same as you were.” Soul caught sight of the mare’s eyes… staring back over her wings for just a moment. Before they shot back to look at her. Though Soul didn’t need to know. She already did. For those things that this strong mare hid under her wing and how much… she knew they hurt the Pegasus. The one time she saw them, even in the water with those reddened shreds piercing out from her golden tinted coat, Soul could remember seeing them clearly when she swam next to this happy pony. To never talk of them. Even when Nimbus did catch her staring. Only for her wing to have been quick to cover it up again. Even to me, a filly she should trust.

I guess I know what it is she’s talking about. I’m so sorry, Nimbus. You and I never were so different, I never doubted that. But I see what you mean. I know the feeling too. Soul clutched one of her wings tightly.

1.46
“Though… you’re different, Soul” Nimbus said. “Don’t you think that it’ll hold you back and make you have to do what I did.” “I can’t really believe that” Soul said. Not after what happened. “This place will be different, it’s all about flying as beautifully and powerfully as a Pegasus can get here. This is the real deal. And none of the others will fault you for anything.”

Nimbus really did sound so sure of herself. It still wasn’t enough. Not enough to make Soul feel like anything could be different though… she hated the idea of fighting with this pony and how sure she was that Soul will be happy. Soul still shook her head. “Hey now, have a little faith. I know, it’s hard. But this was a big decision I made just to help you… because I really feel you will like it. After all” Soul coughed when she found herself locked inside the mare’s forelegs and gripped so tightly against her chest. In the most awkward hug Soul could think of with her back pressed so hard against her fur, and that pony giggling above her. Awkward but so playful. “I’ll be here for you this time, and you can count on Starry as well.”

“Ok. Ok. Let me go” Soul squeaked out, rummaging her hooves about to the air. Finally able to set on ground again when Nimbus let her go. “Sorry” she said. “I’m just so excited for you. You know it took a long time to get this to happen. And… I assure you, we did it for you.” Soul looked back at her. Left in wonderment as to what ever this could possibly do to help her. After all, she was just fine staying at home. Looked like she had to make that clear. “I prefer training at home, though.” “You know what, I had that same mentality” Nimbus said. “Which is why I don’t want that for you. Otherwise… I’m afraid…” she paused. “I said I wasn’t happy… you wanna know why?” She cocked an eyebrow to Soul expectantly. Soul nodded. What can possibly make not being here so bad? “Because… I was lonely…” Nimbus left her smile behind. Just as her words made Soul actually feel an ache inside her. Not for herself or for any rush to understand. But to see the eyes of this pony and how they shimmered to stare down at the ground and her lashes did fall. Nimbus holding herself tightly inside her wings.

1.47
“I never had anypony to call my friend, not until I was already grown up. And… I regretted it so much. I thought training away from everypony else would work for me, but it didn’t. Because I was pretty sad all the time. Always pretending to be happy to other ponies. And it wasn’t until I met the first pony in my life, who actually made me want to step up and talk to them, that was when I did feel some sense that I could have that hole filled. One thing led to another… I don’t want you to wait for friends like I did. Soul, I just felt like you could meet other ponies here to laugh and play with so you don’t feel alone like I ended up feeling.”

Did she mean like when I tried to make friends the last time? And I know… she knows how that ended. Trust me, Nimbus… I do love the idea. Just like I love the idea of being able to play and laugh with you and Starry. There isn’t a moment when I think the idea of being able to do those things is a bad thing. It’s why I wanted friends in the first place. Why I tried so hard and it all failed me. Just because, yes, I agree with you that it does sound bad to be alone for a long time. I, of all ponies, should know that feeling. I’ve had to deal with it for how many years now? And she brought me here to try and fix that because she feels this would be a change from all the horrible moments from the last time Soul was in a situation like this.

I can’t believe it. I can’t believe that things can change. Even when there was one pony who still managed to. Soul looked past the mare and to all the lockers left down there. With all their stickers and so many things that just made her feel like, yes, there were happy fillies running through this hall daily. How many more would return here with the turn of fall? Just like the last camp. Friends returning to meet each other and new friends to arrive. There always were new ponies to these places. Fresh faces so unknown and different to Soul just as she was to them. But all of them so eager to meet one another just for the chance to become like the groups of fillies and colts she saw every day playing among the clouds just outside her window. Soul sighed. She walked past Nimbus. Letting the mare only question what it was she was doing.

1.48
“So where’s my locker?” Soul asked. Heading off towards the end of the hall, no matter how far she got, always so lit to see all the pale faced lockers just waiting for her.

She smiled… hearing a small gasp from the pony behind her. That’s right Nimbus, I’ll try. Nopony would ever expect me to like this, and I still don’t… but, Nimbus, she always was one that Soul could rely on. If she said things would turn out better here, if I can have the chance to have just what all those other little pegasi could have, I’ll take it. I’ve always been one for taking risks.

Nimbus clambered over to her on frantic hooves and so much joy in her face. Practically jumping alongside Soul at this point. “You’re really wanting to give this a shot?” “Yeah” Soul answered. “But… do you think… I’d be okay here?” Soul fluttered her wings to draw attention to them. “Of course!” Nimbus said. “In fact, I bet you’ll be the talk of the camp once you get going. Stepping out of here with wings of fury!” She laughed and ran off ahead of Soul. The filly just shaking her head with a smile at this silly mare. “It’s this one right here” Nimbus said and planted a hoof to one of the bare lockers… almost bare. It wasn’t till Soul came up to it when she found there was something on it.

Somepony… put a sticker on her locker and it was something she recognized. Just like many of the other lockers. One of the same design that was on her hat. She could only guess who put that there. Looking over to Nimbus and they locked smiles. That sticker did remind her of something. She couldn’t wear this during training. Nimbus opened it right up for her to stick the hat inside. Leaving her mane a mess. She had no idea how many more times it would get messed up today. Ready to reach up and fix it.

1.49
Nimbus’ hoof was the one that beat her to it. No noogie at all. Surprised when that hoof softly went over her mane. Pushing and pulling with such a nice tickle along the top of her head. Soul looked up to her. She really is trying her best to make this a good day for me. Going all out just for me. For a goofball, she was very nice. It really was such a shame she had to go through those moments when she was a kid. Soul almost couldn’t believe she could grow up to be like this. As shocking as it was to know she had the same life I wanted.

Was it true? Soul could not be one to know. Just feeling it being so sweet it worked out for her in the end. She loved to see that Nimbus was happy. That she could grow up to become who she was today. Only wanting the same for me. All to be here, at this camp. I can at least try. “Starry will come back here later” Nimbus said when she just got done swaying some of Soul’s mane down over her face just as she liked. “He bought your lunch and he’ll leave it in your locker. I think you’ll enjoy it.” “When is lunch?” Soul asked already anticipating being able to eat whatever it was they got her. They did buy a lot of food today, enough for her to have thought it was for a vacation retreat. It had to be big. “We’ll all eat after the morning lessons, …you can eat with me… that is if you don’t have tons of friends by then” Nimbus budged herself a little into Soul to hammer home the hint. Sounded pleasing but Soul was just fine eating with Nimbus later. After the morning. These lessons.

“So what will we be doing? I hope we get to continue our high-altitude spirals.” They left off with just a small bit of training with that in the sunset swept clouds last night. “About that…” Nimbus smiled down to her. Just finished with cleaning up her mane. She even started fidgeting with her own spiky mane now. Nervous? Soul cocked her head.

1.60
Oh this is just perfect. So even with how confident Soul was in herself and how many years have gone by doing all she could to perfect her flying, this is what it still landed her in. Soul rolled her eyes at Nimbus. Still not able to accept it. It was great and all that she got to be enrolled in this renowned camp and at least be able to train with Nimbus and Starry more often… just with a crowd who would join them. But that was the problem. Training.

Not the training at all that Soul had in mind. Not now but maybe a year ago when she was at that level. Now that infuriated her inside. Still needing to calm down. No need to bring it out on Nimbus. She was doing this for my benefit after all even if some of this will be a total waste of time. That’s what they were, a waste. Because these wings aren’t meant for what Nimbus had called remedial courses. Really?

After so much training, did she actually think I would be at all satisfied with having to go back to stuff I did long ago? Soul leaned back into the cloudy walls. Beating them with her hooves for a moment. That is what brought Nimbus up from looking at the clipboard she had been busy with and keeping her from noticing Soul’s dissatisfaction this whole time ever since they stepped outside. “Still upset?” You don’t say? Did my ‘what!?’ not clue her in when I got the news? “Do I really need to do that kiddie stuff again?” Soul asked. Though she did know it wasn’t exactly kiddie stuff. Still not the type of stuff she wanted to do. Too easy. Too uninteresting. Really more like stuff to be used for warmups. Though to take all that and turn it into an entire camp stay.

Oh this is gonna be fun.

1.61
“It’s just for the fall, Soul” Nimbus begged of her to understand. “I’m just an instructor here, I couldn’t get you into the higher stuff.” Good, old entrance exams… just like the last camp. She didn’t need a refresher in that regard. Now having to do it again here. She better at least be able to get some classes more qualified for her ability after she ‘proved herself.’

Ugh, that concept always was annoying to her. Really, it would be far better to just show what she could do by blowing them all away and be given an award for that. Nothing she could do about it. Not even Nimbus could do anything about it. Best to just try and make it through these initial lessons no matter how much she didn’t want to do them. Then again, they still gave her chance to hang out with Nimbus and Starry.

“Will we at least be able to train normally at home?” Soul asked. Didn’t want to get rusty with what she already had been learning. “Of course!” Nimbus said as she ran a hoof down the paper on her board. Fully engaged with it but still listening. Just about to go on but she was distracted. Looking off to one of the stallions floating by. “Hang on!” she called out to him. Pointing a hoof up. Soul following it to see the clouds? “I need a few more clouds busted… be a dear and…” Nimbus waved her hoof up to those clouds. Soul couldn’t see her face but she knew just what was going on with that voice of hers. That stallion did laugh. “Right away, ma’am.” Taking off in a gust of wind and joining up with all the other adults Soul had seen mingling around the entirety of the camp doing all manner of work it looked. “Sorry, Soul” Nimbus smiled to her.

Soul smirked. Just an instructor, yeah, she practically ran the place. My ass she couldn’t convince somepony to elevate me. …Whatever she said.

1.62
“But, yes… I’ll be sure to give you refreshers on what we were learning together” Nimbus confirmed for her. The mare giggled and went back to her clipboard. “That way you’ll be ready for next season.” So she too had faith that Soul would prove to be successful. That was good. Soul sure wouldn’t make her regret her confidence.

She had faith in her ability. Though she did wonder if she would be able to show it to any of the others. If anything… she bet that would be a good way to at least make some friends. Anything, really. Soul still was trying to figure out how this would all work. Trying her best to keep away the fear that ponies wouldn’t like her or that something may go wrong. This was a camp for talented flyers, after all. Impress some of them? That could work. Though she did need to know.

“So… will I be put alongside a bunch of novices or something?” “Novices?” Nimbus raised an eyebrow. Really looking like she was questioning something in her mind with how she stared up to the sky for a moment before she let out a satisfying gasp. She flipped back through the pages of her clipboard. Stopping to something where she set her hoof upon it. “Actually there will be a few new ponies to the camp that will be joining us today that are…” and that hoof reached out and surprised Soul with a rub against her chin and the most obnoxious voice that Nimbus could make. “Talented ponies like you. So don’t be jealous of them…” Soul threw that hoof off of her. “Stop it.” Not at all phasing Nimbus in her antics. Not like I’d get jealous, I just want to know. Though it did make her wonder why talented ponies would be joining her in remedial… oh… that was right. Soul scowled. The bickering will be pretty strong here.

1.63
“But most of the class will be learning things for the first time, it seems” Nimbus said scanning over her paper, and her wings fluttered a little at her sides. “Oh I can’t wait to see all these new faces and what they can do!” She got very excited there. “I just know all of you will do amazing.” “I would hope” Soul commented as she watched the adults flying over her busy with so many things.

From some of them floating about to buck at the very clouds that practically made a floor over her until they burst apart for the Sun to shine through, to so many more further up till they were mere specks among the cloudy world hovering high above the camp. Shaping clouds and moving them about, like they were building a whole world above this one. All just for teaching young pegasi.

Soul wondered if she would be able to fly high up there with all those countless rings and obstacles those ponies looked to be making. Or was that for advanced lessons? So absurd. “It’s pretty amazing to pull off a low level rise. That wind is killer, you know?” Nimbus caught her sarcasm immediately. “Yeah I’m aware, you had trouble with that too.” “When I was tiny, yeah.” “Oh and you’re not tiny now?” Nimbus laughed.

“No, I’m not making any of you do the basics. You’ll be pleased to know all the class are pretty experienced right now. Even the newcomers.” Nimbus pointed a hoof at Soul. Well that was good to know. Anything just to be sure what she was getting herself into, and it looked like it would be happening soon enough. Something that did make Soul feel the butterflies in her stomach.

1.64
“Oh! Somepony arrived!” Nimbus said. Looking off. Soul watched as well just in time to see a mare not even bothering to use the door. Flying right in with… none other than a little filly flying alongside her. Landing with her, and Soul already knew what she was seeing. That mare holding a bag in her mouth and happily patting her hoof atop the smiling filly’s long, purple mane. Really like they already knew what to do. That mare not letting go of the filly and leading her over someplace else. Soul watching them the whole time with a frown on her face. Not letting them out of her sight. Wherever they were headed off to. Just all that excitement in that filly’s face, even galloping ahead right out of the mare’s grasp and that mare did chase after her. Both laughing. She did seem so very excited, very happy to be here. Whatever class she would be in, maybe in Soul’s own. Maybe new or experienced, Soul had no idea to tell her with how she was. Except for the feeling that let her keep sight on them even when they left running into one of the other buildings.

A mother and her child. Soul rubbed her leg. Looking back over to Nimbus and her joyous display at seeing that kid being so happy. So easy to amuse.

Soul got up to join her. Walking over to stand at her side. Knowing well that it looked like more ponies would be arriving and that this was actually going to happen. That she would get to see all these other kids and their parents. She found it not at all hard to believe that they will all be just as happy to be here. Unlike me. No matter what, I just can’t smile over this. Preferring just to be as close to Nimbus as she could be. To the point where her hoof almost touched Nimbus’.

“Will you and Starry really be training us the whole time?” Soul asked.

1.65
Nimbus knelt down closer. Putting her clipboard aside. She did it just to do this. Setting her hooves against both of Soul’s. “Oh, don’t you worry. I made sure to put you in our class. As long as you’re here, you’ll have both of us.” That was good. At least, I know I can have somepony to rely on the whole time. Just like… all the other kids Soul did see well past where Nimbus looked at her. Several more, all coming in together… together with their parents. With each other. To laugh and jump and fly with one another without even a care in their faces. Just so much excitement to be here. So much to look forward to. Do I have anything?

Soul wished she could know just what this would lead to. If this will be like Nimbus said. Without all the fear of what may be. Soul backed away from Nimbus. Looking down at the clouds they stood on and sighing softly. Soft was her voice. “Okay, …I’m glad.” “It’s gonna be alright, a new experience for you” Nimbus said assuredly. “I should go and settle in some of the newcomers. Okay?” “Alright.” She did have a job to do.

“Wait here for me, I’ll be back shortly.” But Soul still had so many questions… and being alone. Oh, just shortly. Please may it be shortly. Not with all this worry she could feel building up. This wonder and idea of what could happen. “Can I at least know what lessons we’ll be doing today” Soul asked of the mare who started walking away with her clipboard. Stopping her in her tracks. Looking back to Soul, she wagged her tail at her. “Nah, ah, ah” she grinned. “You get to wait and see like everypony else.”

Soul looked down. So I can’t even know what lessons we’ll be doing. Literally this entire day was nothing more than constant wonder and surprise. Having absolutely no idea. Did Nimbus even know just how nerve wracking this was? “Cheer up, okay” Nimbus said taking a few steps closer to Soul. Somehow that mare never managed to lose her confidence. Confidence in the day, in what was to come? Soul only hoped it was something else she was confident in that kept her so cheerful despite all of this. “If you have any problem, don’t you hesitate to come to Starry or me. We’ll be here for you.” I know. But… will it be enough? Enough to calm me?

1.66
All I can do is hope I won’t need to come to you two. That was all, all she had. Sitting down and watching. Watching so many new ponies all about. All of them the same to her. Much like the first. Or the second. But to see just how happy all of them were. How excitable they all were to be here. Some new, some returning, Soul had no idea on who was who in that regards. If she had seen any of these ponies before. Which had been among the streets she had walked or flown across so many times. In the shops or… from camp. The last camp. None to be known. Except, as she watched them all arrive one by one, she did think.

How did they all feel about this? Did they care? How many of them knew each other? Soul only wished she had been able to come here much like the same as all of them. Able to have a smile on her face alongside… those ponies who did join them. Who hugged and assured them. Soul just able to see a young colt even get a long hug from the stallion with him. Or the pair of curly maned fillies who just got two small bags for them to carry right from the mare who patted them both on the backs with the biggest smile Soul could see upon a pony. With those two fillies running on in laughter together, and… they joined up with others.

So normal and natural like they really did know. So… looks like someponies know each other here, and here I am left to think just what I may be in for. If I can be good enough to be here and let everypony know that all I want… is to be like them. Soul looked around. Hoping to at least catch sight of any of the two ponies that she knew here. Not even around. Too busy setting up, she guessed. For this big day that I have to be a part of.

The more Soul thought of it, the more she wished to just be back home reading or playing with her toys. Just looking forward to a relaxing training session after a nice dinner. Right before going to bed. The same thing. Better than this. But… I have to do it for… for Nimbus. Because… I want to trust in what she said. What she said, as Soul caught the eyes looking at her. Freezing her heart. Stunned to see it before her. Not because they were looking at her, but because… they smiled at her. Just enough to do one little thing before they ran off the rejoin the others. Soul gasped. Gasped as they both waved at her oh so happily. Then the two fillies were gone. Gone like that and Soul was left realizing what just happened. Regretting it. As she felt stupid to do it now, to wave back at them with their tails turned to her. That was more than enough. Maybe Nimbus was right, maybe this camp would be good enough. But will I be good enough for it? Soul let her wings run along her back, hidden well behind her for nopony to see. Knowing very well that… she would have to use them. Even after what happened last time. Last time. Please not again. Soul wished for it to be just like it had been for that one moment when those fillies did smile at her. For it did feel true. Something that I can believe in just like when I go to bed each night. But without those words as I go into the unknown.

The words that tell me that everything will be okay whispered softly into my ears.

1.67
“Alright! All new campers come join me!” Soul finally broke out of such a long daze hearing Starry Veil’s voice and seeing his wild blue mane finally come out to blaze ever brighter than any of the clouds that surrounded all of them. The stallion waving up his hoof to everypony like some sort of stand that demanded attention. He sure got it.

Thank Celestia. Because now something was happening, different from having to just sit here for however many minutes just watching all the other children really act like something she wished for herself. With all their laughter and joy of being with one another, fillies and colts, finally driven off to something different as they all ran over to Starry. A few staring blankly, Soul saw they realized what to do. Clearly they were new to this whole experience too. As was Soul, who couldn’t blame them. The filly just waiting where she had been, alone and expecting, set in wonder as to what today had in store for her. Even now she just watched them all, feeling her hind legs try to kick down against the clouds and push her to move forward but the nagging tremors inside her… they kept her still. Because she knew what this was.

Camp was starting.

So quickly as this whole day had been to her. Just one giant surprise. So very worried. Would Starry or Nimbus be upset with me for being scared right now? I can’t help it. Yet here it was, time to go, and I’m not even ready. Ready to join all those other kids who ran or flew up to where Starry was, gathering like some flock of birds in all their excited banter that even Starry was having a hard time calming down over there. Even a couple fillies floated around him cheering. So few… so very few even looked remotely calm. So few in that group that looked like maybe a dozen or more kids. Soul couldn’t even have time to count them all with how much they scurried around so haphazardly.

And I get to join them?

Soul lowered her head. Looking over to the stallion and further angered at how… how her legs did not do what she wanted them to. To at least try. There was one thing, though. Soul finally caught sight of the reddened sky inside of Nimbus’ mane. That mare coming over to join her husband with all the other kids. Then Soul did know that… at least both of them will be with me.

1.68
Nimbus actually stopped before joining the rest of them. Her and Soul locked eyes. Even from this far away, that mare still smiled at her. Before she waved a hoof for her to come. Yeah. Here we go. So now they want me to come over. That means… Soul sighed. Breathing in so deep. With her wings trembling and her legs not at all able to keep themselves still. Shaking even when they finally did as she wanted them to and she stood up. Preferring to use them and only them. Not like the others who floated and spun about on their wings, while her own kept still at her sides. Knowing very well… and she saw it in Nimbus’ eyes that looked back at her, knowing she could not hide forever. Hide the fact that made her scared.

Soul did pass by Nimbus, staying with her for just a second to look up to her and let Nimbus know just how nervous she was to join with the group just across from them. She understood. Offering her side to Soul and… they both walked together to join with the rest, none of which even noticed her. Too enthralled in their own loud talking and joy. Soul didn’t want them to notice her. Not yet. Almost like Nimbus did know.

“Soul, …I know you’re scared but… you do know you’ll have to use your wings. Right?” Soul gulped. Of course I know. This is a flight camp. Where I’m trained to perform spectacularly with my wings. So, yes, I will have to use them. Eventually. Soon. Soul didn’t know. But she kept them hidden. As best she could. Folded up at her sides. The proof of what she was afraid over. “Yes” Soul said softly. Lead on by Nimbus, her soft steps upon the clouds right at her side. Soul had to glance over to her. Such a shame. Nimbus, you can hide it easily. Soul looked to the mare’s wings set down across her sides. You don’t need to worry. But… I can’t hide it. The thing that makes me afraid. With her only hope being what Nimbus had said. No matter how much the other part of it ate away at her mind. Taking everything it took from her just to stop shaking so bad. Even needing to stop for a moment just to be sure. Be sure her legs had stopped shaking, but her teeth still trembled. Her thoughts still fearful over what was right in front of her, and she had to join it. All she got was a pat on her back from Nimbus.

1.69
Soul left her. Except the other way around. Nimbus walking off to join with Starry at the front of the group that swarmed them, leaving Soul right there. Backing up a little with a gasp when two colts ran right past her, just short of bumping into her. Watching them run off without a worry and all the others ahead of her who grouped up and fluttered about with so many things to talk about. All nonsense she had no idea how to think about. Well really none of it could be heard by her with how loud everypony was.

This actually was sort of different from what she remembered. It wasn’t often she saw a group like this so talkative and happy just to be in a place like this. Soul didn’t even see one scowl among the group, though a few eyes did look at her briefly. Only Nimbus’ voice could ring out clearly. “Alright, everypony! Quiet down. Are we ready to start flying today!” Yelling out almost like she was cheering. It worked. All those kids joined her in her enthusiasm with so resounding “Yeah!” Shrieks of cheers and excitement before they all began to die down. Calming down just enough for Starry to actually talk without yelling.

“Gather around me everypony, don’t be shy.” Soul was the only one being the shy one. Hesitating to do as she heard with her legs keeping still for a moment while everypony else trotted along or landed to group up around the two instructors of hers. None of them at all settled when Soul stopped her terror and demanded herself to do this. All was going okay right now. A very excited and happy group of kids. But… probably just because I haven’t done anything yet. Nothing to upset them. No reason to start now.

1.60
Soul joined them all. Taking a few slow steps closer to the group forming up in front of her and… she decided not to do the obvious. No, I want to be near them. Soul looked to Nimbus and Starry still busy settling some of the kids. Except she did notice they both did an occasional glance over to her. They’re expecting me too. Okay. Picking up her pace. Come on, this won’t be so bad. She told herself over and over. It’ll be like Nimbus said. A new group. New ponies. Though none of them had yet to see her in… no! Stop that thinking. All it was doing was making it worse. Almost making her run off right there. Not at all calming to her wings. It didn’t stop her though.

First day of camp, a new day. A new camp. Just treat it like when she was back home training. That’s what she told herself. Just with a new crowd who would be there to watch her and… maybe like her. She had no way of telling. None of these ponies seemed to care. Amazing how most of them seemed to act like they already knew each other. I don’t get that feeling at all. None talked to her. None acknowledged her.

Soul stepped past a couple of them, brushing by a filly with a blazing mane of flames too busy to even care. Just like all the others. Well, at least no eyes were on her. Soul managing to make it around some of the excitable children, stepping over their tails and being sure not to run into them, walking around the group till she was able to make it to the front. Passing a pair of colts and she found an open spot to plant herself down into. Right there with Nimbus and Starry close by to her to stare out over the group she was now a part of. Both of them looking over their clipboards and leaving Soul there to watch to her left and then her right at all the kids she was now with. None of them had done anything. Not a single thing to say that any aspect of their pleasure for being here had dropped. While Soul was still left to wonder while feeling so many all around her. But there was one thing that was different. Soul managed to…

1.61
To smile. Even with all her insides shaking so badly and… almost like she was being closed in on.

Something still managed to make her smile. Even just a little. It was much of the same, the reason she looked up to Nimbus in front of her and the group. I trust her. I trust what she said. Just knowing she had both her and Starry here with her. Why… Soul could already tell… if she had been in another group, she would be panicking by now. She was so grateful that these two managed to get her into their group. That she will be taught by them even if it would initially be refresher stuff. I feel just a little safe. A little confident to know that what she said may be right. Soul wanted to turn to look, look at all the faces of the ponies she would be with in this group. So amazing that they all went silent when Nimbus cleared her throat and even drew Soul’s attention away from what she wanted.

“Welcome to the Junior Speedsters, everypony!” the mare said without any sense that she was trying to hide how happy she was to be here. Soul could swear she saw her long tail wiggle a little. “So I’m Nimbus Swiftshot.” “And I’m Starry Veil” Starry picked up right after her almost like he knew what to say. “Though you can all just call us Nimbus and Starry” Nimbus said to all the quiet fillies and colts. Leaving Soul there to glance about so slightly to see how the others were reacting. As happy as they had been. Though, the brimming joy from their two instructors was not helping to calm them all. “Are you all just as pumped as we are to do some flying this fall!?” Starry called out to them all. Splitting Soul’s head when they all shouted out with their cheers. Catching her off guard for a moment before she also decided to join in with her own laughter and… a clap of her hooves for good measure. “Awesome!” both Nimbus and Starry said in unison. “Well we are glad to have you all!” Starry said. “Nimbus and I will both be your instructors for the fall. Ten year camp veterans just for all of you” and he smiled so… stupidly to Soul.

“We’ve seen so many young ponies like all of you leave here with wings of steel and so many happy memories, oh! I just can’t wait for you all to have so much fun here” Nimbus said. “We’re all new faces here so let’s all do our best to help each other and have one awesome fall!”

Soul almost was ready to start laughing right there when she saw how hard it was for Nimbus to contain herself. These ponies had no idea just how goofy that mare can be and she must be on the verge of bursting by now. That silliness always did throw Soul off. It really did mask just how amazing a flyer she was. Yet she felt so natural being here. Acting like this. This really was where they worked all the time. “Are we all ready to become great flyers!?” Nimbus called out. Met by a roar of approval from all the ponies around Soul. The filly trying her best to fit in. More ready by now to see just what it was her two instructors had in store now for the fall. Certainly… not that. Soul seeing both Nimbus and Starry lock wings to one another as they both stood on their hind legs. With a cheer to the sky that they reached their hooves up to. “Junior Speedsters!” they shouted. Not alone. None of the kids did that pose but they all yelled out with them. “Junior Speedsters!” Really were ready.

Soul smirked. Yeah, …those two have a lot of practice here. They must have rehearsed.

1.62
Though the readiness was quickly spent and everypony calmed back down once Nimbus waved a hoof to all of them and smiled. “Now, now. Everypony let’s all relax. So you know the two of us… but we don’t know who any of you are” she reached out to the group. Roll call… “We all should get to know one another first before we do any flying. So I’ll point to each of you, when I do, let the class know your name.”

Nimbus held her clipboard close, glancing to it and then back to the group. She pointed a hoof just over Soul’s head. “What’s your name?” “I’m Cloudchaser!” Soul heard a filly call out behind her. “Nice to meet all of you” that pony said. Well she didn’t seem to be at all worried of sharing her name. Soul looked around at all the other ponies around her. With each name that was said, she saw how they all looked about to smile at whoever it was who talked. Some even called out some type of greeting to the pony.

Soul mumbled under her breath. It was strange. Did any of them feel any form of fear or embarrassment? While Soul was not at all afraid of her name, she personally loved her name, did any of these ponies feel any bit of worry about being put on the spot and calling out to the rest of the group? Afraid of sharing their name or just nervous at the least? Soul was amazed to see more and more ponies call out their names without any hesitation and so happy when they were greeted. Even some ponies who had been so quiet did it without any fear. Though Soul did not hear their names.

Shaking her head when she realized she had not been paying attention. More focused on how they all were. Fixated and amazed at each of them for just how calm they were. Like they’ve done this before. I’ve done it before too. I still feel nervous, even with her name right on the tip of her tongue. Nimbus just randomly pointing to ponies. Waving at them in response. Learning about them. Though Soul was ashamed.

1.63
Ashamed that she was so focused on how impressive all these kids were. Missing their names. Now she’d have to learn them again. Really wanting to be like them. Like the white maned Pegasus with sky blue fur not at all afraid to show how gripped in this she was when she answered. Or the rainbow maned filly who was so free of any worry with just saying her name. Yet here I am, jealous of all of them. I just wish I could be as excited as all of them are.

Up until it was then she saw that hoof pointing to her, and Nimbus… her smile even bigger than Soul had seen it during this moment. With all eyes on her. Watching her. At least they didn’t see just how vulnerable she was on the inside. How frail she felt to be among all of them. With so much to be afraid of. Like she may squeal in front of them. But it didn’t. Even taking a couple seconds just to say it with it on her tongue the whole time. Get it over with. It’s just my name.

“I’m Soul Serenity.” She spoke it out as gentle as she could. Hearing even a small sense of pride in her own voice as she said her name. The pride she always hoped for… for the future. Looking to her right to the ponies with her…. and she widened her eyes. They all smiled at… at her. Dark blue maned colt to rainbow maned filly and so many others not at all afraid to show her just how happy they were to hear her name. A couple waved at her. But she still heard it.

“Hi, Soul!” And a little laughter to boot. Well… that went as well as she’d expect. Hearing more ponies say their names. She calmed down a bit. Lowering her head and smiling. Hopefully making Nimbus and Starry proud with how brave she had been to join in with all of them in this. Even with what had happened before. She couldn’t be happier with this situation. Or could she… when she felt her spine tingle from the words. Words whispered to her. You have a pretty name.

Soul looked back. Over her shoulder. To see all the ponies behind her, whispering to one another and not at all aware of her. Of the chills running down her spine. So small and so short. Which of them said it? Say such a nice thing that… slowly calmed her. Much like… like when she drifted off to sleep. She wished to know. Though none of these ponies did anything to let her know. Only left to herself as none of them met her eyes. Soul looked ahead again. Sighing. Though she could not contain the relief in her heart. As all their names were spoken.

1.64
Soul had only heard a couple of their names. Cloudchaser? Though she didn’t know who it was that that name fit to, and somepony named Amber. As every other name was lost to her. She wasn’t even sure if any of them remembered her name. If somepony in this group really did think her name was pretty, they remembered.

Still, Starry did say “So now we know everypony’s name. We’re gonna be one rockin’ group this fall.” Some of the ponies giggled a little but kept quiet, and now Soul finally felt relieved to know that the day was actually going to start now that they got the names out of the way. Hopefully get right to some sort of activity… though she did know it was going to be flying. In some way. Though she did a great job at hiding it with her wings folded, she was well aware the time was coming to finally show everypony else the very thing that made her afraid of them all. Coming right on into her when she heard the heart wrenching thing that Starry said.

“Now I know we’re all excited to get to some practice today.” Flipping through his clipboard with a pause. “We’re actually all going to do an individual obstacle course for each of you so you can show Nimbus and me your skills.”

That did get the other ponies talking amongst themselves. Some stayed quiet. Others went on about their boasts or hopes to one another over what could come out of this. Not for Soul, as she felt herself sink. That it was coming so close so fast. She wanted to call out and ask if… if it’d be in front of the whole class. Though she knew the answer. I did agree to do this for them. I can only hold out hopes that… that it won’t be the same. Just that small inkling. That was all that kept her going to think it might not be so bad. How terrible. I’m gonna have to fly for all of them. With just that as my hope. She couldn’t even begin to think over what to do with that. Not when her attention was grabbed again.

1.65
“After that, we’ll all sit down for a surprise before we let you all get to know one another until we break for lunch.” Get to know one another. Soul glanced back to the other ponies just to her right. Well… I guess we’ll see who had been paying attention to the names. Maybe… I can still make some friends just like Nimbus said. All she had to do was… get through the obstacle course. How fitting.

When everypony will see her in action and then, well, she feared the worst. Really wishing it would not happen. Oh man, this just wasn’t fair. I really have to do this?

“But first” Starry said. “Nimbus and I are going to meet with each of you to look over your wings. We need to be sure you can participate for today.” A rock fell in Soul’s stomach.

What?! Soul didn’t hear that wrong. Not at all, with what she saw. With Nimbus and Starry both walking out to join the group. She followed Nimbus. The mare speaking to one of the colts who willingly stepped aside and… and… he presented his wings to her for her eyes to go over. As Starry did the same to another. Unfolded and… Soul could see it clearly. Their little wings so vibrant and full of life. As beautiful as the coats of the pegasi they belonged to. She could see it. That meant… they didn’t tell me about this. Soul could practically feel her legs begin to tremble once more when it took so long just to make them still. But she didn’t have to do this at the last camp.

Why even bother? Yet all the other kids did it without hesitation. Fully presenting their wings whenever either instructor came up to them and politely asked them if they could see. No, it didn’t seem necessary. With how quick they looked over their wings. But they did it so thoroughly and carefully. With their hooves gently set out to slowly push feathers apart just like… like they used to do for me. After baths. When I was dirty. Always so careful and professional with it, especially with her wings. So… this was normal for this kind of camp? They… they could have at least warned me.

1.66
Soul really tried her best to figure out what to do. Surely they both must know how nervous she was about this and to already have her show her wings to everypony. This early. Oh… Soul knew she’d have to show them eventually, but not like this. Not before I even show them that I mean no harm or anything bad to them. Just like before. She really wanted to let her wings come forward so she could hug them. Hide them. …Protect them. Fighting off that urge, an urge she would do if she was alone in her room. Hold so tight till it hurt. Only to kiss them again, because she was the one who knew they were her pride and joy.

She sighed, not caring if anypony noticed her, her frown. Here I thought I’d get to at least wait till I was in the clouds before showing them all. Now I get to do it down here. Join with all these other kids. Looking back over to see what was going on. Seeing that Starry was over there with the rainbow maned filly who had no problem showing her little wings to the stallion that scrutinized them before… he gave her a wide grin and a nod. Much like all the other ponies. Like the one right next to Soul that Starry looked over. None of them had any reason to worry. What? If they had something wrong, they’d need to be sent home or sent to the nurse like the other camp when a poor pony would have something wrong with their wings pop up someday. Not like me. This is not something they can fix. I don’t want them to fix it.

I never want my wings to change. I just want things to change. Please… please don’t be like the other camp. Soul begged under her breath. Knowing she was coming up. With Starry right next to her with the other pony. Maybe he’ll skip over me. Nimbus and him know me. They know my wings are impressive enough to satisfy the needs of the camp for today. Though her legs still pulled her a little forward and she could feel her hind legs begin to kick a little at the clouds under her tail. Her need to run away. Run and hide. Look like a fool in front of all of them. Oh. She really wanted to say it out loud. Damn it!

1.67
So… why did Starry… stop by her? Soul looking back to the stallion who sat down behind her and still managed to smile upon her. One she did not give back. Being sure to let him know through her face… why? Why indeed? Because this meant… he was going to look over her wings.

For no reason. When he knows they’re perfect.

With all the other kids right here next to her. Though she didn’t feel their eyes on her. Oh, they will soon enough. She knew it. Right when she would have to unfold them. It still didn’t make sense to her.

“Why…?” Soul felt so bad when she heard herself say that. She did not expect her voice to come out so shaken and shrill. Wow that almost threw her off. She shook her head. “Why me? You know I’m fit for flying” she whispered back to him, fully masked when Nimbus let out a cheer with another filly across the group. Though Starry clearly heard her. Whispering right back to her. “We can’t leave you out. It wouldn’t be fair to the other kids.” Soul had half a mind to tell him it wasn’t fair to her. He should know just how afraid she was to do this. Though his eyes kept on her expectantly. Practically unwinding her wings just with their gaze.

She couldn’t believe it. That she actually was wanting to just get it done with and just deal with whatever happened after. Whatever bad thing will happen. Damn it, Nimbus, why didn’t you tell me it would be like this. She was really starting to hate that they waited so long to keep this surprise camp escapade a secret from her. Just surprise, surprise, surprise. But that’s always what camp was. The last one was so full of them, and here I go having to deal with it again. “I’ll make it quick, okay” Starry said. “Just a little touch and it’ll all be over in a moment.” …You realize you are wanting me to show off my wings… right here?! Almost about to scream that at him.

1.68
But her eyes went wide. It was pretty subtle at first, even Soul did not notice it. She was the one expecting the worst. No, none of them would know it. To see why it was that Starry spread his thick wings out just a little. Feathers curved and spans arched. The stallion kept them up, and his eyes peered over his shoulder and then the other. Before he whispered down to her. “Let’s make it quick.”

Soul looked again. Did the others care? Did they wonder why it was that this was happening? Soul didn’t even know if they could tell Starry did this on purpose. It almost looked like… Soul gasped. That genius.

Like his wings were caught in the gust of wind coming over them right now that sent his wild mane flying and his feathers blaring.

“You’ll have to show them eventually, Soul. But I’ll help you right now.” Okay. Soul lowered her head. Wow… I can’t believe I’m about to do this. Feeling the muscles in her wings actually respond to her worry and flitter so gently against her sides. Like they begged to be released. I’m going to have to eventually. She took another look. To see no eyes upon her. None could see her behind Starry’s big wings. With just the hooves of her fellow group mates just popping out under the feathers that blew over her. Swaying with the wind. “It’s pretty chilly out now, huh everypony?” She heard Nimbus say past those wings. Met with their agreement. Even Starry did the same. “I’ll say” and he knelt down. “Come on, champ.” Whispering to her. Okay…

1.69
Soul looked down. Not wanting to see when it happened. To feel it only. Because she was so afraid she would hear the gasps and the shrieks. Something so bad. Just because of something as dumb as this. As long as nopony saw. For now, though she knew she was just delaying it. This is why she hated camp. Starry, that better be one helluva lunch you made me.

Soul almost squeaked feeling her wings start to rub against her sides and their terrified trembles were so infectious to make her also start shaking. No matter how much she wanted it done, it didn’t feel good to do it. Like her wings fought so hard to try and burst out. Unwind to join the wind that was torn apart by them. It was a surprise… a big one, that she didn’t feel Starry’s face being smacked dead on by her wings when she let them both rise out from her sides and blanket her back. Where even the wind cooled her wings now. Feeling the tension… and it was gone. To know what it was that was now out for Starry to see. For anypony else to see. Though nothing came of it. Nothing happened. No sound or anything to make her shake. Just a gentle feeling stroking over her spans. Parting her fur so softly and with so much care, the feeling of his hoof that did nothing to make her cry out in pain as she did long ago. No, him and Nimbus knew just what to do for her wings. Her special wings that she loved so much and was so very surprised to see nothing happen to them. Just his caring touch being sure that they were ready for today.

Soul wanted to look. Just to be sure. To see that this was actually happening, and it was. She saw all the feathers of bright magenta bursting out over her shoulders. Arcing so high into the air that they nearly brushed along the body of the stallion that towered over her. Almost risen right over him. To flood her sight in their majesty. The things that only Soul ever truly loved. That always made her hurt back over the worry they caused her. For that was the problem. These wings that took over her sight, the ones that held her at night and let her soar so high in the sky. Their beauty… was only her own and nopony else’s. Even though she was much younger then, she remembered just how amazed Starry and Nimbus were to see them in full bloom. The thick feathers blanketing them that put… even Nimbus to shame. Put anypony to shame. For they were hers and hers alone. It always led to heartache.

To wonder why she had to have wings so different. So vast and gorgeous. Like they shouldn’t belong to me, but they do. They are mine to hold and care for. Mine to carry me in the sky. Mine that lets me fly with the grown-ups. Mine that caused so many to yell at me.

1.70
She was so grateful none could see the beauty of these giant wings that tickled along Starry’s chest. Only he could see. Making sure she had them right and ready to fly as the wind died down and he glanced back up away from them. “You did a good job cleaning them this morning” he whispered.

Of course. If anypony would love them, it had to be me. No matter what anypony else says, I’ll still love them, and soon all of them would… would have to see them. I can’t hide them forever. Not like this. Not even like… like this. Soul, her body shivered. Chills running down her spine. “Whoa…”

Soul turned to look. She had heard somepony. So loud and clear. The voice of a filly that made her want to back away and hide inside Starry’s wings. Though there was none. None at all. Nopony she could find to tell her that she had heard it. Only able to look up in fear to Starry and his deep frown looking off to his side. His disappointment in his sigh. But he still leaned back down with the wind stopping over his head. “Everything will be alright, Soul.”

Will it? Does somepony know? Tell me. Soul was left to herself. When Starry stood back up and her wings shot back down to her sides. Exposing her trembling body to the world around them. His faint hooves stepping away. Leaving her with that voice that haunted her. Somepony saw? Who? Soul looked over her shoulder and then the other one. Looking to see if something had changed. Though nopony moved. No smiles left. Like nothing happened at all. Did I imagine it? Soul shrank back down. Staring to the clouds with wide eyes. Maybe… it won’t be so bad? Though she still hated it. The chance somepony saw the very things shaking along her sides. Not again.
1.71
“Soul Serenity.” Soul looked back to where she heard Nimbus calling her over. Waving her hoof at her with one of the other fillies left to run happily back to join the group. I really wonder why she even wants to see me. Right when Soul was getting so used to sitting here in anticipation of seeing exactly what will happen to her when she had to do what all the other kids were having to do. Two had already gone… and… Soul could say it was quite a thing to watch. Though she didn’t want to be so harsh towards them. Soon enough, Soul would have to join Starry up there in the clouds with all these eyes watching her. It really was hard to calm herself down and just wait for the inevitable but it was going to come. Unless Nimbus had something to help out.

The mare seeing every other kid to discuss safety and stuff with them, Soul doubted it but she saw some sort of sincerity in her reddened eyes. Soul took another look at the course high above her before she got up and went to join with her. Well away from all the other kids, far enough for her to feel confident in saying anything. Or asking anything, without worry of the others. Starry putting her through that damn inspection just so she wouldn’t be made an exception. So what was this now?

“You really think I need a rundown on the safety rules of the camp and proper flight rules?” Soul asked her with so much sarcasm in her rolling eyes. Kind of surprised to see Nimbus frown. “Do you really need to have an attitude right now, young lady?” There were so many reasons Soul could throw at her to argue her right to be a little uncomfortable right now, enough to not be able to be so kind and sweet. Though she was more thoughtful over the fact that Nimbus sounded a little stern to her. So that did mean something was up.

1.72
“No, I’m sure you already know all the safety guidelines.” That was for sure. Nimbus and Starry spent a long time teaching them to her long ago and they stuck so well. Well enough for her to remember to this day. Even being sure to stretch thoroughly this morning. Unlike a few of the other kids who did some more frantic preparations to ready their wings. A good reminder from Nimbus worked wonders.

But if that wasn’t her reason for calling her over, Soul was intrigued to know what it was. She did need to show just what she could do in that course they had prepared for the class. Soul sat down in front of her. Just like the other kids did. Apologizing for her snippy attitude.

“I’m sorry, did I do something wrong?” “No, silly” Nimbus cheered right up. “I just wanted to talk to you about something.” And she cocked her head at the filly sitting in front of her. “You know we’re not strangers, right? Come and sit next to me.” But I was just… alright. Soul did as she asked. Coming over to her and Nimbus did it first, sitting herself right down and she set her clipboard aside. Soul looked to see if anypony was watching them, all of them seemed to be more focused on watching what was going on in the sky.

A new filly was heading up there and the cheers of a few could be heard to support that little one flying up to join Starry. Soul felt she could sit down with her, so she did. Running her hoof along the clouds. “You know it really wasn’t nice of you to make me do that inspection” Soul said. Still remembering just how frustrating it had been. Still left to wonder what it was that she had heard. Nothing to happen. Nothing changed. Still though, it was scary even if nothing bad had happened. “It was what we were supposed to do” Nimbus said. “We can’t just leave you out of it.” Maybe do it another way. Soul didn’t know. None of it really helped to calm her over this entire situation.

1.73
“I did my best getting the cloud shapers to get that wind over us to help calm you a little, but I can’t do everything. I do notice you have been shaking a lot.” She had no idea. But Soul did admit one thing. The wind… Nimbus was trying her best it looked like to make her comfortable here. Comfortable as she got closer and closer to the thing she knew would have to happen. Just another part of flight camp. Another thing that needed to be done to achieve her goals that both these ponies had been working so hard to help her achieve. Really… sort of a sweet motive that Nimbus had for her to be here as well. Soul knew that. She hoped for it.

I’m just glad she understands that I’m not happy about it. That this… this is not easy. Soul watching all the other ponies out there preparing to see another routine. Another display that none of them had anything to be afraid or intimidated by.

None of them had that worry. None of them knew what it was she was going through. She doubted any of them had ever felt it before. No matter how calm or quiet a few of them were. That was it… they were calm. Practically buckling with pride in themselves. I wish I had that feeling. I used to. “It doesn’t matter…” Soul paused. “You and I both know I’ll have to show them all and… I can’t stop it. You know I really do hope you are right about this place” Soul let Nimbus know. Thinking it all right now. It sounded wonderful.

“Maybe I’ll get to do some hardcore training here in the winter or something. Maybe in the way you want it. Friends do sound nice but…” Soul tried to say it but it couldn’t come out. None of them had to worry. Not that filly up there, the same one she had seen smiling and… waving to her earlier. None of the others. They all had been so happy and enthusiastic to do this. None of them needed to like her. None of them had to. She doubted any of them will. Not when they see just what I can do. Just what is wrong with me. That urge to hug her wings again came over her. About to do it now that she was just with Nimbus. Except…

1.74
Nimbus touched her hoof upon Soul’s side. Just above her folded wing. Running it along the edge of the span, careful not to touch it. “Yeah… I know you’ll have to show them. It’s just how things work. But you’re a Pegasus pony and… well, you use your wings. You can’t hide them forever” Nimbus said.

Easy for her to say. She had something to hide and… nopony needed to tell her she needed to show it. Well hidden under those mighty wings that she used to boast proudly of her ability. But she was right. I do have to use them. And… they will be the things that I hope keep me so happy in the future. Like they do when I go to bed, laying under the covers and holding them. As they hold me. “All I can do is help you get a little more comfortable” Nimbus said.

She looked up to the course above. Soul followed her gaze and joined her to watch that filly up there flying about. “Did you happen to notice something about how that course has been going?” Nimbus asked. Soul arched her eyebrow. Notice something? She had seen it looked pretty standard… maybe a little more complex. To her eyes though, it looked easy. A lot of breezy clouds placed about with lots and lots of smaller ones that went all along the sky above them. All surrounding so many little loops of puffy, white clouds shaped very well by the adult pegasi just for this. So small, she knew Starry couldn’t fly through them. That stallion flew along them and followed with the filly who did her best to nimbly zip through them. Her best that was. Soul did see she occasionally missed or her wings grazed the edges of those rings and cut through their soft puffs. Almost being thrown off on hairpin turns. Just small mistakes that Soul kept noticing of these kids. She didn’t understand why.

It was pretty easy looking, lots of times it looked like simple misjudgments of timing for turns and not looking too far ahead in the course to plan that made it so hard for the others. She didn’t blame them for it or think any less. They were trying their best. It did look like a complicated course, more than her previous camp. These ponies were doing a great job at navigating it.

1.75
Soul still kept quiet. Not entirely sure. “Guess you don’t see it, huh?” Nimbus commented. Soul was almost ready to shoo her away for that so she could think and try to have an answer. The best was… “It’s easy?” That made Nimbus laugh a little. “Maybe for a flyer like you or me. But… more of what is happening on the course.” Nimbus knelt down closer so her face was almost right next to Soul’s for them both to look up together. She pointed at… the filly herself. “All the kids who have flown so far are the ones who are a teensy bit behind.”

Now Soul was pretty confused. What was that even supposed to prove to her? “Starry and I had a quick discussion and we were gonna evaluate all the students who are less experienced first before we break. Ponies as good as you… you’ll all be after lunch.” After lunch! Soul could start to feel exactly what it was Nimbus wanted of her. Now that was pretty nice of her. She breathed a sigh of relief. Letting Nimbus know just how much she liked knowing that. A little more time to get ready for… what was still going to happen. “Wow, you’re really going to mess up the whole schedule for today just to help me?” “Who said it’s messed up?” Nimbus said. “This is a slow day… don’t expect us to be more flexible with the schedules in the future. Just use that time to get more acquainted with the camp. Trust me, Soul, it’s not going to be as bad as you think it will be.”

Nimbus tapped the tip of her hoof right along the middle of her back, shocking Soul for a moment with that tickle that came close to… damn it, Nimbus. She almost had let her wings flip out from the reaction. She was messing with her now. “But you still are going to have to fly.” Tickling her even more. Soul swatted that hoof away. Groaning over what she had said. Yes, she knew that. Leaving so much uncertainty over what will happen. I can’t get out of it.

1.76
“I just wanted to let you know that” Nimbus said. Leaving her with that one little relief that she had been gifted. Just another delay. Soul knew that for what it was. Oh joy. But soon enough, she will be flying over this camp with these wings unlike any other. The ones she only appreciated.

“Why don’t you go rejoin the others? The next camper is about to go.” Soul nodded. Sighing to herself and standing right back up to go back to this day of constant surprises for her. Hopefully, those annoying surprises will stop. All she wanted was one surprise and it was one eating at the back of her head and the only reason she decided to do as Nimbus said and head back over to the group instead of turning tail and running. Run back home and hide there. Just like for so long. It was always safer there for her. Better than this feeling. “Soul…” she heard Nimbus whisper behind her.

Turning to see and finding Nimbus staring to the ground. Sad. Concerning. Soul spun around, ready to come back to her. Wanting to know what was wrong. If she had done something wrong. I’m trying my best to make this work. Nimbus met her gaze… and she smiled so sweetly.

“Just want you to know I am proud of you. This is very hard for you, I know, and you’re very brave like you’ve always been. I just want you to know that, no matter what you may think will happen, …your wings are very beautiful.” Soul walked off. Keeping her eyes on Nimbus even as they parted. The mare standing back up and grabbing her clipboard again like nothing had happened. But something did happen. Soul looked away and… she smiled to the clouds she walked upon. Thank you, Nimbus. It always helps… when you say that for me. These wonderful parts of me, I wish I could hold them right now. Love them like I always do. Before I fly upon them through the clouds. Those words of hers had been a nice surprise. Small, but nice. She found it weird she actually wanted to go back to join the others. Meeting with the ponies who cheered for the filly that just returned from her flight. Soul wondered if they would do the same for her. Either way… she’ll do her best. I make Nimbus proud. That’s all I ask for. For somepony to be happy with me.

1.77
All these other kids that she walked past to join with, she could see it. All of them being proud of her. Just as she wished. Like that pride she always saw in the faces of the Wonderbolts on their posters and their pictures. Because they could do things so few others could and do it with so much joy and enthusiasm to show all the work they had done to get where they were. Maybe all of these ponies will see just how much it took for me to get to this point. She hoped. Remembering Nimbus’ story of the ones who brought her the joy she needed to be what she was. Soul also had a certain mare she looked up to to bring her that same joy. That was really the only reason why she felt she could do this, that mare. It won’t be so bad.

Come on, Soul. I got till after lunch to get ready. Ready to figure out how to deal with this. She inched her way around the others over to where she could find a nice spot to sit and watch. Careful to avoid running into anypony, especially since they were all ready to see another flyer go up to show what they could do.

“Wait!” Soul slowed down a little and then… “Soul over here!” Then she stopped in her tracks.

1.78
She spotted somepony that… she actually recognized. Right past all the other ponies and all by herself. Waving to let her know she had been the one to call to her.

Soul couldn’t believe it. Somepony calling for her and one that she recognized, even though this was her first time hearing this filly calling to her with her loud tone. Recognizing her just because of the curly mane she wore drenched in golden light that barely shone out from her yellow fur. She had seen this pony before. The same one of the two that had smiled to her earlier. What could she want? Soul looked around once to be sure this wasn’t some sort of dream or some sort of mistake but nothing changed save for her disbelief. Amazed. Not at all worried because, when she took the first step to come over to her, she saw that same smile this filly had earlier given to her.

She must be very friendly to want to talk to me. Though she could have guessed it earlier, even ignoring the fact that Soul did not even return her smile. Still wants me for something. She wondered what. Soul wandered past a few of the other kids, a couple of which watched her briefly to see what was going on. A few of the colts laughing to one another but one of them actually surprised Soul, leaning out of the way for her to walk by without tripping on anypony else.

“Umm… hi” Soul managed to squeak out, doing her best to give this filly a smile no matter how nervous she was getting this close to another pony she didn’t know. Let alone another kid. I shouldn’t be afraid of her though. Soul just realized this was the first pony in her group to actually say anything to her. Even if she had drawn the attention of so many others with her yelling. Must be how it is because Soul could see this filly was just brimming with energy with how she practically rocked side to side with her little wings drooping and rising with her sway. “Yay! I got your name right” the filly said. Giggling to herself. “You were kind of hard to hear earlier. What was it…” she paused and shot a glance to her side quick enough to send those long curls of hers flipping over her ears and down her neck. “Soul Serenity, right?” Soul was not sure what to think. Just that there was a filly here talking to her.

“Yes… that’s my name.”

1.79
That seemed to be all it took to make the filly almost burst out from where she sat. “Yes! I got it right.” And she clapped her hooves together.

“What about me?” she popped forward a little closer to Soul. “Did you hear my name?” Now this was where Soul instantly regretted not paying attention to the names. Should I go out on a whim and just say Cloudchaser? Hope I get it right. But there was something about this pony that made Soul feel like she could just ask her without being afraid of some sort of backlash. Was it her want to actually talk to Soul or… the fact this pony was brimming with joy and practically pressing her face almost into Soul’s.

Soul backed up a step. “Umm…” It should be fine. “I actually wasn’t paying much attention during the names.” “Oh…” the filly shrugged a hoof to her and rolled her eyes. “I don’t blame you, it actually looked like half the class was still trying to wake up.” Soul cocked her head. Wait… but she thought everypony seemed wide awake during it… save for a few. Until she saw the filly winking at her. Soul got the hint. Best as she could. “Yeah, I admit I was still pretty tired” Soul said. “You should have seen my sister” the filly said. “She has always had a hard time with the mornings and wasn’t that used to getting up at the crack of dawn for her first day.” The filly sighed. “But I guess you two got that in common.” Wait, so that other curly maned filly with her was this one’s sister?

Oh wow. Soul could feel her eyes brightening up. So those two actually came here together all the way from home, and both of them greeted her earlier. Where even was this sister of hers? “Well my name is Amber Skyburn, nice to talk with you finally” she held her hoof out for Soul. Bending it and curling it for Soul to be facing the bottom of it. Soul did the same. Waiting for one moment, still lost in what was happening. She put her hoof forward and they bumped together with a thud.

1.80
Amber was immediately happy right after that, almost falling backwards. “Yay! You’re the first pony to talk with me so far, everypony else here seems too busy with their own thing. …But you just looked so lonely” Amber curled her brows up and even frowned for Soul. Right after that sad voice she was using at the end there. Soul was taken aback. “Hey, I wasn’t lonely” Soul said. “This is just…” “Your first day at a camp as well?” Amber asked. Well not my first ever day but… Soul was almost about to say that. No.

“Yeah, this is my first time at camp.” Then Amber scooched herself aside, presenting to Soul the spot where she had been sitting. “Well you’re welcome to sit with me, come join somepony who knows about these camps.” Soul took her offer. Stepping up to plant herself close to the filly. “Oh, you and my sister are gonna get along real nicely. She’s a first timer too.”

A first timer? Soul wondered. This was not just any camp. A lot different than what she expected to hear about anypony attending here.

“What did you both have to get through to get enrolled here then?” Soul asked as she made herself comfortable next to Amber. Curling her long tail up and over to sit upon her side much like Amber did with her curly tail that Soul actually now noticed had a little green bow sticking right out from it. “Well she’s actually a pretty good flyer… despite being a little ummm…” she put a hoof to her chin. “Underwhelming?” she finished. “She was still good enough to get in. But none of us were good enough to get out of this stupid testing that their doing to us.”

Now this was a filly that was speaking Soul’s language. Nodding her head with pride to agree with that assessment. It was all so dumb that they had to prove themselves first before getting to the good stuff. Even Soul had to do it. “Really, I don’t know why I have to fly this practice course they set up” Amber said pointing up to the clouds where Starry was prepping another young flyer. “My little sister has a lot to learn but… I don’t mean to brag, but I’m honestly pretty good when it comes to flying.” That’s the same mentality I have. Though Soul wondered if this filly was right or just blowing smoke to try and sound impressive. Soul didn’t want to get into any sort of debate with her over who was better at flying. Looking over at her wings, she did notice this filly had some decent build to them. Small, but she had muscles latched before her beautiful array of yellow feathers.

1.81
“What about you?” she asked. “Huh?” “How did you get into the camp?” Amber made more clear. Likely for the same reason that Nimbus and Starry thought she would be good for such a prestigious camp in the first place.

“I’m not half bad myself at flying” she said, choosing to keep it to a minimum. “I’ve been trained a lot at home and… it finally came down to sending me to a camp like this.” Soul leaned over to Amber. “But I agree, it’s so dumb we need to do this testing. I think I can do some of the more advanced stuff already.” “I know!” Amber threw her hooves out and stared with shock at the clouds. “Is it so hard? Us good flyers should get the harder challenges right away. This is why I don’t like camps. They always hold us back.” So she hates camps too? Soul was really interested in this filly. She seemed to just be a nonstop barrel of complaints but it was funny to her. She was the first pony here who talked to her, so… Soul felt she could keep it up.

“So you’ve been to camps before?” Soul asked. “I was at a beginner one before this one. I did manage to stay well ahead of the rest of the group and… well… they felt it’d be better if I moved on to something better. Except… here I am having to do stuff I am already familiar with.” Amber crossed her forelegs over her chest and let out a groan. “How is this gonna help me become a weather Pegasus?” Whoa. Soul widened her eyes. She was actually with a pony that wanted to become a weather Pegasus. The way this pony had been talking, it sounded more like she wanted to be some sort of speedster. Especially with how well she talked of her ability. But she actually preferred to be one of those flyers that all young pegasi looked to in amazement at their ability to control the weather perfectly. Just how accurately they knew how to move the clouds and determine the perfect amount of water needed for any field, any situation and fly in dangerous conditions all the time. Soul had heard stories about how weather pegasi could even create storms with their ability. It always did sound like an amazing thing to do but… not something she found interesting for her to do.

1.82
“But I really hope we get to do some fun stuff soon” Amber said. “I’d hate for most of the fall to be about doing old stuff I already know.” That is exactly what Soul wondered if she would have to deal with too. Just by how Amber was talking, it wasn’t hard to know she must be one of those experienced flyers that Nimbus had said would be in the group. So this pony would be flying after lunch?

Soul was curious now to see how well this pony flew. If she should tell her that they would both be flying after lunch. No… then… Soul knew this filly would wonder how she knew such a thing and… have to tell her. She didn’t want to start any trouble. She already had a lot to worry about… such as disappointing this filly or any of the others. No, that was going to come later. Though she hoped it didn’t. “I’m sure we’ll eventually be able to do some cool moves and routines later on” Soul said, not even sure if what she said was true. If any of that stuff could be cool for Amber because Soul hated to know that they weren’t at all interesting for her. “Yeah…” Amber sighed, and she looked up. “But probably not as cool as what you had to go through” she called out. Not at Soul.

Soul looked and saw Amber was saying that to another filly who wandered her way over to them. Another Amber at that. Yellow coat and golden mane with so many thick curls. Rubbing a hoof along the side of her folded wing. “Whatever” she muttered. “Cool? …That was rough, sis’.” Soul knew her. She was the other filly that was with Amber earlier. The same pony… Soul had seen almost crashing into the hoops of the course earlier. So this was her sister. Wow! Soul stared at her and then Amber. She didn’t notice it earlier, but they almost did look exactly that same. Twins? Looking now, the only difference were Amber’s green eyes to this filly’s blue eyes. Blue eyes that looked up to Soul and stayed there. Drooping in exhaustion and then they widened. “No way!” she said.

1.83
Soul was almost thrown off when that filly ran in and joined with Amber. Wrapping her hooves around Amber’s chest. Shaking and, what Soul could call freaking out it looked like. Scaring her a little.

“Amber!” the filly said. “You managed to get her to hang out with you?” Both sisters staring one another in the eyes. Silent like some sort of inside thing that left Soul in the dark. Confused beyond all. Because this was not something she imagined seeing other fillies act like… over her.

Was it wrong that she is hanging out with me? Soul wanted to back away and leave them. Maybe she upset the other sister. But how? “What are you talking about?” Amber asked. “Soul’s alright hanging with me.” Pushing her sister away. “But she’s the one I was telling you about” the other sister said back, and both of them turned to look. Look upon the filly who was just about to leave. Reeling back after hearing what she had said. Telling her about? What? It had to be bad. For them to have those looks in their eyes. Just about to fly off, feeling the fear that she had for so long boil up and sting at her. “No way!” Amber shrieked and… Soul squealed for a moment when that filly jumped right up to her. Eyes staring into Soul.

“You’re the pony Breezy told me about?!” “Uh, you might want to tone it down, sis’.” The other filly looked off, Soul seeing that they had an audience. Some of the other kids drawn to this yelling. This was all going so wrong. I must have done something. What did I do? Like Amber’s eyes were pinning her to the clouds. Not even able to wriggle away. She felt her wings wanting to be freed and take her away to somewhere safe where no prying eyes could see just how scared she was. “Sorry, sorry” Amber whispered and set a hoof upon Soul’s shaking shoulder. The filly moving around to put herself between Soul and all the other kids who turned away to keep watching the display in the sky.

1.84
“I’m so sorry for yelling, but I got excited” Amber said. Practically calming Soul down right there. She got excited over what? Soul didn’t know. Just seeing both fillies were smiling at her. “Okay… sorry for scaring you. Soul, this is my little sister Breezy Tailwind” Amber looked upon the other filly that was almost an exact replica of her. “I take it you got to see her flying just a moment ago. Didn’t she do…” Amber grinned to the Breezy. “Grrreat?” Really slurring that word. It did look like it annoyed the smaller filly.

“Really?” the filly pouted. “Oh I’m just playing with you. You did pretty well on your first go here. I’m sure Soul of all ponies would agree.” What? Soul looked upon both of them. They were both looking so eager just to be with her. Almost like Amber’s entire demeanor changed. Like she was fascinated. Until Soul saw the filly take a quick look down to… to Soul’s wings. Like that look alone forced her wings back a little. “Maybe… I should go” Soul said. Feeling her spirits collapse. What was wrong with these two? Soul hadn’t done anything to them. Yet they’re acting like they know me. “No, really, I’m sorry” Amber said. “Breezy told me about you. She said that…” and Soul felt her heart stop when Amber pointed a hoof down to her… her wings. “You have some amazing wings.” Breezy did… Soul looked over to the little sister. Knowing exactly what it was she was hearing. But the fact that… that neither of them were at all acting as she’d expect. Wanting to back away with this crushing feeling that she now had with both fillies eager to be… so close to her. Almost falling over, herself. “Wait, what?” Soul saved herself from falling. Inching out and away a little from both of them.

1.85
“I saw your wings…” Breezy said shifting shyly on top of her legs. “During the checkup that the instructors did.”

So… that was her. Soul wasn’t hearing things. Somepony had actually seen her wings and that pony was right here with her. One of the less experienced ponies. With wings that Soul could tell could come nowhere close to matching how her own were. Did Amber even feel the same? Neither of them did anything other than wait for her with a smile. Like they expected something from her. What? What should they expect? Do they even know what I’m going through? They have so little to worry about yet here I am… Soul had to calm down. Nothing bad was happening even with the fear that ponies knew about her wings and that could spread and… would all these other ponies react the same?

“W-what about it?” Soul asked. Again feeling that need to protect her wings and hold them tightly. Not wanting anypony near them. Both of them creeping a little further along her sides and trying to hide behind her back from any eyes, folding them tighter. Any reason to keep it obvious they weren’t what anypony may think them to be.

“I was wondering if I could see them” Amber pleaded with her with a giant grin. Soul would not ever fall for such a plea. “I’m sorry… I-I can’t.” Soul backed away. On all fours now. But I… Soul had to think of something. “They’re a little sore… I’m trying to keep them rested for right now.” Idiot! She couldn’t believe the situation she was in. Ponies knew about it. Now… now they know what to look for. Will Amber be upset if she saw them? Anypony would. Amber did want to become a weather Pegasus so wouldn’t she feel upset to see them? Soul wanted them to keep it at that. At least… at least Amber didn’t know what they looked like for right now. But she will soon. They all will. As Soul knew, it was going to happen. Unless she turned and ran which was getting more and more tempting. Until now… “Alright… but I heard they are quite something” Amber said.

1.86
Is she really alright knowing they may be something? Though she doesn’t know exactly how they look. “No really, Amber. I’m looking forward to seeing them in action” Breezy said walking up to join with them. Turning to look to Soul. “I bet they look beautiful when you’re flying.” Smiling gleefully with her tiny face. But there was something. Something Soul saw in her that made her want to stop in her tracks and listen. Because it told her something about this little filly who had seen her wings. However much of her wings, she did not know, but she had seen them. Yet they did nothing to keep the filly’s eyes from shimmering as they looked up to her. Kind of warming her for a moment.

She really… doesn’t have a problem with it? Even after seeing them. She doesn’t feel… Soul let her guard down. Sitting back down as her legs slowed their shakes, and she looked to Amber as well. Still, the pony sat down with her. But she did something. She kept her eyes… off of Soul’s wings. Weird. They joined her. Just that sparked something for a moment. Though Soul wondered if she was foolish to think it. Everything always liked to prove her wrong in the end, always played up. Always falling for it until it hurt the most. But she wanted to believe it. Amber, she was nice enough to talk to me out of the blue. …Maybe this camp will be different. Soul smiled a little. Looking past the two fillies with her and over at all the others. Wondering how they would feel. Knowing she would find out soon. When she would have to be the one up there in the clouds with a crowd to watch her. Just like the Wonderbolts did. Yet none of them ever got nervous. Always expecting the best.

Still… she kept her wings close to her and made sure they didn’t do anything to come close to the other two fillies with her. Even if they kept going.

1.87
“Breezy told me a little about your wings” Amber said. “I really am excited to see how you fly. Just based off what she said, sounds like you got wings of a princess.” “I bet it took a long time for you to get them like that, Soul” Breezy said. “I’d really rather not talk about them” Soul insisted. Having enough of it. Like they were trying to get closer to seeing them or something.

“Is there something wrong with…” Amber said before Soul saw Breezy shoot her a look that instantly stopped her. “Right” Amber said. Turning away. But she didn’t seem to get that look off her face. That she really, really was interested and kept on trying to get at it. Soul could tell she had so many more questions ready to ask her. But she kept quiet with them. Instead, “I really can’t wait to see you fly, I’m gonna bet watching you will be much better than watching… whatever this has been” Amber waved a hoof to the course. “Hey!” Breezy shouted out. “I did my best, you know it’s hard for me.” It did look hard for this filly when she did fly it. All the mistakes that Soul had seen even by just glancing at it, she still saw something in this pony. Even though she pouted over what Amber had said, she didn’t lose even that drive that made her decide to fly the course in the first place. She could have easily just given up. Probably getting pretty upset during the flight. Maybe this whole thing was hard for her but Soul could tell she had that same feeling that Soul herself had had when she first started out. Without much to work on. But this filly had her little sister with her and whoever else it was that helped her. Me, I only had myself. Soul looked down. Until I met Starry and Nimbus.

“Aww, I’m sorry” Amber said, quickly getting onto her hooves and walking across from Soul. Coming to join her little sister. Not any sense that she was playing around when she did apologize. Soul even double backed when she saw what the filly did for her sister. Nothing bad for she could never feel upset over seeing how Amber threw her hooves down on her sister and… they made Soul feel that unease of seeing… two ponies hugging. Breezy didn’t even try to give it back. Staring down to the ground with a little smile all the while Amber was just too busy rubbing her own cheek against Breezy’s. “You did very good for your first time. All that practice paid off, huh sis’.” Amber laughed and almost pulled her little sister right off her hooves until Breezy fought back with a hug of her own, and both of them could laugh together. “Oh please” Breezy said. “I did awful.” But she still smiled saying that. Laughing at herself. “I’ll keep hugging you till you admit you did good” Amber said back. Turning her head around so Soul and her could lock eyes. Not at all stopping her little display and… leaving Soul to herself with only her thoughts.

Her near fixation on them. Seeing Amber’s mouth motion to her. Soul didn’t care. As she could only hear the last of those words that made seeing them hold one another like this… like it was real. Real to see ponies be this nice to one another. To be there for one another. They were so lucky. For each of them to have a pony like that with them all the time. She bet they didn’t even leave one another alone at night. Like in the storybooks she read so long ago. Of two who could be so close. No matter how different they were. How opposite. Day and night. Yet to still love each other like that. To still cry when they were separate. Is this what it’s like? It… it was beautiful. “Are you okay, Soul?”

1.88
Soul blinked. Feeling that water in her eye as it wetted the fur of her cheek. Blinking again and again. Though that ache… it did not leave. Not even with the two fillies staring at her. Letting one another go and their happiness turned to concern. Concern for me. I… damn it. Soul wiped a hoof over her face. “Sorry, I… the wind was blowing in my eyes. Kinda burned, you know?” She didn’t even know if they bought that. It’s fine. They didn’t need to know. None of them need to know anything. No matter how beautiful it is to see something like that. I don’t often see two ponies do that for one another. I don’t often know it.

“You sure you’re okay?” Breezy asked. “I can go get a towel from my locker.” “No… it’s fine” Soul finished cleaning herself up. Remembering they did have something to say to her before… that. “What was it you were telling me?” Not getting an answer right there as both sisters looked to one another for the longest time. “We… just wanted to know what you thought about Breezy’s flying” Amber said. They want me to tell them? “Why ask me?” “Not everypony can get wings like yours” Breezy said. “I bet you’re great at flying so… I thought you could help me learn what I did wrong.” That I’m great at flying? As flattering as it was, they had no idea what they were talking about. They did not even want to see because she knew, with how Amber was, they wouldn’t like it. Like all other ponies who saw it. I hate that I’ll have to show them my wings soon. Show them all. But at least I know what I can do. For the most part. That doesn’t mean a pony like Breezy should be afraid of their ability. Whatever was ahead of them in life. Even if she was having a hard time, she bet the little filly could become a great flyer too. Just like what her sister wanted to be.

1.89
“Well…” Soul started off. Thinking to herself about what she could say. Not wanting to be mean to the filly. She seemed pretty sensitive about her ability. But what can I tell her to let her know how to improve? Just by what I saw. Something simple? “Maybe you should try flying a little slower than what you think you need to do. Sometimes you should just do what you’re comfortable with and not what others want you to do.” “I wish I could have done that” Breezy said. “But Starry said that I needed to keep up with him and don’t fall behind.” Keep up with him.

So Breezy was the one following and not the other way around. That raised so many questions for Soul whenever she would have to fly. “Usually I’m the one compensating for her” Amber said. “She does a great job when I’m the one following her. Looks like it’s a bit different here.” Well that was bad. Soul could see why this could seem intimidating to less talented pegasi. She wondered if any others out in the group may feel that way.

She looked back up to the sky to see the next little Pegasus flying around the course and making a couple mistakes here and there. Some of the same ones she noticed with Breezy. Really having to go pretty fast though he did a good job trying to keep his pace and control. Not that good enough at that speed. Fast enough to deform clouds as he passed by them. It really was not as easy as she hoped it would be to tell Breezy something because the problem she was seeing with these less experienced flyers was just that, they didn’t have the experience. That’s what this camp was here for. That’s why she hated the fact she would have to spend time doing old things she was so used to, and this was Breezy’s first time in a camp. Really weird that Amber had nothing to say over the matter. She seemed to be pretty experienced with flying and had time in flight camps before. Soul really had to think over it.

1.90
“I’m not so sure why you are asking me about it” Soul said as softly as she could. “Not like I can just tell you how to fly. But…” She didn’t want to leave it at that. Maybe… Soul looked back over to the expectant fillies.

“You know, well… we all do pretty bad when we start out and I was the same. I crashed a lot just because I just didn’t think about it and was more worried about getting it done. Get it done as fast as I could and show all the other ponies that I’m a better flyer than they think I am. That my…” Soul took a deep breath. She felt she needed to say it. Because it was true. “That my wings meant nothing. So I needed to show them all that my wings weren’t for show and I can do great things if I try. I never got anywhere.” And it never did help me. I never could find a pony that wanted to help me. Those words almost slipped out of her. Only playing in her head. Along with the sight of that lonely world. Before she knew anything. She bet this wasn’t the same situation as Breezy, no way it could be. But she had a hunch that there may have been another reason why she was flying so poorly.

Soul looked at Amber. “Don’t try to impress other ponies, not until you’re satisfied with yourself” Soul looked away from them. Wanting to hold herself. Because it did mean so much to her. Her drive until the day she woke up to find that mare coming down to pick her up and smile at her. I was so lucky. So lucky that my wings carried me to that. When they never would have if I had just kept crying. Sitting there… looking out to the world under that giant rainbow in the sky and wondering… if she was out there. Away from me… because of these. Running her wings down along her sides. Because I just couldn’t. But I proved them all wrong. “When you fly… don’t think about what others want from you. It should be about what you want when you take to the air and see the sky in front of you. Don’t be afraid of it or what it asks of you. Because your wings are your own and you should use them to carry your own wants. You’ll be the one flying to whatever you want in the end and don’t let any other ponies throw a bunch of storm clouds in front of you to get in your way.” Isn’t that what worked for you, Nimbus? What has worked for me? “Picture that sky in front of you and fly it how you see yourself flying it. You may be surprised what will happen.”

1.91
Soul looked over to Amber and Breezy and… she noticed her. For a second before she walked away. W-was that right? She thought… she had seen somepony else. One she saw before.

Not at all knowing who she was but she was certain she saw her looking at her with those eyes that vanished with the rest of the kids under the flash of that same rainbow… that she looked out upon long ago. Soul stared… trying to find them.

“I know one thing… I was thinking about doing it sometime but, now, I don’t know if I want to race against you” Amber said. Soul looked back to her. Her stunned face. Not the same one that Breezy had, looking away from them both and back up to the course she had flown through. Staying in silence all the while Soul really tried to think what a race with Amber would even be like. Over everything. Soul wanted to see if that pony was there again. Though those eyes were still gone. All she saw were the rest of the kids with their backs to her. “I can’t wait to see you fly” Breezy said. “I want to see what… what you said, what it can do.”

You’ll be able to soon. Soul knew it. They all knew it. Because… I will have to fly with these wings in front of all of you and all I can do is think about how to do it. To get what I want out of it. And I sure do want a lot. So much she wasn’t even sure if she could be satisfied. “You will…” Soul muttered. Looking over again. Only seeing the next kid land to join all the others and their cheers. She knew that time was so much closer when she saw that Starry and Nimbus had come to join the group. They’d better head over there. Standing up and showed the other two the way. “Gather around everypony” Nimbus called out. Breezy and Amber understood what she meant now and followed Soul to join them. While Soul still looked to try and find that one pony she saw.

Almost like she was gone.

1.92
“I gotta admit, I’m pretty nervous” Amber said. Practically shaking a little on her hooves. Looked like she wasn’t taking the news that well. Like all the others kids who groaned when they heard it. Looked like a lot of them were looking forward to seeing the more experienced flyers do the course. Even Amber had seemed excited to do it and see it. Until she learned she was at the front of the list. First pony to go after lunch.

“That means everypony else will be trying to beat you after” Breezy came up with. “Since when did this become a competition?” Amber asked, and Breezy laughed. Running along with her sister with Soul in tow. Left to be more and more curious over whatever it was Amber was wanting to do. Much different from all the other kids. All of which seemed just so busy playing together and flying about. A few of them even trying their own at flying the obstacle course with Nimbus watching over them. None of them able to pay attention to the three fillies slipping out past them on to wherever the hell it was that Amber said was going to be so cool to see. “So what? Who flies the course better than the other?” Amber asked. Looking back in her walk for some sort of answer from the other two.

Soul had nothing to give her. She never even saw this as a competition. Just another thing to get through. Maybe there could be competitions of some kind here but probably not till after this dumb refresher course. Amber didn’t get her answer and went back on her walk. “I’m actually worried she might make a fool out of me in front of everypony” Breezy whispered to Soul. These two were really weird. What was this claim coming from now? Soul wished she was not so in the dark with them. Loving one another at one moment and then going to this sense where she believed them to think the other may be bashing them. Either that or Amber really liked to mess with her little sister. Not that Soul thought it was wrong. Otherwise, she knew they wouldn’t be able to hug like they did. “What do you mean?” Soul whispered.

“Do you think other ponies would make fun of me if they see how much better Amber is than me?” Make fun of her for not being as good as her sister? Really did sound like Breezy was inexperienced with flight camps. Soul held back the urge to laugh at such a goofy concern. “They’re not gonna make fun of you” Soul assured her. “Make fun of her?” Amber said back. Puzzled. Though she had legitimate concern on her. “If anypony makes fun of my sister, they’re gonna answer to me” she said. Coming to a halt and turning back to look around, like she was searching for something. Soul nodded to Breezy. She had nothing to worry about. This filly didn’t even seem to know what she should be worried about in a place like this. Breezy took it well. Happy for her sister’s claim.

1.93
“No need to be worried over anything, sis’” Amber said. Looking a bit past the building they stood by and across the vast fields of endless clouds rising away from them. Surrounding the entire camp. Both ponies continuing to go back and forth to one another, leaving Soul behind. Watching them. She had to smile. Even if they don’t know anything right now, she still loved being able to be near these two and see just how much they seemed to care for one another.

It was weird that they didn’t have any concern being around her. Inviting her along to go with them and hang out for this little break before lunch. Here Soul thought she would have to spend most of the day alone. Concerned if anypony would want to talk to her. Now it looked like Amber was the nervous one.

She had it easy, being the one to go first. It left so many opportunities for the others, unlike Soul. Feeling her heart drop when she heard her name being called out in the order Nimbus gave. Though she felt Nimbus did it just to try and give her more time to become comfortable with the idea. Why, she was given a position at the very end of the class. She would go last.

“At least you’re not going last” Soul added, rejoining the two of them. “What!? I’d rather go last” Amber said. Not even turning to look. More concerned with leading the other two. “But no, it’s me and then all of you. I don’t even get extra time to see how you all do it and…” she paused. “Nope. No handicap for me.” “And she says this isn’t a competition” Breezy mocked her. Patting a hoof on her sister’s back. Soul guessed she could see why she was so worried now. Now that she thought about it. I get to see how everypony else flies and adjust myself to it. She doesn’t even get that. Plus the pressure of going first. What a garbage combo.

1.94
“It was you, then…” Soul tried her best to remember the names. Thinking over the list Nimbus gave out in her head. “Spitfire?” Sounds like she got it right since nopony said anything.

“Aurora Flash, …Rainbow Dash, and then…” this one was the hardest to say. “Me.”

Amber nodded. “Sounds like you were paying attention to the names that time.” Yes I was! Learning the names of all the skilled ponies in her group was actually kind of fascinating to her. Now she knew what to call ponies when she saw them come up to take the course just based off of the order. “There’s a couple ponies I’m freaking out to see fly, but there’s one that I’m real scared to see how she flies.”

“Who’s that?” Soul asked. Before she flinched when a hoof bumped against her nose and stopped her in her tracks. “You” Amber said with a smile. Laughing and trotting off. “But there is another pony I am wondering about.” Her voice sounding so long and lost. Amber so strange as she said it. Soul seeing the pony was lost in thought, staring down to the clouds she slowed her pace upon. Until she stopped at the corner of the building, leaving Soul and Breezy left to wonder what she was on about. She did say there were two ponies, but who…? Soul thought back. They had seen some rather… poor flying from the pegasi who had run the course. That wasn’t nice. They did okay but not enough for her to think Amber would be worried over. Breezy asked the burning question. “Who is it?” No answer. Nothing at all, just Amber looking about and then… she peered past the corner and she nodded. With a look of satisfaction on her face. Then she looked over her shoulder, past the ponies waiting for her to do something. Silent and then she waved a hoof for them to follow. Disappearing around the corner, Soul went on with her. Taking another look behind her to see what it was that was wrong.

1.95
“Okay, so what’s going on?” Soul decided to ask, following the other two anyways even when feeling there was something she was being left in the dark about. Slipping out from all the rest of the class. This time, Amber was ready to answer her. Getting a little laugh that was surprisingly mischievous with Amber giggling into her own hoof as she walked on with the others. All three of them hugging the wall of the building.

“There’s something I think we should see… and I bet it’s on the other side of the house.” Soul cocked her head. Something over here. She looked out, still not getting some sort of answer about the other question. This big and empty area where the clouds went on for so far all the way to the walls around the camp. She still saw lots more clouds over them and oh so many more things that she wondered how long it took the pegasi to shape them all. All the floods of clouds made into discs and lanes set to spiral about into vast towers and swinging platforms left to levitate around an endless sea of hoops set in so many varying sizes. Running along and over the building like something she would see at a fair. Until it all went on to disappear behind the building. Much different from the almost open area they had been working with all morning. That pitiful excuse for an obstacle course.

It was kind of odd seeing all this up here as she walked past it all. Baring on her. Strong and so full of life was this sky. Even with it empty. She could practically feel the wind running off those clouds and see the small drops of rain water dripping across them. Like it all was some sort of course for a Pegasus. If it was, she had no idea where it began and where it ended. Or even how the hell she would fly through it all if she wanted to.
Though it was tempting to try and go up there and take her chances with it. “So… what is it that’s over here?” Soul asked, slowly looking away from that wonderful sky over her. “Well… at my last camp, they had some really awesome courses where the more elevated groups would use and they were all at the other end of where I would be with my group. Then…” Amber looked up to the same display that had captivated Soul. “Looks like this camp is no different. But… wow, this is still so awesome to see. It’s all a lot more crazy than my last camp.” “And do you want us to fly on them or something? Wouldn’t we get in trouble?” Breezy asked.

“We’re not gonna get in trouble” Amber said, though… Soul hesitated for a moment. She was certain this was a load of crap that Amber was saying. Not get in trouble. There were literally no other ponies around here, no instructors at all. It didn’t take a genius to see that they wouldn’t be allowed back here on their own. Strange though. It didn’t stop her. Staying her hoof for a moment but she kept going… with a smile on her face. I get to see the stuff I’m missing out on.

She knew she loved looking at these cloud formations over here, loved the idea of seeing what it was she had to look forward to. They better be hard. Soul hated always flying through clear skies and it was so rare for her to have a good challenge. Every time it happened, it was such a thrill. Making her heart pound right now at the idea of it. Nimbus and Starry would understand. The three of them just got sidetracked. Plus there was always the chance it wasn’t allowed. No word had ever been given on it. So sure. Soul accepted it.

1.96
“I’m not saying we’ll fly in them or whatever, but I think there’s something there we need to see” Amber said. “I happened to see a little birdy slip out right before us” she grinned back to them. “Let’s go see what’s going on back here.” Soul followed her lead. Running along the side of the building with hurried steps, the clouds bursting upon here hooves kicking up at them. Curious to know what it was that Amber thought was so interesting. Maybe something that actually was interesting. Something that sure did work wonders to get her mind off things for a moment. She slowed herself when Amber did. Creeping along with Breezy at her side on silent hooves just like Amber. Were they sneaking up on something?

Amber took another look around them and then she inched forward to peek across the corner she stopped at, and she stayed there. Soul didn’t wait. She wanted to see what it was. Not doing what Breezy did, she walked forward to join with Amber to look and see. To see the vast sight before her that made her eyes shine.

Like a whole new world opened up to her. It all made her gasp in amazement. To see this sight shining under the brilliant Sun that pierced through it all and left her to wonder what it would be like to join with it. With the coursing and winding pathways built all along the sky. To wind out across an endless sea of clouds, a field so much larger than the one she had known all morning, and she knew this was what the higher level kids got to use. Though none were here. An empty world of clouds that towered so high into the heavens and spiraling out like a city rushing to build itself amidst the courses and obstacles, so many barriers and lanes. Countless rings, loops, entire fields of clouds built around it all like thunderheads. As if all she had seen leading up to this area was but smaller versions of this mighty scene that any Pegasus training to be a great flyer would dream of. It didn’t elude her.

Her heart had been racing but now it pounded, ready and willing to love the sight. Just thinking of it. How she’d even be able to fly through it all. Spend hours or an entire day studying it all and learning just what it took to be the flyer that would be needed to master all this. She could already see there were just so many countless turns so tight, she knew most of the kids that had flown earlier would crash. But her wings rippled along her sides in enthusiasm. Rushing in her. Her beating heart loving it all until it calmed. Calmed like her eyes and her soul to see the sight that shone over it all.

Washed in colors. Rushing across it all and bleeding their lights out from the cloud so high up there upon which those colors sat.

1.97
She had seen that pony before. The one high up there.

Staring out upon the same world that they all saw, though she didn’t even know she was not alone, all alone out there in the clouds she lay down upon. Slowly looking with her back to Soul though she still let her mouth drop to see her out there. In a way she had not seen before in the brief moment she had earlier. That brief moment of her looking so lost until now, when she saw the filly, she looked so comfortable. So at home.

There was just something about her up there. The way her perfectly tended cyan fur, that so barely stuck out from the sky, melted upon the clouds. As she held her wings out. Both of them, so tiny and so free. Holding the wind. A breeze that swept over them all. Silencing the world. Rushing and… then… Soul blinked. Seeing only her. The one moment earlier, it didn’t compare. To see her like this now. Her and Soul. Above and below. With one not even knowing the other watched. Watched and marveled. To see a pony like this. Her eyes closed. Smiling so deeply. Holding her wings out to the wind. Like it was her. Her own mane whipping so softly in the gentle breeze that let out the sunlight to cast upon her.

A light of rainbows.

She actually looked amazing. Alone like this in a world where only she and Soul was in. Is this your sky too? Soul stopped. Why did I think that. Seeing this pony so calm and so at ease in this world with her. The same one she wanted to fly with as well. But I can see. I can see the longing in her wings. Amber… she loves this type of flying. But I can see something more in you. I can see… that same thing I had. No matter how much the wind swept her mane, messed her bangs, ruffled her feathers, she looked no different to Soul. No different feeling than the one I get now, all this time, of seeing another pony so at home and so… so beautiful in a realm so much like the one I love. Soul took a step forward. Should I join her? Maybe… she loves it too. Loves the longing I have too. The peace in it all. Wanting to ask it of the same pony who shared the wind that swept into Soul’s mane. Making her wings unwind. Until she remembered… I’m not alone either.

1.98
She let her wings back to her sides. Knowing she had come close to almost flying up to that pony. One she didn’t know. One that she wanted to.

“Who is that?” “That… is the other pony I mentioned” Amber said. This was the pony she was worried over? …I can see why. I didn’t think anything of her before. But this feeling… “Her name is Rainbow Dash.”

“Rainbow Dash?” Soul let it slip off her tongue. That had been the name of the rainbow maned pony this whole time. The name I missed earlier. It really was a pretty name. The same name she knew from the lineup. So she… she’s one of the experienced flyers? She’ll be one of the ponies going before me. Here Soul had not even known if that pony had gone yet, not even paying any attention. Though she was wanting to now. Something about her, it made her curious. Not from what Amber had said about her. But from this feeling in her chest. Every time at seeing the filly’s little wings flutter in place with every passing breeze. Like she slept peacefully, keeping her eyes shut for so long though keeping her head raised. Rainbow Dash swept her head back and Soul could tell she was sighing happily. She really doesn’t know we’re here. She doesn’t know I’m here left to wonder. Wonder why she makes me so curious. Why she makes me dream of the sky inside her fur? That feeling she had of knowing she would see… wanted so badly to see what was to come. I have no excitement at seeing any of the other flyers. Why her? Why am I excited to see her fly? Why do I not fear her, this happy pony loving the wind and all that Soul enjoyed too. Just from her face. From her wings.

1.99
“Figured she’d be back here” Amber said. “She used to do it a lot.” Soul looked to the pony with wonder. “She used to?” “I told you I’m worried about seeing her fly” Amber said with a nod. Her eyes still glued upon that pony up in the clouds. Well Soul wasn’t worried. She felt something else. Anticipation of seeing her fly. Could I even be as good as her if I tried? Why did I even think that? Soul had never had any other moment where she felt this way about another Pegasus. Not even the Wonderbolts. Not even Nimbus. Why her?

“Dash used to go to the same camp that I went to” Amber said. “She was in my group. She used to fly with me, I got to be her partner sometimes. But let me tell you, she’s not that talkative. I was actually pretty weirded out by her sometimes. Like she acts like she has some sort of grudge against you or just wants you away from her. Just like she is right now. That’s how she always was. Only being around others when she needed to. She actually got pretty pissed off when other ponies tried to talk to her at lunch one time. She really scared me.”

Amber paused. With her eyes just sitting there, staring off, and Soul had to wonder why it was… that this was the pony she spoke of. Up there with her smile. Or her broken stare earlier. “And… she wasn’t that good of a flyer.” Soul shuddered. Looking back up at the pony. Not a good flyer. But I still want to see her fly. “She was slow like me, and she never did get much better than me. I still remember… when she… she crashed so badly. But… she just left. Left the camp that day with a hurt wing not even saying a word to anypony else. She looked so sad.” Something wasn’t right. Amber… she was the one who sounded so sad saying that. Soul looked. It was true. Amber… she held her head down with her curls left to dangle in front of her face. Shaking her head. “I was surprised to see that she had been enrolled here with me.”

1.100
“I don’t get it” Breezy said. Though Soul ignored her, having to see Rainbow Dash again. With her eyes twitching and widened upon seeing that… eyes as bright as Soul’s own fur stared back at her. Though the others did nothing to show they knew about it. “Why are you worried about seeing her fly?” I don’t care.

Why are you like that, Rainbow Dash, and yet… you’re smiling at me? The cyan Pegasus up there with her wings present to Soul. Laying there and grinning down to the Pegasus who watched her. Grinning with her eyes just as lovely as the mane she wore.

For me to not even feel afraid of her. Of this pony who cocked her head to me and her eyes under a messy mane left to gaze. Warm her, like they invited her. “Because… she wasn’t always like that” Amber said. Soul didn’t want to look away with her ears perked. As this was a world that only her and Dash were in, the others, just voices in her head. Not even knowing of this moment the two had. This comfort I get from her look. This amazement I get from her wings and how calm she was.

“She used to be an amazing flyer, so fast and skilled that none of us could keep up with her. Even I wanted to be like her. She loved it so much… always smiling and laughing whenever we asked her how she did it. She even had friends. Always coming to camp looking like she was ready and loving every day. I don’t know what happened to her to make her change. But she never was the same since. I’m just wondering which… which Rainbow Dash she will be today. I’m a little worried because… because she hasn’t even tried to speak to me. She doesn’t even smile to me.” Yet she’s smiling at me? Rainbow Dash, what is she talking about? I wish I could know. Even stepping forward, ready to fly to her and ask this filly that intrigued Soul so much.

“Wait!” Soul cried out. Right when the cyan filly dropped away into the cloud she sat on. Leaving but the sound of flittering wings behind and a ripple in the clouds. For a second. Soul couldn’t even let her wings out in time before… she looked all over. Not seeing any sign of the filly. Rainbow Dash? “I guess… I hope she proves me wrong” Amber said, stepping forward to join Soul and look for her. Though she didn’t seem to find her either. I hope so too. There’s something about her. I want… I actually want to talk to her. Soul walked out a bit further. Almost out to join the start of this course the filly had been among. No sign. With only… only after lunch… would I see her? I want to. Soul wanted to know so much why it was that it sounded like everything that had happened and been said… none of it made any sense to her. None of it left her restful upon seeing that beautiful mane of a filly so calm in the breeze. So safe and welcoming to Soul. With a smile unlike any other.

Soul shook her head. She wanted to leave. If not before they were caught, then before she would collapse from this weakness she felt inside her at seeing those eyes. So deep in those eyes of something she saw inside Rainbow Dash. “Let’s go back. I’m getting hungry” Soul said and turned back to leave. Leading the other two this time. Rainbow Dash, why did you look so sad? Even with a smile.

1.101
That pony just didn’t seem like it. But there was still a burning question that would be answered so soon for her, as Soul saw that all the other ponies were running off together, some with little bags in their mouths, coming to join them all with Amber and Breezy for lunch. A lunch that would lead to what she had to think over after seeing that pony.

How does she feel about the course? There was so much she didn’t know what to expect over when she saw that pony go before her. Inside, Soul wanted her to do so much more than that picture that Amber had painted for her. I really wish she had not flown off. So close with that temptation to go up and talk to her, only to leave her alone like this. Even with Amber and Breezy, she felt like she was lost and alone. Left to guess.

Soul couldn’t believe it, but now she was actually excited to see what would happen after lunch, and her rumbling belly let her know it was time. She opened up her locker. Eager to see if something had been left for her and something had. A little bag with… with her hat sitting on top of it. It almost made her forget that strange encounter earlier. Just seeing this cute display. Maybe meant to cheer her up. Another locker banged across from her. Where Breezy came up back to Soul with her own bag in her mouth.

“What do you have for lunch?” she muttered from behind her bag. Trying to look over Soul to see. Good question. Once again, it better be worth it for all this worrying. Anything made by Starry and Nimbus was good enough but she was feeling extra expecting today. Soul shrugged her shoulders. “Something special from my…” she stopped herself. From my… wow it almost slipped out again. Like always… but it felt like she could say it this time. Something to keep these two held up. They didn’t need to know anything. Not like they would understand. “My parents.” She had to look away telling that lie. Not even able to face Breezy for saying that or let her see that she ached. “They… whipped it up last second for me.” “Cool. Our mommy made our lunches too.” Then Soul had to look back at her. To see the little filly was smiling so sweetly, and she meant it. She actually said that happily. Called her parent that. Soul couldn’t be upset for her, only smile at hearing a smaller pony than her say something like that.

1.102
“Ever since I almost burned down the kitchen, mom has insisted on making Breezy’s lunches instead of me” Amber said coming over to join them. “They were still good though” Breezy said for her. “Just don’t touch the oven again. …Ever.”

Soul saw them both laugh over it. Huh, now how did that look when that happened? She could only imagine the response those two had gotten. Or the response she would get from Nimbus if she tried to cook something for herself. “Did your parents get that for you too!?” Amber budged in past her to get at her locker. Soul trying to stop her but she still got to the hat. Not touching it as Soul feared her to do. Only looking. Looking and marveling. She really did expect her to try and take it. Now that was unexpected. I don’t often get protective of stuff that they give me. Why now?

Soul still gently pushed her aside to shut her locker up. Keep it away from anypony else. “Yeah” she answered. “Got it for me just for camp. Can’t really wear it while flying though.” “That’s a Wonderbolts hat isn’t it?” Amber asked. Asking while she butted her way right against Soul. Pushing the filly back a little from her excited face. “I know you can’t wear it while flying but… maybe… you could wear it when you’re not?” A request like that, not often she got one. Even Breezy joined in. standing side by side with her big sister in front of Soul. Sharing that same expecting look. “Yeah you should totally wear it. A Pegasus like you, I bet you look cool in it.”

Look cool? Do they really think that? Soul glanced across both of them. Then she looked up just for a moment to see the yellow mare standing out at the door, glancing in and… she winked to her before trotting off with a whip of her tail to her to come follow. “Ummm…” Soul glanced back to her locker and the bag of lunch left at its foot. “I guess I can wear it before I fly… for you two.” The reception was good enough. They both looked so excited to see her in it. She didn’t know why, but if they would like it then who was she to say no? No to these ponies who actually asked her “Would you want to eat lunch with us?” Soul looked back to the doorway. I just have too many questions right now. Too many.

1.103
Soul wondered what Amber and Breezy may be up to as they ate their lunch. If they were off somewhere messing with one another or talking up a storm about the camp or flight instructions. There was just something in Amber’s voice. Something that told Soul she shouldn’t… shouldn’t bring up that other Pegasus. Not around her. Was it that or Soul’s fear to talk to her about that pony? How she really didn’t know what to say about it. Not even to Nimbus who was busy stretching her legs out right next to Soul and sighing so pleasantly before she yawned.

“Sheesh…” she muttered. “No matter how many years, I just can’t get used to instructing a new group so quickly. Some of you kids have so many questions, you know?” She had no idea. Soul patted her hoof against her bag. Waiting for something to happen. For Nimbus to say something. But the yellow Pegasus sat herself down right next to Soul and sighed to the sky. She looked to be in a good mood even if she was a little tired. That’s what happens when you stay up half the night before work. Had nothing to do with us kids, you goofy pony. Soul wanted to tell her that but she didn’t. Just letting the mare enjoy this peaceful moment alone with Soul together behind the building. In front of the very place… the same place that had left Soul with questions of the pony who had been here. “I thought we wouldn’t be allowed back here” Soul commented. Setting none other than her Wonderbolts hat down with her bag. It crinkling from being held under her wing. Joining Nimbus in looking back out at the vast and complex course of clouds that dominated the entire rear of the camp. “Not unsupervised, of course” Nimbus said and Soul almost wanted to smack herself for earlier.

Best not to let her know about that. “But it’s a good place for you and I to have a little talk and eat.” Nimbus waved a hoof to Soul’s bag. “Well, aren’t you gonna see what we got for you?” Soul didn’t waste any time. Digging right into her bag alongside Nimbus doing the same with one she had brought along. Peeling away the bag and finding that they had given her… oh wow… a parfait. The little cup with so much yogurt and the red orbs she craved would be a part of her lunch mixed into it. She always loved eating these, and Nimbus knew it. Those two always made sure to pack her some every day. In some way or another. Leaving the strawberry slices in that parfait just begging her to eat it up. Right next to a little lettuce and flower sandwich packed to the brim. They were right if they thought she’d be hungry. Getting all this for her.

Nimbus didn’t even waste her time chowing down into the same sandwich she had made for herself. Almost shoving it right into her mouth and not hiding how happy she was to eat. Her wings shook in pleasure for a moment. Soul looked away from her, giggling to herself. She seems so peaceful being able to rest. Should I even bother her with what’s on my mind?

1.104
Soul waited and shook her head. It can wait. She went at her own sandwich first, holding it right between her hooves and devouring it so greedily, not even caring whatever Nimbus may think because she was no more elegant. Chomping away till she found only half a sandwich left in front of her and a satisfied belly. With a silent Nimbus watching her.

“What?” Soul asked. Glancing over to her. Nimbus only smiled for a moment. A moment and then “Is it safe to assume you’re not so nervous about flying soon? I did see you met two other fillies and looks like you three are getting along.”

Oh no, that feeling had never gone away. Though Soul wished it would have. Remembering now just how nervous she had been at the thought of what was to come so very soon. Buried under the other thing that was also to come. “No, I’m still a little nervous. But… yeah, they’re both nice.” “What’s their names?” Nimbus asked. Soul answered that anyways. “Amber Skyburn and Breezy Tailwind.” “Oh, the twins.” Nimbus laughed.

“You got quite a handful with that Amber, I’ve heard a whole lot about her.” Soul agreed with her. Finishing off the rest of her sandwich and just not able to keep herself from thinking just how much of a chatterbox that Amber was. How high spirited she was. Yet she still gave off this little hint of maturity that was the total opposite of her sister. But they both seemed to get along no matter how different they were. It was admirable. Soul kind of liked hanging out with them. Did they like hanging out with her? She had no answer for that. Just the questions. Like the big one. Nimbus knew about Amber, huh? Soul looked to her.

1.105
“I know you’re nervous but I promise it won’t be so bad” Nimbus said. “I bet you thought it would all be terrible but you already have two other fillies that seem to like you. It’s so cute.” Nimbus squirmed on her tail. Giddy cheeks in her hooves. Like she was just in love with something. “You’re gonna do awesome!” “Is that why you put me for last in the lineup?” Soul asked.

So enthusiastic about seeing me fly and so sure it will be good, but what was the reasoning behind the order? It didn’t seem to hit Nimbus well. She frowned. Actually sounding a little pouty. “Oh, well I though you would want to have extra time to prepare for it. Sorry for being so considerate to you.” It was fine. Whatever she said, Soul still appreciated the sentiment. Sliding her hoof along the mare’s leg and then returning to her meal. Looking down at her parfait with a smile. It’s insides bursting of swirling color much like the… the mane of the pony she had seen here. The other thing I have to wait for soon.

“Hey Nimbus” Soul said softly. She looked back up to the clouds that surrounded them. She had not seen that pony since she disappeared inside these very clouds. Maybe she was still out there on them. Hiding. That scared sounding pony that Amber spoke of. So different from the eyes that I saw looking upon me. Really wishing she could see her right now. If she had not flown off, would I be here… eating lunch with her? To figure out what it was that I saw.

“Can I ask you about another pony in our group?”

1.106
“Sure, did something happen?” Soul shook her head. “Nothing bad. I just… just…” Soul looked off. Feeling that breeze coming over her. As it whipped her long mane just like it did to the mane of rainbow. “Was curious about… Rainbow Dash.”

“Rainbow Dash?” Nimbus perked her ears. “What about her?” That’s what I want to know. “I don’t know, just… I saw her and she…” Soul struggled to try and find something to say. So eager to ask questions but now… now she realized she had nothing to ask. Nothing she could put into words. Just that nagging feeling in her head that poked so hard to tell her that something was not right in everything that she had heard. “Soul…” Soul’s ears perked up now.

Hearing her authoritative voice spoken so strongly by the mare staring out to the fields. Intently. She had never seen Nimbus look so determined over something. Or the pain in her voice.

“I can’t tell you about the other kids, it’s stuff I just am not allowed to share. But…” But what? Tell me. Tell me something that can make me see what it is that this feeling is. Why do I care… for her? “I feel like… you two… can be a fierce team. A team that can help one another reach your goals. After everything I…” Nimbus shook her head. Not saying any more. Staying true to her word. “I can’t say any more. Just… watch what she does when she flies. She will be going before you. And I think you can learn something. Something I can’t teach you.”

Something you can’t teach me? But the mare had nothing more to say, almost like a switch had been flipped and she smiled back down to Soul. More than happy to talk with her. “But enough about that, how’s about that parfait, huh?” Nimbus lifted a spoon up gripped in her wing and held it out to the cup. Soul just looked off. Lost. To whatever Nimbus said and only knowing the feeling inside her was strong. Curious ever more to know what it was. To know what Nimbus may know. Rainbow Dash, what was that in your eyes? “Open up” Nimbus giggled. Soul sighed her displeasure and did as she asked. Letting the mare dip the spoonful into her mouth. I know you’re trying to keep me occupied from it all, but it won’t work. Nimbus. Today is going to happen anyways. Even if… if these strawberries were just so damn good. Soul let her feed her even more until it was all gone and that lovely taste was left on her tongue. Coming so soon. Soul was ready for it.

Going back with Nimbus to join the rest, fresh from their lunches.

1.107
Soul parted with Nimbus. Waving at her as she left and the mare headed off to the front of the group, leaving Soul to look around. Look across the colorful manes of her fellow group members trying her best to find sight of the colors she was looking for. She instead saw those paired manes of the two ponies she knew just ahead, both laughing with one another. Looking maybe a little livelier after getting something to eat. But… no sign of the other pony she was hoping to see. Soul had no idea what to say or think. Just taking another look and then she headed over to join familiar faces. Being sure to reveal the hat out from under her leg and she struggled to put it on but managed. Just knowing her mane was getting a bit messy underneath it, but she bet she looked kind of cool with it on. Really expecting some sort of compliment from Amber and Breezy for her doing what they asked of her. Soul had to adjust her mane a little, pushing the long bangs over to cover her eye just enough to be able to still see because this hat was fighting her again. Nopony else seemed to care for her wearing it. Except for those satisfied claps of hooves when she joined with the twins.

“Holy crap, look at you” Amber said seeing Soul among them. “Is it… too much?” Soul asked, sitting down between the two of them in the big spot she assumed they left for her. Both of them shook their heads. “Not at all” Breezy said. “Damn girl, you’re looking hot” Amber nudged a hoof into Soul’s leg. Talking like some crazed mare for a moment. Soul groaned. Pulling the hat down over her face just knowing she would blush after hearing such a stupid thing. So much it made her embarrassed to hear it. Amber didn’t have any problem with it. Possibly a little proud of herself for shutting down the filly so easily. Soul thought about just taking the hat off, but… she slowly pushed it back up onto her head. “Anyways…” Soul exaggerated to Amber. “Hope you had enough time to get ready cuz you’re gonna be flying soon.”

1.108
“Don’t remind me” Amber said. “I’m doing my best to keep my cool and… doing pretty badly, huh?” Both fillies agreed with her. So saying dumb things like she did was her way of coping with it? Soul was starting to become a little unsure as to why she was so intimidated by this. Not like she had any real blaring flaws to be afraid of. As far as Soul could tell, Amber was extremely likeable. Wouldn’t hurt a fly. Nopony here for her to be afraid of. Unless she was still afraid of how me and… Rainbow Dash would perform. I’ll try my best to help her out. Just as I have been planning, I just hope it’ll work out.

“Children, listen up. Time for something special!” She heard Nimbus calling out loudly over the group. Standing so proud in front of them all with Starry by her side. “And here we go…” Amber sighed. Pushing her cheeks in with both hooves and letting out a prepared exhale. Letting her wings do a little stretch. A stretch that didn’t hide to Soul just how nervous she was.

“You all did so excellent with the course so far. I hope it was a good way to show you all what you’ll be in for during this fall. Lots of learning and tons of practice till you all are soaring” Nimbus said to them all. “But the ponies I listed before lunch will be flying now to finish off the course.” And she left it at that. Soul applauded her for not even mentioning once how skilled we few ponies supposedly are. I personally don’t want anypony else feeling intimidated. She wanted to see just how the other ponies who were about to fly would fly it. Secretly, she hoped they would do well. Very well. Enough so that Amber over here would feel a little proud of herself after she was done. “So let’s get to it” Nimbus said to the cheers of the colts and fillies.

“Pray for me” Amber whispered to both of them and Breezy was quick to chime in behind her. “Oh Celestia, please save my sister from being a nervous wreck.” “Shut it.” “Amber Skyburn!” Nimbus interrupted the twins. Soul saw out the corner of her eyes that Amber shuddered a little when her name was called. Looking to her sister and then to Soul one last time with a look that really told Soul she was freaking out inside. It didn’t stop her from standing up, giving one last stretch of her wings, and walking off to join with Starry. “And Spitfire, you’ll both be going up together.” The fiery maned filly from earlier stepped up to join Amber at the front of the group. Soul could see from all the way back here that Spitfire even offered a hoof to Amber. Hesitant, Amber gave her one back. Seeing their mouths move but unable to hear them talk. Just watching with Breezy as the two fillies flew up with Starry into the clouds.

1.109
“I hope she’ll do okay, that other girl seems very nice to her” Breezy said. “I’m sure she’ll do awesome” Soul assured her. I just wish I had done something to calm her, now so regretful she had waited till now to think of something for Amber. Spitfire did a good job at accepting Amber up there. Probably took a weight off her mind.

Would I be going up with other ponies as well? Would they be nice to me? What should I even do for them? Something simple, perhaps. That time would soon come. Soul craned her neck with Breezy, up to the large cloud ahead in the sky where both fillies stood atop with a smiling Starry giving them some sort of instructions. A moment of it before Amber herself, so small from down here, trudged her way in front of Spitfire to a place just at the edge of the cloud. Soul had not paid much attention to the course before. She learned so much now. Able to determine what it would be she would have to do. Starry floating in front of Amber with mighty wings flapping, so much different than the small wings Amber held out, arcing her tail to the sky, ready to push herself off. Not even able to tell what it was that was happening up there. Just waiting when Amber finally pushed herself off the cloud and… she zipped forth.

So fast. Soul kept an eye trained on her. Just able to catch the speedy Pegasus dart in and out from behind clouds keeping right up with the hurried flaps Starry took next to her. She didn’t even lag behind. Almost like the two were neck and neck up there when Amber swirled down under a series of twisting clouds made ever faster when the filly spun about them and boomed out across the sky to leave those clouds in mad spirals. Bursting more apart in the shine of the light from the force of her wings. Keeping up with Starry, but… Soul arced a brow. Those bursting clouds. She saw it. Right on a turn the filly took. So quick and nimble, turning on a dime, she clipped the side of the cloud.

Again with another turn. Managing to right herself again with a few more turns and a dart through a long line of hoops she cleared with no mistake.

The look on her face, so warped when Soul saw her graze the edge of another cloud with one sharp upwards turn. From determined to a frown. So quick that Soul almost missed it. She was certainly flying faster than the other kids who had gone. Making less mistakes. But those turns. Soul had no idea what it was that was making her so harshly take them. Looking off to the right to follow the filly dashing out from under a large cloud, with no Starry in sight, until he popped up over the cloud… the same time that Amber cleared it.

She still managed to keep up with him even when unable to see him. Impressive. Soul could almost see a little burst of light coming off from her trail with how fast she was going to the rising cheers of the ponies below. Flying right overhead with a small crack of the wind before she arced up and poofed out of existence into one of the clouds. Flying somewhere so much higher with Starry. Soul wondered if anypony else could see them… she saw them. For a moment and then another. Small faints of wind sweeping up across the clouds. One so straight and perfect. Another so close but… faltering with another turn and then a sudden shake of her wings before they calmed. Amber was frightened. The last of that sight before Soul could see them no more. Looking back down to where she thought they may come out from, a large series of thin clouds patterning across the sky just outside of the thickets that the two ponies had disappeared into. Catching a glimpse just in time.

1.110
Soul almost gasped. Holding it in when she saw the sway of a rainbow tail venturing into the crowd of kids and gone from sight.

She made it! Soul was afraid she may have been hiding this whole time and would not show up. So eager to see her fly. If she was all that Amber said her to be. Whatever Amber said her to be. Maybe I should go and talk to her. She was right there. Soul was tempted. “I love watching my sister fly” she heard Breezy say, staying her hooves. Soul leaning backwards again. Finding the little filly still staring up into the sky trying to find some hint of her older sister.

“Ever since I was a foal, she was always so far ahead of me. Always playing with me over it, but she never thought I would be behind for long.” “You two got to be in the same camp together in the end” Soul pointed out. “Isn’t it awesome? Now we get to both train to be weather pegasi” Breezy said. They both want to be weather ponies? Joining Breezy to see Amber explode out from the clouds with so many wakes of wind and water left behind. Looping back up, right on the tail of Starry and spiraling up again. “What’s wrong with her?” “Huh?” Soul asked back. Breezy was asking it of her. Directly to her.

“She’s been like this recently, she doesn’t fly as well as she used to. Do you know why?” Soul knew why. She believed she did. Same problem… I had. Same one that… that was so hard to fix. But for it to effect how well one flies. Soul felt a little sorry for Amber. Because she didn’t know the exact reason for why she was like this. Hating herself for the bare answer she gave.

“She’s afraid.” A long pause passing between the two of them. Soul looked up and saw that Spitfire had been the one to now stand at the edge of the cloud, right as Amber came back with Starry. Both zipping past the cloud and… Spitfire joined them. Perfectly. The orange coated filly right there next to Amber as they both flew up into the clouds with streaks of light cast down from both of them. One so smooth. The other, struggling. Looping back down and both spinning together wing to wing across the lines and patterns of clouds. Proving such a challenge where both of them clipped. Though Amber did it more… and she looked so unhappy about it. “I wish she would go back to how she was…” Breezy paused. “She made mistakes but she never let them affect her. I’m just worried she won’t be able to be that weather pony she wants to be.” “Don’t say that” Soul had to stop her. Hearing just how serious the little sister was being. That she was actually afraid. She won’t fail. “Amber will make it to her dreams.” But… she looked like something. Something Soul had seen before… in her own face, looking at the mirror under the crack of thunder. The mirror of somepony’s eyes. The fear of disappointing somepony. Like she did before… to end up like… that. Amber should not fear. Because she had a little sister that really seemed to care for her. “I hope so…” Breezy muttered. “Because… I want to be her wingpony someday.”

I bet you two will make it. “Soul… can I ask you a favor?” Soul cocked her head over to the filly. All ears.

“Amber used to have a wingpony before she got this way. Please… help me keep her away from Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash? Soul glanced to the ground, under the cheers of all the other ponies for the two who settled upon the clouds overhead.

1.111
“Aurora Flash, Rainbow Dash and Soul Serenity, come on up, please!” Nimbus said. Then it hit Soul. Oh, no. It’s already here? I’m going to have to fly this whole course just like Amber just showed for me. She didn’t even know if she’d have to fly alongside the other kids like Amber did. All three of them being called up. What the hell was Nimbus even thinking inside that thick skull of hers?

Soul looked around. Trying to eye out if the others were on the way up. No luck. “Guess you’re nervous?” Breezy said with so much concern. Soul didn’t even bother with answering. The filly knew it already. Doing something so very nice for her. “I’ll walk up with you.” Soul nodded, accepting her offer. Feeling like it took an eternity just to stand up and slowly trudge her way forward, rummaging past the other kids with Breezy right there with her. Seeing… right there, that all eyes turned to her. Like no other time before. No idea what it was they all could be thinking. If they were curious to see how she flew, if they had any idea just how scary this was for her. Soul gave no reason to show just how terrified she was inside. Keeping her head as high as she could. Planning it all out in her head. Just what it was she could do. Soul stepped past the last of the kids, right there to meet with an exhausted looking Amber.

Her face so sullied with a frown. But she met eyes with the new filly coming up to take her place. Nodding to Soul with a “Good luck.” Before she went back to panting, joining with her little sister and they left Soul alone to walk up to where Nimbus waited with two others. Soul stepping up to stand next to one of them… and she glanced.

1.112
Looking upon the filly, one who didn’t even know Soul was so fascinated in her. Never seeing a filly look so colorful yet so bleak at the same time with just how uninterested she was.
Rainbow Dash sighing so lightly and whipped her mane back up out of her face. Really like she didn’t care. To be this close up to her, all Soul could see now was just how impressive she looked. How wondrous she was with everything that had been said. Yet, Soul couldn’t help but take a quick look to be sure. Seeing just right there that the filly’s wings… How impressive.

Even folded up, their bulk was still something. Thick in elegant feathers but so very strong. Soul had to look away. Feeling within herself if others could see the same in her. I keep them hidden but… she was well aware just how strong her wings were. Seeing another pony so close up with such wings, really hard not to think about it. Especially when the time was coming when I would have to fly. Fly such an easy course. If Nimbus really could expect anything out of it from her. If Soul could expect anything out of it from herself. Even standing so close, Rainbow Dash did nothing more to alleviate her fears. None of the ponies she was with did. No hoof bumps or kind words. Just seeing that the rainbow maned pony just stared off at the colt who was also with them. No less impressive with his wings under a lavender hue of his coat and feathers brightened by the shine of the night sky in his glittering mane lengthily padded down his neck. Almost as long as Soul would expect from a filly. Huh, she had seen him before now that she thought of it.

He was that colt from earlier who cleared the way for her to pass. That must be Aurora Flash. Doing more than she expected, when the colt turned back to the fillies with him and gave such a bright smile. Soul really wanted to talk to them both. Especially the filly with her. Being the closest she ever had been so far to her. Yet like this, where Rainbow didn’t even seem to care for her being here and in front of the whole class. Well aware of all the eyes behind her. When all of them went to the sky to see her fly. Soul was terrified she might start shaking right now.

1.113
“Alright, Aurora and Rainbow Dash, you’re both up” Nimbus pointed her nose up to the clouds.

Wind kicking against Soul when two pairs of wings flapped hard and both of her company left her with nothing said. Nothing gained. Just the coming moment when she would see just what it was that Amber was talking about. As well as a question. “Why the hell am I going alone?” Soul whispered to Nimbus.

Now that she thought about it, it sounded better to be with another pony or two in the sky. Getting just a little wink from Nimbus’ red eyes before the mare turned her attention to the sky. What? And what was that supposed to mean? There was no telling what she could be cooking up. Oh man, like she had no idea just how scary this was. I’ll be flying alone… right after these two. So soon. I’ll be giving a show for everypony. Soon enough… I’m going to have to fly up there… in front of them all. Saving me for last.

Was this just another moment of Nimbus trying to give her more time to ready? A moment that came so quickly. So close. Now that she sat back down and joined Nimbus to watch the scene above. Just in time to hear another crack of wind following after Starry from the little colt going off after him all by himself. Not even caring to look, Soul only drawn off to the sight of the little rainbow maned filly left alone to sit upon the cloud and… holding her head down. Soul felt her heart shake a little seeing just for a moment that the filly did something almost like she didn’t even know Soul saw her. So different from the happy filly she saw in the clouds earlier. Just one who glanced off away from everypony else with wings drooped but held out more than ready to get flying. Her feathers risen but not her spirits. Like she was so sad. Soul saw that sadness in her face. What is wrong with her? There may be a possibility that… she was scared too. If she was, even more than Amber had been. Not even Amber moped like that.

Looked so pitiful. Rainbow Dash turning back to look out at the course in front of her, eyes dropped. Nimbus, why didn’t you send me up there with them? Soul felt it now. She really did want to be up there. Together with that pony. So curious to find out what was wrong with her. Maybe comfort her a little, if… if she may still be that filly that Amber had parted with. If she would even accept any words from Soul. Or just ignore her. Shut her down. As she looked like she would do right now. Maybe not even worth it to bother her.

1.114
Broken up by the resounding cheers of the other kids right when a crackle of light burst out across the sky shimmering along the path that the lavender coated colt took with wings abuzz like fire blazing the sky. No trouble at all taking those turns, zipping in and out and around anything in his path, not even losing track of Starry. But Soul saw the determination in his face for just a moment with how fast he was going. Sweat beading in the sunlight, holding his forehooves out to grip at the sky who tore through with an unbreakable resolve in his looks. The wind sending his long mane to sweep at the back of his head. So fast, just like he was leaving a trail of lightly colored wind fluttering behind him before it died off forever. Huh, he seemed pretty good. Soul didn’t notice anything wrong with his skill.

Here she thought he may be like Spitfire, so confident looking but not at all held back by any faults in his pattern. No, almost like he had done such a course before. As swift as Amber just without the miscoordination. Barreling up from such a tight turn right on Starry’s tail and both of them went past the cloud where Rainbow Dash still sat upon. Soul’s eyes widened. What did she just see? So quick, an instant. Almost blinded out by the billowing light the colt left behind with the cloud only to be torn away by the burst of colors rippling out in a quick flash from that cloud and churning the wind away. Right when that filly, not even bothering to stand up, readied herself, just blasted off with her hooves held out to Aurora. Her wings flapping so gracefully. Almost like a flash across the sky. Like she wasn’t even there. Faded out in her speed so much that Soul almost missed her. Missed seeing that filly lash out after Aurora and Starry where Soul could no longer even put a face onto her.

1.115
Rainbow Dash making all the others wowed in their awe. Soul felt the fur on her back stand up and her heart pumped. Oh wow!

That cyan filly moving so fast and then… keeping right up with the other two she followed. Wing to wing with Aurora. So close, almost like the slightest mistake could cause both of them to collide. But it never came. There to see that both pegasi did so well. Turning together perfectly around any cloud in their way. Zipping along with no speed lost. None gained with Dash a mirror of the colt. Turning around and both of them ripped the sky right over Soul and the entire group so quick. Not quick enough. Not quick enough to make Soul’s heart plummet when she saw her face.

The filly… so quick and graceful. Yet she frowned. A look that never left her even from when she took off from the cloud. Soul turned around to try and look, desperate to know if what she saw was true. Only able to find the rainbow tail zip up and out of view into the clouds. So high up to where she could no longer tell. Both young pegasi beckoning in the wind up there and spiraling back down, swift and true like bolts. Like none of the others saw it. Did Nimbus with her never changing smile? Or did only Soul see it? Cocking her head for the moment before the two pegasi leveled out and flew over them all again. Rainbow Dash. Her wings… Soul had seen it.

Something had happened, and she saw it in the filly’s disappointed face when she passed by, something that made her jumble a little in that spiral she had taken back down. It had been so perfect until the end. Leaving behind a curled sweep of wind in her wake. So much different from the line that Aurora left. Though Rainbow Dash just kept it up, not even losing pace in her wings. Losing speed or anything. Like it was gone in an instant. Back to that amazing display she had been doing before. Taking so many turns so well. Not even falling for the dips and changes in the hoops she so accurately kept with Aurora in. Rising so much higher into the sky once more. Up to the thick clouds. Spiraling over them all. But Soul was just so lost. So confused. Rainbow Dash? A little rough in her descents but… Soul gasped. Along with the rest of the group.

1.116
Rainbow Dash disappeared. Careening right into one of the clouds her partner so easily cleared. Cutting a hole right into it and the cloud distorted and fell apart. Cleaved to pieces when the cyan filly jetted out over it and held her place. Hanging there so high up, not even moving. Paused in her confusion to shake her head. Soul almost yelled out to her. Felt her name on the tip of her tongue. Not wanting this to happen. This thing that should not have happened yet it did so quickly that Soul… she didn’t even know what caused it. Dash was doing so well. Almost like whatever happened left the filly herself stunned, looking about until she caught sight of the two ponies speeding away from her. Readying up her wings again to chase after. Following the course but… it was too late. Soul sank in her hooves.

Even she being so upset to see that filly land on the cloud last to join with the two who had left her behind. So close. She almost pulled it off with no real trouble. What happened, Rainbow Dash? Silent. Just like all the other ponies around her. None said a word. Almost like she could feel the tension in the air. The short mumble that Nimbus let out. Though she didn’t look upset. Not like somepony else.

1.117
Aurora scampered right past Soul, dampened fur and heaving such heavy breaths. Unlike the other pony following after. Landing on heavy hooves with no care. Rainbow Dash followed after, heading right up to where Soul was there to be the one to feel sorry for her. Soul wanted to tell her something. Tell her she did so well. Because Soul did feel like she needed to be congratulated. Let her know she did great. It wouldn’t do anything. Seeing that filly scowling to the clouds she walked upon. Keeping her rainbow mane down low over her face. Such disappointment in her. In herself. That is what Soul saw in her walk as hooves slid across the clouds.

Small claps for Aurora from the others. None for Rainbow Dash. For a moment, Soul forgot that she was up next. Lost in the despair from that filly. Not even able to look her in the eyes when she passed by so close that a breeze settled over Soul from her passing. Looking away but the pony stopped. Feeling it so. So much to just hold herself away from looking at that pitiful pony who stood still next to her. It only lasted a second. Before she walked off to join the rest. But that second hit Soul hard.

“Good luck.” Whispered to her in such a raspy voice under the rainbow mane. Widening Soul’s eyes. She turned.

Seeing the pony’s tail wander off away from her. Leaving her alone. All alone to face what was to come. Alone, though her words hung in Soul’s ears. The pony… Rainbow Dash, she actually spoke. To me. I… Soul hated herself for it now that Dash was well away by herself to sit with the rest. Not looking up from her pity. I should have said something to her. I should have told her how well she did. Because… she looks so down with herself but… so confident with me? Does she really want me to do well? Soul could not look at her anymore. Just up to the cloud she would need to go up to. Nimbus waved her up to it with a smile. How well? Damn it. This day… it really does suck. And now… here we go. Soul slid her hat off. Shaking her head and sending her bangs back out the best she could, ruffling her mane back up. Nimbus was already prepared to take it from her, accepting it though she said nothing. She didn’t have to. They both knew the time was here. Soul whispered to her. “Tonight, can I please have ice cream for doing this?” “Just a little” Nimbus said back. Well at least there was that. Soul gulped. Looking out to the clouds upon all four hooves. She already felt it happen.

1.118
The silence said all. Like all the ponies in the camp were staring at her. Being there to see it. Feeling her wings rip away from her sides so slowly.

Her thick feathers tickling her as they passed. Like they did their best to comfort her in this moment. Let her know that these wings were here for her. They only wanted to do this for her. Not for any of the other ponies. None who saw her. Those feathers there to touch her until they left to be caught by the breeze hailing in over her. Sweeping the feathers casting a tall and long shadow that had to loom all the way back over all the ponies behind her. The ones who gasped. Fillies and colts. One by one and the chatter amongst them all. Like they all isolated her. Away with nothing but the two great weights shining out from her sides.

Soul hated it. So much. Like her legs would collapse. So close to it. They all know now. Just how I look. Just how I am. This little filly with wings so gracious and magnificent that none other could compare. None she had seen before. None any of them had seen. Here now with no Starry to cover her up.

She wondered if they liked her wings. The only wings she loved. Turning for but a brief moment to look upon both of them. Their mighty spans arcing so high over her with the sheets of thick magenta feathers beating a chorus in the wind with not a flaw to them. She did her best to hide them away all day. But now was the time to fly. To do the one thing she loved doing the most. With the one things she loved even more than that. No matter what they think, I still love them. I love both of you. Pushing both her wings down to slide across the clouds. It couldn’t be bared any longer. Like she might crack right now with all these eyes behind her. So afraid to even look back at them. Trying so hard to hold back the tears. The shudder in her chest. No. Soul shook her head. Squeaking so loud in her ears but so silent to all. Drowned out so quick by the command she gave as both her wings beat hard to the clouds and rocketed her up.

1.119
That was so close. Soul almost collapsed right there when she landed up on the cloud that Starry waited for her on. Damn it. I can’t believe how weak I am. May as well not even have any legs. All four staying still for much too long. Trembling so with the drawing eyes of so many still stinging her. Like they were all still behind her. Even with them all being so far down below. Hoping none of them could see just how pathetic she looked. Did Starry even? He didn’t do anything but smile at the little filly who successfully joined him. No matter how long it took her, he was patient. Even lifting one leg felt close to jelly, holding both her wings out to tower over her. So ready to protect her. Hide her away from sight as much as catch her if she should fall over on these weak legs. Her chattering teeth. That was so scary.

Even for so short, feeling all their eyes on her. Hearing them say things she could not pick out. Yet another group of kids to see my wings. Yet another group to see me fly. But… why even approach? My wings are out, I can just fly away. Away from here. No longer needing to fear anything. But I don’t want to. I don’t want to fail. Just like when I saw… those eyes. That look of defeat. When I saw them so long ago in the puddles that I looked down in to. From a face so familiar in the rain.

Still… Rainbow Dash wished me luck. Like I had her blessing, the blessing of the pony she wanted to show. Because… I don’t want her to be like that all the time. She wants me, of all ponies, to do well. I gave up so long ago on trying to impress others for the fun of it, why now? To be so concerned with her. To want to show her just what it was like to fly… happily. She couldn’t get out of it. It was going to come this whole time. Not even able to believe she would encounter a filly like that who was so, sadly, pathetic. It reminded her too much of another pony. Long gone. Even if I look so weak, I don’t feel it. I’ll fly. If not for the ice cream, then maybe to make a difference. Just… don’t go too overboard. Her wings ruffled in approval. Telling her it was all going to be alright. That her decision was right. It’s what kept her still, not at all trying to fly away. Standing out on the edge of the cloud just like all the others had done. With Starry there with her. Floating in front of her. Gazing upon this filly with his ocean blue eyes.

I’m ready for this.

1.120
“I just want to let you know, I’m proud of you, champ.” Soul smiled a little for Starry. He knew how hard this was. It was so nice to have his blessing. “It’s going to be your standard course. Just do your best to keep up with me.” Starry said that almost like it was going to be a challenge for her. Soul said nothing of it.

Bending her weak forelegs down till her chin almost touched the cloud. Rearing her tail so high with the shadow of her mighty wings left out over it and across the cloud. With not even any wind left to blow. All was still. Soul kept her eyes forward. One last gulp. But she didn’t lose that look. Determined to stare it all down. This feat she would need to do. To finish the moment. To prove that… she had nothing to fear.

All I need to do is do this right. Just another thing to look forward to. A bright day under that Sun blistering through the still clouds. Lowered under their bulks. Her hind legs pushed back so slightly. Ready to send her over the edge. Her wings baring down upon the clouds. Both monoliths of her strength and all these years ready to tear through this sky. Another sky. Just another sky, and somewhere down below all the others watched her. She bled them out of her mind. Right now it was just her and the sky. Think of it like it always was until the time came. Starry’s tail flipped. Alongside one huge stroke of his wings. That was it. Soul did the same. Pushed with her hind legs. As her wings caught the air.

In one brief moment so slow, yet quick enough to just blink before her wings slammed the air behind her and that rush did strike.

1.121
Always so wonderful to feel it. To feel that weightlessness to her whenever she flew. Where not even the earth below had any say over her. To where that sky up above that challenged so many to try and tame it felt so powerless to stop her. Indeed how it was. Nothing had power over her. Just her and her wings cleaving the air.

Soul blasted forward with but the gush of wind left to slam across the cloud she left behind. Holding her forelegs out to reach for the clouds ahead of her that came in so quickly. Eyes zipping back and forth to keep tabs on Starry as well. Though she knew what to do. Seeing it in his flight. He angled his wings up high. Soul did the same. Watching him disappear, she didn’t need to see him. Just angling herself upwards with the cloud to separate both of them. She spun over it. Cleanly. Watching her world spin in tandem. From the blue sky above to the white clouds below. So quick that she saw Starry once more as both pegasi cleared the spiral. Into another. Then another.

Soul held her breath for each. Remembering how scary it was to do spins like this long ago. The feeling she may spin out of control. Gone now. So easy. Keeping her wings to flap gently and turning them slightly for each pass. One big push needed to escape from them all alongside Starry. The stallion turned hard left. Soul arced around the cloud. Hearing the wind screaming in her ears, her wings howling so hard. Echoing the sky’s song. Not even good enough for a warm up. None of these turns mattered. Again and again. Soul rocketed around each one. Even ones she recognized when Amber had clipped them. Her wings passing around them unscathed. Not even a single touch to her feathers. But the true joy of feeling that bobbing and weaving. Her body lapping side to side with each hard turn. Yet her wings held true and she giggled a little. Not even having to think about it. Anything.

She closed her eyes for a brief moment. Listening to the wind in her mane. Opening up again in time to roll around an oncoming cloud with one quick glide. Spinning up and over so many more. Lines of them. The stallion alongside her safely away from the clouds she so effortlessly tumbled around. Leaving a clean cut of the wind behind her to paint a scene around these clouds. Not even able to see what may be happening behind her. If those clouds fell apart. They seemed to shatter as she passed. Spiraling over one last one in time to level out and clear the first hoop. So small. A tiny little hoop she had to curve her wings up in an instant to avoid cutting through the edges of it. Almost like Starry and Nimbus didn’t account for her having big wings. Not that it mattered. Soul made short work of all the hoops she found. Crisscrossing through them, one, two, three. The fourth one came and Starry dipped down. Leaving Soul to deal with the last hoop so much smaller than the rest.

Wow, they didn’t account for my wings. Oh well.

1.122
The sky spun and Soul let her mane reach down to the ground. Her whole world upside down. Perfect for the clear. That’s all it took. Passing with the top of the hoop over her belly and her wings curving inwards. Down to the ground. Curling the spans up and holding them there for less than a second. A moment she felt so proud of with not a touch to her body. Not an error in her flying.

Upside down, it was so easy to turn downwards and follow after Starry. Zipping down so quickly after him, with the wind’s howl turning to a roar. Darting into the layers of deep clouds below. Starry went through them. Soul did not. She turned herself. Edging around the first cloud and nearly running into a second hidden behind it. But she cleared them both and all the many others that stormed around her. Doing her best to keep track of a path through the array of clouds. All the while not losing sight of the shadow flying through them all. Waiting for the moment when it would be over, and she entered open sky again. The Sun shining down on her. Almost running into another hoop right outside the clouds. Cleared again.

Not one thing stopped her from keeping up with Starry. Not one obstacle to fluster her. Even her wings felt so great. She felt so great. None of them could hear her, laughing. Having the time of her life. Not with the wind roaring so loudly around her and so high up here in the clouds where the camp below was but a bunch of specks. She loved it. This one moment of true freedom coursing through her feathers. Sending her mane slicked back to blanket along her back.

What a joy! She flew back up. Joining with Starry so high. So high up where the clouds lay at their thickest. Huge sheets covering the sky. None too large for Soul. None too intimidating. She dodged up and over them all. Going over a small series of them and then she beat her wings harder to thunder up past the rest and into the clearing in them all. She just caught sight of Starry pointing down with a free hoof. Right as he did what it meant and turned himself to leave Soul up there. It took a quick glance to see he went down to a huge series of cloudy hoops all arrayed like they led her back down to the ground below in a wild course where none of them were aligned. She didn’t hesitate.

1.123
Soul spun down and angled her wings backwards. Reaching her hooves out to the oncoming hoops. Passing the first and then her wings made the slightest of moves. Twisting her over to pass through the next. A comet through the sky. She felt like one. Like one of those shooting stars. It always was such a thrill to fly this fast. Feeling it getting faster and faster as she fell to earth but not at all afraid.

Her wings had her. Her cradle. They always protected her. Always helped her. Not failing one bit to get her through any of the hoops no matter how wonky or small those hoops were.

The wind so hard and pushing against her mightily. It was no challenge for her. Going this fast, I can’t wait to do some high level flying like this. Crazy stunts at speeds that made her lips smack back against her cheeks. Her eyes tearing up. With not a moment where she was afraid. Her heart beating so hard. Yet her breath so calm. She didn’t need to turn and see that the last hoop fell to pieces behind her with all the wind she left behind and her adrenaline made her scream out in joy.

“Woohoo!” Soul passed under the next cloud, spinning over it with Starry. This really was like they were back home training together. So fun. So much to enjoy. She loved every moment of it. But there always came a time when she had to be disappointed. Always when it ended. Now, now when she recalled the truth of the matter. When she had to do what needed to be done. This wasn’t home. This was something so scary. The reason her legs always shook. Now was the time. Coming down with Starry so quickly at the cloud they started at. Darting in at it. She could tell this was meant to be the end of it. I cleared the course perfectly. That… was the problem. One that needed to be fixed.

1.124
Soul cursed herself. I won’t ever do this at home. Or in the future when… when I can do this all the time. When I can be a beautiful mare in the sky with the glimmer of the Sun upon that which I wear over my eyes and the soft touch of success running over my body. I’ll never do this then. She hated doing it now.

Soul held her wings out, catching the wind so hard. Holding her hooves out to touch upon the cloud. The speed so great… it can easily be seen why this happened. Though she could recover so easily from a speed like this. Let’s make it different this time. I think I did enough now to show Rainbow just what can happen when one is truly free from worry. That cloud came in so quick. Holding her hooves to it. Ready to catch it. Bending her wings inwards to keep the wind inside their feathers. Almost like a perfect landing. Too bad. Soul’s wings crinkled up. She felt her feathers curl, sighing to herself. As the speed took over once more.

I almost had it. I feel so stupid for ending it like this… as long as I can do it whenever I want, I’m fine. But just right now. I’ll allow it. Soul crashed. Burying her face hard into the poofy white surface of the cloud so quickly she almost had to raise her wings back up to try and catch herself. Fearing she may plummet right through the cloud. Her wings saved her from that. Though they did their other job. One so bad, of letting the filly scrape along the cloud and tumble over till she spun onto her back… just short of falling off the edge. Left to lay there with her wings sprawled out and the shame of knowing… she had to do this. Staring up at the sky she flew through so well. She apologized to it. I’m sorry. To it and her wings.

But anything… to protect me. And these wings I love.

1.125
“Soul!” Starry ran up next to her. Peering down over her. Blotting out the sky with his face. So etched in worry and fear. He had no reason to. Soul felt no pain in her. No discomfort or anything. She only frowned. I succeeded… yet I feel like a fool.

“Are you okay, baby girl? Are you hurt?” Huh, Soul could remember the last time the Stallion called her that. Just like this. When he leaned down to her, his eyes glimmering in the fear of what held him long ago. When he needed to feel the same last time. A time she hoped to avoid with what she just did. I did this for you, Starry. As for Nimbus. I don’t want to see any of us have to cry again. So don’t be upset.

Soul reached a hoof out to touch his cheek. Running it along his fur. She smiled. Raising her wings up around them. She just let her head lay back and grinned to the sky. “Did I do good?” Soul asked. As lively as she could. Feeling him cheer up. Did your baby girl make you happy? For at least one of us to be happy. He was.

“Oh man, Soul. I’m so sorry, I didn’t know how fast we were going” he said, sliding his hoof under Soul’s back and helping her up. Soul let her wings fall to the cloud, shrouding her hooves. Standing next to him. She couldn’t stop smiling. You didn’t do anything wrong, Starry. “It’s fine. I got a little scatterbrained at the end there” Soul excused herself. “But I still think I did pretty good.” “Yeah. You did amazing, champ” Starry patted her head. “I hope I get ice cream tonight” Soul teased him as she trotted off, ready to go back to join the others… and see just what it was she managed to accomplish. Hoping to get the result she sought after from them all. As well as from Starry. “Sure thing, kiddo.” Yay, both of them promised it to me now. I’ll need some after all this. Soul held her wings back out. Jumping off the cloud to join the others. Certain she was going to get what she hoped for. Anything to avoid… that time again.

1.126
Landing there right next to Nimbus, Soul looked out with widened eyes upon the scene before her and the sounds of so many fillies and colts stamping their hooves… and cheering for… her. From front to the back, all she saw were her group with not a frown she could find. Just to reverberating cheers and smiles of them all.

Many of their voices drowned out by the loud clamping of their hooves. In this scene that none of the other kids who had gone ended up receiving. Soul was the one to get it. Even with her crash at the end. The only moment she bothered to think of them all.

Yet they cheered, for the time when… when she showed them all just what it was like to fly freely. Even the ones who had not performed so well, they all joined in. Some even walking up past others just to try and get a look of her. Her with her wings, still spread out at her back catching the wind in their feathers. Until they both slowly closed back up. Though she felt something. The urge… to not hide them. From any of them in this moment where… she truly did not expect to come to. It all rushed around her. Flooded her. She felt so proud. Do they really like me? Even after all that happened. They don’t need to. They shouldn’t. But they do. At the very least… I thought I would be ignored. The thing I really wanted. But I get this.

Soul had to smile. Smile and blush. Feeling her cheeks warm so much, it was embarrassing. Relief only coming when her flustered self broke by the hat that Nimbus pushed down onto her head. Under which, Soul saw the mare smiling down at her. Should she smile back? Soul only felt shock. Staring down at the clouds to her hooves. Not believing that Nimbus may have been right. And I get to join in with all of them?

“Settle down everypony. Settle down!” Nimbus called out loudly over all their voices. Just barely able to break through it all and managing to make some of them stop. The rest took so much longer to calm down with Amber herself being the last one to stop stamping her hooves. Looking around at all the other ponies she was with and awkwardly smiling when she realized what was going on by herself. She looked way too involved in celebrating Soul. She must have liked it too. Very much. Soul was happy that she could keep such a smile on that filly. On all of them. “Great job, Soul” Nimbus whispered behind the filly as she made her way back to join the others. Soul glanced back. Not wanting to show the others just how close she felt to the mare right now. Going on to join them.

1.127
Nimbus called out to the group as Soul walked up to the other ponies, to join with the two she knew better than the others. Though all of them smiled at her like they all knew her so well. “Great job, everypony! You all did amazing today!” Soul only joined with Amber and Breezy. Sitting next to Amber, but she reached on over when the smaller filly presented her with her hoof and Soul did as she wanted. Before hoof bumping with Amber as well. Really seeing just how happy they were with her in their eyes. Even Amber. Soul expected her to be something different right now. She did sort of sound intimidated before. What’s with the change? Or is she actually happy for me?

Fur touched against her back. Amber patted Soul right between the wings and she giggled. She was happy. For the first time today, Soul actually felt like she belonged somewhere. Close to another pony. The two who happily sat with her. “I’m sorry to say but today’s activities are coming to an end for us soon” Nimbus went on, now joined by Starry who happily handed her a clipboard to add to her own.

“First day is always a quick one, but I think we all made awesome progress today. So you’re parents are all on the way!” She sounded very happy to say that, not like the others. Many of the kids even groaned hearing that. Guess they had been having a lot of fun. Soul admitted it, even though she wanted to go home, she actually felt okay with staying here a little longer. With these two, but they would be leaving, she knew it. Or even Rainbow Dash. Wait.

Soul looked around. Wasn’t she at the front before? Soul looked left and right. Nothing. Maybe she moved on to the back. It did… sound like something she might do. Soul wondered what she may have thought of her flying. If she felt any better. Maybe even among the ponies who cheered for her. She did wish me good luck. “But I did promise a surprise earlier today, and I got a good one for all of you before we all head out.” Nimbus lifted the clipboards for her eyes to go across and she smiled, pulling up a pencil into her mouth. “Just give me a minute.” And she said no more. Turning over to Starry and they both whispered. Soul struggled to hear what they may be saying. What they were planning. She only saw that Nimbus drew upon the papers she had. She was interested. The same could not be said of the others. “Soul.”

1.128
She heard the whisper behind her. Turning over to find one of the colts sitting behind her with a big grin. He leaned forward. Happy to say “How long do you think it will take me to fly like you?” Huh? Soul blinked. Stunned… that him and other kids suddenly joined in. Until she found herself surrounded by so many eager kids. But she wasn’t afraid. They did nothing to make her feel that way. Just small chatter she heard from each of them as they all tried to sit with her.

One filly even budging right past a less than happy Amber to say “Please tell me how you get your feathers like that.” “Yes, please. Your wings are gorgeous” another filly said. Cut off when Amber tossed the filly off of her. Backing up to join with Soul. What she said was the puzzling thing. More than anything the others were saying. “Your wings really are pretty, by the way.” “Oh” Soul finally said. Almost instinctively. She felt she could allow it. Allow one of her wings to gently fall off from her side and… she held it close. Covering herself in its feathers, though not afraid to hide it from them. She actually wanted to show them. Hearing anything they said. “I’m gonna fly like her.” “It was so great to see you fly.” “No, really…” Soul muttered. Holding her wing closer and using her other hoof to pull down her hat over her blushing face. Hating so much that she was like this now especially in front of boys let alone the girls. But every word struck her chords.

“I wasn’t that great” she tried to stop them. “I did crash at the end.” “Oh that’s just because you were going too fast” Amber chimed in. “I saw you, you looked like you just didn’t care when you were flying. Totally in your element. I think we can forgive you for not paying attention at the end there.” Really? Soul wasn’t even sure what she may have looked like. But that didn’t excuse that she did crash at the end… even if I didn’t need to. I flew so perfectly. I did everything I normally do when nopony is looking. Until the end. But I still get this. All these ponies who happily came closer to sit with her. Not what she expected.

1.129
Soul didn’t even move. She didn’t want to knowing they all wanted to be near her. Feeling their eyes gaze upon her wings. She still felt defenseless. Like she was in trouble. But… she didn’t do anything about it. Not even fold up her wing. Smiling under her hat. Seeing that yellowed fur scooched close to her. Amber, strange how she was reacting. She really did seem to like her. My display must have impressed her. And I love it. That was it. Soul loved this.

She looked up to Amber, finding the filly now had a mane of flames, and Amber at the other side of this pony. Spitfire? The filly found a place right between them. Smiling so happily at Soul. Doing exactly what Amber had done. She patted Soul on the back. “Great work up there” she said. “I didn’t even think you would be that skilled.” It was then that Soul giggled finally. “…Thank you. But, come on, I wasn’t that good.” “You can stop being embarrassed” Spitfire said. “I’ve been at this most of my life, and I know a great flyer when I spot one.” She nudged into Soul’s side, just over her wing.

“You’ve got wings of steel.” Why was she being so nice to me? She was a pretty great flyer too… she didn’t need to do this. But there was such kindness in her voice. Like she meant every word she said. Is she trying to cheer me up? Soul let her hoof drop from her hat and her mane hung free along her face. Her really red face. The temptation to hide was so much. Damn it. I didn’t expect this. Even her other wing felt the need to join the first and happily hung lose from her side. Not at all losing any of the kind words said to her. The affection she got. Even one filly asking “Can I touch your wings, they look really soft.” As nice as it was to get such a compliment, Soul had to decline. Waving her off and holding her wings away.

The only pony she allowed to touch her own wings was herself… and Nimbus, who was so gentle when she taught her how to keep them looking so nice. Good thing too. She didn’t need to yelp out in pain from another pony touching her wings here. It was Nimbus again who managed to get all the ponies to calm down and give Soul the space she wanted. “Alright, fillies and colts…!”

1.130
They all readied for the surprise. Whatever it was. Even Soul paid attention. “This whole obstacle course was to help Starry and me decide… who will be partners with who for the rest of the fall. Flight buddies!” Nimbus said. Just like last camp. We’ll have flight buddies here? Soul felt her heart skip a beat. Many of the others so happy to hear this. Spitfire crossing her forelegs right next to Soul and saying with a grin “Awesome.” “So I will call out who gets to fly with who for the rest of the fall.” None seemed to protest the idea. Not even Soul. Just the wonder of who it was she’d be with. A huge list because…

“I want to be with Soul!” A filly cried out. Followed quickly by another kid. Several of them calling right out the name of the filly they wanted to be with. Coming close to demanding over the others for the one filly they really wanted to be with. They want to be paired with me? Soul looked upon them all. Each pony who asked for her. Like her heart had no break today. This felt so exciting and… so good. It… it was enough to make her tremble. Not ones of fear anymore, but of joy. Ponies like me.

“Mrs.” Spitfire called out with a raised hoof. “I’d like to be paired with Soul.” Now that made her gulp… and smile. One… of the… experienced kids wants to be my partner? She wasn’t just being nice for the hell of it. Spitfire really did seem to like her. She must have meant the words she said. She thinks I’m a great flyer. Enough to want to partner with me. “Now, now” Nimbus said to them all. “I don’t take requests.” Met by the groans of everypony. “Damn” Spitfire whispered over to Soul. “Well I tried. Here’s hoping we can fly together.” “Yeah…” Soul said. Not exactly meaning it.

In truth, she didn’t care who she got paired with, and the pairs were made with her left to wait. Seeing as names were called out one by one and fillies and colts came to join one another in pairs. Happily patting hooves. Some even hugging as they joined with their friends. Not one of them was unhappy if they didn’t get paired with Soul. She was happy for them. Knowing they all would be there for one another for the rest of the camp, and that group of kids around her got smaller and smaller. Each of them going to join with the friend they would get.

1.131
Soul felt a little sad to hear it when Spitfire sadly walked off, but she made herself smile. Looking back at Soul. “Oh well, …hope you keep showing me what you got.” Soul nodded. Seeing off the fiery Pegasus going to join with Aurora Flash. Leaving so few left behind to still wonder who they will be paired with. But more went up. Soul kept watch. Looking off at them all and then… when they began to leave.

Running off to join with the ponies who brought them here. As they all began to say goodbye to one another and Nimbus found time to let them know how excited she was to see them tomorrow. I’m excited too. Because today was… something else. I can’t even feel upset right now. Not with my worries. Not with seeing the kids go off with their parents. Not knowing what it was like for their lives. What they may do. Some kids even waved goodbye to her. With their partners already given, they all still liked me. Do they feel proud of me? Though none of them told her that. She didn’t need to to hear it echo in her head. From the voice of a familiar mare. One that I made proud today. Or to be called something like that… haha Soul wanted to heave a happy cry.

He called me his baby girl.

They all like me. Nothing bad happened today. It almost made her want to hug herself if she wasn’t around what was left of the group. “Amber Skyburn. You’re with Breezy Tailwind” Nimbus said. Much to the delight of the twins. They both hugged one another right next to the filly too scared to hug herself. Soul was happy for them. Two sisters being able to be flight buddies. It sounded like a beautiful dream to her. Like something… that actually was kind of cute now that she thought of it. A little jealous actually to see just how much they enjoyed the news. You see, Breezy. You’ll be your sister’s wingpony in no time. She bet that the older sister would do so much to help her little sister out for this camp. Soul let go of her attention to the names when Amber touched her shoulder. Both sisters there smiling at her.

“Great day today, Soul” Amber said. They had no idea. For it to end like this. Soul was just as happy as they were and she didn’t hide it to them. Soul’s hoof met Amber’s. “Maybe we can play later today” Breezy suggested. “Sorry, I’m a bit busy today” Soul said. Loving the idea of maybe playing some game with these two if Nimbus allowed her. But… ice cream called to her. It wasn’t often she got to have any. The twins would understand. “Well, I can’t wait to see you tomorrow” Amber said. “We had a blast today.” “Yeah! We did” Soul said, laughing with her. “Goodbye, Soul” they both said together. Running off in a gallop. Soul loved how much they enjoy themselves. Both fillies going to join with the mare whose fur matched theirs. Their mom. Hugging her kids so much with her wings, both fillies only able to wrap their hooves around her legs. No less joyous to see their mom run her nose through their manes. Soul looked away.

That looked nice. Too nice, as she looked over to Nimbus and Starry. Not wanting to say anything, just wait as the kids slowly disappeared around her, and Soul was left alone. Alone but not unhappy at all. More than liking the idea of going home with those two and coming back tomorrow with them. To make them more proud. I don’t often do that. It feels… good. “Soul Serenity” Nimbus caught Soul’s attention, and that of the few kids left. All of them rearing forward eager to hear their names. As much as Soul was. She was the one who was the most excited to hear what was to come. Forgetting it so quickly in the light of this day.

“You’re with Rainbow Dash.”

1.132
That was the thing that Soul wanted to hear. To hear that pony’s name with her own. That was the thing that brightened up her day. For the rest of the fall. With the one pony who wished me luck. Like her luck was what brought this all out. I get to be with her. Soul giggled. Kicking her hind legs into the clouds. More than eager to meet with the pony she would be with. For the first time. So she could finally say something to her. See why it was… she smiled at… me.

“Hey, Rainbow” Soul said. Turning around. To see nothing. Around again. Soul stood up on all four. Looking among what was left of her group. At all the eyes that turned to her. But none of them were the ones that matched her own fur color. Under that mane of rainbow. With that one moment of joy, her smile faded off. Finding no trace of that pony she wanted to talk to as she wandered off. Taking a few steps off to try and see if she missed something. She did not. She was not here. Not here to talk to her. Oh… did… she leave already? Without hearing who she got paired with? That couldn’t be. It shouldn’t be.

Soul dropped her head. Oh, she really looked forward to talking with her. Their first actual chance. But she didn’t want to give up. This day had been so great. …Left only with the sight of that cyan furred filly with such a frown on her and displeasure in her scowl. Did I make her smile when I flew? I don’t want her to leave today without being happy. Even for just a moment to talk with her, get to know her. Because… she’s going to be my flight buddy. My buddy. The filly shifted a hoof over the other and walked away from the group. Hoping to try and see her somewhere. If she was hiding somewhere. About to leave and maybe able to catch her before she did. At least be able to introduce herself. See that filly bump her hoof against her own. Or even just to see her face. To know if she made a difference.

1.133
But no sign of her, and it was then that Soul once again felt alone. Standing there by herself with no partner next to her. To leave already without her. Without that possibility that Soul wanted. If it was possible with Rainbow Dash. Since it also seemed like something that that pony needed as well, and she really believed it could happen. She was her buddy after all. Leave out of here with a smile as Soul said goodbye to her so she may come back tomorrow to a buddy who was secretly more than happy to be partnered with Rainbow Dash. In this wonderful season she bet was coming. That Nimbus was right.

Rainbow Dash, I hope we can be awesome partners. Soul kept searching for her. Going up to the building that overlooked the camp. Standing upon its raised stairs and into the door where the locker room lay empty. Nopony coming to greet her as her partner, and she looked back out to the field of clouds. Over to where the rest of the group was alongside their parents. All so eager to leave and lovingly reunited with the ponies who cared for them so much. Not one of them being the pony she looked for. All across this empty camp where she stood alone over it all. Then she felt it. Like she was defeated.

Dash… I really wanted to meet you. I was hoping I could have a partner like all the other kids had. But I barely even know you and you don’t know me. We may as well be strangers. Such a shame she would have to leave here knowing that was the case. Since Dash had already left. Slipped out before I could tell her goodbye. All Soul could do was sit herself down upon the steps and wait. Wait for whenever they could leave so this day could be over and a new one to begin after… at least some more moments of fun. Training alongside Nimbus and getting to eat some ice cream, hopefully with whatever toppings she liked. She already saw the strawberries and chocolate sauce covering it all. She licked her lips. I couldn’t talk to Dash, but I could at least have a sweet end to the day. Awesome!

1.134
“Hey Soul Serenity.” Soul perked her ears up to where the voice spoke to her. It didn’t sound familiar one bit. Drawing her in to where it came from, like it came from all around. Frantically turning her head about. Curious for it to be Dash until it hit her that it sounded… like a boy.

Somepony who was still here who wants to talk to me? Why, she was starting to get a little nervous of what they may want. Especially after what happened with the whole group earlier. “Up here.” Soul stopped her search. Craning her neck up and finding just who it was that was talking to her. So close to her, she didn’t have any means of telling how long he may have been there watching her. Now that was what was embarrassing. Though he looked like he meant no harm. Like nothing was wrong. Even if he had caught sight of her moping. He didn’t care at all. Just smiling down at her from his perch above where he hung over the edge of a tiny cloud looking no bigger than he could be. Where Soul even saw his glowing green tail wrapped in the night sky swaying gently over the edge just across from where he peered over.

Really a surprise to find that lavender coated colt of all ponies here floating over her. His first words to her. It left her flustered. Stumbling on her words.

“H-h-hello.” “I don’t think we got a chance to talk yet” the colt she knew as Aurora Flash said back. “You really aren’t much of a talker, huh?” How strange. Soul had no response to him. Kind of rude of him to point that out. Yes, I suck at it. She didn’t take it as an insult. Not in his kind smile. How he laughed a little at the filly who just proved his point. She let it go. More impressed that this colt of all others was actually here to talk to her. “Don’t worry about it” he assured her. “My name is Aurora Flash. I just wanted to let you know a couple things before I head home.” Whoa he was going too fast. Soul still had yet to respond to him. Feeling so weak kneed that a colt was here actually talking to her. The fact he surprised her, and she had to admit that he was a pretty decent flyer… on top of that… kind of cute. Soul shook that thought away.

Damn, I’m really not used to this type of stuff. Placing a hoof to her cheek.

1.135
“It’s… nice to meet you” Soul said back to him. “I’m sorry, I… I didn’t expect to find you around here. You scared me.” The colt laughed again.

“Really, I thought you’d have gone home by now” he said. “But it’s still cool I managed to catch you.” He stood up on top of his cloud and kept his place to peer down upon her. His eyes lowered and Soul felt her heart skip a beat. No matter how much his demeanor dropped, he didn’t lose that admirable look of strength in his smile. One that spoke so gently now. So softly against her ears that it made her shudder to hear him talk to her like that.

“Soul, I gotta say… I was really impressed with how you flew today. I didn’t expect it from you. But you really do have the making of an awesome flyer.” “Really?” Soul backed away a couple steps, rubbing her hoof over her cheek. She was the one now who was happy. All… all these ponies really did like her. All I did was do what I normally do. For the most part. Here I thought… no, no reason to think that anymore. For even a young flyer as skilled as Aurora to like her. Spitfire and Amber. All of them. Save for just one who had left her. It didn’t matter. She loved hearing these things. Just to know her efforts for herself were seen as a good thing by others for once. She looked forward to coming back here tomorrow.

“Thank you” Soul whispered. She wanted to tell him just how much she thought he was a great flyer as well. Something to return the favor. Damn her tongue being tied. Her legs wobbling. She felt so pathetic right now. Even more than when all the other ponies complimented her earlier. This feeling, it wasn’t bad, it was one she loved. For herself to be shaking in joy. “If you didn’t hold back, that is.”

1.136
Soul looked back up to the colt. Hearing that change in his voice. It struck something inside of her. Something familiar. To hear a voice like that. Saying something like that. To hold back. What does he mean? Soul couldn’t voice her words. Keeping her dried lips tight. Like her wonders were answered by the frowning pony above.

“You may have fooled the others with that crash but you didn’t fool me. I need to ask you, why did you do that?” Oh no. “I… don’t know what you mean” Soul said. Feeling ever more stupid that a pony may know she did it on purpose. No, she didn’t. To all of them, it was an accident. Something she didn’t mean to do, while the opposite was true inside of her. I didn’t botch it. Botch it for… other reasons. “I lost control of my wings at the end” she said.

“Nope” Aurora snapped. “You aren’t a good actor. Your wings were pretty solid and then just gave up mid-way. Kind of weird you were still looking so happy when that happened.” Did I? Soul held her breath. I… didn’t even notice. I was so caught up. But he couldn’t really believe I did that on purpose. Even if… I did. Not at all helping her feel any less ashamed of herself. Because… they all liked her in the end. No matter how well she performed. They all cheered for her. Sat with her. So many wanted to be her partner. With how perfect I flew and how happy I was. I… didn’t even need to crash at the end. I didn’t need to think the worst would come out of it. That was what held her back from even trying to fight against this colt. Because his words were the truth and she held it in her heart that she was the one lying. “I take a lot of pride in flying” Aurora said. “A lot more than most ponies would know. And it was a really bad move you pulled earlier. Pretty piss poor. You kind of didn’t deserve all that praise you got. Wouldn’t you say so?”

Soul ran her hoof along the steps. Dragging it back to touch against herself. Staring down at it. She let her wings fall as well. He is right. I shouldn’t have gotten that praise. Not at all.

1.137
Soul yelped feeling the cold rush over her. So quickly she didn’t even know what had happened till it was too late. Hard to tell when her mane fell apart to cover her entire face and she shivered. With a fresh breeze coming in. Soul wiped her mane out of the way. Feeling the cold water rush down her soaked mane and all over her drenched fur. Puddling all around where she sat. She stared upon that water. Looking down her muzzle at all the water dripping down her mane and along her nose. Falling to join the rest that surrounded her. Soaked her butt. Dampened her tail.

She just held her mouth open. Unable to tell what had happened. Just the remains of rain water plopping down around her, dwindling away so slowly till it came out no more. Leaving but a filly sitting in the water, shivering and holding herself. It almost made her want to fall to the ground. But the smell gave it away. The smell of the water. She had been rained on. Looking back up and finding Aurora with his cloud, hooves planted firmly on to it, where the last of the rain dripped out of its fluffy bulk. One last thing came down from that cloud. The colt himself. Hovering down to float in front of her. In front of the filly who started to cry.

Soul didn’t sniffle. She didn’t dare to moan. But the tears came out, mixing with all the water running down her face like it were just more rainwater. She backed away a little. Scared. There were so many times this day when she felt so defenseless and pathetic. But this was it. Like she felt naked in front of this colt who scowled at her. Covering herself up in her wings and legs, trying to hide her shivering. That is what it would look like. Because she actually was protecting herself. Afraid of what was to come now that it happened. Then all her hopes fell apart.

“It pisses me off when ponies joke around with flying. Somepony like you… you don’t deserve to call yourself a great flyer, and I’d be damned if you show me up.” Aurora reared in on her. Soul just wanted him to go away. Leave so she could get a towel and not need to hide. She slid her head down under her wings. Just watching the water drip down into the darkness. Her precious wings keeping her safe. Safe from this terrible thing that she… she didn’t want at all. “You’re pretty pathetic, Soul.” Ended by the flutter of wings disappearing into the sky. Moments passed. Before… before the frightened filly left her safety, looking up to find herself alone. Alone with her thoughts and the fact that this day… had been awful. I didn’t expect to be praised for my flying. I didn’t expect everypony to like me. So stupid of me to think it would happen. It never happens. Just like last time. And here I thought it would be a good thing. Nimbus and Starry worked so hard to get me into this camp. Just so they could be with me all day and so I could make friends. Why did this have to happen?

“Looks like what you said earlier didn’t work out.”

1.138
Soul darted her head over. Afraid of who it may be. Did he come back? Her legs almost jutted out ready to take her off. No mane of glowing greens or violets. But one of rainbow.

Stepping out from the corner. Standing so still. But she kept Soul firmly in her eyes. For this to be the time when the two fillies could be together alone, face to face. With Soul just there, wanting to run away. Away from this filly who showed no compassion in her face. Nothing in her voice. Just words that made Soul want to cringe. Hide away. Scream at somepony. “About just doing what you want to do” Rainbow Dash said. As if trying to reaffirm her. Let Soul know she was so stupid. I know I’m stupid. And I got what I deserved. Now I will from now… on. Just like… it always has been. Soul had nothing to say to the filly. She didn’t want to say anything. “Such a shame.”

Rainbow Dash flew off. Soul fell forward. Trying to get the words out. Call out after the filly who left her with those terrible words. Just wanting to ask her to wait. Soul held her hoof out, up to the pony who went into the sky. Jumping over the walls to the camp and she disappeared. Why even do that? Soul let her hoof clamber back down to the ground. She saw me… get rained on. Why say that to me. I only wanted to be her friend. I only wanted her to smile. But to say something like that to me. Leave me like this. I thought we were supposed to be buddies, and that’s what Soul needed right now. A buddy. All alone with her soaked mane and fur. Weeping into her wing. Left with it all. The truth in the matter. I did… get what I… expected. Even when I tried not to. I still got it. Forgetting all the happy words that were told to her today. Filled just with the voices of those who she bet hated her. Soul wiped her face off again and again. Groaning into her legs. Slamming both of them back down. She angrily looked upon the ground.

Damn this place. When I was supposed to just be able to enjoy working towards my dream. It had to be ruined… again. Because nopony likes me. Not even my par… I can’t even think about it. I don’t want to. I just want what Nimbus wanted for me. Soul held in her tears. She had to when she heard her name called out. “Soul!”

1.139
The filly glanced over. Not at all looking away from the ground. But she saw Nimbus and Starry coming over to her. She didn’t want to see them any longer than she had to. Because… she let them down. They did so much to try and get me in here, to make my life better. It can’t be that I ruined it. It was so great to see Nimbus so hopeful for the filly. That this would really be a turning point in her life. Away from all that crap in the past. Away… from it… all. Soul shuddered. I just want to fly the way I want to. Without worrying. For once.

“Soul.” Hooves clanked up to her. Soul shook her mane. Sending the water flying off her. Trying her best to compose herself. She coughed in the end. Water running into her nose. “Oh dear, Soul what happened to you?” Nimbus pleaded of her. She felt a familiar touch on top of her back. Starry laying his hoof gently on her. For a moment. “I’ll go get a towel. It’s okay, Soul.” The stallion galloped off. With just Nimbus there coming closer to the filly. The filly who whipped her mane away. Feeling her inside quake… because their questions said all. They didn’t know what happened. …Good. Soul uttered a little laugh. Laughing not at the situation… but at herself. Nimbus could not tell. As long as she didn’t know that I messed up. Again. “I’m sorry” Soul muttered. “Oh, don’t be sorry. What happened?”

Nimbus sat down next to her and snaked a hoof around the filly. Pulling her a little closer into her. To where Soul’s soaked fur touched Nimbus’ warm body. She doesn’t know. Haha. Don’t you worry, Nimbus. It’ll get better. I’ll find a way. This is all my fault after all. “I slipped in a puddle.” “Come here, Soul” Nimbus whispered. Placing her wing down on top of the filly who gladly sat down with her. “I’ll keep you warm till you’re dry.” “Can we just go home…” Soul asked her. “Soon?” The mare sighed. Silence filling the space between the two of them. Soul just looked away. Unable to look her in the face after lying to her. But anything for her. I got to keep her proud of me. Because I’ll prove to them all. I won’t let those two jerk kids get to me. Even if… it hurts so much. Rainbow Dash… I just wanted to be your friend. “It’s okay, Soul” Nimbus whispered. “We’ll go home, but we need to go shopping first. I’m gonna pick up your ice cream. How about a big bowl for my special girl?” Oh yeah, I was supposed to get ice cream tonight… for being a good girl.

A good girl who didn’t mess up. I’m sorry, Nimbus.

1.140
Soul let the door close behind her. Scampering past Starry and Nimbus, both so swamped in heavy saddlebags filled with things Soul didn’t even care to see when they bought them. Whatever they were, she only hoped they would be happy with them.

She didn’t care. Over any of it. Not with the voices still ringing in her head. Reminding her, and it pained her for far too long. To see that she had truly failed herself. With these wings of mine. These wings that were supposed to bring out the best day. Something so different from what she was used to. It only led to much of the same. It just wasn’t fair. Not fair at all that she just couldn’t get anything good for her. Doing her best to show Nimbus that she was happy. Joyous when they picked out the ice cream she wanted. More than happy to talk to Nimbus about some flying techniques Soul was more than happy to try out at some time. Preferably when she wouldn’t have anypony around to watch her. Safe and sound doing what she loved most in the comfort of her home. A place she missed all day long and finally able to walk into it again.

Brushing past her companions. It just wasn’t right anymore to pretend like she was happy. Because she couldn’t be happy. Not with her eyes drooping to the ground and her hooves almost dragging. Just that dull pinging in her whole body with heavy eyes. She just didn’t care any longer. Soul just stretched herself out. Standing with the sofas ringing around the living room. Doing her best to look like she was about to just plop herself down on them. Eager to get to enjoying the evening with Nimbus and Starry. If she had the energy. If she cared to. Not with this weight on her. One that left her so sad. Deep inside. To hide it away from them both. She felt so bad to do it. But I’m supposed to be their good little girl. A pony that so many would love to be around. If only that was true. It was another battle to keep herself from crying again. So many times wanting to do it while they went around the shops and market stalls. Flying home on top of Nimbus’ back. Planting her face right into the mare’s mane. She didn’t even notice. Nor did they now when they both went past towards the kitchen. Leaving Soul to herself with the steps ahead of her.

The filly slipped past. Creeping on the soft, cloudy surface of their home. She stopped. Looking back over to the front door. Out the windows upon that dark night shrouded in what was left of the Sun’s dying glow cast upon the big and open field of clouds where… where earlier she wanted to fly among. To train with Nimbus. On all those clouds formations she had prepared for the filly all around their house. It just… wasn’t the case anymore. Soul glanced back down. Sighing to herself. Before she let her first hoof step upon the stairs, and she went on up. Like it took forever to try and slip out of there. Each step feeling longer than the last. Anything just to get to her room. Because she couldn’t hold it in anymore. Not in front of them. The filly came up to the top, venturing on past the cloud walls covered in the beautiful portraits of Cloudsdale and all its wonder. She stopped to peer upon the one that she loved to see so much. Tonight, no different. Because it was where great flyers went to. To that open and vast coliseum that took over the painting, with so many pegasi left to dance about it. A titan in the sky. Soul left it be. Silently going off to her room.

“Soul.” She stopped suddenly. Damn it. Not needing to turn to feel Nimbus behind her. Peering over the steps. Feeling her worried look back there. Soul grimaced. “Where are you going?” I just can’t. I can’t bear to do it any longer. “I’m sorry, I’m very tired. I just want to go take a nap.” Soul didn’t give her the chance.

1.141
Nimbus stepped up the last of the stairs. Trying to reach her hoof out to the little filly that ran off. Ashamed in herself, that her shock kept her from stopping the filly, before her door shut behind her. Soul was gone. Leaving Nimbus there with Starry. Her beloved husband joined her. Though she had nothing to say to him. Just seeing that filly’s eyes so much today and all the pain in them. I can’t… demand anymore of her. She must be tired. So very tired. In more ways than one.

Nimbus felt herself pulled closer. Held in the wing of Starry. Both of them staring off hopeful to see that filly come back out. I’m sorry, if I was too hard on you today, Soul. I’m trying my best… to help you forget. Nimbus joined Starry in their hug. Planting her face down into his fur. Even like this, no reason to be happy. Only worried for the little one on the other side of the door.

1.142
Raised walls going so high into the sky, high enough to be seen all the way over here. Past all the towers and weather factories. Like a shining symbol of Cloudsdale’s might. Arced spans and winding banners running all along it, but silent. On this night. No spotlights spread across the sky. No cheers from its berth.

She wondered if anypony else looked upon it right now or if she was the only one. The only one to dream of it. To feel so sad by it. A place for great flyers. I like to see myself as one. But I keep messing up. He said it best. Aurora. Nopony wants me to be a great flyer. Soul sniffled. Her hoof drifting off the book she had left upon her chair yesterday night. Wanting to get around to it. Not tonight. I don’t even want my ice cream. I don’t want the rewards of a good flyer. Not tonight, when I just feel like a crappy one. Another night. Like always. Soul Serenity alone in her room. With the lights off, and only the moonlight cast in through her blinds. Guiding back to the bed. She couldn’t look at it anymore. I failed so many. It’s just another day. For me… Soul wept into the covers of her bed.

1.143
Was Soul still up? Starry looked down to the crack under her door as he approached it. No light shone through. Didn’t mean it entirely. He didn’t quite understand it, but that filly sure did love spending time in the dark sometimes. How she managed to read as she did it, he’ll never find out. He should still check. It still drove him to. Holding the bowl of ice cream topped to the brim in his mouth. Spoon ready in it for Soul, alongside the strawberries he was sure to put in on top.

She deserved it. I don’t often bother her when she’s in her room but today was a special day. A day he was so proud to have happened for the filly. No matter what hardships were suffered today, it still worked out in the end just to see her smile with so many ponies around her. All of them so eager just to meet her. It was such a beautiful sight, all because of her efforts. He didn’t fault her for going to bed early. After all that, the little filly just wasn’t used to being out all day. If she wasn’t awake to eat, at least… make sure she was alright. The poor thing looking so dead tired all evening. A real change from her normal, hyper self. Even dropping out of the training they had planned tonight.

Well, Nimbus would love to do it for her tomorrow instead. He knocked his hoof upon the door. “Soul, you awake?” Moments passed… with no answer. Oh dear… did he just waste making this bowl for her? He waited a little longer.

1.144
Then the door creaked open. Pushed open by his own hoof. Letting the dim light of the hallway seep into the dark room. Reflecting brightly off the window… the one Soul left with the blinds still open.

“Soul?” he whispered, creeping in on light hooves. Looking past the door and… there he found the filly, asleep on top of her bed at the other side. Not even the new light coming in woke her up. It only made him quieter. Stopping on his hooves. But he would not leave. Even with knowing she would not be able to eat. He couldn’t just leave her the way that he found her over there, shaking his head and smiling at her. Really is a poor thing. So sleepy. Starry didn’t leave, he came in. In upon gentle flaps of his wings bringing him to a float. All her bookshelves left undisturbed around the room. Set upon the walls in between the posters they had gotten her over the years of scenes so familiar to the ones out in the hall. She loved them just as much, so much that she surprisingly kept them so clean of dust to sparkle in the light in their foiled sheets. Even the book on the chair, left just as he found it when he woke her up this morning. Didn’t even touch it. She really did fall right to sleep. Especially with how it was he found her. The little filly left sprawled out on top of the blankets. Even her wings left to blanket the bed itself, into which… she lightly snored. Snored under the safety of her mane and the hat she had worn left to her side.

Soul, you goofball. Starry smiled deeper. Putting the bowl down on the chair. She can’t have it tonight, but she will definitely get it tomorrow. In fact, Starry thought Nimbus wouldn’t pay attention if he put another scoop in there for Soul. No food tonight, it looked like. She slumbered so peacefully, her tail gently waving along the blankets. I hope she’s having a good dream. After all she did, it’s the least she could get. Alongside a great night’s sleep.

1.145
Starry was careful to come in closer to her. Hovering right over her prone body. Can’t leave her like that. It was supposed to get chilly later tonight. Funny, it’s been years since I did this. Kind of nostalgic. She’s become such a big girl so quickly, but I still remember when you were so much smaller. And you loved it when I did this for you. I wonder if you still would, even if you insist you can do it yourself. No matter what, you’re still our baby girl.

Starry slid his hooves slowly under her chest. Careful not to touch her wings. She didn’t wake, not at all, as he picked her right up. So light. Almost like you never did grow up. May as well be the case. Just thinking about it, it brought them all back. The memories that made him want to tear up right now. The day when this filly entered their lives. The greatest gift they ever received when it seemed like Nimbus would never be able to achieve her dream. Her true dream. No matter how much they wanted it, they never could. Until you came to us. That was the day, he got to first do this for her. Starry placed her head down upon the pillow. So gentle, she did not even stir though her snoring stopped and her wings ruffled closer. Sighing in her sleep. Starry waited for her.

She finally relaxed again. Lost in her sleep. Free to let Starry pull the blanket over her. Closer and only her little head popped out. Her wings twitching so slightly under the blanket. Stopping like they let Starry move around to tuck her in. Folding the blanket around her. He hovered back up when the filly sighed again and she moved. For just a moment. All she did was roll to her side. Cradling herself under the blanket. Burying her face back down into the pillow this time. She wasn’t this mobile when she was smaller. Probably a sweet dream. The best gift she could get tonight for all she did. I can only make sure she’s cozy. Tucking her back in. Certain she would be warm for the rest of the night. He wouldn’t leave.

Looking down on her again. Just seeing it even more. It’s still been such a long time, but you’re still that tiny foal. Who made Nimbus’ dream come true when her body failed her. That horrible news they had to know far before she came. Dashed away like that just when we saw your smile. I wonder how he’s doing. I wish he could come back to see us some time, so we can thank him again for bringing you to us. So we could see just how happy and strong you could become. To be the light of our lives. Soul Serenity. I’m so proud of you. Starry glanced back to the doorway, hopeful to not find Nimbus there. They were alone. Good. Starry, lowered himself down. Landing at her bedside. So close to her little face. Nimbus would make fun of me so much for this. But you deserve it, champ. Starry leaned in to her peaceful face. Going till he couldn’t anymore. Planting his nose softly onto her cheek. The same little rub he gave that made the tiny foal giggle many years ago. Nothing like that now. Nuzzling her for so long. He just wanted to let her know how much she meant to him. For her to wake up and find him like this. She didn’t. That was okay. As long as she’ll always know just how much they appreciated her. We’ll do anything to keep you happy so you can reach your dreams. Just like you helped us reach our dream.

“Sweet dreams” he whispered to her ear. Leaving out the door with the bowl in his mouth, ready for her tomorrow.

Part 1 Illusion - Act 3

3.1
“Oh excuse me” Nimbus said to herself right after quite a yawn. Taking a shower had done nearly nothing to wake her up. Already dreading that she may feel this way for quite a while. I didn’t even think an hour less sleep would do this, wow I’m getting old. She joked to herself. No longer stricken with worry or regret with letting Soul go out so late last night, more relieved like she was to see her come home on time.

I really don’t mind that much that she decided to hang out last night, I just can’t stay upset with her. Though she sure was not going to let this pass. No way. Nimbus could not help herself but feel a little happy that it happened in the end. She had no idea what was going on. That Soul never did like telling her things that much. Such a curious filly from the first day she came to us. One who always was so independent for somepony her age. I really do wonder what happened for her to go out with Rainbow Dash. Such a one-off. Even though I’ll be going to the camp without my favorite little girl, I still feel a little proud that something came out of it. Happy that I made that decision in the first place to get her butt out of this house for just a little bit. Seemed like something did come out of it in the end. I hope. That filly needs some change in her life. So much so that… I let her leave last night. So glad I did. Though it likely won’t be allowed again, hehe. I’ll drag her back to bed myself if I need to.

It better have been worth it in the end to make these decisions, because I am so tired. So much that… Nimbus stamped her hoof down and caught herself before it could happen. I almost missed it. Nimbus stared down at her wobbly leg. The thing that almost made her fall right over again. Sheesh… it kind of stung this time. Nimbus held her hoof up. Relieving the weight off it. It already started to feel better. Give it a few. What a day this will be, it doesn’t act up like that in the mornings. She probably needed to see somepony again to settle her legs once more. It has been a while and it was not fun falling flat on my face. Especially in front of so many kids. So glad she caught it before it happened. Not a good way at all to wake up. Nimbus had to admit that just going back in the hot shower again for a little bit and then falling back asleep sounded so good right now rather than heading out again today. This did not feel good at all. Though she felt so tired but her wings were more than pumped. She beat out her own desires. What I do is a good thing, I just can’t stay away from teaching the kids. Such a shame that Soul doesn’t want to go anymore but… maybe it was for the best. Nimbus already planned on doing more extensive training sessions with her tonight.

She did well last night. I’m very happy for her. I can’t wait to see what she can do. Nimbus walked past Soul’s shut door. Longingly looking upon it, saddened once more, though she did her best to hide it from Soul yesterday, that the filly would not be coming with her. Back to the old routine again. I guess I can give her some things to do today for when she gets up. Or that would be routine if not for what she wanted to do.

3.2
Nimbus pushed the door open. Soul’s room transformed by the rising sunlight so that she could find the filly where she had left her. All snuggled up in her bed. The filly had tossed to her side, facing away from Nimbus. Breathing so gently under the covers that she held close to herself. Still asleep. Nimbus moved the door even more so she could walk in.

I can’t just leave today without saying something to her. Even though she was not going to come to camp anymore, Nimbus did not want to give up on that idea she had of being able to wake Soul up every single morning and greet her to a bright and new day. I guess I can’t really do that as much as I wanted to now, but I won’t leave her without letting her know that I’ll be thinking about her all day. Wish her a wonderful day until we see one another again. How I hate to part with her. But… it’s to make her happy. This sweet and innocent filly that slumbered so peacefully that Nimbus found under her chin as she bent over to whisper into her ear.

“Soul. Soul.” Pleased that those yellow eyes awoke slowly. Soul tugged her blankets closer, grumbling but she did not look away from Nimbus. Oh, she looked tired. Even more than usual when she just woke up. Looks like we both got a bad night’s sleep. As long as it was worth it. Nimbus ran her hoof along Soul’s blanket. Gentle and just wanting her to feel more at ease. Soul let out a groan that sounded a lot like she was confused at first, so out of it for a moment. She still rasped out “Good morning.”

Rolling onto her back. Soul rubbed her eyes. Blinking furiously to the piercing rays of the Sun. You poor thing. I won’t keep you up that long. “Just wanted to wish you a good day” Nimbus whispered. Certain to be calm and gentle in her voice to rock the filly back to sleep. “I’ll be heading out soon. Have a wonderful day, my little champ.” “Heading out to camp?” Soul mumbled right when Nimbus lifted her head back up not even able to leave her bedside. “Yeah, I’ll be back early in the afternoon and we can do things together.” Maybe I can slip out of work a little early as long as I don’t have tons of paperwork again and come home to you. To see your smiling face and your joy of being able to hang out with me. Something to look forward to. Nimbus dropped her hoof off the bed. “Sound good to you?”

3.3
“Don’t go…” Soul spoke out loudly.

Surprising Nimbus, even more when the filly flailed under her blankets and sent them flying off her. Frantic to sit herself up. Whoa… she woke up quickly. Something was clearly on the filly’s mind with how much her eyes pulsated and how much her legs and wings fluttered trying to get a hold of her bearings. She did keep Nimbus right where she was. “Soul?” The filly fell victim to her sleepiness again, rubbing her eyes once more. She did her best to voice out a determination. “Wait…” Soul shook her head. Clearing herself up. Nimbus stepped back, more and more perplexed when Soul slid out of bed and came to join her on all fours.

“I’ll go with you” Soul said. “Let’s… go eat breakfast. Can we?” What, but I already… “Uh, sure” Nimbus agreed. I suppose I can whip something up for her real quick. But I got to get going soon. “I got a little time before I need to go” Nimbus informed her. “But you should get back to sleep afterwards. You had a long night.”

“I’m not going back to bed.” Stopping Nimbus in her tracks before she could walk over to the door. Taken back by what Soul said. She stared back at her. Not sure what to say. Speechless with the fire in Soul’s eyes. “I thought a lot about it” Soul said. The filly stepping up to rejoin Nimbus. She stood side by side with her. Prepared to head out the door with her. Seriously, you need to get some sleep, was what Nimbus wanted to say to her. Damn her mouth that didn’t do what she wanted it to do. But nothing but joy for her heart when she heard it.

“I want to go back to camp with you.” …Cutting it a little close… maybe I should have woken her up earlier. My mistake… to be able to hear this earlier. Because it surely did wake Nimbus up now. This… this was no joke. Nimbus stared down at the filly and all the sincerity in her. She wanted to go back. I don’t know what happened last night, but it did something for you, I see. Enough to make you change your decision. Maybe now… now you will say something more. I can see the determination in your heart to make something happen, whatever it was. Enough to maybe make the filly finally come out of her shell. Just as I wanted. “Would you like to tell me what happened first?” Nimbus bent her legs and knelt before her. Eyes to eyes. She invited Soul into her embrace. Holding her softly, letting her know everything was alright and that her decision was accepted. Nimbus whispered to the filly she hugged.

“Tell me everything.”

3.4
Soul had not left Nimbus’ side ever since they left the house. She would not leave her now, not until she felt safe. It took all her courage just to admit everything to her, like it drained her and left her a frightened foal so worried about what was to come now that she was back at the very place she had not thought herself to come back to again. Every second that passed seemed to draw her closer. Sitting with Nimbus, moving herself so close till she nearly touched flanks with her, in a position well behind her wing. Hopeful nopony would spot her. Not at all certain what it was she could expect, but hopeful she made the right choice. Hopeful everything she did would be good for her. I’ll even throw myself in this position to make things work out.

Sitting in between both Nimbus and Starry while cowering behind the mare just to avoid any eye contact with any of the ponies who arrived. All the same faces she recognized and did not expect her to see again. None of them saw her. She wanted to keep it that way until whatever happened would happen. Pretty sure of herself that it was going to be something. Nimbus had been quiet, very quiet since she had told her everything. The mare had barely uttered a peep, and Soul felt the change in her. How serious she sounded when she uttered the lines ‘I’ll take care of it.’ Like a drop of a hat. She never changed since then, Nimbus stared out at the kids that arrived. Putting on a smile and waving at them. Letting all their parents settle them in. She did a good act. Soul could read her, after so many years with her. She could sense just when it was that Nimbus was truly and wholly mad.

I hated every moment of admitting it all to her, I’m so sure all I did was just remind her of that horrible day so long ago. The day that was the most frightening for both of us, and I also saw the dread in her face. I can’t believe I had to say it, the proof that her beloved camp was not the perfect picture she had painted and that Soul had truly felt nothing had changed. Up until the one thing Soul did not tell her. The one pony who she felt made it all worth it to do this. I thought a lot about it. I hope I made the right decision. I never came to anypony the last time this happened, so much that it made me have to leave camp for so long. I paid the price. I don’t want it to happen again. I’ll do anything to make this work. Even if it means telling on another pony, just as Nimbus had said I had the power to do. To come to her with any problem. I felt a shiver when I saw her face. Like it showed her outrage at hearing another pony had rained on me. Her acceptance that it happened. I was stupid to think I could fool her with saying I fell in a puddle.

But she did so much for me just to make this a better experience for me. She gave up so much just for me. It was wrong of me to try and quit after all that effort. It even gifted me with… last night. So Soul did not bat an eye when Nimbus made her move, standing up in front of her and standing there for a few. Keeping Soul right behind her legs and tail, but the filly peered out and saw she was watching that very pony. Aurora Flash with the stallion that always had dropped him off. Same mane as the colt. His dad. Soul caught sight of Nimbus nodding to Starry. The stallion patted his hoof upon the steps. Smiling at Soul. She did what she knew to do. Please may I have made the right decision.

3.5
Soul joined over with Starry… feeling so embarrassed that she was exposed once more. Not leaving him. She didn’t look at all. Just letting Nimbus do her thing. The mare stepped away from both of them, heading right over to the other stallion. No turning back. I’m doing this for her… and for me. I want both of us to be happy, as long as she’s happy, so will I. At least I feel like I have something to look forward to later. Soul glanced to them all. Not bothering with the other kids. Not sure if she should care. Nimbus talking with the stallion, …she did not at all look pleased. Almost scowling. She still got the stallion to follow her. …With a confused looking Aurora in tow. Confused and worried. Much like his father… so lost and with a raised brow under his glowing mane, they both went off with Nimbus. Wherever they went, Soul just wanted to think right now that it will work out. Starry patted Soul on the head.

“You did good. It'll all turn out alright.” I don’t know. Soul shifted her eyes to her hooves. I… I just refuse to let what happened at the last camp happen here. Not here… where I have another pony to look forward to seeing. I was so mad at her yesterday. Now here I am, wanting to see her. The only pony I feel a little safe being around here. Right there in front of me. I can’t believe it but I feel a little better seeing her. Soul didn’t know if anypony else had noticed her but Rainbow Dash certainly didn’t. Not able to hide anymore this scene Soul had not seen from her before. Rainbow Dash landing with another pony next to her. Well away from the others. Soul already didn’t regret coming to camp today… just to see the mare with the short mane of a bright sunrise give Dash a hug. The filly didn’t fight it, wrapping one of her hooves around the mare’s neck. Like she was writing it off… she looked like she still liked it.

So that blue furred mare that gave Dash her bag must be Rainbow Dash’s mother. Soul had to wonder, with how she was acting, did she know that Dash had snuck out last night? Just like Nimbus knew. I won’t tell on her. Nothing to ruin that sweet moment I never thought capable by Dash just the other day. Funny, after last night… I don’t feel confused at all seeing something like this from her. Not at all. Adding even more. Soul had to admit to herself, she was more than happy to see the filly again. Happy to know she came back as well and that they would be able to keep being flight buddies here. I hope so, after what I did for us, maybe things will change and we can hang out together more often. I’m so glad to see you again.

3.6
Rainbow Dash was the one who looked, not glad, but surprised. As Soul would expect. When she caught eyes of Soul with Starry. The mare who took her in, flew off, leaving Dash to rush over to where Soul sat. Too hard for her to form a smile, it looked. Pretty much stricken with amazement to see Soul. She felt it in her stare. Yes, I’m here. Soul nodded to her. Welcoming Dash to come up to the stairs to join them. The filly was not afraid to come close to them. “Good morning, Starry” she nodded to him… a little shaky. “Morning, Dash!” Soul too joined in with a low whisper. “…Good morning, Dash. I hope you slept well.”

Soul smiled. But Rainbow did look to be a little energized. Just like Soul. They had to be since today was going to be the start of another day at camp for them. Dash was not amused by that line she said though, and the sarcasm Soul was sure to put in it. She shook it off. “I’ll leave you two be” Starry chimed in and he stood up. Both fillies let him go.

By themselves. Looking upon one another in shock and… and in a small comfort of knowing the other was here. Rainbow could not hide it though. She could play the mystery filly all she wanted, she was definitely more than happy to see Soul here.
“I changed my mind” Soul told her. “You’re a real asshole” Dash said smirking. “Guess I worried about not having a flight buddy here for no reason.” I’m sure she would have had somepony to fill in for that position, but I’m alright with it still being me. After all, I made this decision not just for Nimbus but for Dash as well. I’ll give her one more chance, and I feel like it will be worth it. “Shame, guess you’re stuck with me” Soul said. Met with a hoof presented to her. Dash sitting there expectantly. Holding it out just for one purpose. Soul met her hoof with her own.

3.7
“Now this is how to spend camp” Dash said. Laying back with her forelegs crossed behind her head. Nice and comfortable on the cloud both of them found for themselves. Almost looked like she was about to fall asleep on the spot. Probably wanted to. She couldn’t, not with Soul going on with her exercises just across from her. Dash was sleepy, but she still felt like she should keep up with her preparations for whatever it was they were going to do today. Lots of stretches and Soul began practicing her long flaps and curvatures to catch any wind like she wanted to try and do spins while staying put on the cloud.

“How about you lay back for a little bit?” Dash asked. “We both got some pretty bad sleep last night.” “I’m alright” Soul answered. Testing out just how well she was able to keep both her wings in synch with one another, as perfect as always, and then going right back to her stretches and maneuvers. She could tell in the air that today was going to be another beautiful day, not a hint of rain she could smell and not a change in the patterns of the clouds that flowed across the sky.

Looked like a clear day to work with and another good night to practice after camp. “We’re free to do what we want, you know?” Soul reminded her. Both fillies had known exactly what to do with the announcement, leaving behind everypony else to fly as high as they wanted above the camp which looked so small all the way up here. All those courses and open fields like they were nothing now. Soul was kind of glad to be able to do this. Free time was not something she expected to have at this camp. Just allowed to do whatever they wanted as long as it involved flying, which Dash was not exactly doing right now. Soul didn’t stop her. She felt her flight buddy wouldn’t get in trouble and needed the rest.

Rainbow Dash sighed. “This camp is pretty lax. Past few days and I haven’t really felt like I got to learn anything. Like we’re totally new at this or something.” We all have problems when it comes to flying, Soul wanted to tell her. Not all of the ponies here were as skilled as others. Soul hated to admit it, but she herself was possibly one of the most skilled here all thanks to Nimbus. Another problem with the whole setup she had to deal with just for being in this camp. Dash had lots of issues too, but… Soul could say for sure that she was no novice. Here I thought she was going to be… something else when I first saw her. I’m not entirely sure what to expect from her anymore. She is still surprising me, and I’m kind of glad I decided to come back. Seemed like everything was starting to work out.

3.8
Rainbow Dash laughed a little where she lay. “Did you see the look on Aurora’s face. Priceless. That actually was kind of cool you decided to tell your mom about it.” Dash laughed even more. “His dad was fuming.” Yeah, my… mom did a good job. In fact, Soul wasn’t unconvinced that this whole free time was all because of what happened with Aurora. Not really sure what happened but something that turned him into a scared looking colt. Not sure if I should pity him. I don’t know. But Dash was unusually happy about it. Snickering when they both caught sight of him earlier after he stepped out with Nimbus and his father.

“As long as you get to stay here, I’m fine with whatever happens to him” Dash said. “No way I’d lose out on the chance to do more flying with you.” Geez, she was going to make Soul blush. Kind of was but that could be from the exercising.

That filly was much more happy than normal. Did seeing me come back really mean that much? She must have really liked flying with me. I could tell… that look she has. It was so cool to see her be different sometimes instead of being that mopey pony. “I thought a lot about last night” Soul said. “I still want to try to have some fun here.” Should I even tell her it was because of her? “Maybe give it another shot.” Soul wrote it off. It can be for that reason. It wasn’t a total lie. I want to give Dash another chance, I did last night. “Hope we still get to hang out after camp today” Dash reminded her. Of course. I just need to let Nimbus know after camp. The mare did want to do some training with her after camp but… we got quite a while later. Soul was sure Nimbus would be fine with her hanging out with Rainbow in the daylight this time for a little bit. “Yeah, I’ll still fly with you later” Soul assured her. Even more so now.

The filly was certainly glad to see Soul and Soul really did appreciate her being around her all day. Sitting with her and listening to instruction. Not every other pony sat with their flight buddies during it, Dash didn’t need to either. In fact, she didn’t seem to want to leave Soul’s side. Thanks to her, I didn’t sit alone today. Good since I felt so worried. So overwhelmed with all that happened. That I managed to tell Nimbus what was going on and how scary it was to make the decision to come back here. Remembering the stupid mistakes I did, and yesterday. No matter what good came out of it, Soul still felt uneasy.

Shifting her eyes around at all the other ponies. Where they sat with her the day before, none even made eye contact with her. Like she was all alone. Just a little greeting from the smiling twins and that was it. They probably all remember yesterday. Until Rainbow Dash came to join her. Sitting with her the entire time listening to those boring instructions from Starry. Well, they may have been useful to the others but they were a lot of the same things Soul already knew. She was not alone. “Good cuz today has been so boring” Dash said. “Seriously, sounds like we’re gonna be doing some resistance turns?” Dash sat up. “I learned all that stuff at home.”

3.9
Soul stopped her exercises. Intrigued by what she heard. She looked back at the filly. A little curious.

“Turns? …I never did ask you, but what kind of stuff does your mom teach you?” She did say she wanted to be a Wonderbolt. Such high skill flying, she did perform well in the course the other day but Soul couldn’t forget those mistakes she made. They seemed so easy to break off from but she still managed to ruffle her flying and leave Soul wondering why.

“I know a lot of mid-tier skills, some aerial maneuvers and flight control. She tells me I’m very good at using the wind to my advantage and takeoffs.” Rainbow paused. Weird, she looked a little confused just then. Like she spaced out. Soul wanted to ask her what was wrong. “But I just can’t get past any of that stuff” she said with her eyes lowering. “No matter how good I get at those skills, I still make lots of mistakes.” “Do you know any high tier skills?” Soul asked. Not entirely feeling like this was right. “I thought you were doing well with maneuvers and leveling when you ran the course. Until…” “Until the end?” Dash finished for her. “Yeah… probably should get used to that.” She looked off. “I make too many mistakes so don’t expect me to use any high skill flying anytime soon. Hope that won’t turn you off from being my flight buddy.” She looked back to Soul with longing eyes. “Would it?” Soul shook her head. “No way.” “That’s good” Dash smiled.

“My mom does a good job at teaching me so maybe wait for me to catch up? …What about you? Your mom is pretty awesome, what does she teach you?” Oh wow, somepony wants to hear how I’m trained. What should I even say? Soul found her training regimens to be very extensive and rigorous. They were extremely tough when she first started and, honestly, Nimbus was brutal. She did her best to make it fun but it always was stuff that made Soul so afraid and worried when she first started out. It was not an easy thing to talk about, but the results spoke volumes. So much so that Soul never lost sight on her dream.

“You really want to know?” Soul needed to be sure. “Lay it on me. How good are you? No lying” Dash told her. I have no reason to not trust her with my answer. She seems very curious and… she already knows I was fooling around when I ran the course. I can’t lie my way out of it. “Okay… you sort of saw it already the other day. My mom has been training me for a very long time and she shows me things that nopony here gets to see. Probably not till the later stages of training.” “Wait” Dash interrupted. “Does that mean…” Soul nodded and grimaced.

“I’ve pretty much mastered mid-tier flying. My mom is so supportive of my dream that she’s even introduced me to more advanced stuff. …Not to say I don’t still make mistakes” Soul pointed out trying to salvage herself. There’s been plenty of times she had a crash and even got flustered yesterday with all the clouds coming at her from so many directions. “But she’s trying her best to help me out.” “Wow…” Dash whispered. Leaning forward on her hooves like she was struck by something so divine looking upon Soul. “No wonder you’re so calm when you’re flying. Looks like I got a ways to go to catch up with you.” “Don’t worry” Soul didn’t want her to feel bad at the least. “I know you’ll be a great flyer too. Wonderbolt material for sure.” She said it with so much confidence, but she meant it entirely. I don’t know what it is about Dash, something is off with her, but it feels to me that there is something inside her that is bursting with that will to become a skilled flyer. Like it yelled out right now that she could do it, and Dash never lost a glimmer of her confidence. She almost sounded smug with a small smile. “I know I will.” “That’s awesome” Soul assured her. Widening her eyes when Dash leaned forward even more with that grin she had under her dulled eyes.

3.10
“And when I do, how about we have a friendly race? Just to see who is better. Plenty of time for us to prepare for it” she whispered. Soul had no words for a moment. She backed up just a little, shaken a bit from that strong confidence in Dash’s voice. Wow, she sounded pretty sure of herself for a moment. Is it wrong to feel like I could whip her in a race? I really shouldn’t point anything out. Just as long as we both get to our goals, that’s what mattered. “Sure… we can” Soul answered.

“That’s awesome!” Dash yelled out and fell right back. “Maybe you will get to eat my dust” she said so assuredly and strong… not at all giving Soul any reason to feel a little bit that this filly really was strange. Like she went right back to something else. “Or you could eat mine” Soul told her. “Whatever, but… man, I got to tell you, this camp has not turned out to be what I expected. They told me this was where you could learn awesome moves and how to fly like a professional. How am I expected to progress any further here when we do simple stuff like we have been doing?” “Looks like we get to just rely on our moms for right now” Soul told her. Soul did want to see how Dash’s mom trained her. “All cuz of that stupid ‘evaluation’ they’re putting us through” Dash said with a wave of her hooves. Now that sounded familiar. “Stuff we already learned” Soul said back. “Nothing but…” Dash chimed in with her and Soul felt so elated when she heard her words come out alongside Dash’s. “Entry level crap.” Both fillies laughed. “Now you’re speaking my language” Dash said. “Seriously, we got to do this basic stuff for the rest of the season. Then we get to move on. What a load.” “We just need to get through it, at least we got our moms to help us, and we can still be flight buddies” Soul said. That should be what matters.

3.11
Wings flapped. Breaking the two up. Here I thought it would be fine. Now Soul held her tongue when Aurora landed, catching his sound just in time to hold her tongue. Dash did the same.

Why is he even here? I told Nimbus everything he did and she took care of it. He wasn’t alone. Now Soul didn’t know what to do when she heard the other pair of wings. Both of them joined on the cloud by Spitfire as well. The filly hung back behind Aurora, and all went silent. Like the air itself went still. Soul kept herself close to Dash. She walked to her, standing by her side. She hated to feel so defenseless right now but she needed some comfort and she could tell Dash was not in a happy mood either to see them here as well. Like her entire demeanor changed with Soul’s. Forget Aurora, Soul was more concerned with Spitfire.

The filly looked so down behind the colt. Not even meeting her eyes. Like she didn’t want to be here… no, she was afraid. Soul felt terrible now. Aurora can think what he wants, but she felt bad for Spitfire, wondering where she had been all this time. How she may be feeling. Probably not good considering what I did to her.

“What’s up?” Dash spoke out. Far more confident than Soul was right now. The filly even leaned forward like she wanted to be the one in front. I don’t know what they want, but I’m afraid. I came back to camp, so now I get to deal with all this too. But Aurora got in trouble… and I feel like crap for hurting Spitfire. So funny how quick everything came crashing down right when she was enjoying a happy moment with Dash.

3.12
“Relax” Aurora said. “I’m not here to upset you or anything.” Now he spoke pretty damn lazily. At least he didn’t sound threatening. Soul kept her distance. Her spirits up when Rainbow Dash came to stand next to her. Two pairs, face to face. “Nimbus told me to come up here and tell you I’m sorry” Aurora pouted. “But I had an idea and Spitfire thought it was cool. You know, considering what you did to her yesterday.” You mean what you made me do, you asshole?

Soul grunted under her breath. “I think you also should apologize to her” Aurora said, motioning towards Spitfire. “You did hurt her, and now… now she gets to go without a flight buddy for a few days. Oh and thanks for the three day suspension.” Aurora bowed his head in a glare to Soul. Like malice took over his voice so quickly. Making Soul shiver. Scared even when hearing that Aurora would be getting punished. Punished and… damn it. I didn’t think Spitfire would have to go without a buddy. Wouldn’t she get paired up with another pony or something? Wait… there were no others. A team of three? Soul was concerned with what she may have to deal with.

If only Aurora had not done any of those things, none of this would be happening. But I did hurt her in the end. It was me that sent the cloud at them and made them bump their heads and now she was going to have to deal with being buddyless. Soul couldn’t help it. She felt bad for her. She had been nice to me before and I did sort of give her a hard time. It wasn’t entirely fair anyways. Soul looked between Aurora and Spitfire.

What should I do? How should I feel? Rainbow Dash didn’t say anything, but she kept close to Soul. A comfort that her buddy kept by her and didn’t leave her alone unlike the other times. I really appreciate that. I still can tell Aurora doesn’t like me. So stupid that he doesn’t just because of what I did. But I feel better having Dash with me. Forget Aurora, this wasn’t about him. I can still be the better pony.

3.13
Soul bowed her head. “Spitfire, I’m really sorry for yesterday.” Like the air lifted in an instant between them all. Soul felt a little relieved saying it. Even more so when Spitfire finally looked up and at her. She didn’t look that pleased, but… I hope she understands that I mean well. Soul kept her head down for her. “I didn’t mean it and hope you forgive me” Soul added.

We did hit it off a little well at the start. We can still all be good together, if not as friends in the end, at least we can be around one another without any hard feelings. Right? Soul could sense Dash looking down upon her. What was she thinking? I really wish they would say something because I don’t know if I’m doing this right, if I can feel like I’m doing the right thing to make us all happy. Spitfire’s hoof shifted. Making Soul twitch. Then again. Wait, Spitfire backed away. That was what made Soul look up and see her shake her head.

“I really thought you were a better pony” she spat with venom, and Aurora grinned under his mane. Shocking Soul. She could not even move. Not when her heart broke hearing it. “You really are terrible for what you did.” What is she talking about? Wait… Soul tried to stop her, but she flew off. Diving down under the cloud with the last sight of her flame colored tail being all that Soul had in her eyes. But… I’m sorry. Please, I don’t want us to be like this. “Oh well” Aurora said. The colt sliding away and slinking his head back to face her. “Guess she doesn’t like ponies who lie to her. I’m really surprised that Crash is staying with you even after you treated us all like idiots with your little stunt on the course. Better watch out, Crash. Soul might get you suspended too if you get in her way.” No, leave Rainbow out of this.

Soul stepped forward, she made sure to put herself between him and Dash again. Just seeing that his words made Dash shrink back a little in her silence made Soul want to protect her. You don’t need to do anything, Dash. I know you’re afraid. I am too. I am so afraid, because… his words hurt. They just remind me of everything I did wrong. I did lie to everypony, but at least you stuck with me, Dash. You didn’t ignore me. You even came back for me. I’d rather take all the abuse. “Let me give you some advice, Soul” Aurora said. “Don’t think you’re all high and mighty when you really aren’t. An arrogant flyer is a bad one. Either choose to fly like you mean it or don’t. Or ponies will walk all over you. Guess I’ll see you next week.”

The colt slid off the cloud and glided off. Leaving without even saying the apology. Nothing to make Soul feel any better. For now she shook on her hooves. It took so long for her to finally collapse and let out the longest groan. What have I done? Why is this happening? I can’t even feel good anymore. …They know that I lied to them. A hoof settled on top of Soul’s back. Soul looked up and was comforted to see that Rainbow Dash stood over her. Yes, at least you didn’t leave me. “I don’t want to get you suspended” Soul needed to assure her. No way. Why would I ever do that? I don’t know why it was he said that to us. “I know you won’t” Dash said. She stuck with her, even following her back down when the whistle sounded. Never leaving her side. So that’s why I’ve felt like this all day, as Soul looked around at all the other ponies who came to join.

None of them looked at her. Just like… they were ignoring her. What has he done? It all crashing down on her, trying to make her buckle under the pressure. But I didn’t think I did anything that bad. I just… lied to all of you and made myself look like a fool. What do I have to do to get ponies to just accept me? She wanted to scream it out at all of them. Get an answer because she sure as hell didn’t have one. But she couldn’t move. Held in place. Every muscle of her body didn’t want to do anything. “Soul, …is it true?” she heard Amber ask with a little tap of a hoof on her back. “You got Aurora suspended?” So that is it, huh? Here I thought I did the right thing.

3.14
She couldn’t believe any of this. Looking between the twins and Soul. All the while feeling that sting in the air. So familiar it was. Such like something that felt natural. Though it pained her to see that Soul was being ignored now. Right when she was the center of attention for her near perfect flying. All ruined because of that dumb decision you made, one that makes me wonder how true you actually are to those lines you spouted before. I still thought they were beautiful. I just wish that at least one pony would follow them, at least you could. But Rainbow Dash just got to stand there and watch what happened to her flight buddy. The very least, being able to stick with her. Because she needed it now more than ever. She wasn’t usually this generous, but she felt she could do something for her. Anything. What could I do? Just being there isn’t helping with how much the magenta Pegasus could not hide her terror. That she gets to go through this. Yet none of them know. None of them would care. As far as it looked, she was the only one who did.

She stepped in between the twins and Soul. Satisfied that her old flight buddy got the hint. Keeping away from Soul. The filly certainly didn’t need anypony to bother her over this, not now. “You two should go get ready.” Dash waved them off. The twins did so, with Amber looking back at both of them. So painful to walk away. Funny, you never felt that way before. Did you? Like some ruse. As long as I’m here, Soul will have all the comfort she needs… she does want to be something great in the end. It takes two to reach that goal. Something so similar. Rainbow looked upon her flight buddy with pity. Certain she needed to do something.

3.15
Soul could have sworn they were heading to her own house, until they clearly passed it. Good, it would have been pretty weird to tell Nimbus that they were going to be hanging out only to be just outside her own house, on top of having Dash around the pony she kept claiming to be her mother. Soul looked over her shoulder and back at her house that shrunk in the distance.

She needed to ask now. “So where is it we’re going?” “You’ll find out” Dash said ahead of her. Leading Soul once more. Kind of like last night, even leading Soul across the vast fields of clouds that blanketed everything outside of Soul’s house, and both of them flew off towards the distant inclines of snowy white clouds that towered high over the very edges of the vast cloud city. Like walls that circled the entire city. Towering high and over to join with the many clouds that ripped off them and spread across the sky. There were homes over there, not many but a small semblance that it was a part of the floating city. In an area Soul knew to be quite dense with the most beautiful of sceneries that Cloudsdale had to offer. All made from the very factories outlying it itself. Their excess clouds and endlessly flowing water that punctured the air in the lovely smell of a fall rainfall set out to make the gorgeous landscape itself. Like a snowfall. Rippled in layers. A skyline in its own rite.

Whatever it was, Dash insisted on going there. Telling her mom about it and more than excited to take Soul along. She made a good point to keep Soul in the dark about it. Further making the filly anxious as to what it was she was planning. Today had been bad enough without this constant feeling of just wondering what was always on Dash’s mind. She was just glad she made it through the day. Leaving it behind under the Sun that still hung high and warmed her back. She flew off even further. Staring down upon the ripples in the cloudlines that they flew over as they formed dense and rolling hills that spread far and wide. Splitting the path between many houses that were spread apart. The fillies free to fly over these large plots of land with their beautiful sceneries where even one house had a river running through its cloudy land. Peaceful, honestly.

3.16
Soul liked venturing out here on her own just to see the beautiful homes that were out here oftentimes. Colossal buildings with the most simple of pegasi who lived within. More than happy to always enjoy this landscape they got to live upon far in the shadows of the rising towers of clouds that the factories pumped out daily, and the titanic towers that dotted Cloudsdale’s horizon. Where the hustle of the greatest city in Equestria was at its deepest, while out here it was at its most peaceful.

Soul kept quiet. Watching all of it. Letting her wings carry her without much care and simply enjoying the moment she got to see something that didn’t make her have to think about camp or her problems though those things still pierced at her mind and made her dread the idea of having to come back to it all tomorrow. As long as Dash was still there with her like she had been all day. I take it back. It does feel good to come out here with her even if she wasn’t telling me where we’re going. Being able to see this all again. Worth it.

Soul loved seeing these houses out here with their vast and expansive white columns that draped down their sides and held up the vast domes of water and dripping rainfall that came down from their rooftops like they flooded the streams around those houses where fillies and colts could play. Watched over by their parents who sat out on their porches. One even so nice as to wave up at the two fillies who went over their home. Soul waved back. Happily flying above it all with not a peep, mindlessly going wherever Dash went off to like she was on autopilot or something. Trusting the enthusiasm in her flight buddy’s face. But… it doesn’t feel good that every time I look at her, I feel like I messed up somewhere. That things could be different. I’m not stupid, and know that she is taking me out here, cancelling our plan to fly together, because she wants to make me feel better. I wouldn’t need it if I had made the right decisions in the first place. I feel like a burden, though Dash insisted she really was looking forward to showing her this.

3.17
“There” Dash pointed to a landing on top of one of the highest points within the walls of clouds, where the fluffiest of them reached out around a large swathe of the sky and draped down and over the very face of the cloudy mountains. Right where a waterfall fell down from the highest point. Crashing down to the clouds below and braking through them. That must be one of the waterfalls that drenched the landscape of Equestria everywhere the floating city went. So huge and intimidating. Soul almost missed the thing that Dash actually pointed at.

It was beyond the landing, right behind that waterfall’s roaring descent. An entrance into the clouds. A cave? Wait, clouds didn’t make these caverns so sturdy looking. Soul had seen them do this before but it never lasted for more than a day as the clouds shifted. This cavern looked pretty big and its landing, she could see it, the landing was hoof made. Cut along the edges and formed up around the entrance. Pegasi made this?

“What is this?” Soul asked Dash. “Oh it’s something special” Dash teased her and led Soul in to land upon that landing. The fact Dash didn’t fall through it told Soul it was safe. She followed after. Looking around the place. Not sure what to make of it. Really enthralled with that giant waterfall that enveloped this entrance. Drops of water falling upon Soul and the air smelled of humidity thanks to all the rainwater that drizzled out from the cloudy ceiling over them and saturated the landing as well as Soul’s fur. Okay, Soul was curious evermore now. Enough to convince herself that dash might have something here that she would like to know about. Her questions sure as hell weren’t getting any easier to contain. “Just tell me what we’re doing here” Soul didn’t ask this time. Annoyed when Dash went on without her while she was looking around. Soul chased after her… right into the arcing entrance of this cloudy cavern that really kept making Soul wonder how it was this place existed.

3.18
It wasn’t dark inside. Surprising to see the sunlight broke right through the clouds above and shone its rays across a wide and deep path. A path that made Soul know for sure this was made by pegasi. There were stairs. Shaped to go down into another part of this down below that shone bright with light coming out of it. Soul was not afraid. Astonished that this place was so beautiful. Not an imperfection in the clouds and all shaped out to look like… like she was walking into somepony’s house. Rainbow Dash’s evident excitement told her there was nothing to be afraid of.

The filly took to the air again and flew over the steps. Facing down at Soul. “Alright… so I know today was… not so great” Dash said. She could say that again. “But I got something that can help us forget about it and just relax for a bit.” “What is this thing?” Soul asked. Rainbow proceeded to float down the steps without her. Soul hastily went after. Prancing down the stairs, admiring the rising walls that glimmered of water within their very interiors thanks to the shining sunlight. Clouds packed full of water that, as she got further down the steps, were released in small sprinkles from above. Making this whole place pretty soaked. It felt good. Soul kind of enjoying how damp her fur was getting thanks to how warm the water was. A lot different from a cold shower from somepony raining on you. I need to stop thinking about that. This is supposed to be something to help me.

Dash is trying her best and I appreciate it. She doesn’t need to do anything for me. I’m glad she is. “I think we’re the only ones here” Dash echoed from down below where she peered into the next room. Leaving Soul so much more curious. Why would ponies be here? Dash landed at the foot of the steps. Waiting for Soul to join her. Dash’s own fur and mane getting just as soaked from all the rainfall as Soul was getting to where her rainbow mane draped down over her face. She pushed it aside. Soul wasn’t fairing much better.

“Okay, so get this” Dash said from below. “My mom took me to this place a while ago and said I can come here whenever I want. Not a lot of ponies know about it except for those cloudside ponies. They built this place up and let me use it whenever I want.” So the ponies out here made this place? “Why do they let you use it?” Soul asked, whatever this place was. “Their friends with my mom. Hurry up!” Dash blurted out. Okay, okay. I need to see this anyways.

3.19
Soul rushed down the steps. Coming to join her at the source of the flowing light. …It was not what Soul expected. Somepony put a wall of clouds up right at the end. Dash standing by it proudly. It didn’t fool Soul like it would for some Earth pony, there was a lot of light coming out from so many cracks and breaks in the clouds. This was a door. Or what would pass for one in cloud form. Something Dash made an example of right there. “Come on, you’re gonna love this” she turned away and stepped right into the clouds. Rainbow Dash disappearing into them. Soul was hesitant, rearing her hoof up ready to take the steps to go in after her. The smells and the feeling in here, she was not afraid. I don’t think I should be. Soul pushed her hoof into the clouds. Stepping into that white embrace. Pushing her way through and sifting the clouds out of her way. Breaking free into the most bright and shining light she could see. So much so that her eyes burned for a moment. Blinding her from it. She shielded her eyes. Peering out and looking upon one of the most magnificent scenes she had ever seen out here. So this is what Dash wanted her to see. …A massive lake.

3.20
Water churning, inside the body of the clouds. Soul gasped. Mesmerized by its beauty where the Sun itself lit it up to a bright and blue hue so clear like it were crystal. Shimmering inside the clouds. Inside this massive break where she got to see the time it took to make something so beautiful. That somepony really wanted to make this place special.

An oasis in the clouds. Carved out, solitary. Fed eternally by the waterfalls that ran down from above and the dripping rainfall that tickled her skin and made her feel so good. So warm like the steam echoing out from the lake. A wonderful scene. All under a huge break in the clouds above where Soul could see the sky once again and the billowing orb of the Sun shining its rays down into this cloudy room and encircling the lake in its embrace. Rainbow Dash was right… as Soul looked around, they were all alone in here. Just them and this wonderful looking water that called out to Soul. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what this place was. Somepony had built a sauna here!

Was Dash really even allowed here? Soul didn’t question it. She didn’t care. This place was fantastic, and Dash knew it. The filly had flown off ahead to hover over the lake itself and stretch out her hooves to Soul.

“Tada!” she said. “What do you think? Told you I had something to show you.” …Soul gulped. Okay, enough being speechless. “So… what’s the catch?” Soul asked. Dash flew in back to her. Hovering over her. “What do you mean? Maybe I just wanted to show my flight buddy something cool and let her unwind after a hard day at camp.” Dash shifted her eyes. She held her hooves closer to herself. Not even able to meet Soul’s eyes with it, but Soul’s heart actually did something incredible when she heard it. “And… I wanna thank you for coming back.” Soul’s heart fluttered. I-is she happy? She actually was happy I came back. Damn it, Dash, you never showed it at camp. Or maybe I was so blind to not realize it. But it was true, the reason I came back. One of them, it was because of what happened last night. I can’t just abandon you. I’m not sure why Nimbus paired us up, but I’m glad she did and it had to be for a good reason. Soul’s mind wandered to everything that had been said about Dash by the other ponies. What is it you all want? Why give me Dash? Should I be proud to be her flight buddy? This pony that nopony else had anything good to say about. Yet… I see no reason to believe them. There’s something wrong with her. But I feel like I can trust her. Maybe, she will trust me. Because all I want is for her to smile. To be so nice to me.

Is it weird to think that I… I want her dream to be like my own? For it to succeed? Soul smiled. Taking to the air herself, she floated up to her flight buddy. More than happy to present her hoof for Dash to meet with. The rainbow maned filly noticed it. Hesitant, she came closer anyway. Touching her hoof to Soul’s. “Thanks” Soul said… and she grinned.

3.21
“Surprise!” Soul yelled and threw her hooves forward… around Rainbow Dash herself. The filly not able to react with all of Soul’s weight on her and those massive magenta wings overcoming her to push her onwards, right down into that warm embrace.

Soul fell into the water right behind Dash. Oh sweet Celestia that is warm. Soul didn’t even anticipate just how good the water would feel. Like it seeped into her very skin and wrapped around her bones to get rid of aches she didn’t even know she had. It made her even more happy than she was seeing Dash get all friendly with her. Dash kicked her hooves ahead of her. Soul did the same. Rising her head over the water and spitting out a stream of it. Soul laughed. Her long mane flopping down onto her face and matting onto her chest. Even reemerging out of the water, it was still so warm in here. Not a breeze to chill her unlike when she swam in the lake she was accustomed to. Now this was a lake she could get to love.

Dash didn’t laugh with her. Flipping her mane out of her eyes, she grumbled. “What the hell?! I wasn’t even ready to jump in.” “What?” Soul asked. “We were already soaked, what’s the harm in getting in?” “You’re an ass” water splashed over and right into Soul’s face from the smiling Rainbow Dash. Maybe I should have been worried about how she would react, whatever, Dash was clearly amused. That’s all that matters. This filly brought me here to help me, I’m glad she can enjoy herself too after all the stress at camp. Like nothing bad can happen here. Inside this embrace in the clouds, it really did feel like she was free to think without worry. Splashing the water back at Dash and both fillies laughed. Then a big wave smacked right into Soul’s face when cyan feathers rose up from the water.

3.22
Oh, so she’s gonna use her wings. That does it. Soul leapt forward. Throwing herself back onto Dash and pinning her into the water. The lake wasn’t deep right here at all. Much to Soul’s enjoyment. Able to play around in it without them going under, Dash struggling under her to get Soul off. No matter what, neither of them stopped smiling. Soul realized it, the filly she drenched in water was having the time of her life.

Holy crap, she looked more happy than I’ve seen her before. Can that be seen as an accomplishment? I don’t care. Just as long as she knows I appreciate it. Soul laid herself on top of the filly, keeping her half submerged in the water, her hooves not able to stop Soul from rubbing her own hoof into Dash’s head. Just like Nimbus does to me. “Stop it” Dash laughed. Pushing against her. “That tickles.” “You gotta make me” Soul informed her. Not letting up. Water splashing into her face and… wait.

Soul’s eyes widened. Seeing herself… actually with another pony like this. And I’m laying on top of her? Splashing in the water with her. We’re actually playing. Just like the kids I used to see outside my house or on the way to the store. This is… this is the closest I’ve ever been to another pony… just like me. Just like what they do. It stilled Soul’s hoof and made her forget for a moment. Enough for Dash to push her off. Soul rolled over. Standing back up and shaking the water off her drenched mane. Trying to get it out of her eyes. Hearing Rainbow Dash behind her moving through the water, not at all wanting to stop her enjoyment. Soul looked back at her. Astonished. To see that the pony she was with was happy. Looking back at her too. …Just like the other kids.

Rainbow Dash… Soul’s grin returned. I can’t stop looking at her. There’s something about her smile… she really is like a different pony now. Not at all the one I’ve grown to know. The way the others treat her… why, do they even know this side of her? I think… I like it. Enough to entrance Soul. Moved by her flight buddy’s laughter. As Dash threw herself back down into the water with a satisfied sigh, plopping her head on top of her forelegs till she was nearly submerged and closing her eyes with a smile, Soul’s own happiness soared. She let her buddy rest. Coming over to join her. Soul sat herself down in the water next to Dash. Sweeping her forehooves into the water and throwing a bunch of it up into her own face. Relieved to feel that warmth on her face again. She sighed too. Kind of feeling like all her troubles had… gone away.

3.23
Weird. Soul looked over at her flight buddy once more. So relaxed and not a care in the world right now, now that she got to do this. So unlike how we are at camp. How both of us are. There is actual joy in Rainbow Dash now. Enough that I can say we are exactly like those kids I see all the time. With no fear or no worries on their minds to keep them from playing together. Just like us. Splashing around in the water and staying here relaxing, it’s not something I get to do. Not even with Nimbus. This is something that only Dash here has done with me.

Soul grunted, looking out upon the vast and warm lake they got to enjoy and truly feeling like this place was not meant to have any feeling of dread in it. Yet it instilled a sense of wonder in her as to why it was she felt like this. I’m not meant to feel sad here, I can’t. Left just with her reflection as to everything that happened and how it made her feel, all of it drowned out by her being here with Dash. She had a question. “Why did you bring me here?”

“What do you mean?” Dash asked. “I thought you could use a refresh and some time to get your mind off things.” That was something Soul had found out on her own. It didn’t answer her question. After everything she had known about Dash in the past few days, this was not the Rainbow Dash she had come to know. Like a different pony now. So different from the one who left me to fend for myself. “I mean… why did you bring me here? I just don’t understand.”

Soul made sure not to let herself sound unnerved. Calm, because she was. That was the problem. She was too calm after all. By this pony above all others. Not even Nimbus can make me feel like this. Yet Dash did not answer. Finding the filly curiously looking at Soul with a blank look on her face. “You of all ponies didn’t need to do this for me. Why did you do it?” That made Dash sit back up. Staring down upon the water coursing between her hooves. She sighed so heavily.

3.24
“We’re flight buddies… and flight buddies look out for one another.” With so much reflection in her tone. She held Soul in her grasp, unable to look away from her. Listening carefully to Dash and how longing she sounded. “I know today was hard for you, but… I won’t make it any harder. I felt like it was the right thing to do… because, I don’t want you to be sad. After all, you’re supposed to be that great flyer, right?” Dash looked at her and smiled. “Maybe I want to see you reach that goal. You did tease me so much with the joys of flying, so maybe… maybe I want to see you do it.” She looked away, but… she did give Soul a little glance under her wet mane. Clearly hiding something from her. But Soul was no idiot, she knew exactly what Dash was saying. What she meant. I can see it in your face.

You are not doing this for yourself. You’re doing this… for me. That is what confused her, and she doubted Dash would ever admit why, but she was not obligated to protect Soul and help her like this. When I got the opposite impression, you actually want to help me reach my goal. To feel a little better. Funny, it worked. For a moment, you made me forget all my troubles. If only moments like this would last. “Thank you…” Soul said. “I want you to know something.” “What is it?” Soul met her eyes.

“Don’t ever give up, I bet you will become a Wonderbolt someday. I hope to help you as well.” Dash looked away, embarrassed. Oh yeah, I caught what you were trying to say to me. You softy. Too bad for you, I’m not that hard shelled either. “I’ll be there for you, if you’re there for me too” Soul asked of her. We were put together as flight buddies, just for camp activities. Let’s go beyond that. Forget Junior Speedsters, this is about us. Wherever it takes us.

“It’s not going to be easy” Dash said. “But I’ll be your flight buddy anytime… for whatever you want. I’ll do my best to keep you out of trouble. Do the same for me?” “You got it” Soul assured her. Soul leaned back, thinking over it all. Yeah, it won’t be easy. I made it so. But for now, she could think over it all without any fear in her heart but concern for what may be. I could not get what I really wanted out of camp. Now I get to deal with the consequences. “I just wish the others would not make me feel so bad.” “I know” Dash said. “I’d say it’d be best to just avoid them for now. I can help you, if you want.”

3.25
There’s a lot I need help with. I feel so trapped when I’m at camp now. Today was the most frightening thing Soul had experienced. To see them all turn on her. When things had been different. When she thought she had made all the right decisions and none of them turned out to be correct for her. I lashed out at others. I fell right into the trap. This… this is nothing like the last camp I was at. So similar yet so different.

Rainbow Dash is right, the best I can do is just stay out of their ways. So unfortunate. Soul laid back entirely, throwing her back right down into the warm water. All of this could have been avoided if I had just stayed true to myself. I never could have known this would be the outcome. But… neither could she had seen being able to have a pony here to talk to about it. “I just don’t understand, why is he so mean to me? I didn’t want anypony to feel bad because of me. I really wish Spitfire and the rest would see that I mean well.” Soul looked up at the cloudy ceiling. It had no answers yet its swirling patterns and endless motion made her feel like she could be at ease. Like she was back in the sky, her domain. The best place for her to be where not one care in the world could exist for her. Training and flying. Being the best she could be in the eyes of ponies who would care. Rainbow let out a heavy breath. Vacantly fixated on the water.

Soul turned to her. Joined by her when Dash also fell back to lay in the water right next to her. Relaxed so, her wing almost touched against Soul’s side. But she was so puzzled in her eyes. Puzzled and determined. Wanting to find something to say. But I know she has something to say. Anything to help me. She was the one who warned me in the beginning. I failed to follow her warning. “Rainbow Dash, …you know something. Don’t you?” She was silent. All the answer she needed. Tell me. If she had something to say, she needed to say it now. “Please, what did I do wrong? Why do they hate me?” Give me something, anything to make me feel like I’m not lost in the dark. “The best thing you can do is just avoid them…” Dash whispered. “Enjoy those fun moments in your life. You have a mom and dad who support you and they will help you. Just don’t let the bad make you lose sight on the good you want. …Trust me.” Of course. You wouldn’t know.

Soul couldn’t believe herself to expect Dash to know, because there was nothing anypony could do to know what it was she needed to hear for her to feel better about everything. Anything to let her know what it was she needed to do. Except for just herself. I guess I can’t make them all happy. Satisfy them all. I tried that and it led to this. She was foolish to think she could escape the normal that she was used to. She had no idea what the future held. What she could expect tomorrow or the next day, or the next year. But her mind swam with calm. I can’t cry. I can’t worry. Not when I do have ponies there for me. Dash was right, she had two who were there for her. Who let her know that she wasn’t this terrible pony everypony else saw her as. They even kept me when I disappointed them. I could not ask for more. But I did get more. She had to admit it, she enjoyed having Rainbow Dash with her. Was it a bad choice to give her a second chance?

Dash’s hoof touched down, laid on top of Soul’s shoulder and she left it there. The cyan filly closed her eyes. Leaving that touch between them, as time passed, and she breathed peacefully. Asleep. You’re so calm, yet you want to hang out with me. She had no reason to but she did it anyways. Soul could not thank her enough. I don’t regret it. I don’t regret going back to camp. Because it led to this. Maybe… maybe I can endure it. For Rainbow Dash and for the two she now called her parents so falsely. The only ponies she felt she could trust to support her, and she should support them. For all they’ve done. Even when… I feel like I am on my own. Soul tried to… to reach her hoof up. Looking down at it, her hoof hovering right over the one that laid on her shoulder. Ready to grab her and hold her. It never came, and Soul let her hoof fall back into the water. What… what is holding me back?

Why did I think about doing that?

3.26
Another night. Another time where Soul felt herself really pressed to impress. She was not sure how it was that she was meant to impress any other, but she felt she could impress herself. She was not supposed to impress another. She was supposed to learn. There was no way she could actually show she had done it, not until this was drilled into her head on how to do this technique, which Nimbus probably had more tests on. This was certainly not it. Staring down at the batches of flowers below. Scrutinizing them in her hover so close to them she could touch the petals of every orange, yellow and white flower spread out across the varying vases Nimbus set out for her. Another petal fell. Damn it!

Soul had missed it. She caught sight of it just as it happened. …Not before. This technique was so hard, much harder than it had been last night. She never could have imagined just how complex it was to read the air and be able to tell what it was that was going to happen. She held her tongue. She had thought about it, and the thought came again. To tell the mare who hovered next to her that she had seen the petal about to fall thanks to the shifts in the air… which she did not feel. That would be wrong to do. Nimbus is doing her best to teach me, and I can’t lie. Besides, she doubted she could considering Nimbus probably could tell.

Soul reacted too slow to the falling petal. Left to start again. Nimbus sent out another small gust of wind from her wings over the lines of flowers and made them all rustle once more. Sway and dance to Soul’s content. Guess how it would go? No. She observed carefully. Waiting to see if she could feel something in her concentration. This had worked last night. Why so hard this time? I feel it, but I just can’t react. It was starting to get hard to not rely on her ears. Forget eyes and ears, do it the way Nimbus taught me.

3.27
If I want to become a great flyer, I need to master things that only real masters know. I got to do it. “Anything?” Nimbus asked. “No, …I don’t…” Ah damn it all!

Another petal fell. “Why did you talk?” Soul asked her as politely as she could manage without questioning her sudden decision to interrupt Soul. She could have totally caught that petal before it fell off. “You think you’ll always have peace and quiet to work with when you fly?” Nimbus asked. Soul slouched. “No…” Nimbus was right, I rarely have any quiet when I fly. But it was so much harder to do this with distractions. Nimbus said this would be easier when she mastered it, well she hadn’t mastered it yet. Not even close. In fact, Soul wasn’t sure if it had been a fluke what she did last night. Though she needed to admit, there was something to concentrating and that tingly feeling she got when it was just her and the wind that beat against her body every time her wings flapped. “When flying through a storm, a Pegasus must remain able to keep calm or they will falter” Nimbus said.

“You need to know your environment and be able to judge what the best approach is. If you’re distracted, you won’t make the right decisions. It could spell disaster for you and others. So I expect you to be able to keep a clear image of your surroundings even when distracted.” Soul held her eyes still. Listening calmly to her. More and more intrigued with the way she spun this. Able to keep myself clear of all distractions. Total calm. This technique was really going to take some time. Sometimes, it left Soul wondering if she could pull it off. “It sounds so difficult” Soul said. Looking to Nimbus for reassurance. “Do you even think I can do it someday?”

“Soul.” Nimbus set her hoof down so gently on top of Soul’s head. “From all I’ve seen, you have proven you are able to overcome any challenge no matter how difficult it has been. You are a determined and talented filly who works so hard, I have no doubt you can do it. Even if it takes you years, you will pull it off but only if you set your mind to it. Don’t question yourself. It took me years to master as well. But it was so worth it, because you can learn a talent that so few can reach and, from there, you have limitless ability with your flying. You can pull off techniques like they are a piece of cake, you can stay calm in any condition and have total control over your flight. There will be times when it seems so hard, but it will be worth it when you reach your final goal.” My final goal. Now I don’t feel so bad.

Be able to stay calm at all times, if only I could do that during certain other times. A time that was coming quick. It was already night, tomorrow will be another day to come soon. There was such a storm in her mind so unlike the soothing and quiet night that echoed across the city. Even under the gaze of a Moon most terrifying in the deathly stare it had upon its face, Soul always used to feel so calm thanks to it. But she just couldn’t get her mind off of it all. What is it I should do? Not even Rainbow Dash had the answer. Avoid it all, that sounded like it was not going to work. But what else did she have? Nothing had worked so far. She would do anything to avoid coming to that same fate that stung in her mind the last time this happened. I don’t want to put Nimbus through another period of pain like that again.

3.28
Times like this feel so precious. She wished to make the best of them without the hardships that plagued her. I did my best, I pulled off something I never expected to get from camp. I feel like I have another pony out there now… one who can play with me. Does she see me the same way? How did Dash feel about her? As we both go down that road to our goals. Was she training right now with her mom, thinking about Soul?

Something tickled. Soul looked over her shoulder, readying a hoof to scratch at it. It left her. Quickly. What? It certainly did feel like something had been touching her back. Right in between her wings. She looked about with the last of her thoughts and then to Nimbus. Soul crossed her hooves. Hmm… she gave Nimbus an observant eye. She was pretty bad at hiding it, Nimbus smiling a little wider now all of a sudden. Did she touch me? “But you need to learn to avoid things that can keep you distracted from that goal.” “Alright” Soul admitted. Ready to get back to it. Looking back at all the flowers that stayed still with no breeze left to move them. “As a Pegasus, you are meant to learn much more from your environment and what to expect from it. Everything that moves makes a signal, but only the most keen of pegasi can sense it… before it happens. This is what separates some from others. Sure, you can go about and learn daring maneuvers and legendary abilities, but it is the pegasi who put in that extra effort to become great that will achieve dreams beyond any other. Being able to read the very sky you fly in can direct you towards anything that may happen and you can determine what it is that is worth your attention. A flyer needs to know how to block out useless motions and concentrate on the essentials. Things such as what other ponies plan to do, where they are, …where they will be. Everything that they can do, it can be applied to anything. Every object has something to teach you that can help you fly better.”

3.29
Soul hated that she got so close to feeling it last night, even a semblance of being able to read the air, yet she failed to anticipate what could follow. Nimbus assured her that she did a great job at it. But Soul knew better. She needed to practice way more before she could learn this amazing skill that sounded so much more lucrative to her every night. Indeed, like Nimbus was trying to sell it to her. She knew what she meant to do. Prove this is something worth working towards and, she could tell it was a true move on Nimbus’ part. She wanted to teach Soul. Raise her sprits. Convince her to keep trying. This is what made Nimbus such a wonderful mare. Soul may get annoyed with her a lot but she was truly a pony she could call reliable. Giving and kind. Heh, she even gave up the Wonderbolts just for me. Soul repaid her with hardships and worry that they both needed to endure at camp now. Maybe that was why Dash told her to avoid everypony. Is that filly looking out for us?

Ignore it so we can progress with my dream? Our dream.

Soul had always loved wanting to be an amazing flyer meant to inspire everypony else, but Nimbus was also there with pride in her eyes every time that Soul achieved something incredible. Maybe I should ignore it all. It certainly isn’t helping me. Not when I have ponies who do seem to care for me. I know Nimbus does. Does Dash? Maybe. Another petal fell. Soul groaned. Distracted again. Not even seeing that Nimbus had resumed with flapping her wings again to get the breeze going. The mare stopped and giggled.

“You’ll get the hang of it” she assured Soul. “I hope so” Soul said. “It sounds so incredible. Like I can learn things around me. Like some sort of genius.” “Oh yes” Nimbus said. “You observe everything so you learn everything. It’s a powerful ability. So… I hope you can see why so few pegasi know how to use it.” Learn everything around me. Everything I need to be a great flyer. It is true that she wanted the knowledge but… she also wanted more. She wanted other ponies who would appreciate her too. A feeling she got from the one who taught her, and recently, from a certain filly. We both have amazing futures we want to fight for. I think it is right for me to do my best and stand strong. Be a strong pony. I’ll certainly fight, no matter how many days and nights it takes. To think, I almost abandoned her. I won’t do that again. She left Soul and had come back. I’ll take your advice, Dash. I won’t leave you behind. Soul readied herself. Alright, bring it. “I’m ready. I’ll keep going all night.” “My, my, I love your enthusiasm” Nimbus said. “But… remember you have a bedtime, and you’re not staying up all night again.” “Right” Soul nodded. Well as long as they got to keep at it, that’ll be fine. Times like these, they make me feel inspired. “Speaking of being up all night again…” Nimbus said.

“No more dessert for you for a month.”

3.30
Rainbow Dash knocked on Soul’s door, not wanting to keep her company waiting, she did it loudly. Make sure somepony could hear it. Hopefully they were already up. Had to be. They had about fifteen minutes before camp started and a short flight ahead of them. She didn’t want to waste this good chance to… do a little something different compared to what she was used to. Not with them having only a few minutes to get going before somepony may get impatient.

“Soul!” she cried out. Finishing her knocking and sitting down to wait. Stopping there when the door actually opened up almost immediately. Where Soul stood in the open doorway with a frown. Not at all pleased, she had her bag in her mouth. Oh, was she just about to leave? Guess I probably scared her. It only lasted for a moment. Soul was indeed still pleased, and looked confused as to why Dash was here to begin with. Dash grinned behind the bag she also held in her mouth. “Morning, Soul.” “Dash…” Soul giggled. “Hey, I didn’t expect to see you here… already?” “Thought I would come and walk with you to camp today” Dash offered her her idea.

It sounded like a good one when she thought of it yesterday, what with how open Soul was starting to get with her which was quite different from what she would expect. Not an idea Soul seemed to want to shoot down. She got quite surprised right there. Even more when her eyes looked off to the sound of the hooves stepping forth from behind Dash. “Are Nimbus and Starry ready too?” Dash asked. Trying to look over Soul’s shoulder and into the house. “Dashie, don’t go looking into another pony’s house without permission” said the pony who came up next to her, her mother.

Celestia’s sake, I told her not to call me that around them. Dash already saw Soul starting to snicker. Writing it off. More intrigued that Rainbow had brought her mom along. Rainbow let her flight buddy and mom introduce one another. “Hi, sweetie” her mom said to Soul with her magenta eyes that matched Dash’s peering right into Soul. Leaning right over Dash, more or less trying to get her attention much to Dash’s annoyance. “So you’re my little Dashie’s flight buddy. Oh, I’m so glad to meet you. I’m her mother but you can call me Windy if you want.” Good cuz I wouldn’t want her calling you ’Rainbow Dash’s mom’. “Oh…” Soul said with such a pause. Guess she didn’t expect my mom to come along either. “It’s nice to meet you, …Windy. I’m Soul Serenity.” “Somepony at the door, Soul?”

3.31
Soul stepped aside and Dash got to see her own instructor, Nimbus, come out to join them. Wow, it felt kind of weird to see her outside of the camp… and so casual now. As opposed to that show she pulls off at the camp. She looked just as stunned to see Dash here.

“Rainbow Dash?” Soul back there, her eyes darting between them all. Rainbow was curious, this is the first we all get to meet. The first their mothers got to meet. The first the two actually laid eyes upon one another. “You must be Rainbow Dash’s mom” Nimbus said with a smile. “Yup!” Windy said with such delight. “Dashie actually wanted us to come and see if you all wanted to fly to the camp with us. I didn’t even know we fly right over your house everyday on the way there.” “Really?” Nimbus said. “You all want to go with us?” What was that? Nimbus just made some sort of look to Soul. Rainbow cocked her head. Whatever it was, Soul looked embarrassed. Nimbus… she looked pleased. “Why… that’d be great!” Nimbus said. “We were just heading out anyways.” She turned off to look back inside the house.

“Coming, Starry?!” Leaving Soul to walk out and join with Dash. It had only been a night, but Dash admittedly missed being alongside her flight buddy. Yesterday had been fun. Fun and interesting. But now came another day when the two would have to deal with camp. Some more joke lessons maybe, at least till they got to the next season. But Rainbow was more or less worried for how Soul was holding up. She did look so distraught yesterday and that didn’t escape Dash. I wonder how she’s feeling. No way to tell right now. The filly more distracted by this surprise. “You actually want to fly with us to camp?” Soul whispered to her, only when Windy had left to go join with Nimbus at the doorstep. Leaving both fillies alone. “Why not? Not a problem for us. Unless it’s a problem for you.” Soul sighed. “It’s not a problem… just… kinda soon for our parents to meet one another. …But… Dashie, really? What is that name?”

Rainbow stamped the ground, turning away when her face flushed. Oh damn it, she would talk about that, wouldn’t she? “I… I don’t want to talk about it.” Great so now Soul knows her goofy nickname her mom gave her. This is why I told her not to say that. She really likes messing with me. “What? I think that’s adorable” Soul giggled. She could say that, only because she bet Soul had no stupid nickname her mom gave her. I don’t mind her calling me that, but not in front of other ponies… because… I know its adorable. Didn’t stop her from groaning over it. Soul finally stopping her amusement. “Don’t worry” she said. “I won’t tell anypony.” Good because it’s not something I want others to have on their tongues all the time. Because then… it doesn’t mean anything to me.

“Please don’t” Dash said, finally turning back around to Soul. Both of them joined once more by their parents. Rainbow more than happy to get going in this situation where she could actually get the chance to fly with Soul’s family even for just a little bit. Something she felt they could do. Starry and Nimbus here with their daughter. These incredible flyers. Rainbow stayed silent walking next to Soul behind the three adults headed back out to the yard. Ignoring the chatter they all made ahead of them. I kind of like being around flyers like them.

3.32
She took off only when Soul did. Both of them following behind their parents with bags in mouth. To them, it only looked like another chance to fly. Dash watched the three adults. “My name is Windy” her mom introduced to them. All three getting into conversation about this meeting between them. Soul kept quiet too.

Rainbow looking over to her, saddened to find her flight buddy staring down at the clouds below them as they flew off into the sky. Her wings echoing a perfect chorus between the two of them that fought so hard against the fact that the filly was clearly not happy. Yeah, another day of camp. Made Dash wonder why it was Soul decided to come back. The real reason. It can’t be me. Or something. Did her parents force her to? It kind of worries me about what it is she can expect. Just like it must be worrying her. I know it is worrying her. But… she made the decision and now she got to endure it. I just hope she’s a strong filly. But Dash wasn’t going to leave her to herself through this. Something to get her mind off camp.

“Soul” she got her attention. Talking low to her. “We should do that flying together after camp. I got some ideas that I bet will be fun.” “Like what?” Soul asked. “Nah ah ah, just gotta wait. Maybe you can come up with some things too, or do I have to come up with all the ideas?” She said that jokingly. Funny that Soul was not that happy about her saying that. Not happy but… Dash felt such a joy out of messing with her for just a bit. “Well… whatever you want to do, I’m okay with it. I was going to do some more training tonight afterwards.” “Oh…” Dash started. Soul interrupted her right there. “Oh! Can we go back to the lake as well? My back is aching.”

“Rough night?” Dash asked. Interested when Soul had mentioned training. How often does she even train with Nimbus? The filly wanted to be so great when it came to flying that it left Dash with so many questions as to what this filly truly does behind closed doors. How far ahead she really is. If there’s something more to her that I should look for… for me to see. Something special like before.

3.33
“We stayed up a little later than normal and I slept badly. Don’t worry, shouldn’t keep me from flying with you.” Soul took a moment to flaunt her wings. Showing they were alright. That was good. Stayed up later? “Really?” Dash asked. “So did we. Mom kept me up with a bunch of dives and breaking tricks. We’ve been at that stuff for days now. Don’t feel like I’ll get to use them much at camp.” “Unless we plan to do tricks there…” Soul muttered. Lightening herself up once more.

“What did you do last night?” Dash asked. “Oh…” Soul paused. “We did a bunch of observation techniques and stuff.” “You mean like hearing?” Sounded a little bit like something Soul would not be doing if she was so far along. Not likely something a flyer like Dash had seen in her needing to do. “No… coordination to be able to do high speed flying without messing up.” That sounded cool. Dash really would love to see her train sometime. Just listening to how Soul talked about her flying ability always made her very antsy for figuring out just how well this filly could fly and how much she could expect out of her. If there was anything she should be worried about. Wasn’t often Dash got paired with such a skilled flyer. She hated to feel it, but she felt a little inadequate compared to her. Not at all something she would let keep Soul back. Smiling and nodding even right now when hearing Soul was doing high tier techniques. However far along she may be. If I could even have a chance to impress her someday. If it would be worth it. Or if it would just… just hurt Soul’s feelings in the end. I can’t tell.

“Oh and thank you for the other night, hope it was worth it” Soul said. “What?” Dash didn’t know what she meant. Worth it? “I thought it was worth it, but… just so you know, it cost me dessert for a month.” Wait, our little… trip without anypony knowing. Or so Dash thought. So that meant… it failed entirely. Damn their moms were good. “Welcome to the club” Dash told her. “Month for me too. But it was so worth it… even though, I won’t be getting any more candy apples for a while. What’s the damage for you?” “No more strawberry cakes or ice cream for me” Soul answered. “Hope that taught you a lesson, girls” both fillies turned to see their mothers both looking back at them. Wow, did they look proud of themselves. Neither filly acknowledged them. Their parents all laughing and going back to their flying. Like nothing happened, all so peaceful flying side by side for their first ever trip together. Soul sighed. Talking to herself.

“Yeah, I’m gonna miss them.”

3.34
“Do you like strawberry stuff?” Dash asked her. “I love it!” Soul blurted out. Practically salivating. “All my life. They’re my favorite thing to eat.”

Huh, so you like strawberries? Dash looked down her muzzle and to her bag where she held her lunch for today. “You’re allowed to have just strawberries though, right?” “Yeah” Soul said. “Just sweets aren’t allowed for a month.” That was good, Dash a little more confident for today. “What about you, what do you like?” Soul asked her. Another pony is asking me what my favorites are? Dash hated to be put on the spot but, whoa, that felt different. It left her confused. More or less trying to find the words to say on top of her happiness that another filly was asking about her. We don’t really know much about each other, do we? Didn’t even know our favorite foods. I just never thought I’d end up with a flight buddy like her. Did she think the same? I can still answer her.

“I love anything with apples, and carrots too. No pies, though.” “Aww, our little girls are bonding.” Dash smacked her face. “Mom!” she groaned out. Making Windy laugh up ahead.

Damn it, stop eavesdropping. Really damn amused. Though… Dash found something weird. Nimbus and Starry… they didn’t seem that amused, both of them didn’t even chuckle though they looked back at both fillies anyways. Maybe they didn’t want Soul to feel embarrassed. Dash sure was, but she only wished Windy would keep this stuff in private like they always did. Why is she being so open today?

“I’ve never seen Dash this excited to be with another filly” Windy said to Soul’s parents. “Flight buddies with the instructors’ daughter. They’re gonna be so good together. We’re all practically a family now.” She was getting excited again. Nothing she could do to stop her when she gets like this. Rainbow pulled her mane down over her face. Going on with her flying and ignoring anything she had to say. Happy that Soul made no comment, not sure if she was laughing inside. No, Soul was over there staring back off into space. Troubled… so troubled. Well… Windy was right with one thing, you are my flight buddy and we look out for one another. I’ll be sure to stick by you.

3.35
Dash had to. Since she stuck by me. Helped me. But there isn’t a moment that goes by where I’m not wondering if I can do my best to help her. With what it is she deals with. I plain hate seeing her sad and shocked. I wonder why. I always wonder why it is I do, and why it is you seem to care for me. How I feel. We get to go through it again today, whatever it was. It came too fast with Rainbow Dash landing alongside Soul, careful to pass away from any other. Though it didn’t stop Dash from giving Windy a hug.

“You’ll have a wonderful day today, sweetheart” Windy said. “Be sure to come home before dark, understand?” “Yes, mom” and Dash kept her hug up with her. That last semblance of care for the rest of the day. I remember the days when I used to cry when she left me at camp back when I was younger. Hiding it from all the others. I’m glad I don’t feel that so much now, since I’d have to hide that too from Soul. At least Soul got to be with her parents all day. That didn’t keep the filly from feeling down. Sadly walking off and parting with her mom and dad with a subtle exchange of ‘see you soons’.

Windy flew off and Dash ran after Soul to join her. Put their lunches away. Just a simple run, yet Dash noticed the change in the air. Smelled it. She glanced to the other kids, the few who were here, who ignored both of them. Or were they ignoring Soul? But she felt like something was amidst that she was quite used to. A feeling. One that seemed to be hitting Soul hard right now as the filly kept quiet. But she smiled to Dash anyways. Her way of saying thank you. I’ll stick with her, walking alongside her. Forget the others. Such a shame, considering how things were for Soul not long ago.

3.36
Probably had some more exercises today before some real lessons, though Dash doubted the lessons would be much use right now. None of it really, not until the winter. Just had to get through it. Really, to her, the best parts she had to look forward to were flying with Soul and lunch. Confident her mom had packed her something good today alongside what she saw. Felt like a lot was in her bag. She joined Soul into the building, stopping by her locker like always and tossing in her lunch. Excited to get a bite of it later.

“You know, we need to fly here together more often” Dash pointed out, heading over to join Soul over at her locker. Even if their parents would be there too, but they seemed to get along. Just like we are. At least, I hope she feels that w… Dash stopped in her tracks. Staring with Soul, for her flight buddy stood still before her locker. Dash shook when she saw her buddy lower her head. Dropping her lunch to the floor. Hit so hard by it. Not even Dash expected this to happen, not sure what it was she could do but her fury grew. As did her disbelief. That ponies could do this.

Garbage flyer spread across Soul’s locker. Written there with a marker. So dark that it practically roared out at them. Oh no, Soul… Dash looked to her. Walking closer and holding a hoof out to her. Wanting to touch the sulking filly whose eyes lay hidden beneath her fallen bangs reaching down to the floor. She held it back, angered with it all. Here I thought today may be better. That… she might have it better. The laughter said otherwise. Dash turned, not in time to see the ponies run off, leaving just their shadows behind in the doorway before they disappeared. “Hey! Come back here!”

Dash walked off after them. Whoever they were. What… what can I do? “Don’t, Dash” a voice whispered behind her. Where Soul was, glancing at her from under her bangs. “It’s okay, I’ll just clean this off and we can get to flying.” Soul stepped up to her locker. Soul.

Dash lowered her own head. I can’t believe what you have to deal with.

3.37
Though Soul looked to be handling it better as time went on. Rainbow looked all around them as they did some initial practice with the rest of the group. Dash stuck close to her the whole time. Letting her know that there was nothing to worry about. No telling if Soul felt that. She was unusually quiet now. Not leaving with that determination on her face to power through this. Not bothering to look and see what it was Dash did see. That all the other kids were indeed avoiding them. Some of them had to be the ones who wrote that horrible thing on Soul’s locker too, she couldn’t figure out who did it. Even if I did, what could I do? Not that any of these ponies would bother with me anyways. I can see it in their eyes.

But that won’t stop me from staying with Soul. They can think all they want about me. Because I feel I’m better than all of them for giving this filly a chance. I just wish I had taken the time to talk to her earlier than I did, then maybe she wouldn’t be feeling as bad as she was. Maybe she’d be more talkative to me. Soul still turned around and blew her away with deciding to come back in the end. I can’t make her regret that decision. We are trying to both become things that very few pegasi can achieve.
All these exercises really didn’t mean much. Wing-ups, stretches and practice takeoffs on top of doing some initial aerials that felt so scripted and so pointless to her and Soul. Maybe to others as well. So what? As far as Dash knew, they were the only two who had better practice to look forward to. Ha, too bad for them they don’t know just how skilled Soul is. …And neither do I.

Rainbow Dash finished off her own exercises. Confident in herself that her wings were more than ready for the day, get through this and then off to some amazing times with Soul and mom later. She wondered what her mom was planning to teach her tonight. Something new, she hoped. Alongside with whatever it was Soul had to look forward to. They just needed to make it through the day. Though, that looked to be hard with Dash so disheartened with how down Soul had gotten. What is on her mind? Was there even anything Dash could do? She just kept following her, side by side. Off to lunch, Dash didn’t leave her side when they went back to the lockers. She was worried what it was they may find again, luckily Soul’s locker was clean. Just as she left it. Back off to the usual spot where Dash sat herself down next to her and the day rolled by. Not fast enough.

3.38
Rainbow wanted to wince every time she saw her flight buddy stop eating and lower her head whenever any pony else passed by. No matter how innocent they looked, happily playing on their free time, she did the same thing for any of them. It was one moment when Dash caught her actually looking up from under her bangs and putting her sandwich down just to watch two of the other fillies run past with such joy on their faces as one chased after the other. Trying to chase down the pony who took her lunch.

So playful, as they both laughed, not enough to keep Soul calm. It was painful to see her become so antsy now. Regretful for not doing more earlier to maybe keep this filly being the happy one she saw with the other ponies. Nothing I can do now to change that except what I feel is right. Rainbow sat closer to Soul. Getting her attention finally off the other kids. She looked down at the magenta filly, giggling to let her know everything was alright. I’m so glad you mentioned this earlier, Soul. Dash brought out the bunches of strawberries she had for her lunch.

“Mom likes to put sugar on them so their gonna be awesome. Go ahead, take them all.” Soul looked down at the bowl-full of strawberries Dash pushed over to her, right in front of her legs. Sitting there waiting for somepony to go at them. Oh yes, that finally changed her look! Soul was pretty surprised to see Dash do this. Speechless as she looked at the generous gesture. “Aren’t they for you?” Soul finally said. “Really, I don’t need them.”

“Come on” Dash fought back. “I don’t mind sharing.” “I don’t know.” “Really, they’re yours. I’m not gonna take them back” Dash said. Rainbow already had enough in her bag anyways. Besides, Soul deserved something for all she was going through and for giving me another chance. Hesitant but she ate them anyways. Dash was just happy she didn’t fight back any more and accepted her gift. It’s really the best she could do right now, not with whatever it was that was keeping Soul so quiet and down.

I just hope she’s still looking forward to flying with me later. Before long, the whistle rang again. Just finishing up with their food, Dash and Soul rushed off to join the rest.

3.39
“Aww, come on” Dash whispered for nopony to hear but Soul when they heard what it was they would be doing today. More of that team coordination exercise with the clouds again. “You see, this is why we aren’t gonna get anywhere” Dash hinted to Soul. Trying to make her smile. At least Soul wouldn’t get anywhere since this type of stuff was so easy for her. I feel confident about myself too. But why do we need to do it again, just for the less experienced ponies to practice with it. This was why they should be in an upper level or something. Soul didn’t seem to care.

She put a hoof to her eyes and rubbed them. Just telling Dash right there that she acknowledged that yes, we get to go through this again. Dash didn’t mention anything, but she looked around and saw that Aurora was still out. Hopefully this would go better than last time. Last time had been a lot of fun up until the last point of it. We won’t learn anything, but Dash wouldn’t turn down the chance to enjoy herself. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad after all. Except for one pony, it probably would be.

Aurora was not here, but Spitfire sure was. Was she still on Soul’s mind? The golden Pegasus sitting off to the right… all by herself. She did not look pleased at all. Paying attention to what Soul’s parents were saying, going over the instructions again. Didn’t stop her from looking pretty down. Much like Soul was. Wow, these two really have changed, and Dash felt like she was right in the middle of it all with no idea on what to do to make things better except by just keeping Soul happy since she surely did pity her above all else. She felt so sorry for her. The filly likely didn’t even expect this to happen. Transforming from that wide-eyed filly with so much desire in her look… into the filly sitting next to her right now. Letting out a heavy breath of her enthusiasm for all of this.

“You know what” Dash said to her. “After camp we are definitely doing some serious flying.” “What do you mean by serious?” Soul asked. “It’s actually going to be a cloudy day later, my dad told me. A good wind will be coming in. How about we try some cloud level flying?” Soul was intrigued now. Good. She turned to Dash. “You know that will mean a lot of wind will be up there. It might be hard for both of us.” Dash went on with her, ignoring the instructions being given out by Soul’s parents. Just the usual. Not like the fun Dash had in mind that could be a little different from normal. “Perfect practice for us.” Dash thought a lot like the obstacle course from the other day but with way more wind to deal with. She could see it now. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid or something. I’m certainly not.” “I’m not afraid” Soul said. “If you think it’s a good idea then I’m all for it.”

“Good. Then don’t be afraid if I try to get us to do some tricks while we fly” Dash pointed out. They did need to make it a lot like the obstacle course. Dash had to admit that the course had been fun but it could have been improved if she had more time to deal with it and… and not dozens of eyes watching her. Sounded like she could do it better without the pressure, and a little wind would be a good workout. Rainbow Dash was not shy of trying to overcome something and would not stop doing that around Soul.

3.40
Soul grinned. “Name the trick and you got it. So long as it’s something we can both pull off together.” Now… now that sounded kind of sweet to Dash. It made her laugh inside. Even when down, Soul still managed to make something sound fun for her. That was exactly what she had hoped for. For them to be able to do tricks together. Kind of like last time when they flew this very exercise they were ready for.

Let’s get through it together, Soul and we can get on to having some fun. Anything to get her mind off of camp and how horrible today had turned out to be for her. Rainbow Dash really did wish things would have turned around after Soul came back. Now that she was here to fly with her. I really felt they could have.

Another whistle went off and that was signal for the other pairs to start taking flight. If Dash knew it right, they just needed to do this and then they would get out for the rest of the day. Get out and be able to see Soul happy once more. Her to be happy and I can have a good time with my own flight buddy, she was so ready for it to be done. To go off into the sky with her and fly like they did before when things were so much more enjoyable. Because there was one thing Rainbow Dash did feel about being able to fly with this pony, the one who spread her mighty magenta wings out and hung them so tall over her to where the shadows cast down upon the cyan filly. So tall compared to her. So much more impressive looking. I really do wonder. But that time had yet to come. Until then, I’ll fly with her and see for myself just how far this filly can go. Go until I feel like I’m ready to join her in the sky. Not like now, or any other time. Something more. Something I saw when I looked into her eyes for the first time. Even though she failed to live up to my expectations at first. I still decided to stay here with her. Feeling it was a good choice on her part. For whatever she got to look forward to.

Soul whispered something softly in Dash’s ear right as she passed. She held Dash close so she could hear, so no other could. “I’m excited about later, flight buddy.” Dash nodded. Flapping her wings alongside her flight buddy. Waiting until all the other pairs took off into the sky. They held back for just a moment. Good. Rainbow didn’t think she would be able to take off properly with how weird it felt to hear another pony whisper something like that to her. She joyously. Saddened and down, Soul found a way to keep her joy about later. One might even say that Soul may like her.

“Me too” Dash admitted. Truthfully. Just like yesterday. Not at all what she was used to doing after camp, but she welcomed it. Soul took off first. Gusting out a little wind behind her and sending Dash’s feathers swaying across her spans.

3.41
This really did feel so similar. Dash took off behind her. Joining with Soul in their ascent to reach the others in their group behind Nimbus. The two of them held back. Soul didn’t need to tell Dash to do it, she did it anyways. Even assuming the same position they had the other day with her flying overhead. Taking to her respective side while Soul watched the other. It looked and seemed the same as last time. Dash had to glance down to her flight buddy. Checking to make sure she was alright.

The filly kept her eyes fixed. As fixed as her pace. As Soul did not even bother to do anything like the last time. That was what worried Dash, as they flew and the clouds started flying in, Soul kept to just calling them out and Dash did her best to react. Doing the same for Soul. Bobbing and weaving around the oncoming clouds with some breaks here and there. Such a simple flight. Like nothing was there to be felt. Calming. Enough for her to keep tabs on all the others, unlike the other day when she let her focus stay squarely on her flight buddy and ensuring the both of them stayed in the air. That was the problem. It was too calming. Much like all the other pairs up ahead, and the one pony up there that made Dash remember what it was that made Soul feel so bad.

What caused all this to begin with, and it must be worrying Soul so much. Spitfire was up there flying alongside Nimbus instead of her flight buddy with such somberness in her flapping wings. Dash looked down at Soul, just in time to catch her also staring ahead with her eyes glimmering. Before she looked away. Did she notice it too? Rainbow wanted to ask her how she may be holding up, but she already had her answer just from the flight alone. Soul stayed quiet. She made no attempt to do anything. That left Dash there with her thoughts. I probably shouldn’t ask her. Though Dash did want them to pull off more of those fun maneuvers they did the last time, something to break up how boring this flight was. She didn’t dare to. Sensing the tension in the air. That Soul would not want to. This is the first I’ve ever seen her fly so sadly. She knew she would have to fly feeling this until the end of the day. Dash only hoped that she would want to still have fun later. Enjoy a time when they can fly like they meant it unlike now where she saw for a fact that Soul Serenity was indeed afraid.

3.42
Oh good, Rainbow Dash had waited for her. The filly still where Soul left her sitting on the steps at the camp entrance. Right under the massive banners and archways that marked the majesty of the wall surrounding the camp. Lucky for her, her excitement had not worn off to bring the news to her. “She’s still alright with it” Soul let her know, running up to her flight buddy.

“You can come?” Dash stood up. Like her own spirits were lifted now. “Yup, just need to be home before dark.”

That was great news indeed and Dash looked to be just as satisfied as Soul was. Nimbus had almost seemed pleased to let her go off with Dash for the rest of the afternoon. Not even hesitating to say yes. It was such a relief to Soul, worried throughout the day that she may say no or something may come up. Now she got a chance to fly with Dash. Outside of these walls and without the others around. Leave that all behind, Soul sniffed the air and happily exhaled. It smelled like a good day to fly. None of that crap she had to go through today could even come close to satisfying her wings’ urges or lessen her desire to get out and have some fun. Really just powering through all of it just to prep herself for now. Soul stretched out her back and let her legs out. Shadowed by her wings that arched out alongside them. “Ah, yes!” Dash cheered. “I can stay out till dark too. We got plenty of time to hang out. You ready to ditch this place?”

Like she needed to ask. Soul had been ready to leave since they got here. More or less, this was her only real reason for looking forward to today. I could spend some time with Dash and train with Nimbus, but being able to fly with Dash was the one thing that truly mattered. Where Soul felt more than happy to take to the sky. Eager to see her flight buddy enjoy the time with her. Rainbow Dash also looked to be ready. Stretching out her own smaller wings too. Pumped up and wanting to go.

3.43
“I think we can go right for the sauna, got a long flight ahead but let’s make it a good one. I’ve been dying for some real flying.” Soul was happy to make these claims. She could tell too that Dash was with her on them. We both train with a pony who puts their heart into making us better flyers, so how’s about we do what they train us to do, as we are meant to do it. That was what made Soul so happy. Just that they got to leave everything behind now that was holding them behind. The air, as she left out the camp, it practically smelled of freedom. An urging in her spine that sent her raring to go.

She walked out to the edge of the stairs, holding her wings out. Catching the breeze in their spans as it went through her feathers and… and made her shiver for a moment. It was not from a chill. She grinned up at the sky. The one that touched her so lovingly and invited her to fly. Some clouds and a small breeze. But the Sun shone bright through it all and lit up a sky so welcoming to any who would truly love it. Love it without thinking about anything else. Where she could leave her troubles behind. It made Soul giggle. Flapping her wings in place, as giddy as ever. Just thinking on what to do. Rainbow Dash was there with her, she was going to fly with her. She wanted to fly like it mattered. But I know the truth of the matter, and Soul did her best to figure out the best way for them to fly. Without Dash feeling at all afraid. Not any of that beginner stuff in the camp, maybe something a little more familiar to both of them. Something Soul could tell her flight buddy would be fine with doing.

“You alright if I take the lead this time?” Soul asked, confident she remembered the way to the sauna in the clouds. Listening for her answer. I think I can figure out something to make this a fun flight for her, as long as she follows me. She still hadn’t answered. Soul found Dash behind her… staring with a smile on her face. Like she was distracted. For just a moment. How she tried to recover herself told Soul that something had been on her mind. “Uh… yeah, that’s fine with me.” The filly trotted up closer to her with her own wings out now. Laughing for a moment. “You ready to go?” Dash wrote it off. Standing with Soul and telling her that she didn’t want to stay here any longer.

Strange, what was on your mind, Dash? Didn’t seem like she wanted to tell her. That was fine. She readied herself in the end and signaled to Dash, both of them leaving the camp behind and soaring up into that lovely sky once more.

3.44
Rainbow lost no speed, keeping right with Soul. Both fillies rising high over it all. Joining with all the other pegasi who flew across the city with them on their own business. Some more than happy to wave to both of them as they passed. Cleared of the camp, it really did feel like another world now. One Soul was familiar with but so happy to come back to. Where it felt like it was friendly to her. Where other pegasi were but did not do anything to make her feel like she did anything wrong. Up into an open sky like usual, one that was as open as the one she flew in earlier today but felt so less congested to her. So less suffocating. Like she was truly free to do what she wanted up here. Even flying higher than they had back at camp, with Dash not at all protesting it. In fact, the filly cheered next to her. Laughing at this soaring moment they got to have together.

Both of them together, side by side, high over the vast fields of clouds that made up Cloudsdale with the sea of buildings all below them. Growing smaller by the second as they got higher. High enough for Soul to look out over it all and see so much of Equestria. Beyond the gigantic plane of Cloudsdale, where the titanic towers of the city could no longer even hide the lush green fields and running rivers out in the land below the city. That entire world beyond this one. As free and open as the sky itself. This was the joy of being able to fly. One she loved every time she got to do it without the pressure on her back that plagued her all day. Like the entire world was at her hooves and she was there to glide over it with nothing to stop her. All around them were the other pegasi who flew in that same sky, and further below them all, were the ones who walked amidst Cloudsdale’s streets. With Soul not even sure if any of them truly did enjoy flying as much as she did.

How happy Dash was next to her, grinning widely at the sky ahead of her with one of her hooves held out to reach for it, she looked to be just as happy. I never got that sense of wanting to fly back at camp but now I want to. Looked like her flight partner wanted to as well. Reminiscent of the first time they got to fly together. Maybe now was actually the best time to do it. When Soul could feel it again. They were high enough, but not too high to where the clouds did not shroud the land below and a gentle wind pushed against both of them. Almost like it didn’t matter to Soul. Not sure about Dash, she seemed happy enough and wanted to fly in this, so Soul felt no need to hold that back.

“Still wanna follow my lead?” Soul called out to her. Getting Dash’s attention, her full attention. The cyan filly showed her determination in her face. Something that told Soul she was not going to let her down. I know she won’t. I won’t do anything that will make her feel uncomfortable, but she insists she has some experience with more advanced stuff and I’m still impressed with how she does manage to fly despite the flaws. “Let’s catch some air!” Dash said.

Alright. Show me what you can do. Soul held her wings back, just enough to catch some wind in them. Dash doing the same, flying back with her and then Soul let go of it. Slowed down enough to safely bank off. Soul slid down through the wind and arced herself right. Turning downwards and plummeting.

3.45
Now this is what she expected of Soul. She saw it in her flying. The filly banking off and then spinning downwards. Rainbow held back for a moment. Thinking to herself. Should I? There was just so much joy in Soul’s eyes. So much enthusiasm to fly for fun and love every second of it. After such a miserable day at camp for her. I shouldn’t do anything to make her feel upset. I don’t even know for sure if I can trust her. Not like she absolutely needed to. But I still feel like I can enjoy this so much.

Just the look on Soul’s face, she truly does love to fly. She truly does love the wind in her wings unlike anything I’ve ever seen in a pony. She says she wants to be one of the best flyers out there, enough to inspire others. Make them feel like they have a chance. Any of them. It sounded so crazy, to want to even move the princesses.

But how she laughed with such joy and the shine in her eyes. The flow of her flight, how natural she looked in it. Is it truly crazy? Not to me. I can say that… that I want her to succeed. I can never look down on another pony’s dreams, not even hers. I actually want to support them. If she would let me. After all I did to her. All she has to go through. Yet she still flies like this now, like nothing happened. Like she became somepony completely different. I can’t help but admire it. She’s a pretty cool pony.

Dash joined with her. Turning her own wings and shooting off after Soul. Falling down to earth with her and leveling back out right behind her. Keeping her eyes right on that violet tipped tail ahead of her that flapped wildly. Waiting to see what she would do next. Or should I wait? Dash laughed.

3.46
She let her wings do their own thing. This should be easy. She spun herself around, spiraling behind Soul, happy to see Soul catch sight of her and that let her know she could fly off. Rainbow zipped past her. Putting in just a little effort to get herself flying off ahead of Soul and barreled around once. Then twice. “Come on, slowpoke!” Interrupted when magenta flashed across the sky and Soul spiraled in right next to her, practically copying what Dash had done. Much to what she wanted her to do.

Even better, Soul flew right into the barrel roll that Dash pulled off. Joining her in it. There Soul was, right across from her, spinning in the sky in tandem with Dash like both of the made a massive circle in the sky together, and she looked to be having the time of her life. Three barrels. Then four. Soul kept with her in making these wide circles together. Dash smiled. That’s what I like. She’s doing it without any care or problem. Even far away from one another, she saw the look in her flight buddy’s face. She was happy. Laughing and having the time of her life.

That is the Soul Serenity from before. Like the last time we flew like this. “Not sure who you’re calling slow” Soul yelled out from over there. Prompting the air to ripple and roar when Dash witnessed the filly pull out of the spiral and shoot ahead of her. Tearing the sky in two in her wake, like the air pulled itself apart behind her, and not one fault in her flying. Dash leveled herself out, just able to stare off and watch her flight buddy become but a dot in the distance that rose high into the air. Whoa. I didn’t know she could fly that fast. Really, I am curious what it is her mother teaches her. Should I even try to catch up? Now? Or… she widened her eyes. Almost wanting to duck out of the way for fear she would collide but Soul cleared right past her. Flying over and turning back to rejoin Dash’s side. Flying there… upside down, with her forelegs crossed under her head and her wings keeping her afloat. Winking to Dash. Hehe, wow… didn’t expect her to show off. I’m kind of used to her not wanting to pull stuff like this off. Maybe… maybe I should consider myself special.

Still ruffled Dash’s feathers a little, didn’t stop her from smiling. She couldn’t feel upset over what Soul did. Her flight buddy was enjoying herself and, honestly, Dash was too. Maybe something else… Dash did want to try out stuff now that they had no audience here to bother them. No restrictions either. Just them and the sky. A cloudy day, Dash glanced over past Soul. To the swarms of clouds that flew so much lower than the thick cloud cover overhead.

3.47
“Wanna try those?” Dash pointed to the clouds. Getting Soul to turn over and spot them. “You wanna try? I’ll do it if you want to” Soul said. “Why not?” Rainbow thought it sounded like a better idea than having to fly through that tightly packed obstacle course the other day. These clouds were larger and more spaced out. Not a matter of dodging them. Soul knew that too. This was meant to be fun. She was just as eager as Dash was. More importantly, they could do this without any other ponies here. Something Rainbow was more than pleased with. Soul made the first move. Flying off with no pause at the clouds. Looked like she was going in low. Okay, then I’ll go in high. Rainbow left her flight and went off after Soul. Getting closer and then Soul disappeared under the first one. Dash’s ears perked up. …She’s… coming up over there.

Rainbow pulled out and turned off to the left, following after Soul and only waiting till she was right at it before she flew over the cloud with her hooves skimming over its soft surface, cutting a path across the white puffs and sending them flying off the hulk. Okay… I can do this. Dash squinted her eyes. Making sure she was going in at the right speed and angle. Kind of scared that she might mess this up, not because of other ponies, but from clipping Soul. Not even sure if Soul knew what she was trying to do but it’ll work out. I want her to have fun.

Rainbow turned herself with the curve of the cloud, keeping herself leveled over it and only waiting till she was sure before she made her move. She spun herself over, flying with her mane gliding over the cloud now. Just in time for when Soul zipped up over the cloud, her hooves facing the cloud. She did it right! Dash smiled when Soul and her crossed paths. The magenta filly laughing when she flew past, confident she was able to see Dash was sticking her tongue out at her. Alright. Dash brought herself upright again, keeping up her path along the cloud and finally leaving it behind when she caught the next one. The same one that Soul went towards now. Glad we got the same idea.

Rainbow kept herself to the side of the cloud this time. Same as she saw Soul do. Close enough that she was able to reach a hoof out and touch the soft mass. Keeping her wing just short of skimming it. Ears still perked. Surely Soul is skilled enough to catch wind of this, as the filly came up on her. “Down!” Rainbow called out. Just when Soul flew out from around the cloud and came in at Dash, …doing just as she said. Rainbow arced herself upwards and Soul went down clearing one another just short of running into each other. They pulled it off. Oh yeah! Dash was so pleased with her buddy. I knew I could expect her to pull these off. Stopping herself and hovering there to watch Soul fly off and go up and down so many other clouds like it was nothing. Not even losing her speed or her composure. Just what I want to expect from her. She loves flying and… and now I see she has a sense of daring to her flight. Enough skill to pull them off. Just like mom showed me. When she was proud of me to pull them off too. When no others would be. Was Soul? I don’t know.

All I know is I enjoy flying with her. I feel like I can fly with her. This is so much better than camp. Rainbow could tell they both had a well-deserved rest at the sauna soon. Soul left the clouds behind. Shooting back out into the sky and screaming Dash’s name out. Okay, I’m coming. Dash smiled. Going off into the light with her. Following her where Soul went.

3.48
“Glad you caught up” Soul said when Dash made it back to her. Picking up their speed once more like it was nothing more than the wind that told them that, yes, they are free to keep going. Not like Dash’s wings were getting tired. They wouldn’t from this. Of course, Soul was fine. Fine enough to keep up her enthusiasm. “Let’s do some dives.” Oh yes! That sounded great. Simple and easy, and it felt so great to pull them off.

“Try to keep up” Soul called to her. Taking the initiative and flying back down to earth below. Rainbow did the same, keeping on her tail. Smirking as the wind picked up and glided over her. “You talk a lot of trash” Dash pointed out. Not in a bad way, she actually was enjoying that Soul was motivated enough to talk about her flying in a positive manner. Besides… I know she’s doing her best to make it so I can keep up with her, and I really appreciate it. Unlike other times when ponies would leave me behind. Abandon me to deal with things myself. “What?” Soul said ahead of her. “You’re doing awesome. Aren’t you having fun?!” “Are you kidding me?” Dash said. Feeling all that wind hitting her. Making it harder for her to talk, but it felt good. It felt so good to be flying like this where both of them were falling right down to the clouds below. Angled in and so much pressure on her wings that kept her careening in and shooting down to the world below where she doubted nopony was there to even notice the two of them doing this. Care for it. Nopony to stop her from having this feeling. Where her mane flipped wildly behind her head and tears started streaking out from her eyes.

That rush she had. Like her wings were so pumped and her blood boiled. Not often I get to feel this, let alone never with another pony. Soul, you’re the first pony I feel like I can fly like this with. Dash could tell she felt the same. Soul’s own wings happily outstretched to catch the wind and the filly even did a little spin in her dive ahead. Falling out a little to keep out of Dash’s way. She’s so considerate. Always thinking of me. I don’t know why she wants to do this stuff with me, but I feel honored she does. Like we really are flight buddies.

“I’m having the time of my life!” Dash screamed out. So much rush in her when the city below came in so much closer. Like they would crash and at this speed. How fast they were going. She had chills. I really do feel alive. I really do feel free. Pulling up right with Soul, right when she did it. Turning her body to pull out of their dive together with the cloudy streets of the city just under them in a split second. Dash yelled out the truth. “So much better than camp!” It was a split second. So fast that Dash almost missed it, and her smile disappeared… in the time it took when she heard it before she saw it. She had been flying so perfectly. No flaw in it, yet she didn’t anticipate that Soul would do this. Why she would do this?

How? Stunned in silence when she saw her flight buddy tumble behind her and out of sight.

3.49
Dash skidded to a halt, all it took to stop herself. It took so much to cancel out all that speed she had, so much that she almost careened right into the streets herself. Left to hover, she kept her eyes glued on the buildings ahead of her. Flashing before her eyes. In a daze. She wondered to herself if she should even think this was real. Because Soul was no longer in front of her, she was no longer in the sky. Oh no, …Dash shook a little. Throwing herself back onto the solid clouds below her. Back on her hooves. No, no, no… that didn’t happen.

“Soul!” Dash turned around. Her eyes widened. Her breath short. Seeing that Soul was still here, left strewn out on the clouds. One wing still hanging high into the air with the other set out under her and her face planted firmly into the clouds with little puffs of cloud shimmering in the Sun, left to float around where she hit them. Cast off by her impact. Her impact. Dash was horrified. Oh sweet Celestia! Dash kicked herself to go, running over to where her flight buddy lay.

Oh no, Soul… how did this happen? Please be alright. She moved, oh good she moved. Soul let her wing finally fall and grumbled under her mane. Groaning loudly. Dash practically felt her smile come back so happy to see she was moving. That was such a nasty crash. One that left Dash just baffled as to why it happened. She was flying so well and now ended up this filly struggling to get up on her hooves. Falling back on her belly when Dash came up to her. Holding hooves out to try and help her up, only to take them back when Soul let out a horrible wail from under her mane. One that frightened her. That was truly a cry of pain.

“Soul!” Dash finally found the stomach to try and stop her from her pained moaning. She stepped up close, sitting down with her and made the hard choice to reach out to her. Slinking her hoof under Soul’s belly and the other towards… Soul’s hoof smacked it away. Just short of Dash touching the wing she went for, and the filly tried to get up again. Freed of Dash’s grip and she fell once more. Crying out louder than before and her hoof came free from under her body. One with a… a color so much darker than her fur. One that painted it in its disgusting hue. Making her hoof tremble… alongside her wing that lurched its way out from under her body. She had cut herself badly along her leg. Quite a hit into the clouds to cause that. She really had been going fast. “Soul, can you move? Where… where does it hurt?” Dash held her hoof out again, offering it to Soul this time. Then Dash felt the tug of her leg.

3.50
Soul wrapped her good leg around Dash’s and pulled herself up. Up on two and then… the third, the one that made her cringe in pain. Slipping off it, Dash couldn’t react in time to prepare herself from Soul falling into her. Laying against her, breathing so harsh and tears went down her cheeks.

She’s badly hurt. Soul, what the hell happened?! Dash looked up, seeing they were not alone, with all the other pegasi around them. Staring in amazement at what had happened. Stunned, none at all knowing what to do. Save for a few who did rush over. The adults who would come to help her, yet Soul… she did not let go of Dash. Burying her face into her fur. Crying into it. Keeping that limp leg of hers perched against Dash’s shoulder. She could almost see small streams of blood seeping down her fur from that long cut and coming close to her own cyan fur. She didn’t flinch. Only holding her close. Let her know everything was alright.

“My… leg. And…” Soul’s wing trembled again, scratching the surface of the clouds with her feathers. Feathers so bent and torn. Dash had not even noticed it. Not before, she wished she hadn’t. For she was afraid now, now that she saw her beautiful wing spread in its feathers and leaving many of them on the ground where she had crashed. Soul did her best to move it, it only made her screech. “Oh no!” Dash came close to it. “My… wing. It really stings.”

Celestia, she must have landed right on it. Looked like she bent the span a little. Ripped feathers right off. Rainbow Dash felt so bad for her, though she calmed herself, it was not as bad as she feared. Feeling bad for her because… that was not going to heal immediately. Right after we had so much fun flying together. Now we’re here, crowded around by ponies who offered help yet Dash did not acknowledge them. Saddened so much that… that they couldn’t play. That Soul was in pain. That her flight buddy had gotten hurt and I did nothing to anticipate it… when I could have. Flying this low… Soul must have freaked out. Something must have happened. I have no idea what, but I should have stopped us sooner. Damn it, Soul… I’m so sorry. Dash wanted to be sure. Reassure Soul at least.

“Can I check your wing?” “Don’t touch it!” Soul yelled out almost immediately. “Don’t…” The filly whimpered and fell silent. Crying into Dash’s shoulder. She did as she said, though hated she couldn’t be sure. To see if Soul could fly soon. For she knew the filly would be off this wing for a while. Right when this day was looking up. When we were going to make it better. I’m so sorry. But I’ll still be here for you, I am your flight buddy after all. With how we flew, I would even say we are as good as each other’s wingponies. Too bad… I failed to watch out for you. “Somepony… go to the Junior Speedster’s camp” she cried out to the ponies around them. Clutching Soul tighter. “Please… bring Nimbus Swiftshot. …Her daughter’s hurt.”

Great. Great, somepony ran off, a stallion more than happy to accept it with a rushed “I’m on it.” Leaving me to be with Soul. Because I didn’t want to go. I won’t leave Soul like this, and she didn’t want me to leave either. Clinging to Dash… she was. Even with her hurt leg left draped at the side, Soul held a leg tight around Dash. Nestled against her. …Are we… are we hugging? Dash blinked. Realizing now… how she had acted. I was afraid for her. Terrified. Now, now I can’t even leave her. She gripped her own hooves tighter around her flight buddy, not letting go. She didn’t know if Soul could tell, but she gave her a hug. Does she like it… because I want her to feel better? Stop crying and know I am here to keep her safe. She didn’t stop crying, but Dash felt her own heart soften when Soul laid her cheek against her neck and stayed there. Soul, I won’t let you go.

3.51
“I can… still work on it tonight.” Soul rushed herself out the deck doors and stepped out onto the wooden floors… but with only three of her legs this time. Keeping the fourth held up against her chest. Not daring to let it drop, hating she had to walk like this all evening. Not anymore, just to get out here, and defy what Nimbus tried to warn her off with. Soul flapped her wings… agh! It hurt for a moment just to move her right one. Feeling her feathers crinkle against her span, but… she kept trying and was more than thrilled to get back into the air. Letting her bandaged hoof fall back down from her chest. But… for how long? Soul winced more and more, every time she flapped her wing.

“Soul! Get back down now.” Nimbus ran out the door below her. Staring up with eyes so firm. Not at all faltering in her stern determination to keep her off her wings and legs tonight. “But I can still train” Soul powered through the pain. This day had been entirely ruined. We were supposed to have so much fun, she had looked forward to going to the sauna and then training tonight. Flight training or whatever, anything to get her mind off of camp. Something good in her memory now that she wasn’t going to be allowed to go to camp tomorrow… and to see Dash. Forget everything else. I need something fun today. “Young lady, don’t make me fly up there and get you” Nimbus said with no joke in her voice. Kind of scary how fierce she looked down there, even with her wings readied to fly after her. “I said no flying for the rest of the day. You’re not doing yourself any favors.”

Soul groaned. Hating that it hurt so much to flap her wing. But just hurt, it could have been so much worse. Not even able to imagine what could have happened. Not wanting to. Rather deal with the here and now. Though she didn’t want to deal with it at all. She would prefer to be getting home with a smile on her face instead of being carried by Nimbus and spending much of the evening being patched up and cleaned. It took nearly an hour for Nimbus to preen her damaged wing of all the broken feathers. A process that really hurt so much, not just from how sensitive her wing already was. Worse than normal. She did not want to end on that. Her mane still had yet to dry.

3.52
She had no choice. She couldn’t deny Nimbus. I can’t fly away from her anyways even if I was at one hundred percent. She will try to catch me, anything to… to do the right thing and keep me safe. That is what sucked. She knew it was the right thing to stay off her wing, but she really didn’t want to. Didn’t stop her from slowly lowering herself back down. Preferring to sit herself onto the deck instead of standing. Holding her limp leg up. Quick to fold her wings back and let them rest. She pouted. Staring out at the night sky and what could have been another night of training and getting better. Because… I really do need to… especially after today. All in the blink of an eye though she remembered it fully. All that happened, and she couldn’t believe she let it happen to her. “Can I at least do some training of your technique? I don’t need to fly for that.”

“Soul…” Nimbus stepped around her and joined Soul to sit and watch the Moon. Her voice so downed, as was her face. “You need all the rest you can get, it’d be best for you to go to sleep instead of spending the night just upsetting your wing.” “But I…” “But nothing, Soul.” Nimbus faced her. Authoritative, shutting Soul down right there. Too scared to speak out against her. “Besides, this technique is not something to joke about. Not something you should do with you being hurt.” “I can deal with the pain” Soul said. “All I need are my senses. No wings or legs. So what’s stopping us?” Nimbus shook her head. That told Soul right there she really had said something wrong. What did I do? She retreated back, shutting herself up. “I’m sorry” Soul whispered. “Try to concentrate as you know to do” Nimbus said in such a stunning request. Soul wasn’t even sure what it was she was asking of her. Puzzled entirely. “Try to feel the air” Nimbus said and closed her own eyes. “Tell me, what shifts can you feel in the wind. If you can sense any motions I make.”

Alright… Soul took her eyes off of Nimbus. Going back to how she knew to do this best and closed her own eyes. Breathing… though she was not in the air like she loved, she still felt like it was all around her. There to keep her cradled and safe. Warm her body with its humid weight and cool her with a loving breeze. Stuff that did little to help calm her pain. Pain that still kept making her wince for every second that passed. Pain that would not go away any time soon and kept her away from the happiness she felt of flying with Rainbow Dash and forgetting all her troubles. Only to breed more troubles. That she was not going to be able to fly for what felt like a long time. Even if just a day. I really don’t want that. But… I do know it’s best for me. Still hurts to know. That I won’t be able to fly with Dash again tomorrow. That I messed up today and just ruined it all.

3.53
Something touched her back. Opening her eyes in time to see Nimbus looking at her again. Not happy at all. Soul still felt the remnants of that soft touch against her back and… and she looked away. Disheartened. “You’re distracted… Soul, you can’t learn this technique while you’re being bothered. Even if we tried to train tonight, it would be a waste. You’d be better off resting.”

So that’s it… huh? Because I’m so stupid and let myself get into this pain. When I should have just ignored it. I can’t believe I fumbled so badly. When flying so well, until Dash mentioned… it, and reminded me. Those painful words that hit her so. Words that made her cry inside. Ones she tried to defeat only to crash in the end. Shame I didn’t crash on purpose.

“You can take a break from it, Soul” Nimbus gently touched a hoof down onto Soul’s head. Rubbing her scalp so softly. “Just a day or two, you don’t need to master it immediately. It’s best for you to get strong again first. …Don’t you think so?” Nimbus leaned down to her. Soul didn’t meet her eyes. She nodded. Saddened that she was accepting this. That she had indeed caused this. Now came the consequences. Both to her and to Dash when I can’t fly with her tomorrow. I just hope she won’t be upset. “Come on, let’s take you to bed.”

Soul didn’t fight Nimbus, letting her wrap her hooves around her small body and lifting her up. Flying the filly off to her room, regretting she could not do it herself. Reminded so much of another time like this.

3.54
Soul curled up in her bed. Keeping her bandaged hoof free of anything that may hurt it. Fearing pain when the blanket would touch down… it softly went over her wing, and it didn’t hurt. Breathing a sigh of relief. Laying still while Nimbus wrapped her up. Throwing up another blanket on top of that one as she hovered over her bed. Taking the time to put another hoof down upon Soul’s forehead. Soothed when she rubbed it, not daring to tell her to stop. Wanting some semblance of something that felt nice in this world where all she felt was worry. Hope I can fall asleep tonight. Soul kept her wing tucked in close. Wishing for it to get better soon. For her precious wings to be strong once more. For herself and for all the others. All the others she wanted to keep happy. Nimbus still smiled above her. No telling how she actually felt about all this.

“Good night, sleep well. I’ll see you in the morning before I head out.” The mare lifted her hoof off her forehead, silently flying off to the door. Leaving Soul alone with her regrets. “Wait.” Soul wanted to let something out first before Nimbus left. She shifted over to look over her shoulder at the mare who cared for her. “Thank you… and I’m sorry.” Nimbus waved a hoof to her. “Don’t be sorry, you did nothing wrong. Please… get some rest.” Her door shut behind Nimbus, and Soul was there in silence. Left with her last lines. Of doing nothing wrong. I feel I’ve done nothing but do things wrong. Soul laid her head down. Staring at her darkened wall and then the shining Moon outside her window. If I had been doing things right, I wouldn’t be like this. I wouldn’t have felt that way about camp… when I remembered it… all the terrible things that happened today and all the days before. This week was proving to be nothing but a test for her and she felt she was losing. Getting nothing out of it. Well… except for one thing.

Soul had to admit it, she was still amazed that… that Rainbow Dash had stayed with her. I’m not even sure if she noticed but… I loved it how much she was worried for me. I actually felt like she cared. She probably didn’t even know that Soul had been smiling when they hugged. She actually held me… and was so afraid for me. After all the crap we have to go through and now having to be without each other for a day… hopefully no more. She didn’t even seem to care about me before but… does she really? I think she does. It made Soul smile even right now in the dark. Hehe, was this the thing that Nimbus wanted of me from camp? This feeling. I got to say, I like it. Rainbow Dash… thank you so much. Thank you, Nimbus. For all you two are doing for me. It’s the only reason why I am still going back to that place. Forget all the others, all I want to do is please you two. Like I did when Dash flew with me today. She was so happy. Maybe everything will be alright. Soul closed her eyes.

Everything will be alright.

Sweet dreams.

Part 1 Illusion - Act 9

9.1
Rainbow needed to be sure that everything in the house was ready. It couldn’t look anything less than perfect. All the furniture nicely cleaned and the cloud floors trimmed. All the wooden flooring also polished. Squeaky clean and sparkling. Everywhere she looked, left and right, scanning across the living room at all the neatly placed sofas and tables shining brightly under the gleaming sunlight coming in through the open curtains. Nothing was out of place. All the things left on the shelves along the walls were well placed and flowers in the vases perfect.

Everything looked good out here. Spending all morning cleaning. But she had to be sure. “Did we get everything?” she asked. “Maybe I should go check the bathroom.” Dash leaned over with her hooves ready to gallop off towards the bathroom down the hallway.

“Sweetie, you already checked it three times. Trust me, it looks good” Windy said, strutting by with a duster in her mouth without any sense of worry in her face. I don’t know how she can be so calm all morning long. This will be the first time having a guest over. “Well maybe the pictures need straightening again. Or do you think my room looks good?” Dash floated up.

What should I go do first? We don’t have a lot of time left. The afternoon was already here so Soul had to be on her way soon. But… she did need to check her room. She wanted to hang out with Soul in there. She had a lot of stuff she wanted to show her friend. Need to make sure it all looks good.

9.2
“Dashie, you need to calm down” said the stallion stepping out from behind the kitchen. Bow gave her an amused shake of his head with that spatula still in his mouth. “Everything is gonna be fine. We went over the house and it all looks good for company. You did a great job on your room too. I bet Soul will love what you did with the place. Way to go” he winked to her.

I only hope she does like it. Didn’t make it any easier for Dash. Rubbing her hooves together with such nerve wracking thoughts. What if she doesn’t like what I did? What if she isn’t impressed with me?

I made my room look cool for her and made sure everything is ready for her. I can’t let her down. Sheesh, …Soul what have you done to me? Dash smacked a hoof over her face. I never got this nervous before. But Dash looked up from under her hoof. Peering around the sparkling vases and shining windows all around the living room and how bright her home was with all the Sun coming in. Even down in the hallway, and the intense smell of delicious food coming in from the kitchen. Dad hard at work on dinner.

I hope she’ll enjoy our feast. It really gave the whole house a lovely smell of frying vegetables and the sweetness of fruits so ripe that she could almost taste them in the air. Enough food for a lot of ponies. Gave the house a good vibe. A sense of being welcomed, and how nice everything looked. There really was this worry that Soul would not be impressed with it all. Even though Dash was always in love with how her house was. How she only wanted Soul to feel welcome and important that they did all they could to make this place look nice for her, and for everything to be ready.

She sighed. Groaning to herself. With Windy giving her that eye from across the room as she dusted along the window ledges. One that told her not to worry. All was going to be okay. Not that we have a lot of time left. Maybe I am worrying too much. This place looks really nice, better than normal. All the vibrant colors and lovely décor that she knew Soul would like. Not able to wait to see how much that filly will love it all.

9.3
“I’m gonna go look over my room real quick, can you let me know if she gets here?” “Of course, sweetie” Windy said. But the mare still rolled her eyes over her daughter’s worry. I’m not worried, just need to make sure.

Dash flew off down the hallway. Turning around past the bathroom, though she did make sure to take a peek inside that real quick. It was all still clean. She cleaned the sink earlier and was quite proud of how nice it looked. Then moving onwards towards the stairs around the corner. Up to where their bedrooms were. All the doors in the hallway up here. She flew past the first one, over to the second. Right before her parents’ room. Right between the two Wonderbolts portraits hanging to the side of the door along the cloudy walls. She set down inside, stepping hoof upon the wooden floor of her room that gleamed of her hard work.

Funny, she never was so self-conscious of her room before today. Looking upon it now, she was less concerned about how she thought it was awesome and now wondering if another would think the same. If they would love the roiling clouds her parents had put in along the ceiling. Such lovely things that changed from blue to black and then back to blue but always shining with the Sun reflecting off all the stars Dash had put up in those clouds. She always thought it looked cool. Having her rainbow light lamp shining bright atop the dresser just against the edge of those clouds and all her books and Wonderbolts training manuals and journals all set up neatly along the shelves under it. Anypony who would step in here would see just how much she loved flying. That’s what I want, Soul should like it. Dash loved to have plenty of Wonderbolts and pegasi portraits and pictures everywhere to look down upon any Pegasus who walked in. Nothing more awesome than that. So many of them lining the rainbow lined walls, maybe I should get Soul one for her room. Or I could give her one of mine. That reminded her.

9.4
Dash looked over to her neatly made bed.

Can anypony see it from here? Dash squinted to make sure, eyeing her rainbow pillows and just seeing if she could catch a glimpse. Nothing. Or maybe it wasn’t there? No. That’s dumb. She still wanted to go check it. Something she was looking forward to doing for Soul on this wonderful day, a day meant for this. She walked over. Checking all along her room as she did. It did ease her, seeing that everything was as she left it. Comforting that she still liked it as it was. Even better now that she cleaned it. Flaring it all up in rainbow stickers she had lying around. Placed all along the walls and her stuff. Her own little touch of herself to her room. I can never have enough stickers. Maybe mom got me some for tomorrow.

Dash looked forward to opening her presents, and also… for this thing. Dash lifted her pillow up. Finding what she left there was still there. A box snug under the pillow. Wrapped up in blue paper with the cutest white bow she could find. It took a while to figure out how to wrap the box, but she did it. It made her giggle. Later.

She couldn’t wait to see what will happen. Just knowing she made the right call on it when they went shopping last night after Soul left. Placing the pillow back down just as it was. Covering up her surprise, and she looked around once more. Able to smile over it. I think she will like my room. I hope she likes everything. From the house to the food to the good time she wanted to have with Soul. Plenty of reason for her to feel confident about ponies hanging out in here.

Today will be that day.

9.5
Do I have enough for her to do while here? For all of us? Dash was thinking of doing some flying. Eating food and celebrating Hearth’s Warming Eve with the ponies important to her. I’m sure we’ll find something to do. Dash had a killer collection of kickballs, and Soul loved to read.

She bet she had enough Wonderbolts stuff to fill a library. Forget the bookshelf, nopony had any idea what she had hidden behind the curtains of her closet. Go over techniques and practice them. Really anything was okay with Dash. She was mostly looking forward to just being a good host to Soul and making her feel welcome to her home.

“Hey, Dashie.” Dash yelped in surprise. Almost smacking against the bed and then realizing that there was no reason to be afraid. Except to be annoyed that he surprised her like that. Dad standing there in the doorway. “Dad, don’t scare me like that” Dash said.

She sighed and looked back around. “I was just checking my room. You think it looks okay?” She glanced at him for his opinion. “Of course it does, you always have a great room. I’m very proud of you for cleaning up.” “Yeah, I did my best” Dash boasted. “I like it now.”

Those stickers really did bring some life into all this. Never mind how beautiful it all looked with her efforts at cleaning and dusting. “I just wanted to mention something while you’re in here” Bow said to her. Dash was still quite happy. Easily announcing her pleasure with a shriek in her “yes, dad?” She turned to him. Finding her dad was looking around her room too with such a satisfied look on him. The violet stallion in his rainbow mane, looking at her with proud yellow eyes. Always giving off that love he always had for her. Even able to tell right now she had nothing to be afraid of from what he may say.

9.6
“You’re going to have a lot of fun today so please don’t worry about a thing. This is your best friend and she will love everything you did to show her a good time. Just remember, your mom and I will be here for you whenever you need us. We’ll be sure not to bug you that much.”

Oh, there was no need to say all that. I really didn’t do that much… but it still sounded nice to get some love over it. I know Soul will love it all too. She’ll see just how much I see her as my best friend. Still though… Dash gave her dad a comforting look.

“You two don’t need to leave us alone.” Especially since Soul said she doesn’t think bad on all the love I get. “I’d love for you two to join us sometime, help me keep Soul company. I just want her to feel like we are all family here.” “I know you will” Bow said as he walked in, coming up to sit down next to Dash. He offered his hoof to her.

Oh dad. Dash stepped in and let him wrap that hoof around the back of her neck and give her a hug. “We’re very proud of all you’ve done lately. Soul is lucky to have a friend like you, and we’re happy she is there for you. As far as your mom and I are concerned, she is like family. If you do want us to help, we can.” “I’d love that” Dash said smiling in the depths of that hug. “Just… tone it down a little on things… you know what I mean.” Bow laughed up above her. He knew. No need to play dumb. “Okay, okay. I’ll bring it down a little, but it will be hard.”

Dash believed he would try his best. Sometimes it was just too hard for the stallion to hold back on his cheers. Just hard to tell if Soul will be scared off by it. Whatever happened, Dash wouldn’t be upset. As long as she got to play with Soul and see just how close they all could be for the first time with all of us being together. Soul is part of the family… huh? I never did think that. My parents really do like you. I like you too.

9.7
“Dashie! Somepony is at the door for you. Better hurry!” Windy called out from below. Making Dash’s eyes widen and jut out from her dad’s hug. Right up into the air with a flurry of her wings. “Oh crap! I gotta go!” Dash zipped out from her room. “Knock ‘em dead, sweetie!” Bow yelled out from back there.

Dash flew down the steps, not leaving the air until she reached the door where Windy stood waiting for her, and a few knocks at the door. Ones that made Windy jump around with excitement. “She’s here, she’s here” her mom said. “I got it” Dash said, settling down on her hooves in front of the door. My friend, I get to open it! As all that worry left her so quickly and filled her only with excitement. I get to spend the rest of the day with my best friend. She didn’t even wait before turning the knob and starting to pull the door open to the chilly winter air.

“Hey Soul! Welcome…” Dash looked at what it was she was seeing and was more concerned with what she found instead of her best friend.

9.8
Soul stood there, a big smile on her face and her wings left unfolded at her sides. There to let her saddlebags be flaunted at her sides… as well as showing off what it was that was sitting behind her out on the porch. There was a big, red bag sitting tall right behind Soul. Bigger than she was and looked to be stuffed up to the top where the drawstrings split.

“Dashie! I’m here” Soul said, she ran up to her. Wait a minute. Dash couldn’t react in time before her friend threw her hooves around her while she still looked at that bag, then down to the filly hugging her. Giving that hug back. Still wondering what it was she had there. Saddlebags and this big bag? “Welcome to my house” Dash managed to say. But she cleared her throat and got Soul’s attention.

“Um, what’s with the big bag? You really need all this?” Or did she happen to… have a ton of presents for them?! Dash hoped not, maybe one or two would be cool. But she’d just feel bad if it was a lot. Since she couldn’t give as many. It made Soul laugh when she let go of Dash.

“I got great news, I hope you all will be okay with it. But… Nimbus told me something today.” Whatever it was was making Soul glow in happiness. Maybe something about our Wonderbolts trip soon. If something came up. “What is it?” Dash asked. “She just came to me and said that it would be alright with her if I…” Soul became giddy now.

“Wanted to sleep over with you.”

9.9
“Sleep over!?” Dash said. Hearing her mom say the same thing next to her. That made Soul slink away. Kind of dropping that on us a bit late now. “Sorry, I didn’t know until today. I brought all my stuff just in case. I’d be totally okay with just spending the day with you all.”

“She really said you could?” Windy asked. “Yeah, this morning. I brought all my bathroom stuff, blanket and pillow. Some other things for tonight.” Soul sleeping over. Forget how sudden it was to her, Dash made a huge grin. Lighting up her eyes.

“Mom!” she turned to Windy. “Can she stay the night? I really, really want her to stay. Please.” Dash made sure to give her the same begging eyes she had seen Soul making to the mare. I want her over. We can stay up and tell stories and eat junk food and no rules when mom and dad go to bed. This was an awesome surprise. “Of course you can spend the night!” Windy said. Just as excited as Dash was. “Ah, it’s always a pleasure to have Dashie’s friend over. You are part of the family, you know? Our house is yours.” Dash and Soul smiled at one another, all the joy in the world that they could do this. I get to have a sleepover! “Bow! Get Soul’s bag, please!” Windy said. The mare quick on her hooves and then taking to the air to fly off down the hallway. “I gotta get the spare mattress.” Making dad come out from over there in a gallop.

“Soul!” he said. “You’re staying the night?” “Yeah, Rainbow’s dad” Soul awkwardly said. I never did introduce these two. Dash was about to when her dad gave a hoof to Soul. “No, no. Soul Serenity, I’m Bow Hothoof, but you can just call me Bow.”

“Hey dad, can you take her bag to my room, please? I’m gonna show Soul around” Dash said. I don’t think I can even lug that big thing to my room, how did she even move that in the first place? “We’ll get you settled in, please come in” Bow said, giving space for Dash to lead Soul in while he stayed behind. Grabbing that big bag in his teeth and pulling it in after. But Dash had other things on her mind over showing Soul around.

9.10
I get to have a sleepover! My first one!

Dash never got to have any friend over that could even consider sleeping over with her. Just like all the other kids she saw, now she got to do it. I got a best friend for a sleepover now! Take that, everypony who made fun of me. Somepony as cool as Soul, never expected this. It made her mind race with ideas of doing more sleepovers and going to Soul’s house to for them and spending whole weekends together. Yes! “Dashie?”

Rainbow found herself shaking with Soul right in front of her. Staring like she had some problem with her. Oh shit, I freaked out there. Her hooves couldn’t stop jumbling though.

“S-sorry, I’m just excited” Dash said. “You’re gonna be my first friend to sleep over with me.” “Really?” Soul asked. “I didn’t think it would be that big. This will be my first sleepover too.” Well look at that, we both get to do this together. Far beyond what Dash had originally planned for today. Today, tonight and tomorrow. This is going to be so fun. “Your house is so beautiful, Dashie” Soul said. Rainbow checking to see her dad taking the bag off to her room and then coming back up to Soul to guide her in. That magenta filly looking all around.

Yes! She likes it. Dash couldn’t stop smiling. Who’s got the best house? Made her feel so proud. Soul following along with Dash, leading her to go see the house but she really wanted Soul to come back to her room quickly. Still though, Soul was enjoying it.

9.11
The filly looked around the living room and eyeing all the beautiful work that was done to the walls with the glowing rainbow swashes going all along and up to the cloudy ceiling. It may be a little better than Soul’s house, but she did have a lovely one too. Maybe just as much Wonderbolts merchandise as Dash had around. From the portraits to the posters and art they all picked up over the years to decorate the house underneath the glow of the starry sky inside that cloud ceiling.

Dash caught Soul staring at the statue her mom had set up in the living room with its effigy of a Pegasus in midflight wearing that signature flight uniform built entirely in marble. Cast in the rays of the Sun, it was always so beautiful. I’m glad she likes everything. Dash’s parents always did work hard to give this place a friendly Cloudsdale vibe. But Soul walked off to the dining room. Finding all the pictures they had set up on tables all around and really getting that enjoyment Dash felt when she got to see those images. All the same ones that gave off the sense of satisfaction over flying.

“Wow, you have some of the same pictures we have” Soul said standing in front of rows of them. Not daring to touch them. Leaving Dash behind to watch her scurry around the rooms just taking in everything. Really just like a kid. Like it was her first time seeing such a collection. Soul running off and stopping at the kitchen to stare inside, letting Dash catch up with her.

9.12
“Wow, you have a Wonderbolts themed kitchen?”

What else but the best? Not often you find ovens and cabinets painted in blue with streaks of gold lightning going across them with even more portraits posted over where the pots steamed over atop the stove. “Your parents really do love the Wonderbolts” Soul said. She was getting a good look at just how hardcore we all are here. However… “They like them but… you won’t believe how plain this place was before.” “What made them redecorate?” Soul asked.

“Me deciding to become a Wonderbolt.” Dash happy to say that.

“Let’s go to my room.” Leaving Soul to follow her now. Marvel at her house and how beautiful mom and dad made it. “They did this all for you?” Believe it or not, yes. “They did.” Lots changed when I finally decided what it was I wanted to be in life. So much so that her entire life was turned into the love of flying and the goal of being the best of the best. It’s all been so hard but I’m very lucky to have parents like them. “Let’s just say that they really support my decision” Dash said. I was so bad at embracing it, until you came along, Soul. Thanks to you, I feel like I made my parents real happy with me. I hope I never let them down again. I never will.

“You need anything, Soul?” Bow said when the stallion rounded the corner and managed to stop his hurry just to ask. Oh dad, Dash loved how nice he was being. “No, I’m okay.” “Alright!” Bow ran past them, off to the kitchen. Right where they could hear the water boiling over. “Your stuff is upstairs” he called back.

“Come on” Dash said. Leading Soul down the hallway. “Bathroom is here” Dash pointed out the open door they passed and leaving on to the stairs. “I can’t wait to show you my room. Do you have anywhere you want to sleep, exactly?” Soul took a while to answer her. Almost able to feel the bashfulness in her while they flew up the stairs. Into the hallway. “I can use the guest bedroom” Soul said.

9.13
No way! Dash wouldn’t let her sleep in no guest bedroom, mostly because… “Guest bedroom is off limits. Mom and dad don’t want anypony going in there. Not even I’m allowed in there.”

Really weird how they banned me from going in there. Dash always did try to get in that room the two of them passed, but it was always locked and the windows’ curtains sealed. They did a good job on hiding it. Probably some weird stuff in there. “And you’re not sleeping in their room.”

“I can take the couch?” Soul asked.

“No! Dummy.” Dash turned around and hovered with Soul, not going to allow her to downgrade herself. “You’re sleeping in my room tonight. I got lots of room in there.” “You don’t need to do that for me” Soul humbly said. The filly sifting her forehooves in front of her grinning face. No need to deny it, Dash could see Soul liked the idea. “It’s no problem. You’re my best friend, you’re totally welcome in my room all night.” I wouldn’t have it any other way after all you did for me.

“Well, if you’re sure” Soul said and Dash brought her onwards over to where her door left wide open and Windy stepped out from there. A little out of breath. “I got the mattress all set up. Nice and soft, I made sure to put it right next to Dashie’s bed.” “Mom…” Dash muttered. “You two get to sleep next to each other, such good friends.”

Windy laughed and flew past them both. Making Dash growl. “Stop doing that!” she yelled after the mare, and making Soul laugh next to her. It’s not like I asked for that. Well… looked like Soul had no problem with it. I don’t either. Dash smiled away from Soul. “Come on.”

9.14
Dash left the door open for Soul, letting her walk in first. More than happy to show off all the hard work she did on setting her room up for a guest. Where she did find the big mattress left out right next to where Dash’s bed rose high over it, and Windy even put another blanket on top of it. Side by side with Dash’s bed. Soul’s stuff was sitting on top of the mattress.

The filly stepped in in front of Dash. That wide-eyed look on her now and really struck just as Dash always was with how beautiful her room was. “Dashie… do you have enough of an awesome room?”

“Do you like it?” Dash watched her with much anticipation. Soul really did get an eyeful in here. Where the rainbow lighting shone deep across her magenta fur and reflecting off the silver tips of her mane and tail. Soul rushed right in, throwing herself atop the mattress where she just let her saddlebags fall off and she laid out on her back. Sighing pleasantly while she looked around. “You think you have enough stickers in here?” she asked. Dash closed the door. Not enough, there was never enough. “Nope.”

I actually want to put some Wonderbolts stickers on my bed sometime. Her room was good enough as was for a guest, and Soul seemed to like it. “I get to sleep in here with you?” The filly couldn’t stop gazing at all that Dash had set up in here, staring at the basketball hoop set upon the wall and she smiled. As long as she’s my friend, my room is her room. Anytime she wants to sleep over again. I’m so glad she gets to do this with me. This day is so much better than what I thought it would be.

9.15
“Make yourself comfortable” Dash said, coming over to join Soul on the mattress. Plopping herself down on her belly while Soul laid on her back. Both finally getting the rest they needed. “My room is yours.” “I don’t know what to say” Soul said. She stared up at those stars on the ceiling. But she was kind of making Dash flush a little. I really love having her around, and complimenting my room.

“I spent all day cleaning it for you. Hope you do like it” Dash said. That made Soul sit up. Staring down at the cyan filly. “You didn’t have to.” “I wanted to” Rainbow fought back. “Stop your worrying.” She quickly put her hooves up and around Soul just to pull her to lay back down.

Get a load off. We’re here to have fun, don’t worry about what I did. Glad to see that Soul did let it go and willingly laid herself back down. Exhaling so hard. “I tell you, I had a long day” Soul said. So did I. But… “Did you still manage to do something for Hearth’s Warming Eve with your folks?” That made Soul smile. Deeply. Right there saying she must have had a good time. “I ran around all morning getting ready, but we did manage to do a little celebration before… we all hang out tomorrow.” Soul winked to her. That means… “They’re okay with us all going?!” “On one condition” Soul said.

“They get to come with me.”

“Yes!” I knew they would agree. It’s just too good a time for them to say no. Dash couldn’t say she was surprised, just so happy that this plan, months in the making, was going to happen tomorrow. Everypony was on board with it. So that is what makes it complete. That was what let Dash lay back with the most happiness she had felt in a while. These days really will be the best. All of us together at the Canterlot stadium just as Dash had dreamed of. Tomorrow would not be able to come by any sooner. “So they will be coming too, for sure?” “Yup” Soul confirmed. “All of us will be leaving together tomorrow. They’re gonna come by in the morning for it.”

9.16
My parents will be ready. They were ready for a while now. All we needed was this. She’s coming along! “Hearth’s Warming and then Wonderbolts!”

Dash wanted it all to happen now. The filly hardly able to contain herself. Best Hearth’s Warming ever! “You still didn’t tell me if you all did anything today.” “Oh yeah” Soul said. She turned herself, laying on her side. “I did get a present today, but I get to wait till tomorrow for the rest. And we get to have our own feast tomorrow.”

“What did they get you?” Soul sort of got a little hesitant right there. Looking around as if searching for something. But no, she was embarrassed. Why? I’m all ears, she has nothing to fear from me. Dash even turned herself over and crossed her hooves eager to hear what it was she got. “You really wanna know?” Soul asked and got a nod in response. “Okay. They got me a scrapbook. Kind of weird, right?”

Actually no, maybe Dash should show her. She did eye over to her bookshelf amid all the Wonderbolts novels and manuscripts over there. “I got one myself” Dash admitted. Something that did catch Soul’s eye, but she kept going. “Well the one they got me was meant for something else. They want me to… sort of make a collection of…” “A collection of what?”

“Of pictures of my friends… and me” Soul finished.

That wasn’t weird at all. Dash thought it sounded kind of cool and already wanted to give her ideas. “We should totally fill it with pics of us. Like everything we do together.” Maybe one day, that book can have more photos of us doing all we dream of. Looking down at her hooves and imagining that blue uniform on her with bolts running along the hoof lines, and over to Soul with her having the same. Like when we graduate. Just like every other Wonderbolt who gets their photo put up for all to see when they graduate. What will ours look like? Would it go on a wall… or can we have it in our own book? I’d love to have it together. Both of us standing side by side. “Like when we become Wonderbolts” Dash whispered. “You really think you and I can become Wonderbolts together?” Soul asked.

The thing was that there was no doubt that they would. We have done so well together, I only want to stick with her and both of us can accomplish it in the end. “It’s kind of a big change for me” Soul said. “Like… us performing for others. I really wonder if the princesses would like me as one. If I can be one.” Dash stood up. Alright, enough of that.

“I want to show you something.”

9.17
Rainbow stepped over to the bookshelf, goading Soul to follow her over for them both to stand in front of it all and Soul could see with her own eyes just how serious Dash was about this. With all the dozens of novel sized books stacked all across those shelves, all with the same lightning symbol on the spines. But there was one in particular. Hidden in between two of those books that she kept well-guarded for none to see. Until now, because Soul was somepony she could trust.

A little memento Dash used to remind herself of what it was she wanted whenever she doubted herself. Now, Soul could see it. Use it. She made the decision to become one with me, maybe she should see just what it was like to be so devoted.

The magenta filly so wowed by all the books stacked in front of her. Like it was a surprise. “I do have tons of flight training books myself” Dash said. Stuff she never allowed others to see. Much less this. For certain reasons. She still managed to suck up her fears for this pony who had done so much for her. Reaching up and pushing one book aside to reveal what it hid. “I got a certain something, but… it’s kinda full now.”

Dash pulled it down and showed it to her. Showed it to be exactly what Soul had. With that one solitary rainbow sticker pressed on to the front cover. Nopony would ever know what it was until it was opened, and showed to Soul what it was that Dash had kept in it for many years. All these things that have been collected. Yet she felt no embarrassment of seeing that there was another pony in front of her looking over the pages that Dash flipped through. Joining her in looking down at it. “These are all the pictures that have been taken since I made my decision. All part of my parents’ support of me. They’re things I look at whenever I get down about myself. Gets me right back up to going for what I want.” Like the picture of the cyan filly on her first day to stand before the sets of cloud rings that mom had set up for her. Right next to the one of that same filly sitting between the two ponies who loved her. They took that right after I finished the course for the first time. I did a good job not showing my wings did hurt. The very first time I finished such a hard course after so many failures.

Then the next page, such a goofy photo. Mom riding on top of that cyan filly and all the sweat on that filly’s face. So much effort in her face to carry her along with only her wings. I can’t believe how much she weighs. Mom looks so small and thin but she weighs a ton. Could barely make it ten seconds like that. Or the one of mom guiding the filly through the clouds. Holding hooves and showing her that right way to determine which directions were safe inside an active cloud. Then the one of a proud Bow flying next to her when that filly made her first ever bolt of lightning shoot out of a cloud. Mom was lucky to get the bolt right as it happened. It took a lot of tries to kick that thing out of the cloud.

9.18
More and more pages. Like a trip through the past as it was every time Dash looked through it. That filly flying so fast and happy through any course or obstacle she was given and all of it put right here on these pages. The success in her face whenever she pulled it off, forever caught here. From the first page when it all started, to the later pages as time went on and she became something far more than that young filly fresh out of her foal years aspiring to wear the uniform.

“Awww…” Soul commented over one, one that made Dash have to turn away and smile. A little shaken by Soul seeing that picture. One of her dressed up. The one time when Dash felt she truly had reached her goal. Or what it would be like. Nope, just a filly wearing a Wonderbolts uniform on a trip to one of the shows. But she still closed the book.

“I got my own, maybe we should have our own book together. And, for the last page, let’s put a pic of you and I… graduating as Wonderbolts.” “You really want to start one with me?” Soul asked. “Of course. It will be the best one ever. Full of all the stuff we do to be Wonderbolts together. You and I.” Dash pushed her hoof against Soul’s chest. A light tap. Reassuring her. Soul looked down. Much more happy than before. “Our own memories, huh? I’d really like that. I never did think about being a Wonderbolt much before. Until I met you, you converted me.” “Yeah I did, welcome to the dark side” Dash said.

“You get to do something for me, though” Soul said. “Really? What is it?” Just from Soul’s look, looked to be serious.

9.19
“You remember my dream?” Dash did. Clearly. Something so insane sounding but it might just work with how good Soul was. Now that she knew just what she could do. “You want to inspire all ponies. Be the best of all.” “Really something to show others that… no matter what, you can still be something great. That nothing can hold you back if you try.”

Just like you, Soul. You really have come a long way. Hate to say it, but you rubbed off on me. Coming from what she was when Dash learned all about her and turning into this pony who had so much life in her and so much happiness and hope. She came to think that it can be possible for it all.

“What do you think?” Soul asked her. “Do you think Luna will come back soon?” What? That was something. Dash never expected her to ask something like that.

She really wasn’t one to know that. But, Soul… what was going on in that head of hers? How serious she looked all of a sudden. Like she wanted no jokes and wasn’t joking. She really did want to know. But Dash stayed quiet. Trying to figure it out. “It may take us a while before we become Wonderbolts” Soul said. “We’ll both be mares by then. Do you think she will be back when we get to that?” Banished for a thousand years. Always reminded by that image of a mare in the sky whenever the Moon was up there. The image of that pony long gone. For so, so long. How long has it been? Is it close? Dash was not sure, but Soul… she really was something different over this. It threw Dash off. This sense of optimism in the air.

9.20
“I don’t know” Rainbow said. “It’s been so long, but… is it weird to think she may be back by the time we grow up?” Honestly, I kind of hope she will be back. The same beautiful and loving princess she had heard of… before it all happened.

I really do want her back, so I can know how she is. So I don’t need to rely on pictures to see what she looks like. For all ponies to know her by seeing her with their own two eyes. “I feel for her” Soul said suddenly. Turning Dash away from her thoughts. Into the silence of the air between them both, to where even the wind outside died off.

“Even if I never knew her, I feel for a pony who has not known happiness. It must be terrible for her. To be alone for so long… a thousand years.” What? A shimmer in Soul’s eye. So small and tiny.

“She only has what was left with her. That ponies don’t like her. That she is hated. And having to be up there for so long thinking that. I hate to say… I think I know what she feels like. I feel so bad for anypony who does.”

Like it shifted the reds and yellows in her eyes. A tiny flicker… Dash saw it and… she felt sad. So short. Like it entranced her. Pulling her head back a little and finding that Soul was staring at her. With those churning, bleeding colors… all etched in her mind. Deep in those eyes fresh in her mind. Why? Why did it hurt? My heart… it’s racing. Then it calmed.

Soul… Dash stared at her. Nothing. No feeling. What was that? What was that feeling I got from looking at her eyes?

9.21
“…You okay, Soul?” Am I even okay? Why was I so weird for that? Is it normal… for Soul to talk like that? For me to feel that way? But… alone for so long… with only the thought that you are hated. I hate to say… I never felt that.

Rainbow, she always had her parents there to love her. Encourage her. But, Soul. Soul was a pony she understood to feel that way. No wonder she feels for Luna. After all you went through. Pain worse than what I could say I went through. Yet she was still here. …With a happy feeling in her vibrant eyes once more. How lonely you must have felt. For so long. Worse than me. Dash only wanted to comfort her. After that horrible feeling. So short. So horrible.

“I’m fine, I just… really wonder if you wanted to do something with me” Soul said. “What is it?” “But first, you must promise me something.” The filly stepped close to Dash. “Promise me, we will be friends… until the day we pull this off together. Longer than that.” Like forever? Dash wanted that. She really did. But Soul, she looked… afraid. All of a sudden. Such fear in her. Does Soul think we won’t be? Should I be afraid we won’t be? “I promise” Dash said. Sincere in it. No matter what, you’ll always be my friend. I’ll always come back to you. “Then… I was wondering if you wanted to do something with me” Soul went on.

“I want to perform for the princesses. Both of them. I want both of them to see that nothing can hold you back from what you really want. If I get so good, beyond anypony else. Enough to pull off things that I dream of, and both of them can see it. I… want you to do it with me.” “You want me to perform with you for them?” “However long it takes, even if we need to be Wonderbolts for it. Just something for when Luna comes back. I want to do it with my best friend.” Dash didn’t know what to say. This was what Soul had told her months ago. Her dream. She wanted to include Dash in it.

9.22
Soul, I know you are afraid. You worry that we won’t be friends. But I know we will. I am so honored you want me to join you. Whatever it takes. For both of us to give it our all. Together. Rainbow grinned. She will prove to Soul it will happen. Nothing can get in the way of when they could both achieve those goals together. No matter how long it takes. But, tonight… Dash would show her that they will be friends forever. She had ideas for it. Tonight. After dinner, for sure. Soul… I’ll do something for you. Something big. For now… “I will. I even got an idea, you got a portrait up in your house.”

Dash remembered it and it was always such a beautiful thing. The perfect way for them to perform for the princesses whenever the time comes. She wanted to hope for it to be what she envisioned it. Something to give Soul hope. Something so perfect. “When we grow up, you and I… we need to enter the Best Young Flyers’ competition.”

That perked up Soul’s ears. Dash’s too when they both heard Windy call out “Girls! Dinner is ready!”

The feast can wait. This is our time. Right now. One moment. Dash held Soul back, not letting her leave. Because she was serious about this. Let’s do this together. “The princesses always attended it to see us pegasi show our stuff. How about you and I just forget the competition, we can enter it… and we can do a performance. In front of all of Equestria. In front of the princesses. When Celestia and Luna will be there.”

“You’re serious?” Soul whispered. “The Best Young Flyers’ competition?” She placed a hoof to her lips. Amazed over it.

Only the most prestigious event for pegasi willing to show what it was they could do. Both of them together for it. Just like that portrait, when we can be a part of that. The princesses standing above all the others in the crowd and see the two pegasi who would prove to all just what could be done when you give your all. All the training we’ll have to go through. It will still be worth it. Under this roof, in this room, together. To make a promise. Dash and Soul placed their hooves together. Smiling to one another. It can be the show of that friendship, when they would show it to Equestria. Just how great they were together. Just what they can help the other accomplish. Whatever that accomplishment will be. “Deal” Soul said. “Then we will fly together for them. I promise” Dash accepted.
Dash let Soul go first, heading out the door. But she looked back… feeling the fur on the back of her neck stand. That one little glimmer of it. Of something. What was that feeling? So heavy. To make her fear. Like those eyes still stood there, watching her. Somepony else there. She couldn’t stare. Looking back to watch the magenta filly walk off to the smell of food. Dash stayed put. For just a second. Friends forever.

9.23
“Hope you two are hungry” Windy mentioned right as Dash came in behind Soul to see the table was all set. Spread out with that golden laced mat that mom liked to use for special occasions and the sets of candles all lit in the middle of it all. Those candles were surrounded by what smelled so good. All the dishes set out. Stacked to the top with food, more than what could even be finished by four ponies. Looked more like enough to last a whole week for a family. She hadn’t even seen what it was that her dad was making, but now Dash saw that he did go overboard. Like always. Soul didn’t seem to mind. She went right off.

“You really didn’t have to make dinner for me too. I could’ve made something for me.” “Oh don’t be silly” Bow said from across the table, he waved his hoof over the spread he had made. Stacks of fried greens and char-grilled vegetables with the hay burgers filled full of all that he could have stuffed into them. Salads and plates of fruits. Bowls of fruits as well topped in whipped cream. Hard to tell who would get what.

Rainbow already eyed the carrots and peppers grilled along the skewers in a shish kebab with steam still coming off the blackened crisps along those carrots. Made her mouth already water. “You’re a guest and it’s only right for us to feed you. Now sit down and fill your bellies” Bow said with enthusiasm and expectation. That’s right, Soul. The magenta Pegasus looked back at her and Dash nodded her head to a chair. Letting her know it was okay. This is meant to be a Hearth’s Warming Eve for us so she gets to enjoy my family’s cooking.

9.24
Soul went ahead and climbed up on to her seat, right next to the open one that Dash had hoped for. For her to also climb up on to and sit next to her. Side by side, with only the flickering candles between them and the seats where mom and dad would be. Where all the food was. Now Soul was the one who leaned forward, licking her lips. Scanning across all that they had.

I know I’m gonna pig out. Dash didn’t even bother with the napkin mom left for her. She never was one for wearing that thing. It all made her rub her forehooves together in anticipation. “Mom, what am I allowed to have?” “Whatever you want” Windy said, taking her place at her seat. “Just keep away from those strawberries, those are for Soul.” She pointed out a bowl filled with them and drowned in whipped cream. “And Soul.” Getting the filly’s attention before she could reach her hoof out and grab at whatever. “Leave those caramel apples for Dashie.”

What?! Dash looked over and found the bowl of them sitting behind Soul’s strawberries. Oh sweet, they made those for me! “Okay!” Soul said and then she glanced over to Dash. Seeing the filly wink at her.

No, no. You’re not taking my apples. Dash almost threw herself over to grab at them and… found herself laying atop the table with hooves around the bowl and Soul laughing right over her. Giving her that look. A look saying she never planned on taking them. “Dashie, try not to make a mess this time” Windy said. “I don’t make messes” Dash said, getting back up with her bowl. Don’t tell Soul about that. Damn it, she glared at the snickering filly. Were you just wanting me to be an idiot right there? Looked like it since Soul was careful in picking out her food. Ugh…

9.25
Dash rolled her eyes and brought over what she wanted. Including those delicious looking carrots skewered in the sticks. Holding one in front of her between both hooves made her eyes shimmer. She could just collapse right now from the overwhelming excitement she had, enough to make her giggle. I’ll just have one burger… while Soul was over there with… three on her plate. Taking the ones stuffed with hay too. She must be hungry. Had a ton of vegetables with her as well. Till every bit of her plate was filled and the filly looked down at it all.

“Wow, this all looks amazing” Soul commented. “It does…” Dash sighed without realizing she was drooling over the steaming carrots she held before her. “Aww I hope you both enjoy it, eat all you want” Bow said. The stallion put both of them to shame with how stuffed his plate was. “Thank you!” Dash said, and she heard that Soul said the same thing with her. Both of them looking at one another and smiling. Before Dash chomped away at her shish kebab. So good. It’s been a bit since I last had grilled carrots. The peppers are okay too. But she more preferred to go at the carrots instead. Taking her sweet time going through that all and finding just a stick left in her hooves. Eating fast was always something she did with this stuff but… somepony else put her to shame when she looked over at Soul and found that she was on not her first, but her second burger. Practically inhaling it and leaving Dash stunned. Is it really that good? I rarely see her eat like that, and all the noise she was making.

“It’s so good!” Soul said. “You know it is, I need more of this” Dash said and grabbed hold of another shish kebab. There had to be a dozen of them and Dash had every intention to eat them all.

9.26
Windy laughed across the table in the middle of her own food. “I thought Dashie would be the only one who eats like that.”

“Really?” Dash said, glancing over at her. “I don’t eat that bad.” Throwing aside her second empty stick. “Soul’s got me beat.” The only thing I will be willing to give to her. As long as she knows I will always be the faster one. At least… not at eating. “Sorry” Soul said. “It’s just so good. I can’t believe you all made so much for me. You really didn’t need to.” “Ah, Soul. You should hang with us more often on holidays” Dash said. “You’ll get to eat all you want. Dad is a beast at cooking.” “You know, I made those carrots” Windy said, raising an eyebrow with Bow goofily laughing next to her. Trying his best to not get involved. “Oh… well they’re awesome!” Calm down, mom, you’re a good cook too.

Windy was quick to drop it. “You know, Soul, after all that Dashie said about you, you are always welcome to join us for holidays. We’d love to have you with us at our feasts. Anything worth celebrating.”

“When you two become Wonderbolts, I’ll even make a feast for that” Bow chimed in. That’s’ right. You’re a part of our family now, Soul. Dash was always proud to think that. Best wingpony always has a spot with us. “You’re actually wanting to cook for me?” Soul said, and then her eyes lit up with a big and white smile growing wide.

9.27
“Mom and dad always make me food like this whenever I do amazing on my training” Dash said. Their own little way of rewarding her. For all her efforts that she had put in for years now. “If they want to cook for you, it means something big.”

Plus, any excuse to be able to have Soul over here was fine with Dash. Even more sleep overs. “Wow…” Soul calmed down. Looking back at all the steaming vegetables covered in sauce she had on her plate. “I get to celebrate with you guys?” “Of course” Dash answered. Mom and dad know everything about how I feel about this filly, there’s no way they would be against having her. Sometimes, they even did act like she was more than a guest. Because they really do appreciate all she has done. All we will do. We’re gonna kick ass together, and they know it. It made Soul laugh.

“Wow, I’m not used to this kind of treatment. I rarely get to enjoy feasts or have anything like this on holidays.” “You mean your folks never did stuff like this for you?” Windy shot out there with quite a bit of sudden worry in her voice. Even Dash rose an ear to that. That didn’t sound right to her. Or… are you talking about something else, Soul? “Oh, Nimbus and Starry do things like this for me. We do, it’s just… I never got to do it with friends before. Or anything that felt like a party.” Now that sounded very familiar, even Windy shot Dash a glance. One that she caught. Well that’s not the case anymore. Because now, her and I are together as best friends. “But…”

9.28
That broke everypony to look back at Soul and see how she frowned down at her food. Wait, I’ve seen that face on her before.

“Even with Nimbus and Starry… it never did feel like this. I’m actually happy to celebrate. Instead of being… jealous.” “Jealous of what?” Windy asked. Dash raised her eyebrow. Jealous? “I always did want to have a celebration like this” Soul said. Oh. No. Dash saw mom was about to say something more. Waving her hoof at her to shut it, and Windy held back. Sadly sitting against her chair and staring at Soul instead.

You’re talking about… what you told to me long ago. Nimbus and Starry aren’t enough. You… Soul Serenity, you want a family. Something you never got. I really wish I could understand it. Dash looked around at what she had. Her mom and dad sitting across from her. The ponies who loved her deeply and always held her and kissed her. Let… let her sleep with them. As far back as she could remember. The only ponies who had been with her for life. You want that. You want ponies who can give you what I got. Like back when you admitted it to me. How Soul looked so broken saying… saying she never knew her parents. Never got to know that love. That of a pony who will always be there to love you and support you. The ones who kiss me one my forehead at night and tell me the words I love to hear. Those three words.

9.29
Dash felt so bad over it. She never will get to know what I had. Will she? I don’t know. Can there be a pony out there who can do that for her? Can I do that? Can we?

Her family was the one who embraced Soul with open hooves. For the first time, letting her be here in their home and treat her as family. Getting to all eat together and sleep together in the end. I want her to be happy. Damn, I really hope what I have planned can cheer her up.

“Soul, you know you’re always welcome over here with us” Dash said to break the silence. “We’d love to celebrate things with you and make you feel like a member of our house. Tonight, you’re a part of us.” Soul sighed and turned to her. “I don’t want to be a burden.” “You’re no burden!” Windy said. “Soul” Bow finally spoke in on it. “Dash never told us anything about your birthday, Windy and I were thinking on us all joining with you to celebrate it.”

That… that made Dash feel stupid. I never asked her! She’s the same age as me so I should know when she will be turning ten as well. Damn, this fall was hard on me. Dash shook off her inner embarrassment. “Yeah, when is your birthday, by the way?”

Soul paused. Looked surprised to be asked that. Seeing them all expecting her to answer. They all wanted her to.

“It’s April tenth.” Four months away. “No way!” Dash said. “We’re so close to one another. Mine is in February!” So that meant Dash would be turning ten before Soul. It felt good to know she was the older one. Especially since she knew for a fact both of them were almost completely equal in skill. Almost. Not much of a gap now. “Dad, can she come over for my birthday?” “That’s up to her, sweetie.”

9.30
“I’d love to come” Soul said. Sweet! We already got things we get to do together. “We can have a huge feast again and play all day long and open presents. Then we get to do the same for your birthday.” “You want to celebrate mine?” Soul asked. “Yeah!” Dash couldn’t believe she asked that. The whole family was on board with that idea, mom and dad nodded with her. Letting Soul know that they will be there for her whenever she wanted. Soul’s birthday was worth celebrating for them, and looked like Soul knew that with how she was quick to smiling so wide and a tear came to her eye. “Oh…” she wiped it away. “You guys are the best.”

After all she did for me, anything for her. Dash was always going to be the pony who would be there to support her and make her feel better. Always be there to have fun with her. Starting today. First, Hearth’s Warming. Next, every other holiday and moment. Dash wanted them to give her that love she wanted. I want to do it for her. Tonight.

Dash smiled. Going back to eating her food. Listening to Soul give off a few little whimpers under her breath that her ears caught and she too went back to eating. Mom going on to ask Soul if the bed she set up was comfy for Soul and asking about how her day had been before coming over. Dash was happy that Soul told her everything that she had told Dash. Including the scrapbook. The one we plan to do together. Oh, wow these apples are good. Rainbow devoured them all. Happy to feel her belly was satisfied now… even if Soul had finished long before she did. That filly still had a lot of food all over her face which Soul licked off. But she was still glad that Soul had cheered up. She had a lot to look forward to now. We’re both best friends and we get to have so much fun forever.

9.31
“That was so good” Dash told her parents. She licked her plate clean. “Thank you!” “No problem, sweetheart!” Windy said with Bow. Both of them so happy to hear her say that to them. “Thank you too” Soul also said. “It was great!” “We loved having you two” Windy said. “Thank you for choosing us today.” Waving while both fillies got down from their seats, and Dash shook her head. Since when did we become a restaurant?

“Dashie, we expect a tip later. One hug” Windy mentioned. Ignore that she just said something like that at the worst time she could. I can trust Soul; the magenta filly didn’t seem to care. “Okay, mom” Rainbow agreed.

“How about you two run along and play?” Bow said. “We can clean up.” “Yes!” Dash reached out and grabbed hold of Soul’s leg. “Let’s go outside.” “Alright, if we’re allowed to?” Soul said and looked back at mom and dad. “Go on” Bow said, waving his hoof to them. I would normally help them clean but they both seemed to know this was my day to give Soul a good time here. We can go outside, maybe it hasn’t gotten too bad out there and we can find something to do. Yeah, we need something to do now that dinner is done. Something that would show Soul just how much they all wanted to include her, and mom and dad knew that very well. Dash pushing Soul along, but she gave them a look that they knew what it meant. Both of them nodding as a way of saying that they’ll let her know.

“Come on, I got something to show you” Dash said back to Soul, just to get her mind off things. At least until Hearth’s Warming Eve actually got underway. It made Dash give a mischievous grin behind Soul’s back.

9.32
She guided her over to the sealed doors to the deck, both double doors covered over in the windy patterned curtains draped over them. “What is it?” “Something you’ll have a lot of fun with. I bet you’ll love it.”

Rainbow leapt in front of her, eager to take the lead. But when she pulled open the door and revealed what it was beyond those curtains, that is when both their manes flapped wildly for an instant and Dash felt the chilling air of winter come over her. Take her and give her chills all down her spine and to her hooves and wings. Right as a burst of snow also came in through the doors and settled onto the floor before it melted in to join with the cloudy build of the house. It was… just a little cold.

Dash opened her eyes and shook it off. Finding that Soul was not at all held back by it but she did shiver for a moment, looking at Rainbow and giggling a little about it. Good enough for her. Come on. Dash stepped out over the threshold. Onwards atop where the wooden deck would have been. Now her hooves crunching down upon sheets of snow. So much worse than earlier. Like it all got so bad just over dinner. But out here in the open, with no walls to protect her from the cold or the weather, Dash still felt like there was nothing to worry about. That this was something she could handle since she had done it before. Many times. Happy to find that Soul followed her out.

9.33
She saw too it was nothing like when she arrived. Winter really has come to Cloudsdale now with all the perfectly placed clouds of grey all set up in layers above the flying city where they dumped all their waves of white sparkles across the cityscape. Lining the great spires far out in the distance in white laces that reached down to the bottom and disappearing inside of that thick snowfall that already was making a fresh and thin layer of snow pop up on Dash’s muzzle for her to lick off. Not much she could do for the rest of her body with all this snow coming down around them and dumping along her back.

“Wow, it really picked up.” “Is this your backyard?” Soul said next to her, not even phased by it all. More focused on what it was that Dash wanted her to see. Even inside of the grey and hazy sky of heavy snowfall, they could still look out and see the vast field reaching far out into the distance, far beyond where the fences and houses reached out to. But it was still there. A field of clouds spanning far out. “It all is” Dash confirmed.

Everything outside of the yards of the neighbors to their sides, that big and open plain that Dash got to see every day. That was all theirs and Rainbow was rather proud of it. Not nearly as big as what Soul had. No way. They got to have an entire damn countryside to themselves between them and the factories. This was just a stretch of clouds heading off to where the cloud towers rose and the center of the great city reached out towards them all. “Actually everything out there is ours.” “Everything?” Soul asked.

“What about the…?” “That’s what I wanted to show you” Dash said. Proudly directing Soul to what it was they had out there for all the neighborhood to be envious about since no other house around here had a setup like this. Didn’t look like much at first, but Soul got it just as Rainbow expected her to.

9.34
“Wait… those are all for you?” Dash nodded to her. All that. That being the scene that could rival even the scene at the flight camp. Everything the camp had to work with, like it all had been moved here. A spectacle that any aspiring Pegasus would kill to have. While Dash, Dash was so lucky to have a hold of it all for her to use every day.

A vast maze of clouds thickly packed all around the sky over the field. As low to the ground as they could go and as high up as where those white clouds met the snowy, grey ones. Just looked like a jumble of clouds until you saw how they were set up. “This is what I train with every day” Dash said. “And I wanna know if you want to fly in it. My treat.”

I know she would want to. Out there in that snowfall, flying through the jumble of clouds that was actually one hell of an obstacle course. Hoof made by dad himself with everything he was allowed to take back from the factory and shaped into this display that Dash got to test herself on all the time. Just like it was a course at camp. Spread out in so many thin lanes that allowed for so little room to maneuver and required you to fly with precision between checkpoints or tumble from a collision like Dash had done a lot. Where the hoops that you needed to fly through got smaller and smaller till your wings couldn’t even fit through them. Even her small wings. Needing to time her flaps perfectly for those. In better weather, the thunderheads dad put out would shoot lightning that you need to dodge as well. Crisscrossing over and over in an upwards spiral along the wide pillar that this course made up. With so many end points all leading to many more courses that got even windier and trickier, and the checkpoints became few and far between. So much so that Rainbow had gotten lost in side of those clouds many times before. Needing mom to come get her out of it. But that was all just for speed and agility tests.

9.35
Mom and dad assured Dash that they would be able to set up harder stuff as time went on and she grew up more. Anything to help guide her along her path to reaching that end goal. But she had this for now. Each night, training in warm up exercises and stretches before doing short dashes and stunts around in the open air. Then moving on to agility training inside of that thunderous course of endless clouds where one mistake would lead to her plummeting out of it and either recover herself with her own wings or a speedy rescue from mom. Each time. To the point where Dash was no longer as afraid as she was first time seeing it. Now that she knew she could rely on her mom to help her. Making her sigh.

The path to a Wonderbolt isn’t easy at all. Wonder if all pegasi who want to become one go through stuff like this. As far as she knew, Soul didn’t have a private course like this. That was why she wanted to do this.

“From now on, you’re welcome to use my course whenever you want. Even right now.” Give us a little something to do while we wait, which made Dash nod at her with a big grin as if telling her to go ahead. But Soul was more fixated on staring at it all. “I never even realized that belonged to you. Just looked like a mess whenever I saw it. That thing is your obstacle course?” “Damn right, it is” Dash said. But Soul gave her a glance.

“And how did you get it?” “Dad… got it for me for my seventh birthday” Dash admitted. “Being a factory worker has its perks.” Smiling with a squee.

9.36
Soul arced her brow. “You really get insane presents.” Dash hated to admit it, “Yes…” though she never asked for them. Mom and dad are just really involved in helping me. Not just cheering and comforting me. Training me to the best of their ability. Quite an ability. Sometimes, even mom scares me with how good she secretly is.

“Wonder what they’ll get you in two months” Soul said. Unfortunately, they weren’t masters of subtlety. “I… already know. They want to get me a mock Wonderbolts uniform.” “Like the one in that pic? Oh… you’re gonna look so adorable” Soul said. “Shut up” Dash looked away from her. “I hope I get to see you in that at your birthday” Soul said.

Sweet Celestia, she probably will. A picture was one thing, I’ll be wearing one in front of her. Why am I so embarrassed about that? Better yet, why didn’t she care? More focused on what it was that Soul was saying. What she meant.

“So… you really do want to come to my birthday party?” Dash asked her. Right when another breeze came over both of them. Chilling her fur. “Only if you want me to come” Soul answered. “Of course I do, and I want to come to your party too.” We meant what we said and that seemed to warm Soul’s heart over there. We are best friends and wingponies so that means we get to enjoy one another’s birthdays. Something… I never got to do. Soul, I can’t wait to tell you… but when it comes, she will be the first friend of mine to ever come to my birthday. Soul sounded sincere in wanting to go. She was welcome any time over here, anything to show her that she is a part of us.

9.37
Soul laughed. “A few more months, but we get to go through winter first.” The filly brushed snow off her back with a swipe of her huge wings. “Deal with it, it’s just a little cold” Dash said. Finding that a lot of snow also built up on her and had to be kicked off. “Oh yeah? How about we both fly through the course then? You and I.”

“No prob…” Dash paused when she saw Soul begin to laugh at her. “What?!” “You think I’m serious?” Soul asked.

Why not? Dash saw no problem in it. Even if the course had thin lanes, we could still find a way to fly through it. Keeping Soul behind her to stare at her butt the whole time and eat her dust for one. Dash actually did step up to the challenge. “I’ll fly.” “I’m not sure if I will” Soul said. Oh come on! Why is she so afraid now, it’s just a… Dash looked back up and… and then she realized it. Oh. “I don’t know about you” Soul said. “But… that’s a bit of a blizzard coming down.” She’s right. Could hardly see the course now, like it was getting worse by the minute.

Dash actually looked back at her and giggled over it. Oops. Hope she doesn’t think I’m stupid or something. But… “You sure you don’t want to try?” “Maybe we can go inside and hang in your room… where it’s warm” Soul said with a shiver. “I… actually haven’t been keeping up with perfecting our little ‘move.’ I don’t know if I can try flying through a blizzard.” Really? She hasn’t perfected it. But I thought she would be training in it a lot more than me. A lot more so that she would be the one to get there first… before me, since I sure am having a hard time with it. “Yeah, I haven’t either” Dash admitted.

9.38
“Okay, let’s go inside” Dash agreed. She opened the door back up for Soul to go in before her. Back into that warm and calm house that felt so lovely the instant they stepped in. Making Dash sigh. Quickly shutting the snow away from her behind her.

“Where was your bathroom again?” Soul asked. The filly heading off ahead of her into the living room to look around. “First door on the right, down the hallway.” “Thanks! I’ll be right back!” Soul rushed off on her wings and left a gust of wind to blow the curtains along the windows. Take your time. Dash looked to the floor. I hope she’s having a good time. Ugh, I’ve never done this before.

She heard the clang of plates and dishes to her right where dad was cleaning all of them in the kitchen. Taking his time to look over his shoulder and find her standing there. “Weather looks pretty bad right now” he mentioned. We noticed. The Canterlot valleys were getting their first real blizzard in a long time. We’re just in the middle of it with the Pegasus city floating over the fields and towns of the valleys. Too much for little fillies to fly in right now. Just to give one hell of a snow for the holiday. “Yeah” Dash said but her mind wandered off to Soul.

“I hope she’s having fun.” “Are you kidding? You’re an awesome host, Dashie. If she wasn’t having fun, I don’t think she’d be smiling as much as she has been.” “Hope you’re right, I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“Dashie, she’s your best friend. Just treat her like you would any other time. You’ve been doing a wonderful job” Bow said. Rainbow believed him. Though she looked out to the living room and frowned. Hoping that things will change as the night would roll in. Soul, I’m so glad you get to sleep over. I got a special, extra special present for you. Something I want to ask you. Maybe it will help her see that she is a part of my family. Right as she heard a knock on the door.

“I’ll get it” Dash said and walked off to it. Good, right on time. I’ll show you that I’ll do anything for you, Soul.

9.39
Does Dash have a big enough bathroom? This house looks a lot smaller on the outside, but it’s like a mansion.

Soul really could tell that Windy and Bow loved their daughter so much, enough to make this whole place almost themed after her and her goals. But that rainbow striped curtain around the bath was cute either way.

She left the door shut behind her. Taking her time to look back over to where the stairs were and about to head over there before she heard ponies talking that let her know Dash was still back in the living room. A lot of ponies talking, for one. Which made Soul pause for a moment. Confused. She did think it may just be her parents talking at the end of the hallways but her ears recognized it, that’s not them.

Was Dash expecting company? She never said anything about it. A little worrying. Soul wasn’t sure if she should go and see or just go to wait in Dash’s room. What with the sounds of voices she wasn’t sure about over there, plenty of them… alongside Dash talking. Greeting them or something. Talking about the day and Hearth’s Warming. Along with a small draft coming in down the hall. That did make her hooves go on their own, Soul walking off towards where she heard them. Keeping to the wall, she was cautious, not sure if it was right of her to intrude but so curious to know who was here. Sounded like… other kids?

“Thanks for inviting us over, Dash.” Wait, but she never told me about something like this. What’s going on here?

9.40
Soul edged in to the corner of the hall, giving a little peek around the corner to see. Where nopony could see her, while Dash was busy there with her tail to Soul and standing in front of the open doorway where something stood to make Soul gasp. What are they doing here? She was right about it being other kids. But not these kids.

It was Amber… and her sister Breezy standing out there in the doorway under a hail of snow. Not even noticing her staring at them.

Both of the fillies shivering and quick to come in when Dash waved them along. Slamming the door closed only when Amber finished pulling in what looked like a big, pink box tugged along by a rope. A box? Wait, Soul got an idea. Really lost now, not sure what to think. Because these two were ponies she had not spoken to in so long. Neither of them had spoken to her. Not since when… they both hurt me.

Here they were under the same roof as Soul and Dash with what made Soul begin to think may be a box of none other than… their own things. Are they sleeping over too? Dashie, why didn’t you tell me? Especially since she didn’t feel right seeing these ponies here after so long. The first ponies at camp to talk to her and the ones who hurt her. Who never crossed her thoughts again. She had to confront them. No longer willing to be that pony who cowered. She had to know because she was not sure if she could sleep together with them too. It’s not like we’re much in the way of friends or ever were.

Soul stepped out.

9.41
That was what made them both cease their laughing and talking with Dash and find Soul there staring at both of them from across the room. Turning from happy… to frowning as the fillies all stood face to face with Dash there to stand between them all.

“Hey, Soul” Dash said like nothing was wrong. “Surprise!”

Surprise, huh? So that’s why she didn’t ever tell me this would happen. Not that much of a surprise. Not one she would consider a good one. I’m sorry, but after what these two did, I don’t know why it is she thinks I’d be so happy to see them. “Hey, Soul. It’s been a while” Amber also said. Doing her best but Soul caught her timid voice inside of her greeting.

Soul grunted. This day was going so perfectly to her, this was not needed. Because all it did was remind her. “Hi, so… I didn’t know they were coming too” Soul said first to the twins and then to Dash. Really annoyed as she said it. “To be honest, I didn’t think about inviting them at first. But I know you all got along before and thought that maybe you would like it if they showed up to have some fun with us” Dash explained. “I wanted to keep it a surprise for you.”

We did get along until certain things happened and now, now I don’t think they actually do think well of me. If they can ever be ponies I would want to be around all the time like with Dash. “Yeah! We thought we could all celebrate Hearth’s Warming Eve together” Breezy said with such hype in her voice. Even if it did sound like a nice and kind idea, Soul had a hard time accepting it. Just seeing both of them, made her wonder what this will all lead to. If they would hurt her heart once again.

9.42
“Dashie, I thought it would just be you and I having a sleepover” Soul commented. Making Dash wave her hoof at her. “No, no. They can’t stay that long. We just wanted to all hang out for the evening before they head back home. It’ll just be you and I tonight.” “Then what’s with that box?” Soul pointed at it. Thinking there was sleeping gear in it. Where both the twins put their hooves on it. Proud to display it to her. “We just brought a little something for us all to help celebrate. We wanted to share it with you two” Amber said. Both twins smiling alongside Dash.

Really? How much has changed? Dash, I remember her not being so friendly with these two and now she stood with them happy to have them over and wanting Soul to join in with them. But… it did sound nice to have a group to celebrate with. A group. Maybe not this group.

Soul still lowered her head, saddened at the thought that so much happened between all of them to drive them all apart and leave these feelings in place. To question if she should forgive them, since neither of them ever apologized. “I don’t know…” Soul said. “I thought it would just be a party for you and I, Dashie. Maybe if you had told me sooner…” “Oh…” she heard none other than Amber say with a whimper, the filly lowering her own head. Not able to meet Soul’s eyes anymore.

“This is about what happened before? I understand.” “We were pretty terrible” Breezy said to her sister. As if to let her know why it was that Soul felt this way. Conflicted on how to feel over them staying over.

9.43
“No, she’s right” Amber said. She stood back up with a straight face. “I guess we get what we deserve. After all, we never did say we were sorry and we never did do anything to help you, Soul. That’s why you got Rainbow. She proved to be a much better friend than we could be. Look…”

Amber stepped aside and pulled the box up to be front and center before them all. “There’s a cake in this box for you two. We’d like to leave it for you, our little gift for you both for this Hearth’s Warming. But… there is another thing we should give first.”

They got us a cake? Soul looked at the box and then across to where Amber pulled her sister to her side and nudged her. Both of them doing the same thing. Bending one foreleg and stretching the other before them as both of them did something she didn’t expect of them. They both knelt down in front of her. Eyes closed. Wings low. Neither dared to move when Amber said “We’re very sorry for what we did.” “Yeah, we’re sorry. Please don’t be mad at us” Breezy said. Shocking Soul to see them actually kneel before her.

If she should pity them or something else, it was so weird to see. While Rainbow was left at the side just there to watch this.

“Guys…” Soul started and was quickly interrupted by Amber. “No, we were wrong. We shouldn’t have left you. You were the one who talked with us at the start and we never did give you anything back. So please, take the cake.” Both twins stood back up. But Amber actually smiled. So close to Soul that she saw she was sincere in being happy. Like the filly let a massive weight off her shoulders. “Happy Hearth’s Warming. I’d love if we can all find a time to hang out… maybe without it being so sudden.” “You sure you guys want to leave?” Dash asked.

9.44
Amber answered her when both her and her sister turned tail and walked back over to the door. Back over to where the snow came down hard outside the windows, and both of them left that box behind as they said they would. Leaving it there with Soul. The magenta filly stepped forward with Dash. Watching them off.

“We’ll catch you both at something else” Amber waved them off. “No problem.” Yeah, all of us doing something else together. Not for Hearth’s Warming. But… Soul glanced down to the ground. Sighing softly to herself. I hope we do find a chance to hang out again. Some time when we’ll all be on better terms. When I’m not so worried about them. When I don’t think they will be anything like they were at camp. Soul did consider it, to invite them both to her birthday. If Dash was going to come, it wouldn’t hurt to have more ponies there. After time had gone by for her to trust them entirely.

Four months away. That should be plenty of time. While Dash and Soul would get to enjoy this holiday together, a holiday about togetherness and giving. Acceptance and friendship. The perfect holiday for these two. But also one that made her see that such a holiday did not just mean it was something the two of them should only share together.

“I accept your apology” Soul said after the twins. After seeing how serious they were with it. “As well as the cake. Thank you so much for it.” That was enough to make both the twins look back at her and she saw they were moved by it. So why not work on fixing all of us right now?

“How about you both join us in eating it?” Soul asked with a smile. Feeling all eyes come on her in surprise. “It’s Hearth’s Warming, after all. What better way to spend it than for all of us to be together?” That alone was enough to warm her when she saw just how happy it made all the fillies around her and the cheers they made… when all three of them rushed in and Soul found herself in the middle of a big hug. Stunned at first, then she wrapped her hooves around Dash, Amber, and Breezy. There, there.

Everything will be okay.

9.45
No matter how cold it was getting outside in the waning hours of the day. As night crept in and the chill got worse, it didn’t matter in here where it only got warmer. Inside this loving and welcoming home that Soul really did feel was as comforting to be in as her own house. But it never did get like this at her house where she could sit here atop the sofa and watch the tiny little flames flicker and dance in the dying light. Where the fire was the only thing that lit up the house. Burning bright inside of the fireplace. Where all the logs had completely disappeared in the time she spent watching it. Held in place just staring at the reds and oranges that warmed her up just by looking at them. Doing their best to make her want to fall asleep. Just too comfortable.

She never thought it could get like this where she could actually feel so safe and calm as to just drift off atop somepony else’s couch. Inside a house that was not her own. She loved it. Setting her head down against Rainbow’s cyan fur along the side of the filly’s head, both of them held tightly inside the blanket till both of them couldn’t help but… actually snuggle up against one another. Just leaning against her and her leaning against Soul, it didn’t help in keeping her awake. Like she could just do this for hours and sleep with her like this. Just so calming and peaceful inside this place. Sitting side by side with her… and even more so with none other than Amber laying down in a curl at Soul’s other side. The older filly covered up in the blanket and her little sister’s own fur with Breezy laying on top of her. All of them left their staring at the fire. Relaxing… just one more burp coming from Amber.

9.46
“Sorry…” she giggled. Those empty plates left on the table showing why it was she did that, and Soul too felt so satisfied after just too many slices of that delicious cake which Amber claimed to have made herself. She believed it. The icing had been messy and didn’t look like something from a shop. Still tasted amazing.

She actually went out of her way to make a cake for all of them. Something about that made Soul kind of appreciative. Kind of safe. Forget what happened between us long ago. Because this moment was like nothing had ever happened where all four fillies could be with one another under the same blanket. Laid out among the couch watching the fire and listening to the snow coming down outside. Small patters against the windows.

“I really hope we get to do more stuff like this” Amber said. “We should be able to” Dash assured her. No matter what, they could still all stick together. Rebuild all that they had before, Soul felt confident of it even if they would see less of these two from now on. Their long conversations about the future and what it held for all of them until Soul and Dash learned what would be happening. “Even if we’re apart, we can still visit and find lots of time to play together” Amber said. But each line still struck Soul. A little saddened that they would be seeing one another less. But it was for the best. Amber and Breezy were off to do what they wanted to do.

Transferred.

Not there to be with her and Dash for the next rounds of camp, not when both of them will be gone to learn to be weather pegasi at another camp… all the way on the other side of the city. So we never will have our own little group for camp. Still… “I wish we could still be camp buddies” Soul said. Making them all fall silent. All of them must feel the same way. “We can still be together outside of camp” Amber mentioned. “I know we can all find time between lessons to have fun. …Are Breezy and I still allowed to come to your birthday parties?” “Of course” Soul said. Followed by “Duh” from Dash.

“It’s not that bad” Breezy said. “We can find time to all goof around. Maybe we can play in the snow sometime. Amber and I love snowball fights.” “Soul and I would wreck both of you” Dash boasted. Even if we never did such a thing before. Still so funny how confident she was, and Soul was too. That sounded awesome. All of us having a little competition to see who was better, a little one sided. Soul hated to admit it, but… the twins had little to compare with how Dash and her were able to coordinate. It can still be fun.

9.47
“You know, Soul also has this killer spot down by the forests where there’s this lake we can all swim in too when it gets warmer” Dash mentioned.

She’s inviting them to join us for that? Wait, we’re gonna go back? Wow, all of us as a group. Soul smiled about that. “Are you talking about those forests surrounding Ponyville?” Amber asked. “By the Everfree forest, yeah” Dash nodded. “I know those forests get beautiful in the spring, we’d love to go. Wow, trees so thick we could play hide and seek in… and then going swimming.”

Sounded like a joy. We really have come a long way. Soul never did think about hide and seek in that forest. Not even sure if the adults would let them do that, unless they also participated. All of us together on a trip. All of us together. Like we are now. All the fillies able to finally sit down and talk to one another like nothing had happened. Where Soul felt there was some sense of… of friendship coming back. For all of them to be friends. With Dash here as her best friend. She remembered not long ago when she would sit alone on her bed, left to stare out at the moonlight in the darkness of her room, every night. Just left to look forward to the same thing every day. Training. Reading. Watching with envy of the other ponies. Hoping for something fun to do with Nimbus and Starry. Rare, it would be. So rare, but every day was mostly the same.

9.48
We sit here together, I’m with other ponies. Inside of a new house, enjoying this beautiful moment with others. Left to look forward to so many things. Wonderbolts soon. Birthdays and parties. Trips and play dates. Training alongside others and… and to be proud to fly with another pony at her side. To put all the skills she had learned to light and all could see how good she was, and for her to be loved for it.

She, Soul Serenity, had three ponies here with her that she could honestly see being her friends for a long time. Or even forever. Let the past be damned. Because they could fix it all. If tonight was any proof of that. That she truly had entered a new world where she could trust these ponies. All of them. That she had that life she craved for. The one Nimbus wanted her to have.

Nimbus, you didn’t have friends and were alone for most of your life. So much longer than anything I could try to do, and you wanted me to have something different. Now, now I have it. I reached what it was you wanted me to have.

I… I’m happy. Happy to have a pony here to hold her. To enjoy life with. So much that it brought a tear to her eye. Left to shimmer bright orange in the reflection of the flames and twinkle in her sunny eyes. That we get to do things like this. Rainbow Dash crawled out from the blanket and went off.

“I think it’s time” she said before she flew off down the hallway. Soul smiled, holding hooves to her chest. Such joy in her heart. I got to tell her.

“Dashie” she caught the filly before she flew off. “There’s a box in my bag. Can you get it for me? Don’t open it.” Rainbow nodded. Flying off to go get them. Go get what it was that Soul could finally do with another pony. Smiling to herself, and she felt the twins looking at her and happy for her. “I bet she’ll love whatever it is” Amber said. I know she will. And I will too. How could she not? This will be her first Hearth’s Warming to do this. None other than open gifts… with a friend.

9.49
Those presents came out held between Dash’s hooves with the little filly flying in, only her wings could be seen flapping behind the two boxes stacked up in her hooves. There was a blue one sitting under the yellow one that Soul knew to be her present for none other than Dash. So… did that mean the blue one was for Soul? Her heart raced a little. Always so excited for the chance to open presents. But maybe it was for somepony else. She still drooled over it.

“Is this the box you were talking about?” Dash asked. The filly flew in closer, having a hard time carrying it all with both boxes as tall as she was. “That’s it” Soul confirmed and took some of that weight away from Dash, taking the yellow box in her hooves. “Alright, present time!”

Dash was excited to sit back down between the fillies. Though Soul did feel a little bad when she saw the twins scooch in to sit with them and watch. Dash must feel it too, the filly joining her in ashamedly looking towards them. “Sorry, …you two. Uh, I didn’t know you would be staying… or even what to get either of you.” Soul nodded too. I didn’t even know they were coming.

“Don’t worry about it” Amber waved a hoof. “Letting us stay over for a bit is reward enough.” “Come on! Open your gifts!” Breezy leaned in. A huge smile on her face. If she insisted. It took Soul a long time to find the perfect gift for Dash, her first ever friend. In fact, as she looked down at the box she held, the first ever gift she gave to another. A secret Dash did not need to know. For it to be her own thing to know and be happy about, her own accomplishment. That is why this is so special. All of this.

9.50
“This is my gift to you, Soul” Dash said across from her. Both fillies sitting and staring at one another. Both boxes between them. With Dash nudging the blue one she held closer to Soul.

Dashie, you’ll never know that you’re the first friend who has ever given me a gift. Kind of pathetic to admit. Still though… is this why Soul almost shed a tear looking at that box?

“And this is mine to you” Soul also pushed her yellow one over. Such huge relief when that box left her hooves so slowly and cyan ones set themselves upon it to pull it over to Dash. Relief and worry. No idea how she will react, but Soul wanted to believe that Dash would love it. I spent so long yesterday trying to find it.

Soul pulled the blue one to her, but she didn’t do anything more. Watching her best friend of all tear the yellow paper off the box Soul hid inside. Pull with her teeth and toss aside with her hooves. As the time came near. But Soul could not take her eyes off it, no matter how much worry filled her. If she will like it or not, because this moment meant a lot to her. Right here, under the glow of the fire, with Amber sitting by Soul and watching with her sister sitting over with Dash. All of us here to see just how much you mean to me, Dashie. Our first Hearth’s Warming together. Their first day together to truly celebrate just how much they cared for one another. For them to be together. I finally… finally have a friend to do this with.

Soul never did think this would happen. But here she was. Right now, with thoughts of so more to happen. Just the two of them, to make Dash so happy with Soul… like she looked right now when the flaps of the box lifted open and Dash pulled it out. For them all to see what it was that Soul got. For Soul to finally see it in the hooves of the one she meant it for.

9.51
Dash was silent. Staring at her gift. Held before her, like a trophy.

“Soul…” “It’s for you” Soul said fidgeting in place. It was none other than a hat. One so familiar. Just the memory of what it meant, the perfect gift for the pony that Soul cared for more than any other. The same blue and white cap that Soul once wore like made anew, and Dash turned it around in her hooves. Seeing that winged golden lightning bolt gleaming in front. Shining so bright even in the dark from the flickering of the flames.

“I was able to find where Nimbus and Starry got mine, I thought it would be…” “I don’t know what to say” Dash cut her off. “You actually got this for me?” “Yes” Soul said. Pausing and… she saw just how little she had to worry. No more. As Dash’s smile grew and the filly held the hat closer to her. Giggling shortly but she never took her eyes off the gift. “I took up doing more around the house this past month and used up all my allowance to get that for you” Soul said.

Looked like it was work well spent. “Same hat I had except… there’s more.” All eyes came to her. This was the part that she was sure to be happy about. The one thing that made Soul decide to get this.

“Look at the back of it” she pointed out. Dash did so and saw it. Saw the little things stitched along the flanks of the hat. Like the hat itself had wings of its own back there set out in one thing that Soul’s hat did not have. A pair of yellow buttons wrapping a crimson Sun on each with wings extending out along the back of the hat. I only know what those are thanks to Nimbus. Dash however…

9.52
“These are symbols of the Wonderbolts captains. How did you…”

“Nimbus… knows somepony” Soul said. “They set me up with it.”

It was a long time she had to wait yesterday, but it was so worth it and every bit she had to pay. “You can’t even buy stuff with these” Dash said. She let out a big exhale. Shock in her shrill voice. Just ogling the pendants stitched into the hat. But one thing was certain. “I love it!” The filly laughed, setting the hat aside and leaping over to Soul in a surprise move that made Soul jump for a moment and then calm when Dash gave her a hug.

“You really got that for me?” she whispered in Soul’s ear. “I don’t know what to say.” “It’s all yours, take care of it” Soul said. “I’ll keep it safe. Probably my most prized possession now, nopony will touch it.” Dash tightened her hug. “Oh… thank you. You really didn’t have to.” “But I did want to. You’re my best friend and have done so much for me, it’s my gift to you. Happy Hearth’s Warming, Dashie.”

Rainbow actually did show something… that there were tears welling in her eyes, when the filly let go of Soul. Little pools that billowed of orange from the light and she wiped them away. Sighing pleasantly. “I still need to get a chance to say that too. Open your gift” Dash said.

No matter what your gift is, I’ll cherish it. I’ll be sure to keep it safe. Soul happy to look down at the blue box she held between her legs. Rainbow sat back and held her hat close. Watching Soul and waiting for the magenta filly to do the same thing Dash had done for Soul. I’ll do it.

9.53
Soul opened up her box. Peeling away the wrapping paper and finding a box inside. With all of them waiting on her to open it, she took one last breath. Loving she was doing this and pulled open the top flaps to see what lay within. What it was, surprised her. Really surprised her. Not at all expecting Dash to do this. So much so, it made her laugh.

Staring down at it. It was really funny, even Dash joined in. The cyan Pegasus running a hoof behind her head. Oh Dashie… I can’t believe you made this happen. Who else but us. Looks like great minds think alike.

Soul pulled out… that blue and white hat.

The same Wonderbolts symbol on the front. What the hell. Soul couldn’t stop snickering to herself. How did we both have the same idea? Except… when Soul turned it around, her eyes widened. Bare. No captain emblems. No nothing. A normal Wonderbolts hat.

“How did you both…” Amber started. “I really didn’t think she’d get me a hat” Dash said. “I kind of feel bad now… yours is so much better than what I got you.” “No…” Soul said. Looking down at it, turning back over the side where the symbol was. Dashie… this is a wonderful gift. As wonderful as the hat that I… that I once had. For a reason. To remember that which others do for me. You went out of your way to get this for me, as a piece of our friendship. This hat, it was more than what she could expect from others.

I had a hat just like this and I loved it. Before it and what it was were taken away from her. Given back to her anew… from the hooves of a pony most dear to her. Rainbow Dash’s gift. The reward for our months together… and many, many more. Such a plain and simple Wonderbolts hat, yet it was the gift from a friend. From her best friend. The one pony I can trust and rely on. Hats for both of us to wear together.

“I love it” Soul whispered. “It reminds me… of that day.” Soul put it on top of her head. Scrunching in her mane. Wearing it like she used to. That day so long ago. That led to when Soul could now look this filly in the eyes and… she could lean in and hug her. Pull her into her massive wings for Dash to disappear inside those lovely feathers. For as long as she could, Soul hugged her best friend. “Thank you so much.” Thank you for reminding me of what it was that brought us together. Everything that did. Even if it wasn’t her intent. But Dash smiled.

“Happy Hearth’s Warming” Dash whispered to her.

9.54
Soul felt her best friend’s hooves come up and hug her too. Once more. Even more when she saw the twins join in. Nopony resisted, and all four of them shared in this moment together. For them all to be able to enjoy it. No matter the past, because what mattered now was the future. A future so bright. So beautiful. Gone forever were those sad days. Forever. For us to have many more nights like this. Holding one another for so long. Soul embraced it.

“Hey, the snow is letting up” Amber said. “Look…” They all did. Letting go, though none of them slid apart from one another. All four of them sitting side to side with one another. Looking out at the scene beyond the windows. One of white and fire. The Sun disappearing in the horizon with only a faint shroud of red cast out over the world, shining bright over the calm Cloudsdale where the cloud mountains rose into the hazy skyline. Shining bright. Burning off from the shallow snowfall coming down. Coming down upon this dying day and the coming of a new one. A new day in the future, a future as bright as the Sun. Where darkness would rise, but the light would come back.

To think that light would never come, Soul was glad she never felt that way anymore. As nothing can keep us apart. Nothing. Hearth’s Warming Eve was ending and all of them would soon part. But Soul didn’t keep herself hesitant when she felt something touch her hoof and did as it wanted. Slinking her hoof around Dash’s and the both held tight between each other. Smiling out at the sunset.

A bright future with you. For both of us.

9.55
Everything had fallen quiet. A still house. Soul left the stairs and the darkness down there with all the lights removed down there, and everypony now upstairs. The filly still had her sleep over to look forward to. So close, she yawned. Hat left atop her head, the last piece of the day that was ending. Yet something did stop her. Heading over to Dash’s open door, where a little slither of light shone out from, her hooves stopped at the door before that one. The closed one that she looked up to. A guest bedroom, one she couldn’t use. Should she be lucky she couldn’t use it? Being able to sleep in the same room as Dash.

She still did wonder why it was she couldn’t use it. Each time she passed it, giving it a glance. If something special was on the other side. No matter how much she wanted to know, she never did. Still didn’t even as her hoof glided along the wooden door and she looked down. Thinking to herself. I wonder if Dash had a sister, …would this be her room? If she had more for her family, would this be theirs?

I did want to know why I couldn’t use it, but Soul’s hoof slid off it and she sighed. Another yawn coming out, bigger than the first. Curiosity drowned out by the voices inside the open room just ahead of her. But she waited there. Waited for it to end. Not wanting to butt in. Because she knew what it was that was happening in there. It made her frown only grow.

9.56
If another pony lived in this room… would they get the same treatment before bed? For somepony to come in and wish them good night. Read them a story or talk to them before bed. Let them know all was okay and how much they loved them. For somepony to come in and kiss Soul on the forehead.

She touched her forehead. Longingly staring still at the closed door. She’s so lucky. To have somepony like that. Breaking out of that only when she heard the hoofsteps and Windy stepped out from Dash’s room. Spotting the filly at the other end of the hall just standing there. That pony did come over to her.

“Soul, everything okay?” “Yeah… just waiting” Soul said, not giving her the real reason she did wait. But she couldn’t look at Windy, only at that door. She heard the mare stop right next to her. Looking down at her in wonder, but Soul spoke. “I was told I can’t sleep in this room, …why? What’s in there?”

Was it wrong to ask that? I really do want to know… know what it’s like to live… in another pony’s house like it was normal. Like all was normal. “I did catch you staring at it before” Windy said. When was that? Soul didn’t even notice if she had seen Soul before. “I made a promise to myself that nopony can go in there… not just yet” Windy said. “I can’t let you in.”

Soul nodded. But what was inside? What’s so important about this room? “Is it wrong to ask why?” Soul asked. “Not at all” Windy said. The mare stepped up and… Soul watched her smile as she placed her hoof against the door. Sliding it slowly. Even in the dark, she lit up as she spoke.

9.57
“This room will be a very special place. It will be there one day as a reminder for our little Dashie to see just how wonderful a pony she is and how much we love her. Someday… but not today.” “Remind her?” “Yes” Windy nodded.

“Can you do me a favor, Soul?” Soul stepped up and listened. She would do it. Whatever it is. It was the least she could do. “Someday, can you also remind her how special she is. I know she means a lot to you, maybe… any day she’s down, you can remind her how important she is to you. I know she’ll do the same for you whenever you need it.”

For me to remind her? Dashie, I always will care for her. “Okay, I’ll do that.” That made Windy happy. She looked down at the filly.

“This room is empty right now, but… because of you, it’s going to be something special for her someday. For all you did for her. You made her confident again. And…” she sniffled and Soul saw the mare’s eyes shimmer in what little light was up here. “You’ll both achieve your dreams together and… I’ll be sure to fill this room with everything you get on that path. Thank you, so much Soul.”

She wasn’t quite sure why, what to be thanked for. But she did know that… that things have changed. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be here like this. Wondering what day it will be when she could see what it was Windy planned to fill this room with. The filly nodded. Concerned about the teary mare, but she walked off when Windy opened a hoof to present Dash’s room for her. Walking over to it. “Happy Hearth’s Warming, Soul” she whispered behind her. Soul stopped and looked back at the mare.

“Happy Hearth’s Warming” Soul said with such warmth inside. Happily wishing her “Good night.” “Sweet dreams.” Soul closed the door on her.

9.58
It really was weird stepping in to a bedroom like this. Really different. Not stepping in to sleep in her own room. A completely different room… with another pony in here. In this dark room, Soul still saw Rainbow in the light of the last flickering candle burning atop the table by her bedside, where the filly rolled over and found Soul stepping into the room to join her.

Looked like Windy had tucked her in with only Dash’s head above the covers. Looked to be pretty tired too. But she still reached a hoof out from under the blankets and waved to her. Yawning as she did so. It was not often she saw the filly worn out. Today really was a tiring day but it was just so fun. So worth it and many more fun days like this to come. For now, Soul was content with what she had gotten today. Now ending with her here sleeping alongside her best friend.

Soul climbed up on to the mattress set out for her. Lumbering over the thick blanket to where she could settle her weary head on that big pillow. Really soft to the touch. As was the blanket. They didn’t give her the old stuff to use. All of this looked as nice as what Dash had up there to sleep in.

“Did you manage to find everything alright?” Dash whispered from up there. The filly peering down over the mattress. “Yup…” Soul said. She slowly took off her hat, Dash’s present. Pulling it down with one hoof and looking at it. Staring, but she still adored it. Having to set it aside, safely placed down with her bag at the side of the mattress. “Today was a great day” she said.

I’ll have to find a special place for this hat. Or maybe she would wear it every day. Maybe Dash will wear her hat every day. Whatever she wanted to do, Soul would be happy. That wonderful hat was left by Dash to hang atop her bed post. Right above where her head lay on her pillow.

9.59
“I can’t wait for when we get to hang out again, I really like being with you…” Dash spoke with such a tired voice. Whenever she said stuff like that, it made Soul’s heart feel faint. That pony up there with her magenta eyes shining in the waning fire of the candlelight. All joy in those eyes. Watching Soul.

“Thank you so much for spending the day with me” she said. Soul pulled her blanket aside and found a nice spot to fall in to. Sliding herself down onto the bed, quick to throw that blanket over her. Ah… this feels nice. Rolling over so she could be face to face with her best friend up there. Getting herself comfortable. Pretty easy to do. This really was a nice bed she had gotten. Listening to the wind outside and hearing the faint taps of snow landing on the windows. Yet she wasn’t cold. Couldn’t be. Dash didn’t look to be either. Nice and tucked in up there all thanks to her mom.

“I really can’t wait to hang out with you again soon. You still want to go to the Wonderbolts?” Soul asked. “Of course, and you’re still coming “Dash pretty much affirmed.

I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Any chance for us all to hang out together. “We both will get to see the ponies that we are gonna be someday.” Rainbow’s confidence was always so lovely to hear. Listening to her go on about how wonderful the uniforms will be and wanting to try one on when they go, it made Soul happy to hear her. Blindly smiling up at her. I love listening to her. Rainbow being the most talkative pony she has known. The most confident one too.

All thanks to me… according to her mom.

9.60
“You okay?” she heard Rainbow ask. Seeing her staring. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just listening.” Soul shifted herself and found a very nice spot to lay her head down on the pillow. Sinking into it. “I talked to your mom before I came in. About that room next to yours.” “What about it?” Dash whispered. “Do you know what she wants to do with it?” “Yes, even want to install a door in here to go in that room. Easy convenience or something” Dash answered.

“You really do have awesome parents, wanting to always support you and remind you they love you. I really am jealous of you…” Here Soul was not sure if she should have said that, she scrunched up under the blankets. Looking away, but Dash still asked “Why?”

Soul paused. Really, this day had been awesome. Excellent. But… she kept seeing it. Just how very different things are between her and Dash. What she had and what Soul didn’t. “You’re as amazing as I am” Dash tried to assure her. Is it even right to tell her? There was so much that Soul felt seeing all that this family had and how happy Dash was. Even tonight, did Windy kiss her good night? Am I so lucky as to have anything like that… even… a pony to let me know how much I mean to them? Too much to ask for? Or would she understand?

“I want to know if… if I would also have somepony out there who would be proud of me. Just like your parents are. Do… do you think my mom would be proud if she saw me become a Wonderbolt? Wherever she is.” If she had never left, what would my life be like? Could she get a kiss or even compassion and comfort? Anything to let her know she was cared for by somepony so close to her. Her own family. But it will never happen.

She’s gone.

9.61
“I get it…” Dash whispered. “Soul… I know she would be proud, she would be right now. Look at you. You’re one of the best flyers at Junior Speedsters and you’re gonna be a Wonderbolt. You got a wingpony and skill. It’d be stupid for her to not be happy.”

Really? If only she had never left. Then Soul could go to bed tonight… with her there to kiss her good night and wish her pleasant dreams. Let her know how special she was. “You’re a great flyer and my best friend. You… you mean the world to me, buddy.” Soul looked down across the blanket. Shimmering eyes so faintly going across the darkness in the room and she could not shake that feeling. For her to mean so much to other ponies. Even just one. She had Rainbow Dash.

Is it wrong to want that family too? Even… even just one pony. One for her to hold and be held by. Who would kiss her and let her know she is loved. Rainbow Dash had introduced her to an entirely new world. One so free and open… but… there was still the bleak corners of it all where the darkness still hid.

What could be out there? What to look forward to? If things will stay the same, or if things will get better.

“Come on, Soul” Dash said. “One for tonight?” One? Soul knew what she meant. Turning her over in her bed and both of them facing one another. Soul still smiled. Even if she were wanting what it was that others got, what she could never have before, she still could end the day with something so bright and lovely. She nodded. Saying it alongside Dash. “Cloudsdale Wingponies!” Dash’s wings flailing a little under her covers and she laughed along with Soul. No matter how weird it was, they still had that little reminder of the day they became best friends. Something to end the day with. For a new day to come tomorrow.

“Good night, Dashie” Soul whispered. Tucking herself in. With only tomorrow to look forward to… when she would go home and… then what? Then what? What did she want? What is it that I want? Something special. That I should not be afraid of. Rainbow has it for herself, it’s not wrong for me to want it too. Stuck on her mind and seeing how it was with this family. I do want it too. For there to be a pony there for me. Looking forward to it.

9.62
“Soul…”

Dash broke out from the long pause and silence in the night, while the candle still flickered and danced. Nopony bothering to put it out yet. That pony up there who stirred under her blanket. Neither of them falling asleep yet. Soul could not. Feeling a little better that Dash couldn’t either. That this day could go on a little longer of her being with a special pony. “Yes?”

“I got something crazy I wanna ask” Dash continued. “Feel free to say no.” “What is it?” If there’s something on her mind, maybe we can talk about it. Both of them could talk until they could feel better and fall asleep. “About what we talked about yesterday in the woods, it’s been on my mind and… I wanted to know something about you” Dash said. The filly leaned over her bedside. Close to coming out from under her blanket. But she wanted to get closer to Soul. “If you’re okay with it.” “What’s wrong?”

Soul patiently waited for the filly to talk. Rainbow looking left and right, she couldn’t even keep herself still as she fidgeted under her blanket and her wings fluttered a little at her sides. “Since you’re my best friend… I was thinking about you and I doing something. Since we’re both here… how about… you…” she giggled a little. Taking a deep breath.

“Come on up here?” “What?”

9.63
Soul was confused, looking up at this pony. What it was she was asking. Sounded a lot like something familiar to her. What it was they did talk about yesterday. But… that was something different. This… what Dash was asking was between the two of them. But… she had heard right, and Dash looked serious.

“You’re gonna make me spell it out, huh? I want to know if you want to sleep with me… ugh!”

Dash threw herself back up on to the bed. Holding her forehooves over her face. Mumbling to herself. “Damn it…” she whispered. Her raspy voice breaking from embarrassment. But Soul was there and she heard it right. Rainbow Dash wanted to sleep with her. This… this was not something she had expected her to ask. At all. Of all ponies to say that, to leave Soul with those words. Rainbow Dash to be the one. Why… the only other pony Soul knew of to do that was… Windy.

She didn’t know what to say. Didn’t know what to think. But there was another pony here asking her that question. Actually wanting her to. Or did she? “You want me to sleep with you?” Dash threw down her legs. “Yes. But only if you want. I… I don’t ask this of all ponies so… uh, you’re lucky. I want you to sleep with me.” Mumbling off on that last line. The filly turned over and left her back to face Soul. “Didn’t you want somepony to do that with you?” she asked back there. Somepony, yes. She never expected it to be this pony.

There were others she wanted to ask to do the same thing with. Always afraid of what they would think if she did. Never Dashie. This pony was the last she would expect this of. Does this mean… I really don’t have anything to be afraid of? Why are my hooves moving on their own? Pushing the blanket off of herself and pushing herself off the bed. Standing right up for her face to look over Dash’s bedside and wonder if it would be right. Where that big space that Dash left at her back with the blanket flipped open and room for… for another. The filly left to whimper into her hooves on the other side of the bed in total stunned silence that she asked this of Soul. But she was brave. Braver than Soul. Such a strong and confident pony who let go of her guard and… and asked me something so crazy. So crazy and… so sweet. Enough for Soul to shake her head and smile.

If she’s not afraid, why should I be? I’m her best friend. She’s mine. Of all ponies out there, this was the one Soul felt most comfortable with. Enough for her to do this.

9.64
Soul kicked the blanket off her hooves and actually stepped up to the bedside. Dash not even noticing, not until she turned over when Soul’s hoof stepped down onto the bed and she pulled herself up. Shocking Dash. Shocking herself, but she did it.

Soul stepped up to where Dash was. Looking down upon her and smiling sweetly.

“Can I?” she asked. Dash held her mouth open. Laying on her side but… she slowly nodded. Looking away. As she expected, Soul could tell the filly was embarrassed. So am I. But it’s not going to stop Soul. Because I finally get to know what it is like. To be this close to another.

Soul laid down. Going under the same blanket as Dash, setting her head down on the same pillow. So close to her… and her heart beat fast. So very close. To where Dash’s rainbow mane sat just at the edge of Soul’s nose. Where she could see her best friend shaking. So frightened. Even Soul’s wings trembled a little. But she still managed to laugh.

“We’ve… never done anything like this before, huh?” Closest they got to do was hugging. Nothing like this. Is it weird for us to do this? We’re best friends and all, wingponies and friends forever. I… I don’t feel weird at all. Indeed, Soul could admit to herself that she was actually starting to love this. Actually wanting more of this. For them to be so close in the dark together.

9.65
“Yeah…” Dash laughed. Fading out and the filly went back to trembling in terror over there. “I uh, never had a friend sleep in bed with me before. First time for everything” Dash said. “It’s kind of different.”

“Do you want me to get out. I can sleep back on my bed” Soul offered, about to get up but a hoof stopped her and Dash turned over.

“No!” The filly’s wide eyes settling back down just like her rushed voice. “No. Lie down.”

Dash pushed her back and Soul did as she wanted. Finding a place on the pillow once more. Where Dash joined her again. Keeping her back to Soul and she sighed. “I’ve only done this with mom so… I’m a little… um…” No need to say. This is new to me too. But, Dash was right about something. Soul did wonder.

“Why do you want me to sleep with you? I’m not your family or anything.” Though sometimes, I wish I had a family like this one. “It’s nothing that special…” Dash said. Stopping right there. The filly slinked under the blanket a little. Nothing special? But I thought… she wanted this. I really did wish she did see this as something. Honestly, Dash, you’re the first pony I’ve ever laid in a bed with. For her to lay down next to another as both of them drifted off into the night. She never felt it before. But was this what it would be like if she had a mother there to do this with her?

Is this what she had missed out on?

This feeling. It’s something so meaningful to her. So much so that she did want to say something about it.

9.66
“It’s Hearth’s Warming so I figured we could keep being together” Dash said. “Oh… okay” Soul whispered. Pulling the blanket over her a little and laying down inside the soft and warm bed.

I really don’t know why she wanted me to do this. Dash was so scared right now. If she had something to say, she should say it. Because Soul had something to say. “This must be what it’s like to have a mother to sleep with.” “No… it’s not.”

Soul couldn’t react when Dash scooched back, her rainbow mane filling her vision and coming over her. All those hairs falling on her face and… all the warmth coming over her. Feeling so close to her. Because they were. She could tell that Dash was laying against her. So close, and Soul… she had to move her hooves. Laying them down on Dash’s side and seeing right now that she held the filly against her stomach. With Dash’s little wings swaying against her belly and Dash’s back fur warming her. But she couldn’t believe it. Her heart pounding. So warm. So… soft. That she was holding her best friend under the covers. “This is what it’s like” Dash said calmly.

So calm now, and Soul listened to her beating heart. Laying her nose into Dash’s mane. Like a pillow. I’m actually hugging her like this? In bed.

Why… why can’t I even move? Only able to tighten her hooves around Dash’s body. Hold her tight against her stomach.

9.67
“I wanted to do this because you’re my best friend and I want you to be the pony I get to sleep with” Dash said. “I know you have felt so lonely for so long, but… I don’t want that anymore. From now on… I want you to know that I will always be there for you. You don’t need to be alone. Just please, never leave me alone. Promise me, Soul.”

No exaggeration. No smart ass tone. Dash was serious and Soul could hear it. Why else would she make me feel this way? For my heart to calm and my eyes to feel so heavy, breathing against her lovely mane. Not even the lose hairs tickling her face, only warming her. Closing her eyes against the back of her head. Not letting go of her.

Rainbow Dash has never shown me this side of her. For her to be this sweet, this open to me. Only… only her parents. She trusts me. She includes me. She is the pony who will always keep me company and… and I’ll never be alone. She’s here with me. So much that Soul could cry. Loving it so much. We are best friends, and you showed me a world I never thought I would have. Thank you.

Soul would do something for her. Keep her warm. All night long. Soul lifted her free wing up. Rising it under the blanket and sliding the feathers over Dash. Curling it down and pulling Dash in. Deep into her wing’s embrace. To where she felt all of Dash underneath that massive wing. You can have a special hug from me. All night long. Like no other. To show how much you mean to me. Dashie. You are important to me. You mean the world to me. I’ll never let you go. I’ll never leave your side, my heart won’t let me. Her heart driving her.

“I promise.” Leaning in. “I promise I will never leave you.” I hope this will show it, how much you mean to me. More than a wingpony. You are… my family.

9.68
Soul’s lips set down on Dash’s cheek. Going back and waiting… but nothing came. A small shudder from Dash under her wing and the pony fell still. Breathing softly. Leaving with the kiss Soul gave to her cheek.

Nothing more.

Soul put her face back into her mane, smiling… then fading. Listening to her friend breath. “Thank you… for today” Soul whispered.

Even as her heart felt shallow now… now that Dash fell asleep. She still remembered what Dash had said to her. It meant a lot. Though… I wish I could get a kiss too. I wish.

Soul closed her eyes. Remembering the soft feeling of fur against her lips. The first kiss… I’ve ever given. Given to you, Dashie. I’ll always be by your side. Please… be by mine.

Sweet dreams, Soul Serenity.

9.69
Rainbow waited, unable to speak. Like something stuck in her throat. Hard to breath. Fearing her pounding heart. Waiting for Soul’s breathing to calm against the back of her neck. The filly fell asleep.

Dash was so warm, so cozy under her best friend’s wing. Closer than anything else before. Held so tight. Another pony behind her who left a strange feeling on her cheek. She wanted to touch the spot. She didn’t dare or else wake Soul up. But it still hung there. That little touch to her cheek and… and how hot her face was.

As the candle died away and darkness came over her. Hiding how red her cheeks were. Leaving that feeling only to her and hidden from everypony else. Even from the pony who made her feel this way. Why? Soul.

Dash placed her hoof upon her own chest. How fast it did beat.

Why do you make me feel this way?

Part 2 Entwined - Act 7

7.1
How many of these sunrises did Soul witness ever since coming to this land? It’s been so many years. So many and yet… they never were something to get used to. How bleak and dreary the winter sky always was as it shadowed the glow of the Sun when it crossed over the horizon. Where the light was not out, even in the mornings. The mornings always did seem so very dreadful.

These winter conditions grew to be dreadful. No matter what season it may be, it was the same. Just a little warmer but not at all comfortable. Even having blizzards run through the land in the dead of summer. How many summers even did pass since she arrived here? She lost count long ago. Lost track of time too often. Sitting on her messy bed and staring out the window next to the door. Wondering how long this has happened. Whatever month it may be. It had to be some time in spring right now. Remembering the summer Suns that passed twice since she last saw Blight. Twice did the icy chill of winter come. When the land was so cold that it was a risk just to go outside and search for fuel for the only thing left that kept her alive. It was not the life she remembered, from before it happened… and before she arrived here.

How I miss that life. So long gone. Untold years passing. Even if just two had passed, it felt like an eternity to her building up on the long years prior. A time of nothing but disappointment and loneliness. Endless failures. Her flying proving useless much like her attempts to make things right. Finally have somepony in her life. She missed Spots. Not as much as she missed Soulblight.

Every night passing by she would hope to hear a sound letting her know everything was okay. To hear her door open while she stayed awake every single night since then. Turning and finding the black Pegasus smiling at her in the doorway. Only for it to be mist disappearing with all her hopes. Never deserving that forgiveness. Not for hurting her so much. How much she must hurt as Blight had, not once, even left her house. Only an occasional glow of candles in the night shining through those windows let her know she was still around. She never had the courage to go in and check.

Now that is all I have learned lately. How much of a coward I am. A selfish coward. A title that made her cry many nights. Her tears no longer born of her nightmares that she feared so much. Born now all because of herself. Wanting so much to go in and let Blight know how much she meant to her. Only going far enough to just knock on her door and flee after a short moment of waiting. Too scared to make things right. Even abandoning her search across the snowy wasteland which served as her only reason for leaving the village.

Soul’s wings felt too tired for her. As tired as she was. Barely able to keep her eyes open while she watched the sunrise of the morning. Wanting to sleep just to pass by another useless day. Too much of a coward to do so. Not even wanting to go outside, just stay in here and hug the Pegasus doll she held to her chest. The only companion that was left. Talk to her and cry with her for another day. Not like anything else mattered. Besides, I’ll never succeed at anything. Failing over and over when I tried to escape from here so long ago. When I failed with my friends and all the ponies I miss. With Blight.

These years that passed. They served no purpose. And all I see… is that I am no longer the Pegasus I used to be. When I lived back in… in Cloudsdale. No more.

Rainbow Dash was a winner. A success.

7.2
Looking over to the fire with weary eyes, holding her doll close, she shuddered at the sight of the fire beginning to die. Something that had happened too often and Soul just able to prevent it in time. Knowing she needed to do something about it yesterday when she started to see its flicker begin to fade. Dying down to nothing more than stray flames amid a bed of cinders berthed along the remains of her last haul. Another indication that Blight did not leave her house.

Soul had to be the one to keep her fire going.

That fire that continued to burn no matter how close it got to fading. That must be because of Blight.

She sighed. “Guess I should get going.” Looking back outside, seeing the Sun still rising. The jets of snow flurrying about. Hearing the faint howls of wind. A cold day. Evident by how cold it was inside, making Soul shiver a little before calming it by wrapping herself in her giant wings and falling beneath the covers. It would only get colder the longer she waited. Not wanting to go outside, but her fears were greater over not wanting the fire to go out.

Soul looked down at the doll she cradled, turning it up so it may face her with that stitched smile. If only I could smile too. “I’m gonna go outside for a bit. Watch the house for me?” The doll was always inclined to do so. Soul set it down atop her pillow, letting it stand atop that pillow and it didn’t fall. She jumped off the bed. Not caring to stretch, not bothering to do anything special. Just stride over slowly to the door. Dragging her hooves along, she was surprised when she struck something. Her hoof digging down into something.

Oh… that again. The black trench. Going along the length of the floor all the way to one of the corners. The other thing Blight did so long ago. Deep and thin. Good enough for the tip of her hoof to slide right in. She brought it back out and continued on her way. Leaving behind that thing. That horrible thing.

I guess I’m lucky… Blight never did any worse to me.

7.3
Soul opened the door. Greeted immediately by a blast of chilly wind running all over her. Sending chills down her spine. Her wings already coming up to cover her. Doing their best to shelter her from the cold. Mornings always were so terrible. The aftermaths of frigid nights.

She recovered. Mustering up what little courage she had to bring her wings back out so they may lift her up to the snowy land above her dark porch. The ramp that went up from the porch was gone now. Buried under snow as deep as the rest. Untended, much like her porch. Even the sofa had a sheet of snow on it. It left her feeling a little sad each time she saw it. Remembering the comfort that thing brought to her when laying on it at night. Back when the cold seemed so much more tolerable to her. Gone were those days.

Soul looked back around… the same world as always. Nothing different. This cold and empty world. Never anything to see. She only sighed and left it. Heading off into the heart of the village. Taking care not to look when she passed by Blight’s house. Keeping her head low. So low that her long mane reached down and dragged on the snow. Damn, and my wings are dragging? Soul fixed that. Bringing them back up to cover her like some sort of blanket. Her soft feathers did serve that goal well but not as good as a nice blanket… or somepony there… to hug me. How warm that felt. How much I miss that. The fire was all she had to warm her. The doll her only friend.

Soul walked past many of the village’s houses. All looking the same as the other with only varied amounts of snow burying them. Allowed to build up these past two years. With nopony left to tend to them. Soul being the only one here to even try and unearth each individual house in search for things she could use. One house she passed she recognized as the last house she cleared out. Not long ago at that. Keeping the door free up till a few days ago. She found that door now had enough snow piled in front of it to go up to her knees. No point in clearing that out. Soul and Blight gave up on that plan of keeping the village beautiful long ago. I only do it for one reason now.

7.4
She came up to that very reason. The current house serving her as source of things to burn. Its door had so much snow in front of it. A lot but not enough to keep her from walking up to the door. She pushed the door open with a slight turn of the knob. Opening up the dark room within. With the only light being what came in from the doorway. Soul’s shadow rising across the floor amid the bask of the sunlight. A good amount for her to see all the remaining boxes she left strewn on the floor. Many opened, empty. Devoid of their contents all thanks to Soul. Her last batch being a collection of old gardening equipment among stuff like empty picture frames and dishes. It makes one wonder who used to live in this village long ago. What ponies made this place their home? If only the frames had pictures in them. I wanted to see if I could find any pictures of the ponies before. Maybe even see… a family.

I always used to love seeing stuff like that. A mother and father. A sister. Friends even. Like… like the pictures I still remember at my… my past home. So long ago. Now I see, I hate remembering that. All I can do is burn those frames. Throwing them in with the wooden handles and parts of the gardening equipment she tore apart. Removing the rusty metal that fell off so easily. Equipment that told her something more about this place. About a time when this place had land that could be tended to. It broke Soul’s heart having to burn away all this remaining history of the village. Memories gone and forgotten.

Sometimes, I wonder what happened to all my stuff back in Cloudsdale. It’s been so long. I had a room. I had my own stuff. And I know there are things I’d love to see again. But would anypony ever see them? Memories to be forgotten, as was she. Does any Pegasus even remember me? Maybe they will… I don’t know. But I miss it all.

Sometimes, when I look around these houses, I wonder what may have happened to that special stuff I hid away.

All I have left… of better times. And I can’t even get to them. It won’t happen. No time soon. No… time… soon.

Soul spotted the boxes she left on the side. Sealed. Still untouched with whatever may lay inside for her to use. She walked over to them. Keeping the door open behind her so light could still shine in, and she sat down in front of the boxes. Keeping her great wings raised behind her to shield her from the wind blowing in. Chills still coming over her and making her shiver. Her wings shaking. Their muscles struggling to keep warm.

7.5
Soul grabbed hold of one box and brought it up to her face. Shaking it once then twice. It felt a little heavy and something jumbled around within. Well that was promising. She angled her head down to plant her teeth right down onto the tape sealing the box and she pulled. Piercing it with her teeth and ripping it away with such a satisfying sound. Pulling until the tape was well clear of the box and the top flaps rose freely. Like they wanted her to see what could be inside.

She opened it up. “What’s this?”

Flower vases. Several of them. Neatly stacked up inside. Ones made of ceramic. Stone even. …And wood! Oh yes, I can use these.

She set the box back down, getting rid of the stone and ceramic ones. Letting them fall to the wooden floor beside her. Keeping the wooden ones inside the box so she could carry them over to her house in it. One, two, three, four wooden ones. Big enough. Some bits of dust on them. I think these can last all day but… not good enough. I need to find more. Furniture would be nice. Something big she may tear apart. She could only settle with the little stuff. All she found in the past few houses among ones completely empty.

Soul lost her attention. Caught by something else in the box. I didn’t even see that. Only because it lay beneath all the vases. I guess I should have expected to find something like this with the vases. Rummaging inside, she was able to bring it out clasped between her hooves. Its glow so brilliant in the light of the Sun. A Sun sharing its colors. A bouquet of flowers.

Several stems tied together with a little band. Their green stems propping up the shine of a series of Suns held atop them. Orange and red mixed flowers. Little bulbs within them on thin strands, their petals gorgeous and flowing. I don’t really know anything about flowers but I think I recognize these. Aren’t these blossoms? Yeah that was it.

They look so beautiful. Feeling her hooves over the stems and up to the soft petals. They feel so weird. They’re fake. Decorative ones. How sad for somepony to have left them here. Whoever had them probably liked to make their house look nice. Maybe like some sort of reminder of the beauty of the land they once lived in. Gone forever to the snow. Give them some sense of happiness on lonely nights as it kind of doing for Soul. Soul felt a little warmer seeing these flowers. Like… like Blight did.

Orange and red flowers. That little dream you told me… I think I get what you meant, Blight. All those years ago. It was small, probably not at all like what Blight experienced, but these flowers do mean something. The only beautiful thing I’ve seen in this shithole for years. Hard to put a hoof to it, but she felt her heart flutter a little seeing these. Brightest colors in the land.

She set the flowers down in her lap. “I think I can find some use for you guys.”

7.6
Another box, another set of junk. Soul doing the same thing to each one she pulled over to her. Ripping them open and seeing what it had inside. Not finding anything as unique as the flowers she found. Just more stuff to burn, thankfully. Another box of vases, wooden bowls and plates, books so old that when she skimmed them in hopes of finding something interesting she found that the words had been faded to nonexistence. Completely unreadable. More stuff to burn anyways alongside some papers and tools.

Drawers pulled out of a desk and left hidden away. She threw aside all the stuff she could not use, keeping the rest tucked away in their boxes to be left for later. Another box she ripped open. Feeling another blast of cold wind come in and making her shiver. Like the weather itself was telling her to hurry up. Fine, last one then.

Soul pulled the flaps open just to find even more dishes made entirely of wood and some of porcelain. She just threw the brightly colored ones aside. Leaving just the wooden ones inside, finding something else underneath them. Oh wow!

She shifted the dishes around to get at it. Is this…? What in the hell? It really is.

A racquet.

Made entirely of wood with a thin netting webbing the inner ring at the top of its handle. Just like the ones the other kids would play with at home. Pegasi just preferred to fly while doing it. I used to see how they all played this. Never had a set for myself but I did sometimes want to try it. I wonder if Dashie has any. I never asked her. But if she did, would she play with me? I think she would have… long ago. Those were much happier times. It actually made her smile a little. Oh… the times we used to play together. There were even three more racquets just like the first one. Like a set for a family, and under those three was something else.

Soul cocked her head. Pushing aside the stuff covering it so she could grab hold of it. Setting her hooves upon its red surface and puling it out. The thing just dangling down from her hooves. What is this thing? Soul turned it all around. It had a bunch of patterns on it. All around the round shape. The little nozzle jutting out from its side.

This… this is a ball. Deflated completely. I guess it’s for the racquets? Soul glanced over at them. No, this ball is huge. She stared at it. It’s as big as my head. Oh… it’s a kickball. I see now. There was a day when I saw some kids playing with one. Kicking it all over the place and trying to get it from one another. Damn, another thing. I wish Dash was here right now. So many things we could do together. I just know you would accept my apology, …right? You would, right? Then we can play together. Because I hate just having myself. As much as she wanted the doll to serve more. She really was all by herself.

Seeing this ball. How sad it looked. How lonely it was to not have anypony to play with it for years. It made her sad. Surely it must have seen better times, just like me. Well, I’m here now. I can give a good home for it. Hopefully, you won’t be so lonely anymore. Even if I want there to be another pony who will play with me. She sighed. Something… different.
Not a bad haul today.

7.7
The fire crackled followed by a pop when the wood broke apart along the length of the vases Soul threw in. Each of them quickly covered up in a sea of flames. Bursting and roaring, already getting warmer in here. Quickly getting rid of her shivers. The house really did feel colder than it did when she left it. So great that was changing now. Soul hovered above the fireplace. Happy to see her efforts paid off. But not enough yet. It needed to be kept going for a while.

She flew back over to where she left the boxes filled with her haul. Coming down to grab hold of a good number of those dishes in between her legs. Hugging them close to her chest so as not to drop them while flying them over to the fire. Throwing those in too. Feeding it more. One bowl missed it. Bouncing right off the burning pile. Just short of falling out and onto the carpet with its cinders. Stopped thanks to the little rising of stone in the entrance to the fireplace. Serving its purpose. But now that bowl was not even in the fire. Stupid thing.

She landed close to the entrance. Very close. A bit uneasy to be this close to the roaring flames and how hot they were. Too hot no matter how cold she may be. She could even feel sweat beginning to run down her muzzle. Just get it back in there. She looked over it, finding a decent area lacking any flames or cinder. Good for her to place the tip of her hoof against it. Reaching right into the fireplace and all its heat. So very hot. I’ve never been this close to fire before. Come on, just do it quick. Gently pushing the bowl back in, slow to be sure when it was becoming too hot for her hoof. She gave it a quick push. Sending the bowl sliding right back into the midst of the flames. Disappearing inside of it.

Thank Celestia. That has to be a good amount now, enough to keep it going till night fell. Then she had even more stuff tucked away in the boxes ready to go. Except one thing. Soul came back over to those boxes where she left the deflated ball sitting draped along the top of one of them.

7.8
It looked like it could give her something to do. I can have some fun with it. A little thing she lacked a lot of in her life now. But really, what to even do with it? I really don’t know. This is why I wish I had somepony to play with.

It had a little nozzle on it. A dusty little thing that she wiped off with her hoof. Holding it up to her mouth between both forehooves. Falling to her rear as she picked it up. It would suck if this thing had any holes in it. She had checked it over twice now and found no problems. Still, it would suck if one was hidden. A little surprise for her to find out. Damn it. I need to stop thinking that. It will work. The nozzle went in between her lips and she blew. Taking steady breaths and blowing in slowly. Watching it come to life before her. So it was working. Actually inflating. Wow. This really is like a ball I would see back home. Like this was a relic of the past. My past. This is something that belongs to a normal life. Not this life. This life of not being able to eat, sleep well, play or have fun. Have any friends. But this was a good glimpse.

Filling it up completely, she sealed the nozzle quickly. Holding it atop her hoof. Perfect. Incredible. It’s like… like I am seeing something so normal now. It’s right on my hoof. Just a normal ball. Red with lots of white stars all over it. This is something I could do little competitions with. Haha, I wish I had found something like this long ago. Oh how I miss the old times.

Soul let it go from her hoof, dropping it down between her legs and surprised at how it bounced right back up to her with a rather adorable sound to her. Going right back down and repeating the process again. Slowing down and stopping when Soul placed her hooves down on it. Holding it firmly to the floor. It was kind of fun to watch it do that. Really bouncy, maybe good for smacking it back and forth… between two ponies. Like with the racquets, just bigger. See who may be first to miss it. How… annoying.

Soul turned back to the Pegasus doll she left standing on her pillow. “I don’t suppose you wanna play with me.” It just smiled. Of course not.

7.9
Soul brought the ball over to the bed with her. Sitting down against the frame, holding the ball under her foreleg and sighing. Tired eyes set on the empty wall. This empty house. Just how very lonely this all was. If only there was somepony on the other side, staring back at her. Play a game with me. Two years going by so slow with no fun. Nothing to make her smile. I bet things would be so much better if somepony had been there all this time. Having friends who were willing to even be around her. I never even got a year with a friend. So few ponies in my life. Even fewer now. None to play with.

It’s so strange. Why do I even feel like this now? I was starting to think this ball would make me feel better but the damn thing is only making me feel worse. It only made her more sad. Just remembering all the truth in the world. Of how lonely she was. It’s all just like long ago. When I was alone… in that box. In that dark alley. Things really have not changed. And I’m a mare now! What is wrong with me? All because nopony ever gives me a chance.

They always left me.

Is that why I can only play with myself? Because I make it that way. Damn this thing! She tossed it at the wall. Oh crap! It came right back at her. Quickly and filling her vision in red. She raised her hooves. Nothing.

She heard it. The red ball striking the bed frame itself. Landing right next to her. Well out of reach of her hooves. Bouncing a few times in place before it rolled itself back over to her. Coming to a rest against her thigh. The red of its exterior joining with the red hearts of her cutie mark.

7.10
Soul glanced down at it. Sadly watching the poor thing stutter and lose steam. Staring at it. It really is just like I remember these things to be like. What is wrong with me? I shouldn’t be so scared of the thing. And… I even thought it was going to hit me. I should be better than that. Her legs feeling as tired as her wings. As tired as she was. Even now she only wanted to just go back into her bed and lay down. Watch the Sun pass by outside with her memories being all to accompany her. Hold that doll. Even though I wish it was somepony else. But it will always be a damn doll. These days are just so meaningless now. Everything was meaningless.

Here she was, she saw herself. A magenta Pegasus with yellow eyes sitting against the bed in the mirror she looked off to. That’s not even the Pegasus she had seen in that mirror before. Her eyes going over the dark patch dried in the carpet by that very mirror. Back then… which Pegasus is more pathetic? Me back then or me now?

Two years like this. I’ve been doing this for two years. Two! I just want to... she slammed her hoof hard into the side of the bed she lay against. Looking away from herself in the mirror and down to her own cutie mark. I am so mad at myself. Seeing all this pain I put myself in. All because I make ponies want to leave me. And that’s the same pain that… that almost made me do that... She glanced back to the patches in the carpet. Can’t even look at that for more than a second.

Now I got a second chance from that and I am doing this! Why even get a second chance if it led to nothing? She hit the bed again. Feeling it shake behind her. Might as well break the thing. I bet this damn bed hates I got that second chance. Then I wouldn’t be hitting it. I should have never gotten a second chance. All I did with it was… hurt Blight.

Soulblight, you’re the one who gave me this chance. Why? Why did she do this? Why do you care for me?

7.11
Soul rubbed her thigh. This cutie mark. What may it be like to never know it? Never to know what it meant. It was a miracle I even got it out here. I would have never got it if not for what Blight did for me. And I want to do the same for her. I want to see what beautiful mark could be on that black fur someday. Whatever it will be and all the happiness it brings. When Blight discovers her talent. When I can finally know my talent. A good one. Something that will make me feel good. Just like when I became an excellent flyer. As good as it is to know I have a power that no other Pegasus can get. These wings.

Her hoof going up along her side and caressing the feathers. How weak they felt now. Why did I do this? Soul wanted to cry. My gorgeous and strong wings. So long did they miss the feeling of intense flying. How lonely and bored did they feel. I haven’t kissed them in so long. I haven’t told them how important they are to me. Keeping them locked in this house with me. Were they even strong anymore? Years of building them up. So much work and sweat. So much pain. To make them as large as they were now. I love them so much. They are who I am. These wings. Beautiful and delicate, hiding how strong they really were when given a chance. How much happiness they could give. Given so much time to make them better and I failed them.

I failed myself.

“Why did I give up?!” Soul put her face right down into her hooves. Holding herself so tightly. Hiding the world from her and wrapping herself in darkness. “I’m so lonely. All because of myself.” All I can do is blame what I did. I was given everything to make a better chance for myself. A new chance. I got these wings because of that second chance. Throwing it all away. That’s twice I’ve thrown it away. Twice that I’ve thrown away all that another pony does for me. Another pony who needs me. Even if that pony may hate me, I still want to try and show them how much I appreciate what they did for me. At least show that I am still that Pegasus that I used to be.

Do that.

Because I adore the pony who did it for me. Soulblight.

Hidden in her home, as alone as I am. I won’t let it go on. I need to be strong for her. Strong enough to get through these terrible and boring days, for what? For no reason, now. Nope. I wasted these days. This gift that Blight gave to me. A gift that Blight put so much into and all I did was spit on it.

I need to be strong for her… and for Dash.

That’s what I want, anyways. I want to make them happy. I know it. Since I was a kid. I always wanted to make others happy. Now… it’s your turn, Blight. You gave me this second chance.

The ball! Soul grabbed it. Standing up with it held firmly under her leg. I’m gonna be a better pony.

She ran off, ball held against her, careening through the door and rushing off to the snowy world outside.

7.12
Here we go again.

I say that every time. Same thing. Always when I try to see how she’s doing. Standing in front of her door like she did now. Bare and revealed. Not much trace of snow blocking it, as if somepony did a good job of keeping it cleared. Blight has to be the one doing that even if I never see hero outside. Well it made things easier for her. Being able to step right up to the doorway was a luxury hard to do with all the other houses.

Soul leaned in to step into the clearing of snow, stumbling a little over the mounds left about around it before she reached solid ground or whatever it was underneath the layer of snow before the doorway. Soul set the ball down. Keeping it in place under her hoof and just listening. Waiting. This should not be so hard. But it always was. Well, I’m doing better than normal. I haven’t run off yet. Just walk right up. But it’s kind of scary to think about knocking on it. I hate being so afraid.

Soulblight is a good pony. She helped so much and did so much for me. Be a little more comfortable than this. Don’t be so afraid. But it still made it no better. There is no way to tell… if another chair will try to hit me. If the black Pegasus would even show forgiveness after all this time. If she still wants me gone. Just like she told me to do two years ago.

But that is the same Pegasus who flew with me. The one with the most sweetest smile ever. Even were it so rare. Just good enough to know Soul was the one who made it happen when it did. Blight deserved it for all she did.

Soul lifted a hoof up. Listening closely and watching the door that she brought that hoof closer to. Bringing it to a stop just a hair’s length from striking. It was silent inside. Soul heard nothing. Saw nothing to give any form of life to this house, as dead as the village. As the land. It really must be terrible. Being inside this house, in silence with nopony to talk to. Nothing to do. …Just like me. It pained her. And I really let this go on for two years. I left Blight all alone for two years. Such an idiot.

Will she even forgive me?

Soul heard a faint knock.

7.13
She looked up.

Damn it, why did I hit the door!? Finding her hoof right on it. Making her reel it right back. Spacing out like that. I did not even think. Ah man, I didn’t try to stop myself… and that knock. It must have been loud enough. Too late now.

Knock again. Knock on it. Just do it. Bringing her hoof back to bare. I won’t run away again and Blight will see I really am the pony she can rely on. She exhaled deeply. Firmly bringing herself back and ready to do what she needed to do. Soulblight needed a friend and she needed Soulblight. For some fun, like old times. Before this and before the fighting. How long ago that really was. When this leg she held up was as thin as a twig.

Soul knocked on the door again. Louder this time. Just to let the pony inside know she was still here. Not good enough. Do more. Don’t be afraid of failing at this again. She was pushing herself on. Easy, just talk to her. That was easy because I know Soulblight. She is a pony I can trust after all the good things she did. “B-b-b-blight.” Soul cursed herself. Really? I know what to say and what to do. I was preparing for this and everything. And I stutter. Wow. No doubt an amusing thing for the Pegasus inside or maybe something bad. She probably thinks I’m afraid. Not far from the truth. No matter how much she pushed herself, she found it hard not to be afraid. A terrible impression.

Soul cleared her throat. “Blight, are you in there?” Good, no stutter. “I wanted to know if you… wanted to play with me.” Soul gave the ball a gentle nudge to knock it into the door with a subtle tap and it rolled right back to her. Like a diligent pet coming to a rest against her legs. “Like old times, right?” Soul smiled. Smiled at the door. As if anything could see her. I actually did it. Even after what you did, Blight, I still am not gonna give up on you. Just waiting there for a response, nothing else came to mind. Not like the old days when I always had something so great to say to Blight. Freak. That was a good one. I always was so nice. She sighed. I wonder if Blight thinks that about me. Right now. Am I a freak? I act like such an idiot around ponies. On top of being a jerk to Blight. Just how timid and fearful she was right now, impossible to mask, just shows that I’m not a strong Pegasus and just a weirdo who is afraid of the pony who saved her.

I used to call her that same thing. It must have been hurtful. Really making Blight hate her more. Something she regretted and it seemed to be the case. The wind blew by.

“Blight?” Still no answer. Could it be she was gone? Left a long time ago and I don’t even know? No. Soul shook her head. Get rid of those thoughts. That would be terrible. Blight was here. She had to be. That… that would be so terrible if she left. Knowing she was the one who drove a pony off. Well, …another pony at that. One that became so meaningful to her. Just like another pony I know. And it would hurt… I hate to think you would be gone too.

That silence in there. Soulblight was still angry. Angry because I left her alone for so long. She did not deserve that feeling. Anger and pain, it is so painful to think such a good Pegasus always felt those now. “Answer me, Blight” Soul muttered. She hated how she sounded. Like her voice changed in an instant. Like a defeated filly crying for her mother. But she really was sad. Thinking over it all, sad for what was happening to both of them. “I’m worried about you.”

7.14
The silence was agonizing. As was seeing how the door did not open to her pleas. Her impatience really getting the better of her as was her fear of whatever Blight may be going through. “Blight.” Soul groaned pathetically. Really not wanting to stay here waiting with no idea on what to do. Soul stood up. The windows were still free. One of which sitting to her right not far from the door. I need to see. The chance they could see one another. I want to see her. She’ll see too. I’m not gonna give up on her and leave her alone in this house.

Soul lifted herself back up into the air, keeping the ball held between her hooves. Her wings carrying them to the window where she leaned against. Standing on her hind legs, able to see within. It sure had been a long time since she looked in. Surprising to her to find it looking the same as she remembered. The bed was almost right in front of the window. One of the few things inside she actually could fully pick out. Much too dark in there. The sunlight just managing to creep in and illuminate some of what lay within but not what she wanted to see. No sign of her.

Soul looked off to the left. Oh no. Don’t panic. She felt herself begin to tremble. Looking all over trying to pick out the faintest hint of the pony inside. Every angle gave much of the same. No. She looked to the bed again. Maybe she was sleeping? Some way she found to be able to hide herself under the blankets. No, it looked firm. No bumps or wrinkles in the purple blanket laying over the mattress inside. Maybe she was hiding. Going over every bit of the room and finding nothing changed. There was no Soulblight. She was not in there.

“No” she whispered. Blight did leave. Here I was really thinking she was still with me all these years. Still able to put up with her presence in this village. Wishful thinking. Am I really that insufferable? Not even Soulblight, a pony who cared so much for me, wanted anything more to do with me. Not after how bad of a pony I proved myself to be. No, I need to find her. I can’t let this happen. I’m not going to have another bad memory. Fly out and find her. Let Blight know I’m sorry. It will work out. It must work out. Yes.

Soul’s wings flurried hard against her shaking back, ready to take her off. Already breathing so hard as her heart pounded against her chest. Her wings buzzing hard behind her. Soul pushed herself off the wall and back on the ground. Gotta get into the air. Find her and beg her to come back to me.

She turned around to face the open plains of snow… seeing darkness.

7.15
Soul shrieked.

Oh my…! Is that Soulbl…? She groaned when she fell down upon her back. All the grey clouds and the snow they let go falling right down onto her face. Buried in the snow chilling her back. Her wings still beating and then finally slowing down, and it all came to her.

The black Pegasus. Oh my Celestia… she scared me. Soul lifted a hoof to her cheek. It felt warm. Am I blushing? Or… maybe because I’m so happy to see her. The black Pegasus standing over her. Looking down on her with those dragon eyes. Soul almost did not recognize her. It had been too long. Much too long and this is what I do to greet her. Soul curled her legs up. Still rubbing her cheek to try and clear up her blush.

Face to face, but I am… so afraid. Feeling her entire body shaking. Terrified. Blight… you scared me so much and… I didn’t even know it. So scared to never see those eyes again. …And she came back to me. No matter how much terror there was that ran through her and made her shake, all that panic, there was still something.

She was happy.

“Are you okay?” Soulblight asked her from above. More than okay. You really have no idea, Blight.

It’s been so long since I heard your sweet voice. Two years feel so long. I finally am hearing her talk to me. “Y-yes” Soul said. Relieved her wings had settled down. Just able to lay there and look up at Blight. Aww man, but… Blight didn’t have her sweet smile. She only frowned. Every bit of her face indicating to Soul that she was not the happy Pegasus she remembered after they flew. Is she not happy to see me? No, that can’t be. She actually came out to talk to me. Maybe she wants to play.

“I heard what you said” Blight said. She looked off to something above Soul’s head. Soul following her to the ball laying in the snow right against her mane. “You want to play?”

Soul nodded.

7.16
She rolled around back onto her belly. Able to stand up now, face to face with Blight. I would smile if… if only you would smile. Her displeased face letting Soul go. Didn’t do anything to ruin how great it was to see her again. So close to her. Again. Just like we did before she yelled at me. It does feel almost like nothing happened. I’m so happy to see you. But I just wish you felt the same.

We didn’t leave each other.

I was stupid to think she left. No, not after all she did for me. She… she would never. Soulblight is not like the others, and she actually wants to play with me. Soulblight looked back at the ball and then at her. “What did you want to play?” Please don’t think it’s so boring. I know it isn’t the best thing to do for our first time together again. Not even close. Hell, if it were possible, I’d totally jump on you and hug you. Maybe the black Pegasus would like that and even return her hug. She heard a sharp breath come out from her. Times like that were so few for her. So rare. Not even enough for her to remember what it was like. Having to settle with something like this.

Soul reached back to bring the ball over to sit between both pegasi. …She smiled. Soul felt herself smiling. Was this really happening? It did sound trivial at first, but we are actually going to play together again. Her smile, as little as it was, brought nothing out from Blight who just stared down at the red ball.

“You wanna pass it around?” Soul asked. Blight grunted. Almost like she didn’t want to. That wasn’t the case at all. The mare nodded. “Sure.” Alright. That’s great. She wants to do things with me again. Just like old times. Truly a great pony to be so forgiving. Most ponies would have left by now not wanting to deal with me.

She grabbed hold of the ball and walked off to the open area between her house and Blight’s. Big enough for the two. Soul looking back to be sure Blight was following. She was. Right on her tail, eyes going around the village and coming back to Soul almost the moment Soul looked back. Following her the entire way even up to the point where Soul took her position. Patiently waiting for Soul to say something. It was a little funny to her. Soulblight must not know how this works.

Soul pointed her hoof back to Blight’s house. “You can stand over there, and I’ll be here.” Blight looked a little puzzled glancing back at her house. Accepting the instruction anyways. “Alright.” She turned back and walked over to her house. Soul widened her eyes. No way. Blight just… she actually glanced back at Soul. Just for a split second but those dragon eyes came back to meet hers. Like she was watching Soul. What does that mean?

Blight did nothing more for her, just walking on back to her house, …walking… sadly even. Occasionally dragging her hooves. Oh, poor girl. I feel so bad for her. I thought you would be angry. But you seem so sad. Even the first few words she spoke came out so solemn before returning to normal. “So… we are simply passing the ball between us?”

7.17
“Uh…” Soul cleared her mind. Let’s just focus on this right now. Blight wanted to play and that was something. A good break in the loneliness with a little game. Even if Blight didn’t know how to do it. “We’ll toss it at each other” Soul explained. “Keep going till one of us doesn’t stop the ball in time.” A nice competition. I think Blight will win. I… I’ve not been on my game lately… in anything. Whatever. As long as Blight had fun.

“So don’t allow it to pass me, essentially?” Blight asked.

“Yes.”

Blight nodded her approval. Readying herself a short distance away from where Soul stood. Eyes firmly set on the ball Soul held up on her hoof. So she’s probably going to use her magic to do this. If she is then that means I can use my wings. Both of those wings felt great actually. Like life breathed into them anew. Both held aloft and ready to fly.

Soul grabbed hold of the ball and reeled back as far as she could, looking around Blight for a good place to aim it. Over her head. Sure. Soul threw it. Watching the ball fly through the air not too fast. Slowing down thanks to how light it was. Even the wind started to effect it but it still managed to fly in close to where Soul aimed. A trajectory Blight followed perfectly. Showing she was not rusty with her magic unlike Soul with her wings, when a lance of black came straight out of nowhere. Like it came from behind Blight to curve up and strike the ball just as it went above her head, sending it right back at Soul. A rather gentle strike despite how she did it.

The ball came back just as fast as it had been going. Soul kept her eye on it. Definitely going to a point well out of her reach. Her wings came to life. Soul shot up to it, quickly closing the distance until the ball was right in her face. Hitting it right back with a swat of her hoof. Soulblight did the same as she did. Her dragon eyes kept glued to everywhere the ball went and her magic working its wonders sending it right back for Soul to do the same with her wings in kind.

How many times now did they pass it? This had to be like a dozen times now right when Soul hit it back again. It felt good. Letting herself smile with how great it was to move around like this. A real purpose to do it. Darting up, down and all around the width of her house doing well to prevent the ball from flying past her and striking that wall. Pinpoint perfect. Going on for a while. I can’t even get it past her. She can’t even get it past me. Looks like I’m not that rusty. I can still tell where that ball is going. I can still feel that drive I always had when I flew. Exhilarating.

7.18
Her eyes never left the ball… except for a moment. Blight. Blight was not even paying attention anymore. Her eyes no longer cared for the ball and just looking down at the snow below. Rubbing her hoof along it.

She is no better than when we started. She isn’t even having fun. Just smacking the damn things back at me anyways. That magic going out on its own as if they were the thing paying attention to Soul’s attempts if she did not know better. Still able to track the ball like that. Soul would feel outright amazed if this display was not telling her a little thing about their situation. Soulblight was not having fun.

She still was troubled. It has to be about me. I know I’m not a great pony to be around. Why was she even doing this then? I’m not forcing her to play. She could leave. Speak out against doing any of this with her. Soul’s entire spirits plummeted. Just going on with it. Watching here and there for what the ball did and reacting to it.

So this really was just a waste of time. Really, what can I do to make this right? Even just wanting to hang out together wasn’t working. Nothing was working. Nothing ever worked. It’d be nice to have Rainbow Dash here right now to help me figure out what I can do. She was such a natural at showing ponies a good time. She always had something great in store for us. Soul just couldn’t fill that role for Blight. So why even do this? Even if it was nice to see the black Pegasus again. But not able to see that adorable smile again. Not earn it again. I can tell… now I don’t even feel good playing this anymore.

The ball flew at her… so slowly. She struck it. Going right at Blight’s face.

Oh no.

The ball stopped. Just moments from flying through Blight. Held aloft by a layer of black mist.

Holding it. We aren’t supposed to do that. Blight did not send it back to her. Instead, the ball fell to the ground. Bounced in place a couple times before coming to a rest at Blight’s hooves, and she sighed.

7.19
So she must have had enough and here it came. I guess she’s about to start yelling at me. Or ask why we are even doing this. I don’t even have an answer for that. Not one she would likely care to hear. I did it to help Blight feel better and show her we can still have fun together. Didn’t work in the end. Maybe I should just go back home. Go back to being alone and… and cry this all away. It pained her heart to think of doing that again. Her wings did nothing to make that happen. Keeping her held aloft. She wanted them to fly away. They would not. Not even budge. All Soul could do was stare down at the black mare.

No longer caring about the ball or even if Blight was just using this as a ruse to get an advantage on her. The ball never came. Looked like their game was over much to Soul’s disappointment. Not lasting long at all. Not as long as she wished. Probably longer than what Blight wished. But the black Pegasus didn’t do anything. Just waiting there. That beautiful Pegasus stood glancing up and watching the wind fly past both of them. Just subtle movements of her body. A twitch of her ears. Her eyes flickering. I see it all. Maybe it is time.

She landed back down on the ground. I should just let her have more time for herself. I need to just tell her that. I’ll tell her I’m going back inside. And to say that I’m sorry. I should apologize for everything. Those words almost came out. Her mouth opened but her voice did not speak.

Soulblight spoke.

“Soul, I’m sorry.” That was what froze the magenta Pegasus. Soul stayed put. Looking off to the plains of snow, stopping any attempt of hers to walk away. Baffled. She really did just hear that. “What?” Soul asked. She was sorry, I’m the one who should be sorry. Blight looked so desperate right now. Coming closer to Soul. Slumping her head down hidden behind her mane. True shame.

“Please” Blight whispered. “Don’t make this any harder. I should not have yelled at you. It was my fault that Spots left.” How could it be her fault? Blight was an extraordinary caretaker for the fawn. Easy to tell by how happy Spots was around her. It was my fault for not finding him. Never being able to find him. The poor thing wandered off and got lost and I failed to find him. Failing at something else so early. Just a day after pledging herself to help care for him and she already botched it up.

No, I should be yelled at.

7.20
“Don’t be hard on yourself” Soul said. “It was my fault for not being able to find him. I should have been the one to help you care for him and I let you down.” Soul’s own head went down as well. It always hurt to say things like this. Anything was worth it just to make Soulblight feel better. Because after all the nice things she did, she should not feel upset. Not anymore.

“What are you saying?” Blight asked. “You did nothing wrong. It was my fault.” Oh shut it. Soul shook her head. I just want her to listen to me. Soulblight had different plans. She was the one who did something. Getting right into Soul’s face. Making her step back with that shadow coming over her. Forced to listen. Too afraid to say anything with this Pegasus standing tall over her. Blight raised her voice. “Were you thinking it was your fault this whole time? I was the one who was to care for him. I decided to become his mother, and I was the one he left. Soul, …he left because he did not like me. It had nothing to do with you.”

No way. I don’t believe it. Spots would not leave because of Blight. She did a great job of caring for him and was such a sweet pony. Sure she was a little off at times, not enough to scare away one who loved her as much as Spots did. Blight was his friend, his family and she made sure he knew that. How terrible for Blight to think such a thing. It almost made her stomach churn, and Blight just kept going with it.

“I was not good enough for him. He knew I was not a good pony. So he left.”

“But… Blight.”

“Get it through your head.” Blight said closing her face in on Soul. “You did nothing wrong. It was all because of me… and I took it out on you. …Oh, Soul…” She turned her head away. Reeling back so quick, too quick for Soul to recover from such a confrontation, and she almost fell backwards.

Blight actually ran off a few steps. Refusing to look back at her. Shaking her head and whimpering. What? What is wrong? Soul stood back up. I need to make her feel better. None of this is right. Blight was not a bad pony. I like her. Spots did too. Even when I was afraid to talk to her, I still liked her just as much as I did before she yelled at me. Knowing that was not who she was. That Blight was just troubled for losing her beloved friend that she saw as a son. Troubled all this time.

I feel terrible. I really did leave her like this for two years. Never trying to let her know everything was alright. All because I was a coward. No.

I made up my mind.

7.21
Soul stepped up. I’m not going to cower anymore. That’s not who I vowed to be. I am stronger than this and was strong before. I need to be the strong one. Right now, even as Blight began to cry in front of her. Whispering to herself like Soul was not even there to hear her. “I miss you, Spots.”

“I don’t think he left because of you” Soul said trying to get her attention. “He had his reasons but none of them involved him not liking you. Spots loved you.” “Then why did he leave me?” Blight cried. Not even bothering to turn around with Soul right on her tail. “Spots was not going to stay forever. He has a life out there, and you were the one who made sure he got it.”

Soul walked over to her side. Standing next to her. Happy to see Blight did nothing to avoid her. Her teary eyes kept forward. Looking out at the snowy emptiness beyond. I’m not so sure what I’m saying is true but… I do know a thing or two about animals like Spots. They are just like us… but… that also means that they always will remember and love the ones who cared for them. Like me.

Somewhere out there, he is happy for what Blight did for him.

“Wherever he is, I bet he misses you, and he still loves you. Nopony could ever hate the one who cared for them.” Blight sniffed. Her head came round and gently lowered itself close to Soul. Coming so close to rubbing against her chest with her cheek. Perhaps that was what she wanted to do. Like how we used to be. But… I was the one who wanted to rest my head on you… when I was a filly. I looked up to you and wanted you to help me… even for a short time. Now, looks like you are the one who needs that help. Just like Spots once needed from you.

“Were you mad at me for… for attacking you?”

I was more terrified than mad. But understanding now of why it happened. In truth I deserve it now more than ever. I was such an idiot leaving you like this for so long. After that, I need a good clobbering over my head. But she could not tell Blight that. Not how scary she had been to her. “I understand why you did it. I… am also one to throw a fit when… well when bad things happen to me” Soul assured her.

Blight came closer. Almost rubbing her entire body now against Soul’s.

“I’m sorry” she muttered.

“It’s alright. I’m just relieved you’re okay.”

7.22
Blight wiped her tears off. Taking a deep breath and standing up straight again. Trying so hard to make it like she never was crying. A cute ruse. I like that about her. She still likes to see herself as the adult here, like she always used to do. Covering up how she felt. Even sounding a little more like herself. “So you were worried about me this whole time?”

Oh so she did hear that. Yeah, I have been and… now I feel even worse about you. Damn, you were all alone like this. Soul nodded. “Do you feel better?” Soul asked. Then she saw it. That little thing she missed seeing since when they last flew together. It sprouted right up. Soulblight smiled. So small but way too sweet. It even looked like her eyes wanted to start crying again. She was so bad at putting up these strong pony displays. I like to see her be strong and all, but sometime… just stop trying to act so invincible, Blight. Just like me. I’m not invincible too.

“I do.” Blight smiled on, coming a little closer. That’s good. If I could, I’d put a leg around her right now and hold her close. She could only settle with helping to close the gap. That gap formed for so long and so quickly bridged. It was a miracle to her. I’ve never seen a pony able to forgive me so well. Able to look past the stupid things I do. All the bad things we went through in the past. Blight is something else. That’s why I want to be the one to take care of her. Not just her taking care of me anymore.

“It’s gonna be okay, …you sweetheart.” Soul hoped that Blight noticed that little thing she added off the top of her head. That beautiful title that same black Pegasus put on her long ago. It fit well with Blight as well. Because she was a true sweetheart. I wish I could tell how Blight felt right now. If everything was truly better. If all that pain was starting to feel better now. Well, that’s not my talent. If only my cutie mark meant I could read minds or something. But I think I can tell she is feeling a little happier. It left her happy as well.

“I was worried about you as well” Blight said in a line that really made Soul happy. She went back and smiled at Soul. “You little sweetheart.” She… called me a sweetheart? It sounds just like how she used to say it. Did… did that mean… she wasn’t mad? Not anymore? It’s too good to be true.

I… I feel like we are back to how we used to be.

I’m so happy now. Almost breaking down right on the spot. Was Blight the same way? Does she think we can be back to how we used to be long ago?

“Oh…” Soul managed to squeak. “Don’t be worried about me.” They stood there together. Waiting in that falling snow. I’ve got nothing more to say. Nothing. I’m… proud of myself. Blight is smiling again. I made another pony happy. She deserves it after all the great things she did for me. I missed feeling like a pony likes me.

7.23
Blight sighed. “It’s a beautiful day today, huh?” Sure is. A day like this… it can’t be any more beautiful now. No matter how cold it was, or how much she complained about it to herself, she still admitted it. “Yeah…” Weird that Blight even brought that up. Screw the weather. It’s not even that great. I just would like to go inside with Blight and spend the whole day with her.

…Or maybe… does she want to fly with me?!

That had to be why she was changing the subject. How exciting. Blight must have warmed up to that passion. I knew a Pegasus like her couldn’t resist it. It made her ask Blight “Do you wanna fly with me today?” Soulblight shook her head.

What? Oh come on, does this have to do with how it was the first time we flew together? Not this time. Just a nice flight. She was about to point this out before she found herself face to face with the bottom of Blight’s black hoof pointing right at her. “I think you should go flying” she commanded. “Huh? But why?” It made no sense. We can do things together, why do you want to send me off? Soulblight glanced down past Soul to look at what she guessed were her wings. My wings. How weak they felt now. Devoid of practice for so long. Oh no.

…She didn’t.

“Looks like you need to practice, …you slacker.” She did. So she can see I’ve put nothing into them for a while. A little thing she was not at all happy about. Terrible to have it pointed out. Felt like she was naked right now. Nothing capable of being hidden. Really, I am so stupid neglecting them for so long. But that was no problem right now. Soul pushed the point further.

“How about you practice with me? Or… you could just come along. I can show you some of my sweet moves.” Soul couldn’t hide that she was just making excuses now. Blight putting her hoof right back in Soul’s face again to stop her, and it worked. Blight giggled. “You’re pretty funny” she said. “Looks like you’re going to force my hoof.” She brought that hoof back down. Still smiling at her… and her tail was wagging.

What… so she was still happy. This is ridiculous. Let me stay.

“Just go and train for a little bit, …I… well I have a surprise for you. Just give me some time.”

A surprise? Is she actually… no way. There is no way she has something for me. It’s just like… what a friend would do. What could it be? Soul’s mind went wild with ideas of whatever Blight may be cooking up. Maybe she had a game planned and needed to set it up. She has something in her house for me? Fix it up perhaps. Or maybe… Soul gasped! She knows a way we can get out of here!

It left Soul as giddy as a filly. “A surprise!? Really?” Well if you insist! Soul flew up into the air. “How much time do you need?” Soul asked flying right over to hover in front of Blight. Her wings just as excited as she was with their strong flaps sending out huge gusts of snow. Blight laughed at her. Come on, tell me. You just made my day by telling me this.

“Just a few hours maybe. Trust me, you will love it.” That’s all I need to hear. Blight wants to still make me happy and care for me.

Does this mean we’re friends now?!

Don’t question her. Just go along with it and do as she says. Soul lifted herself off to hover right above the village. Still in earshot of Blight. “I’ll be back then. I promise you!” Able to see Blight there waving up at her and smiling.

“See you soon… and…. thank you.”

7.24
Blight watched Soul fly off into the grey sky. Continuing to watch until she was nothing but a speck cutting across the sky off towards the mountains. Not taking any time at all. Well, at least she was still fast despite slacking on her training. She had better not come back too soon and ruin the surprise. Especially with how excited Soul did look.

So cute. Just like a kid again. I will treat that kid well. For everything she did.

Today, I am so happy to do this. All that happened.

Soul likes me?

I rarely hear such kind words. Never. Maybe she was right. Spots never did leave me because he hates me. It sounded like a nice idea. I… I love that idea. After all these terrible months. …And Soul never left me either. She had years to and she just stayed here… because she… she was worried about me. Soulblight thought long and hard on it. I’ve never known what it’s like but… this must be what a friend would do. That friend that was Soul.

I have to show her how much she means to me. How lucky that it is on this very day, and looks like Soul doesn’t even know. Goofball can’t keep track of days anymore. Welp, I may as well remind her. Just for her. My true friend.

Soul will never hate me again. She will never leave me.

She will always hate you.

Blight slammed her hoof hard into her face. Feeling the bones in her muzzle rattle from how hard the impact was. But… she was used to it. Anything to shut it up. Shut those cursed thoughts up. They didn’t matter anymore. Just get rid of them.

She hit herself again and again. Going until… she felt calm. Until her face hurt. Ignore the pain. Ignore it. Because it was wrong. Soul does like me and I’ll prove it. I can finally be accepted into her life. Just concentrate on making this work. After two years of leaving Soul feeling like she was the one at fault, I need to do everything I can to make it all right. I know just how to do it. Time to make it so.

Blight walked off towards Soul’s house. Mind filled with ideas on how to make this surprise look just right to be perfect for Soul.

7.25
Soul landed in one of the nice, open clearings that this mountain range had so many of. Nestled well within the shadows of several of the great peaks. Calm and protected from the harsh winter winds. It no longer blew so hard. Not out here behind the mountains. Really one of the better places for her to train that did not involve her staying in the frigid wind for a very long time. For a few hours at that… and she had to stay here for that long? Find some way to occupy the time. That… was quite a mistake, now that I think about it.

Standing here in the falling snow. All alone out here for a few hours. Right after I asked Blight what she was up to. Now I know. Just great! Her wings couldn’t even stay still. Whether or not that was because of her excitement or the burst of energy she found herself under was hard to tell. But this excitement was just too much to contain.

“I have to wait to have fun with her?” The mountains’ silence gave her the answer. Ah I should have never tried to figure it out and just go with it. Now I get to be out here waiting. Waiting for some surprise. Something awesome. I hate having to wait. I want to see what it is right now.

“Damn it all. What am I supposed to do?” Train? What should I even train on right now? So stupid. I used to be so good at figuring out what kind of training I will do, and two years without doing any… wow it really did take its toll. Besides, I don’t even think I can train right. What Pegasus could work while knowing something cool is waiting at home? None that I know. Oh I want it right now. After two years, Blight and I, we can finally have something to do together. What is it?

7.26
It needed to keep going. I need to keep showing Blight that she can trust me. Make everything right because… I feel like she will be my friend.

Such a good friend even. A pony like that, I couldn’t ask for anything better. I…

I want her to be my best friend. Or a little something else… perhaps.

How I want that. I will do anything for her to show that I can be a good friend. Best thing to do for that now was to, unfortunately, follow Blight’s request. Training. How tiresome. I really just don’t feel it right now. Not with all that happened.

What if Blight and I can leave soon and I can introduce her to everypony back in Equestria?

Damn it, focus. I need to train. That’s the only way I can make it happen. All because… six seconds! It took me six seconds to get to the mountains this time. If she was going to perfect that move, she needed to perform better. Do it better for Blight. For Dashie and all that was waiting back home. Still want to know what that surprise is.

Soul let out a very displeased sigh. Best to get started. Who knows. Maybe it will go by faster once I get into it. No point to wasting time on any basics again or strength training. I should just go right back to practicing that ‘one’ move. I still remember how to do it. Get back into it. That would be the perfect way to get back into the grind. Hope that grind doesn’t take too long. Soul looked over her shoulder, checking her wings left to right. Keeping both of them unfolded to examine their lengths, the feathers, her muscles. Testing how they reacted to her commands. They did all they were supposed to. Nothing wrong with them at all. Even still pretty pinpoint in their moves. Even some practice flaps felt perfect to her. Plus, they still felt extremely energetic. Kind of like they used to be. They must be as happy as I am. After all, we could get a new flying buddy out of this… and a friend. Both of those wings cheering her on. I really do love them. I’ll be sure to clean them up after all this is done. Too long deprived of any real care.

I take it back. I am excited to get back to training. Doing it, I feel just like the Pegasus I always was. I just love this feeling. This energy. There is no better feeling for a Pegasus.

Soul let her wings fall down to the snow. Curving them so the spans planted themselves straight into the ground and pushing them so deep into that snow. This felt right. Like it used to. Soul curled all four of her legs up into her body leaving just those wings left to keep her held up. Well, let’s do this.

7.27
Soul started her warmup. Watching the mountains going up and down in front of her. Those wings really going back into it already from something she had not done in so long. It never was the best part of her training. It actually was the most boring part. But Soul really did miss doing these wing-ups. They kind of helped her feel powerful. Just like she did now when her counting passed fifty. Not doing so much. It might be asking too much to try and do those incredible numbers she used to do. Just do enough for her to start feeling the burn so to speak and it had yet to pop up. Her wings felt just as strong as they did when she arrived. A return to glory for them. All thanks to Blight.

Soulblight has no idea just how much I like her. I am so glad to have that pony back in my life. It gave her wings that drive again. They told her it just by how the persisted on no matter how much time went by that they were deprived of these workouts. If flying isn’t my talent, maybe it’s being so stubborn, hehe. If only. I wish I was more stubborn. If I was, I wouldn’t be in this place. Blight would never need to keep doing all this for me. She gave so much even when Soul was a jerk. Astonishing that Blight still had anything to do with her after all those mean things Soul did to her. Someday, I’ll figure out a way to show her that she means a ton to me and thank her so much for all she did. Leave all the bad things where they belong: in the past. Blight will never be mad at me again. Soul will make sure of it. She’ll see. We will have an awesome life waiting back in Equestria.

One-hundred and fifty. All this work I’m gonna do will show Blight all I want to do to make our lives better again. I’ll do it for us. We’ll return to Cloudsdale, I will beg Celestia for forgiveness. The princess was not all bad even if she did do… something as cruel as sending me here for doing the right thing. It was the right thing. What Blight did was right. She made it happen.

She saved Dashie. Blight just does way too much for me. It was just scary to think that Pegasus might never be able to get past all the pain these past years had caused. Two hundred.

7.28
Soul could see it all now. Being back under the warm and sunny skies of Equestria alongside her two best friends with so many other ponies who would welcome her. For them all to make more friends. To reach our dreams… I know I can reach mine. My wings… all this training. What Nimbus did for me as a filly. I know I can do anything in the sky. And then…

Funny. It’s been so long since I last thought about doing that dream with Dashie. Joining the Wonderbolts. How did Dash used to put it? Oh right. It still sounded cool. Doing these tricks and more that she learned for the enjoyment of all of Equestria. Showing everypony how talented of a Pegasus she was. How much of an accomplishment it really was. Pegasi always wanted to improve on flying to feel that accomplishment. That sounded nice, but I still remember what I want to do.

I still remember what Dash said. How the Wonderbolts made her feel. I want to do that for ponies too. I want to still be that pony who will show all that nothing can stop you from being the best. What better pony than me? I bet… nopony would think much on me right now. I bet they all forgot. No… they will remember. They will all see just what it is I can become. I will still become a Wonderbolt. I will fly alongside Dashie.

I will show Blight that all she did for me helped me reach that dream.

Or even Blight may be able to join the Wonderbolts as well! All three of us together. Oh my Celestia we will be one hell of a team. Then we can all eat together after practice and shows. Relax together. …Go to the sauna together. Oh… I miss that. That all sounds so good. Well… only after all the fanponies would leave us alone. That made Soul chuckle.

I can even get my own home. Having them all over or going to their houses. Seeing Dash amazed at Blight’s sense of style whatever her home may be. Playing together.

…Finding love together. Whatever pony they may be.

Just a warm and simple life for a Pegasus. A life that I really did want for so long… I never gave up on it. It was out there, she just needed to be the one to work on it. Make all the mistakes she did in the past right again. It will happen.

Two-hundred and fifty.

7.29
Soul’s wings felt pretty ready now. A little bit of weakness coming over them when she decided to stop. Her muscles pulsing and burning. Brought back to life so they may do great things. Soul put herself back on her four legs again. Bringing those wings back up to crane into the air. Proudly displaying them to the air she was prepared to soar in once again. Warmup over. Practice now.

How did it go again? Soul thought hard over it and recalled her technique. All the tricky maneuvers she performed to try and perfect it. The slightest adjustments and how close she got each time to feeling like the really was on top of the world. Like she was the best flyer of all. Except, maybe this time I should try to do it from much higher up. She looked up to the sky. All the clouds blowing by high overhead with great speed now that the wind was picking up. A cool environment she no longer felt. Her exercise working wonders on her body. Not too bad of a day. A good opening in the clouds was present and even more openings on the way. Looked to be a straight shot down once she found a high enough point.

“Alright, …here I go.” Soul looked back down with her wings reaching higher. Ready to let loose their first mighty flap and she felt it coming. Her wings almost let her go, but she stopped. She needed to.

Because she saw it there, her eyes square on it, and they could not look away.

…How…? How did I not notice that? Right there in front of her. Was? Was it watching me this entire time?

Soul saw it. Unable to believe it. Because nopony could believe it. Out here, all alone in the mountains… no loner alone.

Together… with the dark shadow in front of her.

Almost impossible to see. Not even moving, but she picked it out. Staring at it and seeing how curvy its ears were with tiny strands of hair rising messily about between them on top of its body with… she looked hard. Four legs… and a tail! Its tail is just as messy as… she looked back up. The mane!

This was not an it. It was a girl.

A mare.

Standing right in front of her on top of the far-off rocks. I… Soul stared. I can’t even see her. Who is that? A pony in the darkness. Why? The Sun is out but… it was so dark… over there. Not even any eyes blinking at her. Who are you?

Soul brought her wings back down. Letting their excitement die off as did her own. Completely curious as to who her audience was. Was it Blight? I wonder. No. That can’t be. The mane was too messy. Soul took a step forward, eager to see. “Hello?” she called out to her. Awaiting some sort of response. The pony stayed quiet.

I have to be seeing things. Just stop messing with me, eyes. She rubbed them so hard. Looking back and… she was still there. This was a mare and she wasn’t moving. Just watching her. So still, so calm. It actually was a little scary. Soul stepped closer to her. She… she could be a pony who actually lives here. Like Spots and the other deer. A pony here as well. So slim. So confident, didn’t even run from Soul. She may be friendly.

A new friend! I should try and talk to her. “Hi” she called out louder. Continuing her walk to the pony sitting on the rocks. “My name is Soul, what’s yo…”

She heard it. Freezing her. That giggle.

The pony laughed so quickly, so suddenly. As sudden as she turned around and jumped off behind the rocks.

“Wait…!” Soul called out. Her eyes going wider when she saw them. Right before the black figure disappeared, falling behind the rocks with her, wings. A Pegasus! One who continued to giggle so sweetly even when she disappeared.

Wait… that laugh. Soul cocked her head. It sounds so… familiar.

7.30
“Wait up.” Soul took to the air. Her revived wings set forth with so much power and renewed energy, pushing her off right at the rocks from which the mare had been. Not even hesitating to look over the rocks. Hopeful to find the Pegasus right behind them waiting for her. Like she was playing hide and seek or something. But Soul found nothing. A rocky lowland of snow hidden behind the rocks. So many rocks out here. Her eyes going all over them wanting to see a glimpse of that shadow again. But she could be anywhere out here.

Piles upon piles of fallen rocks set between the two mountains rising high next to her and beyond. Even the rocks were making new mountains of their own with plenty of snow peaking them. How could anypony run around in this mess? Or… she was flying? I hope that pony didn’t fly off. I don’t want her afraid of me. There was no reason to be afraid. Or maybe she wanted to play. That was it. There’s really a pony out here who wants to play with me, wants me to chase her. That must be why she was laughing. A game.

Soul smiled. “Ready or not, here I come” she yelled. Her voice echoing across the mountains. Easy for the Pegasus to hear her, and she did. Soul’s ears perked up. Laughing. I hear her. Her eyes darted off to the left. Over there.

Soul flew off to the raisings of rocks built up in the snowy surface, looking all over the area to find any hint of the Pegasus. Just knowing the laughing was coming from this direction. …And it kept going. This pony, whoever she was, really was having a good time messing with her. Soul following the laughter wherever it echoed. Rounding the rocks and passing by great openings in the many spires that made up the larger mountains surrounding her. It sounded so weird. That laugh. Not at all scary. Like a kid that was having fun. Soul was mesmerized by it as she followed it. It was so inviting. So carefree. So familiar. …So strange.

I don’t get it. Soul listened to it. I hear her… but… I can’t tell where she is. Soul focused on all of it. Even with all that I know. All my training… why can’t I…

The laugh stopped.

Soul continued flying. Reaching a huge heap of rocks left like rubble fallen at the foot of the mountain and landing on it. Looking all around. Keeping her ears open. I think it was coming from over here. I think. For what good her ears were doing her. Oh don’t stop laughing. It will be too hard to find her in this mess. Soul examined every huge pile of rocks set about around the gap in the mountains. Past the blackened and barren trees rooted in between large boulders topped in snow. Frantically turning to her right to look over everything in that direction. Much of the same. This place was a junk heap of rocks. So uneven and mismatched. Ones of many colors. So easy for any pony to hide. It made her groan.

Soul sighed. Okay… she kept her wings out. Her feathers out… to the wind around her. You can’t hide from me forever. Not from a pony like me. I still remember how to do it even after two years. Not even hearing her own breathing. No. Just… listen to what is around me. Feel what is around me.

I will find you. Like nothing can escape me when I fly. And I can still sense… where you are.

She looked behind her.

7.31
A little shadow so quick and faint moving past one of the trees. A tail. Disappearing behind the boulders. Shouldn’t have moved! Big mistake!

Soul followed after her. Landing on top of the boulder with a skid of her hooves so sharp and slippery to let her slide all the way to the edge of the rock. She peeked down over the side. “Aha!” she cried out. Nothing. More rocks. Damn.

She looked back up. Intently listening to everything. Listening well. Hoping her razor-sharp senses would pick her out again. Another laugh. Behind me? Soul turned around.

There she was. Sitting on top of the rocks. The same rocks I was just on. Giggling at her in the dark of the mountain. IS she making fun of me? Not a nice way to play. Or is this some sort of challenge? This mare better know who she’s messing with. There’s no way she can keep away from me. “Howz about you stop running and give up” Soul asked of her. Only for the shadow to disappear of into the rocks to the right.

“Oh no you don’t.” Soul’s wings beat as hard as they could. Sending her off rocketing right over to the rocks she disappeared behind with a single flap leaving a plume of dust and debris blooming behind her. The snow itself shook off the rocks when she snapped to a halt above the rocks that bore them. Looking all over the cracks and following a trail set out in the middle of this maze of rocks. Where she saw the figure dashing out from and behind the boulders that lined the cliff to the far right. Clearly flying when she did it. So quick. But I’m much quicker.

Soul flew off after her. Right to where she saw the pony turn the corner around those rocks. Right on her tail. Going around the corner herself and... what the hell? She was gone. Nothing. How is she doing this? I can’t even tell which way she is going now. How…

How did I sense her the one time? What is going on?

There was something about this. That laugh. I need to know why… why that laugh is so weird. Why it sends shivers down Soul’s spine. Constantly hearing it in her head. I can’t let her get away. She’s flying, but I can fly better.

She took off into the air. Bringing herself high above all the risings and clusters of rocks below. Joining with the mountains high over this land below. Looming above it all. Where no crevice or crack was out of her sight. Just a quick look was all that was needed. Where those eyes could see everything down below in that maze of rocks. Quickly looking into the shadows of each and every boulder to be sure nothing moved in them. The same with the crevices and trenches. Everywhere a shadow was, she saw them all. Listening very well for any hint of that mocking laughter.

7.32
There she is! A quick movement at the side of the opposite mountain. Flashing by so quick but she made out the image of wings flapping before vanishing with her behind all the rocks in a small clearing in the sunlight. Soul zipped over to it all. Hovering above all those rocks. Close enough to look over them all and see that every single area behind those rocks that anypony could possibly hide behind was empty. As was the rest of the clearing that she found here. Like the Pegasus simply disappeared into thin air.

How the hell is she doing this!? Who is this mare? Every single time I think I have her, she just disappears. No way.

Can it be…

This pony is as fast as me? Faster?

Somepony like that… living out here in this wasteland. No way. I really wish that Blight was here helping me. This is starting to get kind of scary. I need to find out who this pony is. Who can fly this well and… why are they doing this to me? This… her body shivering. Shaking. A pony who can fly… faster than me? Disappearing yet again. Completely gone and Soul looked everywhere to try and find her. Back to where she last saw the mare. Over at all the boulders lumbering about the maze. At all the trees and even along the mountain sides. I need to get high up again, I can spot her. I know I can.

Laughter.

What? Soul swung her head around. There she was sitting on one of the boulders, a boulder… I was just looking at. Her black shape shimmering in the darkness. The little movements she made. Is she…? Behind the pony. Soul could see it. She’s wagging her tail? Well so good to see she is having fun. “Get back here” Soul said, about to fly off at her with a strong burst of speed before the Pegasus leaped off the boulder and flew off behind all the lines of rocks and debris lining around her perch.

Soul stopped herself for a split second. Wait a minute. She was flying off to her left somewhere behind those lines of rocks. I think… Soul looked over to where the Sun basked that lines of rocks. Over there. An opening in the lines of rocks. I can cut her off! Soul was quick to get over there. Forcing her more than warmed up wings to beat the air with one mighty flap that was all it took for her to burst off over the rocks with a swarm of sunlight coming down on both her and the rocks the mare was flying behind. Not even a second… Soul shot past that opening in the rocks. Rounding the corner.

Got you. Now I…

7.33
Soul gasped.

Her wings stopped. Everything stopped.

The entire world fell still. Cast in the darkness of the shadows. Where the Sun barely shone. She sat there… watching that pony. The one who flew right past her. Just short of them running into one another.

Soul blinked. Turning her head and watching her pass. No…

No way. It’s impossible.

Just seeing it right there as it passed. The tail that brushed past her face. Bright in the sunlight. As bright as Soul’s eyes that saw it… and…

The rainbows running along it.

There… there was no way. R-R-Rainbow Dash?!

Soul couldn’t even turn in time before that tail zipped behind the rocks beyond. All that she saw left… just those colors that bore into her eyes and… the laugh the pony left behind

I see now. That… that is it. That’s why… that laugh it’s hers.

Blight. Is… that you? Are you the one doing this?

Soul hung there. Not able to move. Staring off to where the pony disappeared. Is she impersonating her again? Is this supposed to be the surprise? Blight… you know how much I want to see Dashie again. How… mean of you.

No, Blight would never do such a cruel thing. She couldn’t. Soul shook her head. That’s not what she would do. Blight, she did such a perfect replica of Dashie She even has her voice down. But… no… I can see it. Blight… after how you were when I flew with you, this can’t be you.

This pony is flying too well.

She’s outpacing me. The only pony who ever could hope to do that… Dashie.

Is she really here? She’s here and playing with me. Like she’s testing my ability to fly. Like a real flight buddy. My flight buddy. Me wingpony. She is back. She… she came all this way for me! And I… Soul let a tear drop. Drop from her smiling face.

It’s been so long since I’ve seen her.

I’m not gonna give up. Never. I’ll catch up to her. I need to know for certain. I will catch her, I will show her just how great a flyer I am now. “Dashie!” she yelled after the pony. Putting as much strength as she could muster to send herself blasting off at the boulders and rounding them. Nearly feeling the earth itself shake beneath her hooves as she flew low above the rocky surface. All the snow covering sent flying. Forcing her to lick her face when some blew up on to her nose. Flapping her wings nonstop while she went down the narrow trench of rocks and snow that she knew Dash had flown down through. I’ll catch up with you no matter what.

7.34
Rainbow made it no less difficult. Every corner Soul turned trying to find where she went ended much of the same just as she did approaching a break in the rocks at the far edge of the mountain. Coming to a low hover by a pair of desolate trees whose bark creaked and cracked by the force of her flapping wings. Looking everywhere to try and find something that would show where Dash had gone. Wanting to hear that laugh of hers. Feel that pony who flew in the same sky as her.

How skilled she must be now… I can’t even sense her.

Soul came up higher to get above the mess of rocks she was flying in, finding herself flying over a huge parting of snowy land in the center of a series of rocky walls all coming together at this one point. Like a crossing of some sort leading to countless trenches and crevices going all over the place. I… I can’t feel her. I feel… rocks falling. The snow. Is that… no. That was a rockslide far away. Not one thing that felt like wings hitting the air.

She looked down every pathway. Gliding closer to the many branching crossings in the rocks. Maybe she will fly past me. Maybe. Come on, Dashie. You’re making this as hard as you can. Damn… Dash has not slacked on her training at all. She is literally just flying circles around me now. If only she was… there!

Soul caught the last glimpse of cyan bursting into the rocks in the corner of her eye. You’re not getting away. Readying her wings to fly ahead to the rocky gaps to her right where Dash must have been flying towards. What the…? Soul saw her again. To the left? Going so fast she was but a blur passing between the rocks going in the total opposite direction she had been going… and so far away at that. Is she really this fast? I don’t even think I can pull off stuff like this. It’s like… this place doesn’t even slow her down. All the rocks and winding paths through the rocks. Nothing slowed her. I regret slacking on my training. I gotta catch her.

Soul rushed off to fly into the gap that she saw Dash disappear into, prepared to go in with a huge burst of speed so strong that the snow and even the rocks were sent flying by the force of her sudden stop.

“Soul.”

Soul’s eyes widened. Rainbow Dash? She turned around following the sound of that gentle and ear tingling voice. No way. There she is. She was at the other side of the gap. Standing on top of another boulder so far away under the rays of the Sun… and I see her.

I see her. Rainbow Dash!

The most beautiful pony. Like no other she had seen in so long. That is her. The same cyan furred Pegasus… Soul turned to face her. Face that pony… the one I always dreamed of. The one I always wanted to see again. Here you are… right in front of me.

Rainbow Dash.

The pony who held a hoof close to her mouth. Giggling over on that rock. Soul flew a little closer. The pony didn’t move. Dash sat there. Laughing into her hoof, having the time of her life. Like the most radiant thing out here with her gorgeous mane sitting over her face. The most lovely laugh… such a carefree laugh. She is having a good time. It… it made Soul smile. It made her laugh too.

This is just like old times. We… we really are together again. Even racing together… we always had fun. We always laughed and found so much joy in what we did. All those good times. All those wonderful things we did together. And they always led to hearing you laugh. Just like now. Rainbow Dash, it’s so great to see you again, and I will still show you one thing.

Soul felt her wings build up their strength for a quick dash at the pony laughing at her. All the power she had. She felt it all in her wings. I’ll show you I didn’t get worse. I am still the Pegasus who used to play with you.

7.35
The air shuddered and shook when her wings sprang to life so hard as to nearly cleave the air itself. Watching it all break and whish by her with Dash centered in her vision. Still laughing. Not even reacting. Fine with me. Just a blink of an eye. Soul closed in on her. So close… to wrapping her legs around that pony hidden under her mane. So fast and the cyan Pegasus filled her vision.

A blur. Dash zipped away.

“What…!?” Soul slowed herself down, doing her best to make a hard left in the direction she saw the pony disappear to. Flying off somewhere behind the lines of boulders and debris that Soul now nimbly flew up and around, narrowly avoiding slamming right into them. Keeping a good eye on everything as well as an opening in the trench far ahead. Dodging and weaving around the lines of rocks sent flying by the blast of her wings alone. Spreading her feathers so far… and waiting for the feeling.

Dash made a mistake, finally. I can feel her wings. I feel them.

This line of rocks. The one she flew past at such speed. Rising high over her. She looked to them.

Dashie… you’re on the other side.

I’ll do what I did earlier and I will cut you off. No more running. I got you.

All the breaks in the rocks. But one… she saw it. Seeing it and she felt it. Just how happy she was. Because… I can tell. I can sense you now. I’m going to catch you. There was a break in the rocks just big enough to fly through. Fly through and I’m going to run right into you. I don’t care.

Turning that corner in a flash, feeling those wings beating just on the other side. Coming closer. So what if we collide? It’s the best way for me to finally be able to see you again, for me to reach out and hug you as we fly into one another. I’ll catch you… and I’ll finally hold you, Dashie. After all this time.

I’m coming, Dashie!

She turned the corner, seeing all the rocks and empty space right on the other side. All the rocks…

But not that cyan fur she wanted to see.

She blinked, just in time to see it… but she couldn’t stop. Could not stop from seeing that sheet of rocks in front of her. Wait.

Soul blacked out.

7.36
“Oww. …Owwwww.”

Darkness. Oh Celestia! Soul heard it. The ringing in her head. Can’t even see. Son of a… Soul tried to scream. I want to scream. Nothing came out. Nothing but a little squeal.

It hurt so much. Like a thousand smacks to her face. Exploding all across her head. “Owww!” She rolled over. Feeling her back come over a hard surface puncturing at her skin. Who is… pinching me back there. Wait. No, that was the rocks.

It all came back to her. Just now realizing her eyes were closed. Taking so much effort just to open them back up. Every second spent slowly opening them seemed to make the pain hurt more. But it worked and she saw it. A huge rock set right above her, hinging out from the wall of boulders like some deformed mutation to them. That… was that what…? Oh... wow and I really thought I was nimble. I’m the most agile Pegasus? Ha… I couldn’t even avoid running into that. Soul groaned. Rubbing her head. Shaking from the pain. Calm down. Calm. Agh!

She felt her wings beating hard against the rocks. Like the pain ran all over her body. She screamed. Kicking her legs into the air. The worst agony. I ran right into that thing… how hard? Agh, how hard to make it hurt this much?

She blinked. Staring… begging for the pain to end. It hurt so much. Right under her mane, and… she looked at her hoof. Blood. A small splatter of it dabbed on the tip of her hoof. Oh man. I did it again. Again! How many times is this going to happen? It’s like this entire place wants to hurt me. Always messing her up… like now. But… can’t even care. Soul lay on her back. Watching the sky. Feeling her heart beat so fast. Was that normal? Is this? …My eyes… it’s kind of blurry…

She blinked again. Oh thank Celestia it was clearing up, unlike the ringing in her skull. No way to catch Dash like this. So funny, Dash wins, finally. Beat me. She finally beat me… and all it took was me slacking off. Soul laughed… it hurts to laugh. Even made her vision blur again. So hard to see… so hard…

I didn’t even notice her… right there.

When did she get here? Standing right above me with that smile.

Rainbow Dash. She stopped for me. How nice of her. But, come on now, Dashie. Do you really need to laugh? I don’t think this is so funny. It really hurts. But I’ll forgive you just this once. Because you are here for me. You actually came and stopped for me. Now I can see you…

I can see that gorgeous smile. The pony who stood there above her, Rainbow Dash. Blotting out the Sun. That lovely mane reaching down to her from above. Soul try to reach up. I want to touch it… reaching up to the most beautiful mane she ever saw. Wanting to push it aside to look upon the eyes that they hid beneath. Oh Dashie. Soul’s leg fell to her side. Giving up on trying to reach for her with pain swelling all over her. Her wings felt weak.

I’m so glad to see you.

7.37
“Are you okay?”

That voice. That beautiful voice I wanted to hear. Close and right in her ear. A whisper in the wind spoken by the Pegasus above her. So gorgeous. You always were so gorgeous. And now, I’m so lucky that I get to see you again. If only I could see straight. So dizzy. If only your mane didn’t cover you up… I want to see you again. I can’t even speak right.

“Y-yeah, yeah… but not the… best way for us to… meet again” Soul whispered. Rainbow understood. Nodding. Her lovely smile never leaving. She looks so happy. Is it because she won or is she happy to see me too? As happy as I am to see you. To finally be reunited with you. It made her laugh, just a little. Her head started pounding. “It’s so good to… to see you… D-D-Dashie. So good to see… that smile.”

Celestia, I can’t even talk. That rock… it hurts so bad. She wanted to shake her head clear and tried to do just that but it hurt to move. Her head pounding… and the world spun.

I don’t think it sounded so bad, right? Not at all. Dash is still smiling. Dash had fun with me. We both had a lot of fun flying together. Flying together. Just like we used to do. We can finally do it again. We did do it! But looks like I hurt myself again. Haha.

I need to rest. Like you let me do… long ago. When I crashed. You let me rest in your legs and your wings. You took care of me. I think I can rest now… now that you’re here. I feel so…

Sleepy.

The wind… it was gone. I can’t hear it. Gone. Gone like everything else. All I see is you, Dashie. Finally. The one voice left for her. Listening to it. Like a lullaby easing her to sleep. She couldn’t even talk. Only able to hear her, with her useless mouth just trembling. “You need to stop trying so damn hard to make me happy, best bud.” But I have to. To prove I am worth your time. So you know I don’t hate you. That it was a lie. I… love… you.

Love how nice you are, how beautiful you are. Silly Dashie. Not even able to say any of that.

It was too dark. Too much. To stay awake.

“Another pony needs you right now, …much more than I do.” What? Somepony… needs… me? Who? I don’t know… I… need to help you. I promised to be there for you. I want to make you happy.

Who is it that needs me?

Rainbow… she leaned close. “Please help her. For me.” So close. The Pegasus… she raised a hoof. All that was left in the darkening world. To see her push her mane aside and look down upon Soul. Staring at one another. “I’ll be waiting for you in the end. For now, just sleep.”

“Sleep, Soul Serenity.”

Such beautiful eyes. Such a talented pony. When did you… you learn how to do that? When did your eyes change?

Soul stared. Only able to see what was left of the world. The face of a pony who smiled down at her. Those eyes… so gorgeous. Staring deep into those eyes; one as blue as the icy sea, one as red as the bleeding Sun. Both of them blinked at her… and that pony giggled. I never knew how beautiful your eyes could become, Dashie.

For you, I’ll help.

7.38
Soul woke up. The Sun. Right above her. High in the sky shining in right over the closest mountain towering at her hooves… and… it hurt.

Soul yelped. Hissing loudly as she brought her forehooves up to clutch at her forehead. Sweet Celestia it hurts so much. Not even able to think. She felt it. Feels like a big bump right under her mane. When did that happen? How did that happen?

Soul shook her head. Clutching tightly at her head. Feeling the hairs of her mane embed themselves in the warm feeling of blood pooled on her head. I… was I sleeping like this? What the hell is wrong with me? I would never do this… and these rocks. She turned herself over with all her might to lift herself up. Just able to sit up on her rump and freeing her back from the terribly painful surface she lay on, leaving a good soreness along her entire back. I actually fell asleep on this? Oh wow something must have happened for this to happen.

Try to remember. Able to think now. That intense pain already started to clear up. Can’t really complain about it… not when all this is happening. Last I recall… I was training. For that special move to get out of here. …And…

Soul looked up into the sky high above her. Open with just a few dark clouds above, nonetheless dropping a hail of snow on her. She looked down at herself. Her stomach going down from her to her hind legs set on the rocky surface… and her wings draped at her sides. Covered in snow. A bit of it. T-that is right! I remember!

“I fell.”

How terrible. I tried to do the move again and can’t even pull it off still. I guess this is what I get for rushing I, and for not training in such a long time.

7.39
Soul looked all around at the wind-swept rocks she lay inside of. All of them surrounding her in a trench going far at either end. Such a desolate place. So lonely… and I was sleeping here this whole time. Oh for how long? I’m kind of worried now. She looked back down on herself. All this snow on me. The Sun was different. Is it… lower now? A lot lower?

“Shit.”

I passed out. Why on earth would I let myself pass out? Especially with…

Blight!

Her surprise. I was supposed to meet up with her. Soul ignored all the pain she was under. Forcing herself back up on wobbly legs making her feel like she was just going to fall back down. Her wings beat the rocks below. Instinctively trying to get her back in the air. No time to recover. Damned Sun, if only you had not changed. Blight has been waiting for me all this time. For the surprise.

Soul’s vision blurred a little. “No. Stop it.” She smacked a hoof along the side of her face. Feeling the pain rattle badly in her head but her vision cleared. That worked. Good. She needed to get going. No time to slack around. Blight was waiting. She needs me. I need her. I’m not gonna make her wait any long. Her wings spread and reached for the sky. Casting their shadows upon the snow around her.

“I’m coming, Blight.”

7.40
I have to get to her. If only I could fly much faster.

How many seconds did it take?

I was not even… damn it, I didn’t even count. It felt like forever. Definitely longer than normal. It was even hard just to land, almost stumbling on her own hooves as she set down upon the snow… and… ugh. Soul clenched a hoof to her belly. Feels like I’m about to… she gulped. It went away. As well as being so afraid she may black out again. Not as scary as disappointing Blight again. Stop wasting so much time.

She took a quick look around the village. No sign of Blight anywhere. Just the flurrying snow all about the village. Doesn’t look like she’s around. I didn’t even see her when I flew in. But she did notice something peculiar. Right outside her house. The hole leading down to her door. Soul scurried over to it. Surprised to see this here. The snow was carved out, leading down to the thinly veiled wooden porch beneath with a staircase! Did Blight do this? It looked really good. Multiple well-cut steps of solid snow as thick as Soul was wide that she tapped a hoof at to reveal how sturdy the snow was. That was so kind of her to make this. How did she even make these to begin with? I never understand how she does this stuff. I never get to see just how her magic works. Though, as nice as it was, this couldn’t be the surprise. I think she just did this to be nice to me. I… like it. Besides…

I think I know where she is now.

If you’re in there, this will be the first time in years I get to have you in my house. You get to be my guest. Like you were back when I was a filly. I hope we can be that again… that brief time when we were both there for one another… so long ago.

Soul tested the steps again. Satisfied with how they reacted and she made her way down each one with delicate strides so as not to disturb how straight the sides and edges of each stair was until she reached the door below. I really hope I’m not late. I really do. I have no idea how long I was out for. Hope I am still a little early. Please.

Soul reached out and opened the door. Doing her best to put on as good a smile as she could to hide just how worried she really was and there certainly was a surprise that almost made her smile fall off.

7.41
Soulblight.

H-hey… Soul couldn’t even talk. Just by seeing it… that face that greeted her. Soulblight right there, sitting before her. Like she had been waiting in front of that door. Waiting with a glare on her face. That was all that was needed make Soul’s heart fall.

Soulblight. Her face stricken in anger. Such deep eyes shimmering in the new sunlight cast in through the doorway. Soul saw it. How angry she really was. So much… the black mare’s cheek twitched. It made Soul want to back off. I know that face, I’m about to be yelled at. I really did mess up. Please don’t yell at me. I’m sorry.

I did make her wait.

Please forgive me. I know it was wrong of me. Just please don’t let it ruin us. Please… Soul lowered her head before the pony. But she knew, she could tell. She could feel it. The anger in the air. It made her want to cry. I was late. So late. I can tell. I can’t even look her in the eyes. She didn’t dare to. Not wanting to see those eyes. Only wanting to ask. “Did I keep you waiting?” Saying it with what little energy she had left. What little effort she could even make to try and speak to this pony. All she could do was listen. Listen and shiver when she heard the mare breathe deep and sigh so lightly… so gently. Speaking in just a whisper.

“Two… days…” She… she almost sounds emotionless. Like no joy could exist in the voice that said it. “Two days” Blight said closer to her head. Soul dropped down further. Almost kneeling. Feeling the pony right above her. Glaring down upon her. Not able to do anything. Just still and silent… in the shock of hearing just how angry the black Pegasus was.

I promised her. I promised. Look at what I did. Not even able to keep a promise. How can I ever make friends with this pony… with any pony, when I can’t even keep a promise anymore. No wonder Dashie left me. No wonder Blight is mad at me. So apparent in how painful her voice was. How dark her shadow was looming over her. From that pony that she was so happy with not long ago. Now… now too afraid to even look at her. Shivering in fear.

Stop it. Stop, you useless idiot. …S-s-stop.

“I’m… I’m so very sorry” Soul found herself whimpering.

7.42
Laughter. Soul froze. Soulblight’s own laugh. It made her look back up to see how it truly did look. Soulblight… clutching her own chest with so many tears in her eyes. Baring her teeth with such laughter. Soul widened her eyes… taking a step back. To see just what it was she did to this pony; what have I done?

“You’re sorry” Blight shrieked. Darting her eyes right at Soul’s. It was so unsettling how it looked. She was like a whole other pony now. How her eyes trembled. Her own mouth chattering. I’ve never seen her like this. I really did make her mad. I… never wanted this.

“You’re sorry!” Blight yelled again. “No. No, Soul.” She shook her head so hard… so hard that her long mane flew. Back and forth till it finally went still once more and the pony stared upon Soul. “I’m sorry. Sorry for wasting time. Both of our times.” What is she saying? Soul could not even move now. Like that terrifying gaze was pinning her down. “Here I was thinking you left. Finally leaving to go back to the life you want. But no, you simply wanted to avoid me. Well congratulations.” Blight stood up. Rushing right at Soul. I...

I never thought I could do this to a pony. I never wanted to hurt anypony. I never did. It… it’s my job to make other ponies happy. The thing that I always wanted since I was a filly. Rainbow Dash. Nimbus and Starry. Now you… you, the pony I want so much. I made you think this way. I did this. I did this to the pony now staring me in the face.

Blight planted her own face so close to Soul’s. So close. Close enough that Soul could feel her breath. All the rage in those dragon eyes coiling like veins of red bulging and bursting around the slits of her pupils. As if the Sun itself were exploding. An entire realm of anger inside those eyes. Of betrayal. Of suffering. That I did to her.

She whispered to Soul. Quiet and still. A razor-sharp dagger to her ears.

“If you hate me so much than how about you stop teasing me and just leave me like everypony does.”

Soul gasped. Feeling it. The worst pain she ever felt… right into her heart. She felt the tear come down her cheek. More pain than her pounding head. The most agonizing tear she ever let go… hearing those words… the ones of a pony who she hurt so badly. That pain even worse… then being sent flying by a burst of black magic.

Soul flew into the door. Finding herself laying there on her side with wings limp against her, watching the black Pegasus run past her and out into the snow until… she was gone.

7.43
If I hate her?

Those words stung. She didn’t even care that she was laying like a broken pony. That her back hurt so bad. That she could feel blood coming down through her fur. Being thrown so hard, it was nothing compared to hearing those words. Hearing them scream again and again inside her head.

Why? Why did this happen? I was so close. I was going to be her friend. She was going to be mine. Now… now she hates me. Just like Dashie. Everything… I ever do… always makes ponies leave me. I did it to Dashie. I did everything for her… but I could not live up to the pony she needed me to be. Her dearest friend. And I can’t do it for Blight either.

Where are my tears? They came no more. Like her eyes were about to explode. So much to burn like those horrible words. I should have never left to go train. I should have never even left. There are so many things I should have never done. To all the ponies in my life. It hurts so much! I hate this feeling.

Soulblight did so much for me and I did this to her. I made her wait two days for me. Two days since I broke mt promise. No. Please no.

Soul stood back up. Feeling all the cold, all the pain all over her body. From her head to her back. A punishment. I am being punished… because I never knew exactly what I was doing to Blight all these years.

Soulblight was the pony who waited for me. Not… not for two days… but for years.

I understand. I do now and I’m so stupid to have never seen it. You think I hate you.

She walked on. Going right into her house. Looking off to her bed and seeing the first thing that showed how great a fool she was. My bed. Soulblight did this for me. A bed… the same one she always slept in… not the same anymore. To find it like this. With so many pillows all over it. So many. She stared at it all. All of them so neatly placed and covered by the blanket… a brand new blanket. Blight… how did she get this? Why did she do this for me? Soul couldn’t help but come over and run her hoof over that purple blanket. As elegant and gorgeous as Blight was. With golden hearts stitched all across it. And Blight left this for me. It’s so soft. The pillows and the blanket and… she looked upon the last thing that sat atop her bed. It made her gulp. Looking upon the brightly colored box. She knew what it was. She did all this for me. Soul looked on…

A table. A new table sitting there in front of the fireplace. Soul came up to it.

7.44
It was amazing. Standing over what Blight placed for her on the table. So small but so satisfying, enough to accompany that box on her bed. Was all this really for me? Blight did this?

Sitting on a plate. With words written on top of it. She made this for me. She wrote this for me. Writing it in icing.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
MY BEST FRIEND
SOUL

The words written right in the middle of a brown cake. It was a cake. Just as Soul remembered it. Rounded and topped in so much chocolatey icing.

Best friend.

She even remembered the candles. All of them lit with tiny little flames flickering like the freshly roaring fire that warmed the house all thanks to so many boards thrown in the fire. How many? Soul counted them. Her teary eyes going over each and every one of them. She even put them in a circle too. It’s so beautiful.

Twenty-one.

Is… is that how old I am?

Twenty-one candles. For me, and I actually forgot just how old I am. But Blight remembered. She watched me grow from a nine year old filly into a pathetic and sad twenty-one year old mare. A mare who can’t even so what is so damn obvious. That I was always somepony else’s best friend. Blight wrote it right here. She gave me this. A beautiful little cake. On top…

Strawberries…

She made this for me. All of this is for me. My birthday. A day that Blight remembered. From a cake to a colorfully wrapped present sitting on top of her bed with a lovely red bow on it. This was the surprise and I could never ever ask for a better one.

Soul finally let them go. All the tears as she finally wept.

“Oh, Blight.” She fell onto the floor. Get all of it out of her sight. All of the pain. She placed her hooves right over her face. Crying so hard into them. “Blight... I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” I really am a fool. The biggest fool. For not realizing this till now. Blight said it so well and it hurt. But I know it can’t be as painful as it is for Blight… she had to spend years with me while I ignored her and was mean to her… and she never stopped loving me. I’m her best friend? She saw me as her best friend this whole time and I spat on her.

“Blight, I don’t hate you.” I don’t… but I see now… that you hate me. After what I just did. After so many years of you loving me and I did this to you. You loved me all this time. You took care of me and are the reason I am still alive… because you were always my friend. I had a friend. I had one.

I finally had a friend.

No wonder you did so much for me. That dark pony was always so much more. “You’re my friend too.” I want to be your friend and I will do anything to make it happen.

There must be something. Something I can do. Soul cried harder and harder into her hooves. I don’t deserve to be happy right now. You do. You, the pony who loved me and took care of me and saved me, you deserve to be happy.

I know… I have to do it. I will be the one who will make you happy like I was supposed to. Like I should have done since the day I first met you. When I learned you… you saved Dashie. You saved my best friend. You saved me. Soulblight, I see now just how important you are to me.

No time to even recover. Still crying as she stood back up and stumbled off to where she last left it. Eyes set on it, where it was. Please still be there. I have to make this right.

7.45
So it was like always. Used again. Left to be alone. Just another existence. No different, and proven wrong once more while it was always right. Oh I should have listened to it and just avoided this whole thing from the start. “Stupid, stupid filly” Blight said of herself. Smacking her face once more as punishment. It really did hurt no matter how many times she did it. Anything to drown out the pain in her heart. Because that was all she was meant for. To just be in pain.

So much loneliness, if only it would stop. If only ponies would just stop making me so sad and care for me for once. To be cared for. Such a damn lie. A lie that persisted for so long. Well then Soul can just go and find the care she deserved. Not like I am the one to give it to her. Soul doesn’t need me. She only needed her sweet Dashie.

Just like it said. She still hates me. Soul will always hate me. A freak can’t have a friend. A monster can’t have love.

She does hate you.

No doubt. Going through so much to make her happy, make her comfortable. Left alone to be forgotten in the end. So why even try? Blight looked up at the dark wall she sat before. It was really red. Shining bright of the color she knew well. Following every subtle move her eyes made. Such a lonely color. Such a lonesome place such as her house and she will always be here like this. Once Soul left. Go away and stop tormenting me. Stop pretending you like me and then doing stuff like this. Stop treating me like nothing. I want to be your friend, I want you to be my friend. My best friend because I still love you. That is what made her so mad.

No matter how much I care for her and give for her, she will be like everypony else and give nothing back. Soul never wants me to be happy. She only wanted it for herself. So understandable. I never deserved it. All I can remember, I never got it.

“All of those useless ponies…” who hate me so much. Never able to look past my mistakes. So what if I ruined Soul’s life. The ungrateful fool should be satisfied with everything I have done for her just so she can survive out here. Not at all obligated to do any of it.

7.46
But Soul is the one who made me smile. For the first time in so many countless years. I hated going so long without actually feeling like there is a pony I can love and who may even care for me. To be given happiness. Happiness for Soulblight, for the pony that I am known as. I have a name. Soul gave it to me. It was so wrong to hate a pony who gave me my own name. The first pony to talk to me for so long. No matter how short it was, it was still the most amazing experience in her life… and now that pony was going to leave. The pony deserved friends and love. Going through so much hardship in her life, so much loneliness and I was the one who hurt her so badly in the end. She was going to leave.

Especially now… I threw her against the wall.

That was so wrong of me to do. It must have hurt. Poor, poor pony. Poor, poor Blight. “Poor, poor me.”

I bet it did hurt… but she has no idea how much she hurt me. She doesn’t know real pain. Such a simple and small life. So young and fresh to never have experienced true torment. She wants to torment me too just like all the others I’ve ever known… and she wants to leave me after that? Pretend none of this happened. That we have absolutely no bond at all anymore. Such a coward. Such an irresponsible pony. When she never deserved to feel those ways.

Soul… she used to be happy. Why not just go back to it? Go back home and be happy. I can deal with it. What is more lonely years for me? I can do it all over again. Alone… again.

But… I just know I… I can stop it. “I can stop it. Hahahahaha!”

Just clip her wings.

Blight punched herself as hard as possible. Sending her entire body flying off to the side from the impact. Shut up! Shut up! She winced. Her face really did hurt now as she sat back up again. That was wrong. It was so wrong. Stop thinking that. Even if it does mean Soul will never be able to leave me and will be with me forever… shut up!

“Shut up!” Those thoughts alone made her fangs itch. Made her whole body writhe.

7.47
Soul needed her wings. They were the most precious things to her. Her prized possessions that she worked so hard to obtain. Beautiful and luscious, perfect symbols of the truly talented flyer that Soul was. How very sad would Soul be without them?

Those wings are her.

As much as she was as her loving nature was to the ponies she cared for. No matter if Blight could not get that love. I must never take those wings from her. I must not hurt her again. She’ll never forgive me.

She doesn’t forgive you anyways.

No. She will. Hurting her won’t work. I hurt her so much already.

And what is a little more?

Soul was strong. She was such a dedicated Pegasus with so much love to give. Love she… she can give to me once… she is with me forever. Love I can finally feel again. A nice hug.

A nice hug from a flightless Pegasus.

Blight burst out laughing. The irony. She hurts me and then I hurt her and that is what will finally bring us together. With everything made right. No running away. No leaving so I can be the pony she can rely on forever. I’ll never be alone again.

…Or she can just join the rest.

No more hatred. No more sadness. No more loneliness. Blight laughed. Hearing herself like this. It was too much. Too funny. A complete circle is what life is. How very amusing to hear this again. It was all so simple.

She felt her hoof tremble. What’s that? That twitching hoof, I know what it is. You think it’s wrong? And it was wrong. Her hoof flew right up into her face. Punching herself again. Twice. Three times. Hearing how terrible it sounded for the hard shell to slam against flesh and bone. But it felt better. So much better to stop it. To shut it up.

“Just shut up. Just shut up.” Stop. I can’t hurt her.

I love her.

7.48
“Blight.”

Blight’s ears shot up.

No. Soul. No. She can’t be here.

Soulblight blinked again. Seeing all the red washing over the wall in front of her. The daggers inside of her mouth. So sharp. Not her. Not the pony Soul knew. Not the loving and caring Pegasus that wanted what was best for Soul. She can’t be here to see this. But she was.

She heard her hoofsteps enter the house behind her along with a gentle shut of the door. Her breathing. A little sniff. Has she been crying? I have been crying. We both get to cry together. No more of that. Shut up!

But it was Soul. All the same sounds she made. Walking closer behind her. She’s coming to me. It was absolutely terrifying. This was not happening. Not while I can still see it. Why does it make me want to laugh? Get out of here! Not while I still have it in my mind! A wingless Pegasus.

A wingless Soul Serenity.

All it takes is a swift cut to stop her. No, stop it. I can’t be that pony.

“Go away” Blight demanded of her. Hoping the anger in her voice would scare that coward off. “I will not.” What? She sounded so sincere. So authoritative. Soul like this? That defiant imbecile. Now is not the time to be stubborn. Just go and leave me. Fly away before it’s too late. You love your wings. I love them too. I don’t want you to lose them. I want to say all this to you. I have them on the tip of my tongue. Damn it. I can’t. I can’t do it without scaring you. As terrifying as she was now that Soul saw her with Blight looking over her shoulder and seeing the shadow of the Pegasus in the dim darkness of her house. With just the sunlight coming in to fight with the red glow Blight cast on the house. But Soul was not stopping.

She is still coming towards me. Ever closer as to slowly reveal more and more of herself in the light. So that Blight could see her beautiful eyes. Her wings cast in shadow left out like wanting to hug her with them.

Those wings, they were the ones.

Go away. Please. Blight turned herself around. “Go away!”

7.49
She gasped. No.

When? When did it happen? Why… why are you doing this? As red as her own eyes staring upon Soul. Bursting and bubbling. Like blood. Blood made of her magic… and Soul just walked towards her. Unaware.

She doesn’t know… of the thing behind her.

She has no idea how dangerous I am… I… I want to do it. Blight looked at Soul and then to the thing behind the pony. The pony did not know of the magic that curved behind her. Hanging over her. Gleaming so bright in its blood red. Waiting for me. My magic is waiting for me to do it.

It knows what I want to do.

Haha, Soul… your wings do what you want them to do. My magic is the same for me and it wants to do what I want. Exactly what a blade shall do.

All it takes is one clean cut.

The fool even has her wings out for me. Begging for it. She wants it! She wants it. But…

I can’t do anything.

I’m afraid. I’m so scared… I don’t want to see it. I don’t want to see Soul suffer. I can already see her. Blight’s eyes trembled. No.

Soul… laying on the ground. Bleeding from her back. Crying. Crying right in front of me. And I just stand over her… staring like… like a beast. With all those magenta feathers left to float among the two of us.

You will be with me forever. But… how painful it will be to see you like that. Why did it not stop? Why? Why am I not doing the right thing anymore? Go away, Soul. Go away. Please, run! I don’t want to hurt you.

It was coming down closer. Ready to do it. Moving with the Pegasus as she came into the rays of sunlight shining from the windows. So close to Blight. …And she saw it happen. Like a swoosh of light cutting the world itself. Showering it in red. Silent. Unknowing. Coming down in a hail of red… just like…

Like what Soul set down in front of her.

Blight stopped.

With so much silence that Blight could hear her own heart stop upon seeing it laying there in the sunlight, dropped from the mouth of the Pegasus she loved. Blight stopped it all. Seeing their colors. Shining like her own magic and like the Sun itself. Left at the hooves of the pony who put them there.

“They’re for you.” She heard Soul say it with a sad little voice. So small while what she left their spoke so large.

Flowers.

7.50
An entire bouquet of them tied together at the stems is what it was she saw Soul drop from her mouth. Gleaming and shiny in the colors that made Blight’s mind freeze as much as everything else in her world. They… the most beautiful things… I have seen. They glowed so bright. From the Sun or is it… from my magic that hangs over both of us… waiting for me to tell it what to do? They looked so nice. So happy to her with their oranges and reds embedded in so many delicate little petals, and Soul nudged them away with a tap of her nose. Sliding them a little closer to Blight.

Not able to do anymore. Her magic, her anger, her hate. Blight stared at them. I feel… something…

Seeing such flowers.

“I’m not going anywhere without giving you these” Soul whispered from beyond the rays of sunlight crossing between the two pegasi. Exactly like a wall that those flowers crossed, wanting to come closer to Blight. Each and every time that Soul nudged them along the floor. Oblivious of everything. Unlike any other time that this mare has ever acted. Like she didn’t care about anything but this. But giving me these flowers? They are mine? So beautiful and Soul is giving them to me. She stopped pushing them along. Looking back up at Blight.

No way. Soul… she was smiling at her. But why? She… she finally gets to see what I am. She sees me like this. She must be in so much pain with all the cruel things I did to her, and all the terrible things I wanted to do to her. For Soul to not look back and see exactly what Blight wanted to do. What she had wanted to do. It was lost on her. As lost as her magic that did not leave. Just like Soul did.

I don’t understand. Seeing this. Seeing Soul happy even with all this. With all the pain and suffering. Was Soul even aware of what was behind her? Did she even care? I want to tell her to run. Plead her to avoid any more harm. Because Soul deserved none of it. None of it anymore. For making Blight so happy… and she admitted it.

7.51
Watching the magenta Pegasus reach back down to take the flowers back up into her mouth. Those flowers that crossed the barrier between the two, now Soul crossed it too. Striding past with small steps towards her. So close. Blight saw the red mixing with her fur. Could see up close how the Pegasus smiled at her to the best of her ability with those lovely things she carried to her. For me. What to do? What to do? What can I do for this Pegasus who is before me? How she doesn’t run from me.

No way, no way can I ever hurt her. I mustn’t. Hurt such a kind pony. One so kind to me and she actually wanted me to smile… all this time… for me to feel this way now. Staring at those flowers.

Soul, you should not associate yourself with me. You should not let something like me into your life. So why do you work so hard to do this stuff for me? For me, the pony you want to make happy and you truly did. You… you are beyond anything I could wish for. Just sitting down in front of her with those flowers held in a muzzle so close to Blight’s own. She could see all the tiny furs along her nose swaying with every small breath she took. If only she was able to feel what it was like to have her breathing so close to her. Having such a friendly pony with her who actually did not revile in being this close to her. Her huge wings, held out, found their place.

Blight gasped. Soul… her wings. Those massive wings came over Blight… surrounded both of them. They twitched so lightly. Is she… Blight stared at them. Looked all around her at those wings that came over both pegasi. It’s like… they’re protecting me. Blight looked back to Soul. And I wanted to destroy these wings.

“Take them, Blight.” She heard the little whisper say to her. Soul pushing her nose a little closer to Blight’s. She looked down at it. Like it were about to touch her own nose. The face of the pony she cared for right in her own face. Being so close. Together like this. Impossible. It was never believable and here it was happening to her. Never before. Never. I can still feel them. My tongue going over all those things… those knives in my mouth… and I can see it. I can see it! In Soul’s eyes. I see it.

A black Pegasus whose eyes glowed of blood and not of the Sun.

Soul is not running from me. She isn’t leaving me. Even when I told her to. Even seeing me like this. All the reasons. Because I am the monster she thinks I am. Why stay with me? So stubborn. So loving.

“I know they make you happy” Soul said. They do.

7.52
Blight grabbed them with a gentle tug out of Soul’s mouth, holding them aloft between the two with the smallest bit of black surrounding them. Right above her eyes that she looked up at them with. Seeing the tiniest of bulbs held on little threads between those petals. Looking down on her. Filling up the darkness of the world above in their light. A light to make her happy. Just as Soul knew. Just as she remembered.

The dream.

I am not the only one who remembers it, but… Soul, Soul you remember… what it was that made me happy.

I don’t feel them anymore. I don’t feel the fangs in my mouth. I... Blight saw it in Soul’s eyes. Seeing her own eyes again. Lost of their blood. Sharing the same color as Soul’s eyes again. The same tears that Soul shed.

“Soul…” I want to tell her. But what words? None fit the call. I don’t know how I feel. My heart is hurting and… I can feel it fluttering… and I can’t breathe. Soul hushed her. Coming a little closer to her, her nose coming right in at her. What… are you…?

Blight blinked. Soul went down into Blight’s chest. Her wings burst out higher. So high and shadows came upon both of them to hide them away from the world. The two pegasi alone… under those great wings. All that was left of the world. Together. Together in the darkness…

Another pony… with me.

Blight looked down upon the pony. Her violet mane raised in front of her. Down there… crying against me chest. What would it feel like? Now that she… Soul is together with me… and resting her head against me. Like some sort of child again. This… this is what I wanted to do for you for so long. Ever since you were a kid. I wanted to be there to keep you safe. I wanted to be the one you relied on… that you rested your head upon. You are the first pony I ever wanted to do that for. Now… now I can do it. Soul, you really were the pony I wanted to keep safe. A pony who made me happy. Who I care so much for. And you feel the same for me.

I’ve never seen you do this for anypony before. The life that existed before me. I’ve never seen you like this. Like… like…

Blight froze. Soul, this is what you always wanted. You always wanted a pony you could trust to be with… one you could call… your family.

Her defenses collapsed, as did her magic, as did her anger. Soulblight cried.

7.53
“Shhh” she heard the Pegasus say under her. “It’s all gonna be okay. I’m here for you.” No, don’t say that. I’m not the one who deserves your pity. Not after everything I did. She still was here. Continuing to be like this for me. You are showing me the love… I know you always wanted to give to another. I am not the one who should get it. You should give it to somepony else. Please… don’t.

I am the one who needs to give this to you after all the mistakes I made. After I ruined your life, took away your home, your dreams, your best friend. I took it all from an innocent Pegasus who had so much fear in her life, and now she is doing this for me? Soul was not selfish. Soul was not the wrong one.

“Soul, I am so sorry.” “Don’t say that.” Soul looked back up. Getting right back into her face with so many tears rolling down her cheeks. You’re crying as much as me now. Don’t cry, you’re not at fault. Don’t tell me what I can’t say. What I must believe for it all to be made alright. To justify my wrongdoings. I need to be punished. So punish me. Leave me.

“Leave me…” she pleaded to the Pegasus. “You don’t belong here.”

Soul shook her head. A magenta hoof reaching up from below to set itself against Blight’s cheek. She looked over at it. Oh how good it may be to feel that touch. Please, don’t stop. Please hold me. No, I don’t deserve it. Nopony like me should get such a gentle touch from you. With wings such as Soul’s being able to hold her tight and Blight to do the same to her. None of it must happen. End it now. End the pain. End Soul’s pain and let her fly free from her past. From me.

“I will never leave a friend behind.”

A friend?

7.54
It rang. Pounded. Silence in everything else.

No longer even hearing herself cry. No longer hearing herself yell upon all the terrible things she did.

All because it was meaningless.

It, now more than any other, was useless to think.

When did a such a thing ever spoken to me before? There were no ponies in all of time and existence. So far back. A friend. Children playing together in the dimmed streets beneath a sorrowful Moon newly risen, beckoning them to leave her to her torment as those children left with their friends. Playing together. Holding one another as they slumbered. Never before given to her.

A friend.

A friendship that broke between two that had been so close and now so far apart. Both of them so desperate to be the other’s friend again, and I never thought I could know what it was like to want such a friendship for myself. To hear the cries those two ponies make for one another at night. The love they share.

A friend.

Just voices lost in the whispers of a lonely gale. Sweeping well over the trees of the Earth and the running waters of the streams where no pony may ever tread. Devoid. Lost. Empty. Only I know them. Only I keep them. Those cries you two make for one another. I can feel the love you both have… but now… I feel more. I feel… that same love… for me now.

She is your friend.

I am her friend.

She cares for you.

I… I love her. Was it all meant to be? Even after so long without it. A pony with me, holding me. The pony who sat in front of Blight… staring deep into her eyes. Silent and smiling under those teary eyes. The pony who said a thing I’ve never heard before. That I am…

Her friend.

Tell it to her. Soul needs to know. Let her know how much it hurts. Let her know what I want.

Because you need somepony to care for you too.

I do. I do. I need her. I need Soul. She is my friend. The bestest friend I’ve ever had.

Soul…

7.55
“Please don’t leave me. Soul!” Blight wailed at the pony in front of her. Desperate to fall into the pony’s clutches. Just collapse into that magenta furred pony. Admit to her. Show her how much I need her. Damn this body. Damn everything. Curse the world and be rid of it if only for the chance to be held by her. By my best friend.

“You’re my best friend, Soul.”

She brought herself down anyways. No longer wanting Soul to hug her. Blight placed her own cheek against Soul’s chest. Not at all caring that she simply let her flesh and body slide gently into that pony’s chest. It didn’t matter. Just as long as Soul may see it. See how truly pitiful I am. I’m not strong. She may think it but I can not. I will never believe it. Because I need to be cared for just as much as she does. Don’t leave me.

“Don’t leave me behind.”

“Blight.” Please don’t. A shadow came over her. Those great wings of Soul’s closing in all around her. Wrapping Blight in darkness. Just glancing up seeing her friend’s glowing yellow eyes trembling down at her with countless tears falling. “I’m never gonna leave you. I never was going to. Please, Blight. Don’t leave me either.”

I won’t. I promise to never leave you. Just don’t leave me. I care for you and I want you to care for me too. No matter what. We can be happy together. Together as best friends. “I won’t, I won’t” Blight mumbled. “Don’t leave me. Don’t abandon me.” “I promise that I never will” she heard Soul say right in her ear. Her voice making that ear throb. It was like honey. So soothing. Please, say more. Say more for me. “You… you are my friend, Blight. I don’t hate you, I promise.” So… beautiful.

“You don’t hate me?” Blight looked up in the darkness at the Pegasus that warmed her heart. The Pegasus who was nothing like what she had seen her to be. Like the impossible really was possible. So possible for a pony to like her, and forgive her. An innocent pony that she hurt, her friend. She is my friend. Please say it… for me, sweet Soul.

“I will never hate my dearest friends. You were the one there with me for so many years. So yes, we are friends. I am your friend, Soulblight.”

7.56
She forgave me. Soul forgave her and she fell quiet. Soulblight had no strength left. Not even enough to cry. Just stay like this. Held inside the dark and quiet that was Soul’s embrace. Never knowing what it may feel like to be held like this. What it may feel like to be touched like this. Untold years before any of that may happen. Never happening. Never knowing Soul’s touch. Dumb. Just stay like this. Listen to her. Listen to Soul who was her friend. Be there with the pony that was her friend and be there for her. No more protecting, no more raising. Take all of that and become Soul’s friend. The one that I always wanted Soul to be to me.

Soul still sounded so sweet even as she kept whispering in her ear. “We’re gonna stick together from now on. I’ll be there for you. …And I want you to be there for me too. I want you to be with me wherever I go.” It sounded so sweet. So relaxing. Like somepony was truly saying how much I matter to them. Exactly what that was. I matter so much to her that… that… she wants me to go with her?! Is that…

“Come to Equestria with me, Blight.” Saying that exactly like she knew what Blight was thinking. That… that sounded too good. Soul, why would she want somepony like me coming with her back home? That was impossible for it to really mean what it sounded like. Soulblight was being invited into Soul’s life. Go home together. A new place together. A new happiness. This must be a dream. Some sort of trick. Soul never needed me in her life before. She could easily just go back home and return to the happiness she had before all of this. So was that not good enough? She really wants me of all ponies to come with her?

“Really?”

“Yes” Soul answered. “Come home with me. Friends stick together.” Oh… Soul. You want me in your life. We can return together to the life I destroyed. Soul didn’t seem to even care anymore about that final part. Us just going back home together like it was so easy. No, I made it so hard for that to happen. But we can try to find a way. I will go back with her. I will make it all right. Soul, just continue to comfort me. Let me know it is worth it and I will do anything for you. No matter how hard it is. We will have a life together. Whatever it may be.

Blight knew one thing so clear about this Pegasus who held her. It did hurt to know it, but… so what. I have her as a friend. My best friend. Even if my fantasies pound, that’s what they are: fantasies. You are not the one to sit on that bench with me. I am fine with this. Because… I can tell deep inside and in the world beyond, there is another for you. Your deepest fantasies… that you always tried to hide. You will see them through, and I will do the same someday. To carry out that dream of a perfect life.

So funny. So Soul shall be the one I will sit there and watch grow up. A life together as friends. As long as it meant that their dreams can both come true. Fine. Just comfort me. Be my best friend. We can still be so happy together in the end. Go home with her and forge her life anew.

Even if Soul thought it may be easy. So naïve. But that was cute of her. Ambitious and never giving up. So I will not give up either. “I love that idea. I’ll go back with you.”

7.57
The sunlight shone. Never even saw it shining. But I see it. The shining light as Soul let her wings fall off of Blight, and there… there she could see her. Soul and her big smile. She brought it back out. No longer pained in sadness hidden beneath it so deep. Not at all. Blight saw something true and pure in it. A smile just like the ones that Dash brought to her.

Did I do that?

So amazing. We… we are actually friends. So unlike everything I thought would be over the years. But it is true. Soul is my best friend now. Willingly. Best friends making one another happy. Maybe we really are meant to have a life together in the end. It is all just so possible. Soul was so close to realizing her goal. Equestria was just beyond these storms. We can do it. Together. I will be there for her and support her in all she does. Anything to redo the wrongs I did in the past. Because Soul really does deserve men, unlike all the other ponies. She is the one and only who I shall care for.

So possible. Almost like the sky was the limit. A limit we could break together even with everything working against us. Yes, we will return home. “We won’t need to wait long” Soul said. “I just need you to cheer me on, please.” “Of course, I will” Blight told her.

I will support her training. Watch her grow to an amazingly talented flyer able to circumvent any obstacle. It gave it inspiration. If Soul can overcome anything than so can I. Like I always wanted to be. To change. Just like Soul has done.

I will finally be a good pony.

Do it for Soul and do it for the life we will have. “I’m glad” Soul smiled. “I need my friends.” She pointed a hoof to Blight. “And I’ll be there for them when they need me.” So sweet. That little sweetheart filly I remember from so long ago. She was back. Such a beautiful creature unlike any of these ponies. Such an accomplishment. Yes, be there for me too. Be there and I’ll always love you. Let me know I’m important and not a monster.

Never again. Never.

7.58
“We can have so much fun together. There’s so much to do in Equestria. So many ponies, and I’ll be there right with you” Soul said.

That sounded lovely. “Maybe you’d want to meet Rainbow Dash? I bet she will like you.” Oh… Rainbow Dash. That was right. There were ponies in Equestria. The one I know so well now. She was out there and, …we will meet. That sounded like… something. Blight couldn’t put her hoof on it. Whatever this feeling was. Like… doesn’t Soul feel this way? I would think Soul would worry about this for herself.

Would Dash like me?

Soul, she is my friend but after so long and so much pain... what if… would Dash not like me? Will she see me? I… I’m not stupid. Soul… it is so easy for you to think she will like you, but me? You have no idea. It was scary… what if they find out I’m… no!

They mustn’t ever know.

But to meet a new pony and one so close to Soul. It was going to happen, and I know it. This was just all happening so fast. Soul really is just so determined to have her life back now. So much to change, so many things to look forward to. I can’t fault her for wanting to get me to meet Dash. It did leave her feel a little off though. She perked up to attention when she saw Soul cock her head.

“Is something wrong?” She asked it to her like a terrified child. Can she see how scared I am? Oh no, it’s not her fault. Please don’t think that may be the case. She had to let her know. “No, no. It’s nothing… just…” Blight paused. Oh this was not at all like before. It really was bad to have had time to calm down, so much easier to just let things like this slide over and forget about them when she was being held inside Soul’s embrace. To just ignore the world and bask in her affection. Not at all what she was feeling now and she needed to admit it. To let Soul know nothing was her fault. Say it.

Say it.

“Alright, …I’m a little shy about meeting her.”

You understand, right Soul? I know you are just as nervous about meeting ponies. Always putting up a strong appearance to try and hide that fact, but I don’t know if I can do that. Blight just now noticing that she had been rubbing her foreleg along the other one. Stopping it immediately. Looking back over at the Pegasus she wanted to understand her. Dash was Soul’s friend. Both of them knew each other so well. I bet you two can be friends again. It will be alright. As long as Soul is my friend, I don’t really need any more friends like Rainbow Dash. Another pony like all the others to think I am a freak. Well… unlike Soul.

“I understand” Soul said. “You can take your time and stick with me until you’re comfortable.” Soul is actually gonna… she understands? In-incredible. No other pony ever… Soul, you are my best friend. “Thank you.” “But I guarantee she will like you.” Maybe she will. Maybe… she won’t. Whatever it was, I can just deal with it… for Soul. Because her life is now my own once again. Like I always thought it would be.

7.59
All the same problems… are now both of ours. Oh damn it, I left so many shambles behind for this pony. So… many. How on earth can I make them all right? I… I should be able to figure this stuff out. I always was the one who tried to help Soul. Her problems are my own. What to do? What to do?

Then make it work. Stop being worthless.

I’m not worthless. Not in my eyes. Soul likes me. She’s my friend. I’m her friend now and I need to help her work it all out. But how? Her mind raced with ideas. Anything that can make it possible to make their lives together a reality. One stripped of the past. Of all the mistakes she made that hurt Soul.

“Hey Blight.” She caught her attention. Soulblight rid herself of all her worries, only intended on being the good friend that Soul needed right now. “Do you like the flowers?” Soul asked her. Blight brought them back down to hover between the two ponies. The sole focus of both of them. I don’t really… see them as much of anything right now. I don’t know… just… they seem so trivial now. I still like them. Yet so much. So much has happened. Like a dream, a dream come true. Too much that it was unbelievable. Things like these flowers were nothing.

“I do. But I like the pony who gifted them to me more.” That must have really hit the sweet spot with how very much that apparently lifted Soul’s spirits. Her cheerful little smile, can’t even hide how happy she was. Blight shared it too. Both of them together. It will be like this forever because of how possible it really was. Just forget all the bad things they went through. Soul made it so clear. We were meant to be friends. We will do anything and…

I will be the one she asked for so long ago… when she had none other. Forever and always.

I’ll do it. It was only right. And I think Soul will do the same for me. Like she did when she gave me these flowers. They would look lovely in a vase on my table. For later.

She sent them off to lay them atop her bed. Soul’s gift to her. Just like Blight did with the gift meant for Soul. “Did you like my gift for you?” she asked of Soul. I hope she got to see what I left in her house. Surely she must have, but… please may she not have opened it already.

I waited two days because I wanted to celebrate with the birthday girl.

Soul smiled and lowered her head. A little smug look on her. Interesting. “Did you still want to watch me open it?” She knows what I want. Thank you, Soul. We really can have a party together. Yes! “I’d be honored” Blight accepted. Just like true friends.

She stood back up and came close to Soul who waited for her. Walking with her new friend to the still open door with an entire world beyond it. Not one of snow and grief. Not anymore. All I see are so many new chances. All the new opportunities to truly be a friend to a pony for the first time in my long life. Not just birthday parties. We could do anything now. It was all possible. All my dreams. They needed to work.

I promise to never let anything go wrong again. Don’t ever mess up again. Make her love me… forever so she will never hate me.

7.60
Soul let Blight go inside first, holding the door open for her and following right after her black tail into the warm interior of her house. Closing the door immediately. Can’t let any of the warmth out. All thanks to the fire still going strong, feeding on so many boards. Thick ones at that. Another of Soulblight’s gifts. She always knew where to get this stuff. I really am thankful to have a pony like her to watch over me. Doing kind things like that. Just like with this amazing birthday.

Everything was just as Soul left it. Except now, now there was somepony else here to be here. The one pony who made it all possible. I have no idea how to thank her. Just letting her be here, pitiful, and flowers were never enough. If only I had so much more to give her. After all the cruel things I did to make Blight think I hated her. So terrible it must have been. So many years thinking that way. Thinking something that… that I never want another pony to feel. No other pony.

Blight, she really was a courageous pony to admit such a thing. A fear of being left all alone. I’m never gonna leave her. I never can.

Blight, I am so glad you can be the first friend of mine to join me for a day like this. It… it almost made her heart beat so hard. It’s amazing. I can’t believe this is happening to me. Soulblight gets to be my birthday bud! I… I dreamed of this day for so long. I always thought it was gone. I’d never be able to do it. But you are here. Soul watched that pony walk off. Watching and Soul smiled, holding a hoof to her chest. I… I don’t know what this feeling is. But… I like it. I like it so much that… I think I may have felt it before. Did I? Long ago?

Blight was the one who actually waved Soul on to join her at the cake. This was all just too impossible. It’s like… like how nimbus and Starry used to do these for me. Blight… I don’t know why you are doing this all for me. “Do you want to eat the cake first?” Blight asked. “I made it myself.” You even made that for me? How?! How did… I can’t… I won’t question her. Anything for the pony who did all this for me.

7.61
She stepped up to the table. Looking down upon the thing that was still like a dream to her. Like all dreams, it shouldn’t be real. A miracle. But it happened. She took a good whiff of it, taking in all the chocolatey smell seeping out from the icing. Even little drips of… was… was that fudge? Oh my Celestia it is! So much of it melting out from inside the cake. It looked like it. Smelled like it. This… this is exactly how I remember chocolate to smell like. Oh wow.

All the icing placed about it in so many beautiful patterns. Rings around it and little hearts and flowers drawn in on its top between all the candles. Nothing compared to the thing that made Soul’s eyes tremble. Her entire body filled in excitement at seeing them again. All the strawberries placed within the icing, sticking out the top like icebergs in a chocolate sea. They… they look so damn fat, so ripe and juicy. I can’t believe there are… some right here… in front of me. How did…?

…Of course, Blight seems to know everything about me. She did all of this. A real cake. Real chocolate and strawberries. Really, how do you have no cutie mark, Blight? You are so damn talented. Incredible. I never even knew she could bake. Baking… out here.

“How did you make this?” Soul said in true bliss of the cake. Damn near salivating at this point. Food and no way to make it. There is nothing out here to make a cake. It had to be fake, but it smelled so good. Her entire body remembering the smells of sweets like this. She was shaking in anticipation now. “I made it, in my own special way” she heard Blight say. Own special way?

Soul turned. “So how does…” A chunk of firewood hovered between Soul and Blight. Held aloft by the black magic that coiled and writhed all across it like some sort of disease. One that shifted and changed.

What is she doing?

“Watch” Blight advised. Watch? She lost all focus on the cake and all the amazing smells filling the room when she saw the magic was becoming so very dark around the board. Was it even there anymore? The wood was completely gone now. Disappeared inside the blanket of black that blinked and flickered. The most mesmerizing colors. Sparkling even. Stars in a black night. Exactly like looking into the sky. Swirling about where the board was and then… gone. Gone with the board. …And…

7.62
A plate? That’s what it was.

A plate, circular and white with intricate designs she saw speckled around its rim. Vines it looked painted blue twirling in on each other and going around the entire edge of the plate. It went off towards the table.

What the hell? She followed it. There was no way. No way that just happened. This must be some prank. But it rang. The plate making a quick thudding sound soft and sharp. Sitting down right before her face. Ready to serve her.

“The unicorns call it transmutation” Blight said about it. Breaking Soul out of her shock at what she just witnessed. Trans…muta…tion? The unicorns? So this really is Blight’s magic. Unicorns could do this too? Another powerful thing they could do. Sometimes I kind of regret not hanging out with other ponies. Witnessing something like this… it was beyond anything Soul imagined. Nothing Cloudsdale witnessed on a daily occurrence. Nothing I’ve ever seen before. Okay, forget Blight learning how to be an amazing flyer. But she can change things into something else! How are you so talented? Those unicorns would be so jealous. I admit, I’m a little jealous too. But it did explain a lot. So she made this cake with magic. Probably the table and chair too… and whatever else.

“When did you learn to do that?” “Two years ago.” Of course. So that must be another bad reason for leaving Blight alone for so long. Never seeing her develop this power. I know that could have made things so much better for both of us. All the things Blight can make. Like, what the hell else can she make? Aww, if only I had been able to see.

“So is this actually real?!” Soul pointed to the cake. She got a nod of approval. It called to her. Soul rushed over to drool at the sight of the food in front of her.

This is real!

Food!

So many years. So many. I even miss foods I hated. But a cake! Oh sweet Celestia. Out of nowhere, literally. This really is a cake for me. My birthday cake. I… I have nothing to say. There are no words. Nopony could ever wish for something better out here. Soulblight… you are the best. You are the best.

“Thank you so much!” “Now you get to make a wish and blow out the candles… is that how it works?” Blight asked. Huh? She knew about that stuff? Somewhat. But, yeah that was fine. Twenty-one candles, I bet I can make a damn good wish. A nice wish. I remember Nimbus used to have me do this too. I never believed in it. I don’t care anymore. How many years did I go through feeling like a day like this would never come? My dream to have a friend with me for my birthday. I think… this is all like a wish. All because of you, Blight. I have just the wish for it.

Putting all those candles in her sight with an immense breath Soul took ready to put them all out in one move and make her wish come true. If anything is out there that can hear me wish this, please… make it come true.

I wish to always be there for my friends and for them to be there for me.

Rainbow Dash, Soulblight, whoever else. They all deserved it for bringing me times like this. Soul let her breath go and watched in so much glee when each and every candle went out almost instantly. As if they too beckoned her wish to succeed. Please. I want it to happen for the ponies who care for me. The ponies I love.

7.63
“Here, allow me to cut off a slice.” Blight’s magic came back to life in front of her. Surrounding the cake in its dreary color with just the tiniest of red she saw bursting about in the dark of it. It seemed the cake sure didn’t like it and willingly gave up an entire slice that slid right out perfectly to place itself upon the plate right under Soul’s drooling muzzle. Finished off with a light flick of Blight’s magic carefully pulling the pair of candles left on the slice out. Sitting there, all ready to be eaten.

All the fudge inside it, Soul could see it all inside. The smell intoxicating. The taste… oh what would it taste like? It’s been too long. Can I even eat anymore? I think I can. Blight was outright giving her the slice. Please don’t be a tease. “Can I still eat food?” Soulblight giggled. I know, …I’m asking too many questions. Everything, all of it was just to awesome. Too awesome to be true.

“I made it so you don’t get hungry” Blight said. “You can still eat.” No need to tell me twice. I’m gonna destroy this cake. I missed this feeling so much… her mouth drooling, licking her lips. “Thank you so much.”

7.64
Soul’s tongue got the first go at it. Just licking the edge. That was all she needed.

Soul sighed. Holding her cheeks. Oh… sweet damn, I’m in heaven. The taste…

Chocolate...

Fudge and chocolate. I remember it. This is exactly like the ones at the Cloudsdale bakeries. No, this taste. No… it is so much better! Like true perfection. So sweet. Such great sweets. Ahhhh! I missed them. Ecstasy and divine. Oh no, no, no I can’t wait any longer.

Soul licked her lips more, staring at the cake.

She bit down hard into the slice. Feeling all the sweetness like before. Just a lick before. This was something beyond. Like a thousand different parts of her trembling at once. This… this is the first in so long! Ahh. Celestia, yes! To finally taste it again, food! This was incredible. Truly remarkable. Tasting every bit of the bite she took, and all the fudge. Blight stuffed this cake. That overachiever. Did she do this on purpose? I don’t care anymore. I got to have more.

Soul came down on the slice. Ripping off another bite and then another. This is great. This is so great. All of it felt as good as the first bite. So much deliciousness. The feeling of eating again and something so delicious. Not even over yet. Licking her lips in anticipation of all the rest of the slice and the crown of her piece: a fat and shiny strawberry set at the edge of the slice.

Oh ho ho, I’m gonna take my time with you.

She already imagined it. Making her knees go weak. Either that or was it the cake? Giving away at the taste of eating this, just like her entire body was covered in the most tantalizing trembles. Soul took two more bites, getting closer to the prized strawberry awaiting her. It’s been too long since I had one. Not even caring about eating messily. Even seeing bits of fudge sent flying across the plate with every greedy bite she took. Blight will understand. Just showing I love her food. I know I’d love to see a pony eat my food like this, …if I knew how to cook stuff like this.

I don’t just love this, this is a miracle. Soulblight is a true miracle. She heard the black Pegasus laughing off to her right. She must be enjoying the show. Whatever. More cake.

Soul continued inhaling it. Feeling so much chocolate building up on her muzzle, licking furiously to taste all that too alongside the mess on the plate before going back to devouring what was left of her slice. “You must love it” Blight said. Soul finished up eating her current bite, looking back over at the Pegasus who wore the most amused look on her face. Haha, she has no idea how much I love this. She swallowed it all down. Nodding her head happily.

“It’s the best! You need to try it.” I would love to see how funny Blight would be just wolfing down food like this.

Oh… wait.

That’s right. I completely forgot. “I can’t” Blight said. “Don’t worry, I can tell it’s just right based off you.” I’m glad she’s not mad at me for saying that. Still, Blight should have the chance to eat something. Just a little cake. It must be hard to not be able to eat. I know just how hard ti is to miss food and never have any.

“It sure is great! I bet this strawberry will be to die for.” Soul leaned in on it. The last bit of the cake hidden under the great, big fruit that made her salivate in her mouth. Just how the sunlight shined off it. How real the cake tasted. This… this strawberry… it was the same real deal. I can’t hold back. I feel like my heart will give out. I can’t wait.

Soul leaned down right to it and bit the tips of her teeth down along its sides. That alone, she felt all the juice gushing out and sprinkling her tongue in… oh wow it’s so sweet! She needed to devour it now. Bringing it right up with her and lopping it right in.

“Oh my…” She put her forehooves to her cheeks, shrieking in satisfaction. It is so sweet. This is the sweetest strawberry I’ve ever had. It’s sour but… so much juice. It’s to die for. This is the best thing I’ve had. Better than all others. Now, now I truly remember why I love these things more than anything else in the world. Blight outdid herself. She really needs to take up baking when we get back home. It would totally work. Even if magic played a role in it. I guarantee no unicorn can just make something this good out of thin air.

She needed to eat the rest. Several more strawberries and enough cake for a few more slices. Don’t hold back. She threw herself at it.

7.65
Soul sat back down and had to let out the loudest burp, and it felt so good. Patting her stomach. So long since this had been felt. Like my stomach is happy now. Damn, haha, it’s been so long since I felt a good burp. Everything just felt so good. She leaned back against the table, sighing such pleasure. Not caring how she looked. I just ate the best food in such a long time, maybe the best of all. Manners be damned. After so long without food, this was the most satisfaction she had felt in years.

Soulblight burst out laughing across the table. Staring down at Soul. Soul laughed as well. Both ponies could not get enough of how great this was. I don’t think I’ve been this happy for a long time. MY stomach sure hasn’t as well.

“You’re such a pig” Blight commented, laughing her way off to the bed. Please, I can easily work this all off with some hard training. Right now, I have all the right to be a pig. Besides, Blight can’t hide it. That mare enjoyed the whole show. Soul smiled. “Your cakes are the best… oink.” They both burst out laughing. “Oink, oink.” Soul fell down on her back. This is just the best feeling. Watching Blight over there, keeping a hoof to her mouth with her quiet laughter, and Soul could not stop either. There is no way, not when everything, all the pain, it was like it never happened. Just for this one moment. Sharing it with another pony. Looks like my wish is coming true.

I missed being this happy. Soul settled down. It’s like a dream. A miracle like that cake was. Times to change so much. I never thought I could eat them again. Strawberries. So many strawberries. Such sweetness. She licked the fur along her mouth, picking up the remains of fudge and crumbs left behind. Still so good.

“Don’t get too comfortable. You still need to open your present.” That very present set itself down right next to where Soul sat. The same one from the bed with the cute bow on it atop a box covered in magenta wrapping paper and red strands going up and down to meet with one another at that bow. Blight made her way around it and… she sat next to Soul. Looking over at her, the black mare smiled and nodded to the present. She really wants me to open it. Why I… I don’t know what to say. This is so amazing. Blight is doing all this for me.

Whatever could it be? No way she found something in this village. I… I would have found it by now. Maybe she used that awesome magic of hers to make something. It literally could be anything. Does Blight even have an idea on what to give me for a present or did she just make a guess? Even if she had asked me, I would not know what to ask for as a birthday present. Not anymore. The surprise was agonizing. I ned to find out.

Soul sat straight up. Already feeling her stomach roar from having to move already. So full of cake. Oh calm down now, we have a present to open. Opening a birthday gift. This really is just like a birthday party that I always wanted. Nothing too crazy or fancy. It’s what I wanted long ago with Dashie. I get to enjoy this with such a great friend, and I know… I know I mean so much to her. She made all of this. She made a cake out of my favorites and she is even sitting with me just to open her present to me. Blight really does care about me. I hate how I treated her all these years. I won’t ever do any of that again. I’ll be there with her always.

Please, no more thinking I hate you. No more. I hope all this is not her just trying to get me to like her. For one reason. I already like her. Nopony bothered to ever come to me for my birthday and I bet they all forgot it, all except for Blight. Maybe Dashie remembers… I don’t know. But Blight… you never forgot.

7.66
Soul reached for the present. Pulling it right in between her legs. Feeling the sturdy design under all that wrapping paper. Like it was a box under it. Or maybe something big and solid. Soul literally could come up with no ideas on what it may be. Just building that curiosity as to what it was that Blight had found. What did she do? What did she make? Only one way to find out.

She took one final glance at Blight to be sure the pony was watching her before she went down and grabbed hold of a corner with her teeth. Pulling the wrapping paper into her mouth clean of whatever was inside so she may begin to start tugging it off. Hearing that paper rip from her effort. It sounded so nice. Ripping open a gift. The sound of the wrapping paper. I can’t believe I am doing this again.

She kept going, being extra gentle when removing the bow. Not wanting to destroy the adorable little heart shape that Soulblight made out of it and letting it flow softly down on her hind leg while she threw the wrapping paper out to the side. Until she found it was a box inside whose top flaps were left forced apart. Only a little tape left over those flaps. The only thing that kept the box closed.

Her hooves glided in between the flaps, lifting them right open so the sunlight could shine in. So Soul could look in to find… Soul’s heart skipped a beat. Maybe two.

This… these are…

They’re… beautiful. So many of them. So familiar. “Happy birthday, Soul” Blight whispered to her. It is a happy one. Blight, you softy… I never knew how much of a softy you can be. All my time here, does she know that… I like this? The only pony in the world who knows I do. This gift. Soul pulled out one of them. Letting it stand on top of her hoof. Small and fragile exactly like the little Pegasus doll she held every night, a doll just like the one she held and all the others in the box below. The same make, all of them, with the exact little smile that her Pegasus doll had to smile right up at her beneath little dots for eyes. It’s cute, little mane and tail made of soft thread silk given a purple color, all the many colors each tail had. Pegasi, unicorns, Earth ponies.

Every single pony… it’s an entire collection.

Soul held the Earth pony, staring at it. It’s so different from me but… it’s so like me. Blight, where did you even find these? I didn’t think I would see something like this. They all must have been lonely in the village with nopony here. Well, they won’t be lonely anymore. They have us now, and I have Soulblight. Friends.

I have friends. Ones that like me. I feel like it could be true. True that Dash is out there somewhere. That she still likes me. Just like these ponies do. The smiles on all these dolls. They were so assuring. Just like they were in showing that she did have a real friend now. A true friend. She gave me this. Such little things but she knew that I would like seeing these. To see so many ponies smiling and happy because of… me. I… I really do love them. I…

Soul hugged the one she held.

I don’t care anymore. Soul let it out. The feeling she had. All the joy at what she had seen. A little tear that came down her face. These little guys all like me and Blight likes me too. All this time. I had a real friend. The most unlikely of ponies. A little fact she never may come to just months ago. Days ago. Having a friend who accepted her. Not caring at all for her faults. Sitting with her, leaning in to her so their sides may shimmer together. A black shoulder flowing in her own shoulder like measly wind. She could not feel it, but could feel what it meant. Seeing her new friend joining her in the joy she really felt for the first time in years.

All thanks to you. “Thank you so much, Blight.”

7.67
“You know, a lot of the kids I grew up with would make fun of me for doing stuff like this. I bet they would.” Soul thought over the idea as she cared for the dolls she held in her legs. Stroking their manes and tails. Adoring every bit of them. That stuff never did happen. I remember though. Just how all those kids were. They saw me for something else. Not for this, especially when they all loved to be jerks to me. Just the idea of doing this in front of them, it was too easy to imagine it. All the looks and jokes that could be heard under hushed breaths. It is so unlike me. So strange. But I am okay with it, even with Blight right here with me. That black mare sitting right next to her. Doing something incredible.

Blight combed that black magic over the pony’s mane. So dark and soft, doing Celestia only knew what to it. Making some sort of style to it that Soul failed to pick up on right now. Mostly just fidgeting around with it. Looked like Blight had no idea how to do this. Still I never took her to be one to do this with me. Nothing like the authoritative and strong pony she thought Blight to be all these past years but this day was just a boatload of surprises. She’s a mare who actually wants to do this kiddy shit with me? One hell of a mare, at that. She is always surprising me.

I wonder, what would she be like if she had been in camp with me? There with me when I was a filly. I still imagine her as a filly too. A funny idea but she liked the sound of it. Soulblight being just like this as a child. Hehe, sounded like we may have been the best of friends back then. Sticking with one another. Forget those other kids and what they may think. As long as I can also have Dashie there to be our friend too. Two of the best ponies I’ve ever known, there as my friends. Such a silly thing to think, just like hoping the other kids would be nice for once and not just see the faults in me. The adults too. And all they did to me. I don’t know, I may never meet any of them again.

But what id they did? They would all see it. They will see that I’m a mare now with the best flying skills they will ever know. A Pegasus who was built by work. Who will become the greatest Wonderbolt of all. I’ll be such a great one, nothing they think about me will change how I will be. Besides, can any of them claim to have a pony like this there to support them? Soul looked to Blight.

7.68
“Do you not feel weird doing this stuff?” she asked Blight. The black Pegasus looked up without her magic stopping doing what it was doing to the doll’s mane. But she didn’t say anything. The reason was lost on Soul. Does she understand? It is a little bit of a weird question. “Like something you imagine yourself to do when nopony else is there to hate you for it?”

Soulblight let out an intriguing grunt. Going back to look down at her doll. “I…” she started. Pausing in what felt like an eternity with Soul eagerly awaiting her answer. “I did not, not at first. I never had stuff like this to know what it may be like… but now that I do…” Her wings flared a little. Staring upon the pony she held between her legs and the magic that seemed to reflect in her eyes. “I care little for what random ponies may think of it.” She looked back up at Soul. Complete curiosity in her face. “Do you feel weird?” She asked this time.

Around Blight?

No. There is no way I can around you, not after seeing just who you truly are. All the nice things she does for me and how sweet she is. I feel like I can do anything around her. Even if she did make mistakes, I can see she has good in her. She is something more. And she is my caretaker. Something I haven’t felt in so long. A pony who makes me feel like I am something important.

“As long as I’m with you, no, I don’t” Soul said. “Why is that? You really think us doing this is not weird?” Blight presented her doll to Soul. With something she failed to notice till now. That Blight had finished while they were talking… and wow, what a finish. Soul stared at it. At its silver threaded mane.

Blight… that is amazing. She… she made it look just like… it’s Blight’s mane! All the threads and fibers held perfectly together that none of it fell out of place. Long bangs running down the right side of her face to almost cover up her eye with many more coming down to her neck. She actually did it. Soul stared at the last part. How did she do this?

Blight even gave it a long ponytail. Just like the one that Blight had hidden so well behind her head. So lost in its darkness. But to see it shine one the silver threads of this doll. The long and luscious hairs. So perfectly set. You made a mini you.

Blight, it’s beautiful. You are the one who made this? Made something so beautiful? It’s like a whole different side to Blight. Soul couldn’t take her eyes off it even as she tried to speak. “It’s not weird at all. I… am alright doing this with you.” She looked up to Blight. “I hope you feel the same. We are friends so you don’t need to hide it from me.”

A friend like you, I’d never feel bad about doing anything together. Even this. Even watching you make amazing manes for these ponies. Hell, you sure do have an amazing mane.

“Interesting” Blight said. Putting her doll back down between her legs. A longing look set upon her face just in an instant, but Soul saw it. What was Blight getting at? Is she uncomfortable? Oh Blight, if only I knew what troubled you.

7.69
“So did you have a nice birthday?” Damn. I wanted to ask her if something was wrong. Turning this complete one eighty in an instant. She doesn’t need to hide anything from me. I will understand. I’m her friend. She can count on me to be there for her. Or maybe I am just freaking out over nothing. Just seeing something else that just wasn’t there. Still, I can’t get it out of my head. You crying, Blight. Like an inner wound so deep finally crying out in just a small burst pleading for Soul. I want to prove to her that she can trust me. Please, may it just be my imagination.

“I did. Thank you for it” Soul said as well as she could trying to hide her own worries. Patting the mane of one of the unicorns she held, bringing it close to her in a little hug for it. “I loved it all.” She heard the Pegasus giggle a little. Blight staring off at the table where that filthy plate still sat and all the chocolate smeared all over the thing. Smiling at it, but Blight meekly glanced back to her. “I hope it was good enough for you. I’m not good at planning parties.” She just grinned so wide about it. It’s like she wants to hear something from me. She doesn’t need to beg for it. This party was all I could ever want. What was better?

After so many years, over twelve of being all alone out here. Feeling like there was nothing good left for her in the world too many times, cleansing those thoughts only for it all to come crumbling down again. Living in a falsehood about the pony she now saw as her friend. What Soul had now was all that could be wished for. Good times, happiness and laughter. Simple things. Ones she missed. Sharing it with one good friend. Something she’d gladly trade anything for to have. It was just like what I wanted for a birthday party with Dashie. Just like it. What I always dreamed of one to be like. And Blight was the one who did it for me. If I could, I’d hug this pony right now for all she did.

“You did great.” Soul’s voice softened. Hearing her talk like this, she thought herself to sound like some sort of lover to her mate. I’m too sappy. “This was all I could hope to have.” She extended her hoof closer to Blight. Offering it to her as a symbol of how much she appreciated her. “Thank you.” That seemed to touch Blight’s heart.

“You’re welcome” Blight was so happy to say that. Like a cheerful pony now. A good ruse. Soul saw it. I know she loves it. Blight is so full of herself now. Yeah, yeah, get your pats on the back. You did good, my friend.

“Anything for the birthday girl.” Soulblight sighed. Looking past Soul. What are you looking at? She looked into Blight’s dragon eyes. Seeing a sparkle of light shining in her now sun-caked eyes. “Twenty-one years old” Blight said. “Two days ago. So much has happened since you were just a nine-year-old filly.”

Those were the days. Days I never want to go back to. To the times when everything seemed so miniscule compared to now. All the years between then and now, such a pitiful time. Too long. Too long since this feeling. Sometimes, I just want to go back and change it all. It sucked to think about it. All the birthdays we could have had together. For me and for Blight.

All the time we could have been together.

Blight right there at my bedside when I sleep. Protect me from nightmares, sing to me. Wish me good night. A waste. All because of how stupid I have been. How terrible of a pony I really am to the ponies who need me.

…Huh, when even was Blight’s birthday? Probably the same answer as everything else about her life.

7.70
“Now look at you” Blight pointed to her. “Twenty-one years, you old girl.” Oh whatever. Did she really just call me old? Ha, such a thing, and from the pony who is old enough to be my mother. “Shut up” Soul mocked. “I’m not old, you fossil.” Soulblight laughed away. That even made Soul laugh. So nice to laugh together. Play with one another. Damn it Blight, stop reminding me of Rainbow Dash. Stop reminding me of… myself.

“Well at least we got a chance to celebrate it” Blight said. Almost though. As happy as their jokes were, that joy ran dry once Soul heard her say that. We did almost miss the chance for this. All because of me. I am so lucky I woke up when I did. So regretful of passing out. I broke my promise and left Blight alone for two days, and she didn’t even know what happened to me. How worried she must have been. How scared. Building up into the Soulblight she hoped to never see again, right before Soul could finally hold her. That terrible darkness. I never want to see Blight like that again. Those eyes of hers. I could see the pain in them… such bloody eyes. No matter what it meant, those two days, her almost missing this beautiful time together, they did hurt Blight so badly. A horrible experience for the black Pegasus, it must have been.

What if Dash never showed up for a birthday I threw for her? What if… Soul felt it in her heart. Like I haven’t been able to do for years now. I already can feel it. Just thinking about it. It hurt. And there would have been a chance… I never could have been able to hope to be there for her birthday. Not even able to do my own birthdays. Washed away in the red from her own throat.

Why did you need to say that Blight? Don’t make me think about it. What could happen to you if I... Soul hated feeling this. But she could see it. Her sad face in the mirror beyond her friend. That mirror. “I’m so sorry for breaking my promise. Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?” Flowers were not enough. Good times can’t be enough. I need to do a lot to make it up for this pony who has done so much for me. Even remembering my birthday when nopony else did.

Soulblight dragged herself closer to Soul. Laying right with her till their hooves almost touched together. “Oh Soul, don’t say that. I’m not angry, …only glad that we could do this.” She leaned in closer. “Are you not glad?” There were too many things Soul was not happy about. Oh where to start and how long it may take to say it all. One thing was clear to her though. “I’m sad that I broke my promise. It must have really hurt you. I don’t like hurting other ponies.” She saw a little flicker in Blight’s eyes when they came closer. Like she had that little bit of happiness left in her eyes. Coming close like she wanted to hug. So close, Soul only wished to be able to hug her.

“Soul.” Soul paid attention. Not able to stop a little sniffle from escaping. Feeling like she could cry.

“Can you show me why you were late?” Blight’s question, it was so direct. So strong. Like… did she know something was really up? She wants me to show her what I did. What good would it do? But I shouldn’t say no to her. Soul lifted her hoof up. Bringing her head down in shame.

7.71
Soul’s hoof set itself upon her mane, pushing away the long bangs covering the left of her face and she felt the cold air blast the temple of her head. It pinged in pain. Like not wanting to be exposed. She heard Blight gasp.

“Soul! What happened!?” Soul looked at her friend’s horrified face. Wrought in so much worry and fear. Mouth trembling twice. Was it that bad? Soul looked past her to the mirror. Keeping her mane held high, she saw it too. A nice and wide gash cut straight across the width of her forehead. Bad enough to be so apparent even in the depths of her thick fur wracked in dried blood splattered just around where the wound was. From the looks of it, it seemed to be healing. Certainly since the blood stopped flowing and the pain had dulled. But it was an ugly sight. Something she was not shy about keeping hidden under her mane which she did now. Not wanting to see it any longer. The proof of her failure.

“What happened?” Blight asked again. Calmed down enough now to sound… just like how she sounded when Soul was a filly. She’s like how she was when I hurt myself. When she was so worried I hurt myself when I fell. She was so caring. I feel so safe around her. “I fell and passed out while training.”

“What!?”

Soulblight stared at her. She looked absolutely taken aback. Did I say something wrong? Does she think I’m lying? As terrible as it was for her to do it, it happened. Soul passed out. “Here I was, …thinking you left me…” Blight whispered. Her voice pained and hitting Soul’s ears like pins digging right to the core. “When you were laying out there in the cold. …Soul, please forgive me!” She leaned in closer, placing her head right in between Soul’s outstretched forelegs.

Is she… bowing?

“I never knew, …nothing I can do can make it up to you. …I was mad at you when I should have been scared. I was only scared that you left me. Please forgive me.”

“No, don’t say that” Soul pleaded of her. Looking down upon the pony begging in front of her. Please lift your head. Please look at me. I hate seeing you like this. Never ever wanting any friend of hers to feel like they needed to earn her forgiveness when she was the one at fault. She only needed to be more careful and none of the heartache would have happened. They’d have had their party two days ago. Been friends for two days by now and Blight never will have known that sadness.

She is the one who has been begging me. Crying for it. I had to watch her do it under my wings… and now here, again. “Do you forgive me?” Soul asked. That finally made Blight lift her head back up. Looking up into the eyes of the pony who asked something so important of her. “You want… my forgiveness. Why?”

“I’m the one who broke a promise. Broke one to a pony who needed me when nopony else was there for her. I understand why you were mad, I’d be mad too because it’s not right to do that to a friend.” Soul let her heart out. Really wishing to actually earn the forgiveness of a pony who meant so much to her. She needed it. I want her there for me, no matter what mistake I make. I don’t want to lose anymore friends. She is the pony for me.

I need to be the pony for Soulblight.

“Breaking promises is mean.” I would be better off just telling her that I don’t care for her over breaking such an important promise to her. I can’t let that happen again. “Breaking promises…?” Blight said. Gliding her eyes off to the left. Her face going blank. A bit of a shine in her black color streaming about her misty face. A paleness reverting back to the shadows. “I’ll never break any promise to you” she continued. “I forgive you, only if you forgive me for being mean to you.” That went without saying. “Of course, I forgive you. You’re my friend and I’ll do anything to keep our friendship.”

“…And I’ll do the same.”

Soulblight’s hoof touched Soul’s own hoof. Going right into her magenta coating. Can’t even feel it. But I can feel what you want. Both their hooves together. A true touch. After so many years, I feel like I am truly able to touch you for the first time. My best friend. Thank you… for forgiving me. Thank you for this. I’ll do anything for you. Even bring you to a home you will love.

7.72

“As long as we’re friends, we can do anything” Soul said. Keeping her hoof connected with Blight’s. Both pegasi refusing to let go. So many things to do with her. I’ll prove to her I am there for her. No more of that hell she had to go through. I want her to be a part of everything now. Maybe, someday, we can even fly and do tricks together. Coming back to a home together after that. Kind of like right now. For my best friend, I’ll even do this for her. I would love to make her a cake. I’m sure this old mare would love to eat some. What pony would not? I got to find out what she likes. Maybe strawberries with lots of chocolate and some smoothies too. That sounds so good to have.

All those days we can spend together. When it will be like these terrible times in this land could become a distant memory. Nothing to remember, not when Soul could return to that life. One she imagined once more. Of finally joining the Wonderbolts. That old dream. Training and practicing with them, all to become the best. But… with Soulblight there. There to cheer her on.

She could watch me. Support me. Maybe even pick up a thing or two from me, enough to be able to one day join me.That day can not come soon enough. A fellow Pegasus as wonderful as Blight, I would want her to be my flying partner sometimes. Spending birthdays together, especially Blight’s own whenever that was. Hearth’s Warming together. Going to the beach or just sitting together under the falling leaves of autumn trees listening to the wind. That really made her giddy.

“Oh! So much to do when we get home!” Oh. Did I just… yell that? Blight sat there, surprised. Well that must have piqued her curiosity. “Sorry” Soul said, rubbing her free hoof along the back of her head. “I’m just excited to have so much fun…” She pressed her hoof further into the cloudy hoof of Blight. “…With my friend.” Poking her other hoof right at Blight’s face. “You.” Soul admitted with a happy squee in her smile.

7.73
Soulblight grunted. “I hope so” she said bleakly. Even her head downed as much as her voice did. “Come on now, Blight. We’re gonna have such a great time back home. Equestria has so many fun things to do and so many places to see. You’ll love it.” There still was no sign of her cheering up. Geez, Blight. What is there to worry about?

“I don’t doubt that” she said back. “I just don’t…” She turned away. Mouth frozen mid-sentence and trembling as if it may be fighting itself on what to say. Whatever it was that may be holding her back from truly having fun with Soul and enjoying the idea of returning home. Just tell me what’s wrong. No matter what it may be, we can work it out together. No matter the challenge, I’m up for it. Wait and see, Blight. I will do anything for you.

“Soul, how can you forgive me?”

Why even ask that? I just told her I forgive her. It’s not hard to at all. All I want is for you to stay that loving pony I came to know you as. That caring pony. It’s what I really love about you. No need for any more forgiveness.

“I ruined your life.” Soulblight stood, sending the pony doll she tended to flying and startling Soul with how strong of a gust of wind her flailing wings made upon her rushing off to where the table sat. Walking away from her.

What do you mean? Soul glanced to the doll sitting at the foot of the wall, where it had struck. There is no need to be upset. I don’t want you sad. Having to see Blight over there all alone at the table. “You didn’t ruin my life.”

“Lies!”

Soul held her breath. Blight turned around. Such fierce anguish. Soul could feel it. See it. All in the glare of that pony. Looking like she were about to yell but her voice stayed low. Reverting back to a calm and gentle tone. “Soul, …did you really forget? Forget why you were banished?”

I can never forget. I made such a terrible mistake. I have to live with it every single night and… I just want it all to go away.

My greatest shame.

But… it’s one we did together, you and I, Blight.

“Blight, I’m not made about that anymore. We can still make everything better.” Soul stood up this time. Determined to stay close to Blight. Coming right up to her where she stood at the table. “I’m the one who messed up, not you. So don’t feel bad about yourself.”

“I suppose you don’t know what I mean. How I feel about myself means nothing since I am the one who got you banished in the end. Banished for a horrible thing that I convinced you to do. Even if it was right…”

“No other pony sees it as such. Soul,… they really do think you were the one who killed Nimbus and Starry.”

7.74
Nimbus and Starry. I…

I loved them so much. So much that I… I still sit up some nights and… remember your sweet voices. And I hurt myself. I’ve hit myself. Yelled at myself all because I couldn’t stop what happened to you two. That… that was the worst day of my life. And I had to do it. I had to kill the ones who did it. Soulblight… you did it. For me. For all the ponies I loved.

But no other pony cares.

We did it all for those ponies. Blight and I. We did the right thing. And now Celestia hates me. All those ponies that stared at me, surrounding me in that room before… they got rid of me. They all hate me.

Hate a terrified and defenseless filly, all alone in the world.

I never felt hated so much before. I never saw ponies afraid of me before. I hated it. I don’t want ponies to hate me. Just like… the terrible nightmares. …So they were true. Ponies… do hate me.

They all hate me.

“Soul?” She heard Blight say. She was still there, fully locked upon her with so much worry. Guess I spaced out. Even her hoof had buckled without her knowing. Her wings set down upon the floor. They perked back up. But… she could not get it out of her head, those horrible memories.

“I…” Soul didn’t know what to say. Blight was right. I did something terrible. I really did think I could return to a normal life. No, it can never come back.

Is that what you are saying, Blight?

Would words even do anything? Nothing seems to ever work, not even in my nightmares. I… I’m a twenty-one year old mare now and I still think like a damn filly.

So naïve.

Talking her way out of it. Begging. No. They will just turn their tails, stand in fear of her. Not wanting to love her or accept her. Even Rainbow Dash will be the same way. Dash must know… what I did. She will also be afraid of me. Hate me. She won’t welcome me back. Even though I am the one who saved her and did it because I… I loved her. And then Celestia… she will send me right back.

So… it was all pointless.

“So… I… can’t get my life back.” Now that was more than any other reason to start crying. To know such a terrible thing before today. Stuck in this realm forever with no reason to go home. No way to go home. I don’t want a lonely life. So very lonely with nothing but her tears while she cried in bed. What kind of life would that be? …One that wasn’t worth it. So why did she not cry? She wanted to. Fall into Soulblight and hug her, cry on her shoulder. Listen to comforting words assure her everything will be okay. That she did have a life worth living. That she did have… a friend.

Oh, Blight… please help me. Soul walked in a little closer to her new friend. You have all the answers. You always say the right thing for me. Please tell me something. Anything to stop the pain. If only I could hug her. “I have no reason to return home then.”

“Soul, don’t say that.” I don’t want to be without the life I wish for. One shared with you, Blight. Please help me. “I should not have said such cruel words to you” Blight said in her ear. “I want you to have your life back too. Don’t give up, you can still achieve it.” Is that right or are you just bullshitting me? It sounded so far-fetched. Impossible even. What could they do? All the bad things we did, we are just two pegasi against all of those ponies. Those ponies I want to accept us. So many friends. If only Rainbow Dash could help us. Let us know that there is a life for us, but she is gone. I drove her off and she will never help me.

7.75
“What is the point if I have nothing waiting for me?” Work so hard and have all the hope in the world, how great it would be to be sent right back here after all of this. It’s just like how my training is. Just get somewhere and then fail. A total failure just like I keep being. Not able to do anything. I just want to be happy again and I want Blight to know that life too.

“I messed up. I ruined it for you and me. Now we can’t… go home.” Knowing that, it hurts to think. I can even feel it. There was a tear coming down her cheek.

“Nothing is waiting for you? What about Rainbow Dash?”

Dashie. Not after what I did to her. How angry I made her. She probably doesn’t even remember what we had. Probably just sees me as a monster and a jerk like all the ponies do. If anything, she was better off. Somewhere out with new friends who will never betray her. “She doesn’t care for me. We’ll never be friends again.”

“Soul!” Blight yelled loudly this time. Right in her ear. It made her jump a little. Rattling her with how commanding she sounded. How familiar it was. “I don’t want to hear you say that. Rainbow Dash not caring, …did you forget what I told you years ago? How Dash felt?” There was something about Blight’s voice that made everything seem so serene. The way she was talking, like reprimanding her for a bad act. Trying to put her on the right path. So much that Soul already felt bad hearing her talk like this. But it was calming.

Yes, I forgot what you told me.

“I had to listen to the sounds of your best friend out there crying every night since you left. I don’t think it takes a genius to figure out why she was” Blight said. When I was a filly, when Dash was a filly. Dash crying for me? Soul felt an itch in her hooves. I hate to imagine it. Dashie was always so strong and fierce. But I made her cry so much. Like how I cry every night. Do you really cry for me? Is it for the same reasons I have? Do we still have something? Did it still burn bright? I don’t even know if Dashie would like me returning after all this pain. After hurting her so much. Can we even be friends?

“I still listen to her, to Dashie. Imagine my surprise when I still sometimes hear her whimper in her sleep… even as a mare like you. Crying for something. Even though she is so happy during the day. …I do wonder what it may be that still makes her cry… ever since you left” Blight said.

I want to know why she cries. I want to know. Is it for the reason I fear it is? Is there anything I can do to help her? So that Dash never needed to cry again while they made up for the terrible things in the past. The idea that Rainbow Dash was out there crying alone in her bed, sad over what happened, Soul wanted to be there for her. So many dreams to make true. Finally letting all those ponies know that everything was going to be alright. That the past was gone. That we can all be friends again. For Dashie and for Soulblight. If it was entirely possible. I want to be there for her to hug her and let her know she will be okay. That all will be okay.

That the past was dead.

How hard will it be? Can I even do it?

7.76
“I think it may be too late” Soul admitted. Just wanting to walk off and cry all by herself in her bed. Lay with that new blanket Blight gave her that looked so soft. I just… want to forget it all and pretend it never happened. I want all of it gone.

“Let me ask one thing” Blight objected. “Did you think you and I could not ever be friends like we are now?” That stopped Soul in her tracks. Such a question. Do-does she know how I feel? Did she know how I felt? For so very long. Soul had to stare at her. At this pony that always seemed so far away to her. This pony I never thought I’d be friends with again, not like how we were for that short time when I was a filly. And I was so afraid of what it could be. That Blight hated me.

…But that was never true.

Blight wanted me all this time. The way she begged me and how so very terrified and hurt she looked just by thinking I hated her and how much she wanted me to stay with her. She wanted to be with me all this time. Even just days ago, I never thought she wanted this. I didn’t think I could earn her friendship, but it was waiting for me. Blight waited for me.

She turned back to face the pony who asked her that question. So, …Blight, why do you always know what to say? “We are friends” Soul put it flatly. “I think Dash wants to be your friend again just as I did. She wants her special Cloudsdale Wingpony back.”

We are… Cloudsdale Wingponies. Forever.

We both vowed to be there for one another. Even if we have been apart for so long, I still see you as my wingpony. The only pony in the world that I want to be my wingpony. Wingponies forever. I always did secretly love that little title Dashie gave us. Cloudsdale Wingponies, such a dork. We can be that again. I have to try and make it happen again. All us pegasi. Get the whole gang back together. Those two other fillies, …Dash must remember their names. Maybe even Blight did too. Maybe someday, Blight can be my wingpony too. I couldn’t ask for anything better than to have the two best ponies out there to fly with me.

I guess it won’t hurt to try. Rainbow Dash was out there. Their old friendship, maybe it never died. Just like another friendship she thought died long ago.

“Thank you, Blight.”

“No” Blight placed one of her forehooves forward, setting it down next to Soul’s own. “Thank you… for not giving up.” Soul joined her. Her hoof touching the mist of Blight’s hoof.

“But what about Celestia?” Soul asked. That still was a problem. Even if Dashie would want me back, there is no way I can do it. Not with the princess. There is nothing we can do. “How will I fix what I did?” “How will we fix what we did?” Blight corrected. “Don’t worry about that right now. We can think of something. Together, anything is possible.” So true. I don’t think anypony else could survive what we have gone through. “Just focus on returning home right now” Blight said. Yes. Home. Back to Rainbow Dash and the first friend I ever had. The one reason I want to return home, Dashie and Blight. Why I put so much effort to get these wings. Wings that will do anything for Blight and me. I will do it.

Just like she did when the blood still trickled from her throat.

“I’m gonna go train now.” Soulblight nodded. Saying nothing more even though Soul did want her to say something. Silly Blight, looks like I have to be the one to say it. She is my friend and I want her part of my life now. Now and forever. Until the day when all three of us can be together. I’ll show her.

I’ll show her what I will do to make it happen. Time to show them all. “Come with me. I have something to show you.”