I waited in the waiting area outside the ward, where Auri, Saphie and TA were waiting anxiously. It’s my fault. I nearly killed her.

“Don’t worry, Flash, it was a FIGHT.” Auri reassured me, but she still looked like she was going to burst into tears.

It is your fault, Flashing Stupid Murderer. “Yeah, but it was my fault, I shouldn’t have done that… she could have DIED…”

Auri laid back and closed her eyes. “Do you think she’s gonna be okay?”

“Of course she is!” TA replied.

“M-hmm.” A stallion with a doctor's jacket was in front of us. “You can meet Falling Sunshine, she’s a bit tired though, so keep that in mind.” He walked away.

“Oh my gosh.” Auri swiftly got up and rushed into the room.

“Auri!” Sunny coughed. “Auri, what am I doing here? What happened?”

Auri opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Saphie stood next to her, but she didn’t know what to say either. TA stood on the other side of the bed, mouthing something to Auri.

“Sunny… I… it was me. During training… we had a fight… and…” I ran out of words. You did this.

“What?” Sunny asked. “What?” She started breathing heavily.

“Sunny, don’t worry, calm down, we’ll tell you everything soon…” Saphie tried to comfort her.

“Is she okay?” Thunder Spark stormed in.

Auri sighed, like she knew something that we didn’t.

“Auri, tell me what happened…” Sunny insisted.

“It’s fine, Sunny, we’ll tell you afterwards…” Auri sighed.

“No, please tell me now…” She persisted.

Auri pursed her lips. “Sunny, as Flash said, you got… extremely hurt in a fight with Flash. How do you feel?” She asked, worried.

“Tired. But other than that, I’m okay, I guess. Thunder Spark?” She looked over at the dark blue stallion. I’d known Thunder Spark for years, yet I’d never seen him look so upset.

Auri exchanged a look with TA, who had a small grin on her face. “Um, Sunny, I think we should go… um… Flash might have something to say to you.” She rushed out of the room as quickly as she came in. What in Tartarus was that all about?

“Um, sorry… I’m… sorry.” I concluded.

“Flash… it’s fine.” She ended. “When am I gonna be allowed to go?”

The doctor had told us two days maximum. This is what Flashing Stupid does, everyone. “Up to two days.” I replied.

She sighed. Time to go, Flash. I walked out of the room, and TA, Auri and Saphie were standing outside, waiting

“Why aren’t any of you eating?” Thunder Spark asked us at dinner.

“Our friend nearly died. Give it a break. And it’s not like you’re eating.” Auri started.

He looked down. “We should go then.”

“Yeah, we should. Before the guys get all touchy. Don’t say anything cheesy, please.” TA replied, sticking her tongue out in disgust.

I walked silently into the dorm, locked myself in my room, and dropped into my bed. Today was interesting. You nearly killed your friend. What a nice friend you are, Flashing Stupid.
It wasn’t long until I drifted into an uneasy sleep.

She glares at me. I can tell she is upset. “I’m sorry”, I say, “I didn’t mean to. I didn’t mean for any of this.” Tears start flowing from my eyes. Her amethyst eyes hold my gaze. She doesn’t break our eye contact, and doesn’t let me either. Her face becomes colder.

“You did this to my friend”, she points to a frail body of a pegasus lying in a desolate hospital bed. I take a closer look and see her blood drenched face. “You did this.”she says, raising her voice, “How dare you.”

Her once beautiful smile is no more, only replaced by fury. “How dare you do this to her. How dare you do this to me.”, her nose starts to bleed, staining her lavender cheeks. “The blood is on your hooves. This is all your fault.” she steps forward, forcing me to step back. She corners me. Her horn fully ignited, sparks flying and threatening me. Her dusk hues of her mane covered in blood. Her eyes narrowed, her teeth gritted. Her breaths are short and harsh. “I hate you. I hate you so much.” With that, she blasts me-

I started breathing heavily. I couldn’t stop, the traumatizing event of the day haunted my dreams and turned them into nightmares. Flashing images of Twilight’s face appeared in my mind. She hates me, she hates me, she hates me. I keep messing up, everything is my fault. First the kiss, then hurting my friend- I’m the worst. Flashing Stupid. That’s all I am. In an attempt to pacify myself, I took one deep breath and exhaled slowly. But then my panting returned with the scarring memories terrorizing me. Realising that it would take me more than breathing slowly to calm myself down, I got out of bed and opened the window, trying to distract myself with the view of Luna’s gorgeous night. The moon shone on the crystal streets, glimmering like the stars in the sky. I tried to count each of the twinkling stars in the distance. One, two three, four, five, six… I stopped.

I noticed a silhouette walking around the corner of the Crystal Castle. I gasped as she stepped into the moonlight. What is she doing outside this late? Twilight stood next to the Crystal Heart and paused. I could see that her eyes were closed. Was she sleepwalking? Maybe I should help her back...or at least wake her up.

I left my dorm and made my way to the Square. Upon reaching, Twilight was still asleep and was wandering away into the streets. Does she do this every night? I stood in her way and she clumsily bumped into me and sat down, sleeping. We’ve got to stop bumping into each other like this. I rolled my eyes. Not knowing how to approach waking up a princess, I placed my forehooves on her shoulders as she quietly snored. I gently shook her and called her name a few times, until I noticed the change in her breathing pattern. She’s awake.

“F-Flash?”, her eyes widened. She stood up quickly and eyed me with confusion, “What are you doing here? What am I doing here?”

Why am I just realising how awkward this situation is?

“Uh...you were sleepwalking...and I saw you...and I decided to wake you up...I guess”, I spoke with intense hesitation. She facehooved in an attempt to hide her blushing. But in vain, since I could see it easily.

“Why does this always happen to me? I can’t stop messing up, not even this one time.”, she seemed frustrated. Nice knowing I’m not the only one who’s struggling. “Didn’t any of the guards on duty catch me?”

“Maybe they didn’t want to wake you. Or they just saw you and let you pass, thinking that you’re fully awake.”They need some training from Auri, honestly. Attention is everything. She facehooved again.

“Why? Why me?” she sighed, “Why doesn’t this ever happen to Cadence? Or even Shining?”

Um, I dunno. “Um, you okay, Princess?”

“Why the formality? I said you can just call me Twilight.” She seemed annoyed, so I agreed with her.

“Oh yeah, hehe, sorry, Twilight.”

“Better.” She looked at me again, ”Do you wanna come inside? Um, since you woke me up...and I don’t think I’ll be falling asleep again anytime soon...I’d like the company”, she smiled sheepishly.

I couldn’t help but return it, except I looked really dorky. “Okay”

We walked together through the hallways silently, to not alert any guards around. I didn’t have my armor with me so I was thankful that Twilight was there. When we approached her room, the guards looked puzzled.

“Oh yes, I just brought some company. I was totally awake, I swear.”, she stammered and they let us through. Her room was massive, with a crystal vanity desk and a bed, with shelves of books to embellish it. I’d never been in a Princess’ room before and my reaction was very much noticed by her. She giggled, “Yeah, I suppose you’ve never been here before. This is my room every time I visit the Crystal Empire. Usually I share it with my dragon, Spike, but I came alone this time.”, her face fell.

Finally getting the courage to actually do something instead of standing like an idiot, I placed my hoof around her and her face flushed pink. Ugh, now you’re being more of an idiot. My conscience snapped me back to my senses and I retracted my hoof.

“What’s wrong?” She asked, concerned.

Oh, the only thing wrong is that I’m a murderer and I’m Flashing Stupid and I’m madly in love with you and somehow you love me but you hate me too. Now that is what you call complicated. “ Um...I...I’m just having a hard time, I guess.” That's all I could say to respond.

“I understand. How’s Sunny doing? I heard about the accident.”

“She’s doing okay. But, it’s still all my fault,” I whispered, “I’m the worst.”

“What? Of course you’re not, it was an accident. It could’ve been anypony, especially if it was in a real battle”, she stroked her hoof through my blue mane comfortingly.

“So...you don’t hate me?”, I closed my eyes. When I opened them again, Twilight’s face was only a few inches away from mine.

“Of course not. Why would I hate you?” Her gleaming eyes watered. I was lost for words. So...she doesn’t hate me.

“I don’t hate you too.” Well you just made it dumb again. Well done.

She smiled and leaned forward. My heart started racing as she pressed her soft lips against mine.

Her face was glowing pink from her blushing, and my face felt hot. “Yeah, I don’t hate you at all.” She concluded.

She doesn’t hate me. Flashing Stupid is flashingly stupid when he’s an idiot. He’s even more stupid when mares he likes don’t hate him.

“Flash?” she leaned on my shoulder, “Flash, I do love you.”

There, Flashing Stupid. Point proven. I think Sunny hit you hard and this is all a dream. I took a step back. What a nightmare. Or fantasy. I’m not even sure anymore.

“Flash?” She asked, confused.

You’re being an idiot! “I… need to go.” I said, and without thinking I rushed out of the room.

“Why in Equestria did you leave her? Flash, you really screwed up this time.” TA shook her head at breakfast, and left with Saphie, leaving Auri and I talking.

“Well, Flash…” Auri closed her eyes. “I dunno. Are you scared of her or something? You always run away…”

Good point. Both times, I ran away. “I don’t know Auri. I don’t understand what’s happening…”

“We’re gonna go see Sunny.” Auri blurted. “Thunder, Saphie, TA and I.”

“Wait, I’ll come too.” I replied, sure that I would go as well. At least you can apologise properly.

Auri looked away. “Officers are only allowed to take one friend.” She sighed. “I’m going with Saphie… TA’s going with Thunder Spark.”

Wait. TA’s in love with Thunder? “Wait, what? They’re together? Huh?” You’re really dreaming.
“What? No! Of course not. It’s… complicated. Don’t get any thoughts.” She added.

Right. So am I gonna go? Who am I gonna go with? “But I really need to go. I need to apologise…”

“This might be crazy… should I ask Night Star?” She asked.

Um, not so crazy. “There’s nothing weird about that… is there?”

“He has a crush on me.” Auri replied, shaking her head.

Not what I expected. “You sure?”

“Positive.”

“How’d you know?”

“Oh, I know. He told TA, and TA told me. And…” She pointed a hoof at him, who was looking at us suspiciously, but he looked away instantly. “I’ll talk to him.” She replied.

“What? Right now?” I asked dumbly.

“No. Of course not. I’ll ask him at training. I’ll see how you do with TA.” She winked, and got up.

TA. No. “No!”

“Yes.”

“No!”

“Yes.”

“No!”

“Yes.” She walked away, probably over to her own guard station.

TA. Time to die.

I’m gonna die. I’m gonna die. I’m gonna die. Now I know how Sunny feels.

Saphie approached from behind me. “You’re not gonna last one minute with Tinted… she took it really easy with Sunny… you’re lucky Auri’s there to keep her sane.”

Thanks a lot, Saphie. Really helps. “I know.”

I walked into the training room, and TA was waiting for me. I saw Auri talking to Night Star.

“So. What have you learnt so far? Which moves have you learnt?” TA asked me.

Well. Auri didn’t exactly teach me that many moves. “I learnt about attention, deception, strategies and disguise. And I learnt a few basic moves, just, you know, punch, jab, strikes, blocks, kicks.” I replied.

“You’re not such a wimp anymore.” TA replied.

“Flash, you’re allowed to go with Night Star.” Auri appeared from behind.

I turned around. “Hey, Flash, how about you do a fight with Auri and see how that goes.” TA suggested.

You’re not killing another one of your friends. “No.” I replied.

“Sentry, I’m not gonna die from a couple of punches.” Auri replied, amused. “Okay then. Tinted, I’ll fight.”

Hell no. “No, not happening.”

“Flash, you might have nearly killed Sunny, but you’re the one who might die if you fight Auri…” TA replied.

“No, I’m not doing it.” I replied. Flashing Stupid, The Murderer’s back.

“Okay, well. Get ready, guys, because you’re doing it whether you like it or not. No no no no no. I do not want to fight her.
“Don’t worry, Flash, I’ll take it easy on you.” Auri said confidently.

“Flash, you have a choice of weapon.” TA said. “Auri ‘doesn’t use weapons’ apparently. Well, neither do I really. Knife?” She asked me, and I reluctantly nodded. “Okay, fight!” TA announced.

She stood there for a second, studying me, before rushing to both my sides, and punching them, hard. Ow. That’s gonna leave a mark. She punched my nose. I cut her straight across the cheek, and I grabbed her hoof. She gave me an evil look, and then wrestled me to the ground.

So much for killing her.

“Flash?” Auri stood next to me, offering her hoof. “You okay?”

Toughen up. “Yeah, great.” She pulled me up.

“And the winner is… Auri, duh.” TA announced. “Sentry, you look quite dead. And she didn’t even use a knife.” She turned towards Auri. “Do you want to go talk to Night Star about that?” She pointed towards the cut on her cheek.

Auri frowned. “I’ll be fine. Just a cut.”

TA turned towards me. “Sentry, your nose is bleeding.”

That was when I realised that blood was flowing down my mouth and my head was throbbing. “I’ll just… go clear myself up.”

“Flash, you’ll be okay. Don’t worry; you stress more than Twilight does.” Auri said to me, as we walked into Sunny’s room, who was sitting up, talking to the doctor.

“Falling Sunshine is ready to leave. She can guard, but keep off extreme training.” The doctor nodded at us, before leaving.

“It creeps me out when I hear my full name. Okay. Why are the six of you here? And - Night Star? Thunder Spark?” She looked at Thunder Spark, and then glanced towards Night Star.

“Are you ready to go?” Auri asked. “Don’t worry, I’ll explain everything. Come on.” She pulled Sunny up, who stood up.

“Ow, that hurts.” Sunny sighed.

“Sorry.” I stupidly said.

She smiled. “Forgiven and forgotten.” She said, holding onto Auri for support. “Ow. Maybe not forgotten just yet…”

“I’m sorry…” I repeated. Good thing she didn’t actually die.

“It’s fine. Auri, did someone try to kill you?” Sunny asked.

“What in-” Sunny pointed at the cut on Auri’s cheek. “Oh. Um… long story. I told you I’ll explain everything. Come on, everypony.” I walked out. At least she didn’t die.

“I’m sorry…” I repeated at dinner.

“Oh my gosh, Flash, it’s fine!” Sunny repeated, a little annoyed now. “Oh, and, Auri, you still haven’t explained EVERYTHING, like that cut. Spill.” Sunny said to Auri.

Auri bit her lip. “It was the fight. In training. Um…” She paused.

“Oh.” Sunny understood.

“Um, by the way, Sentry, it might not hurt that much now, but it’s gonna bruise. Auri punched you hard.” TA burst out laughing.

What in Tartarus? Bruise? Shoot.

“Sorry.” Auri said quickly.

“Should we go?” TA asked.

“I guess, yeah, sure.” Sunny said.

They’re avoiding me. They’re never this weird. Is it because Thunder and Night Star are here?

Sunny, Auri, Saphie and TA left, which left Night Star, Thunder Spark and I on the table. You’re the only one sitting like an idiot, Flashing Stupid.

“Was that weird to you?” I asked stupidly. Hey, someone’s back. FLASHING STUPID.

“Do I look like a girl?” Thunder Spark asked.

Night Star and I burst out laughing. That one is never gonna grow old.

“So, why exactly did you come with me to see Sunny, then, um, Officer?” I didn’t know what to address him.

“Just… call me Star. I just… Auri…” He sighed. “See you tomorrow, Flash.” He got up and left.

“Wasn’t that weird?” Thunder commented, before we both burst out laughing.

“So, Thunder, now you can tell me what in Tartarus is going on between you and Sunny.” I started.

A flush of pink filled his cheeks. “I have a crush on her.” He mumbled.

I guess I kind of realised.

Author's Note

Hi everypony!

At the moment, this story is kind of Slice of Life, but the plot will start showing later on. We got some feedback that Flash should have more positives instead of negatives, and I completely agree. However, until around chapter 5 or 6, they were already written beforehand, I'm just deciding to post these on a weekly basis. And since we were 'winging it' from the start, it's a bit difficult to go back and change things, since we want to keep the original. But, don't worry, I'll definitely use your advice for the chapters after that.

Other than that, please tell me if there are any grammar errors because I need to fix them or I'll have a panic attack.

Anyway, thank you all for reading this chapter! Stay tuned for next time!
-Sunny