Author's Note

Ya like dialogue? Here you go.

Slow Start

Of the present is a struggling friendship; one attempting to mend the fence.

"You can go in and see him but try not to get your coat ruffled and start something," said the nurse, examining a clipboard. Her coat was white, she had a pink mane and tail, blue eyes, and she wore a nurse's hat depicting a red cross. She was standing next to a patient's room door. "Regardless of your past with him, mind your manners; he is a patient here, and he has suffered despite what happened."

"Thanks," the mare told her, rubbing the back of her mane awkwardly. "A-And I won't start anything, I promise. I just... I want to see him..."

The nurse looked up from the clipboard, her usual sharp eyes softening with sympathy. "Just go in and try your best," she encouraged. "Ever since he woke up a few days ago, he's been quiet and cooperative, and judging by what I was told about him, this is the perfect opportunity. Talk to him, Rainbow."

But she felt anxious. She couldn't keep her hooves still or her wings twitching from anticipation. How could she? This was a pony from her past, whom she fought and argued and cared about deeply, but damaged their friendship. And she was, a few steps away, a doorway away, from the pony who dislikes or even hates her for good reason, who left him behind and never looked back, haven't thought about in years, until the Wonderbolt tryouts leading up to the show in Cloudsdale's Cloudeseum.

"I'm just...worried." She murmured the last word. It wasn't often she felt like this, especially for a pony from her past. "I care about him a lot, but I don't know what he'll say to me..."

"Like I said, this is the perfect time since he's calm and reserved, especially after what Doctor Allgood told him."

Rainbow Dash gazed questioningly at the nurse. "What was he told?" she asked, a sudden burst of anxiety making her heart thump. "Is he okay?"

"He just needs rest for another week or two until the stress of the incident wears off," she explained. "I'm only saying this because you have a close history with him. Slither Flight already knows, and she approves of me telling you. He will not be able to fly again."

Rainbow Dash was thunderstruck. Was that his punishment? Did Princess Celestia order that? A pegasus is meant to fly!

"Did Princess Celestia... Did she c-clip him?" she asked hoarsely, her eyes widened in horror.

The nurse shook her head quickly. "No, no, not at all! Princess Celestia wouldn't be so cruel as to take the wings of a pegasus away," she assured her. "His magic was so damaged and disrupted by the necklace's power that it hasn't recovered within him at all. He may have lost his connection with magic forever.

"A pegasus cannot fly because their wings are too small to support the body; magic gives flight, and the wings help to guide them. They also lose the ability to change the weather or stand on clouds. I assume you know the term."

"He's been permanently grounded...? Oh, Blackwing...." Rainbow Dash felt nauseous; the mere thought of a pegasus being grounded forever, and in such a terrible way, made her sick to her stomach. "Are you sure his connection with magic is severed? It seems... By the sun, it seems too early for that type of call."

The nurse shook her head sadly. "We've been monitoring him closely ever since Princess Celestia carried him here, and judging by not only what Doctor Allgood said, but also the sun princess herself, Blackwing's magic has not recovered after the incident, and any he had left is gone, purged seemingly by the necklace," she explained.

"How did he take the news?" Rainbow asked, fearing the nurse's answer.

The nurse just gave a tired sigh. "He was shaken by what he had done and the influence the necklace had on him," she began, not sounding as grim as Rainbow thought, but there was no hope or joy in the mare's voice either. "I think...telling him sapped what little strength he had left. To fly is a pegasus' pride and joy, and for that to be taken away has...well, depressed him."

"Does he know his punishment?"

"No, not yet," the nurse answered. "Princess Celestia has been visiting him since he slipped into his temporary coma."

"What was she doing?"

"When I would go and check up on him, she would be next to his bed, staring."

"Staring?" Rainbow echoed, confused.

"I think the more appropriate word is contemplating," the nurse clarified. "I had to call out her name more than once to get her attention and she would be startled every time I did, so I can only assume she's thinking about what appropriate type of punishment would be suitable for him, but I don't know for sure. You'll have to ask her that yourself."

Rainbow Dash nodded, trotting over to the door and hovering her hoof over the handle, hesitating.

"Rainbow, you have nothing to be scared of," the nurse told her gently. "Just take a deep breath and go in. You can stay until visiting hours are over."

Rainbow looked over her shoulder. "Thanks, Nurse Redheart," she said.

"No need to thank me, dear," she replied before trotting away.

Taking a deep breath, Rainbow Dash turned the handle and eased the door open slowly, her heart beating fast. When she could see the inside of the room, she saw Blackwing sitting up in his bed, hunched over, head turned to the window and watching birds fly past.

The gentle sunlight that bled through the curtain landed on Blackwing's long raven-black mane and dark coat, giving them an old, faded sheen. He had a small thin tube hooked up to a metal pole with a bag of fluids, and had bandages wrapped around his head and legs. He looked tired and utterly miserable.

"Blackwing?" Rainbow called out gently. She saw his ears twitch and he hunched even more, looking ashamed. She stepped into the room and closed the door. "It's me. Rainbow Dash."

She trotted to Blackwing's bed when he didn't respond. She tilted her head until she could barely see his face, and her heart broke. Blackwing was trembling, his eyes were dull and glossy, and long wet streak marks stained his cheeks. She guessed he didn't want her to see him like this.

"Oh...Blackwing," she murmured, stretching out a wing over his back. He flinched away at first, but after a few comforting strokes, he was still.

"Have your laugh," he whispered hoarsely, crestfallen.

Rainbow Dash stared at him in disbelief. Did Blackwing truly think that, after all of this time, after everything that just happened at the Cloudeseum, that she would taunt and belittle him? Make fun of a permanently grounded pegasus, to whom she knew ever since she was a filly, a close friend? Surprisingly, she wasn't mad. Perhaps in a different situation where she was still a boastful jerk, she would have. Instead of being rightfully angry, Rainbow just felt hurt.

"Blackwing, I would never laugh after what happened, how could you believe I would?" she asked him, but he didn't respond.

Rainbow Dash waited a few moments more, but Blackwing stayed quiet. She felt a wave of sadness wash over her and she wondered if their broken friendship could ever be repaired. Then she shook herself. Rainbow was never one to give up easily without giving an honest effort.

Forcing him to speak won't work; Blackwing's too depressed, so a gentler, more vulnerable approach was needed, maybe even wanted. Rainbow Dash always had a hard time speaking on more serious issues, even avoiding them until she had no other choice. With Blackwing, there was a lot she wanted to get off her chest, and seeing as her old friend preferred to keep quiet, this seemed to be the perfect time.

Okay. Time to say all I need to say, Rainbow Dash thought to herself, trying to build up some courage. Say the words, even if those words hurt. Mean those words. Don't be afraid...

Rainbow Dash turned away and took in a large breath of air before exhaling, calming her nerves. "I'm sorry," she said to him. She heard the bed creaking and knew Blackwing was looking at her. "All of our fights, all of the things that were said, all of it that contributed to our fallout, is my fault. I was brash, insensitive, and a jerk that only wanted to be the best flyer I could be.

"I hardly thought about what you wanted; I was content in satisfying my ego and furthering my career when I should have thought about the both of us achieving our goals together. I should have realized how I was hurting you, and how obviously stupid I was being. But I was too focused on being the best at everything, always thinking about the next big race or my dreams of becoming a wonderbolt that I left you behind and didn't look back.

"One of the last arguments we had was during the Double Flyer Competition, and how we were practicing our big finale: the Fantastical Flashbang. You always said I would go off the rails and start showing off in front of Slither Flight and Feather Sight, and that I would never listen. You talked about how I wasn't being a team player and not working with you like I should have. I never adhered or took your advice about how we should go about the competition; I... ignored your input.

"I was angry, selfish, and passionate. I talked down your ability as a flyer and not truly listening to what you were saying. I wanted to win so badly, and I knew you did too, and it frustrated me that I thought you weren't doing your all. But you were. You tried hard to keep up with me despite believing we should take things at a moderate pace to conserve our energy, but it wasn't enough.

"When I told you I was going to get Gilda to be my partner, I failed to see how I hurt you and how much you wanted to be with me, how much you wanted for us to try together. I should have gone after you, but I didn't, and I regret that decision.

"I had another chance at the tryouts; when I saw you, I wanted to say something, anything, in the hopes of repairing our fractured friendship, but we delved back into our old spats again. I should have been better this time; I was older and more experienced, especially with my friends and our friendship lessons and adventures we had, but it all fell apart. I just felt...mad.

"After the Wonderbolt show finished two weeks ago, I would have tried to find and talk to you no matter what...but, well, we both know what happened at the Cloudeseum. I blame myself for what happened; I know it had to been because of me you went to such drastic measures.

"I regret not doing this sooner, and I never was one for serious or intimate conversation, especially one that was so personal. I would dodge the issue or feel a great weight that held me down, or even be too scared. I should have tried harder and not been such a coward.

"Blackwing, I'm sorry I was a jerk back then. I should have worked with you more instead of trying to do everything my way. I should have thought about us instead of myself, and I'm sorry it has taken me this long to own up to it. I know you hate me for all of our arguments, but if I could go back in time I would. Forgive me..."

When Rainbow Dash finished unloading everything that was on her mind, she was trembling with emotion, and she had to steady her breathing and hold back tears. She had never felt so vulnerable before toward a pony who she knew hated her.

She waited. She waited for Blackwing to say anything, but the room was heavy with silence. In a way, Rainbow Dash knew that saying all of this may not help mend her friendship with him and that all of this needed to be said regardless, but it didn't make her feel less sad. In another way, she was glad that she was able to tell him everything that was on her mind; she felt a little lightheaded but also content despite the sadness she felt.

She took in a large breath of air and slowly trotted to the door, but just before she could touch the handle to leave, she heard Blackwing from behind.

"Wait," he called out to her, pleading, his voice dried from lack of use. "Please, don't leave..."

Rainbow turned her head and saw Blackwing attempting to get out of bed but struggling. She rushed over and grabbed him tightly just before he could fall to the floor.

"Stay in bed," she told him in his ear, settling the stallion down. "You need rest."

"Don't leave," he repeated.

"Okay, I won't," she said soothingly. "I can stay for the whole day if you want, I don't mind."

Another long moment of silence stretched out until Blackwing spoke again. "Rainbow?"

Her ears twitched. "Yeah?"

"I'm sorry," he said. "For everything that's happened and when we were younger. I never should have done what I did. The necklace... I... I tried to hurt my fellow pegasi. I tried to hurt you and your friends... I hurt Feather Sight, and I caused so much worry and distress to Slither Flight. Ponies could have died for what I tried to do...

"I lost the ability to be a pegasus; my wings are useless now, nothing more than a sad reminder of what I tried to do and became. It's only fitting to have something so precious as a pegasus' pride and joy taken away. This is what I deserve for almost committing a terrible act. How can I face my sister and best friend after what I did and put them through? What could I even say to them? And there's Princess Twilight too..."

"When you're better, you can face them," Rainbow said quietly, gently caressing his back with her wing. "For now, it's only me here, Blackwing."

"I'm sorry that all of this has happened," he murmured.

"I know."

"And it's not your fault we fought a lot, but mine too," he said, turning his head to the window. "I'm an idiot. I let past arguments blind my judgement and common sense and hurt many in the process. I ruined the Wonderbolt show in Cloudsdale, all because I couldn't accept the fact you got in and not me, Slither Flight, and Feather Sight." He gazed down at his trembling hooves. "I... I let envy and passion guide my hooves. I should have turned back and talked it out with you instead of flying away. I should have tried more, gone the extra mile like you always did, but I was so angry and hurt and wasn't thinking right."

"It's okay," she whispered.

"I should have found you instead of stewing the anger," he said, going on. "Talked it out, but I didn't want to. I didn't want another fight, another reason to stew the hate. I should have tried, but I gave up and tried to forget, but I never could. How can I ever expect you to forgive me for trying to...to..."

"Hush," she said in his ears, her voice never sounding so sweet and soft. She held him tightly as if her life depended on it. "It's okay, Blackwing. I know from your sister that you never intended to me or anypony else serious harm." She heard him starting to cry, and she could feel her own eyes getting watery. "The necklace had changed you then, made you more hateful and dangerous. You were never capable of truly harming another pony; that wasn't who you are.

"I'll be here for you, Blackwing. Never again will I let you go like I did when we were young. Feather Sight will forgive you. Slither Flight will forgive you. They love you, Blackwing. Others will come to forgive you while some won't. All that you can do now for yourself is keeping your chin up. You won't walk alone; I will be there to help you, your sister will help, your best friend will help you. It will be hard at first, but you can do it."

Blackwing sniffled and breathed in and out shuddering breaths, trying to control himself, but Rainbow knew Blackwing had to get it all out. He wouldn't truly start to feel better if he doesn't. He was a strong pegasus despite the loss of his connection with magic. He had to come back to being that same pony, or of something better.

"You haven't truly cried yet, have you?" she asked suddenly, making Blackwing turn to her, his eyes holding back tears. "You've had only brief cries, but never a full-on cry." She gently pulled him into her chest. "Sometimes getting it all out is good rather than in little doses. I won't make fun of you, Blackwing."

Without a word, the floodgates opened; Blackwing sobbed hard, wailing into Rainbow's chest. She stayed silent, caressing his head as he wept on and on. He kept saying how sorry he was and how horrible he felt. From the moment he wanted her to stay, Rainbow knew he forgave her.

Rainbow Dash let out a long, silent, tired sigh as she let Blackwing cry. Hours pass, and the crying had long ceased. The two pegasi were just comforting one another in silence, staring out the window. It was evening now; the sun was lowering, and the sky turned a scarlet red. Rainbow Dash helped as best she could to Blackwing with the aid of the nurse, and when visiting hours were finally coming to an end, they heard a gentle knocking from the door.

Rainbow Dash told whoever it was to come in, expecting them to be the nurse to tell her to go home and come back tomorrow. But she was wrong. It was Princess Celestia. Rainbow felt her heart skip a beat. The princess must be here to tell Blackwing what punishment he will receive. Despite the worry and fear she felt, Rainbow Dash felt a spark of anger. What could Princess Celestia's punishment possibly be? Blackwing was grounded, his magic gone seemingly forever. He has the memories and the regret of what he did two weeks ago. What else could he suffer? What could be worse?!

"Rainbow Dash, it is fortunate to see you here," the sun princess said, her voice low and motherly but held a bit of authority. "It seems you and Blackwing have made up."

That was true, but how would she know that? For all Celestia knows, Rainbow could have just arrived moments before she did.

"I was in the building, going to see Blackwing, when Nurse Redheart told me you were here to mend your broken friendship," she explained. "I didn't want to intrude, so I waited until visiting hours were nearly over. What I have come to do would only take a few minutes." She was talking about Blackwing's punishment.

"Princess Celestia," Rainbow began, choosing her words carefully, "I know what Blackwing did was horrible, but what punishment should he even have? He lost the use of his wings; his connection with magic has been severed. What more pain could he-"

Rainbow Dash felt a hoof on her back and turned to see Blackwing looking grim and sorrowful. "I'll take whatever punishment you see fit for me, Princess Celestia," he told her, looking straight into Celestia's eyes, unflinching. "The loss of my magic and wings are a product of the terrible actions I tried to commit. I'll take whatever you have..."

Rainbow Dash was speechless. What more could Blackwing suffer? Things were already bad enough. Had he not even considered that the pegasi of Cloudsdale won't want him anymore? Ponies have been talking about the incident for days now. He can't go back even if he wanted to; his wings were absent of magic; he couldn't go home!

"But... But..."

"Calm down, Rainbow Dash," Celestia said, putting a hoof in the air to stop her from speaking. "Blackwing made his words clear, and whether you like it or not, he will have to suffer some kind of consequence for what he had done. Let me talk now."

But Rainbow had so many things on her mind. She thought of banishment from Equestria. Would she tell Blackwing to leave and never return? Would she throw him in Tartarus? Turn him into stone?! Despite wanting to say something, Rainbow couldn't find the words to say anything. Anything she could do or say wouldn't matter.

She nodded, looking defeated. "Okay..."

"Thank you," Celestia said. She peered at Blackwing. "I am sorry you lost the use of your wings; magic is a part of a pony's self, of their very being. To have it taken away in such a manner must be terrible, and I have seen many things in my long life. I would never wish this on anypony, Blackwing. I hope you know that."

"I do, Your Majesty," he said, clear and respectful.

"Good. Blackwing, I want you to know that I thought about this ever since I brought you to Ponyville Hospital, trying to determine what would be a suitable consequence for what you attempted to do two weeks ago, and every time I failed," she admitted, a serious yet bemused expression on her face. "I went to my sister, Luna, for aide, but it was still difficult to decide your punishment, so that is when I went to Ponyville's newest resident, Joey, the human who stopped you." She narrowed her eyes, reproach glittering within them. "You should be thankful."

"I-I am!" Blackwing stammered, shocked by Celestia sudden brisk tone. "When I can leave, I will thank him for saving my life and helping save others at the Cloudeseum. I promise."

Rainbow Dash was surprised. Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria, went to Joey for advice on figuring out Blackwing's punishment. How much did she trust him? Not that she shouldn't; Joey was an awesome and understanding friend who saved Blackwing's life and stopped him from doing any more damage. The human did not know how much Rainbow Dash owed him.

"As expected, Joey was unsure and flattered I came to him with a serious problem, but I trusted him and his perspective on things to influence my decision."

"What did he say?" Rainbow asked, forgetting to keep her mouth shut.

"Joey knows how much you care for him, Rainbow Dash, and he knows that whatever happened after the Cloudsdale Incident will change Blackwing's life," she said. "Joey believes that, even though Blackwing was in control of the necklace, he wasn't his full self. He was told by Slither Flight and Feather Sight that he intended to frighten the ponies at the Cloudeseum, not harm them. I was told that Blackwing was never the type of pony to do that on his own. Am I correct?"

Blackwing nodded silently, his body trembling with the memories. Rainbow Dash brushed her coat against his to help calm him down.

"Your actions weren't entirely your own, and your original intentions became warped by the necklace, but you still sook it out of your own volition, and that cannot be overlooked in my eyes, however," she went on, "with Joey's insight on this issue, I have come to a conclusion."

"Yes?" Blackwing said, his eyes going wide.

"Having your magic taken away is something I would never do, no matter how foul the pony is; it's monstrous and wrong, but it happened to you, Blackwing. By everything we've seen, it is an accurate assumption that you may never fly again. You may never change the weather or live in Cloudsdale; you're effectively exiled there without special means or spells." Celestia sighed, her serious disposition lightening. "The decision I came to with Joey falls upon Rainbow Dash."

Rainbow's eyes almost popped out of their sockets. "Huh?!" she exclaimed. "What do you mean?"

"Your choice will be my decision," Princess Celestia repeated. "These are your choices for Blackwing: he serves time in a stone prison, or he stays with you under rehabilitation in the firm belief that he can change and won't be tempted into doing something like this ever again, like Discord was with Fluttershy, to become better than who he was before. And judging from what I've seen so far, the choice seems obvious."

Rainbow Dash was elated; Blackwing didn't have to go into Tartarus or be banished. Instead, he could live with her in her Cloudominium in Ponyville! But as excited as she felt, something wasn't right and painfully ironic in the crappiest sense of the word.

"My house is in the sky," she pointed out. "How can Blackwing get there if he's...well... if he's grounded? He can't walk on clouds anymore; he'll fall through."

"If you decide to take him in, your house will be grounded until his time in rehabilitation is complete," Celestia told her. "This can be up to ninety days or more, and it will be your job to see him through this. I know you have Wonderbolt business, and I want to make sure that if you choose to do this, like Fluttershy has for Discord in the past, that you can balance this and your new job."

"Yes, I'll do it!" Rainbow spared no hesitation. She could do this, and if it kept Blackwing from being turned to stone, she'd take care of him for as long as she could.

Celestia looked pensive despite the relief on her face. "Are you saying this because you care for him so much or you believe in your ability to take on this task?"

"Both!" she responded ardently. "I'm taking this task because I care about Blackwing. Being somewhere nice and quiet like Ponyville, most of the time anyway, would be good for Blackwing's recovery; ponies there are kind and forgiving, and that's exactly what he needs! Even my friends will help out!"

"Do you think they will, after what Twilight went through?" Celestia asked. "Maintaining that barrier was strenuous on her, and when Blackwing broke it, Twilight felt a whiplash of pain and nearly fell unconscious."

"She already forgave him!" Rainbow retorted. "Blackwing will be better, and I will be there to help him through this. I won't leave him to a stone prison!"

Princess Celestia stared at Rainbow Dash for a long moment before giving her a small smile. "Well, then the decision is made." She gazed at Blackwing, who looked stunned the whole time. "You are fortunate; do not take this for granted. Do you understand?"

Blackwing nodded. "I do," he said. "I'll be better."

"If Rainbow Dash believes so, then so do I." She trotted to him and placed a wing on his back. "You are my pony, Blackwing. I want all of my ponies to do better, to improve themselves, and I am proud you are showing progress of that already."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I'll try my best to live up to your expectation," he promised.

Celestia stepped away from him and craned her head toward Rainbow Dash. "Take good care of him, and who knows? Maybe he'll become more than just a close friend," she whispered close to her.

Rainbow's cheeks went a little red, but she tried not to let Blackwing notice. "Uh, thanks," she mumbled awkwardly.

Celestia held in a titter. "Visiting hours are nearly over," she reminded them, heading towards the door and looking over her shoulder. "Keep your head up, Blackwing." Then she left the room.

Rainbow Dash looked at him. "Let's get you back into bed," she said.

"Thanks Rainbow," Blackwing said, getting onto the bed. "For taking me in."

"Either that or you get turned to stone, and I want you around," she told him. It was true. She wanted him with her, and living with him is the closest she'll ever get. "I'll visit you tomorrow, okay? I'll bring you books to read. You like Daring Do?"

Blackwing rubbed the back of his mane. "I never have read the books, but I always wanted to get around to reading them."

Rainbow Dash fought hard to contain her excitement. "I can't wait to bring the volumes!"

Blackwing looked surprised. "Rainbow, that seems pretty daunting."

"I'll read them to you," she offered. "I know them like the back of my hoof; it'll be great. I've gone to conventions and book clubs supporting the author. The books seem like something you'll love!"

For once, Blackwing uttered a chuckle. "Well, then I can't wait. Thanks again, Rainbow. I won't let you down."

Rainbow pressed her muzzle against his gently. "I know you won't, Blackwing," she whispered before pulling away. "Rest up, okay? I'm off to see Joey."

"Tell him I'm sorry."

"I think he already knows you are, and when you get out, you can tell him yourself."

He nodded. "I will. Good night, Rainbow."

"Good night, Blackwing," she said, leaving the room and closing the door behind her. She took in a large breath of air, glad that after everything that happened, it all turned out well in the end. All that's left is getting Blackwing back on his hooves.

Rainbow nodded to herself, somewhat excited. "This can work out. Just don't screw it up this time," she told herself. She trotted outside and flew off, going to pay a visit to a good friend and thank him again.