Why Me...?

As Lightning drew near to Twilight's Castle, he felt a growing sense of apprehension. "Perhaps I shouldn't be here." He said. And yet, he found himself knocking on Twilight's door. Just a moment later, Spike opened the door. "Oh, hey Bolt," Spike greeted. "Come on in."

"Thanks Spike. " Lightning replied as he entered the castle.

The air was filled with the scent of breakfast. Pinkie Pie was hard at work preparing a feast for the 7 friends. The table had been set with all kinds of scrumptious foods: waffles, pancakes, eggs, bacon, and freshly squeezed orange juice. All were chattering and enjoying the meal. Twilight saw him the very moment he stepped into the room, her face brightening up. "Hey, Bolt! You made it!" she called, beckoning him towards her. She saw the hesitation in his step and gave him a warm smile, hoping it would soothe him.

"Yes. thanks for inviting me," Lightning finally said, still a little uncertainty in his tone as he sat down at the great, welcoming table.

"Oh, you're just in time!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, bouncing over with a plate loaded high with waffles. "These waffles are bursting with happiness!"

Rainbow Dash gave Lightning a friendly nudge with her elbow, grinning. "Pinkie's been working since dawn! Gotta try it all. It's worth it, really."

Lightning chuckled low in his throat, and his shoulders loosened just a bit. "Alright, I can do that," he said, reaching for a plate and serving himself some pancakes and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

Rarity leaned her head slightly to one side as she caught the look on Lightning's face. "Darling, is everything alright? You seem a little. off?"

He paused a moment, not wanting to break the jovial atmosphere of the breakfast gathering. But a glance into the concerned eyes of Twilight made him realize there was no need for concealment here. "I don't know. like I shouldn't have come. Like I didn't belong here or something." He let out a chuckle, shyly, shaking his head. "It's stupid, I know."

Applejack leaned over the table, setting a comforting hoof upon his shoulder. "Now, sugarcube, there ain't no need to feel like that around us. We're all here for each other."

Twilight nodded, her gaze softening. "You belong here, Bolt. You're a part of this group as much as anypony else. And if there's anything on your mind, you know we're here to listen.

In a flash, Pinkie Pie was beside him, holding up a mug of hot cocoa to him. "And cocoa always helps chase away any silly feelings of doubt. Try it-it's got extra marshmallows!

And then, the warmth of friendship enveloped him-he felt its cloak wrap itself around him and tuck a soft smile on his features. "Thanks, guys," he said softly, the tone so soft, so filled with appreciation. "Guess I'm just lucky to have friends like you." The marshmallows melted on a sip into the rich depth of chocolate and brought on a calm he hadn't realized he'd missed.

As the conversation continued, he found himself opening up more: joining in the laughter and all the jokes that were cast out across the table. It was as though all his insecurities just melted away, replaced by an epiphany that this was it-that this was where he should be, right here with his friends. The peals of laughter and giggles continued around the breakfast table; his features flickered for a second, the shadows of his thoughts edged up across his eyes. Surrounded by friends, he tried to shake off the clinging feeling of unease. His mind kept on wandering back to the dark heritage he carried with him, something he tried ever so hard to hide from sight.

You're only fooling yourself, Lightning, a voice whispered from deep inside of him. It was soft, yet somehow growing louder, an echo off the walls of his mind. You can hide from them for now, but sooner or later they'll see the truth. They'll see who you really are.

Twilight catch the far-off glaze in Lightning's stare, her head bobbing with a soft bump. "Hey, Bolt? You alright?" Her eyes showed real concern then, and real concern always made the load he carried heavier.

Lightning decided to lie, forcing a smile. "I was just. thinking."

Rarity's observant stare flickered in his direction, and one brow arched up in curiosity. "Darling, there's something about you today-so light-hearted, usually! Whatever could be on your mind?"

Lightning swallowed as the fear coursed through him-if they found out… would they see him as a threat? Would they still want him around? The darkness stirred inside him at his hesitation, fuel on a fire. They'll turn on you, just like they did with him, the voice murmured again, urging him to retreat, to give in.

But then he felt the gentle nuzzle of Twilight's hoof against his. "Bolt, you know we're here for you," she said softly. Her gentle words cut through the whispers of the shadow, offering him a glimmer of strength. "Whatever bothers you, whatever it is, you don't have to face it alone."

Lightning took a deep breath, his eyes locked with Twilight's. The dark whispers quieted, pulling themselves once more back into the recesses of his mind, to leave him in peace for a little while longer. "Thanks, Twilight," he said lowly. "I just… I'll try to remember that.

The battle within was far from done, but being here with his friends made the present moment a little respite from the vultures in his mind. As the warmth and chatter continued around the breakfast table, the inner voices in Lightning's mind grew louder, gnawing at his resolve. Every smile, every gesture of friendship around him felt a little distant, as though he were separated by an invisible wall.

They don't know the real you, the spiteful voice of the shadow inside his head hissed. They wouldn't accept you if they knew the truth. You're Sombra's son-his heir. You're going to turn out just like him, no matter how you try to hide it.

The hoof of Lightning shook slightly as he placed his cup of cocoa on the table. He tried to shoo the thoughts out, but they dug their talons into his brain and would not let go. The room seemed suddenly too bright, too full of life, and suffocating.

"I… I think I need to get some air," Lightning muttered, rising abruptly. He couldn't bear to meet any of their eyes, especially Twilight's. Her concern and warmth in her gaze would be too much to handle. And with that, he turned and headed toward the door.

"Bolt?" Twilight called after him, a tinge of worry lacing her tone. "Where are you going?"

"I'm fine," he lied, his heart racing, as the inner voice dug deeper into his mind. "I just need a moment… alone." He barely suppressed the shakes in his voice, his hooves moving with urgency towards the door.

Spike chatted with Pinkie and looked up in confusion. "Hey Bolt, you sure you are okay? You barely ate!" However, the response from Lightning was none. He opened the door, going outside. The cool morning air was rushing over him, and he took another deep breath, which did nothing to soothe the storm brewing inside him.

Run. Leave before they find out who you really are, the shadow urged, wrapping around his thoughts like a dark fog. You can't escape what's in your blood. You're Sombra's son. Sooner or later they'll all fear you. It's better to leave now before it's too late.

Lightning gritted his teeth, trying to block out the voice, but it was getting harder. He looked back toward the castle; his mind was torn. Twilight and his friends had shown him nothing but love and acceptance, but could that really last once they knew the truth?

They'll never trust you if they know. It was a cold, pitiless voice. Why not embrace what you are instead of fighting it

Lightning threw one final, anguished glance in the direction of Twilight's castle before turning away. He couldn't face them - not like this. Not while the darkness raging within him was slowly getting out of control. He folded his wings and launched himself into the air, leaving the castle and the warmth of his friends behind him.

While Lightning soared through crisp morning air, Applejack had listened intently to the conversation around the table. Something had been off about him; fidgety in his seat, a faraway glint in his eyes, suddenly needing to be elsewhere-it all composed a picture of concern.

"Hold up for one second, y'all," she said, humorless, her voice cutting through the laughter. "I'll be right back." Not waiting for any kind of response, Applejack rose from her seat and hastened toward the door as instinct kicked in.

As she pushed open the door, the sound of the teeming breakfast faded behind her. She searched the skies and the surroundings but was well out of sight, a distant silhouette against the horizon. Her heart fell.

"Darn it," she grumbled, irritation rising through her. She turned back toward the castle, her mind whirling. He's hiding something, she thought. I just can't leave this alone.

She came back to the table, her expression deadpan serious. "Everypony, we need to talk," she said, gaining her friends' attention. "Bolt's just… not himself today. I reckon he's got something on his mind, and we need to find out what it is."

Twilight frowned, "What do you mean, Applejack? He seemed fine when he came. I just thought that perhaps he needed a little space while we ate."

"Fine ain't the word I'd use. I've seen that look before, and it ain't good," Applejack insisted, crossing her forelegs. "He didn't eat a thing, and then he bolted out of here like a bat outta Tartarus. We gotta check on him. I don't like the idea of him being out there all alone."
Rainbow Dash nodded, her competitive spirit flared. "I'll go after him! No way he can fly faster than me. I'll bring him back in no time!"

"Wait, Dash!" Twilight called, raising a hoof and Rainbow stopped mid take-off. "Let's not rush in without a plan. If he's struggling we need to approach him carefully. We don't want to push him further away."

Pinkie Pie became spirited and her eyes shone with resolve. "What if we make a 'We Care About You' party? That way, he will feel super loved and would come back!

Rarity tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I appreciate the sentiment, but a party might not be what he needs right now. Perhaps we should send him a message-something to let him know we're here for him."

Applejack nodded in agreement. "Yeah, somethin' that shows we're worried but also care. We can't let him feel like he's gotta hide from us.

"Let's divide and conquer," Twilight suggested, her voice smooth. "Rainbow, you can fly and scan the skies. Rarity, you can write a note. Pinkie, maybe you can gather some of his favorite snacks to take with you. I'll stay here in case he return."

In a jiffy, the group had mobilized, every pony with the resolve to find their friend to remind him that he was not alone. As they set off, a flicker of hope crossed Applejack's face. She knew no matter how far Bolt flew, they would somehow find a way back into the warmth of friendship that waited for him at the castle.

"We'll find him," she reassured them, her determination solidifying. "And when we do, we'll make sure he knows he can trust us—no matter what."

As the girls went their separate ways, Twilight is still holding her concerns and said to herself, I hope you return here, Bolt...