Chapter Fourteen: Dreams

Canterlot Hospital wing

Twilight slowly entered the room. The first thing she noticed, beside the yellow pegasus and her blue lover, was the fact that they were not alone in the room.

The Canterlot Palace hospital ward had a light blue dividing curtain on either side of the pegasus ponies bed indicating there were other occupants in the room. The whole room held a sterile feel with a light scent of roses in the air. Past the left curtain lay a white stallion who appeared to be one of the Canterlot royal guard. On the other side of Rainbow’s bed, an older unicorn couple slept together. From the fine gold and blue garments the white mare wore, it was clear they were both very rich ponies. The stallion held his mare’s hoof lightly as they lay side by side on the double hospital bed. Twilight smiled warmly at them before turning her gaze to the pegasi before her.

Rainbow Dash was still hooked up to life support, her fillyfriend sat on a comfy chair by her bedside. The buttery mare held one of Dash’s hooves, laying her forehead against it, sniffling. When she heard the door open, Fluttershy turned her head slightly to see Twilight there.

“Oh... Hello Twilight.” Fluttershy greeted her friend without leaving the life support of her lover’s hoof.

“Hey, Fluttershy...” Twilight slowly approached, as if getting too close would upset everything. “Um...well, I guess I don’t really need to ask. But, how are things here?”

“Well... Rainbow’s doing... well. I just hope she gets better soon. It hurts to see her like this. But I could never leave her side.” The shy pony turned her gaze back upon the messed up mare on the bed.

Looking over at her comatose friend, Twilight couldn’t help but agree with her. At the same time, Rainbow did look peaceful, as if she were sleeping.

“I understand, Fluttershy. I’m not asking you to. But I hope you’ll get some sleep and eat, since you do need to take care of yourself, as well.” Twilight advised.

“Oh... I will,” Fluttershy murmured absently, nodding a bit.

Twilight bit her lip and wondered how to approach the matter delicately, at least enough that Fluttershy would be willing to talk about it. She wanted to know the details, but could see it would likely be hard, given how traumatized Fluttershy had been over the past twenty-four hours or so.

“...Fluttershy, can I ask you something?”

“...Yes...” Came the soft murmured reply.

“Well,” Twilight cleared her throat. “Earlier yesterday, what happened? With the griffin attack, I mean. You were a little vague about the details. And, ...okay, if you don’t want to talk about it, I understand. I just want to get the facts about it and all.”

“Oh... no... It’s okay... I can tell you, if you like...?” Fluttershy offered, shyly.

“Yes please,” Twilight sat herself down upon the floor at the bedside.

The apprehensive pegasus took a deep breath before opening up. “Well... Rainbow and I found a griffin when we were out and about... then... then... he started asking us questions about some kind of relic an-and he was being all mean... and calling us rude names. Then he attacked Rainbow...” Tears started to well up in the yellow mare’s eyes, but she forced herself to continue. “Then... then... Rainbow fought to defend us but got overpowered. Th-the guards... they couldn’t do a thing to save her... it was awful.” As she staggered to the end of her sentence, the moisture in her eyes began to escape and she once again began to unwittingly wet the cyan hoof she held onto.

“...I’m so sorry...” Twilight murmured, bowing her head. “...Do you know what the griffin wanted?”

But it was almost as if the distraught mare wasn't listening. “I-I came that close to losing her Twilight! She could be... d-dead...” The yellow pegasus continued to cry into the hoof of the comatose guardian whom she loved.

Deciding to try again in a better moment, Twilight took the time to comfort Fluttershy by rubbing her back. “It’s okay, Fluttershy... Don’t worry about that. She’s safe now, and that’s what matters. You’re both safe.”

After a few moments the wall of tears began to recede and they crying mare sniffed a couple of times. “I-I guess...yes...But what kind of meanie goes around attacking ponies?” She nuzzled her lovers foreleg despondently.

“It’s hard to say. But the princess said some things earlier regarding the griffins. Something about looking for their version of the elements of harmony.”

“Oh... well that might be what he wanted then...” murmured the shy pegasus, unable to meet the scholar's eyes.

“And the rest of the girls and I will be headed out in a few days time to try and find one of these griffin elements,” added Twilight uncertainly, hoping that her friend wouldn’t think they were abandoning them in their time of need. “The princess knows where some of them are and she says the first griffin element is close enough for us to make it back in time for Rainbow Dash’s recovery.”

At the mention of her loved one’s rehabilitation, Fluttershy blighted considerably. “So... t-the princess is sure she will be better soon?” The hopeful tone of the quiet mare hung in the air, it added light to the otherwise sad mood.

“She doesn’t want to give false hope, but we are all sure Rainbow Dash will get better. The girls and I will even come round tomorrow to visit you and Dash.”

“Oh thank you Twilight!” Fluttershy threw herself into a thankful hug with the purple unicorn who after a moments shock, hugged back. “It was so nice having somepony to talk to... I-I... look forward to seeing the rest of the girls again tomorrow.” Fluttershy withdrew and turned back to her fillyfriend. “But now I should tend to my special somepony... she needs me you see...” The shy pegasus tenderly licked the bedridden pony’s cheek.

Twilight nodded then stood up. The sombre mood had returned to the room and this time she had no idea what to do about it. “All right. I’ll leave you two alone.” She turned to Rainbow. “Hey, Rainbow Dash... I hope you’re okay. I have to say, you did a brave thing defending Fluttershy like that, against a griffin no less. Your efforts weren’t in vain either. She’s completely safe. So, I have to thank you for that. We’re all here right now, Rainbow, and we’ll see you later.” She placed a comforting hoof on the downed pony before turning to the mare at her side for one last check.

“Yes... my brave, pretty rainbow...” Fluttershy cooed softly as if the comatose pony could hear her.

“....You really do love her, don’t you?” Twilight said softly, her gaze drifted to the blue guardian meaningfully.

“Oh yes... I’ve known it for a long time now... and I’ve always loved her.” Fluttershy gently stroked the messed up multi-coloured mane, trying to caress it back into shape on the hospital bed.

The unicorn smiled. “I think Rainbows going to be overjoyed to wake up and see you.”

“Mmmmmm...” Fluttershy agreed as she nuzzled into her loved one’s forehoof, settling down to rest once more.

Twilight observed the cute scene for a moment, and then quietly moved to the doorway; ready to leave. As the scholar stood there drinking everything in, she noticed the older couple once again. The stallion waved at Twilight, happy to see another pony who wasn’t part of the medical staff. He then turned back to his own special somepony and just like Fluttershy, began to tend silently her.

The lavender mare turned and slowly began to make her way back to the rest of her friends. She walked along slowly, deep in thought. Rainbow Dash was certainly a lucky mare, Fluttershy seemed to show even more devotion toward her than Spike did with Rarity. Thinking of said young dragon... He almost appeared to be getting closer to the mare recently. The thought put a smile upon her face, if he finally did finally go out with her then at least that that would stop the continual stream of questions she faced each day.

It was interesting, to be in love with somepony. Twilight couldn’t help but feel amazed that two of her closest friends, who were best friends themselves, actually found love in one another. All her life, she hadn’t expected to think about love, or even friendship for that matter. But now, it was all coming to her, all kinds of friendship, and now love too.

Love...

With that one word and all the confusion that accompanied it, Twilight walked along. She allowed her legs to carry her as she lost herself in thought.

Pinkie Pie walked across her thoughts, and she wondered what it would be like waking up next to the spastic mare each day. Then she thought of Luna. Her warm comforting wings and calming presence. The princess was also one of the few ponies who happily studied with her! It would be amazing to have a special somepony. Twilight paused in thought, it was strange, but she realized she didn’t know which she personally prefered, stallion or mare. The scholar decided further study was required on the topic before anything radical could occur in her life.

She continued on her way, humming a tune to herself to try and lift her own spirits.

Twilight suddenly stopped. She realized she had nearly walked into a set of doors. Given that they were darkly coloured and had a stone carving of the moon engraved, she knew it had to be Luna’s room. The door opened, revealing the alicorn herself.

“Greetings, Twilight. Can we assist thee with something?” The princess asked.

Twilight froze under the gaze of the royal pony, she fought to come up with something to say that would explain her sudden appearance. “Um... well... I was kind of just wandering around and thinking about things. And I happened to see your...um...study...”

The princess smiled at her. “Then we wonder... what is on thy mind?”

“....Luna...well,” Twilight began, looking away. “I wanted to ask you something. You and Princess Celestia... It’s something I never really thought of, but now, well, I guess I can’t help but really want to know more about it.”

“Ah, well, come in, then,” Luna went back into her study, motioning for the unicorn to follow her.

Twilight did so, following the night princess into the room. The door was closed gently behind her by Luna’s magic. Taking a moment, Twilight took in her surroundings. Although adorned with dark tiles and a fairly dark ceiling, the room was well lit by two ornate windows. A desk sat by one of the windows, and a comfortable looking two pony couch lay near it. Two walls housed bookshelves filled to the rim with books and other little knick knacks.

“Tell us, then. What is on thy mind?”

“...Princess....have you...well...I mean, what’s love?” Twilight silently cringed at how bad she must have sounded.

“Well...” The royal alicorn hesitated, as if unsure how best to answer. “It is quite hard to say, Twilight Sparkle. Love is surely a driving force in the world that even the wisest of ponies cannot comprehend. All that we know is that we will know of it upon feeling it. Truly feeling it. There is also the matter of there being all kinds of different sorts of love. Love for thy friends, thy family, thy romantic partner, thy pets....it goes on. Love is a great mystery, and it has no rules. It is impetuous. We cannot help how we feel, nor may we choose who our heart desires. Nopony can. That comes the true mystery. Who we love.”

“Right... Is there anyway to research and find out what the feelings mean?” Twilight asked hopefully.

Luna smiled warmly at her. “Are thou attempting to hint that they might be in love with somepony?”

“W-What?!” Twilight squeaked, her eyes wide and cheeks flushed. “N-No! No! Not me! I just...well, I see the way Spike has a crush on Rarity... and... well, the way Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy love each other.”

“And thy has come to ask about finding love for thyself?” The princess asked softly, almost hopefully.

“I...” The unicorn looked away a bit, “I just want to research it more. To understand it better. That’s... what I want to do, really. I mean, friendship is something I’m understanding a lot more, and I enjoy it so much. I love my friends. ...And well, maybe one day, if I do fall in love...I want to have a better knowledge of it.”

The hopeful expression rapidly faded from the midnight blue alicorns face. “Oh. Well... if that is all you seek then we guess we... could attempt to help.”

“....What about you, Princess? Are...you in love? Or...were you ever in love?” Twilight dared ask, “I mean, if that’s something you want to try to talk about.”

Luna felt like she should just give up on Twilight then and there. ‘To think thou missed all of the hints we gave thee!’ she inwardly groaned. But, maybe it was worth one last try. “Well we think that we may be feeling something for one mare. But love is a hard thing for us to find... so few ponies are as long lived as the royal alicorns.” She turned away, sadly.

Thinking of that for a moment, Twilight couldn’t help but feel bad for her and Celestia then. It had never occurred to her, at least not like this. It was almost the same as making friends while you were immortal. Your life would go on, endlessly, while those you were once close to would eventually pass on. You would remember them. Or, one day, if you were around long enough, maybe forget them. She could imagine it must not have been easy if they ever did or would fall in love.

“That makes sense. I think anypony in your position wouldn’t be too willing for that...” Twilight murmured, looking over at the midnight blue alicorn. “But who was it that Princess Celestia took as her coltfriend? She doesn’t seem like the type for romance...”

Luna smiled as if remembering a sour memory. “We think it’s best if you talk to her. She used to be... rather proud of her coltfriend. Not that we think he was much of a colt... Or a pony for that matter.” The night mare scoffed, nearly laughing at her own bad sense of humour over the matter.

“Okay... I guess I can do that. I guess I can see her again later...” Twilight paused in thought as a slow grin spread across her muzzle. “So... who is this mare?”

The midnight princess didn’t turn to meet the inquiring mare’s gaze. “We...I...” Luna trailed off, silently battling herself. “She is a unique pony... one with whom I would gladly spend a lifetime to get to know. ...Thou aren’t shocked that it is a mare I seek?” She asked softly, turning to the smaller pony with a questioning look in her eyes.

“No, not really,” Twilight smiled. “I guess, well, I didn’t see it coming... But I think after seeing Rainbow and Fluttershy together... believe me, they can be pretty affectionate. Especially when they think they are alone... and pegasus wings can be a dead giveaway sometimes. It kind of just got me used to it. Before that, I didn’t even think about love, so it makes no difference to me.” Twilight couldn’t help but feel that the princess’s earlier actions toward her had something to do with the princess’s preference of mares. Not that she had any idea how to ask and not wind up looking terribly silly.

Luna looked rather relieved at the confession. A hopeful spark returned to her eyes, cheeky almost. “Well we did once say this mare had the most divine flank we have ever seen.”

Twilight gave a laugh, not quite catching on, “Really?”

Becoming bolder, the princess smiled kindly across at the mare of her affections. “Yes... She was even there at the time. We are not sure if she feels the same way though...”

“Well you-” Twilight blinked, wide-eyed as she remembered the embarrassing incident. “.....Er....Princess, I don’t want to assume, but... are you... implying that you’re...” She blushed a bit, her hoof running over a foreleg nervously.

The hot cheeked alicorn turned to face the smaller pony, her large wings fluttering softly. “Our sister has had many a laugh at our expense. She knows how oblivious her student is to... such matters of the heart.”

Twilight’s eyes grew to the size of dinner plates. “Um... I.. but Luna... I mean... are you sure? We just met yesterday... and... me? I-I’m not even that special. I’m just Twilight Sparkle. Sure, your sister is my teacher, but... still I... I don’t know what to say...”

“Thou art the most amazing mare we have ever met...” Luna’s voice became soft as she continued nervously. “But we understand if thou is unable to reciprocate such feelings.”

“...It’s not that, it’s just that I don’t know, really,” Twilight admitted, feeling awestruck. First Pinkie kissed her right on the mouth, and now Princess Luna herself was admitting she had feelings for her. What was she to do? To say?

“Tis okay if thou requires time to decide for thyself.” Luna turned, using a wing to hide her embarrassment.

A small, grateful smile overcame Twilight’s lips. “Thanks, Luna... It’s not that I’m not flattered, because... well... I am. I-I’d rather give you an answer when I know how I feel for sure. I think you at least deserve that much.”

“Thank you, Twilight Sparkle. As long as you don’t take forever, we shall be fine.” The alicorn moved toward the window and gazed out across her domain. “We didn’t mean to embarrass thou so.”

“No... it’s okay, you didn’t. I just didn’t expect it,” the unicorn replied a bit sheepishly, giggling a bit. “...I’m sorry though, I... well, I guess it’s not quite what you wanted to hear....”

“No... tis not. But such is life when my hearts desire is also pursued by another,” Luna softly replied.

“Well, I guess-wait! What? Somepony else likes me? How come I’m the last to know???” Twilight pouted.

The larger mare laughed quietly. “Because, despite having the most divine flank, your horn is always in a book Twilight...”

“Okay, you got me there...” Twilight smiled sheepishly. “...Who likes me, then? It’s... it’s not Pinkie is it?” She trailed off, uncertain of her own words.

“We... we think it is not our position in life to say. She... she... no. We shall allow thee to discover it for thyself, maybe in doing so you will discover where you heart truly lies...” Luna laid her chin upon the windowsill, sad, yet contented.

“I guess that makes sense...” Twilight murmured, smiling a bit. She trotted up to the saddened alicorn and offered a quick nuzzle. “Um... but you know... I hope we can still be friends. I really do enjoy our time together and you have been so sweet looking after Fluttershy and me. It was also nice having a study partner.”

“We would love that, yes...” Luna placed a wing over the smaller pony in reply to her actions.

Twilight smiled more, feeling at peace yet again, even in these tough times. “Sounds great, Princess...”

“Thank you, Twilight. We bid thee goodbye.” The dark wing slumped from the smaller mare’s back falling to the alicorn’s side.

Taking it as a cue to leave, Twilight headed to the door, she opened it with her magic. The powerful young unicorn turned to glance at her new friend once more, smiled, then quietly exited.

“Where have you been Twi-Twi!?!” Pinkie almost blew up from the all the pent up tension inside.

This was what greeted Twilight when she entered the lounge one level downstairs in the palace, where her friends were waiting. The unicorn blinked, wondering what Pinkie was upset about... only to realize exactly what she meant.

“Sorry, Pinkie.... everypony... But after I spoke with Fluttershy, I was walking around a little, and I went to talk with Princess Luna since I passed her study,” Twilight explained sheepishly.

A look of comic horror passed the party pony’s face. “Oh no. Did Nightmare Moon try and attack you?” Pinkie threw her forehooves up in mock horror.

“Attack me-...Pinkie, what are you talking about? Princess Luna isn’t Nightmare Moon! You saw her earlier today and during breakfast! You even spoke with her!” Twilight exclaimed, really not in the mood for the Nightmare Moon jokes. “I’m fine, Pinkie... I was just talking with her, that’s all.”

“Ah think that our friend Pinkie here was just feelin’ a little antsy ‘bout somethin’,” Applejack laughed. she knew exactly where the pink party pony’s issues were coming from and why she was acting even stranger than normal.

Twilight glanced from Applejack to the pink party pony, “Oh, okay... What’s wrong, Pinkie? Are you okay?”

“As long as the mean old Nightmare Moon didn’t try and take my Twilight... I’ll be okay.” Pinkie’s mane and tail poofed up, exemplifying her energetic stance.

Twilight sighed and shook her head, “It’s not going to happen, Pinkie. Don’t worry about that.”

Pinkie smiled, giving her a hug and nuzzling her neck. Twilight blushed a bit, but hugged her in return, if even just to further assure her. She had to admit, Pinkie’s cuddly, bouncy ways were appealing to her and she found herself enjoying the contact more with each nuzzle Pinkie Pie offered.

“Come.” Pinkie bounded over to a spot opposite the snuggling Rarity and Spike. “Snugglies!”

Twilight rose an eyebrow, but shrugged before she walked over to sit with her friend. Almost immediately upon doing so, Pinkie brought her forelegs around the studious unicorn, snuggling her close before she kissed her on the nose. The unicorn blushed, but Pinkie grinned widely.

“Don’t you worry, my Twilight, we’re all right here! And I’m here, too, of course!”

“T-thanks Pinkie. I gotta say though... you’re being very cuddly all of a sudden.” Twilight stuttered as an unwanted wave of heat crossed her muzzle.

“Hee hee! What can I say? They don’t call me Pinkie Cuddly Wuddly Pie for nothing!”

“Darling... we don’t call you that...” Rarity pointed out in a bit of a deadpan manner.

“Don’t mind her, Twilight, at this rate the super duper Pinkie Pie will be known as Pinkie Cuddly Wuddly Pie in no time!”

A small smile cracked at Twilight’s lips, “I definitely don’t doubt that...”

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

The monotonous beeping of the heart rate monitor droned on repeatedly. The dull, annoying noise barely reached Fluttershy’s ears. Being one of the few sounds in the room, it sounded too loud, yet too soft all at once. The only other sounds were of five ponies breathing. The soft gurgle of her tummy sounded, thankful that she chose to eat lunch an hour ago. Twilight’s visit already felt like it happened days ago.

Fluttershy held her beloved’s hoof in both of hers’, afraid to even let go for a second. It was getting harder and harder to look upon her lover’s comatose form, her eyes closed, as if threatening to never open again. Everything in the room felt like it was reaching out and mocking her. Even the ponies who lay peacefully in their own beds added to the horrible feeling of seeping doom.

‘No... I shouldn’t think that. Everything here is meant to help her, and she would probably be dead if not for them.’ Fluttershy battled against her doubts.

She heard the stallion across from her murmur to his posh fillyfriend. Fluttershy’s unfocused mind failed to comprehend what was being said, yet she felt they were words of hope to his loved one. She glanced across at the couple and realised that the nurse must have opened the curtain between them after lunch. She could see white interlocked with grey as he tenderly held his lover’s hoof. She smiled at the ray of hope they held between them. Her grip tightened on her own special somepony. She had to keep her own ray of hope for the pegasus she held most dear to her heart.

As the stallion began to murmur to his partner once more, Fluttershy decided to try the same tactic on her special guardian. She turned to gaze down at the cyan beauty on the hospital bed. Even like this, comatose and dead to the world, Rainbow Dash took her breath away.

With a shaky, uncertain voice Fluttershy spoke to the pony she wished to see awaken. “Rainbow... I-I know you can’t hear me, but I have to say...” The timid mare took a deep steadying breath, she could feel small volumes of strength returning to her system with every word to her lover.

It was that strength, that hope that helped her onwards. “I think I feel better talking to you. Even if... even if you don’t answer me back. But that’s okay. I suppose... there is a part of me that hopes, somewhere in there, you know I’m here. It does help. I wish you could answer me back...” She pouted, her voice soft and sombre.

Fluttershy let out a tiny sigh that may as well have come from a mouse and glanced around at the curtain across from her on the left side of Rainbow Dash’s bed. She had only recently realized that one of the guards who had helped them, lay in the bed there. While she knew thanks were in order once every ponies’ condition improved, for now Fluttershy wished to stick by her loved one. He was thankfully protected by the false wall that hung from the ceiling. That curtain kept her from seeing what sort of injuries had caused him to wind up in such a room. She turned to the right side of Rainbow Dash’s bed, twisting around in her seat to better view of the older couple who lay together on a double hospital bed.

While their curtain was currently pulled back to reveal them, Fluttershy was sure the doctor had done so for a reason. Since they now appeared to be sleeping, she turned back to face her lover, encouraged that nopony save her mare had a chance of hearing her words.

“It’ll be okay, Dashie. I just hope you wake up. If... if you never do... I’ll always love you, my pretty rainbow... No pony can replace you. Though our blossomed relationship was short-lived, i-it was amazing. These past few weeks...” Tears of sincerity ran down the creamy yellow mare’s face as she gazed upon her beloved. “…These past few weeks have been by far the best of my life. And it was because of you Dashie… Oh, I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I have been... how we had been able to come together in love. I only wish I told you sooner... But I suppose better late than never, right? Our first night together, making love, oh... I’ll never forget it. Ever. They say you never forget your first time, your first love, your first kiss...  And I know I never will.” She smiled through the pain she felt inside. She had to be brave, for herself and for Rainbow Dash.

“That’s soo sweet…” murmured the stallion behind her.

Fluttershy jumped in surprise to face the bed where the unicorn couple lay. She could not believe he had just heard the words intended for Rainbow’s ears only.

From his partner’s side, the grey stallion continued, a grim smiled upon his muzzle. “Don’t worry young mare… it’s all safe with me. Just keep talking to her. I’m sure she can hear you.” His gaze fell upon his own mare. “Just like I know Crystal Showers here can hear me.”

“Oh…” The shy pegasus turned away, a strong blush coated her face. ‘Next time I have to leave out the part about us having sex. I don’t know what I’d do if any pony else heard.’ She knew it would be polite to respond to the stranger, but her nerves prevented her mouth from working.

Silence reigned.

“I-it’s nice to meet you sir… my name’s Fluttershy.” A high pitched squeak escaped and she hid behind her mane. One eye peeked out across at the stallion who continued to hold his mare’s hoof.

“I can see why,” chuckled the stallion. “I’m Greymane. Pleased to meet you.” His gaze fell to the unicorn he held. “Both my wife and I are in because of certain health problems. Excuse me, but I probably should try and get some rest.”

“Oh… Okay.” Fluttershy quietly replied. She turned to once again face her special somepony.

A yellow hoof idly played with multi-coloured locks of the speedster’s mane. They spiralled slowly down till they reached her tummy. Fluttershy sighed and nuzzled her guardian. She was so warm, so inviting. If only it were a double bed, then she could lay with her special pegasus.

She heard the sound of lips meeting muzzle as the stallion kissed his wife. Something inside Fluttershy cried out at the sound and without thought to her actions, she stood. The timid pegasus slowly, carefully hovered in the air. She could feel her wings cry out in joy! It felt rather wonderful to be airborne again, even if in confined spaces. With determination written all over her muzzle, Fluttershy manuvered herself till she hovered over Rainbow Dash.

Bedsprings creaked and legs were jarred as Fluttershy landed ungainly upon the bed straddling her loved one. A delighted smile lit her face. It might not be a bed designed for two, but she was confident she could still snuggle her lover for support. She had to do anything to make her comatose fillyfriend feel better and what better way to get through to the highly physical pony than more physical contact. She slipped into the sheets, spooning her lover and slid a wing over the side of the sleeping pegasus. Now she was comfortable and hoped that inside, Dash would be too.

In the hospital ward the slow beeping of the life support machine rang out in the otherwise silent room.

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

“Rainbow....wake up…” Fluttershy’s plea escaped her lips, badly audible.

“Rainbow....wake up...”

“Five more minutes….” mumbled the speedster to herself, unwilling to open her eyes.

But it was for naught, since Rainbow Dash woke up moments later. Her eyes fluttered open. For a brief moment, she was taken off guard when she saw where she was. Where was she? It took a moment to register, but she felt her body relax. It was only Fluttershy’s cottage. Their cottage. Their home. Their bedroom.

Next to her in bed, Fluttershy beamed happily with a bright smile. “Hello, my love...”

With a delighted chuckle, Dash leaned over and kissed the beautiful pegasus on the nose. “Morning, sunshine.”

Fluttershy giggled before wriggling out of bed. She headed over to her dresser to brush her mane in front of the mirror. Rainbow sat up in bed, watching with admiring eyes. Little sweet moments like this in the morning were always such heartwarming gold. The cyan pegasus extracted herself out of bed as well and trotted over to join her love. She patiently watched as the shy pegasus continued to brush her mane.

An idea sparked in her mind. She took the brush from Fluttershy, motioned for her to sit, then continued the job of brushing her mane. Of course she added a little Rainbow Dash flare to the mix as she worked... but that was all part of the fun. Fluttershy giggled and leaned back against her. The sweet action quickly escalted into snuggles between the two despite the efforts to get her mane brushed.

Afterward, Fluttershy carefully picked up a piece of jewellery from the dresser and placed it around Rainbow’s neck. A pendant on a strong but loose-fitting chain. Rainbow grinned, doing the same by taking a similar piece and placing it around Fluttershy’s neck. Pendants of each other’s cutie marks; with Fluttershy wearing the pendant of the powerful rainbow lightning bolt striking from a cloud while Rainbow wore the pendant of the three pink butterflies.

Both mares shared a nuzzle. The warm fuzzes erupted around them. They warmed the room and brought joy to their hearts. The lovers shared a sweet kiss, pouring their love for each other into the simple, enjoyable action. With smiles on their faces, they turned to gaze at a framed photograph sitting on the dresser. A wedding photo.

“Mom! Mommy! Yay!” A yellow coated, rainbow maned filly barrelled around the corner. She quickly collided with her parents in a ball of rainbow and sunny yellow at their hooves.

“Good morning, Spectra.” Fluttershy helped her filly up and into a family hug.

“You’re acting just like me there squirt. Just try not to crash into everything next time.” Dash giggled as her daughter nuzzled her.

“Mommy’s right… slow down before you hurt yourself, sweetie,” Fluttershy gently chided.

“Oh come on! But Scootaloo taught me a cool trick!” Spectra pouted.

“You bet I did!” Scootaloo entered the parents bedroom as well, a broad grin upon her muzzle.

Dash chuckled, she looked from her adopted daughter/sister to their own filly, “Really now? Would you care to share it with the class later after I get back from work?”

“Yes!” Spectra nuzzled her parents before wriggling away. “C’mon, Scoots! Time for school!”

“Not until after we eat!” The orange pegasus reminded her.

“Well,” Fluttershy smiled at her family before she headed to the stairs, “Then I suppose that means duty calls. Let’s get you all some breakfast.”

An excited Spectra chased after the motherly mare, full of hearty giggles and wearing a cheeky grin. Scootaloo watched after them, turning back to Rainbow Dash.

“Any cool tours with the Wonderbolts coming up, Rainbow Dash?” She asked hopefully.

Rainbow paused, for some reason she could not remember anything about her next tour with the Wonderbolts. In fact, a lot of things, though present in her life and mind, seemed to be a strange mystery she couldn’t piece together. But it was probably nothing, anyway, just overthinking everything. The question at hoof regarded her lifelong idols, the Wonderbolts. The cyan pegasus still kept a poster of her group on the center wall of the bedroom.

“Nah. Nothing I can think of. Just weather jobs for now for me.” Dash smiled. “I’ve got a family now, and I’m not about to leave my friends or my family hanging! Besides, I’ve had my run going out far and wide. There should be something coming up close to home soon… I’ll need to check.”

The young pegasus looked downcast for a moment before recovering. “Does that mean you’ll get time off to show me all your cool tricks so that I’ll get to be a Wonderbolt one day too?”

“You know it, squirt,” Dash chuckled and ruffled her mane, still calling the youngster the affectionate silly name.

Scootaloo smiled brightly, “Awesome!” she exclaimed and rushed downstairs to join her adopted sister and mother for breakfast.

Before following, Rainbow Dash took one last glance at the Wonderbolts poster, to which she herself was a centerpiece on. The picture had been taken when she was the captain of the Wonderbolts. The leader on all their travels and the most amazing pegasus on the team. In those days, both Fluttershy and herself traveled around together, so as not to be separated for too long. Dash knew it hadn’t been easy for Fluttershy to have left her home and animals behind, but was she willing to endure it. The shy pegasus had even met all manor of creatures on their travels, some of whom lived near the cottage now.

Eventually they married and for a time, remained traveling with the Wonderbolts as one of their full time show ponies. Life on the road remained exciting as before, but Fluttershy’s wish to return home to their previous way of life quickly became harder to ignore for the now married Dash.

Fluttershy had been wishing to settle down and begin a family. Dash had been initially unsure, considering her position of power. But the captain of the Wonderbolts soon realized just how important a slow-paced and simple life was to her wife. The couple both agreed for Fluttershy to stay behind at their home while Dash traveled for one last tour abroad with the Wonderbolts.

Dash’s eyes turned to a smaller poster the hung over the bed. This one showed a small group of show ponies. This was the group Rainbow Dash had elected to lead for local shows. A system that allowed her to continue to live the dream of being a part of the Wonderbolts and stay with Fluttershy. On some occasions, the whole family would accompany Dash to her shows closer to home. As such gigs could hardly cover the cost of a family, the part time Wonderbolt chose to become Ponyville’s resistant weather pony once more.

Now, she had a new dream.

Dash smiled, feeling a sense of warmth overcome her heart at memories she held. But something was off, something deep and elusive. The proud pegasus shook the strange feeling off as nothing. She flew downstairs and joined her family for breakfast.

Scootaloo and Spectra were ready for school as they eagerly stood at the front door with their saddlebags, they waited impatiently for their mother to bring them their lunches. Fluttershy did so, handing them each a paper bag.

“Goodbye you two, have a nice day at school,” Fluttershy smiled, kissing their foreheads.

“We will, Mommy!” Spectra giggled.

“See you, Fluttershy!” Scootaloo waved, leading her little charge out the door.

Rainbow Dash moved to the door next, with her own saddlebags as she prepared to depart for another day of weather duties.

“Have a good day, my love,” Fluttershy cooed sweetly, offering a nuzzle.

Grinning, Dash swept Fluttershy into an intimate embrace and gave her a loving, searing kiss. Fluttershy squeaked in surprise, but was eventually kissing her back vigorously. They parted, looking to each other with flushed, half-lidded smiles, remaining close to one another.

“Come home for lunch, Dashie,” Fluttershy whispered in a sultry tone.

A suggestive smirk overcame Dash’s features as she licked her wife’s lips, “You read my mind, Flutters. Think... you might want to throw a little bit of that cute lingerie you have?”

“Hee, of course.” The shy pony didn’t even try to hid the blush that now completely covered her muzzle.

They kissed once more, nuzzling each other warmly.

“Love you, Fluttershy.” Dash smiled as she headed outside onto the path. “So much.”

“And I love you too, Rainbow,” Fluttershy beamed, blushing. “I’ll see you later.”

Elated, the cyan pegasus headed out and flew off into the waiting sky. However, in doing so, she felt a very strange feeling. It was warm and loving, as if enveloping her completely in a strange familiar way. It almost felt as she were carrying her loved one with her. Her care, her love, her soul, yet she knew that the pretty yellow mare was at home waiting for her triumphant return.

The bold mare quickly completed her weather duties for the day, the strange presence helped her all the way. Cloud by cloud disappeared under precise, well practised assaults. Her clear speed was amazing. Today was truly a great day to be a pegasus! Soon she began to feel herself drawn back to the cottage she called home by the strange feeling inside.

“Time for lunch! Oh boy, I wonder what Fluttershy’s got in store!” She wondered as she flew along.

“Hush now, quiet now, it’s time to lay your sleepy head...”

Rainbow Dash almost fell out of the sky in suprise, ears perking. “Fluttershy?” She looked around, up and down, and behind her. But there was no sign of Fluttershy or anypony for that matter. “Weird...I swear I her singing... But what the hay is going on?! Fluttershy’s at home and I’m pretty sure I’m not imagining it! Oh, whatever.”

She hummed and whistled, trying to get her mind off the strange occurrence from just moments ago. Nothing to worry about, anyway.

Something quick as lighting darted by, startling the speedster out of her lovestruck flying pattern.

“What the hay?!” She exclaimed, hovering like a stunned pegasus.

Another projectile rocked past her, slamming into the road below, sending shards upwards. The athletic pegasus dodged the incoming shrapnel.

“Nothing’s going to bring Rainbow Dash down that easily...” She muttered as she boldly sped off.

The ex-Wonderbolt evaded several more falling rocks, swerving out of the way with well practised ease. The strange sensation of Fluttershy never left her. It felt like the shy pegasus was snuggling her back, it was odd, but filled her with hope. Dash knew she would succeed in this new, bizarre challenge. A grin entered her face, nothing could stop this pegasus. Suddenly a new thought entered her head. ‘Fluttershy! I hope you’re alright!’ The part time Wonderbolt put on an additional burst of speed and plowed onwards through the deadly storm. She glanced up to appraise her position only for her eyes to widen in fear. The biggest hunk of rock she had ever seen was headed right for her. The flaming projectile smashed into her and she fell, pulled to the ground by its mass. ‘This is it... this is the end...’ She closed her eyes, small tears formed despite the otherworldly forces exerted upon her.

She hit the ground, her tail pinned beneath the rock. Try as she may, she couldn’t move. Her tail was caught and taut, and the rock was far too big and heavy for her to move, especially since she couldn’t adjust herself to the right angle without pulling hard on her tail. There was no way she should have survived the fall, yet somehow, here she was… still alive.

“No! No!! I have to get home to Fluttershy...! I have to help her...! Help our kids...! Uggghh, come on, tail!!” Dash yelled out, trying hard to pull her tail out, but with no success. “No!!”

All around, far and beyond, meteorites continued to fall from the sky. If not for the completely hopeless and terrifying situation, it would’ve been an amazing spectacle. Rainbow Dash could hear the screams coming from Ponyville, the air raid sirens going off, and crashes of the falling rocks in the distance. There were even mild tremors along the ground. It was clear that this wasn’t the only big rock to make an impact.

She trembled, tears in her eyes. There was nothing she could do to protect her family, who were likely terrified, especially Fluttershy, who was at home with the animals. Spectra and Scootaloo were safe at the schoolhouse, especially since they had each other for comfort. But it still didn’t help that she was trapped and somepony could get hurt, especially her friends and family.

“Rainbow… Rainbow, my dear... It’s okay...you’re going to be all right...” Fluttershy’s soft, sweet voice reached her ears.

“...Fluttershy! Fluttershy, thank Celestia you’re okay! But you shouldn’t be here! It’s dangerous!” Dash cried, looking around, but found no sign of her wife. “…Fluttershy? Fluttershy, where are you?”

“I’m here, my love… I’m here… and I won’t leave you…” Despite the bold mares cries, Fluttershy sounded like she couldn’t hear anything Dash said.

A warm comfort washed over her once more. Dash had never felt so warm and safe before. As death rained down upon the world, one pony enjoyed the safety afforded by her true love. She closed her eyes in defeat as the world around her died. Inside she could still feel Fluttershy. She held onto the feeling, made it all her mind thought of, all she existed for.

As Dash lay in the fetal position on the scorched earth, her back became warm and cosy. It felt like she was being spooned by her Fluttershy. The soft touch of yellow fur against blue, pink mane merging with all the colours of the rainbow. It felt like a wing now covered her heaving side protectively. She could hear whispers, soft as Fluttershy’s quietest pleas and sadder than the tears she cried over every animal lost.

Time passed. Dash didn’t know how long, but after a while, everything just stopped. She managed to open her eyes and looked all around. Nothing was out of place nor damaged, which was odd. What had happened? Had she just imagined Ponyville’s destruction?

“Rainbow...” The soft tone of her wife drifted as if on the breeze.

“Fluttershy? Where are you!?!” The solitary mare cried out.

“It’s okay, my sweet rainbow… I-I’m here for you... Oh, my dearest, please wake up...” Her tone was pleading, almost like she was holding back tears.

“But I am awake.” Dash responded, confused.

No response. The voice faded away, as if it were never even heard. The sense of peace however, remained.

Suddenly, the sense of peace turned cold. The whole world appeared to slowly lose its colour as on the far horizon, a winged creature appeared.

The winged pony rapidly descended with otherworldly grace and soon landed in front of the part time Wonderbolt. The sight of the mare took Dash’s breath away.

Before her stood an impossible creature. She appeared to be an alicorn, but at the same time, she was not. Dash found herself staring at the captivating eyes, unnatural orbs that glowed with mischief and power. Her right eye was a bright sunny yellow while her left was deep purple. Her head was grey and matched her glowing horn: A white tufty mane stuck out, it almost covered her yellow eye like a crazy unbrushed fringe. Past her brown ears fell a light black mane which fell like darkness upon the pure white body of the strong young mare. Her blue wings tucked themselves neatly at her sides and a sky blue tail that looked like it belonged to a draconequus twitched in the breeze. In place of a left hoof, she had a lions paw. The whole left leg was a light brown that suddenly cut off as it met her perfect white coat. Her right foreleg was deep brown and like the lion’s leg, it too retained its colour right up to the pristine, pure white coat. Her cutie mark was of clouds slowly moving to cover the sun, a sun that looked rather like the cutie mark upon Princess Celestia.

“Wha-“ Dash began, filled with awe.

The regal alicorn cut the stunned pegasus off with a wave of her forehoof.

Although her voice was cheeky and light, the message she carried was anything but.

“If I were a filly of any sort,

I’d leave Canterlot and travel forth,

for only fools seek the griffin talismans of their Lord.

Upon the pathway leading south,

This trail bring death with every pace;

Beware of dangers lurking there, both in land, sea and sky,

two paws, two claws of the feathered race.

And false ponies of black who seek thy love.

After thy home one day, seek out the zebra and his wife,

Forsake the path, continue southlands way,

Find the trail and lose thy life.

Dodge thine cities and their hay,

For upon volcanic rock thou shall make thy stay.

Meet the ones of fire for they shall show thee the way,

across land of marsh and mud.

With sense sharp and open eyes,

thou shall not sleep least

the one of yellow and pink disappear.

Where the sea meets the shore,

Rock stands sentinel evermore,

Find it as I did.

The one of magic who cannot fly,

The beast of fire who cannot roar,

Lies deep beneath the monster's mouth,

Keep him with you night and day

For there in caverns vast,

Thy final talisman is hid.”

The regal pony fell silent, her face lit up in a gleeful smile before she remembered the contents of the riddle she had just delivered. Her face quickly became sombre yet she retained the cheeky look in her eye.

Dash stood before the strange alicorn, unsure what to do or say. She felt like there was no place for her to go, or to hide. She was rooted to the spot. Before this creature, in this fading world of white all Dash could do was stare.

“Wha- who are you…?” Rainbow Dash eventually managed.

The stranger let out a giggle. “Who me?” Her horn lit up with powerful magic and she spread her wings wide. “You’ll find out… or maybe not… I don’t know yet. Mother will be soo angry…” She giggled like a naughty filly, with a mighty flap of her wings, she took off into nothingness in the sky above.

“Just remember to remember my riddle. Its so much fun…” The mysterious mostly-alicorn giggled from somewhere in the void Dash found herself in.

Darkness closed in on the speedster but as she raised her wings in a panicked attempt to flee, she felt the warm presence of her lover return like a nice blanket on a cold winters night.

“Fluttershy…” smiled Rainbow Dash, thankful that she wasn’t quite so alone anymore.