The Traveling Pony

Chapters

The Traveling Pony
Unicorn Wings
Races, Rubies, and Red Faces
Friends Care for Friends
Preparations
The Countdown
The Race
A Parting of Ways
Prologue
Epilogue

The Traveling Pony

"Did you really climb Mount Equinest?" Twilight heard somepony ask as she entered Sugarcube Corner. A crowd was formed. Twilight assumed it was around the new pony in town, but couldn't see past the townsponies.

"Sure did, nearly froze my hooves off too." A voice from the center of the crowd said. Twilight worked her way through the crowd in an attempt to see the pony of the hour.

"And crossed The Badlands all by yourself?" When Twilight got to the front she inspected the pony everyone was looking at. He was a light olive stallion with rainbow colored eyes a white mane and tail, wearing a long olive coat blocking his cutie mark, and a brown fedora. He held a mug of cider and had a huge happy smile on his face.

"It's not as dangerous as they say really, you just have to keep a sharp head."

"I got more cider!" Pinkie shouted, emerging from the kitchen with a tray of mugs, heading towards the traveler.

"Oh, thanks Pinkie. Sorry to drink all you set out. I work up quite a thirst walking everywhere."

"No problem! I always keep plenty of drinks around for parties." She hoofed him a new mug, and set the others on the refreshment table.

"Wow Twilight, his life sounds so exciting huh?" Spike asked from on top of the unicorn.

The coated pony's ears perked up at the name. "Twilight?" He turned to face the unicorn.

"Come on everpony, let's get this party started!" Pinkie put on a record, and all the crowd dispersed to dance and mingle. All except for the traveler, who set his mug down and casually trotted up to Twilight.

He's coming over here? Does he know me from somewhere?

"So you're Twilight Sparkle? I've heard a lot about you."

"You have? All the ponies here seemed to busy listening to you to tell anything themselves."

"Oh no, not from them. You get around as much as I do you hear about the princess's star student and hero of Equestria. I actually came to Ponyville hoping to meet you."

Twilight blushed slightly. "Y-you came to meet me? I'm nothing special, not compared to you from the sounds of it Mr...uh. I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name."

"Of course, how rude of me." He lifted the hat off his head and lowered it using magic from his now unveiled horn, and bowed slightly. "I'm Wind Walker, it's a pleasure to meet you." He straightened himself and placed the hat back over his horn.

"It's nice to meet you too."

"From what I've heard you've saved not only this town, but all of Equistria on multiple occasions, I would love to hear a first hand retelling."

"I just did what I had to, anypony else in my position would have done the same. I'm just happy I've had the chance to help people."

At this the light and happiness seemed to die from Wind Walker's eyes, replaced with something else. "It must be nice to have such an opportunity."

Is that sadness? No, not quite...

"Come on Wind Walker, let's see those dance moves you told us about!"

At this Wind Walker seemed to snap back to his old self. "You betcha Pinkie!" He turned back to Twilight. "We'll have to talk another time, somewhere with fewer distractions." At this he ran off to the dance floor, looking as happy as could be.

"Wow Twilight, you're so famous someone came all the way to Ponyville just to meet you. And he seems like a really cool guy huh?" Spike said.

"Yes, he does. But did something seem a little...off about him there at the end?"

"Off? Like what?"

"...Never mind, I'm sure it was nothing. Let's enjoy the party."

"You don't have to tell me twice Twilight." At that the dragon jumped off of the unicorn's back and ran off into the party.

Twilight however, stayed back for a moment, lost in thought. What was that look? It seemed almost...longing...

"Bye Pinkie, we had a great time!"

"It was great to meet you Wind Walker!"

The party had continued into the night, where it inevitably died down as ponies got tired. Now all that remained were Twilight, her closest friends, and Wind Walker.

"Great to meet you too!" He shouted at the two leaving the bakery. "Now where was I?"

"You were telling us about the time you went to Photo Finish's wonderful fashion show," Rarity said with a gleam in her eye.

Wind Walker gave a chuckle. "Oh yeah, it wasn't really my style. I only went because my old friend Base Runner was in it."

"I want to hear about the time you partied with The Wonderbolts again! It sounded so awesome," Rainbow dash chimed in.

"Actually ladies, I'm pretty exhausted. The only time I danced more than this was the night I raved with DJ-Pon3. I need to get some rest. This town have an inn, or will I be spending another night under the stars?"

"We can't let you sleep outside, I'm sure one of us would be more than happy to give you a bed for the night," Twilight said.

"I would love too!"

"Well thanks Pinkie, I ap-"

"Buuut, I live here with the Cakes, there's no room."

"Unfortunately I'm watching Sweetie Belle for the weekend, so my guest room is occupied."

"And a poor sick bear is in mine, he really needs some bed rest."

"Aint no spare rooms at Sweet Apple Acres."

"And I have a cloud house, only pegasus ponies can go in."

"Well that's ok ladies. I'm no stranger to a dirt bed, and this coat's plenty warm."

"Why don't we let him stay with us Twilight?"

"Why Spikey-wikey, that's a marvelous idea."

"I don't want to impose Twilight."

"Oh, it's no imposition at all. I have a spare bed you can sleep in, and I would love to hear some more stories."

A smile spread across the stallion's face. "Thanks, and as I seem to recall you owe me a story or two yourself."

Twilight gave a small laugh, "It's a deal."

All of the mares went home to go to sleep, and Wind Walker went with Twilight. When they got back to her house Twilight showed Wind Walker to the guest room and they said good night.Twilight slept like a foal that night, but she could have sworn she heard a noise in the middle of the night.

Unicorn Wings

"She really named it Tom? You can't be serious."

"Oh I am. You should have seen the look on her face when she realized it was just a big rock," the unicorn floated two fresh plates of pancakes onto the table, and took a seat opposite Wind Walker.

"That really was a fun day. I was in Manehatten at the time, the Mare of Liberty came to life and started to whinny and buck on her little island," Wind Walker took a bite of the pancakes. "Wow these are really good. Thanks again for breakfast."

"It's no problem at all, I just follow the recipe." The unicorn used her magic to close the cook book on the counter and float it back onto the shelf. "I'm glad they turned out alright, I'm starving." She lifted a fork of syrupy goodness, but before she could take a bite she was interrupted by a shout from outside.

"Look out beloooow!!!" A rainbow blur crashed through the kitchen window, and onto the table. As the table broke under the impact, pancakes went flying onto the walls, and Twilight's head.

"Rainbow Dash!"

"Hehe, whoops. Sorry Twilight, had a little trouble with a new trick. I'll just get out of your uh..." the pegasus looked at the pancake covered mane of her friend. "...hair. See ya'!"

"Rainbow wait!" But Rainbow Dash flew back out the window before she could say anything else. Twilight ran to the window in frustration. "Get back here, you owe me breakfast!"

"Don't worry Twilight, I'll bring her back."

"How are you going to do-" Twilight turned around to face Wind Walker, only to have him race past her and jump out the window. When she turned back around she was shocked to see the unicorn flying off after Rainbow Dash. "-that." She stared at Wind Walker in disbelief, and saw he was standing on what appeared to be two pairs of metallic wings while he flew.

She ran outside to watch the situation unfold. Rainbow Dash was standing on a cloud, Twilight assumed preparing to try whatever new trick she was working on again, with Wind Walker flying up behind her. Rainbow must have heard him approaching at the last second, because she turned around, but she was to late and to surprised to do anything about it.

"SURPRISE!" Wind Walker jumped off of the set of wings and tackled Rainbow Dash off of her cloud.

"Wooooh!" Rainbow Dash shouted as they fell, but Wind Walker appeared to just be laughing.

"Oh no!" Twilight began trying to think of a way to save her falling friends, but before she could the set of wings flew back to the falling pair. Wind Walker wrapped one foreleg around it, using the other to hold onto Rainbow Dash. The wings slowed their descent enough that their crash landing was little more than a tumble across the ground.

"Are you two alright?" Twilight ran over to check on her two friends as a small crowd of ponies formed to see what had happened. Wind Walker ended up on his back the his flank on top of Rainbow Dash, causing the tail of his coat to fall, giving Twilight her first view of his cutie mark. It was a green spiral with a pair of white wings flanking it.

It took Wind Walker a second to stop laughing before he could answer. "Yeah, I've had worse crashes than that. I'm sure Rainbow Dash has too." He got up and floated his hat back onto his head before helping Rainbow Dash up.

"Yeah, much worse, but how did you do that? You're a unicorn, you shouldn't be able to fly."

"Yes, what was that you were standing on?"

Wind Walker was dusting off himself and his coat. "Oh this?" He floated the wings, which had landed nearby, over to the girls so they could see it. "It's something an old friend made for me."

Twilight took the contraption in her magic and examined it. It was two pairs of metallic wings connected by a thin bar, forming an I shape, with a propeller on the front. It was light, and probably hollow.

"I was always jealous of pegasai as a colt, and wanted to fly myself. I got more than a few scrapes and cuts jumping out of trees with cardboard wings." He gave a chuckle at the memory. "I tried so many times I even developed the ability to control wind with my magic, grabbing any edge I could to achieve flight." His horn glowed as he demonstrated this ability by causing the wind to pick up almost enough to knock Twilight off her hooves for a second. "But even with power over wind, cardboard just wasn't enough to keep me off the ground. Vulcan, a local craftsman and inventor, tried to convince me to stop. Probably because the largest tree in town was in his back yard and he was tired of finding an injured foal under it. But despite his insistence I kept at it, determined I could perfect my magic enough to fly. Finally he gave up on talking me out of it, and made this for me."

"How does it work?" Though Twilight was listening she never took her eyes off the wings. She inspected every inch, fascinated at the invention.

"I use magic to spin the propellers, causing it to move forward. As it moves forward, wind goes into holes in the front leading to a spiral tube inside the propellers. The wind causes the propellers to spin even faster, making it move forward faster. The wings are specially shaped so that they lift off the ground when wind moves over them quickly enough. Then I just use a simple spell to keep myself stuck on it, and lean to steer it. It takes a good bit of concentration, and I'll never achieve the mastery of flight comparable to the top pegasus athletes , but it's a heck of a lot better than nothing."

"The first time he showed it to me and explained how it worked I was so excited. As soon as he finished telling me how to use it, and gave me a stern warning on being careful, I took it to his back yard and tried to use it. After a few failed attempts, I finally got it down. I flew for as long as I could, and when I was to tired to keep it up any longer I landed on a mountain outside of town. I sat there, and looked out onto the world. I could see for miles. I saw a beautiful lake, rolling hills, forests, and more. I thought about all of the stories I had heard. The books I had read, the plays I had seen, the games I had played. They were all about great hero's going on epic quests. Saving the world, battling evil beasts, and every other type of adventure imaginable. I envied them all. I craved an adventure of my own. And so I decided I would travel the world. I would walk until I saw everything under the sky, and I would use those wings to see everything in it. I would find the adventure I hungered for. I would become like the heroes I had heard about my whole life. An embodiment of courage and freedom. That's how I got my cutie mark."

"Wow that..." Twilight finally looked up from the wings and at Wind Walker. He has that look in his eyes again. But as soon as he noticed Twilight looking at him he blinked, and the look was once again replaced with his usual joy. "...That's amazing. I-I used my magic to give Rarity wings once, but I never thought of creating something that would let me fly whenever I want." Best not mention it here, I'll have to ask him later when nopony else is around.

"Yeah, that's awesome! This means that there's just that many more ponies that I can race against."

"Sorry ladies, but I'm afraid this is the only one in existence. Vulcan takes pride in his creations, and each one is unique. When I left he made me promise to never tell anypony where they could find him so that his doorstep wouldn't be flooded with more foals wanting to fly." Wind Walker took the wings back into his magic, and they began to fold on top of each other until all four wings and the propeller were laying on top of one another. "And I believe my story has distracted you two from the matter on hand."

"The matter on hand?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"What matter on hand?" Twilight agreed.

"Rainbow Dash owes us a breakfast."

"Oh yes, she does doesn't she?" Twilight turned to her friend.

"Well, see, I would love to," Rainbow Dash stammered slowly backing away. "But I really gotta go so, see ya." She began to fly off again, but this time Twilight was ready for her, seizing the rainbow tail in her purple aura, causing Rainbow Dash to fall and giving both of the unicorns a laugh. "On second thought, I could eat."

Races, Rubies, and Red Faces

"My word I can't believe this! I simply must see you use these metallic wings of yours."

"Ah agree. Sounds like a hoot!"

"Don't worry girls I'll show you, after we eat. I'm starvin'."

Wind Walker and the two mares ran into their other friends on their way to the diner, and invited them along for breakfast. After they placed their orders Twilight and Rainbow Dash retold the morning's events to the others while they waited for their food.

"I agree with Wind Walker, I'm famished. Ah, here comes the waiter now." Twilight watched the waiter approach, stomach growling in anticipation. "Thank you very much sir." She looked down at the daffodil sandwich now in front of her.

"You all just let me know if I can get you anything else." The waiter departed with a friendly smile, and all seven of the ponies began to eat.

"You know Wind Walker, a demonstration sounds cool and all," Rainbow Dash said through a full mouth. "But the only real demonstration is a race. I mean, how often do I get a chance to race a unicorn?"

"I would love to race you Rainbow Dash, but I wouldn't stand a chance."

"Come on, I'll go easy on you."

"I'm afraid that won't help. Using my wings takes a lot of magic power and concentration. Even if I could get to a speed fast enough to make it interesting, I wouldn't be able to control it for more than a second."

"Ah come on Wind Walker, I'm sure you can put up a good fight."

"Sorry Rainbow, but you would just leave me in the dust."

"Ah man." Rainbow Dash let her head fall on the table in disappointment.

"Um, why don't we find a way to make you faster?"

"What was that Fluttershy?"

"Um, I said, why don't we find a way to make you faster?"

"Well that would be great, but I have no idea how to do that."

Twilight set her sandwich down and thought for a moment. "Wind Walker, can I see your wings again?"

"Uh, yeah sure." He floated the wings out of his saddle bags on the ground near by and brought them near Twilight. She took the wings in her own magic grip and examined them. There wasn't much point, she remembered every inch of them from earlier, but she wanted to double check that she remembered correctly. "You got an idea Twilight?"

"I think so. If the problem is that getting up to a sufficient speed takes to much concentration, I think I could make a simple enchantment that could power the propellers for you using previously stored energy."

"Wow, could you really do that? That would be amazing." Twilight looked up from the wings as she floated them back to Wind Walker. She saw his eyes didn't shine with their usual happiness, but neither were they dull in that strange sadness. This time, they were practically glowing in excitement.

"Yes, it wouldn't be much trouble. I would just have to replace the outer casing of the propeller with a gemstone in order to store the energy."

At this Wind Walker froze. "You would have to physically change the wings?"

"Um, yes. Just a little bit. Is that a problem?"

Wind Walker looked down at the wings in his hooves. "I told you Vulcan took pride in his work. If he found out I let someone change it...I don't even want to think what he'd do to me..."

"It would just be the casing. It doesn't serve any purpose other than to cover the propeller and make it a bit more aerodynamic. It's not even an essential piece."

"Well..." He looked at the wings, then briefly at Rainbow Dash, and then at Twilight. He looked straight into Twilight's eyes in contemplation. His eyes seemed to hold her gaze in place. It was probably only for a few seconds, but it felt much longer. Finally he smiled and nodded. "OK, let's do it."

"Alright! I can't wait to race you."

"And a gemstone on your wings would certainly spruce them up my dear. I would be happy to carve it into shape myself. I have a few lovely ones back at Carousel Boutique you could chose from."

"Thanks Rarity. Heh, if you mares keep being this generous I may have to stay in Ponyville forever."

"How long will it take for you to get the wings ready sugarcube?"

"Um. W-well, I should be able to cast the enchantment by tonight, then we'll have to spend a day storing the energy into the gem. After that it should be ready."

"Alright! Just two days and we can race Wind Walker!"

"Can't wait," he responded with a huge grin.

"Oh, oh, we should make it a party!"

"That's a great idea Pinkie Pie, we can let the whole town come and watch me cream this unicorn." Rainbow Dash gave a smile to show she was joking.

"Don't get to full of yourself, with Twilight's magic I'll give you a run for your bits." Wind Walker playfully stuck out his tongue.

"We can set up stands at Sweet Apple Acres, an' you two can have your race above it."

"Me and Fluttershy can set up a cloud course tomorrow."

The rest of breakfast went on in a similar manner while the ponies planned the big race. But one purple pony was a little quieter than the others.

"I can't let you give me a gem for free Rarity, I insist on paying."

After breakfast Wind Walker showed the rest of the girls his flying prowess, this time attracting quite a crowd of other townsponies. After his short demonstration (and dealing with a crowd of unicorns asking where they could get their own wings), Rarity took Wind Walker and Twilight back to Carousel Boutique.

"Oh nonsense, I'm always happy to help a friend. Besides, with Carousel Boutique as a sponsor for the race I'm sure to get an increase in business. That should more than pay for one gem. Now, let's see what I have for you." Rarity opened a chest and floated out a large opal that shone with every color of the rainbow. "Oh we must use this one, it would match your lovely rainbow eyes perfectly." She walked over to a table to prepare to cut the gem.

"Opals aren't the best magical catalyst Rarity." Twilight walked over to look into the chest. "Ah, this would do perfectly." Twilight lifted a flawless ruby from the chest and brought it over to Rarity.

"A ruby? No no no, it would clash with his coat! The opal would look far better."

"We're trying to make his wings more functional Rarity. The stronger the catalyst the better, and there are few catalysts stronger than a ruby."

"Twilight my dear, please trust me. Gemstones are my expertise."

"And magic is mine!" Twilight rose her voice slightly, becoming frustrated with her friend.

"Uh, ladies? How about this one?" Twilight turned around and found Wind Walker standing by the chest holding up a violet amethyst.

"An amethyst? Well I suppose it wouldn't clash as much as the ruby."

"Are you sure Wind Walker? Amethysts aren't quite as strong as rubies. It might not work as well."

"I don't mind a slight hitch in performance. Besides, I like the color." He held it up by Twilight and smiled.

"Oh, I see..."

"See what? I don't..." Twilight stopped as she realized what her friend had moments ago. It's the exact same color as my coat. Twilight blushed.

Rarity took the gem in her aura and gave a smile, presumably amused at her friend's embarrassment. "It'll work fine, I can have it done by tonight. I'll just need you to leave the wings here so I can fit it."

"Of course, here." Wind Walker set the wings down on the table. "Thanks again for doing this Rarity."

"Of course dear, now off you go. I need to concentrate."

"Sure thing, come on Twilight."

"Uh, yeah. Let's go."

Friends Care for Friends

"Great weather again today huh Twilight?" Wind Walker looked at the clear blue sky above, but Twilight's head was turned away in thought. "I hope it stays like this until the race, I would hate for it to be cancelled...Twilight?" Wind Walker looked down at Twilight and frowned. "Is something wrong? You seem distracted."

Twilight's face was hot, she couldn't look into Wind Walker's eyes. "Um...why did you pick the amethyst?"

"I told you, I like the color," Wind Walker tilted his head and gave a quizzical look.

"It...it was the same color as my coat."

Wind Walker gave a grin. "Was it? I hadn't noticed."

"Wind Walker."

"You were kind enough to improve something I love, something I thought could never be improved. The amethyst was just a little way of saying thank you, a way of always remembering who did this for me. It's the least I could do. And besides, I didn't lie. I really do like the color."

"Oh, thank you" Of course, he was just being nice.

Wind Walker gave Twilight a friendly smile. "Did it embarrass you that much?"

"No, of course not." That was a lie. Why did it embarrass me? Why did I think he chose it? "Thank you..."

Wind Walker stared at Twilight. "Why do I have the feeling there's something else bothering you?"

Twilight was about to deny it, but stopped. I suppose this is a good a time as any to ask him. At least we're alone. "Back when we first met, and we were talking about what I've done for Equestria and Ponyville...you had this weird look in your eye..."

Wind Walker just stared at her for a second. He looked concerned, like he was frantically trying to think of an answer. "It, uh...must have been admiration. What you've done is awesome, anypony would admire it."

She shook her head. "No, that wasn't it. It seemed so...sad."

He looked increasingly nervous. "I...I don't know what you're talking about Twilight."

"You had the same look again when you were telling us how you got your cutie mark."

He turned his head and averted his eyes. "You're imagining things Twilight."

"Wind Walker if there's something you want to talk about..." Twilight trailed off. She was concerned for her new friend. She hadn't known him long, but he was kind. She would do the same for any of her friends.

"Actually...there is something..."

"What is it?"

Wind Walker turned back to Twilight, and what she saw surprised her. Happiness. He once again had a happy gleam in his eye and a smile across his face. "I need to pay you back for all your kindness."

Twilight stumbled over her words for a moment. "Huh, bu-...what?"

"As if enchanting my wings wasn't enough, you've given me food and a bed. That's a hay of a lot more kindness than you'll find some places. I have to do something to make it up to you."

"Wind Walker-"

"Don't try to say no Twilight, I always repay my debts." He had started walking off towards the center of town. "It's a rule of honor and practicality. When you travel as much as I do you want to have as many friends as you can in as many places as you can. Keeping good with those who have shown me kindness has gotten me out of a tight spot more than once."

Twilight stood there for a moment before following. "OK, sounds like fun." If he doesn't want to tell me it's best not to pry. Wind Walker gave Twilight a smile, and she smiled back.

It was as fake as she knew his was.

"Thanks again Wind Walker," Twilight said walking out of the book store. "I've been wanting to get some of those for a long time."

"Heh, no problem." Wind Walker stood in the doorway for a moment, trying to shove the last of Twilight's new books into his now full saddle bag. Finally he gave up with a sigh, and just floated the book above his head. "I figured the book store would be the perfect place to find you something."

"So, what do you want to do now?"

"Huh, I don't-"

"Catch me if you can!" Twilight looked up and saw a group of pegasai foals playing in the sky.

"Aw, aren't they cute?" Twilight asked turning to Wind Walker.

"Mhmm, I think I'll join them." Wind walker dug into his saddle bag for a moment, before frowning. "Oh, right."

"You forgot your wings are with Rarity didn't you?"

Wind Walker lowered his head. "I don't like not having my things..."

"It's only for a day."

"I know, but still..." He looked up at the foals laughing and playing in the sky. "There's something magical about children playing. They have such wide eyes and innocence."

Twilight turned back to the foals. "Yeah, there really is." She turned back to Wind Walker. "Maybe you can..."She stopped as she saw Wind Walker was no longer by her side, but instead at a jewelry stand nearby. He gets distracted easily doesn't he? She walked over to see what he was doing.

"I don't suppose I can convince you to lower the price?" He asked the mare behind the stand.

"Not that much, sorry sweet heart," she replied.

By now Twilight was close enough to see what Wind Walker was pointing at, a beautiful necklace. He sighed. "Well, thanks for your time." He turned around and saw Twilight by him.

"Why were you buying a necklace?" The purple mare asked Wind Walker.

He shrugged, "I thought it'd look nice on you."

"You've already done enough by buying me those books Wind Walker."

"Those were to repay your kindness. This was just a gift."

"You don't have to do that."

"But I want to. It would look great on you, and I love buying friends gifts."

"Well thanks for the thought."

He waved his hoof to dismiss the thanks and looked around. "Thank me after I actually get it for you."

"But how-"

"I just need to find some work. Odd jobs are how I make a living."

"You don't have to do that just to get me a necklace."

"I need to either way. I'll need some money to buy supplies before I leave."

Something about what he said made Twilight stop for a moment. "Are you planning on leaving soon?"

Wind Walker looked at Twilight for a moment in silence. "I just like to be prepared, just in case."

"Oh...ok."

"Come on, let's get these books back to your place. I'll find some work afterwards."

Twilight and Wind Walker went back to the library and shelved her new books. Afterwards Wind Walker left to find some quick work. When he returned he brought back his wings, now fitted with a flawless amethyst, and Twilight took a minute to cast the enchantment. Afterwards, the two ponies talked for a bit. He told her he found work as a waiter at the local diner (apparently the waiter working the evening shift had suddenly fallen ill,) and then they shared some more stories of their adventures before going to bed.

"Maybe this will help me sleep..." Twilight floated her cup of warm milk back up to her bedroom. It was odd that she couldn't sleep, usually she didn't have any problems doing so.

On her way, as she took a sip of milk, she heard a door open to her left. She turned to see Wind Walker standing in the doorway to the guest bedroom. "Wind Walker, what are you doing up?"

"Twilight? Oh, I, uh...heard somepony walking around, just wanted to make sure everything was ok."

Twilight gave a sleepy smile. "Everything is fine, I was just having some trouble sleeping. Sorry to wake you."

"It's fine, don't worry about it. Good night." He turned back into the room and closed the door.

"Good night," she sleepily responded and went back towards her room. Halfway there however, she suddenly stopped as a question popped into her hazy mind. Why did he have his coat and hat on? She turned her head and looked at the closed door. Was he going somewhere?

Preparations

"Just think of it as opening a valve to allow the magical energy to leak out. The more you open it, the faster the propellers will spin, but the reserves will be depleted at a higher rate." After breakfast Twilight explained to Wind Walker exactly how to store energy in his wings new found addition, and how to use it after stored.

"Alright, sounds simple enough." He picked up the wings and examined the violet gem closely. "I would prefer to have some time to practice before using it in a race though."

"Maybe we can get Rainbow Dash to push the race back."

He shook his head. "Nah, it'll be fine. Occasionally you have to have a baptism by fire. Makes things more interesting really."

"Well, shall we get started?"

He held out the wings. "Mares first." Twilight looked at the wings and gathered her violet aura around her horn before a tendril extended out to the matching gem in front of her. "Alright, I guess it's my turn." Wind Walker followed suit, extending an olive finger of energy to the gem. "Well, I guess we're stuck spending another day together."

It would take all day to fill the amethyst to capacity with magical energy. Twilight offered to do it herself so that Wind Walker wouldn't be tired for his race tomorrow, but the stallion insisted on helping. He wanted to make sure he knew how to use the new addition to his wings. With two unicorns splitting the load, neither would feel the drain to much. They wouldn't be volunteering for any physical exertion that day, but they would feel perfectly fine after a good night's sleep.

"Yeah, I guess we are. So, what do you want to do?"

Wind Walker stuffed the wings into his saddle bags. "I want to see the work the girls have been doing for the race." He slung the bags onto his back. He looked odd wearing a bag being probed with two colored tendrils, but as long as they stayed within several yards of the bags the fabric wouldn't interfere with their spells. "You up for a walk to Sweet Apple Acres?"

"Sure, let's go."

"Thanks for the ride Big Macintosh," Twilight said jumping off of the wagon with Wind Walker. When the two arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, Big Macintosh told them that the girls were setting up the stands at a far end of the property. He offered to give them a lift so they could save their energy for the wings.

"Eeyup." The large stallion walked off to resume his work.

"Darn it Pinkie, hold the ladder still." Twilight and Wind Walker turned to examine their friends work. Applejack was atop a ladder nailing a board onto the stands well into construction.

"Okie dokie lokie!" Pinkie ate a cupcake whole before using both of her forehooves to steady the ladder. Nearby Rarity was hanging banners to decorate the stands.

Wind Walker gave a long whistle as he admired the work and walked towards the mares. "Wowie girls, you did all this just for me? You shouldn't have." He put a hoof over his heart, playfully pretending that he was deeply touched. "It feels just like Hearth's Warming Eve." He wiped away a nonexistent tear.

"Isn't it just super duper?" Twilight wasn't exactly sure when the pink pony ran next to them, but she was now standing at their side examining the stands with them. "This is gonna be the most funerific flying-unicorn pegasus race ever! It might be the only flying-unicorn pegasus race ever, but still!"

"Pinkie. Pinkie! Ah told ya to-whoo, whoooooo!" The ladder toppled over and Applejack fell to the ground. "Ow."

"You ok there Applejack?" Wind Walker asked as he walked over to help her up.

"Yeah, ah'm fine. Weren't that bad a fall." She accepted his help up and put her fallen stetson back on her head.

Wind Walker looked at the stands. "It looks great Applejack, but isn't it a little big? How many ponies are you expecting to come?"

"You kiddin' me sugarcube? Them couple of flight shows you put on 'round town got ponies mighty interested in them fancy metal wings ah yours. When word got round that you'd be racin' Rainbow, the townsponies got more excited than a pig with fresh slop. An' at two bits a head, ah'll be earnin' enough money to fix up the barn."

Wind Walker gave a smile. "Well I'm glad to help."

"Why did you set the stands up all the way out here AJ?" Twilight asked.

"This here's the tallest hill in Sweet Apple Acres, it'll be the best place fa' ponies to watch the race."

"Well this may be the best spot, but I can barely even see all of the track," Wind Walker said as he was looking at the cloud course the two pegasus mares had been setting up.

"Here, use these." Pinkie Pie stuck her hoof in a bush and pulled out a pair of binoculars. "I keep binoculars all over Ponyville, in case of binocular emergencies." She handed them to Wind Walker. He took them and examined the course.

"It looks great." He held them out to Twilight. "Wanna see?"

"Sure." She took them and examined the course. It was rather elaborate, with plenty of twists, turns, and rings to fly through. With Rainbow Dash in charge of designing the course, Twilight wasn't surprised. It seemed to spread across most of Sweet Apple Acres, with the finish line being right above the stands. Twilight spotted Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash on the opposite side of the course. "It does look great." She turned back to her friends to find Applejack and Pinkie Pie examining the bag on Wind Walker's side and the magic trails going into it.

"So this the magic enchantment Twilight put on your wings?" Applejack asked.

"Sure is." Wind Walker removed the wings from the bags to give them a better view.

"Wow, that amethyst looks super pretty Rarity," Pinkie said. "You did a great job."

"Why thank you Pinkie. Wind Walker chose that gem special." Rarity turned to Twilight and winked. "Didn't he Twilight?" Twilight gave only a blush in response and Rarity smiled in amusement.

"I'm sorry we can't help you ladies, but we have to spend all day pouring our energy into this gem." Wind Walker said, giving no indication of even noticing Rarity teasing Twilight.

"Don't you worry none sugarcube. We can do this just fine. You two run along and just concentrate on gettin' them wings ready for the big race."

"Sure thing, we'll get outta your hair." He turned around to leave. "Ready to go Twilight?"

"Uh, yeah. Right behind you."

The Countdown

"Three cups of coffee at dinner, what was I thinking?" Twilight sat at a desk reading A Unicorn's Guide to Controlling the Elements by candlelight, unable to sleep despite it being so late. After leaving Sweet Apple Acres, Twilight and Wind Walker spent a relaxing day together. Of course, they were forced to do so in order to store energy in the wings, but Twilight didn't mind. They spent most of the day in town, Wind Walker eager to see the local sites and meet the local ponies. When the night came and they finally filled the amethyst to capacity, they decided to get dinner before they went back to the library and went to sleep. However, they were enjoying their conversations at dinner so much they weren't in any hurry to end it. Luckily, both of them seemed to have quite a thirst, and they were able to delay their nightly retirement while they satisfied their thirst with multiple cups of coffee. "At least it's letting me catch up on my studies."

Between depositing my energy into the wings, and not being able to sleep, I just hope I'll be able to stay awa...what's that noise? Twilight looked towards the stairs and listened to the sounds coming from downstairs. It sounded like hoofsteps. Twilight quietly closed the book and walked downstairs. As she approached the bottom she saw the source of the hoofteps. Wind Walker, walking right towards the door.

"Wind Walker? Where are you going?"

As soon as she spoke he froze. After a moment he turned around to face her.

"Hey Twilight, what are you doing up so late?"

"I couldn't sleep, to much caffeine. Where are you going?" Twilight made sure to ask the question again. She knew he was trying to avoid the question, she learned how to spot it from A Beginner's Guide to Conversational Conquest.

"I-I was just going to the bathroom."

"That's the front door." She knew he was lying.

Wind Walker looked at the door and chuckled. "Oh yeah, I get mixed up when I wake up in the night. Thoughts get all jumbled." He was nervous, she could see it.

"You're wearing your coat and hat." It was, very deliberately, not a question. She didn't ask him why he was wearing it, because she knew why. "Where are you going?"

"I wear them everywhere Twilight, force of habit." He was able to keep his voice calm, but Twilight could very easily see how desperately he was trying to avoid her question.

"Wind Walker-"

"Sorry Twilight, but I really gotta go." He turned towards the bathroom and began to enter. Before she could say another word, he added, "Thanks for the directions, try to get some sleep." With that he shut the door. Twilight stood there for three minutes, staring at the door. Eventually she went back up the stairs and went to bed, suddenly finding herself very tired. That night she dreamed of a lonely figure atop a hill.

"Two strips of haybacon sound good Wind Walker?" Twilight asked.

"Sounds perfect Twilight, thanks." Twilight put the haybacon on their plates, alongside the toast and oatmeal, and floated them onto the table. "Let's just hope this time Rainbow doesn't crash into here again."

"I think she's too busy preparing for the race to ruin our breakfast." As of yet, neither had said a word about last night. There's no need to talk about it now, I don't want to want to stress him out before the race. "You nervous about the race?"

Wind Walker took a bite of haybacon before answering. "Nah, it's all in good fun."

"Maybe for you, but I heard that some ponies are betting on you to win."

Wind Walker gave a chuckle. "Really? Well that's a lot of pressure on me isn't it? I'm surprised anyone's betting on me, they've seen what Rainbow can do."

"Ponies like cheering for the underdog."

The stallion gave a sly grin. "And who are you cheering for."

Twilight froze. Rainbow Dash was one of her best friends. After all they've been through, it would seem obvious Twilight would always cheer for her. That's why Twilight was so surprised to realize she didn't know who she wanted to win.

Twilight was relieved she didn't have to answer, because before she could Wind Walker laughed and stood up. "Come on, we better get going. Can't be late to my own race."

"One hour left until the big super duper race begins!"

"That's right Pinkie. And with local legend Rainbow Dash, and Equestria's only flying unicorn Wind Walker, it's sure to be an interesting one." Spike and Pinkie Pie spoke into the megaphones from inside of the hot air balloon above the stands.

"Thanks again for the ride Big Mac," Wind Walker said jumping off the cart, just on the edge of the clearing containing the stands.

"Eeyup." Upon entering Sweet Apple Acres, Granny Smith sat at a booth selling tickets to the race for two bits each. Then Big Macintosh offered ponies a cart ride to the stands for an extra bit. Of course, Wind Walker and Twilight got in for free.

"Wow, look at all of the ponies that showed up." Twilight was amazed by the massive turn out, the stands were packed to the brim. The stands were covered in banners for Sweet Apple Acres, and Carousel Boutique. In the stands, Looking Glass (the local binocular salesman,) the Cakes, and Applejack were selling their wares to the audience.

"Come on, let's go." Wind Walker walked towards the stands, followed closely by Twilight. It wasn't long after they entered the clearing that they were spotted.

"Look, there he is!" Someone in the crowd shouted, followed by cheers. Wind Walker smiled and waved to the audience as he approached the starting line. They saw Rainbow Dash stretching there, with Fluttershy giving her words of encouragement.

"You ready to get your flank kicked?" Wind Walker shouted as he approached.

"Well well well, look who finally decided to show up. How are you going to win a race when you can barely even get here on time?" They shared a laugh, and gave a friendly hoof bump.

"Good luck Rainbow Dash," the coated stallion said.

"You too," the rainbowed mare responded.

"Well Pinkie, both of the contestants have arrived."

"Yepie Spike, which means we're going to need everypony else in the stands."

Twilight looked at Wind Walker and Rainbow Dash. "Well good luck to you both, it looks like we have to take our seats."

"Hold on a second." Wind Walker dug his wings out of his bags and hoofed them to Twilight. "Hold onto these for me will you?"

"Of course, come on Fluttershy."

"Good luck you two." With that Twilight and Fluttershy left the starting line and entered the stands. They found that Rarity had saved the two of them seats next to her. When they took their seats, Twilight saw Applebloom talking to Wind Walker and Rainbow Dash. She was wearing a referee's shirt, and Twilight assumed she was going over the rules of the race. Twilight passed the time until the race talking to her friends.

"Okie dokie lokie everypony, the race is about to begin!"

"Racers, please take your marks." The whole crowd got excited as they heard the announcing duo from above.

"Three," they shouted in unison as Wind Walker and Rainbow Dash braced themselves.

"Two!" Wind Walker unfolded his wings.

"ONE!"

The Race

"GO!" The racers were moving the instant they heard the word come through the megaphone above. Rainbow Dash was off the ground immediately, but Wind Walker had to gallop for a moment to gain speed before jumping on his wings.

"It looks like Rainbow Dash's natural advantage has given her an early lead," the purple scaled dragon announced from the balloon.

"But the coated colt is quickly catching the chromatic contender." Twilight watched as, true to Pinkie's tongue tying words, Wind Walker closed the gap as he took to the sky. Rainbow Dash turned her head and seemed to shout something at Wind Walker, but Twilight couldn't hear it from where she sat. "As the racers approach the first turn, they're neck and neck! They're nose to nose, side by side, they're-"

"And Wind Walker manages to steal the lead at the turn by hugging the inside!" Rainbow Dash was forced to fall in behind Wind Walker as they approached the first set of obstacles, a series of hoops made out of clouds. "Rainbow Dash's greater agility is allowing her to easily navigate the rings, but until she gets past them she won't have the room to pass Wind Walker."

Shouts of cheering and excitement roared from the stands as the audience watched the racers dash through the hoops. "It seems like the doughnuts are slowing down Wind Walker, Spike."

"That's right Pinkie. As amazing as those metal wings are, they just can't seem to beat the natural agility of a true pegasus."

That's not it. There's no point in flying full speed when she can't pass him, it would only deplete his reserves faster. Twilight smiled as she watched the racers through her binoculars. He knows she's faster and more agile, so he's flying smart. He's taking every tactical advantage he can find.

"As they exit the rings, and take the second turn, Wind Walker kicks it up a notch. BAM!" Twilight's ears felt like they would burst when Pinkie shouted the last word, that pony has a strong pair of lungs.

"And Rainbow Dash is able to get back into her groove as they enter the open sky." The crowd cheered as the flying pair sped up. "With nothing in her way, she has no problem getting right back next to Wind Walker."

"You know Spike, they look like they're going fast, but I'm pretty sure both of these ponies could go faster."

"Well Pinkie, they're most likely pacing themselves so they don't get tired. That way they'll be able to really kick it into high gear at the final stretch." Not much to take advantage of in an open space, Wind Walker is going to lose this leg. "And Rainbow Dash pulls ahead just before the next turn, stopping Wind Walker from taking the inside again." Cheers once again burst forth, along with a few moans (Twilight assumed these were from the ponies who bet on Wind Walker.)

"Coming out of the third turn, the racers have to zip back and forth through giant cloud churros! Boy they sure do look delicious."

"I believe those are called pillars Pinkie." Twilight watched as both ponies weaved in and out of the cloud pillars, Wind Walker just above Rainbow Dash. She thought she was just able to see one of Wind Walkers wings clip one of the clouds, but the metal cut right through it. Still though, Wind Walker slowed a bit after that, falling behind. "And Rainbow Dash rounds the final corner!"

"She rounds it like a nice curvy orange, or a grapefruit even!"

"With Wind Walker not far behind." Twilight saw a large burst of energy come from Wind Walker's horn to the amethyst on his wings, followed immediately with a great increase in speed. That looked strong. Twilight got a bit worried.

"Wowie Spike, look at Wind Walker go! I've never seen a unicorn fly so fast. I've never seen a unicorn other than him fly at all, but still!" The entire crowd shouted. He's going full speed isn't he?

"He's really giving it his all, he's even catching up to Rainbow Dash." Twilight's ears hurt as the cheering got even louder, and she noticed his horn still glowing. He's using his wind magic to give himself an even bigger boost.

"Golly Spike, this is going to be a close one. It looks like he may be able to pull ahead!" The shouts of the excited crowd burst forth to a near deafening level. There's no way he's ever gone nearly this fast before. Can he handle this speed?

"I can't believe my eyes Pinkie, Wind Walker is actually passing Rainbow Dash!" At hearing this, Twilight's fear was replaced by something else. It was replaced by a huge smile. It was replaced with excitement. It was replaced with her finally realizing who she wanted to win. Unfortunately, it was only replaced for a moment. As Wind Walker was passing right next to Rainbow Dash, her flapping wings hit his, and sent him tumbling through the air.

Thud-thud. What just happened? Thud-thud. Is he falling? Thud-thud ...Oh no. It took three, very rapid, heart beats for Twilight to fully realize what had happened. All his concentration was put into speed, he could barely hold it together. All it took was an accidental nudge from Rainbow's wings to knock the wings away, and send him tumbling through the air.

The audience was filled with gasps of shock and shrieks of terror as they watched Wind Walker fall. Rainbow Dash soon realized what happened, and immediately dashed after him. "Oh no Spike, do you think he'll be ok?"

"I don't know Pinkie, a fall from that height could kill a pony. If Rainbow Dash doesn't save him..." Spike trailed off, Twilight knew her assistant well enough to know he couldn't finish that thought.

Come on Rainbow. With every passing moment, Wind Walker fell closer to the ground. You have to save him, you have to. Twilight wasn't aware of the fur beneath her eyes getting wet. She wasn't aware of anything but the two ponies rapidly approaching the ground. He can't...he can't...

Rainbow caught up to him, just before he hit the ground in front of the stands. There was no time to pull up, and a large cloud of dust was kicked up from the impact, obscuring them from vision.

"Do...do you think they're alright Spike?"

"I don't know Pinkie, but I sure hope so." No one said another word. The entire world seemed to be covered in a shroud of silence as the audience waited for the dust to settle. Please be ok, please be ok. Finally the dust settled, and for a moment everyone just watched as they saw the two ponies laying on the ground, clearly cut and bruised. They held their breath...and saw Wind Walker's hoof shoot up in the air. "HE'S OK!" The crowd cheered, and Twilight ran to him as fast as she could.

"Thank Celestia you two are ok!" By the time Twilight reached them, Wind Walker was on his hooves, and helping Rainbow Dash to hers. "Stay still, we'll get you to the hospital."

Wind Walker grunted as he got Rainbow Dash to her hooves, and she threw a hoof around him for support. "I'm afraid we can't do that Twilight, not yet."

"What are you talking about? You two are hurt, you need help."

"I know, ergh, but first we have a race to finish," he said as he turned towards the finish line. It was only a few steps away.

"What?!" Twilight couldn't believe her ears.

"You know me Twilight, I always finish a race," Rainbow Dash said, with a clearly forced smile.

"And I'm not about to rob her of a win just to save my sorry flank." They started limping towards the finish line.

"I can't believe it Pinkie, these two are actually finishing the race!" The entire crowd cheered. Two steps away from the finish line, Wind Walker collapsed.

"This is as far as I go Rainbow, up to you now." She nodded, and forced another step out of her body.

"Rain-bow Rain-bow Rain-bow," the entire crowd chanted. Twilight just stood in disbelief as her broken friends pushed themselves.

Wind Walker coughed up a bit of blood. "Come on Rainbow." Cough Cough. "Just one more step."

"Rain-bow! Rain-bow!" And with that final painful step, Rainbow Dash crossed the line...and promptly fell to the ground. She threw a hoof up in victory as the entire crowd cheered.

"She won! Rainbow Dash won!" Spike yelled from on high. Fluttershy and Applejack ran to Rainbow Dash, and Rarity and Twilight to Wind Walker.

"Oh goodness Rainbow Dash, are you alright?" Fluttershy asked.

"Everything...hurts..." She responded, but Twilight noticed she still wore a grin.

"And you Wind Walker darling, are you ok?" Rarity asked.

Cough cough. "You...kidding?" Cough Cough. "Never...better." He gave a cocky smile, shortly before passing out.

A Parting of Ways

"Alright Wind Walker, get plenty of bed rest and you should be fine," said the nurse as she wheeled Wind Walker through the hospital doors. "And Twilight, I want you to make sure he gets that rest. I know the restless type when I see them."

Twilight trotted out of the door behind them carrying Wind Walker's saddlebags. "Don't worry Nurse Redheart, I'll make sure he doesn't push himself."

"Excuse me ladies, but I'm a big boy," Wind Walker said as he rose from the chair and carefully stretched his legs. "I can take care of myself."

"Here's some pain killers, in case he needs them." The nurse hoofed Twilight a bottle of pills. "Take care." With that, she left the two unicorns alone.

"Bye Nurse Redheart." When the doors closed and Twilight looked back to Wind Walker, he wore an annoyed face from being ignored by the nurse. He took the bottle from Twilight and shoved it in one of his coat pockets, muttering something about being a grown stallion.

"Oh calm down, she's just making sure you don't hurt yourself. You're lucky they're letting you leave at all. After yesterday's crash you need more than one day of rest. You should be in there right by Rainbow Dash," Twilight said as they began their walk back to the library.

"Luck's got nothing to do with it Twilight, I can't pay for an extend stay in the hospital." Wind Walker followed, and floated his bags off of Twilight and onto himself with an almost inaudible (but still noticeable) grunt of effort. "I don't exactly have a steady job. Besides, between magic and medicine they were able to fix me up well enough for me to leave."

Twilight sighed. As much as she wanted her friend to stay longer, she couldn't deny that all he really needed at this point was rest. The injuries weren't as bad as she had feared, and it really was amazing what a trained unicorn could heal instantly with magic. "Just promise me you'll take it easy until you're better."

"Don't worry Twilight, I know my limits. Let's just get back to the library so I can fix my wings." His wings had fared far better in the crash, but still weren't unscarred. The screws holding two of the propellers snapped, and there were a plethora of scratches and small dents, but after some careful magic and buffing most of them would be unnoticeable. Wind Walker didn't seem to expect any permanent damage to the functionality. "After that I promise to take the nurse's advice, some bed rest actually sounds like a good idea."

"Finally finished." Twilight stretched her sore legs. After they got back from the hospital, Wind Walker was able to fix his wings and take a nap before noon. It was well into the night and Twilight hadn't seem him leave the guestroom yet. With no distractions, she was able to finish all of the work she had been putting off the last few days. Wind Walker has the right idea, I'm exhausted. She headed to her room to retire for the night, and slid happily into her bed. She laid her head on her pillow, closed her eyes and waited for blissful sleep to overtake. Just before she slipped into Luna's domain, she was jolted out of her near unconscious state by the sound of a door closing down stairs.

What was that? She got out of her bed and walked to her window overlooking her front door. As she looked through it she saw empty streets, except a single figure walking away from her home. Wind Walker? Where are you going? She ran downstairs and out her front door. She was still able to see him, and began following, being careful not to be spotted. He won't avoid my questions this time.

Eventually, Wind Walker lead her all the way out of town. She hid behind a tree and watched him walk to the top of a hill, and finally stop. As she walked out from behind the tree, he sat down and lowered his head. She stared at him as she walked up behind him. Occasionally he would look around before hanging his head again. He looks so...sad. "Wind Walker?"

"Wha'?" His head snapped around, and Twilight saw tears in his eyes. "Twi...Twilight?" He turned his head back to the front and lowered it again. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to figure out why you're here." She sat next to him and he turned his head away. "What's wrong."

"You...you should just go back Twilight." He sniffed and wiped his face. "Don't worry about me."

"Wind Walker I-"

"I said leave me alone!" He shouted without facing her, or even lifting his head.

Twilight sat stunned. In the short time she knew Wind Walker, she never once saw him shout in anger. He never seemed to get angry at anything, or even a little bit frustrated. After a moment of silence, she managed a single word. "No."

"Twilight please..." He didn't sound angry anymore, just sad.

"I won't abandon a friend in need."

"...just go away..."

"I'm not leaving until you tell me what's wrong."

Wind Walker sighed in defeat. "You know, in all my years of travel, I've never once let somepony see me cry."

"There's nothing wrong with letting somepony see you cry Wind Walker, sometimes they can help you."

"Maybe they can, but my problems are my own. I don't like to trouble others with them, especially when they're so selfish."

"What do you mean?"

He sighed again and finally faced her. "This world is full of ponies with legitimate problems. Ponies that are sick and starving, orphaned and widowed. Meanwhile I've lead an amazing life. I've traveled all across Equestria and beyond. I've made countless friends and seen sights most ponies only dream of, and yet still I haven't found what I'm looking for."

"And what's that?"

"I told you before," he looked straight ahead, "adventure." He looked like he was staring at something that Twilight couldn't see, and a small smile grew on his face. "The reason I travel is to find true adventure. The kind that helps the weak and topples tyrannical regimes. The kind that saves damsels in distress by slaying horrendous beasts. The kind that ponies would write songs of!" His smile fell along with his head. "But everywhere I go I find nothing."

"Wind Walker-"

"And then I meet you, the hero of Equestria. You've saved Equestria from everlasting darkness, eternal chaos, the changelings. You even saved the Crystal Empire from an evil king." He looked into Twilight's eyes. "You've accomplished what I've dedicated my life to, without even trying.You really are luc..." He cut himself off and looked back at the ground for a moment before facing her again. "You truly are an amazing pony."

Twilight just sat speechless. Wind Walker's eyes seemed to lock her in place. They were filled with a multitude of emotions. Longing, jealousy, but most of all admiration. She knew he meant those last words with every fiber of his being. "Wind Walker..."

He turned back to staring at whatever it was she couldn't see. "I know that I should be happy with my life. It's been amazing. Everywhere I go I find good times...I suppose that's the problem really. Adventures require conflict."

"You can't have traveled so much and not have some conflict."

"Of course not, I've had hard times like everpony else. I've gotten into hoof fights, been chased by wild animals, gone to sleep hungry, but nothing that could qualify as an adventure." He stood up, eyes locked on the horizon. "Maybe I'll find my adventure at the next place I go."

This caused Twilight to panic, and she shot to her hooves. "You can't mean you're leaving now?"

"I've stayed here to long as it is Twilight, it's time for me to move on."

"Bu-but you're injured! You need to rest."

"I'm well enough to travel, I'll just have to be a little more careful than usual."

"But...You could stay here! Trouble always seems to come to Ponyville, if you stay you're sure to find what you're looking for."

He shook his head. "Staying in one place drives me crazy. I've dedicated my life to finding adventure, not waiting for it. Besides, between you and the girls, Ponyville has enough heroes. It doesn't need any more. It's time for me to go." He looked at Twilight before he began to walk away, but he stopped after only a few steps. "I don't suppose...never mind."

"No, what is it?" Twilight's curiosity was piqued, and she would take any opportunity she could to keep him from leaving.

"I don't suppose that...you would want to come with me?"

Twilight froze. She didn't know what to say. "Wind Walker...I-"

"No," he seemed to blurt the word out as fast as he could, "forget I said that. You're needed here. I've been fine on my own so far, I'll be ok alone still." He looked like he was about to take another step, but stopped and dug his hoof into his saddlebag. "Here, I almost forgot." When he took his hoof out, it was holding onto a necklace that he hoofed to Twilight.

It was the same necklace he had wanted to buy her the other day. The necklace was a golden chain with a diamond shaped amethyst. The gem would hang down to the midst of her chest. "Wind Walker, when did you get this?"

"I got Applejack to buy it for me with my cut of the race earnings, she brought it to me in the hospital yesterday. And don't try to give it back. It's yours, and I want you to keep it."

Twilight was stunned by the entire situation as she stared at the necklace. "Wi-Wind Walker...I..." She struggled to find the right words to say. Finally, she lunged to Wind Walker and wrapped her hoof tightly around him in a hug. "Will...will I ever see you again." She could feel the tears stream down her face. She didn't want him to leave, she didn't want to lose her friend.

He returned her hug, and held her tight. "I'm not sure, but I hope so." They stood in each others legs for what seemed like an eternity that ended all to soon, before Wind Walker eventually broke it off. They stared into each others tear soaked eyes, and he wiped a tear off of her face. "...Goodbye Twilight." With that he turned and walked away.

Twilight stood frozen on the hill watching him walk away, and even after he disappeared through the tree line she stared at the spot he entered. Her heart hoped to see him come back, but her mind knew he wouldn't. When her hooves grew sore from standing still she looked at the necklace still in her hooves. "Goodbye, Wind Walker." She put on the necklace, and turned around, filled with nothing other than a hope to one day see the traveling pony return.

Author's Note

Thank you all for reading. I hope you enjoyed it, and will come back to read my future work.
I would especially like to thank Abbi (Base Runner,) for being the only one of my friends to read my work.

I would also like to ask a small favor of any of those willing. I'm aware of some technical errors in my writing, and I'm sure there are more I'm not aware of. I want to go back and fix these, and would very much appreciate some proofreaders. If you spot any mistakes please leave a comment or send a DM. I would appreciate longer proofreads sent through DM.

Thank you all again, and pony on my friends.

Prologue

“It’s quite a beautiful day, isn’t it Spike?” The purple unicorn bounced through Ponyville admiring the wonderful weather.

“Sure is Twilight,” The baby dragon riding on her back responded. “We should go down to the lake and take a dip. Oh, or we could go to the park and cloud gaze! OH, or we could-”

“Spike, don’t be silly. You know what today is,” Twilight said with a chuckle.

The baby dragon sighed and slouched down on Twilight’s back. “ Re-shelving day.”

“That’s right. We can’t possibly ignore that just for some pretty weather. We’ll just have to enjoy it through the window while we work,” She turned to look at Spike with a smile.

“But Twilight it’s so nice today. We can always re-shelve another day. Let’s go hang out with some of the girls. Look, there’s Rainbow Dash now.”

Twilight faced back forward to see Rainbow Dash was indeed flying in their direction rather fast. “Oh hey Rainbow Dash,” she said loud enough to get her attention. “What’s up?”

Rainbow Dash stopped in front of Twilight. “Oh hey there Twilight, I didn't see you.”

“Where are you going, you look like you’re in a hurry.”

“I’m going over to Sugarcube Corner. Somepony wandered into town and Pinkie‘s throwing him a party. He’s supposed to be really cool, they say he’s traveled all across Equestria. You should come too.”

“I would love to, but Spike and I are busy.”

“Suit yourself. See ya’”

The pegasus flew off and Spike turned to Twilight.

“Come one Twilight, it’s a party. A Pinkie party! Let’s go!”

“Come now Spike, a Pinkie party is hardly a rare occurrence.”

“Yeah, but a new pony is! Don’t you want to meet him?”

Twilight paused for a second, and thought it over. “Well Rainbow Dash did say that he’s traveled a lot, it might be interesting to hear what he’s learned.”

“There you go Twilight, I bet he’s like a talking book of great stories. Now let’s go!”

“Alright, alright. We’ll go.”

“Yes!” The dragon cheered in victory, throwing his claws in the air. Twilight gave a small laugh and a smile at her friend’s excitement and turned around, trotting off towards Sugarcube Corner.

Epilogue

Dear Princess Celestia,

This week I met a pony named Wind Walker. He is a kind hearted traveler, who has walked all across Equestria in search of adventure. When I met him, I thought he was one of the most care free ponies I had ever met. It wasn't until our last encounter that I was proven wrong.

I found him crying alone on a hill. Apparently despite all of his years of searching, he had never found the adventure he was looking for. I could tell it tore him up inside, and tried to think of anything I could do to help him. However, before I could, he left. He left to continue his search, to travel the world. I grew up never having friends, and now lived in a town full of them, but never had I felt more lonely than at that moment.

I don't know what I learned from this experience. I only knew him for a short time, but I feel like we developed such a strong connection. He's only been gone a few days now, but already I miss him. I even considered leaving and searching for him, but I wouldn't know where to look. I guess I'll just stay here, and hope that he comes back soon.

Your Faithful Student,
Twilight Sparkle