My Little Dilemma

Chapters

The Stirring
A Rock and a Hard Place
Tears of Joy and Pain
And the Truth Will Set you Free (Part 1)
And the Truth Will Set you Free (Part 2)
Waking Up
Dear Patient Reader.

The Stirring

She was … different. She'd always know that. But lately it had manifested into something entirely new. It had started a long time ago. A long time before she even knew of it herself. Only recently had the significance started to dawn on her. It was more than her obsessions with knowledge, perfection, and making every pony else happy. Those she tolerated and took pride in. Not like this, she was ashamed of this … ashamed of how wrong it was.

It had been bothering her more than usual the night before after a small get together with her friends. It had left her disheveled and she had slept poorly. She woke up very early this morning still in that state, and unable to fall asleep again despite her fatigue.

She glanced out her window to see the first rays of the sun peeking over the horizon. She rubbed her eyes groggily with her hoofs before yawning. She sent a quick pulse of magic and the covers lifted off the bed and were dropped unceremoniously on the floor. Ignoring them and rolling out of bed she landed on her hooves unevenly. She swayed for a moment thinking. Thinking again of the night before. Thinking again of the feelings she knew she shouldn't be feeling. Thinking of the -

“ No! “

She shouldn't be thinking that way, it was wrong, in more ways than one. She chided herself for letting her thoughts roam so freely. The familiar sense of shame came bubbling to the surface again. And she embraced it. Taking solace in it. Taking comfort in the fact that it meant that at least she could recognize how improper it was.

She groaned, wishing things could go normally for once. If it wasn't the pressure of her entrance exam at the School for Gifted Unicorns, than it was being the Princesses personal protegee, if it wasn't that it was being an Element of Harmony and having to continually take up the responsibility that came with it, and if all of that wasn't enough already she had to continually take care of her friends. All responsibilities she relished in, but that made life a hassle. Now, just when her life was beginning to settle at last this ( she searched for the word) abomination had to come along.

She groaned again and stepped into her washroom. Magically scooping up water from an awaiting bowl and splashing it across her face, she tried to wake up. Succeeding in only making her jump from the cold, she turned and left the room. She flopped down in front of a mirror and stared at her reflection. At the lavender coat and tousled deep purple mane that clearly spoke of somepony who had just awoken. Her horn glowed once again as she picked up a brush and absentmindedly began brushing.

Though the lack of attention resulted in more than one wince of pain at a pulled hair, the methodical action seemed to clear her mind a little. Slightly relaxed and with the sun now fully over the horizon she stood and walked down the stairs to the main room, ready to begin the day. She smiled in a halfhearted way looking around at all of the books stowed away on their shelves. She crossed the room to a desk scattered with pieces of parchment and a very large leather bound book. Quickly finding the item she was looking for ( a checklist, of all things if you can belief it), she unrolled it in the air before her. Another smile broke across her face in the thought at the frustration all ponies and beings had with a scroll. Unicorns just magicked them in the air before them, but all others fought ceaselessly with the laws of physics to keep the bucking things open.

How ever, seeing as she was a unicorn, and the item in question was held aloft in front her in a purplish glow, she did not have this dilemma. The weekly checklist was quite full, but being the tail end of said week, most items were checked off. She scanned quickly and found the tasks that were not.

“ Lets see what we have … “ She said it to no one in particular, being the only one present, but the verbal proclamation would help her focus. “ Ah, here we have a Spa day with Fluttershy and Rarity tomorrow morning, I have to help Applejack test a few new apple creations afterwords, and- Nothing ? I don't have anything for today ?! That can't be ! I can't have let that happen ! I can't waste an entire day !”

Panic gripped her as the thought of an entire day being put to no good use flashed through her mind. “ Spike !” she called almost at the top of her voice. “ SPIKE ! “

“ W-what ?! “ came a groggy voice from upstairs. “ Is everything okay ?”

The little dragons purple head poked up over the edge from her bedroom, a very confused and tired look on his face. “ Spike, why is there nothing on the checklist for me to do today ? You know I can't spend all day doing nothing when there is so much to do. I mean that’s just plain wasteful and selfish. What if tomorr-” she was cut off by a bemused look coming from Spike. “ What ?!” she demanded.

“ You really are a control freak Twi, you realize that right ?”

Catching on to the humor she smirked up at him. “ Ha ha ha, you're so very funny. Now get down here and explain yourself. “ The dragon frowned and stumbled wearily down the stairs to stand in front of her. “ Now Spike, why is today empty ? “ she shot at him.

“ It isn't. “

“ Than why is there nothing listed ? “ She waved the scroll around for emphasis.

“ There is. “

“ Are you going to tell me and answer in more than three syllables ? “

“ Yes, I will. “

She had to chuckle to herself, the dragons payback for being disrupted from his slumber.

“ Okay Spike, I am sorry I woke you up. Now if you please tell me what you are not telling me you may go back to bed. “

He brightened at the last part, and hastened to comply “ Well, when we made the checklist you asked me to make two, one with very important stuff on it, one with less important stuff on it. That's the less important stuff. Today was scheduled to be a day for more important stuff. Now, I am going back to bed. “ He turned and began climbing back up the steps. She placed the scroll back down and instead used her power to pluck the dragon from the top step and set him back down in front of her.

“ Uhh, gosh Twilight what now ? You said I could go back to bed ? “

“ Yes Spike, but you haven't finished. Where is the other checklist ? “

“ Couldn't you have just asked instead of picking me up and flying me about the room ? “

“ I suppose, but I didn't. “

“ Well I don't appreciate it very much, being picked up by that stuff feels all weird and tingly like -”

“ SPIKE ! Where in Equestria is the other checklist ?! “ she said in frustration at the easy way in which the conversation at been distracted.

“ Uhm, its on the back of the first one ?” He answered some what sheepishly. The scroll departed from the desk and floated across the room to come to rest before her. She flipped it over and saw the second checklist. “ Oh okay Spike, my apologies. Thank you for being understanding. “

“ So I can go now ? “ her assistant replied. “ Yes Spike you may go. “ She watched as he climbed the steps grumbling. She shook her head and turned back to the parchment. This checklist was much smaller, and all but one item had been crossed off. “ … help Zecora gather herbs and supplies in the Everfree Forest. “ This was indeed very important. Over the winter many ponies had become sick. Some had come close to dieing. They had been saved by the intelligent zebra, Zecora. She had made up a natural remedy that had brought every one back to good health. How ever, with the fear of repeating the events of the past winter, the Mayor had asked Zecora to make much much more of this remedy so that they could be adequately prepared.

Today she and her friends were to help the zebra in harvesting large quantities of a flower that only grew deep in the Everfree forest, and that only bloomed in the middle of summer for a small window of opportunity. This window of opportunity. The forest was dangerous so Zecora had asked her friends to help when the time came. Everypony had agreed except Fluttershy, and yesterday Pinkie Pie and Rarity had to cancel due to preparation for an upcoming event. It would just be her, Zecora, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash.

Her heart sunk at the mention of the last name. All the feelings she had been able to keep at bay this morning came rushing back. Mainly shame, but another feeling, deeper, that made her squirm ever so slightly. She stopped herself before she let it go any farther.

Noting that she didn't have to be at the zebras hut till noon, she decided on small breakfast at Sugar Cube Corner. She walked out into the sun, and relished in the warmth. Banishing all thoughts form her head. She quickly trotted through Ponyville, still soaking up the sun's warming rays. Reaching her destination, she entered the small shop with a smile on her face. She looked around for the tell tale cotton candy mane of her friend but saw none.

“ Mrs. Cake ? “ she asked the friendly owner.

“ Oh Twilight how nice to see you. You're certainly up early. What can I do for you ? “

“ I was wondering, is Pinkie Pie in ?”

The ponies smile faltered. “ No I'm sorry dearie, she had to leave a little while ago to make a delivery. I'm afraid she won't be back for sometime. “

The smile on Twilight’s face dropped a little. She had hoped the exuberant mare would be able to cheer her up. “ Oh, okay I guess. “

“ Twilight “ she said softly, a note of concern in her voice. “ Is everything okay ? You seem a little down. “

“ Oh yes I'm fine, I uh- just didn't sleep well. “ she lied. She hoped it wasn't to noticeable.

“ Ah, I'm sorry to hear that. Now, is there anything I can get you ? “ “ I suppose I'd like something sweet for breakfast. “ she smiled at the though of the wonderful Sugar Cube Corner creation to come.

She sat on a bench at the edge of Ponyville eating her sweet. She smiled to herself. It was impossible not to be happy when eating one of theses delectable pastries. She slowly ate and watched the sun climb higher into the sky. A few ponies nodded to her as they passed her by, heading about town on their own business.

She finished her meal, but just sat their. Contently watching the course of the sun and her fellow residents. She could see a rainbow forming in the haze over the forest. She smiled looking at it.

Shame. Once again ,she reprimanded herself for the feelings. It's just a rainbow, stop making that connection. There's nothing there for you. It's wrong, very wrong. Just forget about her- she caught her mistake -it. Stop thinking about it. More shame welled up from inside, still mixed with other feelings. Though ones she didn't feel like paying attention to.

Her head sunk to her chest and her eyes closed in a form she was often taking these days. A few tears dripped down her muzzle to dot the ground between her hooves. She didn't know how long she sat there crying to herself before she was brought back to the real world. She looked to the sky to see the sun approaching it's highest arc. She must have been like that for a while. She got up and started walking dejectedly towards Carousel Boutique, thinking she might talk to Rarity for a bit before she had to leave for the forest.

She arrived in front of the building to see it closed up. Odd, Rarity is almost always in. She wondered in confusion for a moment before realizing she was off with Pinkie Pie helping with what ever event they were working on. Feeling slightly hurt that her friends weren’t their when she needed them, she turned and walked away.

Heading to the forest, guessing that she might as well be early, she brooded in thought. Today had started off bad, continued bad, and was most likely going to end bad. A single solitary tear ran down her cheek. She had to stop with all of this nonsense. She couldn't keep wallowing in self pity and that ever present shame.

Before she knew it she was in front of the zebras hut. She glanced in the sky to see the sun almost directly over head. Good, she was only a little bit early. She sat on a likely looking stump and waited. It was only a few moments before Zecora came out. “ Ah, Twilight Sparkle my friend, thank you for helping me on this most important errand. “ the zebra rhymed. She smiled “ Of course Zecora, anything for my friends. “

“ That is good, but tell me, what has put you in such a foul mood ? “

“ Oh nothing, just a lot on my mind I guess. “

“ Okay, if you say you're fine, just remember, I am here anytime. “

“ Thank you Zecora. “

She remained sitting as they waited for the rest of the party to show up. Feelings still swelled inside her, but she distracted herself form them by watching a butterfly lazily glide around a beam of sunlight. She watched it, content to admire in it's beauty and gracefulness as it weaved through the particles of light. Not unlike the beauty and grace of another flier she knew …

No ! She smacker her forehead for emphasis. No ! Stop thinking that. It can not be. You will only make things worse. Get over it and move on with your life. She raised her head wearily, tired from her own antics , to see Zecora quickly look away.

Great, now Zecora knew something else was bothering her. At least the zebra had the decency to respect Twilight's privacy in the matter. She got up off the stump and began pacing, a little anxiously. It was a few more minutes before the unmistakable sound of hooves on a trail came to ear. She stopped her pacing and turned to see an orange mare with a yellow mane and a brown hat round a corner in the path.

The pony came trotting up with a smile on her face. “ Well, a good day to you Zecora, and ah you as well Twi. “ The pony said in an unmistakable country accent. Zecora flashed a smile and replied. “ Applejack it is always a pleasure, are you not accompanied by the one with the feathers ?”

“ Nah I'm afraid not mam. She should be along shortly though. “

Twilight tried to ignore the last part and instead looked up into the canopy above her. She looked back down and had to jump back in surprise. “ Applejack ? It's always nice to see you but, why are you standing so close to me like that ? And uhm well, staring ?” she asked somewhat nervously. Applejack didn't reply, she just closed the gap caused by Twilight’s jump and proceeded to stare at her. She had a confused look on her face. “ Uh, hello ? Applejack. Are you alright ?”

“ Yes Twilight, why'd ya ask ?”

“ Well, your still staring. “

“ I am aware of that. “

“ Why ?”

“ Because somethings not right with you. “

Her heart sank, she didn't want to get into this. “ I don't know what you're talking about AJ.”

“ Well,” she replied slowly. “ it looks to me like somethings bothering you real bad. You okay ?” Twilight tried to hitch a smile on her face. “ Yes I'm fine, thank you. “

“ Hmm, “ Applejack did not seem convinced. “ Well alright, if ya say so. “ She finally took a step back and turned away. She looked up the trail than into the sky. “ Now where is that Pegasus. She's late. “

As if on cue a cyan colored blur dropped down from the trees and landed with a flourish in front of them. “ I'm right here, calm down. Also, I'm not late. I am exactly on time thank you very much. “ Applejack frowned. “ Okay, you've made your little dramatic entrance, now can we get to work ?” The Pegasus sighed. “ Very well. “

The second the cyan colored Pegasus had appeared Twilight's heart had started racing. Her mind went into over drive. She blushed. She looked down at her hooves to avoid being caught looking so silly. One thought began racing through her mind. She's here. She's here ! Shame tried to come to the surface again, but it was beat down by the singular thought of the pony. She blushed even more.

The new pony spoke up. “ Oh hey Twilight, didn't see you there. How's it going ?” Twilight looked up, she saw the other pony looking right at her. “ Oh Rainbow Dash, hi uh um I mean hello. It's uh – well, good. How are you ? “ She stumbled over her own words and returned to looking at her hooves. If it was possible she blushed even more.

“ Uhm okay Twilight. Is uh, everything okay ? You're acting a little strange. “ Rainbow replied, a little concerned.

Twilight fought and mastered her emotions. She pushed them back down, deep. She felt her cheeks cool a little, though she knew she was still blushing. Looking up she gave the same reply to the same question she’d been answering all morning. “ Yes, I am perfectly fine. Are we ready to get started ? “

Rainbow looked a little worried but quickly turned her attention to Zecora as she started talking. “ Yes Twilight that is a wonderful idea, for that is why you are all here-a. Today we will be traveling deep into the forest, looking for a flower called the Everfree Florist. This flower is blue, and grows sparse and few. You recognize it leaves by the sweet smell it breaths. “ Zecora paused and looked to make sure everypony understood what they were to do. “ If there are no further remarks, we shall depart. “

Zecora turned and stepped into the forest, followed by Applejack. Twilight and Rainbow Dash paused. “ Twilight, are you sure everything is okay ? “ She still looked concerned for her friend. “ Yes Rainbow, as I said. I am completely fine. “ Dash didn't buy it. But she shrugged and turned to follow the others. Twilight watched her friend walking through woods and felt her heart flutter. She shook her head, and followed.

A Rock and a Hard Place

The forest was dark, dappled here and there by lone rays of sunshine that broke through the dense canopy. The light refracted on the dust and made it appear as if columns of pure light were holding up the forests roof. But where the light was a beacon of hope and fond memories, the darkness was an oppressor of cheer and all things good. And for a good reason. Dangerous creatures roamed the darkness. Creatures that wouldn't say no to a meal of a few little ponies.

All the ponies, feeling the omnipresent sense of fear and terror, bunched up behind Zecora. Staying as close as they could to the only being that seemed to understand the Everfree. Though she appeared cheery and fearless, her hesitance and watchfulness gave away her true nature.

After some time of walking, Twilight noticed that the zebra did not appear to be following any one clear path. Meandering from well-maintained paths to small trails that appeared to have been created by wild animals. Occasionally departing from them all to forge her own way through the under brush. If they got separated, they would never find their way back

Having entered this strange and somewhat terrifying realm, all her thoughts about Rainbow Dash had been banished to a small corner of her mind, fear being pushed to the forefront. But now, as she settled in to the rhythm, the fear began to retreat, and the previous thoughts arose once more. Not even realizing it at first, she was absent-mindedly staring at the cyan coloured rear end in front of her. Smiling to herself, she ran into it. She had been caught up in the view and hadn't noticed the group had come to a halt. She blushed and meekly apologized to Dash.

She scolded herself for what felt like the hundredth time that day. But her resolve was weakening in the presence of the Pegasus. Every argument she could bring up would just melt away at the thought of her. It was easy to tell herself that it was wrong when she was alone, or with other ponies. But here, now, standing right beside the target of her affection. All she could do was smile.

She brought her attention, somewhat distractedly, back to the present. Looking to the head of the group she saw Zecora standing stock still, eyes wide staring at seemingly nothing. Her ears twisting back and forth to hear something the others, apparently could not. Twilight became worried, if Zecora thought something was amiss here, something probably was. Applejack however, was the one to voice her concerns.

“Um, Zecora ? Is everything all right? Cause, ya kinda stopped all a sudden.” She asked timidly, afraid to raise her voice too much. The zebra remained completely still for a few moments before turning and replying “Yes my dear, there is nothing to fear. I thought I'd heard the sound of dangers foot, but here I am thinking it was just the creaking of the wood. Now, just a short ways more, we have quite a way to reach are destinations door.”

With that the mysterious mare set off again. The rest fell in line behind her. Twilight tried to pay attention to her surroundings, having been slightly alarmed by the incident, but she found her attention kept wandering back to the pony in front of her. She shook her head again, having let her gaze wonder forwards, and began scanning the darkness on either side of her to stay alert.

Suddenly a mass in the shadows moved. Perhaps noticing her gaze, it retreated deeper into the shade. She let out a tiny scream of terror and galloped blindly ahead. Of course ploughing right into Dash's hind quarters again.

“Geez Twilight, will ya stop running into me like that. I know I'm awesome and all but admire from a distance please.” The mare mumbled as she picked herself off the ground. Twilight paid no attention as she jumped back up and in front of Zecora. “Zecora, there's something there, I saw it move, I think it was watching us. What should we do?” She sounded kind of desperate she knew, but this forest was no laughing matter and there were only four of them.

With her comment, the other two started staring nervously from side to side, while slowly edging closer to each other. Zecora however remained silent, starring of into depths with the same look she had earlier. Twilight gasped. “You saw it too! That's why you stopped!” The zebra’s response was a small nod. Her eyes still scanning the surrounding area. Applejack rubbed the back of her neck and laughed in a disheartened sort of way. “It was nothing right y'all? Just a squirrel or another pony or something?”

Zecora turned her attention back to the group and replied, her voice low. “I do not think so fair Applejack. Rather I think it was something considering us ponies a mighty fine snack.” Applejack gulped. Rainbow Dash traced her hoof in little circles on the ground. So brave, to hide all of her fears just to keep a strong face for her friends, So- Knock it off Twilight! There are more important issues at hoof! She considered what she had seen, and Zecora’s reaction. Biting her lip she eyed the darkness wearily. “Aw heck, this wouldn't be so bad if I could just see anything!” Rainbow Dash burst out.

See anything, in this light? She laughed to herself. But wait … light. They needed more light to keep the fear at bay. Was she a unicorn or wasn't she? Lifting her horn to the green sky above, she willed her magic to flow. Her horn glowed, but it still wasn't enough. She focused her mind, and forced her energy out. A ball of purple light shot from the tip of her horn and stuck to the underside of a branch. It cast a bright light out in all directions. Everyone looked away, fiercely blinking. The light blindingly bright after the shadow of the forest.

Rainbow Dash smirked, and started to comment on the piece of magic, sarcasm dripping from her every word. “Well gee Twilight, not like we didn't need that beforehoof either.” Twilight blushed. “Sorry, it just occurred to me to-” She cut off mid-sentence. They all watched the multiple shadowy forms slink back into the trees, away from the ball of light. They all jumped back, putting flanks to flanks. All staring out of the circle and into the lights barrier. Zecora spoke up finally. “We need to hurry and finish our job. Before the fiends, our lives, can rob.” Everyone nodded their heads in agreement, but nobody moved a muscle.

Twilight tried to conger another ball of light, but was distracted by the rise and fall of the wing pressed against her side. She looked out of the corner of her eye to see the terrified look on Rainbow Dash's face. Her heart dropped, it hurt her to see her friend so scared. Her will restored, she once again called forth the spell, this time shooting it out into the darkness where it impacted the side of a tree. It stayed there, overlapping there circle of light with its own. “Well, shall we carry on everypony?”

They travelled that way for some time. From lit area to area. It was slow, but it was safe. After some time without sightings, their tension released. And once again they travelled in relative ease. Rainbow Dash had grown tired of walking, or as she called it “earth pony nonsense”, and was lazily flying along on her back just above them. Twilight tried not to watch, but she could no longer muster up the “other” voice in her head that argued why she shouldn't. Without turning her head, she admired the Pegasus as she slowly but surely pushed herself through the air. Having such grace and strength to do so with ease. She must- “Uh Twilight.” Applejacks voice cut into her thoughts. She turned her gaze to Applejack, a dreamy smile still on her face. “Yeah? Do we need more light?” Without waiting for an answer she shot another ball of magic ahead into the darkness. Applejack turned her to watch it pass, but turned back to her friend. “Thank ya sugar cube, but that's not what I was gonna say. I was gonna say you seem a little distracted, you keep staring towards the show off there.” At the mention of her, and at the remark of her being a show off, Rainbow Dash flipped over and flew right at them. Stopping right in Applejacks face. “How am I a show off?” She replied hotly.

Applejack sneered up at her. “Ah really got to answer that? You been floating along over there trying to get everypony to look at you. Yes, we all know you have wings. Now either fly normal or walk.” Dash did a flip and landed in a hover on the other side of them. “I am not going to stop, or walk. So meh.” With that she stuck out her tongue at AJ. Resuming her composure she carried on. “Plus Twilight seems interested, she's been watching. Haven't you Twilight?”

Twilight was startled at being brought into the conversation. She'd been content to remain on the side-lines for this one, but apparently she was going to be pulled in. “Well it is very entertaining to watch Pegasus perform.” She threw on a stupid grin to try and convince the two. Rainbow Dash just laughed. “Ha, told ya.” She did another somersault in the air and continued flying along. Applejack didn't look convinced, and she stared at Twilight sceptically as they continued on.

Twilight tried to pretend like she didn't see. Noticing they were coming to edge of the light, she conjured another spell, and sent it on its way. After the flash of the light she looked to see if the mare was still staring, which she was. She sighed and kept walking. Yet again, into the back of the stopped Pegasus that had landed at Zecora's side. “Oh for Celestia's sake Twilight! I'm starting to think you like doing that.” Twilight bust out laughing in a nervous, almost hysterical cackle as she stumbled back. “Wh-what ? Of course not ! That's so silly. Good one Dashie.” The others eyed her suspiciously. She gave one more nervous chuckle before going quiet.

Having observed the entire exchange, Zecora took the pause as an opportunity to speak. “Ah my little ponies, I know are journey has been hard and well spent, but that fragrance, can you catch it's scent ?” The group all inhaled deeply as one. Searching for the elusive odour. Applejack's face lit up in recognition. “Smells like the apple orchard on a summer's eve. That's odd though, I can't see no apple trees.” Zecora smiled. “No my friend not quite. The smell is whatever brings us are hearts delight. For the Everfree Florist is magical plant, which brings to mind that which we hold dearest.”

Dash took another deep breath. “Hm, I can smell … paper ? And dust ? That's weird, smells like a library ...” She trailed off into silence, her face contorted as though she were thinking hard. AJ spoke up. “What about you Twi, what do you smell?” Twilight focused on her sense of smell. She looked down and blushed. She could tell the smell was coming on the breeze, but she knew that scent. The fragrance she had smelt all along their trek. A certain ponies perfume perhaps ...

“Oh I smell err um … Rain! Yeah that's it. Rain, from a storm.” She shot a glance at Rainbow, who appeared to be still deep in thought. She looked away and caught Applejack smirking. She looked at her and raised her brow. But before she you could speak Zecora cut in. “Take heart my friends! For look here, we have found are goal and as are journey ends.” They all looked down at their hooves. Small blue flowers dotted the forest floor around them. Hundreds of them. Applejack turned a couple of circles. “Now how did we almost walk past all dem little flowers?” Zecora smiled and continued on.

“Now we must gather all we can, pluck them from their purchase in the land. When you've got all there are to be had, place them inside my little bag.” She gestured to the saddle bags she carried. And with that she went to work, delicately pulling a bunch of the small flower out of the ground with her teeth, before turning and depositing them in the reciprocal on her back. The others wondered off in different directions to begin gathering. Twilight wondered over to the tree, on which her current ball of light was stuck.

She bent her head to the ground; her horn glowing as she magically pulled a dozen or so out of the ground. She repeated the process several times till she had a fairly large quantity in a pile next to her. She picked up the whole bunch and walked over towards Zecora, depositing the lot into her already stuffed bags. She glanced up to her friends. Applejack was a little behind them, still picking away. Rainbow Dash was at the edge of the light, a bundle in her hooves as she flew along picking the flowers. A worried look caressed Twilight’s face. “Rainbow ! Don't get so close to the darkness. Who knows what could be out there!” The Pegasus turned and smiled though a mouth full of small blue flowers, before returning to work. Twilight sighed and turned back to the task at hand.

She had stuffed several more bundles into the bag, which was almost full, when a lone cry rose up over the forest. Everypony stopped dead in their tracks as fear gripped them. The cry was answered by several more. They were everywhere, the mournful howls encircling their little lighted ring of safety. “Girls!” Twilight cried out. “To the tree! Get under the light!” At once Applejack and Zecora jumped to the safety of the tree. But Rainbow Dash remained frozen in mid-air at the edge of the circle. “Rainbow! Get yer rear over here!” No response, the howling continued, and Rainbow remained frozen in place. Twilight took a tentative step forward, preparing to go to her friends’ aid, when a shadow leaped into the light. Leaped right at Rainbow Dash. Twilight didn't even remember conjuring the spell, but it sprung forth from her horn in boiling spear of lavender energy. The bolt of magic and the beast connected in mid-air. There was a flash of light, a yelp, and the creature was flung smoking back into the darkness. Dash seemed to come out of her trance. Dropping her bundle he turned and raced to the tree. “Wolves!” She screamed as she flew.

And as if on cue a pack of the creatures emerged into the light. Rainbow reached the tree and quickly dropped down beside her friends, staring with them at the group of Timber Wolves forming a circle around the tree of light. “Uh hey Twilight? I hope it isn’t too much to ask, but do you spose you could, I don't know, whip up a little more magic ?” The fear was poorly disguised in her tone. Twilight's gaze wondered from the wolves to her friends a few times before it clicked into place. “What? Huh- Magic? Oh right! Magic!” Her horn glowed and she lowered her stance. Her confidence restore she spoke out to sly forms. “Okay you monsters, come at me. “

And that they did. They couldn't rush them from behind or the sides at they would've preferred because of the tree, but those that could, charged head long at the ponies. They let forth a blood curdling howl as they approached. Twilight let forth her own cry, and a pulse of magic to match. The lavender magic flowed out into a wave like shape, and rushed to meet the charge. As the wolves reached the foot of the tree, the magic reached them. It impacted them like a wall. Picking them up and carrying them back to their companions it deposited them into a heap.

“Woo hoo !” Applejack and Rainbow Dash let out simultaneously. “That showed those pesky vermin!” Applejack chuckled. “Yeah! That's what happened when you mess with ponies you stupid- Ahh!” Rainbow cried out as a wolf lunged past her. Another wolf snuck around the other side of the tree and leapt for Zecora. She turned and bucked the thing with all her might. Catching it with a mighty blow in the jaw. The wolf tumbled backwards before jumping up and rushing back to its fellows, yelping and snapping all the way. Applejack let out a low whistle. “Whew Zecora, a buck like that seems be the key. Maybe you should come and help out at the orchard sometime, strength like that.” Applejack finished with a grunt as she bucked at another wolf creeping around the tree. “Yes but it is hard work, and quick to tire. They key with wolves, is to scare them with fire.” She emphasized the last word with a buck into the midriff of a charging beast. “Fire?” Twilight asked. “Well why didn't you say so!”

And with that the magic waves turned into balls of fire. She hurled them left and right. Into the ground, trees, wolves. The wolves began to yelp and whine in an uproar that was almost deafening. Combined with the crackling of fire, the noise was certain to be heard round the world. But despite the noise, the fire seemed to be working. Where ever flames licked the wolves avoided, barking and yelping in fear at it. She flung a few more flaming conjurations into gaps, and completed the wall of fire around them. The majority of the wolves howling around the outside, with the group inside at the base of the tree. Only one wolf was unlucky enough to be caught between the terrible fire, and the even more terrifying conjurer.

It dashed back and forth growling and snapping at them, but unwilling to get close. It ventured towards the wall and cried out again. It was busy staring at the rest of the pack outside of the ring when it was hit. Applejack rushed forward, turning quickly she brought her hind legs to her before bucking them out and up. She caught the wolf on its underbelly with such force it was picked up and launched out of the ring and over the fire. It landed amongst its comrades, who all took off howling into the darkness

The ponies let out a cheer of victory. “Wait.” Applejack said, a frown on her face. “Where's Rainbow? She was right beside me a moment ago.” With that a frightened squeak was admitted from above them. There was Rainbow Dash, clinging to a tree branch like her life depended on it. “Ah ha ha.” Twilight laughed at the sight. “You okay up there Dash? No wolves get you?” Applejack chimed in. “So that's what the Element of Loyalty does when her friends are in danger. Huh, always wondered.” They all laughed. Rainbow looked down at them somewhat ashamed. “Hey knock it of guys.” They all erupted out laughing again.

Zecora wiped a tear from her eyes and muttered something “… fifteen birds in five fir trees ...” She burst out laughing again. Twilight smiled. “What was that Zecora?” She looked up and shook her head, still laughing and unable to speak. Rainbow Dash groaned and dropped down to the ground. “You guys are never going to let me live that down are you?” They all smiled and as one and answered. “Nope!”

The laughter once again rang through the forest.

Authors Note
Okay guys, sorry about the delay in getting this chapter up. But I have editors now (thank god) so it had to go past them before coming here. If you happen to find anything we missed, or that's out of place, please make a comment regarding it. Special thanks to Paradox949 for helping me out with this. You are a life saver. Also, I think you can expect this to be the schedule for the rest of this story. Still a ways to go though.

Tears of Joy and Pain

Though the fires had burnt out, the acrid smell of ash and singed fur still wafted through the air. What had once been a beautiful grove of conifers and Everfree Florists, was nothing but smoldering remains now. Except one tree. Blackened by soot but still standing erect in the middle of the desolation, it's watchful boughs stretched out over a group of celebrating ponies.

“Zecora, I reckon that was some of the finest wolf bucking I have ever seen,” Applejack said, while shaking the zebra’s hoof. “Cause, the way I see it, if you hadn't caught that one he would a up an ate this here coward.” The rainbow maned mare glared at her, but remained silent.

“Applejack, you are too kind, but it was you that saved my own hind.”

The country mare kicked the ground. “Aw shucks, let's just call it a tie, aight?”

Zecora smiled. “Indeed, but we forget our friend who came to our aid at our time of need.”

“Well of course, who could forget the flaming unicorn!” Applejack grinned and nodded at Twilight, but before the unicorn could reply the Pegasus erupted in a fit of laughter.

“Hahaha, flaming unicorn, that's too good. That was perfect AJ! You nailed her, alright!” Twilight caught on to the joke and looked away sheepishly. Applejack on the other hoof, did not.

“Now Rainbow, what in the world could be so funny ? She was flinging fire ever which way. So she's a flaming unicorn!” With that Rainbow Dash collapsed on the ground, clutching her sides. The earth pony just glared at her. With another frown she turned her attention back to Twilight, who was busy trying to hide her cherry red cheeks.

“Twi, why do ya look so red?”

“Oh um red ? Uh, the heat. From the fire. Yeah, the heat.”

“The heat … from the fire ?”

“Yep. That's what I said.”

“You weren't blushing a minute ago.”

“Oh well I am now, so can we move on with it already?”

She hastily added a smile and a please. Applejack just looked confused. “I don't understand why every pony is acting so strange. We got a Pegasus climbing trees and rolling round on the ground laughing at nothing, a zebra saying weird things bout birds and trees, and you Twi. Always blushing and mumbling. I'm starting to think y’all 've lost your minds!” She stomped her hoof on the ground for emphasis.

Dash finally stopped chuckling enough to reply. “Maybe we are all acting normally and you're the one acting strange huh? Ever think about that?”

AJ turned to face her. “You calling me crazy flypony?”

The Pegasus giggled. “Oh no never! But maybe one of those wolves nicked you ey? Maybe he gave you the fever?! You might start foaming at the mouth and try to kill us all!”

Applejack just looked confused. “Now what in Equestria are you talking about?”

Rainbow stepped up to her. “The fever! Oh no, look it's already started! We're too late. We're going to have to put you down before you hurt any pony.” With that she flashed a devious grin.

“Woah there, Dashie. What are you doing?” The cyan colored mare just kept smiling as she approached. “Rainbow! Come on now, don't start something you can't finish.” Applejack started backing up, eying the other pony wearily. But Rainbow continued her advance, slinking low along the ground.

Without warning the Pegasus launched herself towards the earth pony. “Now Rainbow Dash, we can talk about this-” She was cut off as Dash impacted her. They rolled to the ground. Applejack rolled to the side and than back, pinning her adversary to the ground. “Ha, whose gonna put who out of their misery now?”

Rainbow Dash struggled for a moment before realizing it was useless. She cocked her head up to her captor. “Oh? You think you've won this?”

Applejack laughed. “I do happen to have quite the upper hoof.”

The Pegasus snorted. “You have the upper hoof, ey? Do you have a ticklish spot as well?” With that she unfolded her wings, running them along Applejack's sides.

“Ticklish spot? I don't have a clue what you're- hahaha! No! No! Stop!” she cackled as she squirmed, trying to avoid the feathered fiend.

Dash took the opportunity to wiggle free from the other pony. She jumped to her feet and laughed. “Who’s got the upper hoof now?” A hoof full of ash hit her in the side of the face. She looked stunned for a moment. Applejack was waving her hooves in the air celebrating her shot. Dash spat out a mouthful and glared at her.

Twilight and Zecora had been merely observing the event till then. Twilight began to giggle looking at Rainbow Dash covered in the fine gray white ash. Rainbow Dash turned to her. “Oh you think that's funny do you? Let's see how you like this!” She dive tackled Twilight and began tickling her with her hoofs.

“Wha- ah! No! Rainbow stop! Don't!” She began to scream in delight as she writhed on the ground, completely at the mercy of the Pegasus. One of Rainbow’s hooves was knocked by Twilight's movements and it brushed a little further south on the unicorns body. Already escalated by contact with her crush, Twilight's screams turned into a moan of pleasure at the contact in such a sensitive region.

Rainbow stopped, staring at her quizzically. “Wha-” She was interrupted as another quantity of ash hit her in the flank.

She flew back at Applejack and the two resumed their match. Twilight struggled upright, where she swayed, unable to gain complete control due to the sensory overload. Glancing at the two wrestling mares, she hoped they would forget what they heard. She turned to Zecora. The zebra had a knowing look on her face. She had recognized the sound. She was about say something to her when a particularly loud shout was issued from the Pegasus. Applejack had bucked her, gently, but hard enough to send Rainbow Dash tumbling through the air.

She landed and rolled across the ground before coming to a halt at the edge of the clearing. She stood up and shook, sending cascades of ash raining down. “Applejack! That was a dirty trick! I'm going to get you for-” Before she could reply two dark shapes rushed from the darkness at her. She turned to meet them, but they were too fast.

One of the wolves leapt at her throat, sinking its teeth into her flesh. The other latched onto her wing and began tearing at it. Everypony screamed, and rushed to their friend’s aid. But the wolves were really tearing into her, and blood and feathers littered the ground around her. They wouldn't make it time.

Twilight felt like her heart was going to burst. Tears welled up in her eyes. She focused her magic, letting all her rage and anger fill the power. She let the magic fly forth. A blinding white lance of pure energy raced forward, catching the wolf at Rainbow’s throat, blasting a crater through the creature’s chest. The second wolf saw his companion go down and let go of the Pegasus’s wing before running for the cover of the forest. Twilight let forth another blast of energy, the white light catching the wolf in the back of the head, completely obliterating it in a cloud of red mist.

She closed the distance to her fallen friend and dropped at her side. Her mouth dropped and tears poured down her cheeks. “Ra-Rainbow?” She let out a sob. She tried to assess the damage. The Pegasus was lying limply on the ground, soaked in the blood pooling around her body. Her wing had been torn apart, feathers jutting out at odd angles and pale red skin glistening underneath. But those wounds paled in comparison to the gaping tear at her throat. Blood gushed from it with every beat of the dying mare's heart.

Twilight just stared in mortified silence. Rainbow’s eyes flickered open. “Hey, Twilight,” she gasped out, almost unable to speak. “How ya doing?”

Twilight just cried harder. This couldn't be happening. Not to Rainbow Dash. It just couldn't. Nothing could… kill her. She dropped her head down on to the wounded mare's chest. “Rainbow, it's going to be alright. Do you hear me? You're going to be just fine.”

The Pegasus chuckled, though the action seemed to cause her immense pain. “You were always a bad liar. ” She coughed, blood pouring out of her mouth. Her eyes started to flutter, her lids dropping. “Don't worry, every things going to be alright Twi.” With that, the Pegasus’s eyes closed, and she went still.

Authors Note
Hey guys, sorry about the short chapter. But I couldn't think of any other ways to drag it out in the way I wanted. How ever Chapter 4 I'm expecting to be about 6-7 thousand words. Hope that makes up for it. Once again special thanks to Paradox949 and Stryker12324. I really appreciate your guy's help on this. And if you happen to see any errors or things that don't make sense. Please make a comment regarding it and I will address it as soon as possible. Thanks. *Also, if you read and like, thumb it up please ! I'd really appreciate it !

And the Truth Will Set you Free (Part 1)

Tears. They softly dropped from her eyes and ran down her cheeks, carving out paths from the soot and ash caked onto her coat. Dried blood covered her body. Some of it was her own, but most of it was Rainbow Dash's. There had been so much of it. When Rainbow had slipped into unconsciousness, Twilight used her magic to clot the blood and slow down the bleeding. But so much had already been lost. Dash had been so still. No sign of breath or heart beat.

She let out a dry sob and dropped her head into her hooves, crying in earnest. The thought of it brought her so much pain, so much sorrow. She felt responsible. Maybe if she hadn't held back in the first place, if she'd just killed all the wolves right then and there, instead of waiting till it was too late, maybe they wouldn't have gotten her. Maybe they'd all be walking back right now, smiling at their victory. Just… anything but this.

Once Twilight had stopped the bleeding, she had used her magic to teleport herself and Dash straight to the hospital. The doctors had rushed in and taken her. Taken her friend where she couldn't follow. They had tried to examine her too, but she refused. She was in pain, but she was glad for it, happy that the pain could serve as a distraction from the reality. Albeit a poor one.

Her sobs began to lessen, and the seemingly endless well of tears began to stem. She was still tormented by the thought, but the exhaustion and shock were making it hard to keep it up. Feeling a drink of water might help her calm down, she looked around for a fountain. She took in her surroundings for the first time. Some hospital waiting room. Plain white walls and tiled floors. A few benches and paintings were all there were to suggest anything other than an empty room.

She pulled herself wearily to her hooves. She was tired, very tired. How many hours had it been since they started this fiasco? Ten? Twelve? The long day and the emotional stress from it all was getting to her. If she didn't rest soon, she might need to check into the hospital herself. No! She told herself. No resting until you know what's happening. Nothing until you know whether she… Twilight gulped, unable to even think of something so horrible. Whether she... died or not... Come on, Twilight. You're a smart pony. You saw the wound, you saw how much blood she lost. You know what her chances of survival are.

“No!”

She almost screamed the last part. An old gray stallion sitting across the room glared at her before closing his eyes again. She shot a glare of her own at him before walking out of the room. She stepped out into a large hallway adorned in much the same way as the waiting room. To her right was a set of doors leading outside. To her left, the hallway stretched deeper into the complex. Directly ahead of her was a desk where a few nurse ponies sat. Walking across to the desk, her hooves making a clip-clop noise as she did, she approached a friendly looking unicorn with an almost blindingly white coat.

“Excuse me, Miss?”

The unicorn turned to face her, a cheery smile on her face. “Yes, dear? Oh my-” The mare's smile faltered as her eyes fell upon Twilight.

“Um... are you okay? You look a little… banged up.”

Twilight could tell the mare was trying to be gentle. She looked horrible and she knew it.

“Yes, I'm fine. I was wondering, is there a restroom or washroom I could get cleaned up a little bit in?”

The nurse still seemed a little shocked at the sight of her. “Well, uh, yes. Just down the hall and second door on the left.”

“Thank you.”

Twilight turned and walked away. A few more solitary tears rolled down her face, but the exhaustion was keeping her emotions at bay. Maybe she should just stay awake for the rest of her life so she could banish all the guilt to the darkest recesses of her mind.

Before she knew it she was in front of the door to the washroom. Pushing it open, she entered a room that was at complete odds with what she'd seen of the rest of the hospital. Lit by lanterns placed along the walls, the room basked in a low, flickering, warm light. The walls were a cheery yellow and all the furniture was made of a fine wood. A counter ran the length of one wall, with large ceramic bowls sunken into it's surface. A mirror adorned the wall above it. A few chairs and a small table were pushed up against the opposite wall.

The room had a calming effect on her, soothing her frayed nerves. She stepped up to the counter and took a glance at the mirror. The pony that stared back at her looked like it had just come from battle. Her entire body was slightly blackened from smoke and soot, the fine white ash adding a thin coat onto that. Her face and chest had been dyed red from where she leaned against Rainbow Dash. Another large red stain on her back indicated where the pegasus had rested while being brought to the hospital. Her mane was tousled and contained ash and bits of the forest, as well as being badly singed in some places. She was quite the spectacle.

Using the water from the bowls and a small towel from the table, she began to clean herself off. It took time, and even with all of her scrubbing the red stain refused to depart from her coat. But eventually, she returned herself to a somewhat passable sight. Using her magic, she tried to remove the blood. It didn't work, and it drained her of the little energy she had left. She collapsed into one of the chairs and closed her eyes.

Twilight didn't know how long she had been asleep before being shaken awake. She groggily opened her eyes, but it was dark so she couldn't see anything. She closed her eyes again and tried to sense her surroundings. She was in a bed. It felt like her be- She jolted awake and jumped to the floor. A hoof caught her around the neck, stopping her. A candle was lit and her room came into view.

“Easy there, Twi. It's alright, everything’s fine.”

“Applejack?”

“Yeah, it's me.”

Twilight turned around to see the earth pony standing beside her, holding a candle.

“Bu-but the hospital. H-how did I get here?”

“Well, it took us quite some time to walk back from the forest, and than to round everypony up on the way. So by the time we got to the hospital you'd gone and fallen asleep. The others stayed but I elected to take ya home. Thought you could do with some rest.”

Twilight tried to process it all. “But… but I needed to stay at the hospital. I needed to be there for Rainbow!”

She tried to head for the door but Applejack threw her hoof out again and caught her.

“Now hold yer horses. I was waking you up so we could go back to the hospital. I thought I'd give you a few hours than I'd take you back. But first, you haven't had anything to eat or drink in the past thirty six hours. You are going to have breakfast first. We don't need you in the hospital too.”

Twilight slumped against her friend in defeat. She didn't want to think about anything but Rainbow, but her body wouldn't listen to her brain. It was weak, and it wanted nourishment.

Applejack smiled. “There ya go. Now lets go get some food in you and then we'll head back.”

She gently led the unicorn out of her room and down the stairs. She set Twilight down at her desk and than walked away. “Now, just wait right there and I'll bring you something.”

She pushed a door out of the way and left the room. Twilight just sat slumped in her chair, staring at a wall. How could she indulge herself with rest when Rainbow was struggling for her life. I'm a horrible pony. My friend, my love, is struggling for life, could be dead for all I know, and I have the audacity to sleep?! She began to cry again, tears of guilt and of pain. They glistened on the end of her muzzle in the flickering light before falling. She looked down, and watched them fall. A red blotch caught her eye. Blood still stained her chest. Rainbow's blood. She let out a cry.

“Twilight? What was that? Is everything ok-” Applejack came back into the room balancing a tray on her back. Catching sight of Twilight, she stopped. She carefully set the tray down on the table and walked over to the sobbing unicorn. “Oh, sugarcube,” was all she said before sitting down next to Twilight and wrapping a foreleg around her.

They sat like that for a few minutes, Twilight crying into the comforting embrace of her friend, Applejack rubbing her shoulder soothingly. Twilight closed her eyes and leaned into Applejack. Suddenly, Applejack became very still.

“You love her... don't you, Twi?”

Twilight's head shot up. Her jaw dropped and the tears immediately stopped. She couldn't speak, couldn't think. She just sat there aghast, staring at Applejack.

She finally managed to spit out a few words. “Wha-what? Do I love her?!”

“Twilight, relax. I'm not like that. I don't see anything wrong with love between two mares, or two stallions for that matter. I won't tell nopony either. That's your right. But ya need to talk about it. And if you ca- won't tell RD, than you might as well tell me.”

Twilight bit her lip. Thoughts raced through her head. So many questions, so much that she wanted to tell her, that she needed to tell somepony about.

“How long have you known, AJ?”

The mare smiled. “I think quite a lot longer than you. Started noticing it long time ago. Some funny looks and laughs an such. Didn't want to say nothing case I's wrong. But lately, I started noticing it more. Specially all that blushing. Ha, heat my flank!”

“So, you're not mad at me?”

Applejack gasped in surprise. “Now, why in the world would I be mad at you? I jes' told you I agreed with that lifestyle didn't I?”

Twilight sat up a little straighter, but continued avoiding her friends eye. “You know, mad because I cared more for one of you than the others.”

“Twilight Sparkle. I could never be mad at you for following your heart. And as for caring bout the rest of us, don't you worry. You're one of the most caring friends a pony could ask for.”

Twilight smiled, relieved to finally have someone to talk to. She leaned in and hugged her friend. “Thank you, Applejack.”

“Anytime darling. Now, let's eat and get on over to that hospital.”

The hospital. And with that, the guilt came rushing back. What did it matter if she loved Rainbow or not if the pegasus was dead?

“Applejack, What if she doesn't make it?” Twilight asked meekly, the corners of her eyes glistening.

The earth pony was silent for a moment. She appeared deep in thought. Finally she broke the silence, though somewhat reluctantly. “I doubt there's anything in the world, that could take that stubborn mare away. You can bet on that.”

The rest of the meal passed in silence.

They stepped out of the tree house to see the horizon turn gray as the first rays of the sun found it. Fog was creeping in off the Everfree and it brought with it a chilly mist. Twilight shivered from the cold, but also from the sight of the forest. Forest of nightmares. I'd like to see it all burn. She turned and followed Applejack, still mulling over their brief conversation.

Just my luck. I find a special somepony I care about, come to terms with it, and she gets attacked. How is that fair to me? Why did Rainbow go and have to- Twilight stopped in her tracks. How could she even think that? It was just so selfish of her, these thoughts she just had. They were dark, twisted. Not her own. I suppose it's just the trauma from the incident. It'll probably pass… I hope.

It was several minutes before they reached the hospital, in which time, Twilight had only succeeded in making herself feel worse. The warmth and light of the hospital almost seemed friendly compared to the conditions just outside it's doors, but it did nothing for the mood she'd driven herself too.

Applejack went straight into the waiting room, so Twilight followed. It looked just the same as it had when she'd been there. With the exception of the three ponies and dragon dozing on it's benches. One of the ponies, a mare with a white coat and elegant horn, awoke to the sound of their approach. She batted her eyes wearily, trying to focus on the new arrivals.

“Oh, Applejack, Twilight. It's you.” She paused to yawn and stretch her legs.

“Wait .. Twilight!” With the realization she jumped up and rushed to the purple mare and wrapped her forelegs around her in a hug.

“Oh dear, Twilight! You look awful! I mean, look at your mane! And… is that blood?!” She backed up with a repulsive look.

Twilight was about to tell her off, but Applejack did it for her. “Rare, I'm sure you're jes' trying to help in your strange way. But now isn't the best time.”

Rarity looked a little dejected but continued on. “Yes, I'm sorry, just a little carried away. Twilight? You look, eh... pretty?”

Apparently, bad liars were common in this circle. “Thank you, Rarity. But I know I don't.” Twilight quickly changed the topic. “But more importantly, have you heard anything?”

Rarity nodded. “A doctor came a little while ago. Said they'd done everything they could for Rainbow, and that she was stable, but she's also comatose. They said we could go and see her in a few hours.”

Twilight collapsed into a seat with relief. She's alive! She made it. She's going to be okay. But that darker and more twisted side of her mind threw in its two bits as well. Yes, she's alive. But in a coma. If you call that living- No! She will be fine! She forced the voice back down, and brought her attention back to her friends, who were starting to wake up.

The butterscotch pegasus yawned and gave her wings a feeble flap. “Oh. Good morning, girls. I mean, well, I think it is. But if you don't, that's okay too.”

“Of course, it's okay silly! It's better than okay!” The loud voice of the mare told everyone in the hospital that Pinkie Pie had awoken.

“How could it not be? Rainbow is fine! And comatose! I don't know what that means but it sounds good! And Dashie has it! So-” A hoof was placed in front of her mouth.

“Pinkie? Darling? Could you perhaps dial it down a bit? Someponies are tired. And no, comatose is not good. It means she's in a coma.” Rarity let her hoof drop from the earth pony's mouth, though she kept it handy.

“Oh.” Pinkie's smile faltered and turned into a frown.

Fluttershy let out another yawn. “We should all stay positive though. It could have been a lot worse. At least she's okay.” All the ponies nodded.

Rarity looked around awkwardly. She gave a little cough before speaking. “Ahem, well. Should we go and ask if we can see Rainbow yet?”

Her reply was a chorus of silent nods.

With that the white unicorn turned and departed the waiting room, everypony else falling into line behind her. Twilight was about to leave when she remembered the sleeping dragon. She considered whether or not to wake him. No, he's young. He needs his rest. So she turned and followed her friends.

They were standing in front of the desk, talking to the same mare that had directed her earlier.

“Well, the doctor did say you could visit in the morning. So I suppose it would be alright. As long as you keep it quick and eh...” Her gaze drifted over Pinkie Pie skeptically, who at the moment was beaming and almost vibrating with pent up energy. “Calm.”

“We will be sure to do so. Now, if you could direct us to her room, I would be most grateful,” Rarity said with her usual dignified flourish.

“Yes, of course. Take the stairs to the third floor. Go to the end of the hall, her room is number three-seventeen. Remember though, she is currently in a coma and recovering. Be very gentle around her.” Once again the nurse pony directed her gaze at the pink earth pony.

The mare just beamed at her, oblivious to the nurse's doubts. “Okie dokie lokie! Let's go everypony!”

Pinkie led them down the hall, bouncing all the way. Twilight glared at her. How can she be so happy? How dare she be so happy! Rainbow Dash had been gravely injured, and was now in a coma as her friends mourned for her, and this pony was happy?! She must be taught a lesso- Twilight squelched the voice again. She did not like where it had been going. Though it did make a good point, she thought wearily as she began to climb the steps. How could Pinkie stay so happy despite all that ever happened? Her mantra of “Giggle at the Ghosties” was strong, no doubt, but it could only extend so far.

Her thoughts were cut off as the group reached the top of the stairs. Twilight stepped out into the third floor corridor. She blinked rapidly and had to shield her eyes with her hoof to keep the brilliant light that was pouring in through a window at the end of the hall, out. The sun was perfectly aligned in the window, casting it's full glow through into the pony filled hall.

Pinkie oohed and rushed to the window, like a moth to the flame. “Wow! Now that's bright! And I don't mean bright like smart bright, like Twilight. But bright like “Wow! Now that's bright! And I don't mean bright like smart bright, like Twilight. But bright like ”Wow! Now-”

Once again Rarity placed a hoof in front of her mouth. Stopping the infinite loop before it ended in an inevitable world shattering paradox. Pinkie just blew a raspberry against her friends hoof. Rarity withdrew the offended appendage with a look of shock.

“Pinkie! That was highly inappropriate! And extremely disgusting. Look at my precious coat, covered in slobber. I must go wash before it stains.” She turned and looked for a washroom.

“Um, excuse me? Rarity? I'm, um, sorry about your coat, but shouldn't we see Rainbow first?” Fluttershy immediately looked terrified that she may have offended her friend.

“I uh-” Rarity glance around at all of them. “Yes, of course. That is the most important thing to do right now.”

Pinkie Pie began to hop around in a circle. “Ooh! Look! There's Dashie's room!”

She bounded forward and through the door, which swung shut behind her. Fluttershy followed her through, than Rarity. Applejack stopped and turned to Twilight. She looked really worried. She gave a false smile before speaking.

“You gonna be able to do this, Twi? You look scared half ter death.”

Twilight shook her head and shrugged. Applejack just sighed and entered the room. All right Twilight, just walk into that room and see her. Walk into that room and see her laying there, beaten and broken. Walk in there and see that it can never be. Twilight smacked her hoof against her forehead. She took a deep breath, and walked through the door.

Authors Note
Okay, I would like to apologize in the delay in getting this chapter up. But I've been away and therefore unable to edit or upload. Also, I did say this chapter would be 6-7 thousand words, and it is. But when reading through it just didn't seem right so I decided to break it up into two pieces. Part 2 should be up relatively soon. Next 24 hours or so, though no guarantees. As usual special thanks to everyone who helped in the editing and proofreading process, I couldn't pull this off with out you guys. If you happen to see any problems or just have a question, please make a comment and I will address it as soon as I can. If you enjoyed please thumb and fave !

And the Truth Will Set you Free (Part 2)

Twilight's heart, already tormented with guilt and sorrow, broke, at the sight of the rainbow maned Pegasus lying motionless in the hospital bed. It looked just as Twilight had imagined it would. Rainbow looked just so worn, so beaten. She was covered in gauze bandages, some of which had a dark red blotch at their center. How could this have happened to her? Of all ponies!? She was the fastest, strongest, and best of us. Why her?! She let out a few sobs, though they went unnoticed. Everypony else was doing something similar.

Pinkie Pie shuffled forward. Her normally exuberant attitude seemed to fail her as the reality of the situation lay in front of her. She stood by Rainbows bed and tears rolled down her cheeks and onto the floor. She sniffled. Looking at Dash she tried to get her to respond. “Dashie? Are you there? It's Pinkie. Can you hear me?”

All eyes in the room snapped to the prone form, looking for any sign of a response. After a moment every gaze dropped in disappointment. A gruff voice spoke up from behind them, causing Fluttershy to jump. “I'm sorry, but she's been unresponsive sense she was brought in. We did everything we could, healed all her wounds. But her mind shut down at the last, in an act of self preservation.”

He looked truly sorry to be having to give this news. He was an older stallion. With a light brown coat and a short gray mane. The earth ponies face was full of remorse. Is it pity or is he just sorry to have to be the bearer of bad news. Twilight pressed him. “Will she … Is there any hope of her coming back to us?”

She tried to keep a brave face, but her lip quivered as she spoke. Pity flashed in the doctors eyes. I guess he is genuinely sorry. He searched for the right words before speaking. “Normally I would say no.”

Everypony in the room's jaw dropped. He hastily carried on. “But.” He emphasized it quickly. “But this mare is quite a bit more resilient than most. The average pony would have bled out and been too far gone before we even got to them. She hung onto the very edge and we were able to bring her back. So normally I would say, for a case like this that there was no hope. But this Pegasus seems to have one hay of a reason to stay alive. I think she'll pull through.”

He looked ashamed at what he had said. Like he'd given us false hope. They all glared at him. Twilight couldn't believe it. She thought that if Dash made it everything would be fine. That even with a coma she'd pull through eventually. But no hope? Who is he to say that anyway!? He doesn't know Rainbow Dash! He doesn't know what she's capable of! She will pull through. Pinkie Pie apparently could not believe it either. She grabbed Dash by the shoulders and began shaking her.

“Dashie! I know you're in there! I know you can hear me! Wake up! Come on Rainbow! Don't do this! Please?”

Her body heaved in great sobs. Her eyes poured emotions from her. The doctor rushed to her and tried to pull her off of Rainbow Dash. Pinkie Pie shoved and sent him stumbling into the wall.

“No! Leave me alone! We need Dash back. We-we n-need her.” Her speech was punctuated by sobs.
The doctor looked furious as he picked himself up. “She is in a very precarious situation. If you are so rough with her you could make it worse! Now I must ask that you leave her be.”

Pinkie just continued to hold Rainbow and sob. Rarity stepped forward and placed her hoof on the pink mares shoulder. “Pinkie? It's going to be okay. We just need to leave Rainbow be so she can get better.”
For once Rarity seemed wholeheartedly concerned. Pity and understanding etched into her face. Pinkie let go of the Pegasus and nodded. Rarity smiled at her. “There you go. Now let’s go for a walk, get a breath of fresh air. Okay?”

The two left the room silently. Twilight watched as Fluttershy followed after them with her head hung low. Applejack seemed to be the only one of them not completely devastated. The doctor meanwhile busied himself with checking all of Rainbows dressings. Applejack stepped forward to stand next to Twilight. “How ya holding up sugar cube?”

Twilight had to honestly think about that question. So many emotions ran wild with her right now. Relief that Rainbow had survived, but guilt that it could have been her fault. Extreme longing, yet the barrier keeping her from Dash. She couldn't settle. “I don't know AJ, it all just so much.”

She walked up and stood beside the bed. The doctor looked up at her and started to speak but she cut him off. She shot him a venomous glance and he remained silent. He backed away eying her, before turning and leaving. AJ replaced him on the other side of the bed. They both just stared at the mare before them. “It's all my fault.”

Twilight looked up in surprise at the proclamation. Tears rolled down the orange mare's cheek. Her eyes swelled and glistened. Applejack felt responsible? How? She didn't show mercy to the wolves. She didn't put off studying medical magic. How was she at fault? Before she could voice her concerns Applejack spoke again.

“I threw her to the edge of the clearing. I th-though if she landed next to the darkness it would scare her. And then-” She cut off. Choking back a loud sob. Twilight stared at her friend. Was Applejack responsible for Rainbows attack? She did throw the Pegasus at them, but that was an accident. Twilight was the one to blame.

“No Applejack, it wasn't your fault. You two were playing. It was an accident. I'm the one you should be blaming. I took mercy on the wolves, hurting them and scaring them. I spared their lives, and then they came back and got Dash. It is my fault. And my fault alone. I acted, and I acted wrong. And as a result she may never wake up.” She said the last part in a hushed whisper.

Applejack just stared at her. To stunned to speak. She just opened and closed her mouth as if the words had failed her. Eventually she just turned back to Rainbow. For five minutes they stayed as they were, standing next to their fallen and broken friend. Without turning to her Applejack spoke again.

“Do you really think by killing them wolves you would've solved anything? Killing is wrong. No pony can do it without destroying their mind. I reckon you only got those two because you were terrified for some pony whom you loved. You don't have it in you to kill some-” Twilight cut her off.

“NO! Don't you see?! They are not creatures to be treated with same courtesy as a pony. They are evil! And I would go back and slaughter all of them if it would help Rainbow in the slightest! I probably will anyway! Whether or not it helps! For they need to pay, need to suffer for what they've done to me! I will make them pay. Do you understand me?” She was panting. The voice in the back of her mind had won out and acted. It showed its true colors. Applejack turned to her.

“Twilight ya don't mean that. You can't mean that.”

“I do Applejack. With every last fiber of my being I swear I will kill all of them.”

Applejack looked horrified at her friend. Like she was seeing some pony entirely new. She backed away fearfully. Twilight continued to glare the most poisonous look she could muster. The earth pony turned and galloped from the room. Twilight ignored her and turned back to Rainbow Dash. “I will avenge you. I will make them pay for doing this to you.”

Her gaze rested on the Pegasus. The sight of her calmed her down. It was like awaking from a deep sleep. A deep sleep with a nightmare that had seemed all too real. She rushed to the door and into the hall looking for her friends. But it was empty. Entering the room she sat on the edge of Dash's bed. What is wrong with me? So much anger and hatred. I actually wanted to kill another living being. I don't want that. Do I? She glanced once more at the bed ridden mare. “At least one part of that was true Dash. I would do anything I could if it would make you better. Anything. I love you so much.”

She leaned down and placed a kiss on the Pegasus's lips before turning and leaving.

===

A week had passed sense the first morning seeing Dash. As far as she could tell Applejack hadn't told anypony, and was pretending that the events hadn't happened. Rainbow was still in a coma. And everypony was starting to suffer. She knew the same thought that was going through her mind was going through everypony else's as well. “What if Dash never wakes up?”

At times it was too terrible to even imagine. She continued her work with the library but it was not with her usual spirit. She forced herself from one task to another. Carrying the tasks out as if they had no importance. And in truth she felt they didn't. Nothing else mattered but Rainbow. This world was not worth living without Rainbow.

The entire week had passed much in that way. The mindless guilt and depression. The feeling of purpose lost. That's the way they found her. Her friends. Moping about her home accomplishing nothing but moistening her cheeks.

She was walking back from shelf to shelf, looking for something. She didn't remember what. When there was a loud knock at the door. “Come in.” She called.

The door swung in and the four ponies poured in, looking much happier than they had in a long time. Pinkie Pie had returned to her natural glowing bouncing self. “Twilight!” She screamed.

“Pinkie? Inside voice remember? We don't need another pony sent to the hospital with a perforated ear drum.”

The mare just continued to beam. “Sorry Twilight, I didn't mean to perepoof your ear thingy. And geez Rarity, you’re not mom. Well, I guess you could be. Are you my mom? Oh my gosh!” She gasped. “That would be so cool! We would be family! Like sisters. Even though you'd be my mother. But still! Wouldn't that be cool? Huh? Wouldn't it? Wouldn't it?”

Twilight used her magic and closed Pinkie's mouth. The mare continued to speak through her sealed lips with a muffled sound.

“Now, is there something you needed girls?” Twilight said as she looked around at all of them. They all seemed so happy. How could they be happy with Rainbow like sh- “Wait, you heard something about Rainbow didn't you?!”

Fluttershy nodded. “Oh Twilight it is just wonderful. I was with Rainbow this morning bringing her some fresh flowers and I ran into the doctor. And he said they could fix her! They said they came across a piece of magic that would help her wake up! They're supposed to be trying it right now!”

Twilight stood trying to process the new information. Rainbow. Magic. Awake. Now? What are you waiting for?! Go! Twilight bolted out of the door, her friends following. Tears of joy ran down her face. They all ran to the hospital as fast as they could. Rushing up the stairs to the third floor Pinkie began to hum in a muffled tone. “Oh right, sorry Pinkie. Here you go.”

She undid the spell on Pinkie. “Gee thanks Twilight!” She bounced to the top of the steps and turned to face her friends still coming up. “Come on you slow pokes! We got a Pegasus to see!”

They all burst through the door at the same time. The room was filled with doctors and nurses, all of them were staring at Rainbow expectantly. Twilight pushed through the crowd to Rainbows side. She looked across the bed to the older gray maned stallion.

“Did you do it? Did it work?” She said breathlessly.

He nodded. “If it worked she should be waking up any moment.”

Every breath in the room was stilled, every movement ceased. Time seemed to crawl. Nothing’s happening. Give it time. Still they watched with baited breath. It didn't work, I got my hopes up for nothing. NO! More time. The seconds crept by agonizingly slow. Wait, what was that. She moved! I saw it.

Sure enough the Pegasus stirred. Her eye lids flickered. He mumbled something and groaned.
Twilight was almost afraid to speak, afraid to break the spell on the moment. “Rainbow Dash?”

More movement. “Tw-Twilight?”

The room erupted in cheers. Her friends cried out in relief and the staff in joy. Fluttershy began to cry and Pinkie was going around hugging everypony she could.

The noise seemed to be the last push she needed. Her eyes flew open and she sat up. “Ah! Twilight?!”

“I'm here Dash, it okay. Everything's fine. You’re safe.” She said gently pushing the mare back down.
Rainbow dropped her head to her pillow wearily. She reached out a hoof to Twilight. She took it and closed it in her own. “Twilight?”

“Yes Dash?”

“Twilight I-'

She pulled Twilight towards her and kissed her. Their lips met and Dash held her, passionately. “-I love you too.”

Authors Note
There you guys go. Chapter 4. 6 thousand plus as promised. Hope you enjoy. Thanks to my editors and proofreaders, you guys rock. If you see something wrong or just have a question, don't hesitate to ask. If you liked please thumb up and fave !

Waking Up

Every pony in the room had a look of complete shock on their face. Rarity and Applejack both stood staring with their mouths gaping. A few of the staff even made sounds of disapproval. But Twilight didn't care. None of them mattered. Nothing else in the world mattered. Nothing mattered but the sweet embrace between her lips and Rainbows.

Dash pulled her closer, increasing the intensity of the kiss. Twilight closed her eyes as she was overtaken by bliss. The Pegasus's mouth opened and her tongue forced its way between Twilight's lips. The unicorn rushed to meet the intrusion, their tongues meeting. Both let out small moan.

They were interrupted by a small cough. Twilight brought her attention back to the room. Mostly full of the disapproving glares of doctors and nurses. Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy just looked confused. Applejack gave a small cough again. “Ahem, well. Maybe we should give them two some privacy y'all.”

She turned towards the door and began to usher ponies out. The gray mained doctor looked furious. “Filly foolers?! In my hospital? This is simp-”

He was cut off by a semi-violent shove from the farm pony. He continued to stutter in indignation even as he was forced out of the room. Soon though, his ranting and the sounds of the others were cut off as the door swung shut behind the last pony. Twilight turned back to the beaming mare in the bed.

Twilight just looked at her. At a loss of words. She began to blush at the intense stare and smile of the Pegasus. Rainbow flashed a sheepish smile before speaking. “So, Twilight. Ho- … Wha- … Hi?”

“Oh. Um. Rainbow.” She bit her lip, trying to keep the flood of emotions from rushing out. Unsuccessfully. She threw herself across the mares chest and began sobbing. “Oh thank Celestia you're alright. I was so worried. I thought you were gone for good.”

She looked up through teary eyes into the deep magenta pools regarding her. The Pegasus's face was one of care and understanding. Dash leaned down and placed a soft kiss on the end of her muzzle, wrapping her hooves around Twilight, pulling her into a warm embrace. “I, am not going anywhere. You think I could leave a world with you still in it?”

Twilight smiled despite the sob rising in her chest. “Bu-but, wait. You, l-like me? I thought you just thought of me as a friend?!”

“A friend? For as long as I've known you, you've been more than just a friend to me.”

Twilight sat up a little, though careful not to break the embrace. She dried her eyes on her hoof. She thinks the same way about me? Since she met me? “But, how? Why?”

The Pegasus looked unprepared for this question. “I don't know. But since I first laid eyes on you, I've felt more for you than just friendship.”

“But why didn't you say anything? All of this time and I never knew.” Twilight's eyes were dry now.

“Well, I didn't know how you'd react. I mean you were from Canterlot, the not all to liberal capital. For all I knew I could've been rejected and lost you as a friend. I didn't want to loose you from my life entirely. Hey! Not to mention you thought the same way! But you didn't say anything. Well, I guess you did but that was almost too late and you thought you were alone.”

She cast a devious grin at the last part. “Celestia only knows what else you do when you're alone.”

Rainbow winked.

Twilight blushed again. “You know about that?”

“Yep, it was quite maddening to have you that close and kissing me, but unable to do anything about it. I wanted to kiss you back, to tell you I loved you, but with the coma and all.” Dash finished quietly.

“So, you love me?” Twilight held her breath. Terrified of what the answer might be.

Rainbow pulled her closer and kissed the surprised unicorn again. “Twilight Sparkle?”

“Ye-yes Dash?”

“I love you.”

Twilight would have responded. But her mouth was quickly put back into use in yet another passion filled kiss. Their bodies were pulled as close as could be and theirs tongues danced back and forth. The Pegasus buried her hooves in Twilight's mane and began running them up and down her neck. Twilight let out another soft moan from the feeling. She was on the verge of seeing just how far they could take this when the door opened again.

“Oh for Celestia's sake, can you two keep your hooves off of each other for one minute? We haven't gotten to say hi to Rainbow yet.” Rarity said leading the group back into the room.

Twilight blushed heavily turning her gaze to her hooves. Rainbow just smirked replying. “You're just jealous you're not the target of my awesome affection.”

“Don't flatter yourself, dear. Even if I did swing that way, and I don't, you are hardly my type.”

“Now what is that supposed to mean? Don't swing that way. I have half a mind to take offense to that.”

“Oh shush Dash. I've know for years your interest in stallions was nonexistent and I've said nothing. Just because it's not my life choice doesn't mean I don't respect yours.”

Dash stuttered for a moment before replying. “Wha-? I don’t even- How- ... What do you mean known for years? I've never told anyone!”

“Well aside from your thorough disinterest in all of the eligible bachelors in town, there's the simple fact that every time Twilight here turns around, you can't keep your eyes off of her flank.”

Twilight wheeled angrily on the bed ridden Pegasus. “Rainbow Dash!”

“Eh heh heh. I like, totally did not do that.” Rainbow countered entirely unbelievably.

“Ahem, sorry to break up this fascinating discussion regarding Rarity's sexual preferences.” Rarity turned her nose up. “And Twilight's flank.” Twilight shot Applejack a glare. “But some of us would still like to say hi.”

With that everypony began slowly filling up one by one and giving Dash a hug and a few warm words. Fluttershy took a particularly long time saying her piece and comforting her long time friend before everypony was done. Applejack looked around at all the faces before giving a small cough and speaking up. “Well, I reckon we might as well address the elephant in the room everypony's tip toe'n round.”

“Heh heh silly, there aren't any elephants in this room. Maybe in the next room, but I think we would know if their was one in this one. I mean, unless that's a fat joke, in which case I don't think it's very fun, and I'm sure Rarity doesn't appreciate it.”

Rarity reared on to her back hooves, a look of complete outrage on her face. “Pinkie! Did you just say I was fat?!”

“Well,” The pink earth pony began to unwisely reply. “Yes, but I was defending you from meanie pants over there who called you an elephant!”

Rarity looked to be on the verge of attacking Pinkie, who was saved by Dash's interruption. “Pinkie, I think AJ meant a metaphorical elephant.”

A look of understanding dawned on her face. Rarity still looked murderous but remained silent. Applejack chuckled and continued. “Yes, Rd, I did mean metha- whatever-ly. Though, now that you mention it, she does look like she's put on a few pounds.”

“I'll kill you!” Rarity screamed as she leapt across the room at the farmer. Just as her hooves started closing on the mare's neck a purple aura surrounded her, stopping her in her tracks. She struggled uselessly against Twilight's magical bonds for a moment before she dropped all of her limbs and hung her head in defeat.

“Fine, she lives. For now.” Was all she said as she was set back down as far from the earth ponies as possible.

Applejack began cackling like a mad pony. She wiped a tear from her eye and brought the laughs to a muted tone as Fluttershy began to speak. “So uhm, you two are … uh, together?”

Twilight cocked her head at Dash who just shrugged. She turned back to the yellow Pegasus. “Well we haven't really talked about it, but I think so.”

“Oh wow. Well, uhm, that- I. Well.”

Twilight looked at her a little confused. “Is everything okay Fluttershy?”

“Yes- I mean no. Wait no- I think yes. No. If that's okay with you ...”

Rainbow Dash groaned. “No Shy, not you. I always thought you were open minded!”

The pink maned Pegasus hung her head and covered her eyes with her bangs. “I am, I mean I think. But filly foolers are just- … just wrong. Wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong.”

Dash jumped up in bed. The wing that could extending out from her side. Pure rage seeping from her expression. “Don't use that word!”

Fluttershy cowered down on the floor. Rainbow Dash continued. “After all the times I stuck up for you, helped you out, made you feel welcome, you have the audacity to say this is wrong?! I've spent years trying to come to terms with this, and the one pony I thought would have my back is the one who won't support me!” Dash dropped back into the bed, looking like the most heartbroken pony in the world. “After I accepted you for all you were and weren't, I had hoped you could accept me too.”

Fluttershy's eyes welled up with tears. “Das- Dashie I do … Ju-just not in this.”

Rainbow folded her legs across her chest and turned her head, her owns tears dotting her cheeks. She whispered her next words through a half concealed sob. “Well, this is who I am now, and if you have a problem with it, than buck you.”

Fluttershy looked for a moment like she was going to say something else, but she turned and fled from the room in tears. The room was silent except for a few sniffles from Dash. Twilight couldn't believe it, Fluttershy, of all ponies, was against same sex couples. The fool! How could she be so ignorant? She will pay for hurting Rainbow! Twilight turned to look at the mare. Dash's was openly crying into her hooves. Twilight felt tears return to her own eyes. She reached forward and put a hoof on Dash's shoulder to comfort her. Rainbow looked around to the unicorn. She smiled in a halfhearted way and placed her hoof on top of the lavender mares.

After a few minutes Dash became silent and still again. She looked up at Twilight and smiled. The unicorn returned the smile before turning to the remaining ponies.

“Anypony else got something to say?” She said a little more aggressively than she intended.

Rarity and Applejack shook their heads. Pinkie Pie spoke up however. “Yeah, I do! What's a fillyfooler?'

Rainbow growled at her. “Pinkie...”

Rarity however, saved her the trouble. “Darling, that is actually a fairly offensive thing to say. So in the future a term like 'lesbian' might be a little more suitable.”

The pink mare beamed. “Okay! … What's a lesbian?”

Rarity faltered her words a little. “I uh- what? You don't know? Oh well, ahem. See, sometimes a mare can develop feelings of the romantic nature for another mare, instead of a stallion. And the same goes for stallions, only than we would call it 'gay'.”

“Oh, but then why does Fluttershy have a problem with it? She likes mares doesn't she?”

Rarity shook her head. “Apparently not.”

Pinkie looked confused. “But then why did she kiss me that one time?”

“WHAT?!” Every pony in the room said as one.

Pinkie jumped straight up in the air from the sudden out burst. Landing and regaining her composure she continued. “Yeah, at Applejack's New Stetson Party a few weeks ago. She got really bucked up on cider then kissed me!”

“Now hold on there sugar cube. What kind kiss we talkin' bout? Quick peck or what these two were doing a minute ago?” Applejack hooked her hoof over her shoulder and RD and Twilight.

Pinkie tilted her head in deep thought. “Well, it was kinda like this.”

She reached over and grabbed Rarity by the shoulders and swooped her backwards off her hooves into a deep kiss.

Every jaw (including Rarity's occupied one) dropped. Pinkie returned the mare to her previous standing position and broke the kiss. Rarity looked beyond lost and confused. “But- you- Pinkie- Me? Wha-? H-how? Why? … Huh?!”

Rainbow Dash and Applejack erupted into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. Twilight just stood staring, mouth still hanging open. Pinkie smiled at her. “What? You want some too?”

She made a move towards Twilight but was blocked by a rainbow blur.

“Hooves off my marefriend if you want to keep your flank.” Rainbow muttered, her face pressed right up against Pinkie's.

Twilight put a hoof on both ponies chest and separated them. “Easy there Dash, I'm sure just she was just playing around.”

Rainbow got back in bed, but she still eyed the pink mare suspiciously. Twilight made sure she was going to stay there. Than the realization hit her. “Wait, marefirend?”

Rainbow finally took her gaze of of Pinkie Pie, who was currently having a heated discussion with Rarity, and set them on Twilight. “Well yeah, I mean if you want that is ...” She said, sounding for all the world like Fluttershy. Not exactly like Fluttershy apparently.

Twilight pondered it for a moment. Did she want that? I mean sure, I do love her, but I've never been in a relationship before, it's a really big commitment. Oh shut up you big baby. Say yes! Take her! Make her yours! Take her right here on this bed! Ooh that would be so hot if you just- She squelched the highly inappropriate thought and brought herself back to reality.

“Twilight? You still with me?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, okay. Well, do you have an answer?”

“Yes.”

“What is it?”

Twilight shot an exasperated look at the Pegasus but kept her mouth closed. “Well? Are you gona- … wait. Oh. OH!”

Twilight grinned at her. Rainbow gave her a big dumb smile. The two leaned into each other and again their lips met. Twilight immediately opened her mouth and her tongue was met with an equally eager opposition. Her heart beat a rapid fire beat against her chest. I'm kissing Rainbow Dash! Again! My marefriend! I'm kissing my marefriend! Rainbow Dash is my marefirned! She let out a happy squeal which quickly turned into a moan as Rainbow began running her hoof down Twilight's chest. Yes, yes I am kissing her. Now about this whole 'make her mine' business, maybe if I-

There moment was interrupted by another awkward cough from the farm pony. “Well I think you two seem a might rushed to get started there so I think we'll be stepping out now.”

Rarity nodded. “Yes, we'll be seeing you two. Come along Pinkie.”

Pinkie Pie let out an exasperated sigh. “Aww, but I wanted to stay and watch the clop with the bronies!”

Applejack turned back from the door. “The what now?”

Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes.

“The bronies! Them, right there!” She gestured at the screen.

“Uhh. Right. I think you need a bit'o rest there sugar cube. Come on now.”

Pinkie Pie turned and followed them out of the room. She could be heard muttering as she went down the hall. “Fine. I didn't much like this fic anyway.”

When the door finally closed the two lovers returned to their embrace. Dash planted a quick kiss on Twilight's muzzle. “So Twi, what do you want to do now?”

Twilight turned her thoughts to the idea she had earlier. She gave a devilish grin and placed a hoof on the bed sheets relatively low on the mares body. “Oh, I don't know. But I think I have a pretty good idea.”

Rainbow gulped.

Authors Note

Voila ! Have a chapter ! And I'll be taking your fourth wall now. Forewarning, prepare for clop. You have been warned. The rating is Mature. So I don't want to hear any complaining. Unless it's over the quality in which case please do complain. As always any problems or questions, marriage proposals and the like can be commented or PMed to me. Special no thanks to Paradox for NOT helping edit. I am disappoint. But, special thanks to Doctor Strangelove for your help editing, proof reading, and the like. If you liked, a thumb, watch, or a fave is appreciated. And last but not least, I hope you enjoyed.

Dear Patient Reader.

So, yep. It's me, 404 Mercy here. With some really bad news. Over the past few months I put all of my works on hold to the public while I finished and perfected them. However, before I could finish all of them there was a devastating computer error. Resulting in the loss of all the works. Gone. No ability to recover, and no back ups. So, due to how much effort I placed in them, and how lazy I am. They will all be canceled. Sorry for the let down.