When Will it End?

by Whirl Wind

Chapters

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten

Chapter One

Chapter One: Broken Minds

“Whirl Wind, can you hear me?” Princess Celestia asked in a calm voice.

“Yes…” Whirl responded weakly.

“I need you to look around you, tell me what you see.” Princess Celestia said in the same calming voice.

“I see… you… am I awake?” Whirl asked weakly, but enthusiastically.

“Not yet, I need you to focus on my image and follow me. I will lead you out of your mind.” Celestia instructed.

Whirl followed Celestia through the darkness. “I’m scared…” Whirl said weakly.

“It’s going to be okay, he won’t keep you here while I am around.” Celestia responded.

“Boldly spoken Princess Celestia, but you are in our minds now.” General Wind’s voice echoed through the darkness.

“Whirl, I need you to surrender your mind to me, give me total control.” Celestia said calmly.

“It’s yours; just get me to Derpy again…” Whirl responded in a weaker tone.

“That won’t help you princess; I still hold all the cards!” General Wind yelled as his body formed in the darkness. “It is time for you to die.” He said as he approached.

Celestia quickly put up a barrier around Whirl and herself as they continued to walk. General Wind tapped the barrier with his sword and it melted away. “Perhaps I have underestimated your power, since that is the case let me just tell you one thing. I will take Equestria from you, I am not weak like King Sombra was. I am stronger than him and you princess. When I do take Equestria I will be sure to make you suffer and free the ponies you oppress. No longer will I be known as General Wind, from this moment on I will be known as Shadow Wind and that name will be burned into the minds of everypony in all of Equestria.”

“I don’t talk this much, do I Celestia?” Whirl asked weakly as they walked.

“No you don’t, which is a relief. Evil leaders tend to be a bit arrogant and they feel the need to let everypony know how arrogant they are.” Celestia said with a giggle.

“Mock me while you can, in the end I will have the last laugh.” Shadow Wind said as he vanished.

“I didn’t think he would ever leave.” Whirl said with a weak chuckle.

“There is our way out.” Celestia said as they walked towards a white passage way. “We need only walk through and you should be awake.”

“Thank goodness, this has been a nightmare…”

They approached the white passage and Celestia walked through it first. Whirl followed suit and felt a great warmth in his chest and he closed his eyes. When he opened them again he saw Derpy, Doctor Ray, Rumble, Thunder Lane, Princess Celestia, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Big Macintosh, and Fluttershy all standing over him. Whirl let out a sigh of relief and smiled. “Why is there so many ponies standing over me?” he asked with a chuckle.

“Well, Rumble, Thunder Lane, and Doctor Ray were already here. Twilight came in with Princess Celestia when Doctor Ray went to get them to help you. Applejack, Big Macintosh, and Fluttershy came with me after I told them you were going to be in the hospital for a few days.” Derpy explained. “You scared the daylights out of us Whirl! You flat-lined twice!” she said as her tone suddenly changed to a more upset tone.

“Yes, that was quite the scare. You scared us again when you dropped into that coma and then started talking.” Doctor Ray said with a chuckle.

“Yall have to stop with the bad luck Whirl, yall are too much of a good pony to suffer so much.” Applejack said with a smile.

“Eeyup.” Big Macintosh said happily.

“What was it like inside of your mind Whirl? It would be great to know what that is like for my studies.” Twilight said excitedly.

“It was dark, cold, and terrifying and I hope you never experience it.” Whirl said plainly.

“You were scared?” Rumble asked curiously.

“Everypony gets scared; the key is not to let it stop you from doing what needs to be done. I didn’t let it stop me from getting back did I?” Whirl said happily.

“No you didn’t, and that is why you are awesome!” Rumble said happily.

Whirl felt a little light headed and rested his head. He let out a deep breath and rolled his head to look at Derpy. “I am just glad to be back to tell you all the good news. Derpy and I are getting married.” Whirl said happily.

“That’s wonderful news sugar cube! When is the weddin goin ta be?” Applejack asked excitedly.

“We will let you all know when we plan it out a bit more.” Whirl said as he let out another deep breath. He let out a slight moan and rolled his head again to look at Doctor Ray. “Hey, my head is feeling really wrong right now.” He said weakly.

Doctor Ray sighed. “Unfortunately I can’t do anything for it. Nothing is physically wrong with your mind; it is all a mental disconnection that you are recovering from. The only thing you can do is wait for it to feel better on its own.” He said sadly.

“That sucks…” Whirl said as he put his fore hoof to his head. “Maybe dim the lights?” he suggested.

Twilight’s horn started to glow and the lights in the room dimmed. “Is that better?” she asked happily.

“Much better, thank you, and thank you all for coming to visit; it really means a lot. How long was I out anyway?” Whirl asked curiously.

“Six hours, that is why we were all able to get here.” Derpy said softly.

“Six hours!? How long have you all been here?!” Whirl asked frantically.

“Five hours.” Fluttershy said from the back of the group. “We don’t mind though, you’re our friend.”

“But I mind because I am your friend. You all shouldn’t have wasted so much time with me, I don’t need the attention. I have gone my whole life without it.” Whirl said sternly.

“Maybe that’s why you need it so badly now.” Fluttershy suggested.

“I agree with Fluttershy, you should have had friends since you were young. You deserve happiness Whirl and friends are usually the place to find happiness.” Twilight said happily.

“But…” Whirl started.

“No buts, we are all in agreement that you are worth our time.” Derpy said as she put a hoof over his mouth.

Whirl smiled and looked around at everypony’s faces. “You are all so awesome.”

“Visiting hours are over, time to let the patients rest.” A nurse said as she passed by the room.

Everypony in the room let out a disappointed moan, except for Princess Celestia of course. They all said their goodbyes before leaving the room. Derpy stayed behind for a moment.

“I’ll be back tomorrow after work honey. I wish I could stay, but my boss needs to see my work improvement since my eyes have been fixed. I want to prove to everypony that I can work as hard, if not harder, than anypony now.” She explained with a slightly sad tone.

Whirl smiled. “You go be the best mail mare you can be. I am not going anywhere.” He said happily.

Derpy smiled and kissed him on his forehead before head out. Doctor Ray adjusted Whirl’s bed into a more comfortable position. “Just call for one of the nurses if you need anything; they are very worried about you.” He said happily.

“You convinced them that I am not insane?” Whirl asked with a chuckle.

“No, you did when you went into a coma and started crying.” Doctor Ray said softly. “Get some rest, tomorrow is the next step of recovery.”

“Thank you Doctor Ray.” Whirl said as he got comfortable.

Doctor Ray checked a few more things before he too headed out of the room.

Whirl closed his eyes and quickly drifted off to sleep. Everything in his dream seemed ultra-saturated and unfocused. Whirl was walking through a field when he suddenly bumped into something, or somepony. Princess Luna stood before him with a smiled on her face. “Luna! It is so good to see you!” he said as he gave her a hug.

Luna quickly returned the hug. “I heard about what happened; I am here to guard you in your dreams.” She explained happily.

Whirl pulled away from Luna. “Why would you need to do that? How could Shadow Wind get in my dreams?” Whirl asked curiously.

“Very simply, I just tap into your brain and access your unconscious mind.” Shadow Wind said as he stepped from the saturation. “No need to be alarmed, I am not here to fight. It would be pointless in a dream anyway.”

Whirl took one look at him and noticed something more shocking than anything he had ever seen, Shadow Wind had a horn. “Now where did a pony like you get that?” Whirl asked in a hateful tone.

“Just a little something King Sombra left me; he left me more than you will ever know. I just came to negotiate your surrender to me.” Shadow Wind said as he summoned a throne to sit on.

“Why in the world would we surrender to you? You have nothing we don’t.” Luna said with a smirk.

“Psh, as far as you know; I guess you will learn the hard way what I have.” Shadow Wind said as he relaxed on his throne.

“Until then, can you just leave me alone? You really irritate me.” Whirl said in an annoyed tone.

“Very well, I will see you again soon; in the waking world.” Shadow Wind said as he vanished.

“I really, really, really hate that guy.” Luna said with a sigh.

“Does it count as hating myself if I agree?” Whirl asked with a chuckle.

“I guess it kind of does. But don’t worry, I hate Nightmare Moon so I guess it’s okay.” Luna responded with a giggle.

“Well, this is a dream, what do you want to do? I can make us anything right?” Whirl asked happily.

“Indeed that is true. You can create whatever you wish.” Lune responded with a smile. “Perhaps we can do some ice-skating?” she suggested.

“In the middle of summer?” Whirl asked with a confused look.

“We never get to ice-skate during the summer.” Luna said with a shrug.

“True enough! Let’s ice-skate then!” Whirl said as he started to concentrate. A frozen lake soon came into focus, as did two set of skates. “How’s that look?” Whirl asked happily.

“It looks wonderful.” Luna said as she magically put her skates on.

Whirl scrambled to get his skates on, and when he did he glided out onto the ice gracefully. Luna followed suit and skated up next to him. “How long have you been skating Whirl?” Luna asked curiously.

“This is my first time, but I figure since it is a dream I can chose how easy it is to do.” Whirl explained.

Luna was a bit surprised by his response. “You seem to know a lot about dreams; do you by chance lucid dream?” she asked curiously.

“Yes I do!” Whirl said as he did a backflip. “I learned it when I was young to get away from reality at night. It helped me cope with moving so much and not having any friends. I once even created a friend in my dreams to visit with, but I soon realized I was just talking to myself.” He explained.

“That would be true if it was something you created in your dreams. It would also be the perfect friend.” Luna said as she started to calmly skate across the ice.

“He really was. I guess I am my own best friend. Now I am my own worst enemy too; isn’t that ironic?” Whirl said with a chuckle.

“Indeed it is. I must depart soon, it is almost dawn.” Luna said sadly.

“What do you mean? We just started skating a moment ago.” Whirl said with a chuckle.

“Time moves quicker in reality while you are asleep. Your mind makes it go by faster.” Luna explained as everything began to fade. “Have a good day Whirl.” She said as the whole world vanished and Whirl awoke.

Whirl adjusted his bed into a laying up position and yawned. His stomach let out a loud rumble and he let out a chuckle. “Nurse!” he called out.

A nurse quickly trotted into the room with a smile. “What can I do for you Mr. Wind?” she asked kindly.

“I was wondering if I could walk around, or does the doctor want me in bed?” Whirl asked curiously.

“At this time we feel that it would be better if you stayed in bed, but I can get you anything you need.” The nurse offered kindly.

“Oh, okay. First of all, what is your name?” Whirl asked kindly.

“You can call me Nurse Red Heart.” She replied with a smile.

“Nurse Red Heart, may I have some breakfast?” Whirl asked in a polite tone.

“Yes you may, what would you like?”

“Whatever the chef feels like cooking, I don’t want anything special.”

“Alright, it should be here in thirty minutes.” Nurse Red Heart said as she started to walk out the door. “Oh one more thing Mr. Wind; I’m sorry. I didn't mean to treat you so rudely last time you were here. I suspect that a lot of ponies treated you that way even when you didn't deserve it.”

“It’s alright; I forgive everypony who treated me badly. I might have done the same thing too if I were you.” Whirl admitted.

“That’s good to hear. I’ll be right back with your breakfast.” She responded as she left.

Whirl saw Rumble sleeping on the bed next to his. Rumble rolled over and his eyes opened. “Good morning Rumble.” Whirl said with a smile.

Rumble yawned and stretched. “Good morning. How are you this morning?” Rumble asked sleepily.

“A bit light headed, but okay overall.” Whirl responded with a smile. “How are you?”

Rumble rubbed his bruised eye. “A bit sore, but okay. You got quite a kick Whirl.” Rumble said jokingly.

“You know I would never do that to you on purpose right?” Whirl asked guiltily.

“I know that, we are like best friends you and I!” Rumble said happily.

“I am so sorry I couldn’t stop him from doing that to you. I should have fought harder.” Whirl said as he rubbed his head.

“You did your best and that is the most I could ask from you.” Rumble said as Nurse Red Heart walked in with two trays of food.

“Breakfast is served.” She said happily as she placed the trays on their laps.

“Thank you.” They both responded in unison.

Nurse Red Heart wheeled the cart out of the room again and continued on her way. Whirl looked at his tray with anticipation. “Jellied toast and eggs, the breakfast of kings.” Whirl said jokingly.

Rumble chuckled and started to eat. “It tastes great!” he said happily.

Whirl scooped some eggs onto the toast and took a bite. “This is really good. Next time Nurse Red Heart comes in, remind me to thank her and the chef.” He said happily.

“Will do.” Rumble said with his mouth full.

“You should chew before you speak bud, you don’t want to get crumbs everywhere.” Whirl said with a chuckle.

Rumble swallowed his food and laughed. “You sound like my parents.”

“I am a full grown stallion, you know that right?” Whirl asked with a chuckle.

“Yeah, but you aren’t like normal grown-ups.” Rumble said happily.

“Is that so? How am I different?” Whirl asked with a smirk.

“Well, you talk to me like I am a grown-up also. You talk to me more than my parents do.” Rumble said sadly.

“I am sure your parents would talk to you more if they could. Parents tend to be really busy with work.” Whirl explained. “And of course I talk to you like you are a grown-up. Why wouldn’t I?”

“Because I wouldn’t understand what you are saying.” Rumble said innocently.

“Have you been confused at all so far?” Whirl asked with a chuckle.

“No. Well, I was confused when you and Princess Celestia were talking in your sleep. Who is Shadow Wind?” Rumble asked in a confused tone.

“That is what General Wind is calling himself now. He is just an arrogant fool.” Whirl said with a chuckle.

“Arrogant? What does that mean?” Rumble asked with a chuckle.

“Somepony that thinks that they are the best thing to grace Equestria when they really aren’t.” Whirl explained.

“Oh, well then he is arrogant. I heard what he was saying when you were talking in his voice.” Rumble said with a chuckle. “I am stronger than him and you princess.” Rumble said in a bloated voice.

Whirl let out a laugh. “Yeah, he does sound like that.”

Nurse Red Heart came into the room with a smile. “Are you both done?” she asked happily.

“I am.” Whirl said with a smile. “Thank you very much for bringing it to me and thank the chef for his magnificent cooking.”

“Well thank you for the compliment on my cooking skills.” Nurse Red Heart said with a wink as she took Whirl’s plate.

“I am done too.” Rumble said happily. “It was very good.”

“Well thank you cutie.” Nurse Red Heart said happily as she took Rumble’s plate and put it on the cart.

“Nurse Red Heart, what is this pumpy thing?” Rumble asked as he pulled the blood pressure pump off the wall.

“That is to test your blood pressure dear. I’ll show you how it works right now; I need to take Whirl’s blood pressure anyway.” She responded as she took it from him. She walked over to Whirl and wrapped it around Whirl’s left fore hoof; she then squeezed it the appropriate amount before taking a reading. “Are you experiencing pain or anxiety this morning Mr. Wind?” she asked with a concerned look.

“Just a bit of light headedness; why do you ask?” Whirl asked curiously.

“Your blood pressure is extremely high. I am going to need to call in the doctor really quick.” She said as she hung the blood pressure monitor. “Try to keep calm while I am gone Mr. Wind.” She said as she walked out the door.

Rumble looked over to Whirl with concern. “Are you okay Whirl?” he asked worriedly.

“I don’t know; I just feel light headed.” Whirl said as he laid his head down.

“I hope you are okay; I don’t want anything else to happen to you.” Rumble said softly.

“I have survived through a lot worse than this Rumble. I promise I will be fine.” Whirl said with a chuckle as Doctor Ray stepped into the room.

“High blood pressure with no pain and light headedness; what could it be?” Doctor Ray said with a smile on his face. His horn started to glow and he looked over Whirl. “Well, you are physically fine; however this is a problem. I would have to say it is another side effect from the mind splitting. It is possible General Wind is experiencing pain right now.”

“Shadow Wind is what he is going by now and that makes perfect sense doctor. He is in the Everfree Forest; who knows what he is being attacked by?” Whirl said with a shrug.

“Just remain as calm as possible so that you don’t raise your blood pressure even more, okay?” Doctor Ray said as he put his stethoscope on and placed it to Whirl’s chest. “Deep breaths please.” Whirl took in a few deep breaths and let the doctor do his work. “That has to be the strangest thing I have ever heard. I can hear four lungs and two hearts, but there are only two lungs and one heart in there.” Doctor Ray said in a befuddled tone.

“I don’t think you will see or hear anything normal from me until I get better.” Whirl said with a chuckle.

“That is going to make it difficult to find out if there is something wrong with you.” Doctor Ray said worriedly.

“I think I can hold out until I am better.” Whirl said happily.

“I hope so, I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.” Doctor Ray said worriedly.

“You are the third or fourth pony who has said that; I didn’t know I was so important.” Whirl said with a laugh.

“You are important to your friends Whirl!” Rumble said happily.

“I can see that; I am just not used to it.” Whirl said with a chuckle.

“Well, I am going to have to come back later on to check up on you again. I have two surgeries scheduled for today and I am going to be very busy. Just ring a nurse if you need anything. Rumble you are going to be discharged today at about noon. You just have to keep your head off the ground for a while, okay?” Doctor Ray asked with a grin.

“Sure thing doc.” Rumble said happily.

“Alright, I will have the nurse bring in the last bit of paper work for you to sign so we can get you out of here and then you will be able to go. I have to go prepare for surgery now, I will see you again later Whirl.” Doctor Ray said as he left the room in a hurry.

“I guess I am going to be leaving today.” Rumble said a bit sadly.

“It’s okay; at least one of us will be free.” Whirl said with a chuckle.

Rumble let out a laugh. “No, I am just going to be trading this for school.”

“School is very important Rumble; it made me the pony I am today.” Whirl said with a smile.

“School made you awesome? I find that hard to believe.” Rumble said with a chuckle.

“I learned everything important there, like how to analyze weather patterns and cloud formations so I can do my job properly. I also learned math, science, and history. Did you know that Princess Platinum was allergic to peanuts?” Whirl said with a chuckle.

“How do you know that?” Rumble asked curiously.

“Learned it in school.” Whirl responded simply.

“I guess that is pretty cool, I just wish I had more fun while I was there.” Rumble said with a shrug.

“You can make it fun by getting more involved. Studying the subject matter before you learn it in class you can have full conversation with the teacher about what you have learned and what you do not understand. Learning is really fun if you make it that way.” Whirl said happily.

Rumble looked at Whirl with a concerned look. “Extra study and talking to the teacher is fun? Are you sure you are okay? You sound a little bit crazy.”

“Trust me when I say that everything I have said is true. Not only will you be smarter, you will also have more fun in school.” Whirl responded with a grin.

“Alright, I will give it a try. But if it gets boring then I am going to go back to just going to school normally.” Rumble said skeptically.

“Sounds like a good plan to me. Did I ever tell you that I used to go to Ponyville’s school?” Whirl asked happily.

“No you didn’t, when did you go?” Rumble asked curiously.

“I was actually in class with Cheerilee when I was there. I doubt she remembers though; I only went for a month before moving again.” Whirl said with a chuckle.

“You got to see a lot of the world as a foal huh?”

“Just about every bit that I could; Cloudsdale, Manehatten, Los Pegasus, Canterlot, Ponyville, Appleoosa and so much more. I don’t miss traveling though; it was always such a hassle and it was hard to expect to stay somewhere and then leave again.” Whirl admitted.

Nurse Red Heart walked into the room with Thunder Lane following her. “Alright, all we need you to do is sign here Rumble and you are good to leave with your brother.” She said happily as she gave Rumble a pencil and held the paperwork for him to sign.

Rumble quickly signed the paper and then hopped out of bed. “I’ll come visit you when I can Whirl, hope you get well soon.” He said happily as his brother lead him out of the room.

Nurse Red Heart walked over the Whirl and checked his vitals. “Is there anything I can get you to help you relax?” she asked with a smile.

“Do you have any books on alicorns?” Whirl asked curiously.

“I don’t think we do, but we can put a request into the library if you would like us to.” Nurse Red Heart replied with a smile.

“Yes please, it is important that I learn as much as I can about them.”

“I will write the request when I get back to my desk. Anything else?”

“I can’t think of anything, thank you though.” Whirl said with a smile.

“You’re welcome.” Nurse Red Heart said as she trotted out of the room.

****

Chapter Two

Chapter Two: Derpy’s Days

Derpy woke up with a slight feeling of guilt. “I can’t believe I just left Whirl alone at the hospital…” she thought as she slumped out of bed. “I am sure he will be fine though, he knows what this change means to me. I know he will be fine.”

She got her blue uniform on and placed her hat on her head gently before strapping it on. “Peanut butter and banana sandwich for breakfast! Yum!” she thought as she put her saddle bag on, before heading to the kitchen to whip up her breakfast. As she took her first bite she saw Whirl’s photo album on the table and frowned. “I never thought I would feel so bad without him…” she thought as she continued to eat.

Once she was done eating she headed out to work. Her stride was confident as she walked into the post office just as dawn broke over the hills. “Good morning everypony, has anypony seen the boss?”

“He just went into his office Derpy, why do you ask?” Raindrops, a yellow pegasus with rain droplets for a cutie mark asked.

“Today is the day I get that promotion I have been wanting.” Derpy replied confidently as she strode into his office. “Morning Boxer, I need to talk to you for a moment.”

Boxer, a large gray earth pony with a package cutie mark, turned around in his chair with a smile. “What do you need Miss Ditzy Doo?” he asked kindly.

“Boxer, I have asked you to call me Derpy like everypony does, I like that name. Anyway, I have to ask you again about that promotion.” Derpy said confidently.

“Listen, Derpy, I wanted to give you that promotion but then we had to deny you because of your condition. We just feel like we would be putting too much strain on you given the circumstances, and you agreed.” Boxer explained.

“But things are different now! My eyes are better!” Derpy said happily as she walked up to his desk.

Boxer let out a sigh. “Derpy, you said that you couldn’t ever have your eyes fixed, that it was genetic.” He said a bit irritably.

“Princess Celestia herself fixed them as a favor to Whirl Wind, you know who that is?” Derpy said with a grin. “He is the pony who killed King Sombra, he is the one who is personal friends with the princesses and he is the one who is going to be my husband soon. I just want to be able to support our new family as best I can and that promotion is the only way I can do it.”

Boxer let out another sigh and put his fore hooves on his head. “Okay, I already sent in my report to the head office in Canterlot, but here is what I can do. I can put you up for review a month early; if you do well this month I can give you the promotion hooves down. However there is a risk, if you don’t do well you will be put a month behind in your overall review putting you at risk for termination.” Boxer explained sternly.

“Termination? You mean I could get fired?!” Derpy asked worriedly.

“Yes, you could get fired but it is the only way you can get this promotion.” Boxer explained.

Derpy took a moment to think about it, she was putting her whole lively hood at risk. “I’ll do it. Put me up for review.” She said nervously.

“Alright, I will start it today. Good luck Derpy.” Boxer said as he pulled out the appropriate paper work.

Derpy turned around and walked out of the office. Raindrops smiled widely. “So how did it go?” she asked excitedly.

“I am up for review as of now. If I do well I will get the promotion, if I do badly… I get fired.” Derpy said nervously.

“Fired?! You can’t get fired! If you get fired I won’t have anypony to talk to in the office before work! Are you sure that is what he said?” Raindrops asked frantically.

“It’s going to be okay, I won’t get fired. I have an ace in the hole with this promotion.” Derpy said as she put her bag up on the desk to be filled with mail.

“But what about…” Raindrops said as she leaned towards Derpy. “Your eyes?” she whispered.

“They won’t be a problem for me anymore, they are cured.” Derpy whispered back.

Raindrops just stared at her slack-jawed. Derpy picked up her mail bag and gave Raindrops a quick hug before heading out on her mail route. “I think I messed her up a bit today.” Derpy thought with a giggle.

She soon arrived at her first house and delivered the mail swiftly before heading to the next. “This is going to be the best month ever!” She thought as she ran about Ponyville delivering mail faster than she ever had.

At the end of her route she slowed down a bit to catch her breath. Not once did she have to stop to wait for her eyes to readjust and that made her smile. She trotted up to her last house, Whirl Wind’s. Her heart felt heavy as she pulled out his backed up mail. She let out a sigh as she slipped it through the mail slot on his door. “Why do I feel so bad? I am in line for a promotion! I have done so much better today than I ever had! All I can think about is him, alone in the hospital. It’s the beginning of the week and everypony is busy with work, no one will visit him. What if he feels abandoned by his friends? What if he runs away?!” she thought frantically as she ran back to the post office.

When she arrived she punched out quickly before flying as fast as she could to Ponyville’s hospital. She turned a corner and collided with somepony much bigger than her with a loud thud. There was a commotion, a clatter of metal, and Derpy found herself being pinned down by two guards. “Release her.” Princess Celesia’s voice sounded.

The two guards let her up and Derpy saw who she had collided with, Princess Celestia. Derpy bowed deeply. “I am so sorry your highness, I was in a hurry to visit Whirl Wind in the hospital and my mind has been worrying about all different kinds of things and I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going and…” Derpy said frantically.

“It’s quite alright Miss Ditzy. I was heading to the hospital as well, would you care to join me?” Celestia asked with a smile.

Derpy stood back up with a nervous look on her face. “Yes your majesty.” She said as she walked up beside Princess Celestia.

“No need to be so nervous Miss Ditzy. You are not in any trouble.” Celestia said kindly.

Derpy kept her head down as they walked. “It’s not that, I am just nervous about Whirl being alone in the hospital. What if something happened while I was gone?” she asked worriedly.

“Whirl is fine. Twilight told me that she visited him earlier today. He was mostly worried about Rumble and how he will be treated in school with a black eye.” Celestia said with a giggle.

“He is really caring of foals…” Derpy said quietly. “It is a relief to know that somepony visited him; I wouldn’t want him to feel abandoned or anything.”

“I think he knows better now; although it is a possibility. These are the first friends he has had and he sure isn’t used to not having them around yet. Twilight did mention that he requested an odd book about alicorns, but I guess that could just be out of curiosity.” Celestia explained.

“Why would he need to know about alicorns?” Derpy asked in a confused tone.

“Princess Luna has informed me about Shadow Wind having a horn now. Whirl must be curious on how he did it.”

“That monster can do magic now?!” Derpy asked angrily.

“It would appear so. My sister and I have been doing some research into it and we think that King Sombra is the cause. Shadow Wind mentioned that he left the horn behind as a gift, but we didn’t know how that was possible.” Celestia responded calmly as they arrived at the hospital.

They quickly walked to Whirl’s room and the guards waited just outside. Whirl saw them walk in and smiled as he readjusted his bed to a better position for talking. “Hey, good to see you two.” He said happily. “You just missed Twilight; she was only here ten minutes ago.”

Derpy ran up to him and hugged him tightly. “Oh Whirl! Today’s work was so much fun! I did so well and if I keep it up for a month I am getting promoted!” she said happily.

Whirl was a bit winded from the hug. “That’s great dear. A promotion sound great for you.” He said happily.

“What have you learned about alicorns Whirl?” Celestia asked suddenly.

“Not much; all the book says is that you, Luna and Princess Cadance are the only three known to exist. Not much to go on.” Whirl said in a disappointed tone.

“That is all you need to know. Alicorns are a very secretive.” Celestia said calmly.

“But I need to know what I can about Shadow Wind’s new power as I can. I need to know how to fight him.” Whirl said stubbornly.

“You won’t be fighting him. You need to leave that to the military.” Celestia said sternly.

“Then where do I sign up?! I want to do my part!” Whirl said as sternly as Celestia.

“Whirl what are you saying?! You can’t just leave!” Derpy said worriedly.

“I need to stop him; this is my chance to pay back everypony I hurt during the war!” Whirl said with a frown.

“What about our wedding? What about our future?” Derpy asked sadly.

“I regret to inform you that we cannot accept you into our ranks at this time Whirl; you are too much of a liability right now.” Celestia said with her same stern voice.

“A liability?! How am I a liability?!” Whirl asked angrily. His heart monitor started to go crazy and he started to tense up.

Nurse Red Heart was at the door being blocked by the guards. “Whirl you need to calm down!” she shouted through the door frantically.

Whirl laid his head down and let out a deep breath. “I n-need to s-stop him!” he shouted in anger.

“It is not your responsibility to stop him. Please just calm down.” Derpy said sadly.

Whirl’s heart monitor started to slow down and he started to relax. “He needs to pay for what he has done…” he said weakly.

“He will dear, I promise. But you don’t need to be the one to make him pay, let the princesses take over from here. You have done your part.” Derpy said as she gave him a kiss on the cheek.

“Ditzy is right Whirl, you have done enough for Equestria. Take care of your own life now; do not worry about Shadow Wind.” Celestia said calmly.

“How can I not worry about him? He ruined everypony’s life…” Whirl said with a weaker voice.

“And he will face justice for it. We will find him.” Celestia responded with a smile. “I must take my leave. Whirl, Ditzy, it was nice to see you again.” She said as she walked out of the room.

Nurse Red Heart walked in with a frustrated expression. “Won’t even let me see my own patient my hoof.” She said under her breath as she tended to Whirl. Whirl was a bit pale and he was breathing heavily. “Mr. Wind, I need you to take a few deep, slow breaths, okay?”

Whirl rolled over in his bed to face away from the two ponies in the room. He continued to breathe heavily and a little bit tense.

“Whirl… what’s wrong?” Derpy asked softly.

Whirl coughed a few times and pulled his blankets up to his neck. “So cold…” he said weakly as he curled up into a ball.

Nurse Red Heart put her hoof on Whirl’s forehead. “He’s freezing cold! But it is warm in here, how is this possible?” she asked worriedly as she pulled the blanket off of the other bed and draped it over Whirl.

“Shadow Wind must be somewhere cold right now… but… oh my gosh.” Derpy said as she ran out of the room. “Princess Celestia!” she called out as she ran down the hall.

Princess Celestia was boarding her carriage when Derpy ran out of the door screaming her name. “What is it Ditzy?” Celestia asked worriedly.

“Shadow Wind is heading towards the Crystal Empire! Whirl Wind is freezing cold because of him and it is summer! The only place he could be is the north!” Derpy shouted frantically.

“I will have it investigated and warn Princess Cadance. Thank you Ditzy.” Celestia said with a smile.

“Call me Derpy please, I prefer it.” Derpy said as she tried to catch her breath.

“Very well then Derpy, until we meet again.” Celestia said as she took off.

Derpy quickly went back into the hospital and into Whirl’s room. Nurse Red Heart was wrapping his head and neck with hot rags as she walked in. “We need to get him warmer before he suffers from hypothermia.” Nurse Red Heart said worriedly.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Derpy asked worriedly.

“Just stand back and let me work. Sorry I can’t have you do anything.” Nurse Red Heart said as she darted out of the room.

Derpy walked around the bed to face Whirl. “Hey, hang in there honey. The nurse is going to warm you up.”

Whirl was shuddering as he spoke. “I d-d-don’t think she can. Sh-sh-shadow Wind must be up north.” He said weakly.

“I told the princess before she left. She is going to have Princess Cadance look into it.” Derpy said as she put a hoof on his face.

“Y-y-you are warm.” Whirl said with a half-smile.

“Are the rags warm?” Derpy asked worriedly.

“N-n-no…” Whirl said as he shook his head.

Derpy rubbed his neck slowly. “Is your neck warmer?” she asked with a smile.

“Yes it is…”

Derpy nodded with a smile. Nurse Red Heart came back into the room with more warm rags. “Those aren’t working, but this is.” Derpy said as she rubbed his neck some more.

“K-k-keep going.” Whirl said with a smile.

Nurse Red Heart put the rags down. “Derpy, get in bed with him and warm him up.” She said with a blush.

“What?” Derpy asked in surprise.

“You are the only thing warming him up. It has to be one of us and I thought you would be the best choice. Think of it this way, now you can help out.” Nurse Red Heart explained.

Derpy blushed a bit but didn’t think much about it. She hopped into the bed with Whirl and snuggled up against him. “Warmer?” she asked with a smile.

Whirl let out a moan of pleasure. “Like I just sat down in a hot tub.” He said happily.

Nurse Red Heart checked his temperature. “Normal, great, now all you have to do it stay there until he can be warm on his own.”

“What?! How long will that be?” Derpy asked worriedly.

“I don’t know…” Nurse Red Heart said quietly.

“Don’t you dare stay here and miss work.” Whirl said sternly.

“But if I leave you could get hypothermia.” Derpy said softly.

“I don’t care, you can’t miss work.” Whirl said even more sternly.

“Whirl, I won’t leave you to get sick.” Derpy said sadly.

“Call Sonic Flare, he owes me one. He will take your place if he needs to.” Whirl told Derpy.

“I can inform him for you, just tell me where he lives and I will send a message.” Nurse Red Heart said with a smile.

“Just outside Ponyville’s east side next to Whim’s Rock Farm.” Whirl said calmly.

“You are telling me that Sonic will get in this bed and hold you?” Derpy said with a giggle.

“He and I are like brothers, he will do it.” Whirl explained. Nurse Red Heart giggled and trotted out of the room. “Why is this so funny?” Whirl asked with a slightly irritated voice.

“It’s just kind of funny you and Flare would be so willing to share a bed. Hey, you said you had not shared a bed with anypony before.” Derpy said skeptically.

“I haven’t, but I know Flare would do it for me if I explained it was to save my life.” Whirl explained with a chuckle.

“Oh, well that makes sense I guess.” Derpy said with a giggle.

Whirl let out a sigh of sorrow. “I just thought of something… if we ever have foals… what do I tell them about my family?” he asked sadly.

“Just tell them that they… well… tell them a story of heroics. Tell them that they fought against King Sombra in hoof to hoof combat but they couldn’t do it alone.” Derpy suggested.

“Lie to them? I am not sure I can do that.” Whirl said sadly. “What if they found out later on? Do I just tell them that they died by my hoof? Our foals will hate me…”

Derpy rubbed her hoof on Whirl’s face. “Shhh, don’t say stuff like that. If we do have foals I am sure that they would love you no matter what, you would be their father.” She said softly.

Whirl rolled over in his bed to face Derpy. Frosted tears covered parts of his face as he spoke. “I love you so much…” he said with a half-smiled.

Derpy wrapped her hooves around him and pulled them together. “I love you too. Now warm up so you can get better.” She said happily.

“Sorry you can’t be at home…” Whirl said guiltily.

Derpy let out a small laugh. “There is nowhere else I would rather be right now. I actually wanted to be here all day, but you know how work can be. I was so worried about you today.”

“I was alright, just a little restless. It’s good to have you here now though and not just because you are keeping me warm.” Whirl said with a chuckle.

“It’s just a bonus then?” Derpy asked jokingly.

“Just a bonus.” Whirl said with a yawn.

“Are you tired? It’s only three o’clock.” Derpy said as she looked at the clock.

Whirl was already asleep when Derpy turned back around to look at him. “Goodnight Whirl.” Derpy said softly as she kissed his forehead.

****

Shadow Wind was pushing through the snow the best he could as he trekked further north. A twinge of pain hit his left fore-hoof and he let out a grunt of pain. “How many shots are they going to give him?!” he thought angrily as he pushed on. The sun was setting quickly as he pushed onwards. “I won’t last much longer out here if I keep going like this… I need to find shelter...” He looked around to see if he could find a place to rest for the night. A hole in the ice stood out as he looked around. He ran as fast as he could over to it and dove down without hesitation. The hole was purely dark, but it was warmer than being out in the open.

“You don’t have to do this you know.” Whirl’s voice echoed in his mind.

“What would you know? All you know is love and caring, I was tortured and punished by the very princesses you know and love.” Shadow Wind thought as he found a place to sleep.

“Those were all lies created by your so called king.”

“Lies or not, it is all I know… I will make them pay for what they did…”

“What about what you did? You killed thousands of innocent ponies, including our parents.”

“They followed the evil of your princesses… they were threatening all I knew!”

“What if you are wrong? What if you could be redeemed? What if you could live in happiness instead of hate?”

“That part of me lies within you… I have no happiness…”

“You can have it again… If you surrender to me I can make sure you get your redemption.”

“How do I know I can trust you?”

“I can come alone. Just read my thoughts, you will sense no deception.”

Shadow Wind went through Whirl’s thoughts and memories. “It’s a trick. You would never willingly let me live.”

“You are me, I am you; if you were in my situation what would you do?”

“Make peace… but I am not you!”

“Think of what you could gain, a home, a purpose, a life. If you continue your plans to take over Equestria you will only find death. King Sombra had the alicorn amulet and even he lost. You are fighting a war you cannot win.”

Shadow Wind thought intensely on Whirl’s words. “Where do we meet?”

“Meet me at Zecora’s hut. I know that it is a significant turnaround for you, but you don’t want me to know exactly where you are.”

“I can’t trust that witch! We must meet somewhere else!”

“You can trust me. When we meet, Zecora will not be there I promise.”

“Very well, we shall meet in three days.”

****

Whirl opened his eyes and was met with Derpy lying in front of him. He kissed her forehead and carefully got out of bed. He disconnected himself from the heart monitor and hooked Derpy up to it so he would not cause a commotion. Looking around the room he found a piece of paper and a pencil and wrote a note for Derpy and the doctor before flying out the window and into the Everfree.

He quickly arrived at Zecora’s hut and knocked on the door. It took a while but Zecora eventually opened the door. “Whirl, what are you doing here? I did not expect you to appear.” She said sleepily.

“S-s-sorry for waking you so early in the morning Zecora, but I need to talk to you.” Whirl explained with a shudder.

“Come on inside and we will talk about what you hide.” Zecora said as she moved to let Whirl inside.

Whirl walked inside and took a seat; shivering the whole time. “Ignore me shaking, Shadow Wind is in the north right now. He will be here soon.”

“Shadow Wind is coming here? There is more to this situation than there appears. How do you know he is going to arrive? How do you know he will make it alive?” Zecora asked worriedly.

“He is as strong as I am, he will make it. I invited him to come, he can still be redeemed. But you need to follow my instructions to the letter. I need to borrow your hut while he is here and I need you not to tell anypony where I am. I also need you to leave when he gets here, he does not trust you. This will be my only chance to talk to him face to face and I need you to trust me.” Whirl explained.

Zecora poured some tea for them as she thought about Whirl’s plan. “How do you know you can trust that pony? He could just be a phony.”

“I am willing to take that risk. So what do you say? Are you willing to let me try?” Whirl asked curiously.

Zecora sipped her tea and sat down. “I am willing to let you try. I must pack now and say goodbye.”

Whirl smiled and sipped his tea. “Thank you Zecora, I think you are the only one who understands what is really going on here.”

Zecora merely smiled and went into the other room. She came back out with her cloak on and her saddle bag. “I am ready to go, I will be at Ponyville’s inn if there is more I should know.” She said as she walked out the door.

Whirl sipped his tea again as he was a bit confused on why she left with so few words. Whirl shrugged it off and laid down on a blanket on the floor. “This had better pay off… I am risking a lot.” He thought as he fell asleep again.

****

Derpy awoke with a yawn and reached out to hold Whirl. When she didn’t feel him her eyes snapped fully open and she threw the blankets off the bed. “NURSE! NURSE! WHIRL IS GONE!” she yelled frantically. Nurse Red Heart ran into the room and gasped. Derpy jumped down from the bed and saw the note on the side table next to the bed.

My dearest Derpy,

I am sorry to do this to you so close to our marriage, but there is something important I need to do. I will only be gone for a couple of weeks and I will miss you every moment I am gone. I am going to meet Shadow Wind in an undisclosed location to negotiate his surrender. If you feel inclined to inform the princesses then you may do so, but you must tell them not to interfere if this is going to work. I need you to trust me when I say that I will be safe and I will return to you as soon as I can. I love you so much.

Love,

Whirl Wind.

Derpy was crying by the time she was done reading the letter. Nurse Red Heart was searching the room still for signs of where he went. “He’s gone… What are the chances something bad will happen to him if he is not here?”

“If he stays cold like he was last night he could be dead within days. I don’t know what else to do; he didn’t leave any other trace of where he went.” Nurse Red Heart said sadly. She walked over to the door and waited for a moment. “I’ll inform the doctors and the authorities to see if we can find him…”

Derpy followed her out after grabbing her saddle bag. “I’ll… I’ll just go to work then…” she said with tears in her eyes as she left the room. Her mind was racing as she walked through the hospital, about how Whirl just left without warning, about how she couldn’t do anything about it until Sunday, about where Whirl could have gone.

When she got outside the sun was just starting to crack over the mountains. She let out a depressed sigh and started to walk towards the post office. Raindrops was waiting outside with Derpy’s mail all ready to go. “Come on Derpy, you are late!”

Derpy let out another depressed sigh and took the mail bag from Raindrops. “I know… it’s just… Whirl is gone!” she said as she broke down crying.

“What? Where did he go?” Raindrops asked worriedly.

Derpy hoofed her the letter and then started on her route crying her eyes out. Her work day went just as well as yesterday, except she couldn’t stop crying and worrying about Whirl. A couple of ponies tried to console her when they saw her crying but they didn’t help at all. The last stop she had today was Sweet Apple Acres. When she arrived she slipped the mail into the box and started to trot back to the post office.

“Hey Derpy!” Applejack shouted as she ran up to her from her barn. Derpy picked up her pace because she didn’t want to talk to anypony right now. Applejack doubled her speed and caught up to Derpy quickly. “Hey sugar cube, ah heard what happened. Is there anything ah can do to help?”

Derpy shook her head, sending tears flying off her face. “Not unless you can tell me where Whirl is…” she said sadly.

“Ah don’t know that hun, but if ah did ah would tell you in an instant.”

“I know you would…” Derpy said as she came to a halt. “Why would he do this? What could be so important that he risks his life?”

“Ah don’t know what he is up to, but have you ever seen Whirl make a bad decision?”

“Not that I can recall…”

“Sometimes ponies do things for the good of everypony, even if that means making a few ponies sad in the process. Where ever Whirl is, he is working on our behalf to keep us safe.”

“You think so?”

“I know so sugar cube. Why don’t you come on over this afternoon for some dinner? We would love ta have you.”

Derpy sniffled and smiled. “That sounds nice…” she said happily. “I need to go punch out at the post office first though.”

“Take your time; dinner should be good and ready by the time you get back.”

Derpy continued her way back to the post office with a smile, but her mind was still stuck on Whirl. “He is doing something to protect us all… he knew Princess Celestia would never let him join the military, so he left to go wage war on his own…” she thought sadly as she arrived at the post office. Raindrops ran over to her and gave her a hug.

“They’ll find him, I am sure they will.” Raindrops said as she hugged Derpy tighter.

Derpy lifted Raindrops off of her and smiled. “Thank you Raindrops, but if you hug me for much longer I will break down and start crying again.” She said softly.

Raindrops smiled and nodded. “Okay, I understand. Have a great day Derpy.” She said happily as she walked out of the post office.

Derpy quickly punched out before heading back to Sweet Apple Acres. She was greeted with a warm reception by the Apple family and they invited her in just as the sun was setting. “Thank you all for waiting for me. Sorry it took so long to get back.” Derpy said with a smile.

“That’s alright, we are happy to have ya here tonight.” Applebloom said happily.

“Yall don’t need to worry about a thing, just have a seat and we will serve ya up.” Applejack added with a smile.

Derpy walked over to the table and took a seat, right where Whirl had sat. “It kind of feels like I have been here before…” she said quietly.

Applejack smiled at Derpy’s statement. “Yall must have a very good connection with Whirl Wind, that’s where he sat when we had him over for breakfast. Hopefully we won’t have as much of a mess this time, right Applebloom?” she asked sternly.

“Hey, it was an accident! Besides, Whirl was the one who did it first.” Applebloom said in protest.

“Yes, but he didn’t make a mess with it.” Big Macintosh said with a laugh.

“Will yall stop jabberin and serve us up some grub?” Granny Smith asked as she took a seat at the table.

“Hold yer horses Granny Smith, our guest gets the first plate.” Applejack said sternly.

“Well move yer caboose, I want to eat today.” Granny Smith said with a swipe of her hoof.

Applejack brought over a tray of sandwiches. “Do yall like apple caramel sandwiches Derpy?” she asked as she sat the tray down.

“I love them, thank you.” Derpy responded as Applejack set a sandwich on her plate.

Applejack served up everypony else before setting an sandwich on her plate. “Dig in yall.” She said happily as she took a bite.

Derpy took a bite as well just as Applebloom slammed down on her plate, subsequently sending her sandwich sailing right into her face. “Applebloom, what did ah say?” Applejack said angrily.

“Whut? I need to practice if I am ever going to get my entertainment cutie mark!” Applebloom said as she tried to scrape the caramel off her face.

“Get upstairs and clean up, then get on yer homework.” Applejack said sternly.

“But what about dinner?” Applebloom asked sadly.

“Yall should have thought about that before you decided to smear it all over yer face.” Applejack said slyly
.

Derpy just let out a giggle and set her sandwich down. “Did Whirl Wind show you my trick?” she said as she slammed her hoof down on her plate. Her sandwich flew into the air and she caught it in her mouth before munching it down whole. “I was the one who showed him how to do that.”

“You did? That’s might kind of ya, Granny Smith here can do that too, can’t you Granny Smith?” Applejack asked with a smile.

“Yer darn tootin.” Granny Smith said as she slammed her hoof down on the table too. The sandwich flew directly into Applejack’s face. “Now then, you go whip up some new ones for me and Applebloom, alright?”

Applejack let out a sigh as she wiped what she could off her coat. “Sorry about all this disruptions Derpy, not the best example of a happy family.”

“Seems like you all know how to have a good time, I am having a ton of fun.” Derpy said happily as she took a sip of the cider Applejack had put on the table. “In fact, you made everything a lot happier for me.”

“How did we do that?” Applejack said sadly.

“You made me see what Whirl is fighting for; the happiness and well being of everypony.” Derpy said happily. Everypony at the table was silent as Derpy spoke.

“Well of course he is; he is a wonderfully nice pony.” Granny Smith said happily.

“You got that right Granny Smith, he is one of the nicest ponies ah have ever met.” Applejack said in agreement. “Isn’t that right Big Macintosh.”

“Eeyup.” Big Macintosh said happily.

The remainder of the evening went very well as they all talked and reminisced. Derpy went home later that night and continued her work the next day. Derpy kept her head up during the weeks that followed, doing her job with pride and diligence as Whirl would have done if he were in her horseshoes.

Chapter Three

Chapter Three: The Meeting

Whirl Wind had had a rough couple of weeks as Shadow Wind made his way back through the frozen north. Whirl did his best to stay fit and well while he was waiting; he did so by doing a standard array of workouts that he would do for Wonderbolt practice. Not only did they keep him limber, but they also kept him warm.

“If this is supposed to be a peaceful meeting, then why are you working so hard to stay fit?” Shadow Wind’s words tore through his mind.

It had been an entire day since he could feel Shadow Wind at all, but those words still rang though his mind as if he was still able to send them. A knock on the door disrupted his train of thought. He stood up from where he was sitting and slowly walked toward the door. Another knock sounded from the door, this one more impatient. Whirl turned the door knob and opened the door slowly.

“Hello Whirl.” Shadow Wind said hatefully as Whirl opened the door.

Whirl remained silent and took a step to the side to let him in. Shadow Wind walked through the door slowly and searched around for any traps. When he was satisfied that he was not going to be strung up by his back hoof, he walked inside. He searched high and low for any signs of betrayal before taking a seat at the table.

“I guess that means you are ready to talk.” Whirl said as he walked over to the table.

“Yes I am. What is your proposition?” Shadow Wind asked coldly.

“Stay a while before we discuss what the plan is. You look starved, would you like something to eat?” Whirl asked kindly.

“Only if you eat it first; I don’t want to eat anything poisoned.” Shadow replied with an evil expression.

“Fair enough.” Whirl said as he started a fire. He poured some water into a pot and started to add sliced vegetables. “Do you have any clue of what I am going to ask of you?”

“That I face justice for my crimes, that I should throw myself at the mercy of your precious princesses.”

“No, that isn’t what I was going to ask at all.”

“I don’t believe you. I killed thousands and your parents. You would not see me behind bars or dead by your hoof?”

“It wasn’t your fault, just like it wasn’t mine. King Sombra did this to you and that wasn’t your fault. I think that our parents would be ashamed of us if we didn’t find a way to fix this.”

Shadow Wind’s horn started to glow and he tore Whirl across the room to face him. “Don’t patronize me! They weren’t our parents, they were yours!”

“We are the same pony, therefore we share parents.” Whirl said as he broke free of Shadow’s bind. “No need to be angry, you are safe here.”

Shadow let out an angry grumble. “We are no longer the same pony.” He said angrily.

“I think you will find that we are, all you have is a horn. That is the only difference.”

“What about the choices we made? I decided to kill thousands of ponies during the war, which was my choice.”

“No, it was King Sombra’s choice. He warped your mind into something he could control easily. What he did to you was monsterous, and I am going to fix it.”

“And how do you intend to do that?”

“By showing you that everything he said was a lie. The princesses aren’t evil overlord, they never tortured you. In fact, they defended you when you came home.”

“When YOU came home!”

“We came home together and we shared a mind up until Princess Celestia spilt us apart. I know what you were thinking when we came home, that you would get a chance to relax and heal like you planned to do when the war was over.”

“I…”

“And then we were attacked and you remembered what everypony thought of us. You thought that they would hate us forever. But then something happened that you couldn’t accept. Princess Luna stood up for us.”

“FOR YOU!”

“FOR US! SHE STOOD UP FOR US!”

“WHY WOULD SHE STAND UP FOR ME?! I WANTED HER AND HER SISTER DEAD!”

“Because everypony can be redeemed! Because she knew that it wasn’t your fault!”

Shadow slammed his hoof down on the table. “Lies! All lies!”

“Do you really think that? Or is it the fact that it might make you wrong about them?”

Shadow didn’t respond. He just stared at Whirl slack jawed. Whirl took the pot off of the fire and poured the stew into two bowls. “Sliced carrot soup… just like mom used to make…”

“Just like mom used to make.”

“Why do you care so much about what I do?”

“Because you don’t have to be evil; I want you to be able to do what you truly want.”

“What if what I truly want is to wage war?”

“Then you can do that, under the princesses’ command.”

Shadow winced at the mention of the princesses. “I hate them more than anything in this world.” He said softly as he took the first bite of his soup. “Glad to see after all that has happened, you can manage to make a decent soup.”

“War doesn’t change who you are. I choose to be who I was, with more benefits.”

“Yes, you do seem to have everything you want.” Shadow said hatefully.

“You can have what I have, friends, a home, love.”

“Who would love a monster?”

“Somepony who understands and somepony who doesn’t recognize you.”

“Everypony in Equestria knows my face, who wouldn’t recognize me?”

“Everypony after we dye your mane, tail, and coat.”

“What about my cutie mark and my eyes?”

“What about them?” Whirl asked as he walked over to his saddle bag. He reached in and pulled out a pair of dark black sunglasses. “You will wear these, and just make up a story about your cutie mark and stick with it.”

“Sunglasses are your solution?”

“I would also have to tell them that you are dead.”

“What if one day I want to reveal who I am? To no longer hide…”

“Then I will help you on that day. You have to change first though.”

“Change how?”

“I will teach you, but you must trust me and do what I say to the letter.”

Shadow finished his soup with a loud slurp. “I will sleep on it. I will decide tomorrow whether or not we will go through with your plan.”

“Very well, you can have the couch.”

“I assume you will take the witch’s bed.” Shadow said hatefully.

“No, I will take the floor. Zecora’s room is off limits while we are here.”

“Why?”

“Because it is not our house and we should respect hers.”

“I do not respect those who entrap me!”

“You respect those who help you! Now either you respect my wishes or this meeting ends here with you leaving and I know you don’t want that!”

“How do you know what I want?!”

“Because you are looking for the same things I am! A home, a family, a purpose! We have been over this and I know what I say is true because we are the same pony!”

Shadow grunted angrily and walked over to the couch and stumbled up onto it. Whirl brought him over some covers, but he shrugged them off. “I don’t need it.”

“Very well, but it is here if you do.” Whirl said sincerely.

Shadow didn’t respond, he simply fell asleep. Whirl put a couple of logs on the fire before curling up in front of it, making sure he could keep an eye on Shadow. After a couple of hours of not being able to sleep, Whirl stood up and quietly placed the covers over Shadow. “What am I going to do with you?” he thought as he walked back to the fire. With his mind wandering he managed to barely get to sleep.

****

Shadow awoke and felt the covers over him. With a quiet grunt he tossed the covers off of him. He looked over at Whirl, then at the table where Whirl had chopped the carrots. The knife was still sitting there on the table, glinting in the light of the fire. Shadow’s horn started to glow and the knife levitated into the air. He moved the knife over Whirl with the tip pointing down. “It would be so easy, his guard is down and he is asleep. All it would take is one swift blow.” Shadow moved the knife above Whirl’s throat. “One quick slit and he would be dead in seconds.” He moved the knife over Whirl’s heart. “One quick jab and he would be dead in minutes.” Then he moved the knife over Whirl’s gut. “Several stabs and he would suffer before he died.”

“Are you done yet?” Whirl asked calmly.

Shadow flung his head to the left and sent the knife flying into the wall. “I don’t know what you are talking about. I was just watching you sleep.”

“Sure you were, that’s why you had the knife over me right?”

“You are far too suspicious.”

“Right. Well then, since I am not dead, would you like some breakfast?” Whirl asked as he stood up.

“I am surprised you are so calm about me threatening you.”

“No you aren’t. We both knew you weren’t going to do it.”

“Perhaps you are right, then again, maybe you just woke up at the right time.”

“I didn’t sleep; I was too worried about you.”

“You thought I would try to kill you?”

“I thought you were going to have some problems because you had not eaten in a while. I am glad to see you are doing okay.” Whirl said as he took out a skillet. “What fruit do you want in your pancakes?”

“I think you the answer to that question.”

“Bananas it is then.”

“Why worry about me? What am I worth to you?”

“You are the only family I have left, even if we are the same pony. I am risking my life to help you, if I get caught harboring you it will be the end of my life.”

“I’m not worth it. I am too far gone.” Shadow said as he sat down.

“Anypony can be redeemed; I believe that more than anything now.”

“Believe what you want, it is the truth you will see.”

“That is the good thing about believing, you can see what you want and still believe in it. I believe you can be turned good with some time and live your life as you want.”

“Sounds unlikely.” Shadow said defiantly.

“Believe what you want, it’s the truth you will see.” Whirl said with a chuckle.

“Very funny.”

“I thought so. Pancakes are up.” Whirl said as he brought a plate of banana pancakes over.

Shadow took one and put it on his plate. “You first.” He said sternly as his eyes narrowed.

Whirl chuckled and took a bite out of his pancake. “Better?”

“I am still skeptical.”

“Suit yourself; if you don’t trust me you can make your own pancakes.” Whirl said as he took a bite.

Shadow sighed and took a bite out of his pancake. “If you wanted me dead… you would have killed me in my sleep.” He said stubbornly.

“I thought about it to tell the truth. But I figured it would be technical suicide.”

Shadow let out a laugh. “I didn’t think of it that way but you are right! Why would I kill myself?!”

“Exactly what I though, doesn’t make much sense huh?”

Shadow took another bite from his pancake and shook his head. “How would you explain me being an alicorn? I think that it is something everypony would notice.”

“You are from another unknown part of this world. Simple as that.”

“You really think that they will believe that?”

“In all honesty, do you think that they would believe that I brought YOU back to them?”

“Point taken.”

“Once I tell them I killed you that will be the end of it. You can start your new life, doing whatever you want.”

“I was thinking about using my alicorn status to join the Wonderbolts. I am sure they wouldn’t turn me down.”

“If you think you can pull it off that easily, more power to you. If that doesn’t pan out then I can help you find something to do.”

“What makes you think I will have anything to do with you once I am gone?”

“I’m your only family too. That means something to you, doesn’t it?”

“Yes…” Shadow said quietly.

“You felt guilty when you killed our family, didn’t you?”

“It was only your guilt that made me feel guilty.”

“I didn’t feel guilty when you killed our family; I knew it wasn’t my fault. That guilt you felt was your own.”

“Monsters don’t feel guilt…”

“Guess that means you aren’t really a monster. The only monster that was in us was King Sombra and now that he is dead we don’t need to worry about him controlling us.”

“King Sombra was a great pony!” Shadow said angrily.

“At what point did he ever do anything good for you? Look at what he made you do! He made you kill our parents! He made you wage a war! The worst thing was, he didn’t care about you! If you would have died, no one would have cared!”

“I didn’t need anypony!”

“Well you do now!”

Shadow grunted angrily. “Why do you always have to be right?!”

“Because you know you are wrong before you say anything.”

Shadow stood up and started to pace back and forth. “Why does he care?! What does he gain from this?! Is this some kind of sick revenge?! What is he planning?!” “I can’t trust you! I can’t trust anypony!” Shadow said as his head started to hurt. He fell to his flank, held his head with his fore hooves and closed his eyes. He felt something grab him around his neck, not menacingly, gently. His eyes slowly opened and he saw Whirl holding him. “What are you doing?”

“You were panicking; remember what mom said about panicking?”

“A hug will always calm you down…”

“Did it work?” Whirl asked softly.

“Yes… yes it did… I… I feel much better…” Shadow said with a concerned tone. Something hit him at that moment, like an overflow of emotion that was spiraling out of control. He wrapped his fore hooves around Whirl and started to sob.

“That’s it, let it all out.” Whirl said as he rubbed Shadow’s back. “This will help you.”

Shadow’s tears were as green as his eyes as they trickled down his face. “I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I never wanted any of this… he lied to me… he made me betray myself…” he said as he continued to sob.

“I know, I know. It is all okay now, you will be safe with me.”

“What about… Derpy…?”

“I will tell her everything; I can’t lie to her…”

“She… will… hate… me…”

“No she won’t; I will make sure she doesn’t.”

Shadow let out a loud sob and held Whirl tighter. He buried his head into Whirl’s chest and continued to sob for quite a while before calming down a bit. “I’m so sorry…”

“It’s okay, it’s okay. Just calm down a bit and we can talk.”

“Do you really think this will work? Do you think I can live a normal life?” Shadow asked as he pulled away from Whirl.

Whirl stood up and dug through his saddle bag. “What color do you want your coat?” Whirl asked happily as he pulled out an assortment of dyes.

“Where did you get all these?”

“Zecora got them for me on request. We have, red, blue, light blue, dark blue, light green, yellow, beige and a couple more.” Whirl said happily as he pointed to each color.

“Yellow coat, white mane…”

“This is the same stuff I used on my mane when we went to Canterlot to get Flare that tea cup. Huh, I just realized he never did get one.” Whirl said with a chuckle. He grabbed the yellow and white dyes and brought them over to Shadow. “Hold still, this is going to take a while.”

“What should I be called? I can’t go by the name Shadow Wind if I am to return…”

“It’s your name; you should be the one to think of it.” Whirl said as he started to apply the dye to Shadow’s coat.

“Did you pick your name?”

“Good point… uhhhhh… Give me some time to think; I will have a name for you when I am done dying your mane.”

“You really do care about me don’t you?”

“Of course I do, you still don’t get that do you?”

“It is hard to believe. I guess I just have to get used to being treated kindly.”

“You will get used to it quickly. Let’s rehearse our story. We just left the forest and we are both a bit battered. Yes, we are going to have to rough each other up.”

“Maybe you can be helping me walk or something? Where do we go first?”

“The hospital, so we can get treated for minor injuries. Once we are discharged we will go straight to Derpy’s to talk to her.”

“Should I do anything?”

“She may hit you, just a warning.”

“I expected that. Are you sure she won’t go blabbing to the first guard she sees?”

“I am sure. Close your eyes so I can get your face done.” Shadow closed his eyes and kept his mouth shut. “Keep them closed for about five minutes. Okay, so now that we have a plan we can talk about where you are going to stay. I think that you should stay with Derpy and I until we get you a job.” Shadow nodded when he felt Whirl’s hoof leave his face. Five minutes passed and Shadow finally spoke again.

“When do we leave?”

“I was thinking tomorrow if you think you are ready.”

“I think waiting would make things harder. I will be ready to go tomorrow.”

“Remember to keep your anger in check; one outburst could cause ponies to recoil. Also, you might want to think of changing your voice somehow.”

Shadow’s horn started to glow. “How’s this?” he said in a completely different tone.

“Perfect. Alright, we are all done.” Whirl said as he scrubbed in the last bit of dye into Shadow’s mane.

“So, what is my name?”

“Sunny Plains, does that sound good?”

“Sunny Plains it is. What if I get discovered? Should I just go back to using Shadow Wind?”

“That will be up to you when or if that time comes.”

“I have to admit, I am a bit scared of that prospect… everypony will want me dead if they ever find out.”

“Which is why it is important that we work to keep your identity a secret. It shouldn’t be too hard, as long as you keep you act up. However, there may come a time when you want to reveal yourself, if that time comes I want you to tell the princesses first.”

“THEM?! WHY WOULD I GO TO…?!”

Whirl put his hoof to Shadow’s mouth. “Keep that temper in check. You are going to have to get used to seeing the princesses and you will have to get used to the fact that they are not what you think they are.”

“They…!”

“Are no longer your enemy. You have to accept that now or we are going to delay returning.”

Shadow let out an angry grunt. “Fine, I will give them a chance to prove me wrong.”

“They will, I guarantee it.”

Chapter Four

Chapter Four: Return to Ponyville

It was a cloudy day in Ponyville, a complete overcast really. But it was only darkness in the Everfree forest where Whirl Wind and Sunny Plains resided. “Okay, here we go…” Whirl said as he pulled back a fore hoof.

“Wait! I’m not ready…” Sunny said suddenly.

“This is the fifth time we… LOOK OUT!” Whirl yelled frantically.

Sunny turned his head and Whirl kicked him in the face with his fore hoof. “OWWWW! What the hell was that for?!”

“You seemed ready.” Whirl said with a chuckle.

Sunny let out a fake laugh and then swiftly kicked Whirl in the face. “You seemed ready.”

“I was ready, what was I going to expect after that.” Whirl said as he held a hoof to where Sunny had kicked him.

“Is one or two bruises enough?”

“No, here…” Whirl said as he picked up a knife. “I need you to give me one or two flesh wounds… I am trusting you to make them look real, but not too deep.”

Sunny’s horn started to glow and the knife levitated from Whirl’s hoof. “Close your eyes…” Sunny said softly. Whirl closed his eyes and stood perfectly still. Sunny levitated the knife near Whirl’s throat. “One slit… and he is dead in seconds…” SLASH!

“AHHHHH!” Whirl cried out in agony. He held a hoof to the new wound on the side of his neck. “Sweet honey nectar sap pollen! That hurts!”

“Hold still…” Whirl stood as still as he could and closed his eyes again. The knife levitated under Whirl’s chest. “One jab… and he will be dead in minutes…” SLASH!

“AHHHH AH AH AH!” Whirl’s front knees buckled and he fell to the floor.

“Is that enough?”

“Yeah…” Whirl said as he panted through the pain. “Your turn.”

Sunny was too busy looking at the bloody knife. “Reminds me of when I used to kill…” he said coldly.

“But you don’t kill anymore, remember?”

Sunny shook his head. “Right… I don’t…” he set the knife down on the table.

Whirl rinsed it off and used the fire to sterilize it. “Alright, hold still.” Sunny closed his eyes and stood perfectly still. SLASH! Sunny let out a grunt of pain. SLASH!

“AHHHHHHHHHHH!” Sunny cried out in pain.

Whirl grabbed the wet cloth from the table and dabbed it on Sunny’s cuts. “Once we get cleaned up a little bit we will head into town.”

Sunny winced at ever dab. “Make it quick, this really hurts.”

“Sorry, that should be good. Clean mine up will you?”

“Sure.” Sunny levitated the rag and started to dab Whirl’s cuts. “That should be good. Let’s go.”

Whirl walked to the door with his saddle bag on. “Do you want me to help walk you?”

“I changed my mind on that, let’s just walk into town normally and hope for the best.”

Whirl nodded and walked out of the door with Sunny following closely behind. They walked to the edge of the forest and stopped just before they hit the edge. “You ready?” Whirl asked with a deep breath.

“As I’ll ever be.”

Whirl started to walk forward and as he looked around he started to feel a lot better. “Overcast today huh? Not the call I would have made, but whatever.”

“Slight drizzle and a low gust.” Sunny said plainly.

“Just what I was thinking.”

“Overcast works too I guess. They are going to need to make up for it with a full on rainstorm tomorrow. That is going to make it hard on Derpy.”

“Again, just what I was thinking. Here we are, let’s go inside.” Whirl said as he opened the door.

Sunny sighed and walked through the open door and Whirl followed quickly behind. The nurse at the front desk wasn’t paying attention, it was Nurse Red Heart. “Please fill out the form… Whirl Wind?! Oh my gosh, what happened?!” she asked as she saw his cuts.

“My friend and I did Equestria a service, we killed Shadow Wind… but it was not easy.”

“My name is Sunny Plains, it’s a pleasure to meet you Nurse Red Heart.”

“How did you know my name?” Nurse Red Heart asked as she stood up to escort them to an examination room.

Sunny pointed at the sign on the wall that had the staff’s names. “Lucky guess.”

“Well, if you two will follow me I can give you a preliminary examination and I will get Doctor Ray to patch you two up! I will also notify Derpy for you Whirl!” she said excitedly.

Whirl and Sunny followed the nurse to an examination room where she looked them over and wrote down notes. “These cuts look pretty nasty; I will be quick in getting Doctor Ray.” Nurse Red Heart said as she trotted quickly out of the room.

“So far so good.” Whirl said after the door closed.

“I shouldn’t have said her name.” Sunny said in an upset tone.

“It’s okay, just cap a lid on it and… hello Doctor Ray!” Whirl said as the doctor walked through the door.

“Whirl, it is good to see you. I wish I could say that it’s nice to see you in one piece. So you and Sunny here went off on a stallion hunt eh? I can’t say I approve, but you did what you thought was right. This is interesting; I have never seen an alicorn of your size before. Where are you from Sunny?” Doctor Ray asked as he started to get out gauze pads and sterilizing pads.

“Far, far from here.”

“Well, I am happy to help you out. This is going to sting though.” Doctor Ray said as he started to dab Sunny’s wounds with the sterilizer. “It’s going to take some time for these to heal, luckily they aren’t really bad.”

“Still hurts pretty bad!” Sunny said as he winced in pain.

“Sorry, but I don’t want to risk an infection.” Doctor Ray said in a remorseful tone. He placed a gauze pad over Sunny’s cuts and taped them down. “There you go. You should start feeling better now.” Doctor Ray quickly patched up Whirl and smiled. “All better now. You two are good to go. Whirl, it’s good to have you back. Sunny, welcome to Equestria.” He said happily.

“It’s good to be back, I can’t wait to finally get time to rest. Let’s go Sunny.” Whirl said happily.

Sunny followed him out without another word. When they got to the lobby Whirl found himself one pony heavier as Derpy flung herself onto him with a hug. “WHIRL, IT SO GOOD TO SEE YOU! How could you just leave me like that?!” she asked with an angry tone.

“I’ll explain everything when we get home honey. But where are my manners? Sunny, this is Derpy, my fiancé. Derpy, this is Sunny Plains, he needs to stay with us until he can get on his hooves.” Whirl explained with a smile.

“Well, we will need to live at your place… I sold my house!” Derpy said happily.

“That is great! I assume you have been living at my place, am I right?”

“Yup, so let’s get going. You have a lot of explaining to do.”

Whirl and Sunny followed her out and they arrived at their home quickly. Once they were inside they all took a seat in the den. Whirl let out a relaxed sigh as he slumped down into his favorite chair. “Okay, Derpy… I have something to tell you that you can’t tell anypony else. Before I say anything else I need you to promise you won’t tell anypony else.”

“I promise. You can tell me anything Whirl.”

Whirl sighed and stood up again. He walked over to Sunny and took of his sunglasses. Sunny had his eyes closed. “I don’t want her to see Whirl…” he said nervously.

“It’s now or later… either way she has to know.”

“What do I need to know about his eyes?” Sunny sighed and opened his eyes. They were as green as the day he was first separated from Whirl. Derpy gasped and clapped her hooves over her mouth. “He is one of King Sombra’s followers?!” she asked in a panic.

“Not exactly…”

“I’m… Shadow Wind…”

Derpy flew across the room and tackled Sunny to the ground, kicking him multiple times before Whirl was able to pull her off. “YOU BASTARD! YOU SON OF SOMBRA!”

“Calm down Derpy! He has changed!” Whirl yelled as he held Derpy in his fore hooves.

Sunny stood up and let out a groan of pain. “I saw that coming… I deserve it…” he said as he stood up.

“LET ME GO WHIRL! I’LL KILL HIM!” Derpy yelled as she flailed about.

“He’s Sunny now! He has changed! He has changed!”

“How can you say that?! He is a monster!”

“That monster is me!”

“NO! You were pulled away from him! He is his own little monster pony!”

“He was tricked by Sombra just as I was! If he is a monster then I am too!”

Derpy stopped her useless struggle. “Why did you bring him here? Why waste your time trying to change him?”

“Because he is the closest thing I have to family left. He has changed and I will keep working with him to make sure that his new identity is the one everypony knows.”

“Then why tell me?”

“Because I love you Derpy; I can’t lie to you.”

Derpy loosened up in his fore hooves. “Fine, he can stay. But if he falls out of line then he is dead! Why do you want him here?! While you were in the hospital you said you wanted him dead!”

“I decided redemption is better than revenge, for both of us.”

“Redemption…” Sunny said quietly as he sat back down.

Whirl set down Derpy and she trotted up to Sunny. “Listen you, Whirl is taking a huge risk for you, don’t… let… him… down!” she said as she poked Sunny’s chest.

Sunny took Derpy’s hoof gently and looked into her eyes. “I won’t.” he said as he put his sunglasses back on and let her hoof go.

Derpy looked back to Whirl with a slightly disappointed look. “You know what will happen to you if you get caught right?”

“Of course I do. But isn’t better to believe that anypony can be redeemed rather than just believing that thing are just the way they are?” Derpy walked over to the sofa and sat back down and Whirl sat down right next to her. “Thank you for trusting me Derpy.” Whirl said as he hugged her with his wing.

“Thank you for trusting me too; I didn’t think you would ever let this plan go through.”

“I used to be different too I guess… what kind of a pony would I be if I didn’t give you a chance to prove yourself?”

“You would still be my mare…” Whirl said as he gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Derpy let out a giggle. “Alright, enough kissing up; you are going to be working a lot to pay for leaving me in the hospital alone.”

“I figured as much. I’ll start by cleaning up the guest room. Tomorrow we will both find jobs and get our lives back on track. And we, my love, have a wedding to plan.”

“Yes we do! It will have to wait another week though, they are making it rain all week with high winds. It is going to make my job that much harder.”

“ALL WEEK?!” Whril and Sunny said in unison. “Alright, that settles it. I am going back to the weather analyzing job I had. There should be no need for a week long rain!”

“I agree! What is wrong with them?”

“Bad math, it’s the only thing I can think of. If they haven’t found a new analyzer then the mayor is the one making all the calls.”

“The mayor doing that kind of math? That would be fun to watch.”

“You two lost me…” Derpy said with a giggle.

“Probabilities based on recent and past weather events stretching back to the beginning of the year.”

“Then you take those and calculate what the next day’s weather should be hour by hour.”

“Then you draw up a diagram for each hour so that the weather teams know what the clouds should look like when the job is done.”

“Finally you write up the report for what the weather was actually like and then calculate those into tomorrow’s statistics.”

“It is a real hassle sometimes but it is generally fun.”

“Whoa, I didn’t think it took that much work to get the weather right.” Derpy said in a surprised tone.

“Not many ponies do all that work, that is just what I did when I was working there.”

“You mean when Whirl was working there?”

“Technically he worked there too. He is me, he has all my memories. They are just in a different order and a little bit messed up.”

“Oh, sorry about that Sh… Sunny.”

“It’s okay. I will get used to it. I guess I know what job we are going to get Whirl.”

“Two weather analyzers huh? That would be great! We would always come up with the same answers and finally get some say about the regulations the weather team follows!”

“That is just what I was thinking. Maybe we will get our own water cooler finally so we don’t have to rush to the store during our breaks.”

“That would be… so nice…” Whirl said as he laid down on his back.

“All this for a water cooler?”

“Do you know how far the store is from town hall? Pretty far, I used to count it as Wonderbolt training.”

“Except for that one week those three fillies had that lemonade stand outside.”

“Come to think of it… I think one of them was Applebloom.”

“I think you are right. Weren’t they checking their flanks every time we bought a cup?”

“Yeah, what was with that?”

“They were checking for their cutie marks. Didn’t you know that they have a little club dedicated to fillies finding their cutie marks?”

Whirl and Sunny both shook their head in unison and chuckled.

“That’s adorable.”

“So what are you telling everypony else about Sunny the random alicorn?”

“Just that we killed Shadow Wind and now we are looking for jobs.”

“Only if ponies ask about it though.”

“I think there is a pretty good chance of that.” Derpy said as she pointed at the window.

A pegasus pony with a camera panicked and flew away as fast as he could, but not before snapping a picture of Sunny.

“Uh oh… how long do you think he was here? Do you think he saw my eyes?” Sunny asked with a concerned look.

“We will just have to see what is in the paper tomorrow and deal with whatever fall out there is.”

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK! Whirl sighed and stood up before walking to the door, opening it slowly. “Hello? Oh, oh my… Celestia, what brings you around?”

“I heard that you have a special guest here and that you had returned; I wanted to check up on you.” Celestia said kindly.

Whirl took a glance back at Sunny who gave him a nod. Whirl took a step back and let the princess enter. Celestia walked inside and her guards stayed outside the door. Whirl closed the door and walked over to his sofa and offered Celestia his favorite chair. She took a seat and Whirl sat down next to Derpy.

“Princess Celestia, this is…”

“Shadow Wind, I know.” Celestia said as her horn started to glow. A magical aura filled the room. “This is so nopony can hear us from outside. Now Whirl, explain yourself.”

Everypony in the room tensed up a bit. “Well… I wanted to give him a chance to be redeemed. In a way he was tricked by Sombra like the rest of us. How did you know it was him anyway?”

“Alicorns are made; my sister and I are the original alicorns. We searched the whole planet for others like us and we never found any. That only left Shadow Wind as the last possible pony it could be.”

“Sunny Plains…” Sunny said through gritted teeth.

“Excuse me?”

“My name is Sunny Plains now; I would appreciate you addressing me as such.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Sunny, show the princess a little more respect please.” Whirl said softly.

“My apologies, your highness.” Sunny said in a strained tone.

“I can see that I make you uncomfortable, that is understandable. What is your plan for him Whirl?”

“Find him a job; let him live his life outside of Sombra’s control.”

“You really think he can be redeemed?”

“You thought Discord could be redeemed, why not me?”

“Because dark magic still holds your mind; Discord was mischievous on his own accord. Let me see your eyes.”

Sunny took off his sun glasses and looked at Celestia with a glare. “Still green your highness.” he said sarcastically.

“That is because you still harbor great hatred for my sister and I. I will allow you to attempt to redeem him. If anypony gets hurt though, it is on you hooves Whirl.” Celestia said as she walked to the door. The magical aura faded as she walked outside and closed the door.

“I thought you told me that you would give them a chance!”

“And I am! I have to say, she did impress me with her authority. She sure did put us in our place, under her hoof!”

“Under her care!” Derpy retorted.

“Did it look like she cared about me at all? Whirl I will allow you… What is your plan of him Whirl?” Sunny said in a mocking tone.

“You are lucky she is letting you stay at all!”

“ENOUGH!” Whirl shouted. Derpy and Sunny both went silent. “Sunny, did you honestly expect her to not be suspicious? You are just looking for somepony to be mad at. Be mad at Sombra for making you see lies. Derpy, don’t fan the flames, let me put them out. Now we have all had a long day, let’s go get some rest and tomorrow we will get our lives going again.” Sunny and Derpy both glared at each other without responding to Whirl. “Fine, glare at each other for the rest of the night. I don’t know why you two are the ones that are angry, I am the one sticking my neck out to help you Sunny. Derpy, I am sorry that I went off to do this but I miss my family and if there is any chance that I can have just one spec of family to be with then I will risk my life for it… I’m going out for a while. You two fix whatever funk you are in and make up.” Whirl said in an upset tone as he walked out the door.

“Whirl wait!” Derpy called out, but he was already gone. “This is your fault, you upset him!”

“I think we both upset him! Everything isn’t my fault!”

“No, you just ruined his life! That is your fault!”

“He ruined my life!”

“DON’T YOU DARE BLAME WHIRL FOR YOUR EVILNESS!”

“I WASN’T TALKING ABOUT WHIRL!”

Derpy glared at Sunny. “Who were you talking about then?”

“Sombra! I was talking about Sombra! Because of him I killed my parents, killed my family! Because of him I can’t tell the difference between good and evil! Because of HIM I can’t even look at anypony without seeing an enemy!”

Derpy sat down on the couch in a huff. “Now you have to live with that, just like Whirl does…”

Sunny stood up and walked to Whirl’s room. “I need to go do something.”

“Wait, don’t go into our room!” Derpy shouted as she followed him into the room.

Sunny ignored her and walked over to the bookshelf. He pulled two books off the shelf and laid the one to the left of the two he just took out on its side. The book shelf descended down into the floor revealing a spiral stair case the Sunny stared to descend. “This is something Whirl would never do while you are around, so take this opportunity to see where he goes when he is angry.”

Derpy followed Sunny down the stairs and into a large room that resembled a mine shaft. In the room there were unlit candles on the walls and posters of the Wonderbolts hanging all around the room, most of them were autographed. There were also stands around the room with various Wonderbolt collectables, such as signed uniforms, Wonderbolts goggles, and old Wonderbolt badges. In the far back of the room were kicking bags, lifting weights and training dummies. As Derpy followed Sunny through the room she noticed that there were spears hanging from the wall. Sunny walked up and pulled one of the spears down. “Whirl’s favorite weapon, he practices with it whenever he is upset. Maybe you should try it too.” Sunny said as he hoofed her a spear.

“Me? Oh no no no no no, I can’t handle a weapon…” Derpy said nervously.

“You aren’t 'handling a weapon', you are just going to swing it wildly at the dummy. Just take it.”

Derpy took the spear tentatively and looked at the training dummy. “Do I just hit it?”

Sunny took another spear and stabbed the training dummy violently. “Do whatever you want to relieve stress. Here, I will set you up your own.” Sunny said as he opened a closet door. He walked in and pulled out another training dummy and set it up for Derpy to attack. “All yours, demolish it.”

Derpy swung the spear and hit the dummy in the side of the head. She tugged at the spear to dislodge it but the hooked tip was preventing her from pulling it out. “It’s stuck…”

“Now you see why these are so dangerous.” Sunny said as he pulled hard on the spear. Half of the dummy’s face was torn off by the spear. “They are designed to cause as much damage as possible.”

Derpy took the spear again and looked at it. “I couldn’t use this against a real pony…”

“Whirl said the same thing, but when the time came he used it against Sombra, quite effectively too. Tore right through his heart, if he even had one.”

“You really hate him now don’t you?”

“I hate what he made me do, but I don’t hate him. I don’t think I ever can, he made me think of him as a father figure. But it was a lie as well and now I don’t know what to think.”

“Trust in Whirl Wind, he will help you through this.”

Sunny stabbed his spear into his training dummy again and twisted it. When the pulled it back he tore out the entire chest of the dummy. He let out a loud yell and started hacking away at it with a lot of rage. Derpy took a step back when pieces of the dummy flew her direction. She looked on as the training dummy was torn down to its stub. Sunny was panting heavily when he was finished and he fell back onto his flank with exhaustion. “B-bastard… monster…” he said quietly. “You haven’t used yours much…”

“I think you have let out enough rage for both of us.”

“Try it… just think of anything that makes you angry and tear it apart… It will help, I promise…” Sunny said as he tried to catch his breath.

Derpy stabbed at the dummy again. Her face contorted with rage and she started to cry. She took the spear and started to stab and swing at the dummy relentlessly, although she didn’t do as much damage as Sunny. When she was done her dummy was sliced up pretty good. She stabbed it one more time and sat down in exhaustion. “I do feel better…”

“I knew you would. Don’t tell Whirl I let you down here, this is his private anger management room. Usually he doesn’t have to use the spears, the Wonderbolt stuff usually calms him down.”

“I won’t tell him, but you owe me…” Derpy said through her panting.

“Fine… you think we are calm enough to be friends?”

“Until you make me angry again, then I will use that spear on you.” Derpy said with a giggle.

“Fair enough…” Sunny said as he stood up.

Derpy stood up as well and followed him back upstairs. When they were both in the room Sunny pressed a button on the wall and the book shelf moved back into place. They both turned around and saw Whirl standing at the door. Derpy was startled and jumped in panic with a squeak. “Whirl, you are back.”

“You showed her my anger management room? Pretty good idea, are both of you better now?”

“You aren’t upset that I show her the sanctuary?”

“I probably would have showed her if she ever got that angry. It’s good we don’t have any secrets between us.”

“Thank you Whirl, but you can have some secrets you know.” Derpy said with a giggle.

“I am just glad to see you two getting along. Are we going to have any more problems?”

“Maybe a bump or two, but nothing too terrible; I am still pretty messed up.”

“Glad you can admit that to yourself, now all we have to do is get you to stay calm around the princesses.” Whirl said with a chuckle.

“Well, one step at a time…”

“Right, well I am exhausted and I want to get some sleep. You know where the guest room is Sunny.” Whirl said with a yawn.

“Right. Goodnight you two.” Sunny said as he walked out of the room.

Whirl walked over to Derpy and gave her a kiss. Derpy let out a giggle and kiss Whirl back. Whirl pulled his head back and turned to the bed, but he didn’t get on it, he dug under it. He emerged again with a small box which he held up and hobbled over to Derpy again, completely exhausted. “Derpy I have something to ask you even though you already said yes. Will you marry me?” Whirl opened the box revealing two golden wing rings.

Derpy’s eyes lit up at the sight of the rings. “Whirl… they’re beautiful… Yes. I will marry you!” she said as she flung herself onto him with a hug.

Whirl was already asleep when she hugged him, they fell down onto the floor and Derpy kissed him. Whirl was jolted awake by the kiss; he opened his eyes and kissed her back. Derpy pulled away from the kiss with a giggle. “You seem tired dear.” She said softly.

Whirl nodded his head haphazardly. “Yust a yiyyle.” He said through a yawn.

Derpy helped him to his hooves then onto the bed. “I’m tired too, today has been surprising and exciting for me.”

“I know… sorry for that…” Whirl said sleepily.

“It’s okay; you more than made up for it.”

“I’m… glad…”

Derpy cuddled up against him and closed her eyes. “Goodnight Whirl.”

****

Sunny walked to the guest room and quickly got into bed. He heard a thump in the next room that startled him. “Somepony is excited…” he thought with a chuckle. After only a short time, he managed to fall asleep.

Clouds, clouds all around. “Where am I?” A strike of lightning reveals a figure in the clouds.

“You are in your dreams, but you will find no respite here.” A voiced echoed through the clouds.

“Princess Luna, I was wondering whether or not I would see you here. So what are you going to do, scare me to death?”

Another strike of lightning revealed the image was walking towards him. When it reached the edge of the clouds it came to a halt. “Do you really think that swine would waste time with you? You are barely worth my time.” The voice was deep and dark.

“No… you’re dead…”

“You cannot kill the shadow!” Sombra emerged from the clouds and struck Sunny in the face with his fore hoof.

Sunny recoiled, but not in pain. “This is a dream you imbecile! You cannot harm me here! How are you alive?!”

“Traitor. How could you betray me like this?”

“You… are evil. You made a fool out of me, you brainwashed me into believing something that wasn’t real! YOU MADE ME KILL MY FAMILY!”

“They were weak and the weak must perish under the might of the shadow. You spoke those very words after you slaughtered them.”

“You weren’t there…” It was then that it hit Sunny like a ton of bricks. His horn started to glow and the image of Sombra was replaced by Princess Luna. “LUNA! How dare you! How dare you scare me like that!”

“How dare I? How dare you address me that way! Princess Luna will suffice, or Princess of the Night if you prefer!”

“I thought Sombra was still alive! I was in a panic!”

“I don’t believe that, not for a second. You will always be one of Sombra’s minions!”

“Are you always going to be Nightmare Moon then?! Listen, don’t come into my dreams and try to hinder me! And yes I am telling you what to do, I bow to no pony!”

“You will bow to me if you know what is good for you.”

“I know what is good for me! I don’t need you telling me otherwise! Whirl will help me! He will help me find redemption!” Sunny shouted in a desperate tone.

“There is no redemption for you monster!”

“I am NOT A MONSTER! I’M NOT A MONSTER! I don’t want to be a monster…” Sunny said as he fell to his knees. “Stop… please…”

“Why should I? You are a monster, you deserve this ridicule.”

Sunny was on the verge of tears. “I’m trying… I… AM… TRYING! What do you know about me?! Who I really am?! What do you know?!” Sunny stood up again and walked up to Luna’s face. “What do you want from me?!”

Luna saw the look in Sunny’s eyes, the look of regret and sorrow. Her expression softened and she actually felt sorry for him. “I…”

“Save it! I can see Whirl was wrong about you! He said you would give me a chance, he said you would change my mind about you! He lied, just like Sombra lied! Now I have no pony! No pony at all who I trust!”

“Sunny… I… I’m sorry… I didn’t realize…”

“Leave me alone!” Sunny shouted at his horn started to glow. He faded away as he woke himself up.

Luna acted quickly and appeared in Whirl’s dream. “Whirl! I messed up!

“Luna? What is wrong?” Whirl asked as he set down his whittling equipment.

“Go stop Sunny! I think he is trying to leave!” Luna shouted frantically as she woke Whirl up.

****

Whirl’s eyes opened and he let out a sigh. He slowly got out of bed and walked to the guest room, he stuck his ear to the room and heard Sunny breathing heavily. When he knocked on the door he heard a loud thump against the door. “Go away!”

“Sunny, are you okay?”

“You lied to me! You lied to me!”

“Sunny, I don’t know what is going on. What is wrong?”

“Princess Luna is what is wrong! She came into my dreams and tricked me into thinking Sombra was alive! Then she had the gall to call me a monster! You said they would give me a chance!”

“Can you let me in so we can talk about this without waking Derpy?”

The door flung open and Whirl saw Sunny with his sunglasses on trotting back to the bed. “Fine, but I am not trusting anything you are going to say.”

Whirl walked into the room and closed the door. He walked over to the bed and sat down next to Sunny. “Why are you wearing your sunglasses at night?”

“Because I feel like it…”

“Take them off, I want to look you in the eye when we talk.”

Sunny sighed and took off his sunglasses. Tears flooded out from his sunglasses and leaked down his face. “I never used to cry over something like this…”

“It’s a good thing you are crying, it means you are just like any pony who has been hurt. You are not a monster Sunny, I know you aren’t and it doesn’t matter if any pony says otherwise. All that matters is that you know that you are not a monster.”

“I hate them… I hate them so much… but I don’t want to hate anymore… I am tired of hating things… I am tired of being hated…”

“I don’t hate you, not at all. In fact, I love you like I loved my brothers. If anything were to happen to you, or if you were gone for any reason, I would never be the same again.”

“Why did you lie to me about them, like he did?”

“I didn’t lie… I was just wrong… Everypony makes mistakes like that… I’m sorry I made that mistake. Tomorrow I will send a letter to Princess Luna telling her to stay out of your dream and out of mine. She crossed the line when she went into your dreams to do what she did.”

“You would ask her to stay away from you too?”

“She needs to know what you mean to me and what I am willing to give up to help you.”

“I’m sorry I called you a liar…”

“I’m sorry the princesses haven’t shown you the faith I said they would, they really let me down on this one. I will make it up to you somehow, I promise.”

“Thank you… I… I don’t know what else to say.”

Whirl gave Sunny a hug. “It’s okay; you go ahead and get to sleep. Cast a spell to block out Luna from your dreams.”

“Okay, goodnight Whirl.” Sunny said softly as Whirl stood up and walked to the door.

“Goodnight Sunny, see you in the morning.” Whirl said as he walked out of the room and back to his room.

Shortly after Whirl left, Sunny fell asleep again with a smile. Whirl got to his room and gently got back into bed with Derpy. “Is Sunny okay?” Derpy asked quietly.

“He is now…”

“Good…”

Whirl closed his eyes and soon after, fell asleep.

****

Whirl was in his room, but everything looked distorted and wavy. He looked around and saw Luna pacing back and forth. When she noticed Whirl sitting in bed she walked up to him with a smile. “Is Sunny okay?” Whirl got out of bed and walked past Luna without a word. He walked to his basement and grabbed his whittling tools and started to carve some wood. “Whirl? Are you okay?”

“I am upset, if that is what you are asking.”

“Did Sunny do something? Did he say that he will no longer accept me in his dreams?”

“No, I said that. I want you to stay out of both of our dreams for now. You almost brought all of this planning crashing down around me and it was all because you didn’t trust me.”

“I trust you Whirl! I just don’t trust him!”

“I am him Luna. Now I am trying to help him see the error of his ways and he is making great progress, but not with you scaring him in his dreams about Sombra being alive and calling him a monster. How could you even do that when you yourself was considered a monster when you were Nightmare Moon? How much did it hurt when ponies were afraid of you when you got back huh? At least you had somepony to help you, you had Twilight. All he has is me and I will fight tooth and nail to make sure he gets the same opportunities you had.”

Princess Luna sat in silence for a moment and watched Whirl whittle away at the wood. “I’m sorry Whirl, I didn’t understand…”

“I know you didn’t, but now I have to keep a promise I made to Sunny, I can’t see you in my dreams until he says I can. I’m sorry Luna, but this is just the way it has to be until I can help him.”

“Whirl, please… you make the nights so much better…”

“Then this will be a punishment for both of us, because you make my nights a lot better also. I’m sorry Luna, but please go.”

Luna’s image slowly faded away with the look of despair on her face. When she was gone Whirl dropped his whittling tools, laid his head down on the workbench and started to cry. “I’m sorry Luna…” he said softly.

“You did it… you really did it…”

Whirl’s head perked up and he turned around to see Sunny standing there. “What, send Luna away? I said I would…”

“I didn’t think you would actually do it though. You loved her, you still love her, and yet you gave up being able to see her every night just for me…”

“I meant what I said, what she did crossed the line. Even though I am going to miss seeing her, what she did was wrong and I won’t stand by it.”

“Thank you… you have given me hope that this isn’t a totally lost cause. I will see you when we wake up.” Sunny said as he vanished.

Whirl sighed and laid his head back down on the bench. “This is going to be harder than I thought… Why is everypony making this harder than it needs to be? I am putting so much on the line for him and nopony seems to care about either of our futures…” Whirl lifted his head and looked around. “I am talking to myself… in my dreams… I’m insane…”

****

The next morning Whirl woke up feeling exhausted. His eyes were droopy and he looked like a zombie pony. He got out of bed and walked out to the kitchen to make everypony breakfast. He dropped the pans, he dropped the eggs, and he tripped and threw the spatula which stuck into the ceiling. With an angry grunt he slammed the skillet down onto the counter. “Are you okay Whirl?” Derpy asked as she poked her head around the corner.

“No I’m not okay… I had the worst dreams, woke up in the middle of the night, and told one of the princesses I didn’t want to see her in my dreams for a long time. I am exhausted and I have been making mistakes all morning with the eggs, the pans and the spatula is stuck in the ceiling.” Whirl said in a stressed tone.

“Why don’t you put off getting your job for a little while? It might help you to relax if you go to the spa with Sunny.”

“The spa sounds nice. Good morn… oh my gosh, Whirl you look spent.” Sunny said as he walked into the kitchen. “I think you could use a couple days to relax before you jump back into the loop of things.”

“It’s settled then, you two will go to the spa and I will go and get my promotion.”

“Promotion? That’s today?! I can’t miss that!”

“It’s okay Whirl, you go have fun and we can celebrate when you get back.”

Whirl let out a sigh and flew up to take the spatula out of the ceiling. He gave it a tug but it wouldn’t come out, so he gave it a harder tug but it still wouldn’t come out. He flipped upside down and planted his hooves firmly on the ceiling. “Whirl I don’t think that is a…” Whirl fell to the floor with a loud crash and was completely winded as he laid there on the floor in silence.

Sunny walked over to him and helped Whirl to his hooves. “Are you okay?”

Whirl coughed and silently walked into the den. He laid down on the couch and managed to wheeze, “Spa sounds good…”

****

Princess Celestia knocked on Luna’s door gently. “Luna, are you in there?”

“Go away sister…” Luna said through the door with a sad voice.

“Luna, what is going on? You haven’t been yourself today.”

“I do not wish to discuss this right now!”

“Luna, please… don’t hide away if you are having troubles.”

Luna let out a sigh. “Very well…”

Celestia opened the door and walked in closing it behind her. Luna was on her bed facing away from Celestia. “Sister, what is troubling you?”

“Oh Tia… I made a terrible mistake…”

“Everypony makes mistakes Luna, even us.”

“I don’t know if I can fix this one…” Luna said as she set her head down.

Celestia walked over to her bed and laid down next to her. “What happened? Maybe I can help you find a way to fix it.”

Luna let out a soft sob. “I went into Sunny’s dream… I called him a monster and I… I pretended to be Sombra… Then I had to tell Whirl so that his plans didn’t fall apart. I figured he would thank me for saying what he couldn’t, but he never thought of Sunny as a monster, I should have known better… Whirl doesn’t want to see me anymore!” Luna said as she broke down crying.

“Oh Luna… He wants to see you, you two are best friends. I think he just wants to let Sunny know that he won’t let anything get in the way of helping him. Did he say you couldn’t write him?”

“No… he just said that I can’t visit him in his dreams… I guess I should write a letter.”

“That might help, but if you really want to apologize you should write it to Sunny. Sunny is the one you hurt the most.”

“What?! You want me to apologize to HIM?!”

“Luna, Sunny is the closest thing Whirl has to a living relative now and he is working hard to help him. He even put his life at risk doing this, if I were so inclined I could have him, Derpy, and Sunny all imprisoned for harboring a war criminal. Do you remember how long that sentence lasts?”

“Life…”

“Precisely. The only reason I do not imprison them is because I think Whirl is right in what he is doing. I believe Sunny has the right for a second chance to make a life for himself under his own control.”

“You really believe that he has changed? You think that a pony like that can change?!”

“You di…”

“If one more pony compares me to him I will go absolutely crazy!”

“It’s true though. The dark magic within you was changed through the elements of harmony. I think that the elements would be overkill in this situation so I am going to let Whirl work to fix Sunny himself. Don’t you believe in Whirl?”

“Of course I do… Fine… I’ll write the apology letter to Sunny.” Luna sighed with a frown.

“You have to actually be sorry Luna, otherwise it is meaningless. How about this, you go into Sunny’s dreams again as somepony nice, get to know him and then maybe you can understand what he is really like.”

“But Whirl said…”

“Trust me, Whirl will like this idea just as much as I do. Also, he doesn’t have a choice, it’s either this or I will drag his flank to the dungeons.”

Luna let out a giggle. “Alright, I will give it a try.”

“I will write the letter to Whirl for his eyes only and I will have a royal carrier make sure he gets it.”

“Twilight is a royal carrier now?”

“Oh hush you. She is my greatest student and she is also the fastest way to get the letter to Whirl.”

Luna let out another giggle. “Very well then, I will make the necessary preparations.”

****

“OHHH! AHHH! Ohhhhh…. That’s the spot…” Whirl said as Lotus, one of the spa workers, massaged his aching back. “Thank you sooooo much.”

Lotus let out a giggle. “It is my job to do this every day for nice ponies like you and your charming friend. I must admit it is such a great honor to have a guest from so far away visit here.”

“The honor is miiiiiiiine ohhh yeah…” Sunny sighed as Aloe started to work his lower back. “I can’t think of the last time I was so relaxed…”

“I can tell you have been carrying a lot of tension. What is it that you do for work?” Aloe asked as she pressed a bit harder.

“I used to wage war… but that is all behind me now… I left because I wanted a new life that didn’t involve bloodshed… I owe Whirl big time for showing me this magnificent place… taking me in… helping me… get a job…”

“He sounds like a good friend to me. It is like Lotus and I, we left our homes to come here and open a lovely spa together. We are like sisters and we love each other like sisters.” Aloe said with a smile.

Sunny didn’t respond, he simply kept his head down on the pillow and sighed. “Sunny is like a brother to me too… I am glad he trusts me. I am so glad that he is here with me right now, spending time with me… like my brothers did… like my sister did… like… a brother…” Whirl said as he started to get worked up.

“Just relax Mr. Wind, no need to think of anything that would make you sad.” Lotus said as she started to move down his back.

“You really think of me as one of your brothers don’t you?”

“Of course I do, I know it is what my family would have wanted. You have given me hope for a brighter future for both of us.”

Aloe wiped a tear away. “You two are starting to make me cry. You remind me of Lotus and I so much it’s beautiful.”

“I was thinking the same thing Aloe. Maybe we can include the full package to them for being so nice?”

“Good idea! You two are going to leave here more relaxed than you have ever been.” Aloe said happily.

“That isn’t necessary; I don’t deserve that kind of treatment…”

“Sunny, you need that kind of treatment. It is not up to you to determine whether or not you deserve it.”

“Then it’s settled, you two will be having a relaxing evening. First thing we need to do is get a mud mask on you both. If you will follow us.” Aloe said as she started to walk to the next room.

Lotus, Whirl and Sunny followed Aloe into the next room. “Lay down on the beds and take off your sunglasses please.”

Both Whirl and Sunny both froze in their tracks. Sunny looked over to Whirl with what he assumed to be a worried look. “Just keep your eyes closed.” Whirl whispered.

Sunny walked over to the bed and laid down on his back. He removed his sunglasses with his eyes closed. “Alright, I am ready.” He said nervously.

“Awww, you are going to hide your pretty eyes from me?” Aloe said as she placed a couple of cucumber slices over Sunny’s eyes.

“They are far from pretty… trust me.”

“We are not judgmental here Mr. Plains. You do not have to be afraid.”

“I think it is better that you don’t see them.” Whirl said suddenly.

“I am sure they are fine. If anything you have gotten me even more curious.” Lotus said with a giggle.

Sunny let out a sigh. “You’d hate them… and me…” he said quietly.

“Oh Sunny, I don’t think we could ever hate you. Who could hate such a gentlecolt?” Aloe said happily.

“Oh please show us Sunny.”

Whirl let out a sigh. “It’s up to you Sunny…”

Sunny let out a sigh. “Fine, but this stays here in this room. Promise me you will not tell anypony.”

“We promise.” The two spa workers said in unison.

Sunny reached up to his face and took off the cucumbers with his eyes closed. Whirl had also sat up and took off his cucumbers to see what was happening. Sunny opened his eyes with an ashamed look on his face. Both Aloe and Lotus let out a gasp when they saw the green tint in his eyes. They both took a couple of steps back and looked a bit scared. “Why… Why… are they g-g-green like that?” Aloe asked nervously.

“Because… because…”

“He was cursed by Sombra during the war.” Whirl said suddenly.

“No Whirl we need to start telling the truth… I want ponies to know that I am really Shadow Wind.”

“But you are so nice… you can’t be that terrible pony, we saw in the paper that you two defeated him.” Aloe said confidently.

“That is just what we said to keep Sunny safe… He really was Shadow Wind but he has changed, he is not under Sombra’s control.” Whirl said nervously.

“I don’t understand, isn’t he evil like Sombra?”

“He was the one who destroyed Fillydelphia and Los Pegasus?” Lotus asked.

“I was under Sombra’s control… there was nothing I could do…”

“Let’s just go Sunny. I am not sure they…”

“Now hold on just a minute, we never said that we didn’t want to help you. Sometimes all a pony needs is a little kindness and consideration to make them into a better pony. Where else to get that than here? Just lay back and relax and we will help you get better.” Aloe said happily.

“Wait… what? You don’t hate me?”

“Well, if Whirl Wind, the stallion who killed Sombra thinks that you are okay, then so do we. You should really thank him for helping you get a second chance though; I am sure that it isn’t easy keeping a secret so big.” Lotus said with a smile.

“Thank you Whirl. You really have helped me if these ponies like me now. No more hiding though, it is really starting to make me feel imprisoned.”

Whirl frowned. “If you think you are ready then we will talk to the press today and get an article defending you like I had when I returned home. I want to keep you safe.”

“I know you do. But I can’t stay safe forever. I need to be free if I am ever going to really have a new life. I want to keep the name though, it makes me happy.”

“I think it is a wonderful name.” Lotus said as she gently pushed Sunny onto his back. She placed the cucumbers over his eyes again and started to apply the mud mask. When she was done she got out a hoof file and started to work on Sunny’s hooves. “I never expected to be saying this, but you are a nice pony, you really are. I hope that things go well for you.”

Aloe nodded in agreement. “If Whirl Wind here can be redeemed so can you.” She said happily.

It was right around this time that Rarity poked her head in. “Um, excuse me… Did I overhear that correctly?”

Everypony in the room looked at Rarity and Sunny’s cucumbers fell off of his face. “Rarity? You were eavesdropping?” he asked in shock.

“A lady never eavesdrops, but I did overhear what you were saying and I obviously see what I was hearing is correct. Never fear, I will not tell anypony before its due time. I also agree with our two fine spa workers here that everypony deserves a second chance, I learned that lesson from Princess Celestia herself when we reformed discord.”

“Princess Celestia said that? I have a hard time believing that.” Sunny said cynically. Whirl was about to say something before Sunny interrupted. “Just kidding.” He said with a chuckle.

Whirl gave him a smirk. “So, you think you will walk out of here without sunglasses?”

“I don’t see why not, I mean, what’s the worst that could happen?”

“You could be horrendously attacked by many of the ponies whose lives you destroyed under Sombra’s control.” Rarity said casually.

Sunny laid back down and sighed. “Thanks Rarity, that makes me feel so much better.”

Rarity made a little nervous chuckle and withdrew her head from the room muttering a small sorry. Whirl looked over the Sunny with a concerned look. “I won’t let that happen, you know that right?”

“Yeah I know… I am just a bit nervous about all of this.”

“Then I think it is time we move you to the sauna, it is very relaxing.” Aloe said as she gently wiped off Sunny’s face.

Lotus quickly wiped off Whirl’s and helped him off the bed. “You two like to switch ponies a lot don’t you?”

Lotus gave a giggle. “It keeps things interesting. The sauna should also help with that giant bruise on your back as well.”

“You mean the bruise he got while he was trying to pull a spatula, that he threw, from the ceiling.”

Aloe and lotus both let out a giggle. “Alright, they didn’t need to know how I got the bruise.” Whirl said as they were escorted to the sauna. Sunny walked into the sauna and he felt an odd sensation.

“Whirl… I can’t be in here.” Sunny said as he quickly back out of the room, breathing heavily.

“What’s wrong? Is it too hot?” Whirl asked with concern.

“No, I don’t know… I mean… Something about the heat… I just can’t.” Sunny was nearly hyperventilating as he leaned against the wall for support. “Get me out of here… please…”

Whirl walked over to him and helped support him. “Sure thing, let’s get some fresh air. Aloe, Lotus, this was very relaxing. Thank you. Just put the bill on my tab and I will be back later to pay you.”

Aloe and Lotus both nodded in unison. “It was our pleasure. Have a nice day.” they said in unison as well.

Whirl helped Sunny outside, but he was struggling. He was nearly breaking down as tears started to well up in his eyes. “Help me… help me…” he pleaded softly as they stepped outside. The rain was pouring down heavily and Whirl gave a disgruntled grunt as Sunny fell to his knees sobbing. “No more fire! Please!”

“Sunny, what is going on?” Whirl asked in concern.

“No, Celestia! Please stop, it burns! What did I do wrong?!”

Suddenly it hit Whirl. “This must be part of what Sombra made Sunny experience.” He thought as he picked up Sunny and put him on his back to carry him. “It’s okay Sunny, there is no fire. In fact it is raining, see?” Whirl said as he walked out into the torrent of rain.

Sunny felt the rain beat down on his coat. He blinked his eyes and shook his head as he looked up to the sky. “Wh-where am I?”

“You are in Ponyville, with me. Are you okay?”

“I was… in the dungeons… being burned!”

“It wasn’t real; it was just Sombra’s curse trying to scare you. Stay calm, we are heading home.” Whirl said gently as he walked along.

“But I… I could feel the flames… and Celestia… she was just laughing…”

“She would never do that in reality. Trust me. We will figure out how to stop this from happening again.”

“The library…”

“What was that?”

“Twilight… she can help…”

Whirl stopped in his tracks ad turned around to walk towards the library. “You’re right, she can help.” Whirl said as he picked up the pace.

“The flames… the flames…” Sunny said weakly. “Why are you laughing… what did I do…?”

“It’s okay, no one is laughing, there are no flames.” Whirl said gently as they approached the library. Whirl knocked on the door frantically.

“Come in!” Twilight’s voice said from the other side.

Whirl quickly opened the door and maneuvered inside gently. “Twilight, I need your help.” They were both soaked from the rain and dripped water everywhere.

“Oh my gosh, the alicorn! I was hoping to meet…”

“It’s Shadow Wind but don’t worry he is not evil. He is cursed and I need your help to get rid of the curse.”

“What?! You want me to help…”

“Sunny! I want you to help Sunny Plains!” Whirl said sternly. “He is not under Sombra’s control, but he is still under his curse! Now will you help me or not?”

Twilight was a bit taken aback by Whirl’s stern tone; she had not known him to be so serious. “Alright, I’ll help. Set him down and I will see what I can do.” Whirl maneuvered Sunny over to the stairs and set him down. Twilight examined Sunny up and down, before she tapped her hoof to her chin. “This is you right?”

“Yes, he is what separated from me when Celestia helped me in the hospital.”

“Where did he get the horn? It doesn’t make sense.”

“NO! NO CELESTIA PLEASE STOP!”

“He said that it came from Sombra. I don’t know how exactly he got it.”

“The horn itself must be the cause.” Twilight said as she grabbed Sunny by his shoulders. “Sunny! I need you to focus! How did you get that horn?!”

Sunny blinked his eyes lazily. “Crystal…” he said as he moved his hoof to the tip of his horn. “Shoved… in…” He moved his hoof as if he were pushing his horn in. “Horn…”

“You are kidding me? You shoved a dark crystal into your skull?!”

Sunny nodded weakly. “For… protection…”

“We need to remove his horn; it has to be the source of the dark magic.”

“Do it then, I am sure he won’t object.”

Twilight closed her eyes and her horn started to glow. She let out a grunt as her magical aura connected with Sunny’s horn. “Something… is stopping me…” Her magical aura suddenly turned black and Sunny let out a loud scream of pain. His horn slowly ascended out of his head as he continued to writhe in agony. “It’s almost out!” The horn flickered and turned into a dark crystal as its connection with Sunny was severed. Twilight let out a gasp and let it drop to the floor. “There…” she panted as she sat down.

“Sunny? Sunny can you hear me?”

Sunny opened his eyes slowly, revealing two blue eyes that were normal once again. “I… I feel… different… more… complete…” he said in his normal voice. “My voice…”

“Our voice; you are just like me again.”

“I… I’m happy… I’M HAPPY!” Sunny said with a laugh. He stood up and smiled widely. “OH WOW! I FEEL SO GREAT!” He hugged Twilight and swung her around joyfully. “THANK YOU! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I AM FREE! I AM FREEEEEEE!” Twilight was not sure what was going on.

“PUT ME DOWN!” Twilight demanded.

Sunny stopped and set her down. “Sorry, I am just so happy! So excited! I don’t feel any hatred inside of me! It’s amazing!”

Whirl was sitting on the floor chuckling. “Thank you Twilight, whether you meant to do it or not, you freed him from Sombra’s grasp.”

“Yes! You did! I am so elated! Whirl, let’s go out and celebrate! Twilight! You should come too!”

“Let’s calm down Sunny, take it easy. First we need to…”

BELCH! “Twilight! Letter from Princess Celestia!” Spike said as he walked down the stairs sleepily. He handed the letter to Twilight.

“It’s for Sunny?” She said curiously.

Sunny walked over with a smile. “A letter from the princess for me?” he said as he was hoofed the letter. He opened it and read it aloud. “Dear Sunny Plains, I am writing this on behalf of my sister Princess Luna. She would like to convey her most sincere apologies for what she said in her dreams. She did not mean it and would hope that you will forgive her. Sincerely, Princess Celestia of Equestria.”

“You see? I knew she didn’t mean it.” Whirl said happily.

“I know! It is all so clear now! Like someone tore the evil from my head!” Sunny said jokingly. “We need to go to Canterlot! I want to accept her apology in pony!”

“Whoa, what about getting a job? Staring your life?”

“That can all wait! This is something I have to do!” Sunny said as he ran out the door.

“WAIT! Twilight, thank you again. SUNNY COME BACK!” Whirl said as he ran after Sunny. He soon caught up with him and pulled him to a stop. “We have to tell Derpy what we are doing first; otherwise I am going to get in trouble again.”

Sunny gave a disappointed moan. “Alright, but we have to hurry. The next train to Canterlot leaves soon.”

Chapter Five

Chapter Five: All is Forgiven?

Derpy was almost done with her route and was heading towards home to deliver her own mail. “It’s regulation to deliver to every house in Ponyville. Dumb regulation if it is your own house. It wouldn’t be so bad if Whirl wouldn’t have brought home that… THING! Augh! He never tells me anything anymore…” she thought angrily as she walked up to her house.

“Derpy!” a voice sounded out in the far distance.

Derpy turned her head to find the source of the voice and saw a yellow pegasi running alongside a green pegasi. She squinted and put a hoof over her eyes to block the sun. The two pegasi were getting closer and she gave grunt of frustration as she recognized the two running towards them. She turned around and put on her best happy face. “Hey guys! How was the sp—UGH!” Derpy started before she was bear hugged by Whirl.

“Derpy! Something wonderful has happened!” Whirl said as he hugged her.

Derpy took in a deep breath as Whirl stopped hugging her. “What? What has happe—UGH!” she started again before she was bear hugged by Sunny. She looked down and saw his normal eyes, his lack of horn and his smile. “You… what happened?” she asked in a shocked voice.

“I am cured! My horn was the curse! It is so great to be free! Now we are going to Canterlot to apologize to Luna!”

“WHAT?!” Derpy exclaimed angrily. “You just got here and you are leaving again?!”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, I want you to come with us!” Whirl said happily. “Can’t you get a few days off?”

Derpy was livid. “I can’t just drop work to go on a random trip!”

“I didn’t think so… that’s why I came up with a plan to let you do your work and come with us to see the princess. If you want to that is. I mean… you deserve a break after everything I put you through…”

Derpy lightened up a little but was still a little flustered. She put a hoof between her eyes and began to rub. “What’s the plan?”

Sunny smiled. “So you can request your own trusted carrier for package delivery right?”

Derpy nodded. “Yeah, and?”

“So that means I can request that you deliver this package to Princess Luna right?” Sunny said as he picked up a rock and dropped it into a box.

Derpy giggled a bit. “You want me to deliver a rock to Princess Luna?”

“No, we want you to come with us to see Luna, delivering the rock is just a bonus opportunity.” Whirl explained with a chuckle. “Why a rock? Shouldn’t we deliver some grass or something?” he asked jokingly.

“No, it’s my package.” Sunny said in a huff. “Let’s get going before we laugh ourselves to death.” He said with a laugh.

The three started to walk back toward the post office. “I am glad you decided to include me in your scheme this time.” Derpy said as she wrapped a wing over Whirl’s back. “I was pretty upset after you left me alone in the hospital and after you brought him back with you.”

“Yeah, probably not my best move.” Whirl said with a nervous chuckle. “That’s why I am trying to make it up to you now.”

Derpy bumped her flank into his. “Yeah, by making me work!” She said jokingly. “You’re doing alright so far.”

Whirl let out another nervous chuckle. “Don’t worry, there is more than just this; I promise.”

Sunny laughed a bit loudly. “I know what he is planning! Oh gosh, this is going to be good!”

Whirl hushed Sunny. “Quiet, you are going to make her overly curious.”

“I am a bit curious, so I am going to bug you until you tell me!” Derpy said as she poked his chest over and over. “What are you planning, huh? Huh? Huh?”

Whirl sighed as Derpy continuously poked his chest. “Derpy, it will ruin the surprise. I am not going to tell you. Oh look, we are here! Go inside with Sunny and get your package to deliver.”

Derpy narrowed her eyes. “Alright, but when I get out I am going to poke you until you tell me.” She walked inside with Sunny and whispered. “What does he have planned?”

Sunny laughed. “He doesn’t have one yet, but he is working on one. He just wants you to think he has one so you won’t get upset.” He said with a wink.

Derpy let out a loud laugh that Whirl heard outside. “Oh great, he told her I didn’t have a plan.” Whirl thought as he face hoofed.

Sunny walked up to the mailing counter. “Excuse me, I would like to commission a special delivery and I would like Ms. Ditzy here to deliver the package.”

“Special deliveries have special prices. Where is the package being delivered?” the mailmare behind the counter asked.

“Directly to Princess Luna.” Sunny said happily.

“That will be ten bits per gram. If you would kindly put the package on the scale.”

Sunny put the package on the scale and it stopped on ten grams. “Oh wow, this is going to be expensive. But I am glad to help the local post office.” Sunny said as he pulled out his hag of bits. He counted out one hundred and placed them in a separate bag that was hoofed to the mailmare. “Here we go.”

“Well Derpy, it looks like you are working over time.” The mailmare said as she tossed the bag to Derpy. “But at least you get to keep the profits as a bonus.”

Derpy let out a giggle. “Indeed so; I hear Canterlot is great this time of year.” She said as she picked up the package. “I will make sure your package is delivered safely and swiftly.” She said as she trotted out of the post office.

Sunny smiled and followed her out. When they all met up outside they all laughed at their brilliant plan and started to walk towards the train station. “I am keeping the hundred bits by the way.” Derpy said jokingly.

“Hundred bits?! It cost that much?!” Whirl asked in shock.

“Yup, because you are delivering to royalty.”

“Crazy, but at least you get to keep the bits.”

“Well, they were your bits Whirl, I kind of stole them from you.” Sunny said with a nervous chuckle.

“What?! You stole my bits?!” Whirl said as he check for his bag. Sure enough, it was gone. “I guess you technically stole from yourself.”

“My thought exactly. I promise not to do it again.”

“Darn right, because if you steal from him you are stealing from me.” Derpy said as they wrapped their wings over each other. “I just noticed that we walk a lot for pegasi.”

“Do you want to fly?” Whirl asked with a smile.

Derpy nodded happily. “I would love to.” She said as she tripped Whirl and Sunny at the same time. “Last one there is a foal!” she said as she rocketed off.

Whirl and Sunny stood up and dusted themselves off in perfect unison. They looked at Derpy and then looked at each other. “Does she really think that she can fly faster than us?” Whirl asked.

“I think she does. Want to just let her have her head start before we actually try?”

“Yeah, let’s just do our stretches before we fly.” Whirl said as he started to stretch. Sunny joined in and chuckled. After only a minute they both took off like jets and flew as fast as they could. They quickly caught up with Derpy and snatched her up. “Hey Derpy, if we carry you to the finish does it still mean we are foals?” Whirl asked jokingly.

Derpy was shocked at how fast they were flying. “Wow! This is amazing! I have never flown this fast before!”

Both Sunny and Whirl let out a chuckle. “We fly this fast every time we train.” They said in unison.

“Wheeee!” Derpy exclaimed happily.

They soon arrived at the train station and they quickly bought their tickets and got on the train. They found a nice overnight room and settled in. Derpy jumped onto one of the beds and snuggled in with a content sigh. “Ahhh, it is so nice to finally rest, today was exhausting.”

“Same here…” Sunny said as he settled in.

Derpy sat up straight and scoffed. “You two went to the spa, how could that have been exhausting?”

“Well, Sunny here had to ruin it by having a magical mental breakdown.” Whirl said with a chuckle.

“I don’t care about that, I am just so glad to finally be free. Free, just like you two. Free, just like I was before the war. So… I guess we are exactly the same now.”

“No, we are both unique. We are more like twins now.”

“Twins, just like Flare’s foals huh? That is pretty awesome. I always wanted a brother who was more like me… oh… I just made myself sad. I just remembered what happened to our family… oh Celestia… What have I done?”

“No, no, no! Don’t even start that! I had to beat up Whirl the last time he started this and I will not hesitate to beat you up too!” Derpy said in a stern voice.

Sunny looked at his hooves. “I can’t help it… I can see their faces and hear their voices… Augh… I know it isn’t my fault but… I can’t help but think of them and what they saw when it happened… Did they look at me or did they look at Sombra through my eyes?”

“They say him, don’t worry. I am sure that they are looking down on us right now with a smile. We aren’t alone, we have a place to live and we have great opportunities and friends.”

Sunny nodded slowly. “Yeah, I guess you are right. I think this is probably the last thing they would have expected though.”

“True, but it is one of the best things that could have happened. Top bunk!” Whirl said as he jumped up to the top bunk above Derpy. “Now we can work together and hang out together and do all kinds of stuff!”

“Right… well let’s get some sleep while we go to Canterlot and we can discuss it more later.” Sunny said as he laid on his back and closed his eyes.

Derpy curled up and snuggled under her blankets. “Goodnight everypony.” She said happily.

“Goodnight.” Whirl said as he curled up as well.

****

The train rolled into the station around midnight and Derpy was the first awake. “Come on everypony, time to wake up and find a place to sleep for the night.”

Sunny stirred and hopped out of bed. “Nu uh, I couldn’t sleep the whole time because I am excited to see Luna again.”

Derpy rolled Whirl over and shook him. “Come on Whirl, wake up.”

Whirl opened his eyes slowly. “I didn’t dream…” he said sadly.

Sunny looked over to Whirl with a look of sorrow. “I’m sorry I cause all of this for you Whirl, but we are going to fix it right now.” He said happily.

Whirl got down from his bunk and looked at Sunny. “Yeah, I know.” He said as he started to slowly walk out the door. “You don’t have to apologize to me, I made the decision.”

Sunny and Derpy followed alongside Whirl as they stepped off the train. “I am surprised that you two didn’t get sick on the train.” Derpy said with a giggle.

Whirl shrugged. “I guess we didn’t think about it. Maybe we were too excited or something.”

Sunny nodded in agreement. “I forgot it was a train to be honest.” He said with a chuckle.

“You two are impossible to figure out… I am just going to stop trying to fully understand you two.”

“Hey, do you think we could get a room at the castle?” Whirl asked suddenly.

“Yeah right, Luna is just going to roll out the red carpet for us after we told her to stay away from us.” Sunny retorted.

“I am sure she will at least let us in. She doesn’t hate us or anything and I am sure she is not mad at us. Let’s just give it a try.”

“Alright, but I am not optimistic about this…”

“No pessimism.” Derpy said with a smile. “All optimism here, I say let’s give it a try.”

“Then it is settled, let’s get to Canterlot cas—“

“Halt! Who goes there?!” a voice sounded from the sky.

Whirl looked up and saw one of the night guards descending towards them. “We are here to see Princess Luna.” Whirl said with a smile.

“There is a curfew in place and you are violating it. It is my duty to take you in for questioning.” The guard said in a voice of authority.

“I guess that is fair, we didn’t know there was a curfew though. Well, we will follow you then.”

“The curfew was put into place by Princess Luna last night. She has been cracking down a lot on the ponies of Canterlot ever since the return of Shadow Wind. This last law was to ensure that no unauthorized ponies roamed the streets when it is unsafe.”

“Oh, yeah… I guess that makes sense.” Sunny said nervously as the guard started to escort them to the guard’s headquarters.

Derpy was shaking a bit as they walked along the dark streets of Canterlot. “Are you okay hun?” Whirl asked in a concerned tone.

“F-fine… just nervous about being questioned by the guards…”

“No need to be nervous miss, it is just a routine questioning and then you are free to go.” The guard informed her. “Unless you have something to hide of course.”

“N-no, of course not… Oh the package! I have to deliver my package to Princess Luna!”

“What package?” The guard said as he came to a halt.

Derpy was shaking as she took out the package and hoofed it to the guard. “J-just this one…”

The guard examined it with his eyes and shook it lightly. “What is in it?”

“A rock…” Sunny said with a chuckle.

“A rock? Who would send the princess a rock?”

“Somepony who wanted his fiancé to come with him to Canterlot to see Princess Luna.” Whirl said happily.

“Very clever, but I will still need to open it to verify its contents.” The guard said as he opened the box. He lifted the rock out of it and chuckled a bit. “Yup, it’s a rock.” He said as he dropped it back in the box and hoofed it back to Derpy.

Derpy quickly sealed the box shut again and continued to follow the guard nervously. They soon arrived at the castle where they were escorted to the guard’s station. “Make sure that sector five is covered by somepony tonight please.” A familiar voice sounded from the other side of the door.

“Ohhhh Luuuunaaaaa!” Sunny shouted playfully.

The door slammed open and Luna came running out. “Whirl! It is so good to… oh… you brought him? Well, let’s get this over with. Sunny, I’m sorry I hurt your feeling in your dream and…”

“Whoa, wait a moment. I am here to say sorry to you for over reacting and taking you away from your friend. That was wrong of me and I am sorry.” Sunny said apologetically.

Luna raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Where is your horn? And why are your eyes normal?”

“I’ll explain everything later, just tell this guard to skip the curfew questions and we will go somewhere a little more discrete.” Whirl said with a smile.

“Guard, you have done your duty well but I will take them from here.” Luna said in a soft voice. The guard gave a quick salute and flew off into the night. “If you three will follow me I will escort you to quarters.” Luna said as she started to lead them back to the castle.

“So, you aren’t mad at me for asking you to stay out of my dreams?” Whirl asked sadly.

“Of course not, I was a bit hurt though. I nearly skipped night court that night because I was so distraught.”

“I am so sorry Princess Luna, I really am. I was just in a bad frame of mind when you visited me.” Sunny explained.

“There was error on my behalf as well; I should not have called you a monster. I apologize for that.”

“All is forgiven.” Sunny said happily.

“So, what happened to thine… your horn?” Luna said as they walked along.

“Twilight Sparkle tore it out along with the last remains of Sombra’s dark magic. It was amazing.”

“Ah yes, Twilight is an exceptional pony.”

“Indeed! She saved my life! I owe her so much!” Sunny said as he bounced a couple of times.

Luna let out a small giggle. “I don’t think I have ever seen you so happy, either of you.”

“It has been quite a while since we had an excuse to be so happy.” Whirl whispered to Derpy.

“Here we are, let’s go inside and we will talk in more detail.” Luna said as she stepped through the door.

Whirl and Derpy followed directly behind Luna and Sunny behind them. When Sunny walked through the door there was a clank of metal. “Hey, what are you mmph!” Sunny exclaimed as the day guards struggled to hold him down. They cuffed his wings down, his hooves together and they put a muzzle over his mouth.

“Luna, what is this?!” Whirl asked angrily.

“I do not know. Guards, what are you doing?” Luna asked in a voice of authority.

“Orders from Princess Celestia your highness. We are to take him to the dungeons immediately.” One of the guards explained as the others started to drag Sunny out of the room.

“Sunny! I’ll get you out! I promise!” Whirl said as the guards held him back.

“I will go and talk to my sister at once to find out why she had a sudden change of heart.” Luna said angrily as she flew out the window. She quickly ascended to Celestia’s room and landed on the balcony.

“I know why you are here Luna, allow me to explain why Sunny is in the dungeons. Princess Cadance put a warrant in our kingdom for his arrest; he is to be tried for war crimes against the Crystal Empire.”

“But we can deny his extradition! We can refuse to release him from our custody!” Luna said defiantly.

“You know we cannot do that. Princess Cadance has every right to do this and I will not stop her from doing so.”

“But sister…!”

“I’m sorry Luna; there is nothing we can do at this point.”

“We can defend him! We can go to the Crystal Empire and help him in his trial!”

Princess Celestia raised an eyebrow in confusion. “I thought you hated him; this trial would make sure he would never see the light of day again.”

“You are right, that is what it would mean. But… he has changed… anypony that is that kind could not have done what he did on his own free will. We have to help him.”

“Then we shall help him. We will go with him to the crystal empire and be his defense council.”

Luna’s ears perked up and she looked at her sister with a surprised look. “You mean it?”

Celestia smiled softly. “Of course I do. I will go inform Sunny of what is going to happen, you go and tell Whirl.”

Luna nodded with a smile and took off again. She quickly reached the room Whirl and Derpy was in and Whirl had a fresh black eye that Derpy was tending to. “What happened to Whirl?” Luna asked with a concerned tone.

“One of the guards decided to neutralize me with a kick to the face. Effective, but unnecessary.” Whirl said angrily.

“I’m sorry Whirl, but Sunny has been imprisoned to await trial in the Crystal Empire on orders of Princess Cadance.”

Whirl jumped up in anger and started to pace. “How can we stop this from happening?”

“We can’t, all we can do is help defend him when he gets there.” Luna explained.

“Then that’s what we do! We defend him the best we can!”

Derpy pulled out the package and held it up to Luna. “This probably isn’t the best time, but I have a job to do. Here is a package from Sunny. It’s a rock.”

Luna took the package and opened it. “It is a rock… is it from Ponyville?”

“The outskirts near my home, why?” Whirl asked curiously.

Luna’s horn started to glow and the rock cracked in half revealing a rather large diamond. “Because Ponyville has rocks that are rich in rare minerals…” she explained sadly. “This really means a lot to me… Diamonds remind me of the stars I place in the sky at night.”

“All the more reason to help him; I am going to go see him right now.” Whirl said as he quickly walked out the door.

“He is so headstrong; I wish he would discuss things with me before he just leaps into things.”

“You should tell him how you feel. He seems to not know how impulsive he can be.”

“I think I will, but I have to tell him that I have to return home for work in the morning first.”

“You cannot go with him to the Crystal Empire?”

“I would love to, but if I don’t return home I could get fired. I still have three more days of review to go before I get my promotion.”

“I could pull some strings, shuffle things around to make sure you get to go.”

Derpy looked up to Luna with a sad expression. “Why are you and your sister so nice to me?”

“Well, because you are our friend now. It is no problem to help out a friend.”

“What if I wasn’t engaged to Whirl? Would we still be friends?”

“I… I do not know. But that is not important now, what is important is that you two go together on as many adventures as possible.”

Derpy looked away. “I’m sorry if I have been disrespectful your highness. I should address you with more respect than I have.”

“It’s alright.” Luna said as she put a hoof on Derpy’s shoulder. “You are a very kind pony who is dedicated to her work and future husband; those are wonderful qualities to have.”

Derpy looked up to the princess with a smile. “I would like to go with Whirl to the Crystal Empire.”

“Then I will send the Ponyville post office a notice letting them know you are a special assignment given to you by me. They can’t argue with that.” Luna said with a wink.

Derpy smiled widely. “Well, I will get rested up for tomorrow then.”

“Have a restful sleep Derpy.” Luna said as she flew out the window gracefully.

Derpy curled up on the bed and fell asleep quickly.

****

Celestia descended the spiral stairs that lead to the dungeons with a frown. She never liked walking through the dungeons, where it was only dimly lit by torches that hung from the walls. When she reached the bottom of the stairs she was looking down a long hall with prison cells on either side of it. She saw Sunny in one of the cells sitting on the floor and drawing circles with his hoof. When she walked over to the cell Sunny’s ears perked up and he turned to face her. “NO! NO PLEASE!” Sunny shouted as he scrambled to the back corner of the cell. “DON’T BURN ME PLEASE!”

Celestia was confused and concerned with Sunny’s behavior. “Sunny Plains, I have come to inform you…”

“I DON’T WANT TO DIE!” Sunny sobbed hysterically.

Celestia’s horn started to glow and Sunny’s mouth was forced shut. She levitated him to the front of the cell, sat him down and held him there. The fear in Sunny’s eyes was apparent as she held him there. “I am not here to punish you Sunny. I am only here to inform you that you are going to be extradited to the Crystal Empire where you will be tried for war crimes. Your defense council will be comprised of, Whirl Wind, Princess Luna and Princess Celestia.” She said as she released Sunny.

Sunny quickly scrambled backwards. “Yo-you’re lying! You wouldn’t defend me!”

Celestia gave a soft smile. “Why wouldn’t I? I understand the nature of the magic that enslaved your mind more than anypony else in this world. I know for a fact that you were not acting upon your own free will.”

Sunny wiped away some tears and pushed his back against the wall. “Y-you… you are serious…”

Celestia gave a small nod. “I will do my best to convince Princess Cadance that special considerations need to be taken into account.”

“Thank you… I… I’m sorry for freaking out…”

“It’s okay, but might I ask why you thought I was going to burn you?”

“Before… before Twilight… helped me get rid of my horn… I had a vision of you burning me in the dungeons… you were laughing… laughing… like it was some kind of game… I could feel the fire against my coat… I could feel the pain… and when I was taken down here I was so afraid I would feel it again…” he said as he continued to cry.

“I would never harm one of my subjects in that way and even if I had to I would never laugh. Cruelty like that should be pitied, not enjoyed.”

Sunny nodded slowly. “I hate that I even felt joy for pain for even one second of my life, even if it was against my will. I was a mon…”

“No, don’t say that word. You were a strong pony who was controlled by Sombra and nothing more.”

“Sunny! Sunny!” Whirl shouted as he scrambled into the room.

“I’m okay Whirl! I’m over here…”

Whirl ran up to the cell and smiled. “Thank goodness… Are you hurt at all?”

“No, I’m not. It looks like you got a nice kick to the face.” Sunny said with a chuckle as he wiped away more tears.

“Sunny, I want you to know that I am going to do everything I can to defend you.”

“I know you will, but you need to get some rest if you are going to do that effectively.”

“Yes, we should both retire for the night. Sunny, don’t worry.” Celestia said as she started to ascend the stairs.

“I love you brother, see you in the morning.” Whirl said as he followed her out.

****

Sunny couldn’t sleep on the hard floor of the dungeon and was exhausted in the morning. One of the guards banged on the cell door. “Wake up, it’s time to go.” The guard said as he opened the door. Sunny didn’t resist as they chained him up like they did the night before. They escorted him up the stairs to a prison chariot that had a cage mounted on the back. He saw Whirl and Derpy waiting next to it with smiles on their faces. When he climbed inside he took one last look at Whirl before they closed the doors. The only light in the cage was from the small opening at the top of the back door which was barred. The wagon lurched as it started to move and Sunny let out a sigh.

“Don’t worry Sunny! We will see you again soon!” Whirl shouted as they boarded a chariot with Celestia and Luna. Their chariot followed along behind the prison wagon in a convoy. “What do you think the best hope for Sunny is?” Whirl asked Celestia in a concerned tone.

“Worst case scenario is he is imprisoned for life, best case scenario is he goes free without consequence.”

“There seems to be a big middle ground there.”

“While that is true, I am confident that we can get him off without consequence. But know this, I cannot overturn any decision Princess Cadance makes.”

Whirl nodded. “Right… then we need to be sure our defense is solid.”

“Just speak your heart Whirl, the jury will respond more to that than something that is planned ahead of time.” Luna interjected.

“Everything will be fine Whirl.” Derpy said as she cuddled up against him.

When they took a sudden right turn Whirl got confused. “Are we not taking the train?”

“The train is too slow. We will be flying to the Crystal Empire.” Celestia explained.

“Won’t it be hard on the guards to fly through such weather?”

“Cadance will make sure that we have a safe path through any snow that might be in our way.”

Whirl nodded in understanding and leaned his head against Derpy’s. “I just hope Sunny is doing okay…”

It had been a few hours, but Sunny hadn’t heard a train. He assumed that they were either flying or walking to the Crystal Empire as they went along. The wagon suddenly jostled violently and sent Sunny flying into the back of the back doors. He could feel a small trail of blood leak down from the top of his head and he grunted in pain. Shortly after the doors opened and Sunny was blinded by the light of the sun as he was dragged out of the wagon. His eyes adjusted to the light quickly and he beheld the Crystal Empire in all its beauty. He felt something smack the side of his face, a rotten tomato. The sound of the crystal ponies shouting jeers and boos filled the streets as they started to walk. A barrage of rotten produce hit Sunny in the face as he was escorted to the castle. Sunny saw another tomato heading straight for him and he closed his eyes, but it never hit him. Whirl had managed to block the tomato with his own body and did his best to block as much as he could just before they arrived at the castle.

As they entered they were greeted by the Crystal guards who took over custody of Sunny. Whirl followed them to the dungeons and waited for them to remove the chains off of Sunny and put him in a cell. “Can I get a rag and a bucket of water to clean myself off?” Whirl asked one of the guards. One of the guards nodded and shortly arrived again with a large bucket of water and a rag. Whirl beckoned Sunny to the front of the cell and started to wipe off Sunny’s face. “Looks like you took a good hit when we landed. I would have been there to help sooner, but we got delayed by the welcoming party.” Whirl said as he tended to Sunny’s wound.

“It’s okay; I appreciate what you did for me.” Sunny said with a half-smile.

“The trial is set to begin in an hour. The princesses and Derpy are getting ready while I get you ready. It is going to take about that long to get us both cleaned up.”

“Why don’t you just give me the rag and I will clean myself?”

“The guards won’t let me give you anything; they will take the rag from both of us. It’s okay though, I don’t mind.”

Whirl noticed a bar of soap at the bottom of the bucket and he picked it up to clean Sunny some more. After about forty five minutes, they were both clean. “Thanks Whirl. I want you to know something before we go to the trial… if I get a life sentence; I don’t want you to worry about me. You have your own life to live and I don’t want to delay that life anymore.”

“I won’t allow you to get a life sentence. I promise.”

“I can’t hold you to that, but thanks for the gesture.”

“Alright, time to get going.” A guard said as he opened the cell door and started to chain up Sunny again, without the muzzle this time.

Whirl followed alongside Sunny as they walked to the courtroom. When they entered they were greeted with jeers and boos from the crowd. The loud bang of a gavel quickly silenced the audience as Whirl and Sunny settled down into the defendant’s chairs. “This court is now in session, the royal Princess Cadance residing.”

Princess Cadance levitated a piece of paper in from of her and read it aloud. “This court has been called to try Sunny Plains, aka Shadow Wind versus the Crystal Empire.” A loud roar of boos came from the audience again and Cadance banged her gavel. “Order in the court! Now then, the charges are as follows, mass murder, assault on royalty, wide destruction of properties of all types and aiding an enemy of the Empire! How does the defendant plea?”

“Not guilty!” Sunny announced loudly.

“Then let the trial begin. We will now hear from the prosecution.”

A crystal pony in a business suit stood up. “Thank you your highness. Ladies and gentlecolts of the jury, we have all been waiting for this trial for a long time now. The trial that will put this stallion where he belongs, behind bars.”

“Objection!” Whirl shouted.

“Sustained, they prosecution will refrain from making absolution pertaining to how the trial will end.”

“As you wish your highness. Let us instead look at the evidence in question.” The prosecutor said as he opened his suitcase. He pulled out a bunch of slide show pictures and another pony wheeled out a projector. “Now the pony that you are about to see in these pictures is the same pony you see sitting here today, it has come to our attention that the defendant used dyes to disguise himself from the common eyes. Now then.” The prosecutor dropped in the pictures. The first one was of Shadow Wind leading a battalion against the crystal army. “In this picture we can clearly see Shadow Wind leading troop under orders given by Sombra himself.” A clicking noise sounded and the next picture of Shadow Wind stabbing a crystal pony with a spear. A loud set of gasps came from the audience and jury.

“Order please!” Cadance called out as she banged her gavel. “Prosecutor, I think you have made your point.”

“Indeed I have, that monster has committed heinous crimes against our empire as we have clearly seen.”

“What about the other one?!” A random pony from the audience shouted. “Yeah, what about the one that looks just like the pony from the pictures?!” An uproar from the audience sounded.

Cadance banged her gavel down again. “ORDER! ORDER IN THE COURT! The pony in question has been absolved of any affiliation with Sombra after the war. The pony in question was the pony that killed Sombra and ended the war. The accused however was the one who controlled said pony to commit the war crimes in question.”

“Objection your honor, no evidence has been presented that this particular pony controlled my actions.”

“Explain yourself.”

“While it may have appeared that I was being controlled by the accused nothing could be further from the truth. I was in fact being control by Sombra’s dark magic. Now the prosecution would have you believe that Sunny here is the embodiment of that dark magic, however I have somepony here that can tell you otherwise. Princess Celestia, if you would explain further.”

Princess Celestia stood up and walked towards the projector. She summoned some pictures that she placed in the projector. The first one was of when Celestia was separating Sunny from Whirl. “In this picture you can see me casting a spell that is pulling Shadow Wind from Whirl’s body.” A click and the next picture was up. It was of Shadow Wind holding Twilight hostage. “As you can see, the accused eyes are exactly the same as when he was under the control of Sombra. This is the sign of dark magic controlling a ponies mind, forcing them to see and feel what the control wants them to.” Another picture popped up on the screen of Shadow Wind and his horn. “In this picture you can see that the accused has a horn, which we later determined was where the dark magic manifested itself. Once the horn was removed, the dark magic controlling Sunny was taken with it. He was then capable of thinking and feeling on his own and has since then felt the guilt and sorrow of what he was forced to do. You can also see that these two ponies are exactly alike; that is because they are the same pony. Since Whirl was already absolved of all crimes, I move that Sunny was as well.”

“Objection your highness, there is no evidence to prove that these two ponies are the same.”

“Sustained, Princess Celestia, can you provide evidence to support your claim.”

“I will ask Princess Luna to explain.”

Princess Luna switched places with Celestia. “Your highness, the fact that these two ponies are the same is irrefutable. My first piece of evidence is their cutie marks; they match exactly. As do their blood types, mane length, coat length, tail length, wing size, body size, eye color and body type. You have all seen this pony in the papers depicted as the pony that saved all our lives when he defeated Sombra. The defense rests.”

“The jury may now begin its deliberations.”

The jury stood up and shuffled out of the room. They were only gone for about five minutes before they shuffled back in and sat in their respective seats. “Your highness, we have reached a decision. We find the defendant…”

“Wait! Before the jury announces their verdict, I have something to say!” Sonic Flare said as he walked into the court room. Needless to say, Whirl and Sunny both had the same dumbstruck looks on their faces when they saw him fully dress in his military uniform. He trotted in front of the judge’s seat. “That is if you will allow it, your highness.”

“I will, but only because this Empire owes you a debt of gratitude.”

“Now then, I have known the defendant for a long, long time now and I have certain questions that only he could answer to prove without a doubt that he is the same pony as Whirl Wind. Now then, Sunny Plains, how did you kill Sombra? I would ask that you answer in unison with Whirl Wind please.”

Whirl Wind stepped up next to Sunny and nodded. “I snuck into the throne room while Princess Luna was out on the balcony with their guards and while Princess Cadance was out getting the crystal heart. I flew up to the chandelier with all of my strength and watched as Sombra came in. When the time was right I jumped down from the chandelier and pierced his heart with one of his own spears.” They said in unison.

“What is the name of my wife?”

“Air Mail.”

“What is the name of the pony that helped you distract Sombra while the elements of harmony snuck in?”

Both of them smirked. “Sonic Flare.”

“Alright, I have heard enough. Given the overwhelming evidence that these two ponies are the same, I have to throw the case out as a mistrial.” Princess Cadance said before she banged her gavel.

A large uproar came from the audience and one even tried to jump the barrier to attack Sunny himself. “ORDER! ORDER!” Cadance yelled as she banged her gavel. Nopony stopped even for a second, the guards were doing their best to keep them from jumping the barriers and the princesses were escorted out the back way. Sunny, Whirl and Sonic tried to head out that way too but they decided to stay behind and hold back the masses on their own.

“Get inside Sunny, you’re the one they are after!” Whirl shouted over the angry cries of the crowd.

“I can’t leave you behind to deal with this on your own!” Sunny replied stubbornly.

“Yes you can! Get out of here now!” Flare said as he pushed Sunny through the door.

Sunny banged on the door to be let back in but the door didn’t open. “Come with us Sunny, we will take you back to the carriages to be taken home.”

“I don’t want to leave them to deal with all those ponies going crazy.”

“Don’t worry, the crystal ponies will calm down with time and realize that you didn’t deserve any punishment.” Princess Cadance said sternly. “They are just looking for somepony to throw their frustration and anger at.”

“Whirl and Flare can handle those ponies just fine. But we do not have much time before they find another way around, so let’s go.” Luna said softly as she pulled on Sunny’s shoulder.

“Alright…” Sunny said as he started to follow the princesses out of the castle through the back exit. When they got outside they saw that the entrance was overrun by angry ponies trying to get in. Shining Armor and the guards were blocking the path between them and Princess Cadance.

“There he is! Get him!” A random pony shouted. Shining Armor and the guards braced themselves just before impact. The crowd nearly overran them before Shining could get his shield spell up and block the crowd. Luna, Celestia and Sunny boarded the carriage and turned to Cadance.

“Thank you, for letting me go… I owe you one.” Sunny said happily.

“I never got the chance to repay you for killing Sombra, let Whirl know that I am even with both of you now.” Cadance said with a smile.

“I will, just let me know if you need anything from me at any time.” Sunny said happily.

The carriage lurched forward and they took off soon after they got going. Meanwhile Whirl was holding off the crystal ponies as best he could. “Thanks… for coming Flare…” Whirl said as he took down another pony. “STOP TRYING TO GET PAST!”

“No… problem!” Flare said as he pushed back a couple of stallions. “They are gone! Just go home already!”

One rather large crystal pony broke through the lines and shoved Flare to the ground. Whirl yelled out and lifted the pony into the air and spun him around before throwing him back into the crowd. After five or six of them were on the ground the crowd started to thin out and go home. Whirl had himself a pair of black eyes and one of them was extremely swollen. Flare escorted him to the infirmary where he slapped an ice pack on Whirl’s swollen eye. “Looking good there Whirl.” Flare said with a chuckle.

“Thanks, how did you manage to find out I was here with Sunny?” Whirl asked curiously.

“Word travels quickly to former guards. Once I found out I asked Air if it was okay if I went to help out and she didn’t say no.”

“Did she say yes?”

“Well, she said ‘can you get me the foal’s bottle?’ and I took that as a yes.”

“Ah, Flare… you didn’t have to get into trouble with your wife to come help me.”

“You’re darn right he didn’t.” Air Mail said as she trotted into the room with her two foals hanging from her sides. “He could have just asked again when he realized I didn’t hear him ask.” She said as she gave him a love tap on the nose.

“Air, what are you doing here? How did you even know I was here?”

“I read the letter that your general friend sent you and I knew you would find a way to get here when you found out Whirl and his freaky clone twin thing needed help.”

“I prefer you call him twin, because that is what he is to me.”

“Well, I just saw your twin fly off with the princesses as I got here.”

“That’s a relief, I am glad he wasn’t hurt.”

“Looks like you took quite a beating for him.” Air said with a giggle.

“Yeah, I took a couple of hits, but it’s okay. I am not really hurt in my eyes.”

“That’s the only place you are hurt.” Flare said sarcastically, which made the foals giggle. “Good to see somepony enjoys my jokes, isn’t that right Star? Yeah you like daddy’s jokes huh?” he said in a babyish tone as he picked up Star from Air’s holders.

“That’s because they aren’t smart enough to realize how lame they are.” Air said with a giggle.

“Your foals are so cute, I think this is the first time in a couple of months that I have gotten to see them.”

“And they have grown so much.” Air said as she sat down and took Solar from her holder. “Carrying them both around is getting that much harder.”

“It might be easier if I were there to help more often…” Flare said guiltily. “Wouldn’t you like to see more of daddy, huh? Wouldn’t you?” Flare said as he nuzzled Star.

Air scoffed loudly. “The problem isn’t you being at home, it is not talking to me before you go off on some crazy adventure.”

“Stallions seem to have that problem collectively, or maybe it’s just Whirl and Flare.” Derpy said as she walked into the room. “Did Whirl tell you that he left me high and dry at the hospital for almost a month to go and randomly reform Sunny into a model pony?”

“Hey there Derpy! How have you been since you were put up for review?” Air asked kindly as she gave Derpy a hug.

“Review? You were up for review at work and you let me talk you into coming along with me?” Whirl asked with a concerned tone.

Derpy nodded. “Of course I did, I would quit my job if it meant I got to spend more time with you.”

“Oh my, you didn’t skip work to come here did you?” Flare asked worriedly.

“No, Princess Luna sent them a letter telling them I was on special assignment. That is why I am still wearing my uniform. This will be a great way to wrap up my review.” Derpy said happily.

“Does that mean you are going to get your promotion?!” Air asked excitedly.

“You are up for a promotion too?! That’s great!” Whirl said happily.

Derpy and Air both turned to their respective ‘other’ and shook their heads. “You two need to communicate with us more…” Air said in a disappointed tone. “You can start by telling me why you left without making sure I knew you were going. On the train home.” Air said as she out the foals back into their holders, grabbed Flare’s ear and started to drag him out of the room with him yelling in pain as she drug him along.

Whirl couldn’t help but chuckle and wave goodbye to Flare just before he was out of the room. However he suddenly felt the long hoof of the law grab his ear and start dragging him along the same path. “OW! OW! OWWW!” he shouted as Derpy dragged him to a waiting chariot outside.

“Princess Cadance made sure that we had a ride home, now get on before I tear your ear off.” Derpy said sternly.

Whirl hopped up on the chariot and rubbed his ear when he sat down. “That hurt Derpy…”

“Good, now that your ear is a bit more open maybe we can talk about what has been going on. Do you realize how much you scared me when you left me like that? Then when you brought him home without a word I was worried he would kill you in our sleep. Then you suddenly want to go to Canterlot to apologize to the princess and he ends up getting chained and tried for war crimes and you get your eyes blackened by a bunch of crystal ponies and you don’t even flinch! Now I want you to tell me something right now, do you love me?”

“Of course I do! I love you so much…”

“Then why do you take so many risks? Do you even care about how I feel about you risking your life so much?”

“I do care… It’s just… I have had to clear a few things up so that we could live happily together. Do you think I could have lived happily knowing that Shadow Wind was on the loose? Who do you think he would have come for first? If you guessed me you’re wrong, he would have come after you to get to me. I knew that he would have made our lives miserable until he felt satisfied. As for coming to Canterlot, that was Sunny’s idea and I came and got you first because I didn’t want to spend any more time away from you. And when Sunny was put on trial I had to come and help him because he is like a brother to me now, but even that means less to me than the love I feel for you.” Whirl said sincerely.

Derpy looked at him with a smirk. “Okay, because you said I mean more to you than Sunny does I will forgive you for what you have done. But I want to be a part of your life too and that means you have to include me more in it. Starting with helping me plan our wedding.” Derpy said as she nudged his shoulder.

“Of course! Where do you want it to be?” Whirl asked with a smile.

“Ponyville of course, is that okay with you?”

“It’s perfect. Getting married in the first real home I ever had, who would have thought.”

Chapter Six

Chapter Six: Pandemonium, Promotions and Preparations

“Whirl, where did I put my mailmare hat?” Derpy asked as she frantically searched around their home.

“On your head dear!” Whirl called out from the kitchen.

Derpy put her hooves on her head and felt her hat. “Oh thank goodness! I thought that I had lost it!”

Whirl walked out of the kitchen with a plate of eggs and pancakes. “Here’s your breakfast, sit down and relax for a moment before you go to work. You are always so high-strung in the morning.”

Derpy sat down with a content sigh. “I am not always so high-strung, it’s just that today is the day whether or not I get the promotion.”

“You have it in the bag; I have no doubt about that.” Whirl said confidently.

“I hope your confidence isn’t misplaced.”

“It would never be in the wrong place if my confidence is in you.”

Derpy gave Whirl a smirk. “Okay mister suck up, that’s enough for one morning.”

“What? I thought I was on a pretty good roll.” Whirl said with a chuckle.

Derpy shook her head and took a bite out of her pancakes. She smiled and continued to eat as Whirl tidied up around the house a bit. Sunny walked into the room with a smile. “Good morning everypony.” He said happily.

“Good morning Sunny, are you ready to get a job today?” Whirl asked with a smile.

“Yup, I have a good feeling about that weather analyst position.”

“How about this, if we all bring home good news today we get to have a party! We can all bring home something that will make the party that much better!” Derpy suggested as she finished her breakfast.

“It sounds like a good idea, Whirl are you in?”

“You betcha!”

“Then it is settled, we will all bring home good news and great party stuffs! I have to go now, otherwise I will be late. Bye honey.” Derpy said as she gave Whirl a quick kiss goodbye before running out the door.

Whirl stood up and stretched. “Well, I have no other reason to be here right now. Let’s go get some breakfast at that sandwich restaurant near the library.”

“Sounds good to me, are you buying?”

“Sure thing, but then we need to go to Town Hall to get our jobs.” Whirl said as he walked out the door with Sunny following close behind. Whirl looked up to the sky and saw the clouds in disarray. The crazy checkered pattern shocked both Sunny and Whirl as they stood there with their jaws practically on the ground. “What the…?”

“Wow, I didn’t think that it would be this bad without us. Look at that! Rain over there, snow over there and it is baking over there! We have to do something!”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa… let’s let this play out. At the end of the day there will need to be some serious math done to fix everything. I say we wait for that moment and show them what we can do, together.”

“Done, we just have to avoid this crazy weather until then.”

“I hope Derpy doesn’t have too bad of a day.”

Whirl and Sunny walked into town and everypony seemed to be a bit depressed. One of them bumped into Sunny randomly. “Oh, sorry about that.” Sunny said apologetically.

“Why don’t you just watch where you’re going?!” the pony replied angrily before continuing onward.

“Okay, something is going on around here that I can’t quite put my hoof on.” Whirl said as he tapped a hoof on his chin.

Suddenly Fluttershy popped up behind them and blew a party blower. “Hooray…” she shouted halfheartedly.

Whirl and Sunny’s jaws were dropped once again and they were completely speechless as Fluttershy tried her hardest to make them smile. After only a short while she gave up and moved along her merry way. Whirl shook his head and snapped back into reality. “Did… no that’s impossible… let’s… let’s keep going.”

They walked past Carousel Boutique and noticed the windows were boarded up. Whirl peeked inside and knocked on the door. “Go away! Ahm havin’ a hard time here!”

“Applejack is that you? What are you doing in Rarity’s shop with the windows boarded up huh?” Whirl asked in a concerned tone.

“What do ya mean Rarity’s shop? This is mah shop! Now get goin’!” Applejack replied angrily.

Sunny put a hoof on Whirl shoulder and pulled him away while he was shaking his head. “Let’s see if we can find Twilight, maybe she can give us some answers.”

Whirl was stunned beyond belief about what was going on. He just followed along with Sunny as they walked to the library. When they arrived they saw a note on the door. Whirl ran up to it and read it aloud. “Out due to friendship emergency! We have to find her so we can help, now!” Whirl said as he started to run towards Fluttershy’s cottage. Sunny followed along behind him and they both took to the skies to save time.

When they arrived at Fluttershy’s cottage they noticed a bunch of animals inside chowing down on some salad and nuts. Whirl knocked on the door and Angel answered it with a squeak. “Hello little guy, do you know where Fluttershy went?”

Angel bunny nodded and started to make some gestures to try and explain what was going on. He pointed to his haunches and started to switch two acorns around on the floor. They both tapped a hoof on their chins at the same time. “What do you think he is trying to say to us?” Sunny asked Whirl.

“Something about them trading nuts with their flanks.” Whirl deduced.

Angel shook his head and pointed to Whirl’s cutie mark, then over to Sunny’s. Then he ran in place and put his paw above his eyes like he was searching for something.

“They are looking for their cutie marks?” Sunny asked curiously.

“No… their cutie marks have been switched and they are looking for a way to fix it!” Whirl explained. “Fluttershy had Pinkie’s cutie mark this morning, didn’t you see it?”

“I wasn’t looking at her flanks; I was too busy trying to figure out what she was trying to do.”

“We have to find them! Which way did they go little buddy?” Whirl asked Angel. Angel pointed the way and the two pegasi took off. As they flew they saw that the sky was being cleared up by a rainbow. “That must be Rainbow Dash! Let’s hurry!”

“We can’t catch up to her! She’s too fast!”

Whirl ignored him and tried to follow the best he could. However they could not keep up with the rainbow maned pony as they flew along. Then she was gone, just like that. “Darn it! Where’d she go?!” Whirl groaned in agony.

Sunny looked around but he couldn’t find where she landed. “I don’t know! Where would they be heading next?!”

“Well, if Rainbow had Fluttershy’s cutie mark then they must have come here to help Rainbow get her cutie mark back… Who was the one with Rainbow Dash’s cutie mark?”

“They only one who could have done the clouds the way they were would be a unicorn, either Twilight or Rarity. Since Twilight seems to be the one helping to fix everything it must mean they are heading to Rarity’s shop.”

Whirl took off quickly and Sunny followed behind swiftly. When they got there the ponies had already left. Whirl landed heavily and ran to the door and knocked desperately. “Whirl, I don’t think they are here.” Sunny said as he looked around.

Whirl stomped a hoof in frustration. “The one time I might be able to help and I can’t find them!”

“Whirl, it seems like they are doing fine on their own… maybe we can just sit this one out and catch up to them later.”

Whirl let out a sigh and sat down. “I just want to be able to help my friends…”

“This won’t be the only chance, you know that. Come on, let’s go get something to eat already.” Sunny said as he picked Whirl up.

Whirl nodded with a frown and started to follow Sunny to the nearest restaurant. When they got there it was completely empty. Whirl walked inside and looked around. “Hello, is anypony here?” he called out.

Sunny looked around but saw no pony around. “Okay, now I am confused… Where is everypony?”

A few streets down everypony was partying in a parade that was celebrating Pinkie’s return. Whirl and Sunny sat down at one of the tables and laid their heads down on it. “I give up… today has been a disaster and we have wasted so much time running around town for nothing. Now we can’t even get lunch… can things get worse?” Whirl asked sadly.

“Want to just go to Town Hall and get our jobs?” Sunny asked with a half-smile.

Whirl lifted his head and nodded. “Yeah, let’s go.” He said as he stood up and flapped his wings lazily.

Sunny followed behind him at a slow pace as they flew. They reached Town Hall without incident and walked inside. It was surprisingly busy compared to the rest of the town. They walked into the weather department, which was in a frenzy, and walked up to the pony organizing everything. “Hello Storm, got your hooves full I see.” Whirl said with a grin.

“You don’t say?! We have to get this situation fixed if we are going to get back on schedule! But no pony here can figure out what to do!” Storm, a dark grey pegasi shouted over the frenzy.

Sunny and Whirl both looked at each other and smiled before turning back to Storm. “If you want, we can take it from here. But I would like the weather analyst job back, for both me and my brother here.”

“Deal! Just get this place in order for the love of Celestia!” Storm shouted angrily.

Whirl let out a loud whistle and everypony stopped what they were doing. “Alright! I need everypony to pay attention! My brother and I are going to take it from here but we need your help first! We need this month’s weather reports here, this week’s here and today’s here! We also need all of this year’s weather so far placed here!”

Once Whirl was done getting things in order they got to work filing, sorting and analyzing what had happened. It was just past sundown when they finished, but they managed to sort it out and submit tomorrow’s weather report to Storm. Storm took the report and shook their hooves. “Thank you, thank you so much! This would have taken us months to fix. How did you manage to do it in five hours?”

“Years of experience, you just gained the two best weather analysts in the business.” Whirl said happily.

“Well, it’s good to have you back. And I never caught your name new comer.” Storm said with a smile.

“Sunny Plains sir, just call me Sunny.” Sunny said as he shook Storm’s hoof again.

“Sunny it is, welcome to the weather team. Now if you will excuse me, I am going to head out for home.” Storm said as he punched out. “I expect you two here bright and early tomorrow; you know when work starts Whirl.”

Whirl gave him a nod and they followed Storm out. They waved goodbye to Storm before they spotted Twilight with her friends and Princess Celestia down the street. They quickly rushed down the street and caught them just as they we all about to go their separate ways. They skidded to a halt and gasped in awe at Twilight who seemed to have grown a pair of new wings. “Twilight! You have wings!”

“I can already tell I am going to hear that a lot.” Twilight said with a giggle.

“Twilight is a princess now! Isn’t that great?!” Pinkie Pie shouted happily as she threw confetti over Whirl and Sunny.

“The coronation will be tomorrow if you two want to come. It will be in Canterlot.”

Whirl looked to Sunny who shook his head. “You have a wedding to plan Whirl, you can’t go.” Sunny said sadly.

“You’re right; tell me how it goes Sunny.” Whirl said with a nod.

“I’m afraid I am going to have to ask Sunny to remain here as well. Ponies from the Crystal Empire will be there and I don’t want a riot to happen on such a momentous occasion.” Celestia said calmly.

Sunny lowered his head. “Right…”

“Hey, don’t you worry bud. We still have the party at home, remember?” Whirl said as he patted Sunny on the back.

Sunny perked up a bit. “We forgot to get something to make the party even more fun.” He said with a chuckle.

Whirl looked around at all the closed shops. “Well, we can bring ourselves. What could be more fun than that?”

“Hey! I can help you out! I carry party stuff around all the time!” Pinkie said happily as she bounced over to them. “Here’s some streamers, cupcakes, party hats, party blowers and some party balloons!” she said as she shoved all the items into their hooves.

“And if yall stop by the farm I can get you some of our reserved cider.” Applejack said with a smile.

“I can go get that for you in a flash!” Rainbow Dash said as she took off towards Sweet Apple Acres.

Whirl let out a chuckle. “This is terrible… I spend all day trying to find you all to help you out and you end up helping me again in the end. One of these times I am going to be able to pay you all back for all the help you have given me.”

“You were trying to help us today? Why didn’t we see you at all?” Rarity asked with a frown.

“Well, we only started to figure out what was wrong when we got to Fluttershy’s cottage and a bunny explained what was going on, then we saw Rainbow Dash clearing the sky but we lost her, then when we tried to get lunch no pony was around like they had all just vanished, then we gave up and went to Town Hall to get our jobs as weather analysts which we did but we spent five hours working and we never got a chance to eat.” Whirl explained and both his and Sunny’s stomach growled loudly causing them both to blush.

“Well, I am sure your party guests wouldn’t mind if you ate a couple of the cupcakes before you got to your party.” Twilight said with a giggle.

Sunny nodded in agreement and took a cupcake from the box Pinkie had given them. Whirl set down the party supplies and took one as well. They clinked them together like drinking glasses and said, “To Princess Twilight Sparkle!” before taking a bite.

The rest of them gave a small giggle just as Rainbow Dash came back carrying a barrel of cider. “Here you go! Brought to you by the rainbow express!” she said as she set it down in front of Whirl and Sunny.

“Thanks Rainbow Dash. Thank you all for everything. Twilight, I am so happy for you, we are all so happy for you.” Sunny said happily.

Whirl nodded in agreement. “We are going to party all night long to celebrate your new status as princess!”

“Thank you both; you have been very noble friends to all of us. We would have never been able to do what we did if it hadn’t been for you.” Twilight said happily.

Whirl nodded and started to pick up the party supplies while Sunny picked up the barrel of cider. “Well, we are off! Have fun in Canterlot!” Whirl said happily as he took off gently. Sunny followed behind and they started to fly home.

“Twilight is a princess! That is crazy awesome!” Sunny shouted in joy.

“I know right?! I can’t wait to tell Derpy!” They soon arrived home and opened the door swiftly. “Derpy! We are home with wonderful news!”

Derpy trotted into the room wearing a party hat. “I have wonderful new too! I got my promotion! I am now a senior package coordinator!”

Whirl hugged Derpy and picked her up off the ground. “That’s great! Sunny and I got our jobs and Twilight Sparkle is an alicorn princess now!”

“Yay! What did you bring for the party?!” Derpy asked excitedly.

Sunny set down the barrel of cider. “We brought cider from Applejack and tons of party supplies complements of Pinkie Pie!” he said excitedly as he moved to barrel of cider to be poured.

“Woo hoo! Cider! Pour me a cup of that!” Derpy said as she ran to the kitchen and ran back with four mugs.

“Why did you grab four mugs?” Whirl asked curiously.

“Two for me, one for each of you.” Derpy said as she filled two mugs and downed one in a single gulp. “Woooooooo!”

“Wow, Derpy you sure do know how to party.” Whirl said as he filled his first mug and took a sip.

Sunny blew a party blower and laughed. “A whole barrel of cider, this can’t end well.”

“I think it’s alcoholic…” Whirl said as he took another sip. “Yup, we are going to be so drunk at the end of this.”

Derpy had already filled a third mug and was blushing a bit. “Ah ha ha ha! This is so much fun!”

“You should take it slow; we are going to be partying all night.” Whirl said with a chuckle.

Derpy blew a party blower and chowed down on a cupcake. “No slowing down tonight! Let’s turn on some jams!” Derpy said as she threw a record on the player. A slow cello song started to play and Derpy was jamming to it like it was heavy metal.

“Derpy, what are you doing?” Whirl asked as he started to laugh.

Sunny moved the needle and rock music started to play and Derpy slowed down as if she was swaying to the cello. Sunny couldn’t help but laugh as she switched her movements so perfectly.

“Dance with me Whirl!” Derpy said as she grabbed Whirl’s neck and pulled him into the center of the room. Whirl smiled and started to dance with Derpy while Sunny poured a second glass of cider. “Hey, don’t drink all of that! I want more!” Derpy said as she left Whirl and drank another mug as fast as she could.

“Derpy, you are drinking too much too fast!” Whirl said with a laugh as he took another drink.

“Who wants to have a drinking contest?!” Derpy shouted suddenly.

“I am so in! Sunny, are you in?” Whirl asked with a smile.

“No way, you two get hammered.” Sunny said with a laugh. “I can be the judge though!” Sunny said as he set the barrel closer to Whirl and Derpy.

“Alright, whoever can drink the most before passing out is the winner!” Derpy announced as Sunny pour the first drinks. “GO!” she shouted as they both took their mugs. They both emptied them as Sunny scrambled to fill two more. In a flash they had downed three mugs at about the same rate. Sunny was laughing uncontrollably as he filled the mugs and hoofed them off to be drunk swiftly. “Gawna geve up yet?” Derpy asked in a slurred tone.

“Nu uh! I got this!” Whirl said as he downed another. “Yu nawt gonna beat me!”

Derpy started to sway side to side as she drunk another mug. Sunny tried to fill their mugs again but the barrel was empty. “Well, I guess it is a tie. The barrel is empty.”

“NO! We can’t be out! I loved the taste!” Whirl said drunkenly.

“I know whar yu ken taste more!” Derpy shouted as she jumped over the table and kissed Whirl deeply.

Sunny rolled over laughing. When he stopped laughing he looked at Derpy and Whirl and notice they were out cold. He shook his head and lifted them to their bed. Whirl woke up when he felt himself being moved. “I dun need chew to curry meh ta beeeeeed…” he said as he passed out again. Sunny placed them in bed and walked out to the den to enjoy the rest of the cupcakes alone.

“Heeeeey… Whirl… Shunny’s gone… want ta hev a leetle fun?” Derpy asked as she poked Whirl.

Whirl stirred a bit. “Am alamana…” he said before he tanked yet again.

Derpy kissed him anyway and cuddled up against him. “Looksh lek you er gonna wait til we ah murried…” she said as she too passed out.

Sunny was cleaning up the remains of the party when a knock came from the door. “Who could that be at this time of night?” Sunny asked as he walked to the door and opened it. “Hello?” he said as he looked around. When he didn’t see anypony he searched the porch to see if they left a note or something along those lines. He spotted a small box sitting on the porch with a note on top of it. Sunny picked it up and looked around to see if there was any sign of movement, when he saw nothing again he picked up the package and walked back inside.

He set the box down on the table and finished cleaning up the party before sitting down to open it. The note on top of it seemed short and simple as he picked it up and read it.

Dear Sunny,

I have misjudged you severely and I apologize for my words and actions against you. My accusations were unfounded and I should have known better given the choices made by Whirl. Please accept this ROCK as a token of my appreciation. It is half of the rock that you gave me before the trial.

Sincerely,

Princess Luna.

Sunny opened the box and inside was half a diamond cut in the shape of a heart. He took it out of the box and looked into it. It was as clear as glass and ten times as beautiful. “That rock was a diamond?” Sunny thought with a chuckle. He stared at the diamond for a moment longer, its glow seemed to irradiate from the diamond as he held it.

“Hello?” a voice sounded as the diamond glowed even brighter.

Sunny gasped and dropped the diamond onto the table. He cautiously poked it a couple of times. “Hello? Is there somepony trapped in there?” Sunny asked as he poked the diamond a few more time.

“Uh, no? This is Luna.” The voice said with a giggle.

“Luna? How… what… why?” Sunny asked rapidly.

“Look into the diamond again.”

Sunny picked up the diamond and looked into it. He saw Luna standing in her room with a smile. “Whoa, this is so cool.”

“Turn the diamond to the flat part and hold it away from your face so I can see more than just your one eye.” Luna said with a giggle.

Sunny did as he was told and turned to the flat portion of the diamond. He could see Luna as if he was looking through a small window. “I don’t understand, why give this to me? I figured you would want Whirl to have it.”

Luna shook her head with a frown. “While I did offend Whirl I figured he would forgive me more easily than you would given your history. I mean… Sorry, I unintentionally insulted you again… Stupid, stupid, stupid…” she said as she tapped a hoof on her forehead. “Please do not take what I am saying seriously. I mean, take the apology seriously. I just want to convey how I feel without messing up…”

“Princess Luna, it’s okay. Really, just calm down for a moment and take a deep breath. I am not mad at you and I had forgiven you the moment I lost my horn.”

Luna blushed a bit and took a deep breath. “Alright, here is why I sent the diamond to you; I wanted you to see the coronation. Tomorrow at noon it will begin and I will be wearing the diamond so that you can see everything that is going on. The three of you will have to sit right next to each other but at least you will be able to see it.”

“Whirl and Derpy might have a bit of a headache after tonight and I am sure that they are probably going to be closing all official offices on this momentous occasion so I am sure that we will all be able to see.”

“Indeed, everything will be closed for tomorrow’s celebration. Wait, what did you mean Derpy and Whirl will have a headache? Did they get hurt?”

Sunny let out a loud laugh. “No, no, no! They had a drinking contest that put both of them in bed. It was very entertaining.”

“A testament to your true differences.”

“What do you mean?”

“You seem to be just fine while Whirl is in bed because he drank too much.”

Sunny’s eyes widened. “Wow, I guess you are right. It’s a good thing that we didn’t have this drinking contest before the trial; otherwise I might be in prison right now.”

Luna nodded. “Best not to think of that now, the trial has finished and you are free to go.”

Sunny nodded in agreement. “It’s hard not to feel a little guilty though, like it was all my fault…” he said a bit sadly.

“You know better though right? It wasn’t your fault at all.” Luna said with a giggle.

“What’s so funny?” Sunny asked curiously.

“I never thought I would see you the way I do now, as a pony that is truly remorseful of the actions of another pony. That is a testament to your similarities; you both feel so much sorrow over what occurred.” Luna said in a soft voice.

Sunny nodded again in agreement. “I can see you feel sorrow for what you did too, as Nightmare Moon I mean.”

“Indeed I do, I guess we both owe Twilight Sparkle for giving us a second chance at life.”

“Well, we are both going to show her how much we appreciate it tomorrow when we unite in celebration of all her achievements.”

Luna smiled softly. “You know, I haven’t been able to talk to anypony like this since Whirl and Flare came to Canterlot for a tea cup.”

“I was so nervous that day…” Sunny said quietly.

Luna’s ears perked up. “Oh, you were there… I forgot that nothing had happened yet.”

“It’s okay; it’s good to know you have been thinking of me.” Sunny said with a wink.

“It’s good to know you haven’t lost your sense of humor. You always know how to make me laugh.” Luna said with a giggle.

“You should see me when I am actually trying to make you laugh.” Sunny said with a chuckle.

Luna giggled some more and sighed contently. “I am so glad you gave me this rock, it has brightened my night so much more and we can talk more at night now without sending letters.”

“I should have sent you a random rock I picked up earlier. Had I known it was a diamond I would have sent another rock with some gold in it.”

“Gold huh? Trying to buy me are you?” Luna asked slyly.

Sunny blushed and put his ears down. “That is not what I meant at all.” He said shyly.

“No need to be modest, I know how you feel about me.” Luna said with a wink.

Sunny was blushing even more now. “Right, I was there when Whirl told you how I felt about you. Well… how do you feel about me as I am now?”

Luna was taken off guard by the sudden question, especially since she had been in control just a moment ago. Her blush intensity matched Sunny’s as she thought of what to say. “Well… I feel… uh…”

“Wait, you actually like me don’t you?” Sunny asked in surprise.

“I guess I never really stopped liking you… I mean, you are Whirl Wind in your own special way and since he was my friend that would make you my friend too… But… something about you… I don’t know…”

Sunny was getting confused now. “So… you don’t like me?”

“No! I mean yes! I mean! Augh! I love…” Luna said with an awkward pause.

Sunny looked away for a moment and tried to grasp the situation. “Wow… I never would have expected that… I thought you kind of hated me…

“I only hated Sombra. Well… and you… for a little while… when I didn’t understand…”

Sunny chuckled nervously and kept his eyes off of the diamond. “That’s okay. I guess I hated you too… against my will… I don’t think I could ever hate again after all the hate I felt while I was under Sombra’s control. This has gotten really, really awkward huh?”

“Just a little bit.”

There was a long awkward silence after that as they sat there looking in different directions. Sunny finally broke the silence with a loud sigh. “Look, Luna… you let me know how you felt already and how we could never be together…”

“Actually, I have regretted those words ever since I said them… but I couldn’t take them back after Whirl found Derpy… I actually put a lot of distance between me and him so that I didn’t do anything foolish.”

“Like pour your soul to him…?”

“Something like that… I didn’t want to say how much I really loved him, how much he meant to me, how he made every night the best night I have had in over a thousand years, how every time I saw him in his dreams without me knowing made me feel like I had lost so much…”

“He felt the same way… until he found Derpy… she filled that void quite well… but I still have that void, that regret. If I would have persisted, would anything have been different?” Sunny asked as he looked back at the diamond.

Luna nodded her head slowly. “Best keep that between you and me.”

“I can’t believe it… this is crazy, so crazy…” Sunny set the diamond down and put his fore hooves on either side of it. He moved his head down so that Luna could see his face and he took a deep breath. “I love you Luna.” He said extremely fast.

Luna giggled and looked back at him. “I love you too Sunny. Maybe the night after the coronation we can get together for a while?”

“I’ll be here.” Sunny said as he let out a big sigh of relief. “I’ll try not to mess things up.”

“I am sure you will be fine. Maybe you should go get some rest though, you look tired.”

“Will I see you in my dreams?”

“Of course, now get to be so we can continue to talk.” Luna said with a giggle.

Sunny smiled and trotted to his bedroom, but he was stopped in the hall by a hoof on his back. Sunny turned around and saw Whirl holding him. “I don’t regret being with Derpy, not for one second… but you… you keep hold of Luna and I know she is in good hooves.” Whirl said a bit slurred.

Sunny nodded and helped Whirl back to his bed before heading off to his own. Sunny laid down slowly and let out a content sigh as his head rested on the pillows. He felt a hoof on his face and he opened his eyes widely. “Keep hold of Luna…” Whirl said drunkenly as he rubbed Sunny’s face.

Sunny let out a small laugh and took Whirl back to his bed. “Don’t worry Whirl, I will not let her go.” Sunny said softly as he heaved Whirl into bed. He tucked Whirl in so tightly that he would not be able to get his blankets undone again in his drunken state. “Goodnight Whirl.” Sunny said softly as he walked out of the room and back to his yet again. He hopped up onto the bed and quickly fell asleep.

****

Sunny found himself in the castle in Luna’s quarters. He looked around and saw Luna standing on the balcony. “Hello Luna, I am finally here.” Sunny said with a chuckle.

“I was worried you were having troubles sleeping because of what I said.” Luna admitted with a blush.

“No it wasn’t anything you said, it was Whirl drunkenly overhearing us and giving me advice.” Sunny said with a small laugh. “Then he went into my room when I tried to get to sleep and rubbed my face softly. Funniest thing I have seen in a long time.” He started to break down laughing at this point as he mockingly rubbed Luna’s face the same way Whirl rubbed his.

Luna started to laugh too and put her fore hoof on his. “I am glad you were able to get him to sleep again. Would you like to go on a flight around Canterlot?”

“That sounds nice; I can make sure that you see all the hot spots, even though you probably know them all.” Sunny said happily.

Luna smiled and took off to the sky and flew over the city with Sunny right behind. Luna’s horn started to glow and the streets were filled with all kinds of ponies. “This is what Canterlot will look like tomorrow. Everypony that follows a princess of Equestria will rejoice in celebration. The days that follow will be busier than they have ever been, but the nights will be calm and quiet… as usual.”

“I love calm nights; they let me be at peace with myself given all that I have done. The first night Whirl brought me back I snuck out and sat on a cloud staring at the stars all night long. The moon that night was new that night; I missed seeing it.”

“The moon is the most beautiful thing in the sky at night.”

“Except for when you are in the sky at night.” Sunny said with a wink.

Luna let out a giggle. “Oh you, you always have to correct me.”

“Only when you are wrong, which is not often. You seem to sell yourself short sometimes you know?”

“You put me on a pedestal so high you may not be able to reach me.”

“That’s what the wings are for.”

“What wings?” Luna said with a wink.

Sunny looked back and saw his wings were gone and he started to plummet from the sky. He let out a loud scream as he fell and just before he hit the ground Luna caught him with her fore hooves. Sunny was breathing quite heavily as she flew upwards again. “That… was not funny…”

All Luna could do was laugh at his terror. “You forget that this is a dream and you cannot be hurt right?”

“I do now! But while you are falling all you can think of is ‘oh my gosh I am going to die!’” Sunny shouted in frustration.

Luna laughed a little bit more before landing on a cloud with him. “I’m sorry I scared you Sunny, but you really shouldn’t compliment me so much.”

“I am only telling the truth.” Sunny said with a cheesy grin.

“I am already blushing, what more do you want?”

“You…” Sunny said as he kissed her cheek.

“You are quite the little charmer aren’t you?” Luna asked as she was bathed in the bright blue moonlight. She leaned in and kissed him squarely on the lips.

Sunny’s eyes snapped open widely as he accepted the unexpected kiss. After taking a moment to register what was going on he managed to return her affection. When the kiss ended Sunny fell on his back with a dopey grin on his face. “Wow…”

Luna tapped him on the forehead but he didn’t even make any more movements. “Sunny, are you okay?” Luna asked in concern.

“Wow…” he responded in a dazed voice.

Luna giggled and laid down next to him. She let out a content sigh and nuzzled Sunny’s neck. “You’re silly sometimes, did you know that?”

Sunny nodded slowly. “Wow…” he said stupidly.

Luna bumped his nose and shook him a little bit. “Better now?”

Sunny chuckled and nodded as she shook him. “I am here again if you are asking that, but I am not sure I could be better than this.”

Luna giggled. “I am sure there will come a time when you feel better, but that will be in a long time. Speaking of time, guess what time it is.”

“Uhh… Midnight?”

“Try… morning…” her voice echoed as everything started to fade.

“I’ll see you again tonight!” Sunny shouted before waking with a jolt.

****

Sunny rolled out of bed with a disappointed moan. He walked to Whirl and Derpy’s room and found them still in bed at eight o’clock in the morning. Suddenly he came up with the best prank ever and shook the bed violently. “WHIRL, DERPY! You over slept! You are late for work on your first day!”

Whirl and Derpy both jolted up and fell out of bed with a loud thunk. Sunny stood back as they both tried to get ready. Derpy put her uniform on backwards and fell on the floor stuck, while Whirl tripped over her and fell on the floor next to her. Derpy struggled as hard as she could but her legs were trapped in her uniform. Whirl stood up and tried to help but was so hung over that he was just making it worse. “Whirl, stop! You aren’t helping! Just let me figure this out!”

Whirl took a step back and stumbled and fell on his flank. “Ow!” he exclaimed as he held his fore hooves to his head.

Derpy shook around and finally realized she couldn’t get free on her own. She sighed and went limp. “Whirl, help me out of this please…”

Whirl moaned in pain and rolled over. “We are so late for work… our first day is ruined and you are laughing Sunny?!”

Sunny was rolling on the floor laughing so hard his ribs were aching. “Did you two forget that there is a princess being crowned today?! There is no work!”

Derpy and Whirl froze where they were and blushed. “Right…” Whirl said as he helped Derpy out of her uniform.

Derpy stretched a little before sitting down on the bed holding her head with her fore hooves. “I guess we went a little over board last night…”

“Just a little… wait… what happened last night?” Whirl asked in a confused tone. “I remember dancing… drinking a little… on wait… the contest… who won that?”

“You both lost!” Sunny said as he continued his laughing fit.

“STOP LAUGHING! It is making my head hurt!” Derpy yelled as she threw a pillow at Sunny.

Sunny took the pillow in the face and started to calm down a little. “Sorry, it’s just what you two did made all of the not drinking worth it.”

Whirl stood up and sat down next to Derpy and hugged her. “We have been tricked Derpy…” he said as he swayed side to side gently.

“I know… how do we get him back?” Derpy asked in a whisper.

“Good timing…” Whirl whispered back. “So Sunny, who were you talking to last night?”

“Princess Luna sent me a gift that we can use to watch the coronation at noon. We are going to have to squish together to be able to see, but it is better than not watching it at all.”

“Sounds like a plan. Sunny, go make breakfast.” Derpy said as she shooed him out with a hoof.

Sunny chuckled and walked to the kitchen to make breakfast. Whirl stood up and started to hum as he searched around the room for something. Derpy laid down on her back and looked up at the ceiling as Whirl bopped her nose every now and then as he looked around. “What are you doing?” Derpy asked with a giggle as Whirl bopped her for the third time.

“Looking foooooor… this!” Whirl said as he pulled out a small bottle. “My last bottle of hangover remedy… You can have it.”

Derpy shook her head. “Nu uh, it’s yours. You found it.”

Whirl shrugged. “I thought you might say that. I am going to help Sunny with breakfast, you just relax.” he said as he walked out of the room with the bottle in hoof.

“He wasn’t very insistent.” Derpy thought in an annoyed tone.

When Whirl walked into the kitchen Sunny had already finished making fruit salads with apple juice. “Sunny, which one is Derpy’s?” Whirl asked with a grin.

Sunny pointed to the third tray of food. “That one, why do you ask?” Sunny asked curiously.

Whirl held up the bottle of hangover remedy. “Last bottle, Derpy wanted me to have it but you know me.” He said as he poured the bottle into her apple juice.

“Nice, well it is all ready to be served up. Go ahead and get Derpy into the den and I can show you the cool gift Luna sent me.”

Soon they were all assembled in the den enjoying their breakfasts. “This is really good Sunny, it seems to be helping me feel better this morning.” Derpy said happily.

Whirl chuckled a little before putting a hoof to his head in pain. “What is this gift that you wanted us to see?”

Sunny pulled a small cloth off of the table and revealed the shimmering diamond. “Voila!” he said happily.

“It’s a diamond? How is that going to let us watch the coronation?” Derpy inquired.

Sunny set his tray aside and picked up the diamond. He held it in front of Derpy’s face and she saw the castle’s interior. “Do you see everypony getting ready for the coronation?” Sunny asked with a smile.

“I do! That is so cool! We have a great overhead view of everything!” Derpy said excitedly.

Whirl groaned and held his head. “Awesome, but do you need to yell about it?” he asked with a chuckle.

“I thought you took that hangover remedy, looks like it didn’t work at all.” Derpy said as she finished off her apple juice.

“It worked perfectly, you seem just fine.” Sunny said with a chuckle as he returned to his salad.

“Whirl took the remedy, not me.” Derpy said plainly.

“I poured it into your apple juice Derpy and you yourself said that you felt better right?” Whirl noted.

Derpy held up a hoof to say something, but instead pick up her glass and looked at it. “Being tricked two times in one morning… You two are in for quite a ride of revenge.”

“Hey, my trick was in your best interest. I was being nice.” Whirl said defiantly.

“That is why my revenge against you might be nice as well.” Derpy said with a wink.

“Revenge? I did not see that coming from a mile away at all.” Sunny said with a laugh.

“Hello? Sunny, are you there?” Luna’s voice sounded in the room.

Sunny moved the diamond in front of his face. “Yes Luna, I am here.”

“Is Whirl and Derpy there too?”

“Yup, you sound a little stressed out, what’s wrong?”

“Celestia has told me that I cannot have the diamond present during coronation for security reason… I tried to convince her otherwise but she was adamant about it.”

“Awwww, no fair…” Derpy said sadly.

“I’m sorry, I will come and see you all personally when I can and tell you how it was…”

“It’s okay Luna, we understand. We will see you again when we can, have fun.” Sunny said as he set down the diamond on the table.

Everypony was quiet until they finished their breakfasts. “Well, this is unfortunate. What do you all want to do today?” Whirl asked as he pushed his tray aside.

“We might be the only three in town today… do you just want to see what it is like to do all sort of crazy things around town?” Sunny suggested.

“What kind of crazy stuff?” Derpy asked as she moved her tray aside as well.

“Well, we can leave notes on everypony’s door telling them that while they were gone a parasprite infestation that ate all their furniture.”

“That’s mean Sunny; we should just rig all of their doors with water buckets.” Whirl suggested with a smirk.

“You two are terrible; we should decorate the streets for hearts and hooves day even though it is almost October.” Derpy suggested happily.

“What? That would be way to much work. Why don’t we just write funny messages in the sky with clouds?”

“Whirl, that would take just as much work. How about we do something nice for this town huh? I mean, this town has been good to us. We should pay them back somehow.”

Whirl and Derpy both nodded in agreement. “You’re right, what do you suggest?”

“We have one day to get everything done but I think we can count on having most of the night. Whirl, you go to Sweet Apple Acres and get as many chores done as possible. Derpy, I want you to make sure the skies stay clear so that the weather teams don’t have to come back to a mess. I’ll walk around town and clean as much as I can until it shines. Are we all in agreement?”

Whirl nodded and Derpy stood up and cheered. “Let’s do this!”

With that, they all headed out the door to do their assigned work. Whirl arrived at Sweet Apple Acres decently quick and saw something, or somepony rather, that he didn’t expect. Big Macintosh was hauling a load of apples to their apple cellar when Whirl walked up to him. “Hey, why aren’t you at the coronation?”

“Well, somepony had to tend to the fields today even though Twilight is becoming a princess.” Big Mac said with a chuckle.

“Well, I was going to do that for you while you were out of town… do you want some help at least?”

“You were gonna tend our fields while we were gone? That’s mighty neighborly of ya, ah would be happy to receive some help from such a good pony.”

“Well, I don’t want to take credit for this when it was Sunny’s idea. He said that we should all do something to help out the town while everypony is gone, so we are going around town doing what we can. Derpy is clearing the skies, Sunny is cleaning up the town and tidying our friend’s houses and I am here to help you out. So what do you have for me?”

“Well, we just recently raised the barn and finished it up mighty quickly. But we haven’t painted it yet so you can help me with that.”

Whirl nodded with a smile and followed Big Macintosh to their new barn. Awaiting them was plenty of buckets of paint and several brushes. “I am guessing you were going to do this as a family.”

“Eeyup, but since they are all in Canterlot I was just going to get it done on mah own. But now that you are here that won’t take me so long, go ahead and grab a brush and start at your own pace. Ah would appreciate you gettin the high areas so I don’t have ta get the ladder out.”

“Sure thing.” Whirl said as he picked up a paint bucket up with one of his fore hooves and the paintbrush with his mouth and flew up to the top of the barn to start painting. “Ah aven ainted eh a yong time. Ish is goin to be fun.”

Big Macintosh chuckled a bit. “That’s a good thing, work should always be fun.”

****

Derpy flew high above town kicking the clouds to puffy little pieces with a giggle.
“Maybe I should switch to a weather pony job, this is kind of fun!” she thought happily as she kicked out cloud after another. She stopped for a moment and looked around town; it was so deserted, almost like a ghost town. Something caught her eye though and she smiled widely. “HEEEEY SUNNY!” she yelled as she flew down towards Sunny.

Sunny was cleaning the windows on the library as Derpy flew down. “Hey Derpy! How is it going?”

“Great! Check out the skies!” Derpy said excitedly.

Sunny looked up and all around him. “They look great, except for one or two clouds over there. Oh hey, do me a favor and pull one of those clouds over here so I can refill my bucket of water please.”

“Sure thing.” Derpy said as she took off to grab the nearest cloud. She brought it over to Sunny and placed it over his head and started to jump on it, soaking him thoroughly.

“Ahhhh! It’s so cold!” Sunny shouted as he fluttered his now wet wings and tried to run away.

Derpy wasn’t going to let up as she chased him around the library with an evil smile. “REVENGE!” she shouted with a laugh.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Please stop! It is so cold!” Sunny pleaded.

Derpy stopped the cloud from raining and filled his bucket to the brim. “There you go, all filled.” She said as if nothing had happened.

Sunny was shivering where he stood and nodded. “Th-thanks…”

“No problem, just let me know if you need more.” Derpy said as she busted the cloud.

“Su-sure thing.” Sunny said as he shook and continued to clean the library.

Satisfied with her work Derpy flew away to continue to bust clouds. “Don’t derp with Derpy!” she thought happily as she got back to work.

Meanwhile, Sunny managed to finish up his work at the library. As he was walking to Fluttershy’s cottage to see if he could do anything to help he ran into a tan unicorn with a sleek brown mane. “Oh my, I am so sorry about that! I didn’t expect anypony to be here… Whim?”

The tan unicorn regained his composure. “Have we met? You look somewhat familiar.”

Sunny suddenly remembered that ‘Sunny’ had never met him. “Oh, uh no. I do believe you know my friend Whirl Wind, he told me a bit about the adventures your two have had.”

“Ah yes, Whirl is quite the pegasi. Big for his species, kind of like you my fine fellow. Not the bravest pony when it comes to the Everfree Forest if I recall correctly. Poor bastard ran himself right into a poisoned thorn bush that made it to where I had to carry him out of there.”

Sunny blushed as he remembered what Whim was talking about. “Well, I think that he is a bit more brave now…”

“I’m sorry, I never asked you for your name.”

“Sunny, Sunny Plains. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Sunny said as he held out a hoof to shake.

“Ah yes, I thought you looked familiar. You are Whirl’s double aren’t you? I fought against you personally in the war didn’t you know? You and your little recon team caught us off guard and you tried your hardest to make sure we didn’t get back, but we held you off pretty well didn’t we?”

Sunny was blushing the whole time he was talking. “I’d rather not talk about what I didn’t have control over, especially the war.”

“Oh, my apologies. The war has been a sensitive topic for everypony. I would imagine you are having quite a few regrets over what you were forced to do huh? What was the worst thing that you did anyway? I mean, I killed so many of shadow ponies while I was in command of my unit, but I can only imagine what kind of atrocities you did wh—“

“I killed my entire family and then tried to kill Whirl Wind and all of his friends.” Sunny said with a flat tone.

Whim left his mouth open for a moment before speaking again. “I’m… sorry… I pried a little bit too much on that one…”

“Whim, it’s okay… let’s switch topics… uhhh… Whirl is getting married to Derpy.”

“He is?! That is great! Do they have their wedding planned yet? I could help them with that! I helped plan…”

“Sonic Flare and Air Mail’s wedding, I know. No, they have not planned much. Whirl is at Sweet Apple Acres if you want to talk to him about it.” Sunny said as he silently prayed that Whim would agree with him.

“I think I will do that, thanks for the information Sunny. Have a nice day and what not.” Whim said as he started to trot to Sweet Apple Acres.

Sunny let out a sigh of relief as he continued to work around town. “Just when I thought I wouldn’t have to talk about… that… again, somepony has to remind me of what I was.” He thought as he stopped at Fluttershy’s cottage. When he knocked on the door he was greeted by the same bunny that had helped them find the six before. “Well hello again little buddy, I don’t think I properly thanked you for all the help you gave Whirl and I. Thanks, is there anything I could do around here that could help Fluttershy out?”

Angel nodded and waved for Sunny to come inside. He hopped over to an empty bowl and pointed at it before making a gesture like he was eating something.

“You want something to eat little guy? Okay, I don’t see the harm in that. What do you want?”

Angel pulled out a book of salads and turned the pages to the right one before pointing to a glorious celery leaning tower.

“Oh my, that does seem like quite the challenge. Fluttershy won’t get mad at me for doing this right?”

Angel shrugged and shook his head.

“Well, if she asks I will tell her I owed you one. Now where does she keep her celery?” Sunny asked as he trotted to the kitchen. He swiftly got to work as he opened the cabinet holding Flutterhy’s fruits and vegetables, sticking one piece of celery to another with peanut butter as instructed. When it was finished it looked just like the picture, except for the fact that the picture looked like it was supposed to while Sunny’s looked like a bunch of celery stuck together with peanut butter.

Angel bunny fell on the floor laughing as he beheld the masterpiece of food that was in front of him.

“I’m sorry little buddy, I tried my best… I can try again if you…” Sunny started before he heard a munching sound.

Angel had already started to eat with a cute little smile on his face.

“Perfect, now I will clean up a bit around here.” Sunny said happily as he got to work. He only stopped for a moment when he heard a squeak and a clatter in the kitchen. He dropped everything he was doing and ran into the kitchen to find the celery all over the place. “What happened little buddy?”

Angel made a series of movements of him grabbing a piece of celery, then screaming in terror, and then making a crashing motion.

“You pulled out one from the bottom and it came crashing down on top of you? That’s terrible, now you are covered in peanut butter… I have never helped a bunny with a bath before but I can if you would like.”

With a nod Angel jumped up onto the counter and turned on the water to the sink.

****

“So, now that the barn is done being painted what do you want to do next?” Whirl asked with a smile as he took a sip of the apple juice Big Macintosh had gotten him.

“Ah think you have done enough to help me round here. Why don’t yall help somepony else with their work?”

“Well… I want to help you out as much as I can and…”

“Whirl! Hey Whirl Wind!” Whim called out as he ran up to the pair of ponies. “Hey, I ran into your double just a moment ago and he told me I could find you here. Why didn’t you tell me that you were getting married huh? I figured that I would be the second pony you told after Flare.”

“Hello Whim, I haven’t gotten around to telling every pony yet… Also, why are you here and not at the coronation?”

“I was going to go, but I decided to take the day off to rest and take in the silence of the town.”

“Ah’ll just get out of your way. Whirl, thanks for the help paintin’ the barn.” Big Macintosh said as he walked towards his next chore.

“No problem Big Macintosh, if you need more help you know where to find me.”

“So anyway, I figured I would help you with your wedding preparations.” Whim said happily.

Whirl’s expression perked up at Whim’s offer. “You are going to help me with my wedding? That would be great!”

“It’s settled then, firstly, where is the wedding going to be?”

“Here in Ponyville.”

“Right, where in Ponyville?”

“Well… Why not under the same tree Sonic Flare and Air Mail? That is a lovely place next to the lake and it has a bit of meaning for both of us.”

“Oh really? What significance does it have for you?”

“If I tell you, you can’t tell Sonic… he might take it wrong.”

“I promise.”

“Okay, I assume Sonic told you how he got his cutie mark, right?”

“Yes he did.”

“I saw the whole thing, the race against that bully, the crash, everything. After that day I flew to that tree and thought about that pony that crashed through the tree and straight into the ground. He inspired me to try skydiving out and it gained me my cutie mark. I never even introduced myself to Sonic when I lived in Cloudsdale, I was too shy… but I owe him a lot for inspiring me to get my own cutie mark.”

“Why would Sonic misunderstand that?”

“Because, after he crashed I didn’t help him… I didn’t defend him from the bullies or anything like that at all…”

“I am sure he…”

“Wouldn’t care at all because we are like brothers.” Sonic Flare suddenly interrupted.

Both Whirl and Whim jumped at his sudden appearance. “Flare! Wh-what are you doing here?”

“The foals are feeling a bit under the weather so we couldn’t go to the coronation. I was out trying to get some medicine but everywhere is closed. Do you have anything that might help?”

“Wait, so you don’t mind that I didn’t help you when you crashed?”

“Of course I don’t, I didn’t know you and you didn’t know me. It’s all good. But that isn’t important right now, do either of you have any medicine for my foals?”

“I have some, just in case you decided to bring them over for a visit and they got sick or something.” Whirl said with a smile.

“Sweet, I heard you two talking about wedding plans so I will let you two get to it.”

“Alright, the medicine is in my bathroom in the top drawer under the sink.” Whirl said as Flare took off.

“That was a bit awkward.” Whim stated with a neutral tone. “Anyway, let’s go get a bunch of things done for your wedding.”

“Ummm, Flare just said that everything is closed.”

“Doesn’t mean I can’t get the wedding stuff from my basement to get freshened up, come on.” Whim said happily as he started to trot to his home.

Whirl flapped his wings a followed along in a small hover. “Alright, this should be fun.”

“Indeed so, maybe we can get the old gang together for a game of hoofball like we did for Flare’s bachelor party.”

“Uhh, you mean the one where Flare and I kept the ball in the air the entire time so you and Thunder couldn’t get it?”

“Psh, this time it won’t be so unfair.”

“Let’s do the math on that one, at the most we can count on you, me, Flare and Sunny coming to the bachelor party ever since Thunder got his career going.”

“Three pegasi… great, this ought to be a fair match.”

“We can always agree on no wings, but you would have to content with me or Sunny kicking the ball through the net because we are too strong.”

“Riiight… maybe we can play some golf instead.”

Whirl laughed a bit. “That sounds much better.”

****

“Augh! No! Stay still! AHHHH! Stop it with the hose!” Sunny said with a laugh as Angel chased him around the kitchen with the water hose. “You are making such a mess! Ahh! HA HA! Now who has the hose huh?!” Sunny said as he managed to snatch the hose away. He chased Angel around the kitchen a bit before the hose suddenly turned off. Sunny peeked down the end of the hose to see if there was a jam, but he was greeted with a face full of water.

“You are supposed to be cleaning, not making more of a mess!” Derpy said with a giggle from the window. “Clean this up quickly and meet me outside, I have to ask you for some help.”

Sunny chuckled and started to mop up the huge mess that he and Angel had made in the kitchen. Angel helped a little bit by picking up random pieces of food that had fallen to the floor. When they were finished Sunny trotted outside to see Derpy talking to a bird that was sitting on her hoof as she held it up for the bird.

“What did you need help with?” Sunny asked with a smile.

“Well, Whirl is always doing sweet romantic things for me and I want to do something for him. So what I need from you is… well you know what he likes the most so…”

“I have the perfect thing for him. Follow me and I will explain.” Sunny said as he started to trot back to town.

Derpy followed along happily. “Thank you so much, I was having a hard time deciding on what to do for him.”

“You went to the right pony, I know him way better than anypony else. Now then, Whirl used to be a very closed pony so there is not much that will make him stop and look. Now don’t get me wrong, it is not that he isn’t observant, it is just that he has seen it all. Until today that is. Whirl never thought he would be in a relationship like this, ever, so we have to do something exciting and unexpected. There is one place just outside Ponyville I am sure Whirl has been avoiding, but it is the most important spot in the world for me… I mean him…”

“Really? Where would that be?”

“There is a willow tree near a lake not too far away from Ponyville where his entire life changed.”

“His entire life changed? How?”

“Weeeeelll… IsawFlarecrashintoatreeafteraraceagainstbulliesandwedidn’tdoanythingtohelpandwehavenevertoldhimbutheinspiredmetogetmycutiemark.” Sunny replied extremely fast.

“Whoa, what? You saw Flare crash into a tree and that inspired you to get your cutie mark? How does that work out?”

“It wasn’t the crash, it was what Flare was doing. He dropped straight down to that tree without hesitation and without blinking. It was so bold, so brave… when I tried it I loved it so much!”

“Awesome, that is twice today that I have heard that story, but you called me bold and brave.” Flare suddenly interrupted from behind them making them both jump in fright.

“Flare! What are you doing here?!” Sunny asked in a surprised tone.

“Well, I was just coming back from Whirl’s place with this bottle of baby medicine when I saw you two walking together. So I decided to drop in and say hello.”

“You could have said hello from in front of us!” Derpy said as she smacked Flare upside the head.

Flare rubbed his head with a wince of pain. “Ouch… you hit just as hard as Air does… What is with mailmares and smack strength?”

“Just follow through.” Derpy said as she raised her hoof to smack again making Flare flinch. She put her hoof down with a giggle. “Just kidding Flare.”

Flare chuckled a bit. “Well, I guess I will be off before you change your mind. It was nice running into you two despite to smack to the head.” Flare said as he took off for home.

Derpy and Sunny casually continued to walk towards their destination. “Flare scared the heck out of me. I wonder why Whirl told Flare about that day we saw him crash.”

“Flare must have manipulated him into telling him.” Derpy said with a giggle. “Whirl can be easy to manipulate sometimes.”

“I am not… I mean… he is not.” Sunny said with a chuckle as he corrected himself.

“I bet you I can get you to look back at me.”

“I bet you can’t.”

“How much do you want to bet?”

“Fifty bits.”

“Deal.” Derpy said confidently.

Sunny let out a chuckle. “She will never get me to…” suddenly he heard something thud onto the ground that made him jump in fright. He quickly turned around to see Derpy on the ground with her eyes closed. “Oh my gosh! Derpy are you okay?!” Sunny said as he held up Derpy’s head.

Derpy smiled and gently tapped her hoof on Sunny’s face. “Really fine now that I am fifty bits richer.”

Sunny dropped Derpy and bashed his head against the nearest tree leaving an indent. “I… fail… so… much…” he said as he bashed his head against the tree some more.

Derpy started to laugh uncontrollably as she rolled on the ground. “Too easy! Way too easy!”

Sunny hit his head one more time and left it against the tree. “I can’t believe I fell for that! I am a gullible fool!”

“Aww, Sunny you aren’t that gullible, you are just a very kind pony who doesn’t assume anything. You prefer making sure that you are right so that you learn.”

“No, I am just too trusting! Maybe I shouldn’t trust anypony anymore! I should just go back to the forest and stay away from everypony!” Sunny yelled angrily as he kicked the tree.

Derpy grew a bit concerned as Sunny grew even angrier. “Sunny, it was just a joke…”

“A joke?! A JOKE?! I AM EVERYPONY’S PUNCHLINE NOW?!”

“No, Sunny I…” Derpy said softly as she started to back away.

Sunny’s face suddenly brightened up and he let out a laugh. “You should see the look on your face! Priceless!” he said as his laugh grew louder.

“Alright, I deserve that one.” Derpy said with a smirk as she walked up to him. “We are even now though, so stop it… you scared me.”

“That was the point.” Sunny said as he started to trot along with a bounce in his step.

Derpy followed along with a smile. “You just taught me something important about Whirl you know. Now I know not to fall for any fake anger tricks.”

“Well, he might not try that. I only did it because I have a different past that makes fake anger work well.”

“I see… I will still keep my guard up though.”

“I can tell you right now that he will never get angry at you. He might get angry at other things, maybe, but never angry at you.”

“I am sure if I tried I can get him angry if I wanted him to.”

“No, you would just make him sad because the first thing he would assume is that he did something to make you stop loving him.”

“Really? Is he that sensitive about it?”

Sunny stopped in his tracks and sighed. “Listen, I may be his brother but he would murder me without hesitation if I did anything to hurt you. If the princesses suddenly wanted your eyes back the way they were Whirl would tell them to change his also. If you got sick and you were stuck in bed he would serve your every need even if it seemed ridiculous to him. He would travel the world to find you the best kind of tea if you asked him to. There is nothing in this world that would stop him from keeping you safe and happy.” He said with a half-smile.

Derpy wiped a tear away from her eye. “Wow… that is so sweet.” She said as more tears poured from her eyes.

Suddenly Sunny felt himself being tackled to the ground. He tried to turn over to see who it was but he was being held down firmly. Sunny heard Derpy gasp and try to say something but a voice drowned over hers. “What did you do to her to make her cry?!” Whirl yelled angrily.

Sunny let out a sigh and didn’t struggle. “I was just telling her that you would do what you are doing now if anypony ever tried to hurt her.”

“Whirl, he wasn’t being mean. He just told me how much you loved me and it just made me feel so good that it made me cry, that’s all.” Derpy said as she moved Whirl off of Sunny.

Whirl was blushing intensely. “Oppse… Sunny I’m sorry… I just… well you know…”

Sunny got up and dusted himself off. “It’s alright, but trust me when I say I would never intentionally make Derpy cry. I didn’t even mean to do it accidently, I just told her what I knew.”

“Still, I acted without thinking. Just let me know if I can make it up to you.” Whirl said sincerely.

“What are the odds of us all being here at this tree?” Flare suddenly asked making everypony there jump.

Air looked around at all the ponies with a smile. “What are you all doing at our favorite picnic spot?” she said as the foals cooed.

“Well, Whirl and I were planning his wedding and where he wanted it to take place.” Whim said with a smile.

“Sunny was showing me the tree that Whirl finds inspiring.” Derpy said with a giggle as she played with the foals in their holders. “They are so cute!”

“Well, we didn’t bring enough food for everypony but we would enjoy the company.” Flare said kindly as he took the picnic basket off of his back.

Air had unstrapped the foals and the started to run around playing. “Now you two stay by the tree at all times!” she called out as they were playing. “Derpy, could you keep an eye on those two for me while Flare and I set up the picnic?”

“No problem! I love little foals!” Derpy said happily as she started to play with the foals.

Whirl walked over to Derpy and laid down on the grass near her while she played. Sunny walked over to Whim with a smile. “So he picked here huh? This is where I would have chosen also.”

“Well, I could have guessed that. We just got done getting out all of the wedding supplies we used at Flare’s wedding and cleaning them up. I think this is going to be as wonderful as the last wedding.”

“I can’t wait to see it. Hey, do you want to swim for a while, the lake is calling to me right now.”

Whim shook his head. “No thank you, I would rather just relax for a little while before heading home to tend to my rock farm.”

Sunny shrugged. “Suit yourself, I am going to do a crazy dive from that cloud.” He said as he took off.

Whirl watched as Derpy played with the little foals with joy. He always imagined that he would a good father but he never thought he would ever get the chance because of how shy he was. Derpy looked over to Whirl with a smile. “You going to play too or just watch?”

“I think I will just watch. I am a bit big to play with foals…” Whirl said nervously.

“Just be gentle and you will be fine. Do you two want to play with Whirl?” Derpy asked the foals in a funny tone. The little foals clopped their hooves on the floor happily and laughed. “See, they want to hang out with uncle Whirl.”

“Actually, he is more like their godfather; if he wants to be a godfather that is.” Flare said happily.

Whirl nodded happily. “Of course! I would be honored to be their godfather.”

“Great! That settles that then, come on babies let’s get some food.” Flare said as he picked up his foals and flew over to their picnic blanket.

“Hey Whirl! Come on up here!” Sunny shouted from his cloud.

Whirl looked at Derpy who nodded in approval before he took off to see what Sunny wanted. “What’s up Sunny?” he asked as he settled down on the cloud next to him.

“This is the first time we have two divers that know the exact same moves, we need to do… the epic dive!”

“What?! We haven’t even practiced that!”

“We both know what to do though! Come on, I’ll take the left if you get the right!”

Whirl thought about it for a moment. “Alright, but if something goes wrong you are going to be the one strangled by Derpy.”

“Deal. Alright, one… two… three!”

Both Whirl and Sunny jumped off the cloud and spiraled into a helix at each other’s back. They touched back to back as they hit the water and they both pulled up quickly funneling water behind them as they surfaced. When the water fell behind them they landed at the edge of the lake and hoof bumped.

“That was awesome! I can’t believe it worked!” Sunny said happily.

The little foals were cheering and laughing happily and everypony else was clapping. “Way to go you two!” Derpy cheered happily as she jumped into a hug with Whirl. Whirl hugged her back and held her tightly as he jumped backwards into the lake. He gave her a quick kiss before swimming up to the surface with her.

Derpy bopped him on the head gently. “I didn’t say I wanted to swim Whirl.” She said playfully as she splashed him.

Whirl laughed. “You didn’t say you didn’t want to swim.”

“Fair enough, now I am going to dunk you.” Derpy said as she jumped on Whirl and held him under the water.

Whirl smirked because he knew exactly what to do. He slowly released bubbles from his nose as she held him under and stopped when she let him go. Water was his training ground as he had practiced his helix moves under it for a while in Manehatten and the most important thing he learned was how to hold his breath under water for quite a while. He floated face down in the water for two minutes before Derpy started to poke him.

“Whirl? Whirl stop joking…” she said as she shook him a bit.

Sunny was holding his hooves over his mouth as Flare ran into the water to help Whirl to shore. Derpy was starting to panic as they struggled to pull him onto the shore. Whirl was waiting for Derpy to perform CPR and was going to use the opportunity to make it up to Derpy with a kiss. When he felt a pair of lips meet his he wrapped his hooves around her head and kissed her deeply, or so he thought. He heard Sunny laughing ridiculously hard and he opened his eyes to see Flare struggling to get away. Whirl shoved him off and started to scream, as did Flare. Flare ran over to his picnic basket and pulled out an apple juice and started to swish it around in his mouth while everypony else was laughing. Whirl dunked his head into the lake and started to swash it around wildly. Sunny was almost out of breath as he heaved to breath after laughing so hard. Whirl pulled his head out of the water and started to scream even more.

Derpy gently floated over to Whirl and gave him a deep passionate kiss. Whirl calmed down rather quickly and snapped out of it to return her kiss. “Awww, that is so sweet… come here Flare.” Air said as she pulled him into a kiss also.

Whim and Sunny looked at each other and shook their heads. “Well, I am off. See you all… oh never mind…” he said as he was ignored by the ponies making out in front of him. “Sunny, let them know I went home. It was nice being able to talk to somepony about the war from the other side of the fence.”

Sunny let out a grunt. “Listen, Whim… I really hate talking about the war at all so… can we please never talk about it again… ever.”

Whim’s expression turned to worry. “Oh, I am sorry. I didn’t realize it was a sensitive topic.”

Sunny slammed his hoof down. “Didn’t realize it?! Sombra made me KILL my family! What part of that wouldn’t make you think that it wasn’t a sensitive topic?!”

Whim backed down a bit. “Right… well… I’m sorry about all this… I didn’t mean any offence or anything.”

Sunny sighed and put a hoof to his forehead. “Look… I am not really mad at you. Just… thinking about what happened after I keep working to get it out of my mind doesn’t make me happy. I can barely decide if I am still friends with anypony. I know Whirl is my friend, as is Derpy but… I can’t help but think that everypony else thinks I am a different pony entirely.”

“Well, I guess I know you as well as I do Whirl… I suppose that we are friends.” Whim said with a smile.

“Well, at least I have one. Thanks Whim.” Sunny said as he put out a hoof to shake.

“Quite.” Whim said as he shook Sunny’s hoof. “I’ll just be off then. Have a great day.” He said as he trotted off to home.

Sunny waved goodbye to Whim and then turned his attention to the others who had, at last, stopped making out. They were, however, cuddling and nuzzling one another as they sat there and basked in the sun. “I think I’ll… get back to work then.” Sunny said to see if he would get a response. When they didn’t respond at all he simply shrugged and took off to the sky to continue his work. He soon found himself at Sugar Cube corner wiping the windows inside and out humming a tune as he scrubbed. “This may be work, but it is quite fun.” He thought to himself as he flew up to the next window.

“Just when I thought you couldn’t get any worse…” a feminine voice echoed in Sunny’s head.

Sunny stopped scrubbing and looked around. “Hello? Is anypony there?” he asked loudly as he hovered in front of the window.

“What, you don’t recognize my voice? I am a bit upset about that. Turn around so we can talk face to face.”

Sunny turned around and looked at the window. In place of his reflection was a dark grey unicorn mare with red glowing eyes. “Who are you?”

“I? I am your friend remember? Or has that part of you been lost General?”

Sunny’s heart skipped a beat. “What did you call me?”

“Surely you remember your prestigious title of general under the command of King Sombra. I assume you do. You never made our little rendezvous we had planned after you escaped the mind of that wretched pegasus. I can’t believe you pushed me out so easily.”

Sunny had no idea what she was talking about, but he knew that if she followed Sombra she would be dangerous. “What rendezvous are you talking about? Where were we going to meet?”

“What have they done to you? You think that changing your coat and mane, then getting rid of the greatest gift Sombra ever gave you would change who you really are? You are wrong; you are still under his control, therefore… I COMMAND YOU OBEY ME!” the mare shouted as her horn started to glow.

Sunny’s head felt like it was splitting open and he fell to the ground. The mare’s eyes started to glow with more intensity and her voice boomed inside of Sunny’s head. “Stop! What are you doing?!”

“Accept your fate! You are Sombra’s minion and nothing more!”

Sunny was starting to feel weak as he struggled to maintain control. “I… AM… NOT… GOING… BACK!” he shouted as he started to stand.

The mare’s horn lit up with more intensity and Sunny was forced to his knees. “There, there… it will all be over soon…”

“NO! NOOOOO!” Sunny yelling in a darker tone.

Whirl had left Derpy and the other in order to help Sunny clean up. As he flew over town he saw Sunny kneeling in front of Sugar Cube Corner. He swooped down and as he got closer he could tell something was wrong as he saw Sunny fall to his side writhing on the ground. “Sunny!” Whirl shouted in panic as a red circle formed under Sunny.

“WHIRL! NO! AUGH! HELP! SOMBRA! AHHHHHH!” Sunny shouted before he vanished in a blinding red light.

Whirl landed where Sunny was just a moment ago and dug at the ground. “Sunny! Sunny! No! Please Celestia no!” he yelled frantically.

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven: Brotherhood Lost

“What do I do? What do I do?!” Whirl shouted frantically as he paced in front of Sugar Cube Corner. “Where would Sombra have taken him? Where would he go? Think, think, think, think, think!” he shouted as he pounded a hoof on the ground. “Help, I need help!” He took off to head back to the picnic and prayed that Flare was still there. Luckily, he was. Whirl swooped down and landed in front of Flare just as they had finished packing up.

“There you are Whirl, did Sunny send you back?” Derpy asked happily. She noticed he was sweating and looked a bit worried. “Whirl, what’s wrong?”

Whirl was trying to catch his breath. “Sombra took Sunny! Flare, I need your help to find him!”

Flare was dumbstruck. “Whoa, what? How did Sombra take Sunny if he is dead?”

“I don’t know! Sunny was on the ground having some kind of seizure and in a dark voice was shouting for help and calling out Sombra’s name! Then a red circle encased him and he vanished!”

“Wait, did you say a red circle?” Flare asked sternly.

“Yes! It was a red circle!”

“Bloody Marey…” Flare said in a hushed tone.

“What? What’s a Bloody Marey?” Air asked curiously.

“One of Sombra’s other commanding officers. She was the captain of his magical forces during the war. After I destroyed Los Pegasus we assumed she was killed in the aftermath. She must have escaped before hoof and hid somewhere.”

“Where would she have gone?”

“I don’t know where she could be at all… is there anything that Sunny might have said before he became Sunny?”

Whirl started to pace back and forth. “Let me think, let me think! He left me more than you will ever know… He must have meant her! Sombra left Bloody Marey behind for Sunny to meet up with! That must have been where Sunny was heading before I had him turn back… but… I don’t understand why he never told me about her…”

“Maybe when he lost his horn he lost the memories of her too?” Derpy suggested.

“Or maybe this was his plan all along. I mean, how do we know he didn’t let her take him?” Air suggested as she started to load the foals into their pouches.

“No! No, Sunny wouldn’t do that! He changed!” Whirl shouted angrily causing the foals to start crying.

“Air, I need you to take our babies home… Whirl, I will do what I can to help but I can’t leave Ponyville to go out on some dangerous quest. I have other responsibilities to worry about.”

“Fine, just give me a pair of flight goggles and I will be off!”

“Make that two pairs of goggles!” Derpy suddenly yelled. Whirl was a bit shocked and looked towards her. “If you are going to find Sunny then so am I!”

Whirl smiled and nodded. “You realize that we are both probably going to be flying to the northern wastelands right?”

“Of course. And before you say anything, yes I do realize that I am probably going to lose my job over this.” Derpy said confidently.

“Alright then, here.” Flare said as he hoofed them both a pair of goggles. “I brought them in case we were going to do any of our ‘fiery’ tricks. After you are gone I will send a letter to both Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance so that they can try to help. Good luck you two… be careful.”

Whirl nodded and took the goggles. Both he and Derpy strapped them on and flew back to their home to gather supplies for the journey. When they arrived Whirl slammed through the door and broke it in two and Derpy followed behind him. “That mare must have waited for the coronation so that she could strike! We have to make this quick! Dress warmly and grab whatever food will last the longest in cold weather!” he shouted as he ran to his room.

Derpy ran to the kitchen and grabbed as many muffins as she could and stuffed them into a saddle bag. “Muffins last long in the cold right?!”

“They should! They might be a bit hard when we eat them though!” Whirl called from the other room.

Derpy quickly ran to the bedroom and saw that Whirl was half dressed in a large wool coat and he had a scarf on as he dug through the dresser. He pulled out a wool hat and jammed it on his head. “Make sure you dress as warmly as I am… do you have clothes like this?”

Derpy shook her head. “The only clothes I have ever worn is my uniform.”

Whirl opened the closet and pulled out another jacket and scarf. “It is going to be a bit big on you but it will work. You might have a harder time flying but I think I can carry you without being slowed down.” He said as he dressed her. He pulled out another hat from the dresser and placed it gently on her head. “I… you know you don’t have to come with me right?”

“Of course I do! If Sunny means this much to you then he means this much to me. Besides, I am not leaving your side until the day I die.” Derpy said confidently.

Whirl kissed her forehead. “I won’t let that happen, I promise.”

Derpy giggled a bit. “I can see why you helped the elements so easily; love is a powerful force in your life isn’t it?”

Whirl nodded. “I would sacrifice my own life for somepony I loved without question. I will protect you no matter what, but we must be off now… we have little time… maybe… maybe he is still alright…”

****

Sunny let out a howl of pain as Bloody Marey used her magic to corrupt his mind. “Stop fighting me! It is your destiny to serve me!”

“NO! I will never… AUGH!!!!!”

“Fool! Do you really think that they care about you?! Do you really think HE cares about you?! You murdered his family! His brothers! His sister! He HATES you!”

Sunny fell to the floor in agony, the chains that bound him tightened around him at Bloody Marey’s command. “HOW DARE YOU! HOW DARE YOU EVEN MENTION HIM!”

“Stop lying to yourself! You aren’t fooling me! I know the darkness within you can still be tapped! NOW QUIT FIGHTING ME!” She coiled the chains so tightly that they started to cut into Sunny’s skin. “Let’s start by getting rid of that ridiculous dye!”

“NO! NOOOO!”

The dye melted off of his coat and was replaces with his natural green coat and his yellow and blue mane. “There we are! Enough hiding your true self! Now, let’s see what we can do about those eyes!”

Sunny started to struggle even more causing him intense pain where the chains cut his skin. “GO TO HELL! I WILL NEVER SUBMIT!”

“YOU HAVE NO CHOICE!” Bloody Marey screamed as he horn started to glow even more intensly.

Sunny felt the darkness start to creep into his mind. With every ounce of strength he had he fought her. Eventually his resolve won out and Bloody Marey stopped her spell and started to pant heavily, as did Sunny. “You… will not win…”

“Not today… but I will be back again tomorrow to finish my work.” Bloody Marey walked to the door and pushed it open. A torrent of snow blew through it and she walked out closing the door behind her locking it.

Sunny saw the moon out the window through the snow. He shook his mane and his half diamond fell out and rolled onto the floor in front of him. “Luna… Luna…” he called out weakly.

“Sunny? Is that you? You sound… different.” Luna said as she looked through the diamond. “Whirl? What are you doing with Sunny’s gem? Wait… are you okay?”

“It’s me… Sunny… Luna… A mare… has captured me… taken me north… and is trying to turn me… into Sombra’s minion again… if… if she succeeds…”

“She won’t! I am coming right now!”

“NO! No… Luna… stay away… I don’t want you to get hurt… I am sure Whirl is already on his way… ungh… warn… Cadance… I think… I think this mare… means to… ungh… take the Crystal Empire…”

“She won’t succeed! We are on our way there! Hold on Sunny!”

The door burst open and Bloody Marey walked through. “So this is where he is getting his strength, let us get rid of that!” she said as she took the diamond and placed it in her bag. “Now then! YOU ARE MINE!” Her horn started to glow and her eyes narrowed.

Sunny was distraught from losing Luna, his mind was weak and at last his mind fell. His eyes turned green and the chains came off of him. He stood up and looked into Bloody Marey’s eyes. “Shall we take the empire while they are gone?”

“That’s the plan. We will use Sombra’s last gift to turn the Empire into our personal army!”

“Then you have mastered the spell?”

“Yes! Come quickly! We don’t have much time!” Bloody Marey shouted as she ran out the door.

Sunny swiftly followed her out and slammed the door shut. “General Wind is back!”

****

The wind howled against Whirl and Derpy as they flew further north. But salvation was near at hoof as the snow started to lighten and the wind died down as they approached the Crystal Empire. The sudden change from cold to warm was welcome as they landed on the outskirts of the city. Derpy climbed off of Whirl’s back and took her hat off. “Looks like we beat Cadance and Shining Armor back; the train still hasn’t arrived yet.” Whirl said as he pointed to the train station. “We should head to the castle and tell the guards to be prepared for anything.”

Derpy nodded in agreement. “Let’s get moving th—“ BOOM! The ground shook violently and the screams of ponies could be heard in the distance. The castle turned black in almost an instant and a dark stream shot into the sky and moved in streams across the sky. Derpy looked horrified as she watched in fear, her heart felt like it was being gripped by fear itself as she stood there. Her chest suddenly felt tight and she grasped it with her hoof. “Whirl, help!” she screamed in terror.

Whirl was fairing much better because he knew the feeling of evil and did not waver. He picked Derpy up and held her tightly. “It’s going to be okay Derpy, I promise. Just hang on and know that the evil will not take you while you are here with me.” He whispered into her ear.

Derpy started to cry. “What’s going on? Why is this happening?”

“They must have done something to the crystal heart. You need to calm down so that we can do something to help these ponies.” Whirl said calmly.

Derpy sniffled a bit more. “Okay… it’s what we came here to do…”

Whirl kissed her forehead gently. “Alright, are you good to go?”

Derpy nodded slowly and stood up. “I’m alright. Let’s go.”

They made their way into town as stealthily as possible. The edges of the crystal buildings had become jagged and rough with small spikes covering its surfaces so it was hard to stay close to them. Then they heard the one voice they wanted to hear, Sunny’s. “Ponies of the crystal empire hear me! By order of King Sombra I have come to liberate you of your freedom and take control of the empire! Those of you that can bear arms are ordered to do so and prepare for retaliation from Celestia!”

Whirl and Derpy hid behind some garbage cans in an alley as brainwashed ponies ran past. “We have to get to the castle, maybe we can bargain with him like I did last time.” Whirl whispered into Derpy’s ear.

“What?! Do you really think that he will listen?!” Derpy whispered back angrily.

“Derpy, I have to believe that there is something we can save here. If we can’t save him then we have to kill him.” Whirl whispered sternly.

“Kill him!?” Derpy accidently shouted which attracted the attention of a couple of ponies that were crossing by. They seemed to be former guards but their entire bodies seemed shadowed by their armor which covered their entire bodies, as well as their identities. As they came over Whirl readied himself for combat. One of them poked their heads around the can and Whirl snapped his neck without mercy and took the guards spear and used the butt end to hit the other over the head knocking him out cold. “You killed him…” Derpy squeaked.

Whirl started to drag the other body into the alley way and pulled out some rope to tie him up and gag him. “Yes, I killed him… I had to… it was either that or he would kill us without hesitation. Since I didn’t have a weapon and I couldn’t guarantee a knockout with just my bare hooves I had to kill him okay? If the time comes and you have to choose between killing somepony and living I want you to not hesitate because they will not hesitate to kill you, they will not show you mercy, and they will NOT take you prisoner. Okay?”

Derpy was shaking a bit. “He’s dead…” she squeaked softly.

Whirl grabbed Derpy by her shoulders. “Listen to me Derpy. If you think you can’t do this I need to take you home. Can you do this or not?”

Derpy looked to the dead guard and then to Whirl. “I… I don’t think I can.”

Whirl smiled and nodded. “Then I will get you to the edge of the city and then I need you to fly to Canterlot to bring back some help, okay?”

“I… I can get to the edge of the city on my own. You go and help Sunny.”

“I think I can help with that.” A voice sounded out behind them. Whirl grabbed a spear and held it to the mysterious pony’s throat. “Whirl, put the spear down… it’s me, Whim.”

Whirl took the spear down. “Whim, thank Celestia… what are you doing here?”

“I followed you after Flare told me what happened. This is my chance to make it up to Sunny for what I said, so what is the plan?” Whim asked in a whisper.

“Derpy is leaving to go bring back help… and there is nothing wrong with that.” Whirl said as he turned to Derpy and gave her a kiss. “Promise me you will be safe.”

“I promise; I will just follow the same way out. I will be fine. Once I get to the edge of town I will fly out and follow the train tracks.”

“Good luck Derpy.” Whirl said softly as he kissed her cheek. Derpy slowly snuck out of the alley and made her way to the edge of the city. “Whim, we need to take these two guard’s armor and put it on. Then we need to go to the castle and see what we can do to talk to Sunny, maybe he can still be reasoned with.”

“Alright, what are we going to do with the bodies?”

“Put them in the garbage cans and place garbage over them. It is all we can do. You… you don’t think it is bad to be killing these ponies, do you? I mean… they are kind of being brain washed…”

“The guards know what their duties are; they would gladly give their lives for the good of their empire. Right now they are compromised and they know it. I am sure death is a release for them right now.” Whim said as he started to dress in the guard’s armor.

Whirl nodded slowly and started to do the same. “Should we kill the other one?”

Whim looked at the unconscious guard and frowned. “I might be able to encase him in stone with my magic. He would still be alive but… I can’t dispel it myself… so he will be trapped in stone until somepony can free him.”

“It is better than death, do it.”

Whim used his magic to encase the pony in stone before they hoisted the bodies into the trash. Now that they were fully geared, they started to march towards the castle. They carried their spears exactly like the other guards and marched just as robotically. When they reached the castle their hearts nearly stopped as they saw the crystal heart broken into two pieces, but it was still spinning and the two pieces were held together by pure shadow. Doing their best to ignore it they walked into the castle and saw guards filing into lines and marching out onto the streets. Then they saw him, standing beside the throne that was currently occupied by Bloody Marey. “Whim… stay on the inside and gather as much information as possible. I have to do this alone.”

Whim gave him a nod. “Good luck.” He said as he marched into the ranks and followed the others out onto the streets.

Whirl walked into the throne room and stood in front of Bloody Marey and Sunny. “What is the meaning of this, why aren’t you in rank?!” Sunny scolded.

“I am here to negotiate with Sunny.” Whirl said as he removed his helmet.

“I expected something like this.”

Bloody Marey smirked and leaned on her hoof on the throne. “Well, well, well. It looks like somepony has a stout heart strong enough to defeat my magic. That’s good, we could use somepony like you in our army!” she said as her horn started to glow. Her aura wrapped around Whirl and he shrugged it off.

“Please, your magic is not nearly as powerful as you think.”

“He is resistant to magic, the only way to convert him would be to take what he loves most from him.”

“And what would that be?!” Bloody Marey asked in rage.

Whirl smirked. “Everything I love is dead… Derpy didn’t survive the trip here like we had originally planned…” he said sadly.

Sunny seemed a bit stunned, and something about him seemed a bit sad. “Derpy… is dead? Then… he truly has nothing to lose… but he was able to resist your magic. How is this possible?”

“I don’t care how it is possible! Just seize him and take him to the dungeons!” Bloody Marey scolded.

Sunny walked over to Whirl and subdued him before chaining his body. He hoisted Whirl onto his back and started to carry him to the dungeons. When they got there Sunny tossed him into a cell and locked it tight. “How could you bring Derpy along with you and let her die? You are more of a monster than I am.”

“Do you think that I don’t realize that? You are the last thing I have left to lose. Are you… even still you?” Whirl asked as he stood up and walked to the cell door.

“I… ungh… no. You have already lost me. I… I’m sorry for your loss.” Sunny said sullenly as he walked away.

“Sunny! Come back!” Whirl called out.

Sunny ignored him and walked out of the dungeons. Whirl laid down on the bench in the cell and sighed. “Things going according to plan?” Whim’s voice sounded just outside of the cell.

“Whim, what the heck are you doing here?” Whirl asked frantically.

“I am here to get you out of course.”

“No, I am right where I need to be. Just keep gathering info and keep the princesses informed. I will turn Sunny around. Wait… I do need you to do something else. Take Derpy and change her appearance, then spread the word that she died on the way here. That will keep her safe.”

Whim nodded and heard the door open. He took his spear and hit Whirl in the face with it. “How dare you ask for water scum!” The guard had entered and looked at Whim.

“What are you doing here? I am supposed to guard the prisoner.” The guard said coldly. Like the others, his identity was hidden behind their armor.

“Must have been a mix up in orders; I will go receive new orders immediately.” Whim said as he walked out of the dungeons.

Whirl rubbed his face and turned towards the new guard who was staring right at him. “Like the view? Draw a picture, it will last longer.” He said as he laid back down on the bench. The guard turned around and started to walk up and down the hall between the cells.

****

Derpy had arrived in Canterlot and was trying her darnedest to get past the guards. “YOU HAVE TO LET ME INTO THE CASTLE! I was sent from the Crystal Empire with an important message!”

“I’m sorry miss, but we are not to let anypony destirb the princesses while they discuss the recent coronation of Princess Twilight.”

“I don’t have time for this!” Derpy yelled as she flew over the guards heads and into the courtyard.

“We have a breach!” the guard yelled before he blew a whistle.

Derpy had to avoid them left and right as she flew inside of the castle. She arrived to the throne room and kicked down the door as she flew and crashed to the ground. The guards quickly swarmed her and pinned her down. “Princess Celestia! Whirl needs…! Mmpf!” she started before a guard muffled her.

“Release her at once!” Princess Luna shouted. The guards quickly got off of her and returned to their posts. “We know what has happened in the Crystal Empire Derpy. We are trying to keep it quiet so that we don’t have a panic. Right now we are making preparations to retaliate against King Sombra.”

“King Sombra isn’t behind it, it is Bloody Marey. She has Sunny under her control now but Whirl is doing something to save him.” Derpy explained.

“We know that too. That foolish Bloody Marey still has the diamond with her. We can hear everything she says, we just heard Whirl get taken by Sunny. He also told them that you were dead to keep you safe, we need to keep you in a protected room at all times and have a fake funeral for you.” Twilight said as she stood next to her brother.

“He told them… I was dead?”

Princess Cadance nodded. “It was to make sure they didn’t try to capture you for leverage. He was very brave considering the situation he was in.”

“We need to back and save him though! You said he was taken right? We need to rescue him before they can change him too!” Derpy cried out frantically.

“We can’t risk it for just one pony. I’m sorry Derpy, but Whirl knew what he was getting into when he went to the Crystal Empire.” Princess Celestia said as her horn started to glow and a map of Equestria appeared in the center of the room. Another map appeared of the Crystal Empire in its current state of darkness.

“My ponies…” Cadance said sadly.

“It’s going to be okay Cadance, we will get them back.” Shining Armor said to try and console his wife.

“Now then, we need to have a plan of attack. Derpy, did you get a chance to see their defenses?” Celestia asked calmly.

Derpy shook her head slowly. “No… I’m sorry. But Whim did! He was with Whirl before he was taken!”

“Who is Whim?” Twilight asked in a confused tone.

“Whim is a pony who is friends with Flare but Whirl knows him too! We have to find him so he can help us save Whirl!”

“Whirl is not the priority here!” Celestia said in a raised voice. “Right now we are focusing on containing the attack so that we can save the Crystal Empire with as few casualties as possible! Now if you do not have information for us then I insist you be escorted to your safe room!”

“Sister…” Luna said with a concerned tone.

“This war is going to be harsh and I will not allow us to be bound to helping one pony when we need to focus on the good of our entire kingdom! We cannot be compromised by remorse!”

“But Whirl is my friend!” Luna shouted in protest.

“And what if he turns? What if he is holding a spear to the throat of a guard and the only way you can stop him is to kill him? Would you do it?” Twilight asked sadly.

“I… I don’t know…” Luna said softly.

“Exactly my point, this is already going to be hard enough on you as it is. We have to remain objective in order to do what we can to protect Equestria.” Celestia said sternly. “Now then, if we could continue planning our retaliation.” She said as she turned back towards the map.

“Fine, you can all plan. I am going to save Whirl on my own.” Derpy said as she started to walk out of the room.

Luna stopped her. “Derpy, I know what you are feeling… but Whirl wouldn’t have gotten captured and lied to them just so that you could put yourself at risk.”

“I can’t let him turn! He wouldn’t stay here and do nothing if it were me!” Derpy said defiantly.

“No he wouldn’t, but now is not the time to help. Let’s discuss it a bit more in your secure room.” Luna said softly. “I will be back in a moment, please continue without me.” She said as she walked Derpy out of the room.

“Princess Luna please, I am begging you to let me go help Whirl!” Derpy pleaded as they walked through the hall.

Luna let out a sigh and frowned. “Derpy, you have to understand… Whirl would have never been captured if he didn’t want to. He must have a plan of some kind if he is in there. Give it time and it will surely come to light.”

“I shouldn’t have left him alone… I just couldn’t do it… I couldn’t do it!” Derpy cried out as tears started to pour out of her eyes.

“You couldn’t do what Derpy?”

“I couldn’t kill anypony! I couldn’t do it! He did it so easily! But I couldn’t do it!”

“Believe me; it is not easy to take a pony’s life… It is however; easy to do whatever it takes to protect somepony you love.”

Derpy didn’t say anything until they got into the room where she would stay. “What can I do to help you…?”

“Help me? Whatever do you mean?”

“Not you specifically, but all of you. What can I do to make sure that nothing goes wrong?”

“Tell me everything you can about what you saw.”

“The empire seemed to be shaped differently; there were spikes all over the buildings. Everypony seemed to be brainwashed and controlled by Bloody Marey and Sunny. Their armor is covering their entire bodies, head and legs. Whirl was able to kill one by… breaking his neck… and he managed to knock the other out cold by hitting him with the end of a spear.”

“Do they speak? Are they still the ponies they were before?”

“I don’t know… Whirl said that… they wouldn’t hesitate to kill me.”

“Alright, anything else?”

Derpy shook her head slowly. “That’s all…”

“Thank you Derpy, this information will help us a lot.” Luna said softly.

“Just bring Whirl back safely… Please…”

“I will do my best. If you remember anything else, just let me know.” Luna said as she started to walk out of the room.

“Thank you…” Derpy said softly before climbing on the bed and crying into the pillows.

****

“Get up!” Sunny shouted into the cell.

Whirl awoke with a start and looked around. He saw Sunny standing at the open door of the cell and the guard on the floor. “What is this?”

“It’s… ungh… it’s me… but not for long! Move now!” Sunny struggled to say.

Whirl jumped off the bench and ran out of the cell. “I am not leaving without you.”

“Urgh! Knock me out!”

Whirl walked behind Sunny and hit the back of his head a few times as hard as he could. Sunny fell to the floor with a loud thud. Whirl quickly took off his armor and put it on. The only thing he couldn’t cover was his eyes. With a grunt he hoisted Sunny onto his back and walked out of the cell. When he walked out of the dungeons a guard saluted him. “Did he give you any trouble?” the guard asked.

Whirl did his best to darken his voice. “Why do you think he is unconscious?! Stop asking stupid questions and stand ready for anything!” Whirl started to walk down the hall before turning around the corner. He saw a window and flew out of it with Sunny on his back. Suddenly he felt something strike the back of his head and the weight of Sunny disappeared. Whirl took a steep dive before turning around to see Sunny hovering above him.

“PRISONER ESCAPE!” Sunny shouted loudly. He dove down and clipped Whirl’s wing, breaking it and causing him to spiral to the ground.

Whirl crashed onto the grass and scrambled to his hooves in time to deflect and attack from one of the guards. Sunny landed on the ground and hit Whirl in the face with his fore hoof. “Sunny! Stop this! Fight her magic!”

“I… am…” Sunny whispered as he pulled Whirl’s head down to the ground.

Whirl grabbed Sunny’s neck and flipped him over from the ground. Sunny tried to regain himself but found a spear to his throat. Whirl was holding him hostage as he started to back out of the city. “ANYPONY GETS CLOSE AND YOUR GENERAL WILL DIE!”

“Oh, you are such a bad liar.” Bloody Marey’s voice sounded through the crowd. The guards separated and Bloody Marey walked through them like nothing was happening. “I know how you got out and I think we found out what is keeping you from being mine.” She said casually as she walked up to them.

“You think I care about the pony that killed my entire family?! Think again!” Whirl said as he pressed the spear harder into Sunny’s neck.

Bloody Marey’s horn started to glow and the spear was ripped out of Whirl’s hooves. It spun around suddenly and plunged through Sunny’s chest. “Then you won’t mind losing him.” Bloody Marey yelled before laughing maniacally.

“Sunny! Sunny no!” Whirl said as he stopped Sunny from falling to the ground. He started to shake as he held Sunny in his hooves. “Sunny, hold on! I am going to save you!” Whirl pushed the spear through Sunny’s body, knowing that if he pulled it out it would cause more damage. Blood leaked out of Sunny’s chest and mouth.

Sunny pulled Whirl close and whispered. “She… missed… my heart… go with her, serve her… save… Equestria…” Sunny coughed blood on Whirl’s face before letting his head droop.

“Sunny, hold on please! Don’t die!” Whirl sobbed as he tried his best to hold in the blood.

Bloody Marey’s magic aura wrapped around Whirl once again. Whirl dropped Sunny and stood up stoutly. “I am yours to command.” He said darkly.

“Excellent. Now then, BACK TO YOUR POSTS!” Bloody Marey shouted.

“What should we do with him?” Whirl asked as he gestured to Sunny.

“Leave him; he won’t be dead weight any longer. He will just be dead.” Bloody Marey said coldly as she walked back towards the castle. Whirl followed behind mechanically leaving Sunny to bleed out on the outskirts of town.

Once the area was clear Whim jumped from the shadows with his horn glowing. “Hold on Sunny! Hold on!”

Sunny coughed up some more blood. “Wh-Whim? What are you doing here?”

“Quiet, you are bleeding too much to speak.” Whim said worriedly. “Listen, you are going to be in a lot of pain, but this is the only way you can live.” Stone encased Sunny as soon as he finished his sentence. “I will get you out of here…” Whim used his magic to lift Sunny and, with some effort, managed to levitate him the rest of the way out of the Crystal Empire. They walked for several hours through the wind and snow that had become extremely intense since the crystal heart had been corrupted. A battalion of pony soldiers from Equestria spotted their figures through the snow and some spilt off from the group to seize them.

“Halt! Who goes there?!” one of the soldiers shouted.

“My name is Whim! Lieutenant Whim! I am a friend in need of assistance!” Whim shouted as he fell to his knees.

The soldiers rushed over to him and put spears to his throat. “Be still or lose your life! Search him for weapons!” The soldiers stripped off Whim’s armor and picked him up. “Why are you out here with a statue?!”

“I was undercover in the Crystal Empire sir! I need to get this statue to Princess Celestia immediately! It is vital to the war!” Whim said with a salute.

“Did your orders come from Celestia?!”

“No, I was in the Crystal Empire when the heart was corrupted! This statue may hold the key to winning the war!”

“I will have a wagon here to carry it within two hours, leave it here and follow these two back to camp!”

“I won’t leave it here! It is too important!”

“That’s an order lieutenant!”

“I have higher orders sir! I will not leave the objective!”

“Then you will carry it back yourself! I cannot spare ponies at this time to assist you!”

“Then just point the way sir!”

“Five kilometers south of here! Good luck soldier!”

Whim heaved the statue out of the snow and turned south. Without his armor he was much colder but he pushed onward through the wind.

****

Derpy was smashing furniture left and right in her room. “Why did I leave you alone?! WHY?!” she shouted painfully as she smashed the mirror. Once the room was completely destroyed Derpy was exhausted and walked out to the balcony to rest.

“Feeling better?” Luna asked as Derpy sat down next to her and looked up at the moon with her.

Derpy was panting heavily while she nodded. “Thank you so much… for letting me destroy… the room…”

Luna giggled and hugged Derpy with a wing. “It was no problem, I did the same thing a long time ago… but that was to the whole castle.”

Derpy laughed a little bit. “It does help…”

“Well, I am glad that it did help, even if it was only a little bit.”

“Do you think… Whirl will be okay now that he has turned?”

“I don’t know if he will be okay… I just… I don’t know anymore…” Lune said as she wiped a tear from her eye.

“You really miss Whirl, don’t you?”

“Well yes but… I miss Sunny a bit more… I… can’t believe he is gone forever… so soon…”

Derpy started to cry a bit as well. “It was all a waste… Whirl went in to save Sunny and he ended up under HER control with nothing to show for it…! I think I need to smash a few more things… do you want to join me?” she asked as she wiped her eyes.

Luna nodded her head and a few drops fell to the floor. They both walked into the room and a large amount of crashes and smashes followed. A loud knock sounded from the door and a chair smashed against it. “COME IN!” Luna shouted.

“Your highness, a message from the forward camps! A lieutenant Whim has a statue that holds the key to winning the war! He disembarked from the train in critical condition with severe frostbite! They will both be here in five minutes!” a guard announced with a salute.

Luna used her magic to smash the bed in half. “Very well. Derpy, would you accompany me to welcome Whim home from his dangerous mission?”

“Of course!” Derpy said happily as she followed Luna out of the room. “Uhh… sorry about the room…” she said to the guard apologetically.

They walked down to the medical ward and saw Whim being carted in with heating blankets over his entire blanket. Whim noticed Derpy and smiled. “Derpy, it is nice to see you again. I am glad you made it out safely.”

“Whim, what is this statue that you brought back with you?” Luna asked curiously.

“It’s Sunny, I had to encase him in stone to keep him from dying. I hope it worked…”

“Sunny?! How is that possible?! Guards, bring the statue in at once and get the doctors!” Luna commanded.

The guards swiftly left the room and soon returned with the statue and two unicorns in lab coats. Luna looked at the statue and saw the expression of Sunny’s face, frozen in fear. Her horn started to glow and the statue started to glow. “Doctors, be ready to treat a serious spear wound to the chest!” she said as cracks started to form on the statue. The stone crumbled and fell off of Sunny and he let out a scream of agony and coughed up a bunch of blood. The doctors quickly used their magic to stop the bleeding and levitated several bandages and surgical equipment over and got to work to save Sunny’s life. Luna took several steps back as Sunny let out another scream of pain. “Put him under!” Luna yelled in a panic.

“If we put him under his blood pressure will drop and he will bleed out in a matter of seconds! If we are going to save him then he will have to endure the pain!” one of the doctors shouted.

Derpy was in tears as Sunny yelled in pain. Luna was not far behind as Celestia walked into the room and behind the doctors. “Sunny, I need you to tell me what you know.” She said calmly.

“Tia! That can wait can’t it?!” Luna shouted angrily.

“No, he may not survive and I need to know what he knows! Sunny, tell me what you can!”

Sunny yelled in agony and coughed up more blood over the doctors. “Sombra’s soul! Crystal heart! Inside! INSIDE! AHHHHH!”

“Princess he must stop talking if we are to save him!” the other doctor shouted.

“I have what I needed.” Celestia said as she exited the room hastily.

Luna followed her out and stopped Celestia in her tracks. “If he dies because you could not wait I will never forgive you!” she shouted as she broke into tears.

“Sister I…” Celestia started.

Luna wouldn’t hear it as she turned around and walked back into the room with Sunny and the others. “Whim, how did you save him? How did you save Sunny?”

Whim sighed sadly and laid his head down. “Whirl was trying to hold him hostage and walk out of the city but… Bloody Marey tore the spear from his hoof and stabbed Sunny with it. I saw Sunny whisper something into Whirl’s ear before he went limp. Once everypony was gone I jumped in and did what I could.”

Luna gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you…”

Derpy walked up to Whim as well. “Is Whirl okay? What is he planning?”

“Whirl didn’t tell me what his full plan was but… his eyes didn’t change like Sunny’s did. I think he is faking it to stay alive.”

“You mean… he didn’t turn?” Derpy asked hopefully.

“I don’t think he did. Trust in Whirl and he will come through.”

“Don’t kill Marey! Don’t kill her until…! AHHHHHH! UNTIL THE SOUL IS OUT!” Sunny shouted in agony.

The doctors grunted in irritation and forced Sunny flat on the bed. With one more stitch they put the surgical equipment down and started to pant. They were both absolutely covered in Sunny’s blood. “He is going to need blood… does anypony have his blood type here?”

“Take my blood; I can change the type as needed.” Luna said calmly.

Both of the doctors looked at each other quizzically before turning back to the princess. “Alright, have a seat and we will begin.”

Sunny let out another cry of pain. “DON’T KILL HER YET! AHHH!” he cried out in agony.

Derpy walked over to him and placed a hoof on his blood covered hoof. “Sunny, it’s okay… Princess Celestia knows what to do. Just keep as still as possible and relax.” She said softly.

Sunny was breathing heavily as he looked into Derpy’s eyes. “Whirl… Whirl is…” he started before coughing up some more blood. “Whirl is okay…” Sunny put his hoof on Derpy’s face, leaving behind a blood stained hoof print on her face. “Whirl is okay…”

Derpy smiled and started to cry. “Thank you Sunny.” She said softly.

Sunny’s eyes closed and his breathing slowed a bit. “He’ll be okay, the pain just became too much for him. Truly I am surprised he was able to last as long as he did.” One of the doctors said as he put a hoof on Derpy’s shoulder. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

Derpy nodded and followed the doctor over to the sink. She picked up the sponge that was by the sink and started to wash the blood from her face. Meanwhile, Luna was using her magic to transmute her blood type to match Sunny’s and the doctor had her hooked up to a blood bag that was slowly filling up. Derpy looked into the mirror to make sure she had washed all the blood from her face. “Whirl is okay…” she said to herself.

“I am SO thirsty.” Whim said suddenly.

Everypony in the room let out a small laugh, Whim had said the right thing to ease the tension whether he meant to or not. Derpy brought him a warm glass of water and held his head up so he could drink. He drank the whole glass in one go and sighed contently. “Thank you for bringing Sunny home.” Derpy said with a soft smile.

“You’re welcome. I am just glad that I was able to move him through all that snow.” Whim said with a chuckle. “So doc, how long until I can get back into combat?”

One of the doctors walked over to Whim and moved the heated blankets off of him. There were several blotches of black skin under his coat all over his body, but the most affected area was at the bottom of his legs near his hooves. The doctor’s horn started to glow and the affected area’s lit up in a red aura. “You have several damaged nerves all over your body, I am not sure that we can repair them all as quickly as you might hope.”

Whim sighed and put his head down on the pillows with a grunt of slight pain. “Well, at least I got to help a little bit.”

“You will need quite a few sessions of magical repair that will stretch over the next few weeks. I do believe that you will make a full recovery soldier.” the doctor said confidently.

“A few weeks?! Perfect, just perfect… I can’t believe they didn’t give me my armor back. If they would have given me my armor back I wouldn’t have been so cold and maybe the damage wouldn’t have been so bad! But… they were doing their duty I guess…” Whim sighed in disappointment.

“Whim, you have already done so much for the war. Don’t worry about anything else at the moment.” Derpy said with a giggle.

“She is right; you brought back the one thing that will change the entire war for the better. Take this time to recover and relax. That is an order.” Luna said with a smile.

Whim tried to move a hoof to salute but he was too numb. “Yes your highness. I… ungh… I can’t salute.”

“That’s alright; I can just have somepony do it for you. Derpy, if you would be so kind.”

Derpy giggled and gave a salute. “Oh ha ha, very funny.” Whim said with a chuckle. He felt a pinch on one of his legs and he twitched in pain. “Ah, easy doc.”

“Sorry about that, the salute made me lose my concentration for a second.” the doctor said with a chuckle.

“Okay everypony; let’s not do anything to make the doctor lose his concentration.” Luna said with a giggle.

Sunny opened his eyes and coughed a bit. “Whirl… Whirl where are you?” he asked weakly.

Derpy walked over to Sunny with a sponge and started to gently clean his coat. “Whirl is okay, he will be here in a few days Sunny. Just relax and let me get you cleaned up.”

Sunny relaxed and started to breathe softly. “D-Derpy… where am I?”

“You are in Canterlot Sunny. Whirl and Whim got you out of the Crystal Empire and brought you here.” Derpy explained.

Sunny looked around the room without lifting his head. “What… Where… Whirl?” he muttered weakly.

“Sunny, it’s going to be okay. Please just relax.” Derpy said as she started to clean the blood from his chest.

Sunny started to squirm. “Whirl needs me… Marey… is evil… Let me go help him…”

Derpy put her hoof on Sunny’s face gently. “Sunny, Whirl is fine. Please calm down and relax. Once you are better you can see Whirl.”

Sunny stopped moving and looked over to Luna. “Luna… I’m sorry…”

“Sorry for what Sunny?” Luna asked softly.

“I couldn’t bring Whirl home… I tried but… Marey… her magic… when she took you away… I just lost myself… I couldn’t bring him home… I couldn’t bring him home…” Sunny said with a raspy tone.

“Sunny, it’s okay. Whirl knew what he was doing when he went up there to save you in the first place. What do you think he would do if you were in his situation?” Derpy asked with a smile.

“Well… Whirl would probably be wondering… why I didn’t just kill Marey and break the spell… he must be playing along to find out as much as he can…” Sunny coughed again and sighed. “He can’t kill her until the Sombra’s soul is out of the crystal heart… if he does the crystal heart will be tainted forever…”

“Whirl will do what he needs to do. He will probably wait for the right time to strike and then do what needs to be done.” Derpy said softly.

“I hope he can keep up… the act…” Sunny said before closing his eyes again and falling asleep.

Derpy continued to clean him as the doctors hooked up the first bag of blood for Sunny. “Why couldn’t he remember what happened?” she asked the doctor as he finished hooking up the bag.

“Well, he has quite a few bruises on the back of his head. I would assume that he suffered a few blows and it caused some light memory loss. It will only be temporary and it should only last a few days.” the doctor explained.

Derpy turned Sunny’s head over and saw the dark bruises on the back of it. “Can we get him an ice pack?”

The doctor nodded and levitated an ice pack from the freezer. “Here you go miss.”

Derpy took the ice pack and gently pressed it against Sunny’s head. “Whirl did this... he must have tried to knock Sunny out…”

“Why would he need to if Sunny was trying to get him out?” Luna asked curiously.

“Sunny must not have been in complete control or maybe it was his plan to knock Sunny out and fly him here.” Derpy pondered as she held the icepack. “Poor Sunny… he fought so hard…”

Whim let out a chuckle. “Yes he did, against Whirl from what I saw. It was strange that Whirl had Sunny’s armor on though. I think that Whirl knocked him out inside the castle and carried him to the outskirts where I found him.”

Derpy didn’t respond, she simply held the ice pack to Sunny’s head. “It is a bit hard to look at him… I keep thinking that this is Whirl and they got mixed up somehow… that is probably why I am having such an easy time taking care of him…”

Sunny stirred and opened his eyes again. “Whirl… Where are you?” he asked softly.

Derpy didn’t respond, she just looked at him with a concerned look.

****

“Move the second unit here! They will be expecting us to move to the back to watch for an ambush!” Whirl shouted angrily.

Bloody Marey slammed her hoof down on the map of the Crystal Empire. “I say we keep them in the back!”

“You are as much as a fool as Sombra! He never listened to me either!” Whirl scolded.

“How dare you speak disrespectfully about our master!”

“He lost because he was incompetent! He rushed the advance, which I advised against because I knew he would lose! The only good he is to us now is to control these idiots long enough to sneak into Canterlot!”

“Say that again and I will have your head!”

“I AM THE SENIOR COMMANDER HERE! Or did you forget that you are only a captain?! I am the general and I say we move the second unit FORWARD!”

Bloody Marey slammed another hoof down. “FINE! Move the damned unit forward! After we take Canterlot and steal the elements of harmony Sombra will be in command again and HE will do what is right!”

“Until then, why don’t you send out the order to the second UNIT!”

Bloody Marey grunted and threw herself at Whirl, locking him in a deep kiss. Everything in Whirl’s body wanted to push her off, except for that one part that knew if he blew his cover he would be dead in a matter of seconds. Marey pulled away from the kiss and sighed contently. “You are just what I was looking for.” she said as she walked out of the room.

When she was gone Whirl looked at the map again. “Now there are three openings where the princesses can push through. If they see them then this battle will be over in seconds. I’m sorry Derpy…” he thought as he shuffled the pieces around on the map.

Bloody Marey sauntered back into the room. “You know, I like you being in charge a lot more than Sombra…” she said seductively. “Maybe we can go with the backup plan that me and Sunny came up with…”

“What backup plan would that be?” Whirl asked in an irritated tone.

“Well, we found a way to wipe out Sombra’s essence without losing control of the ponies. If we did that, you could be the king… and I, your queen.”

Whirl let out an evil chuckle. “I like the sound of that.” he said as he walked over to her and looked into her eyes. “What kind of queen could I expect from you…?” He brushed a hoof through her mane softly.

Marey let out a raspy breath. “A loyal one… my king…”

“Then let’s be done with that fool… and we will rule Equestria with iron hooves…” Whirl said as he kissed her again.

Marey lost herself and pushed against Whirl violently. She tore away from him with a gasp and smiled evilly. “Let’s go… your highness…”

Whirl followed her out of the room and down to the crystal heart. As they stood in front of it Marey let out a chuckle and ran a hoof over the heart. “Do it and we will celebrate with a glorious feast on the eve of battle.”

Marey rubbed up against the heart with her snout and her horn started to glow. The heart pulled together and she kissed it softly. “Come and kiss the heart Whirl, and think of me when you do… then he will be gone and we will rule Equestria forever.”

Whirl approached the heart and leaned in to kiss it. “Derpy…” he thought as he kissed the heart. Instantly the heart shattered into two pieces again, except this time one side was covered in shadows while the other shined with purity.

Marey took a step back and admired her work. “Just like we planned. Sombra’s soul is destroyed and we have complete control!”

Whirl looked at the heart with a bit of pain. “That is the second time I have killed him and I hope it is the last.”

Marey walked over to Whirl and kissed him deeply. “Now there is nothing to stop us… we will rule forever…” she said as she kissed him over and over.

Whirl turned his head and looked at the heart again. “What if we need to repair the heart? What if something goes wrong?”

“In the unlikely event that it does happen, we will force the crystal princess to fix it for us.”

“Then let us retire to the dinner table, where we will celebrate.” Whirl said as he kissed her deeply. He slipped his hoof into her bag, took out the diamond and slipped it into his mane. He pulled away from the kiss and lead her back into the castle to the dining room.

The room was packed with intricate delicacies only found in the Crystal Empire. “Quite a feast you have here. Let’s enjoy it before we… couple.”

“We aren’t going to couple tonight. I don’t want to be distracted on the battlefield. But do not fret, we will have our fun in due time.” Whirl said as he held back the vomit welling up in the back of his mouth.

Marey cooed and fluttered her eyes. “Then we will wait, until we are victorious over the feeble Equestrian army.”

Whirl was on the verge of losing it. He dropped his plate and let it shatter on the floor. “Disgusting food. I will eat the rations I stored in my room. Goodnight.” he said as he exited the dining room. When he arrived in his room he shook the diamond out of his mane. “Luna, are you there?”

“Whirl? How did you get the diamond back?” Luna’s voice sounded in the room.

“Shhh! I stole it from her while she was… distracted. Listen, there are three holes in their defenses that I have planned. Send word to the troops that there will be an opening on the north side, the northwest side, and the northeast side.”

Luna nodded and wrote down the instructions. “How did you manage to distract her from you long enough to steal the diamond back? I need to know so that we can do it again when we storm the castle.”

Whirl blushed and frowned. “I… I kissed her… I did not enjoy it one bit, but she likes me and she wants me bad and I am going to play on that for as long as I can.”

“I’ll be sure to keep that a secret… Sometimes we do what we don’t want to get the job done. I have some news from you. Sunny is alive, Whim brought him back safely.”

“Really?! That’s great…” Whirl said as he lowered his voice again. “Listen, Sombra’s soul was in the heart, but we staged a coup and destroyed it. Now all we need to do is have Princess Cadance come in and fix the heart, then the crystal ponies will be free.”

“TRAITOR!” Bloody Marey shouted as she ran through the door.

“MOVE NOW LUNA! MOVE!” Whirl shouted as he deflected Marey’s first strike.

Luna ran out of the room and shouted for the guards to follow. Marey struck again and Whirl deflected the blow and struck the back of her head. She shrugged off the blow and used her magic to start hurling things at Whirl from all over the room. Whirl was pushed back onto the balcony and he looked at his broken wing, he was trapped. The balcony cracked and started to fall off of the side of the castle. Whirl braced himself and looked around; he jumped off of the balcony and onto one of the spikes that had formed on the castle. He looked back up to Marey with a smirk. “By the way, I nearly vomited in your mouth!” he shouted as he jumped down to another spike, then to another.

“Guards! Kill him! KILL HIM!” Marey’s voice boomed.

The guards scrambled and started to pursue Whirl through the streets. Whirl took down two guards that were in his way and continued to run. A loud horn blew through the city and a large battle cry sounded from the north. Whirl tore his helmet off and smacked the nearest guard with it before tearing off his armor. He bucked the next guard and threw him into another. The loud clash of metal rang through the city as the two armies collided. In the sky the pegasi were flying over the city while escorting Princess Cadance to the crystal heart. Whirl was starting to get overwhelmed when a crashed tore down the building next to him. Unicorns started to stun the guards one by one and a bolt of magic hit Whirl in the chest. While Whirl was taken to his knees, he wasn’t knocked unconscious by the blast. “Is that him? The one we are looking for?” one of the soldiers asked as the others pushed forward.

“He fits the description, take him back to the camp.” another soldier ordered.

Whirl was picked up with a magical aura, but he shook it off. “With all due respect sir, I want to finish this fight.”

“We have orders to get you out of the city safely if possible.”

“Pretend you didn’t see me, I have to get back into the fight.” Whirl said as he charged past the lines and into combat again.

“That pony is crazy.” the soldier said as he shook his head and got back into rank.

Whirl fought his way to the center of the city and under the castle where Princess Cadance had Bloody Marey pinned down with her magic. “Bloody Marey, your army has been defeated and your magic is weak. Surrender now or face your death.”

Bloody Marey struggled a bit more before giving up and going limp. “I surrender…” she said softly.

Two unicorn guards chained her body and another broke her horn with a kick. She was hauled away while Princess Cadance looked at the crystal heart. “Princess Cadance, be careful!” Whirl said as he pushed himself to the front of the soldiers.

“Whirl Wind? What are you doing here? You were supposed to be escorted back to the forward camps.”

“I couldn’t stop fighting your highness. Bloody Marey told me that you are the only one that can fix the heart, but I don’t know if I trust her. Just be careful when you attempt to fix the heart, okay?”

Cadance nodded and her horn started to glow. The heart started to resonate and hum as it was pulled together. Whirl stepped closer to Cadance in case anything went wrong. A beam shot out from Cadance’s horn and made contact with the heart. Pulses of light flowed up the beam and into the heart and it started to glow like it was previously. The darkness within the heart focused into one circle and shot back through the beam towards Cadance. Without hesitation Whirl threw himself into the beam and cut it off just as the darkness almost made contact with Cadance. Whirl’s chest was encased in black crystal as he stood up. “And that… is why… I didn’t trust her…” he wheezed as the crystal started to squeeze him.

Cadance was using her magic to stop it from crushing Whirl. “Get Princess Celestia up here quickly.” she ordered the nearest soldier.

The soldier gave salute and flew off to get Princess Celestia. The crystal heart was glowing brightly again and the crystal ponies were starting to come to. Whirl collapsed to his knees as the crystal squeezed his chest a bit more. “Talk about a bear hug…” he wheezed jokingly.

“Hold on Whirl, Celestia knows how to get the crystals off.”

Princess Celestia walked through the line of soldiers and walked over to Whirl. Her horn started to glow and the crystal squeezed one more time before it stopped. Whirl let out a cry of pain as his rib cage started to crack. The crystal slowly cracked and shattered off of Whirl’s chest and he took a deep breath. “Thank you Princess Celestia, it was getting a bit cramped in there.”

Princess Celestia frowned. “Whirl I… I have to take you into custody.”

“What?! Why?!” Whirl asked in a shocked and confused tone.

“Since you were not working under the orders of a princess I have to take you in for enemy collaboration. It will only be for a short time and I can almost guarantee that you will not be convicted. But these laws were set up for a reason. I’m sorry.” Celestia said apologetically.

Whirl nodded with a smile. “Promise me that Derpy can visit.” he said as he was chained by a couple of soldiers.

“I promise you that once you are back in Canterlot you will get to see Derpy.” Celestia said sincerely.

“Alright, take me away.” Whirl said as the soldiers escorted him through the crowd.

“You can’t just give him a royal pardon or anything like that?” Cadance asked bluntly.

“I can’t appear to be favoring somepony, even if they deserve the favors. Trust me; I am dodging a thousand thrown spears by doing this. You might want to do the same after the trial in Canterlot.”

“You are kidding! What could be so bad to do that to somepony?!”

“Three months of political stress and noble ponies using him as an excuse to get more from me. Plus I would have to deal with Prince Blueblood being out decorated by a ‘commoner’ and that would last a lifetime. Need I continue?”

Cadance shook her head. “You need to tell Whirl that in your apology to him. I know I will.”

“So you are going to have him extradited here after the trial in Canterlot? That’s cold.” Celestia said jokingly as she walked away.

“But you just, oh I see. Very funny Princess Celestia! Tell Whirl about the plan and tell him I’m sorry!” Cadance shouted out before Celestia got out of ear shot.

****

Derpy was sprinting down to the train station after she got the news that Whirl was going to be on the next train. She skidded to a halt just outside of the train as it pulled into the station. The engine hissed and the doors opened, then she saw him step off the train. “Whirl!” she shouted as she hugged him tightly. “I was so worried about you! I am so happy you are home!”

Derpy was gently pulled off of Whirl by the guards. “Sorry miss, no contact with the prisoner.”

Whirl chuckled a bit as they started to walk down the street. “I am so happy to see you safe and sound Derpy. I was so worried after you left that alley.”

“I didn’t run into any trouble. The only problem I had was getting back here through all the wind.” Derpy said as she trotted alongside the escort.

“I figured that you would have a bit of trouble, but I always believed in you. The wind has really died down now that the crystal heart is repaired.”

“Oh, I wish I could just hold you and take you back to Ponyville with me…” Derpy said sadly.

“Don’t worry; I am sure that we will only be here a couple more days. What do you two think? Do you think the jury will vote to convict?”

“I wouldn’t personally. I saw you in combat and you got some good moves. Also, anypony who can stay undercover for as long as you did and only blow it when the timing was perfect is okay with me.” one of the guards said sincerely.

“I am with him on this one, you are not a bad pony.” said the other.

Derpy giggled a bit. “Thanks for the vote of confidence you two.”

Both of the guards nodded without turning their heads. “Stoic guards as usual. You two are the paragons of honor and integrity.” Whirl said sincerely.

“Stop flirting with the guards and flirt with me Whirl.” Derpy said jokingly.

Whirl blushed at this and the guards laughed loudly. “Can’t give anypony else a compliment without you getting jealous huh? Well then Derpy, you are the most beautiful thing I have seen all week, and I got to see the Crystal Empire in its full glory.”

“Ohhh that is a good one. He’s pretty good.” one of the guards said sincerely.

Derpy blushed and nodded. “Yes he is, that is why he gets to marry me once all this craziness is over.”

“Congratulations, but this is where our conversation ends. We cannot allow others into the dungeons at this time. Come back after Princess Celestia returns and we can arrange a visit.”

Whirl smiled softly. “Can I kiss my future wife really quick?” he asked kindly.

The two guards looked around to make sure nopony else was able to see. When they saw the coast was clear they gave Whirl a nod and he kiss Derpy passionately. After a few minutes they pulled away and both sighed with content. “I will see you in a few hours Derpy, I love you.” he said as he started to walk down the spiral stair case.

“I love you too Whirl!” Derpy called out. She waited until they were out of view before she turned back towards her room and trotted away.

Luna met up with her half way back to her room. “Derpy, where’s Whirl?” she asked as she tried to catch her breath.

“I had to leave him at the dungeons; they said I couldn’t go down there until Princess Celestia gets back.”

“Oh nonsense, come with me and we will go see him now.” Luna said as she started to walk to the dungeons.

Derpy giggled as they started to walk to the dungeons again. “Thank you Luna, I still can’t believe that you two are going through with this whole trial thing. I mean, he did fight behind enemy lines for you and got Sunny, Whim and even me out of there safely.”

“Actually, Celestia has asked me to go and ask Whirl if he would be willing to do this for us. If he refuses then we will let him go.”

“Do it for you? What do you mean?”

“Being a princess means you have to do some things you regret. For example, the only reason we are arresting Whirl is because if we don’t, we will have to deal with noble ponies and Prince Blueblood trying to gouge us into giving them everything they could ever want. They would say that we showed favoritism and demand ridiculous things for compensation for past transgressions that they don’t need or deserve.”

“Wow, sounds complicated.”

“It is, and we have tried to make it so we can show leniency towards those who have served Equestria in valorous ways. However, the governing council of Equestria has determined that everypony be tried equally in serious matters. Luckily for us, the council is going to be the jury in this case due to it being war crimes trial. They will most likely move to absolve him of his crimes or at the most sentence him to community services.”

“Wait, you mean you don’t get to choose the punishment if he is found guilty?”

“No, the council will decide his punishment as well as his fate. We will only be there to assure order during the trial.”

Derpy started to get worried a bit as they finally reached the spiral stairs that lead to the dungeons. “So you are telling me that Whirl could potentially get a severe punishment for this?”

“That is right. However the highest level of punishment he could receive for such a crime is twenty years in the dungeons. So there is no risk to his life.”

“Twenty years?! He will be on the downhill slope of his life at that point!”

“Yes, but as I said, the council will most likely give him a light sentence given the fact that he only collaborated with the enemy to hamper their defenses.”

“I hear the voices of the two ponies I wanted to see most!” Whirl shouted from the cells.

Derpy clambered down the stairs that much faster and ended up in front of Whirl’s cell. “Whirl, you have to refuse to stand trial! There is a chance you could spend twenty years in here!”

“Wait, what do you mean refuse trial?”

Luna had made it to the bottom of the stairs. “Princess Celestia has asked me to convey to you all of our apologies. We offer you your freedom if you refuse to stand trial. However, I must tell you that if we set you free the repercussions to Equestria could be… severe.”

“You are of course referring to the noble ponies causing a riot and demanding compensation for past transgressions. I don’t blame you one bit for not wanting to deal with them, I will go to trial here and in the Crystal Empire.”

“What?! Whirl, what are you doing?! You can go free, you can come home with me right now! Are you saying you don’t want that?!” Derpy asked angrily.

“Derpy, I love you so much and I want you to be able to live in a peaceful land and the way I can ensure the stability in the kingdom is to go up on trial and accept punishment for what I have done. I am…”

“Shut up! Whirl, I can’t stand to be separated from you for one more moment! Tell her you want to go now!” Derpy pleaded desperately.

Whirl frowned and shook his head. “Derpy… I can’t… I have to do this.” he said sadly.

Derpy stomped a hoof down and tears fell from her face. “Fine! Go to trial! Go put yourself at risk for the kingdom that is willing to imprison their heroes and is will to let something this STUPID to happen! I won’t be a part of it! I am going home!” she shouted before she ran back up the spiral stairs.

“Derpy wait!” Whirl called out as he reached a hoof outside the cell, but she was already gone. “Derpy…”

Luna’s horn started to glow and the cell opened. “Whirl... you are free to go…” she said softly.

Whirl wanted nothing more than to jump out of the cell and chase after Derpy, but something was holding him back. He lurched forward once or twice trying his hardest to move himself forward. When he finally gave up he pulled the cell door closed. “I can’t… I can’t let you and the others deal with that kind of fallout…” he said sadly as he hopped up onto the cell’s bench and laid down.

“But Whirl…”

“Luna, please leave. Please leave now.” Whirl said in a shaky voice.

Luna could hear his sadness and didn’t push it further. She walked towards the stairs and stopped at the bottom step. “Goodbye Whirl…” she said softly as she walked up the stairs. The last thing she heard was Whirl’s sobs as she reached the top step.

****

The days that followed were the worst days of Whirl’s life as he was left alone in the dungeons. Nopony visited him at all as the day of the trial drew closer and closer. Sunny and Whim meanwhile tried their best to get the doctors permission to go and see him. “I can walk! Look!” Sunny said as he moved out of bed. When he tried to stand he fell right to the floor like a rag doll.

The doctor sighed and lifted him back into the bed. “Sunny Plains… you are not able to walk, you are not able to fly and you are not able to go and see Whirl Wind at this time. Now please lay back down and relax. I have done all I can to get him an escort up here but the guards keep telling me he is too… distraught.”

“Then send Derpy in! I need to see her so that she can tell me what is wrong with him!” Sunny shouted angrily as he fell limp in the bed.

“I was informed that she left Canterlot this morning for Ponyville. I’m sorry Sunny.”

“Derpy… went home? Oh no… she must have left him…”

“No way! No way Derpy would leave Whirl!” Whim shouted from the other side of the room. “I am getting up right now and going to see him!” he said as he tried to get up. The frost burnt areas on his bodies stung and burned as he stood up and when he started to walk it was like walking on fire.

“Mr.Whim! Lay back down now!” the doctor shouted frantically as he tried to restrain Whim.

“Sir, am I under arrest for any reason?!” Whim asked angrily.

“No, but I must insist you move back to your bed if you are going to make a full recovery.” The doctor sighed.

“Then I insist you let me past. I may be injured but I am not above moving a doctor out of my way if he is blocking me from helping a friend.”

Being almost half the size of Whim, the doctor wisely moved aside and let Whim limp past. “I will be back when I am done talking to Whirl.” he wheezed as he left the room. It took several hours of walking through the castle and taking plenty of breaks to make it to the dungeons. He started to walk down the spiral stairs and sighed in relief when he reached the bottom. The two guards moved in front of him.

“I’m sorry sir, but the prisoner is not taking visitors at this time.” one of the guards said stoically.

Whim was breathing heavily as he spoke. “Sir, I am seventy percent frostbite right now and I just walked half way across the castle to be here. Now you tell Whirl that if he doesn’t see me now I will be in there with him in two seconds when I put you two on your flanks!” he said angrily.

“Let him come in, the stallion has had a hard time getting here.” Whirl’s voice sounded out sadly.

The two guards moved back to their positions and let Whim pass. Whim walked up to the cell and laid down in front of it. “I hope you don’t mind me laying down, when I stand it feels like I am on fire.”

Whirl was facing away from Whim when he spoke. “What do you want Whim…?” he asked with a slight hiccup.

“What the heck happened? Why did Derpy go home?”

“I told her that I wasn’t going to leave. I had the choice of going free and I refused to help the princesses… I told her I couldn’t go with her…”

“Whirl, look at me.”

“No…”

“Whirl, look at me!”

“Go away Whim!”

Whim’s horn started to glow and the cell ripped open. Whim trotted over to Whirl and turned him around. Whirl looked like he hadn’t slept since Derpy left and his face and fore hooves were soaked. Whirl moved Whim’s hooves away from him and turned away again. “Whirl, you look terrible… Have you slept at all?”

“No, I have been crying ever since she left… I miss her so much and I might never see her again…”

The guards had pulled Whim out of the cell and onto the floor outside. “One more outburst like that and I will have to put you in a cell too.” the guard warned.

Whim went limp on the ground and twitched a bit in pain. “Don’t be a fool Whirl. Derpy is just upset right now and needs some time alone. She will forgive you.”

“What if she doesn’t? What is she leaves me forever?”

“She won’t! I will go and talk to her, let her see why you made your choice.”

“Fine… just go… I deserve to be alone…”

Whim levitated a pebble off of the ground and threw it at Whirl’s head with a sigh. “Stop being such a downer. Things are going to be fine… now if you… don’t mind… I think… I will… mmm mummm mummmm…” he said as he started to black out from the pain.

“Guards… you might want to get a doctor.”

The guards scrambled to Whim and lifted him up. They carried him up the stairs where the doctor was already waiting for him with a gurney. When they got him back to the medical ward they placed him back on his bed gently. The doctor grabbed some leather straps and strapped Whim to the bed tightly. “What are you doing? He doesn’t need to be bound like that.” Sunny said as he watched the doctor.

“The guards requested it after he threatened them.” the doctor explained.

“Whim, wake up!” Sunny shouted.

Whim stirred a bit and opened his eyes. “Ohhh, my body…”

“Whim, what did Whirl say? Did you see him?”

Whim let out a groan and nodded. “He said that he is afraid Derpy isn’t coming back. He hasn’t slept since she left and has spent the entire time crying. I don’t think he has eaten either…” he said as he tried to move. “And it would appear I might have gone one threat too far.”

“We have to get a letter to Derpy immediately. Hey doc, can you help us out with that?” Sunny asked as he tried to move his head. “And can you help me move my head towards the ceiling?”

The doctor walked over to Sunny’s bed with a sigh. He gently moved Sunny’s face onto his pillow se he could relax. “If you two promise not to make me work so hard to heal you, I will make sure a letter gets to whoever you want.”

“Great, thank you. Her name is Ditzy Doo, address it to the residence of Whirl Wind please.”

The doctor wrote down the address and trotted out of the room without another word. “I think we owe him an apology.” Whim said guiltily.

“Yeah… we did kind of go too far. So, Whirl is pretty banged up about this huh?”

“Extremely. He is literally starving himself because of it. I think he is doing it on purpose to punish himself for not going home with Derpy.”

“How could he? He was arrested and put in the dungeons. Why would Derpy not understand that?”

“Because Whirl decided to go to trial for some reason.”

“He probably did it to stop the noble ponies from demanding compensation for past transgressions.”

“What? You really think that they would do that?”

“I know they would, noble ponies will do anything for money and power. They stomp all over the lower classes to do that. I know that from experience. While my family was living in Canterlot we were treated terribly by the nobles and I was once kicked in the face by one who thought I was a ‘wretched waste of pony meat’.” Sunny said angrily.

Whim went silent, he felt a bit hurt because he was technically a noble from Canterlot. What Sunny said made him feel like he was nothing but a snob. “I wouldn’t do that…”

“Well of course you wouldn’t, you aren’t a noble.” Sunny said with a chuckle.

“Yes Sunny, I am. I was born under the House of Fate. My mother is one of the council members of Equestria’s government and my father is a retired palace guard. I myself am a lieutenant in Equestria’s reserve forces. Everything about my family is noble.”

“Really, I didn’t know any of that. You don’t act like a typical noble.”

“How many do you know?”

“Well, there is the House of Shields, my mother worked for them as the maid even though they referred to her as ‘wench’. Then there is the House of Robes, where my father worked as a maintenance engineer even though they called him ‘the pony who fixed things of less pay than any other pony.’ And let’s not forget the House of Swords, my brother worked there as a sword polisher and they called him…”

“Alright, alright… I get it…”

“Sorry to reveal this shocking truth to you, but if you had ever lived a day wondering if your family is going to be able to make enough bits to survive the next month you would understand.”

“Now that you know I am a noble, does that mean we can’t be friends anymore?” Whim asked sadly.

Sunny let out a laugh. “Of course we are still friends. You are kind and respectful to everypony despite their ‘status’. I don’t judge ponies based on how or where they were born. I only judge them based on their actions. Nothing you have done would warrant us not being friends anymore. You saved my life buddy.”

Whim nodded slowly. “I guess you are right…”

“I know I am and I know that you are a good pony. I’m sorry if I upset you, that isn’t what I meant to do.”

“It’s alright, I am glad I got to see us from the other side of the fence. I never realized it but we used to call our maid ‘the cleaning mare’. How she must feel about that…”

“Maybe you can apologize, do you remember her real name?”

“I… never knew her real name…”

“Whim, I am sorry to say this but that is awful. What made you think that was a good thing at all?”

“My parents told me that her name didn’t matter as long as she did her work… I guess I never thought about it again but I was pretty terrible…”

“It’s okay Whim. There is not much you can do about it now. Just remember that us lower ponies have names. Now then, what is my name?”

“Your name is Whirl’s Twin right?” Whim asked jokingly.

Sunny let out a loud laugh. “Close enough, not bad for a noble.”

“I try my best okay…” Whim said with a chuckle.

Sunny tried to grab his glass of water but he didn’t realize that he was still too numb to move. He fell right out of the bed and onto his face. “Ow!”

Whim looked over to Sunny and tried to get up to help, but he was still restrained. “Doctor! Doctor!” he called out.

Sunny sighed and tried to get up again. “Dang it… this is so embarrassing and… oh gosh… My stitches are bleeding…”

“Doctor! Somepony! We need some help in here!” Whim shouted even louder. Sunny moaned a bit and went limp, a pool of blood was forming underneath him. He was unconscious. Whim strained against the restraints and eventually one of them broke. He untied the other one and jumped off the bed to help Sunny. Lifting Sunny back into the bed was no easy task, but he managed to do it with the help of his magic. When Sunny was back in the bed Whim grabbed a cloth from the counter and held it against Sunny’s wound. “HELP! SOMEPONY HELP!”

At last a guard ran into the room frantically. “What is it?!”

“Go get the doctor! I don’t know what to do here!”

The guard dashed out of the room and came back shortly with the doctor in tow, literally. The guard had picked up the doctor and had him in his hooves when he came back. “Here he is!”

“Let go of me.” The doctor said as he struggled out of the guards hooves. “Oaf! What happened to him? Last I check he couldn’t move enough to do this.”

“He tried to get the glass of water on his side table and he forgot that he couldn’t move. He fell onto the floor pretty hard.” Whim explained.

The doctors hooves moved to remove the cloth from Sunny’s wound. “How did he manage to tear the artery by just falling on the floor? This stallion has the worse luck ever…” he said as his horn started to glow. Sunny stopped bleeding and the doctor started to clean up the mess. Whim walked slowly over to the sink and washed his hooves before he laid down in his bed again. “And how did you manage to get out of those restraints? They are magic resistant.”

“They aren’t muscle resistant. I just tore this one and undid the other one.” Whim said as he tossed the torn restraint to the doctor.

The doctor sighed and threw the restraint away. “You two promised me you wouldn’t make this hard for me.”

Whim chuckled. “We didn’t exactly do this on purpose. We were actually discussing how we should apologize to you for making this so difficult for you. We really are sorry.”

“It’s alright. You are much better than some of the nobles that I get in here. At least you aren’t throwing fits and tantrums because your food isn’t gourmet. You also have thrown actual heavy objects at me with your magic. Do you know how many head wounds I have treated on our own staff? Dozens. One even had to have stiches because they were hit with a coffee pot.” The doctor said with a chuckle.

“Well, I am not like other noble ponies.” Whim said proudly.

“Wait, you are a noble pony? I never would have guessed that.”

“From what I hear, the nobles are real monsters sometimes.”

“Only when they don’t get the finest of things in life. You kind of remind of that one noble pony that got food poisoning during a party here in the castle. Fancy Pants, the only noble pony who thanked me for helping him to get better.”

“Well, I will be the second. Thank you very much.” Whim said happily.

“You are very much welcome.” the doctor said as he finished cleaning the blood off of the floor, off of Sunny, and off of himself. “Now then, it is late and you should get some rest.”

“Can you do me one more favor doc?”

“I suppose, what do you need?”

“The pony in the dungeons, Whirl Wind, he is a dear friend of mine and I am afraid he is not well. Can you try to help him out?”

“I can make a quick stop by the dungeons before I go home. That would be no problem at all.”

“Thanks doc. I appreciate that.”

“Alright then, have a good long rest Mr.Whim.” the doctor said as he turned off the lights in the room and left.

Whim closed his eyes and tried his best to sleep. The doctor eventually made it to the dungeons and down to the cell where Whirl was laying on the bench. “Mr. Wind? Are you awake?” he asked quietly.

Whirl stirred a bit, but didn’t turn around. “Who is it?”

“This is one of the castle’s doctors. You can call me Dr. Span if you want. I am here to give you a required physical.”

“Can’t this wait until the trial is over?” Whirl asked quietly.

“I’m sorry Mr. Wind, but I have already pushed this off as far as I could.” Doctor Span said as the guard opened the cell for him. He walked over to Whirl and nudged him a little bit. “If you would sit up please.”

Whirl grunted and sat up on the bench. “Let’s get this over with.”

Span set down his doctors bag and levitated a tongue depressor out of his bag. “Open wide and say ‘ah’.” Whirl opened his mouth with a soft ‘ah’ and the doctor examined his mouth. “Have you been drinking any water Mr. Wind?” Span asked as he removed the tongue depressor from his mouth.

“No.” Whirl said plainly.

Span pulled out another tool and checked Whirl’s ears and eyes. “Extreme redness… have your eyes been watering a lot lately?”

“I haven’t stopped crying for three days. And before you ask, no, I have not been sleeping either.”

Span put the tool away and levitated a stethoscope into his ears. “Deep breaths please.”

Whirl took a few deep breaths as the doctor moved the clod stethoscope around on his chest. “So, what is the word doc? How healthy am I?”

Span sighed and placed the stethoscope back into his bag. “You are malnourished, sleep deprived, emotionally distraught and dehydrated. I think we need to have you removed from the dungeons and taken to a proper medical facility.”

“No… I just consider it part of the punishment I deserve.” Whirl said in protest. “I just want to… OW! Hey what the?! Ohhh… wha…” Whirl passed out on the bench as Span removed a needle from Whirl’s flank.

“That should take care of the sleep deprivation. Guards, I am using my authority as a castle doctor to have him moved to the medical ward. Bring chains and we will chain him to his bed.”

The guards gave a salute and they both lifted Whirl onto their backs and carried him to the medical ward. “Which room?”

Span stopped in front of Whim and Sunny’s room. “We have a bed available in this room.” The guards carried Whirl into the room and chained him to the open bed. They gave one more salute to the doctor before leaving the room. Span hooked up an IV bag to Whirl to rehydrate and nourish him. “I don’t know what is making you feel so bad, but I won’t let you die over it.” he said quietly as tightened the chains on the bed to prevent any movement at all.

“When I asked you to check on him, I didn’t expect you to bring him here. Thank you for helping him.” Whim said quietly.

“Yeah well, don’t make me sedate you too.” Span said with a soft chuckle.

“Will he be okay?”

“He will be fine, now go to sleep. I will be back first thing in the morning to check up on him.” Whim had already fallen asleep and let out a loud snore. The doctor chuckled and walked out of the room.

****

Whirl was walking through the streets of Canterlot at midnight while a cool breeze washed over him. He knew where he was and what he was doing. Princess Luna appeared next to him and smiled. “Enjoying the walk?” she asked happily.

“I wouldn’t be here if the doctor hadn’t sedated me…” Whirl said plainly as he continued to walk.

“Well since you are here you might as well enjoy it.”

“How is Derpy?” Whirl asked as he stopped walking.

“Her dreams have all been about you and how you are doing. She is afraid that you have been torturing yourself over what happened. Since I have not felt you sleep for three days I would have to suspect the same thing.”

“I can decide what I do and do not deserve. I turned down my future wife for a prison sentence! What kind of a pony would do that?! Am I so stuck on helping others that I cannot distinguish the pony I love more than anypony else from the rest of the world?!” Whirl asked angrily as he threw a rock through a window.

“Whirl, you can still leave you know.”

“Then you would have to deal with so much fallout from the nobles that it would make all of Equestria miserable. I can’t let that happen either! Why does all of this have to revolve around what I do?! I am not important! I never wanted to be important!”

“Oh Whirl…” Luna said softly as she hugged him with her fore hooves and wings. “You have helped this world so much… Nopony can appreciate that more than my sister and I who love this world like it were our child. Tonight I will make you a promise, after the trials we ensure that you never have to do anything like this ever again. You deserve better than the hoof you are being dealt. I am sorry you are in this predicament.”

Whirl went limp in her embrace. “I keep saying to myself, at least they are all safe. At least they don’t have to deal with all of this. Somehow, that doesn’t make me feel like I am doing the right thing.”

“I cannot say whether or not what you are doing is right… I am not sure about that anymore. I have been talking to Tia every day since you have been in here and she has been talking to the council about letting you go without trial. But things have been slow since the soldiers have been returning from the recent battle in the Crystal Empire. We are trying to get a casualty list so that we can treat the wounded and provide funeral services for those who have fallen.”

“I am kind of glad the doctor came and helped me… maybe now my broken wing will be tended to.”

“It was supposed to be tended to when you got here but… you got put low on the list of ponies to be treated after the first load of wounded came in…”

Whirl sighed and leaned his head against Luna’s chest. “I’m sorry I caused so much trouble…”

“You didn’t cause the nobles to act like they do, you didn’t cause Bloody Marey to attack the Crystal Empire and you certainly didn’t cause anything bad for Equestria. Just relax tonight and we will make sure that the trial comes swiftly and hurries along as fast as it can. Tia might even be able to convince the council to skip the trial and just set you free.” Whirl hummed in acknowledgement and relaxed. Luna rubbed his back gently. “I’m sorry that I cannot help you more than that.”

“It’s okay Luna… I just can’t wait for this all to be over…”

****

Dawn broke and the light in the medical ward’s room turned on. “Good morning everypony.” Span said happily as he walked into the room.

Whim was already awake and was reading a book on rock farming. “Good morning doctor, how are you this fine morning?” he asked happily as he set his book down.

“Quite well, thanks for asking. Since you are the only one awake, I will check up on you first. Oh my, it looks like you have caused a slight bleed under your frostbite. Looks like you will need a couple more days in bed, but you will be okay.” Span said as he used his magic to fix the bleed. “Are you feeling any tightness in your muscles or any signs of random exhaustion?”

“Not at all.” Whim replied happily.

“Then I think you are going to make a full, albeit delayed, recovery.” Span said as he trotted over to Sunny. “Mr. Plains, wake up please.”

Sunny groaned and stirred very weakly. “Wha… oh… doc… what’s going on?”

“It’s morning Mr. Plains, I am here for your checkup. Seems like the new stitches are holding up alright, how do you feel?”

“Weak… very weak…”

“That’s normal. I need you to please remain in your bed today. If you need something I want you to tell Mr. Whim and he will ring this bell so that I can come in and assist, okay?”

“Sure thing… can I have some water?”

Span helped Sunny take a drink before walking over to Whirl’s bed. He pulled out an apple from his bag and gently shook Whirl awake. “Mr. Wind, I need you to wake up and eat this apple for me.”

Whirl opened his eyes slowly and leaned his head up. He tried to move but found himself restrained. “Uhh, I might need some help with that.” he said sleepily.

Span held the apple up to Whirl’s mouth and he took a bite. “I can’t take the restraints off, sorry.”

Whirl swallowed and nodded. “It’s okay, I understand.”

“Whirl?! Is that Whirl I hear?!” Sunny asked happily.

“Yes it is, but you can talk to him after he eats.” Span said as Whirl took another bite of the apple. Once Whirl had finished the doctor disposed of the core and smiled. “We will be sending meals for you two here in a little while. We have gotten a bit backed up this morning due to a bunch of new arrivals. Mr. Wind, I will be back in an hour at the most to tend to that broken wing.”

“That’s okay, we can wait. Thank you doctor.” Whim said kindly as he picked up his book again.

Span left the room with a smile on his face. “Whirl, how are you doing buddy? I have been so worried about you.” Sunny called out excitedly.

Whirl sighed and tried to get comfortable. “I’m fine Sunny, how have you been? Sounds like you are having a hard time.”

“Well, I can’t move pretty much at all and I feel like I went two rounds with Thunder Driver. But now that you are here I feel a lot better.”

“Not that I can even look at either of you. Whim, how does Sunny look?”

“Like he fell out of bed yesterday and bled all over the floor causing me to panic and cause a bleed under my frostbite.” Whim said casually while turning the page in his book with his magic.

Sunny let out a nervous chuckle. “I was thirsty… Sorry about that Whim, I’ll make it up to you later with a large mug of cider from Sweet Apple Acres.”

“That sounds so nice right now…” Whirl said quietly.

“I know right?! Augh, when we plan your wedding we are buying soooo much cider!” Sunny said happily.

Whirl simply sighed. “I hope that there will still be a wedding…”

“There will be. We sent a letter to Derpy asking her to come to Canterlot and explain what happened. She should be here before the trial.” Whim said just as casually as before.

“Oh geeze…” Whirl said quietly. “This is going to be interesting…”

“It’ll be fine.”

“Okay, I give up, why are you so calm Whim?” Sunny asked in a confused tone.

“Derpy is already here. I got the message late last night that she was here the whole time.” Whim said as he turned another page.

“What?! I thought I was going to have more time to prepare!” Whirl shouted angrily. “She is going to freak out when she sees me like this!”

“Glad to see your voice is doing alright. How’s the rest of you?” Derpy’s voice chirped happily from the door.

“Derpy! Oh gosh I am so sorry! I should have come home with you and…!”

“Oh shush… it took some time but I have come to terms with your decision. I love you honey.” Derpy said as she trotted over to the bed and gave him a kiss. “I’m sorry I left you when you needed me most…”

Whirl smiled and tears of joy welled up in his eyes. “It’s okay, I am just so happy to see you…”

Derpy wiped away his tears gently. “Can we all try to avoid getting into more trouble? I don’t want to worry about losing anypony anymore.” she asked jokingly.

“Don’t worry, I figure we are in the clear. Besides, none of us can get out of bed to get into any more trouble.” Sunny said with a chuckle.

“That is very true. I just wish they would have chained me to my bed while I was on my side. As it is I am lying on my broken wing and that doesn’t feel very good.” Whim turned another page in his book and shook his head. Whirl noticed him out of the corner of his eye. “Whim, are you okay? You seem very… distant today.”

“I am just trying not to do anything… nobleish. I figure if I just read my book and stayed quiet I wouldn’t do anything rude or unkind.” Whim said guiltily.

“Whim, you may be part of a noble family but that doesn’t make you rude or unkind. Have we ever lead you to believe that?” Sunny asked in a concerned tone.

“Yesterday, when you told me about how the nobles treated your family. Yesterday, when the doctor told me about his experience with the noble houses. Yesterday, when I couldn’t remember the name of our maid that had served our house for over twenty years. Last night when I stayed up and thought about everypony I treated badly.”

“You told him about how they treated our family? Whim, you really shouldn’t look too much into it. You are not the ponies who treated our family badly, you are not the ponies who did whatever they did to the doctor, you are you and you are a good pony that employs ponies in Ponyville looking for a start in life and pay them well. You treat them with kindness and respect and I can bet that even now that pony who is probably tending your fields while you are gone is working happily for no pay because you gave him a house, a job and a wonderful start with his new family. Not only that, you came to help Sunny and I without us asking you to, you helped defending Ponyville against Sombra’s army and you pulled me out of that bush of poisoned thorns in the Everfree forest and carried me to the hospital and picked up the tab. If you are anything, you should be the only true noble in all of Equestria! Because a true noble gets what he needs and makes sure others get what they need as well, like you do.” Whirl said encouragingly.

Whim wiped a tear from his eye and put his book down. “Thanks Whirl, that means a lot coming from you. You know, when I first met you I admired you. I admired how simple your life was and how you were content with just living alone and not having to worry about making an impression on anypony. You were just you. You didn’t seek out anything because you didn’t need anything from anypony. And as you sat there and did only what you needed to do to survive everything you could have ever wanted came to you. You got friends, you found a wife and you found happiness in even the darkest of times. While you had your moments of horrifying terror you stood your ground. You may have lost your family, but you are as happy as ever and I am sure that they would be proud to see you where you are now. That goes for you too Sunny, both of you are the prime example of heroes. I am proud and honored to call you two my friends. And Derpy, it was very brave of you to follow Whirl to the Crystal Empire. I may not know you very well but that alone lets me know that you are absolutely the right mare for him.”

“Awww, Whim you are such a charmer.” Derpy said happily.

“Things got all emotional in here really quick huh?” Whirl said with a chuckle. “It is good to be together again. I can’t wait until the last of this is over and we can finally move on in peace.”

“Just a few more days hopefully. All we need to do is defend you during your trial and you will go free. We all believe that.” Derpy said as she walked to the door. “I am going to see about getting the doctor in here to YIPE!”

The door swung open suddenly and a nurse carrying two trays on her back walked in. “Oh I’m sorry miss. I didn’t mean to almost hit you with the door.” she said guiltily.

“It’s okay, I was just going to see if the doctor can come tend to Whirl’s broken wing.”

The nurse walked into the room and set the trays down on the counter. “I’m afraid that is going to be a while. The newest arrivals have some pretty serious wounds and the doctors have their hooves full.” The nurse picked up a tray and walked over to Whim. “Here you go sir, a nice pineapple salad.”

“Is there no doctors available at all?” Derpy asked worriedly.

“I’m really sorry, but there aren’t. Believe it or not he is lucky to only have a broken wing. There are others who have been stabbed, like this poor stallion here.” the nurse replied as she set a tray of food next to Sunny’s bed. “Enjoy your meal sir. I must go now, I have a lot more ponies to serve.”

“Uh nurse…” Sunny started.

“Another nurse will be in here in a little while to address any concern you might have.” The nurse quickly walked out of the room and closed the door behind her.

“I can’t… move…” Sunny said in an embarrassed tone.

“Here, let me get that for you.” Derpy said as she walked over and helped Sunny lean up to eat. She took the fork and stabbed a few pieces of pineapple before moving it to Sunny’s mouth. “Here you go.”

Sunny blushed a bit and tried to take the fork from her, but he was too weak. “Augh, this is really embarrassing.”

Whirl chuckled a bit. “Sunny, it’s okay. Sometimes you just need to take what help is available. You should really thank Derpy for offering to feed you.”

“Thanks Derpy…” Sunny said with a sigh as he took a bite.

Derpy giggled a bite and scooped up some more salad. “It’s okay, now here comes the train. Choo choo!”

Whirl and Whim both laughed and Sunny blushed intensely. “Oh come on… this is already embarrassing enough…”

Derpy giggled a little more. “Sorry, I just couldn’t help myself.” she said as he took another bite.

“At least she is being kinder than I would be. I would be poking your face with it like I couldn’t see or something. That would be fun.” Whirl said with a chuckle.

“And if it were me I would dump the bowl on your head.” Sunny responded with a smirk.

“Touché.” Whim said as he took another bite.

Suddenly the door slammed open and Span ran in. “I have five minute! Get him unchained so I can wrap that wing!” he shouted as two guards followed him in. They unchained Whirl and turned him onto his side, the wrong side.

“WRONG SIDE, WRONG SIDE! AHHH!” Whirl cried out as his full body weight pressed against his broken wing.

The doctor turned him over with his horn glowing and the wing’s flesh seemed to disappear, leaving just the bones. “There it is…” the doctor said as the wing popped and the bone realigned. Whirl let out a grunt of pain and felt the wing being wrapped with casting. “Just a quick minute and you will feel right as rain.”

“Thanks dooooc ow!”

“Sorry about that, I never wrapped a wing this quickly before but it is better than nothing. There we go! Give it a few days and it will be good as new! Got to go!” Span yelled as he rushed out of the room.

The others looked on with confusion as to what just happened. “They forgot to chain Whirl back down.” Whim said with a chuckle.

Whirl stretched and basked in his new freedom. “Don’t call them back in, I need to move around a bit. Also this.” Whirl said as he hugged Derpy tightly while she was midway through serving Sunny another bite.

Derpy dropped the fork and the tray flipped off of her and landed right on Sunny’s face. “Aww how sweet.” Derpy said, not realizing what she had just done.

Whim was laughing hysterically as the two were looking deeply into each other’s eyes while Sunny sat there with a bowl on his head. “Can somepony please take this bowl off of my head…?” his voice muffled from under the bowl.

Whirl looked over to Sunny and started to laugh as well. Derpy gasped and took the bowl from his head and started to pick pieces of pineapple off of him. “I’m sorry Sunny, I didn’t realize I did that.”

“It’s okay, I am just glad one of us are up and about.” Sunny said with a chuckle.

“I am just glad to see you alive. That doesn’t look good at all.” Whirl said as he pointed to Sunny’s chest wound.

“At least I will have a scar you don’t. Ponies will be able to tell us apart now.”

“That’s true; you won’t have to dye your mane now.”

“I think I will anyway. Yellow made me look awesome with a white mane and tail. I think it gave me my own personality.”

“Kind of like how Whirl’s blue mane makes him look extra sexy.” Derpy said as she ran her hoof through Whirl’s mane.

“Ohh baby.” Whirl said as he kissed Derpy.

Sunny chuckled as they kissed right in front of him. They were really getting into as they ran their hooves through each other’s manes. “Come on you two, get a room.” Sunny said with a chuckle.

They broke apart and put their heads against each other’s. “Love you so much Derpy…”

“Love you too honey.”

“You two are leaning on my stomach…” Sunny said with a sigh.

Both of them moved off of Sunny with blushes on their face. “Sorry about that Sunny, we just got a bit excited.”

“Yeah, I could tell. Can one of you lay me on my back so I can relax?”

Whirl gently moved Sunny into a more comfortable position. “There you go. Once you get out of here, we will take care of you at home and you will be more comfortable.”

“I am going to work first, right when I get back. Maybe Storm won’t be upset that we never came back the next day.”

“I am sure he reads the papers. Our names are probably all over the front page.”

“Actually, they are. Not in the way you might think though. Half of Equestria is in an uproar about your arrest Whirl. The other half is enraged that Sunny hasn’t been able to comment for the last two days.” Derpy said with a giggle. “I think this is all botched if you ask me; not that I am saying that you are doing the wrong thing Whirl, but you have to admit that this is kind of ridiculous.”

“I can admit that, but I figure that it would hurt to help the princesses. Sorry I have to put myself on the line again…”

“It’s okay, it really is. I am actually glad that you are just going to get this over with and we won’t have to deal with it ever again. We will go home, get married, maybe have a few foals and relax.” Derpy said happily.

“A few foals? Why not just two?”

“Because I want lots of foals, that way they will always have somepony to help them out if things go bad for them and they will always have friends because they will have lots of brothers and sisters.”

“So… three foals?”

“I was thinking… four.”

Whirl went a bit pale. “F-four? Like my family?”

“Well… I guess so… I mean… all of your family was very successful…”

“Because we always looked out for each other. Alright… four foals it is. But we aren’t naming them after anypony in my family, I always wanted unique names for every foal that I had.”

“Alright, fair enough.”

“Already planning parenthood, what a family.” Whim said as he picked his book back up. “If any of your foals turn out to be unicorns I can teach them magic, no charge. They could grow up to be promising earth manipulators.”

“I think I will let them decide that. The one thing I learned from my parents is that you should never push your child in any direction other than the one they want. My father pushed me so hard that I left my home at the age of sixteen and traveled around for four years doing oddball work until I finally saved up enough to build a house of my own in Ponyville.”

“Well, maybe a light push if they are on the wrong track…” Derpy said softly.

“Of course, but I won’t push them away from their dreams or think that they are ridiculous. I don’t want to push them away.”

“You won’t, you are too good of a pony to do that… just don’t be afraid to punish them if they do something wrong.”

“Well… nothing too severe… my dad used to make us run obstacle courses and do pushups if we did something wrong. Since I did that anyway for training he would make me do it after school, after work, after lunch on the weekends and after dinner every day.”

“Well, at least it paid off. I mean, it did help you grow up really strong.” Derpy said as she tried to make it not seem so bad.

Whirl thought about it for a moment. “I guess you are right. Maybe I wouldn’t have looked at it so badly if he wasn’t shouting ‘if you don’t finish this section in the next thirty seconds you are doing it again’ when I could only finish in one minute. Maybe if I would have been encouraged instead.”

“Tell me about it! Dad was the worst at punishment. Build the obstacle course anyway, it was fun when we used it to decide who will do the dishes. We never lost once, ha ha!” Sunny said with a laugh at the end.

“That’s right, I completely forgot about the competitions! Those were great!”

“You really competed to see who would wash the dishes? That sounds fair, if you haven’t been training on it every day.” Derpy said as she nudged Whirl on the shoulder.

“Hey, you snooze you lose. Besides, my father encouraged us to use our unique abilities to win. I would fly, my brother would use his magic and my little brother and sister always pulled ahead in the boulder pull.”

“Boulder pull?! Was this an obstacle course or a construction site?!” Derpy asked in shock.

“Both! Our dad bought out a half-finished building and built the obstacle course inside. Each floor presenting a unique challenge for each of us. Floor one was always the easiest, the rope climb. Dad never got mad at us for flying up and ringing the bell, he said it was one of our special abilities and it didn’t break the rules. After a while we just climbed the rope for training purposes even though we never beat my little brother and sister… ohh… I miss them.”

“Me too buddy, me too…” Sunny said sadly. “At least we still have each other.”

“Yes we do… yes we do… and I got you…” Whirl said as he kiss Derpy. “And I have you too Whim.”

“Don’t kiss me…” Whim said as he turned another page.

“And I have Flare, and Air, and Solar, and Frost, and the princesses and… wow… I have a lot of friends... I wonder if they will show up at the trial…”

“I am sure they will. They are going to run out of seats by the time we get into the room.” Sunny said with a chuckle. “And yes, I am going to force them to wheel my bed in there if I still can’t move.”

The door suddenly opened again and Princess Luna walked into the room. The hallway sounded like it was in an uproar and flashed from cameras lit it up like the sun. When the door closed the room went silent. “Whirl, I have some good news and some bad news. Which do you wish to hear first?”

“Might as well be the good news.” Whirl said with a frown.

“The good news is we got you a date for the trial.” Luna said with a half-smile.

“Well, that is pretty good news. What is the bad news?”

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight: Trial by Fire

“The bad news is… the trial starts in one hour and there is a large amount of journalists outside.” Princess Luna said with a frown.

“One hour… well… can we get Whim and Sunny to the court room by then?” Whirl asked with a chuckle.

“I have called for two wheel chairs to be here in thirty minutes. However, you must come with me now so we can get the journalists out of the way.”

“Okay, Derpy can you stay here and help these two get to the court room please?”

“Sure thing Whirl.” Derpy said as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. “See you soon.”

Whirl followed Luna out of the room and was instantly swarmed by ponies flashing cameras and asking questions loudly. The guards pushed through the crows and protected the two as they were followed throughout the castle. They past the court room and continued walking. “Why are we passing the court room?” Whirl shouted over the crowd.

“We are going to the grand court room. There wasn’t enough room in the other one.” Luna replied loudly. “Unfortunately we are going to have to leave the castle to get there.”

“Why is that unfortunate?”

“Because of the protesters.”

“Protesters?!”

“Yes, there are many ponies that do not agree to your trial. They have been standing outside of the castle for days protesting your imprisonment.”

“Can I say something to them so that we don’t have a problem getting to the court house?”

“I don’t see why not.”

They reached the front doors and when they opened up the uproar of sound doubled instantly. Whirl saw pegasi flying above the castle with signs that read ‘Free Whirl Wind’ and ‘No heroes in prison!’. Other signs were being levitated in the air by unicorns and the earth ponies were wearing the signs on their backs. All of them were in an uproar and trying their hardest to get to him. “Luna, can you get them to be quite please?”

Luna nodded and smiled. “BE STILL!” she shouted in her royal Canterlot voice.

The crowd immediately silenced and everypony’s eyes fell on Whirl. “Ponies of Equestria, please move aside and let us pass! I am thankful for your support however I chose to go on trial for my crimes! And do you know why?! Because I broke the law when I chose to go behind enemy lines and aide them to ultimately throw them down!” At this the crowd cheered loudly. “Listen up! Most of you are probably thinking my imprisonment was unfair! To this I say no! I knew that this would happen when I was flying to the Crystal Empire! Now some of you are probably asking if I would do it again, and to that I say YES! I would fight for Equestria, I would go to trial for Equestria, I would be imprisoned for Equestria and I would surely die for Equestria! Even now as I am walking to trial I am happy in the fact that Equestria has chosen to do the right thing despite who I am and what I have done! If we do not punish those who break the law, we would fall apart with anarchy and chaos! So I go now to face my crimes with my head held high knowing that whatever choice they make, I will be proud to take my punishment! Now if you would all please step aside!” The crowd cheered and started to shuffle to make room for the princess and Whirl to walk by. Once they made a path they started to walk along with Whirl and Luna as they approached the court house. They made it inside and things quieted down rapidly as they approached the court room. Inside the courtroom Whirl could see it was packed to the brim. He saw Flare sitting at his table in front of his wife who was holding their two foals.

Whirl was seated next to Flare and was able to take a better look around the room. All four of the princesses were seated on the left side of the room in very large chairs, on the right were similar chairs reserved for V.I.P.s, such as Twilight’s friends, and in the middle sat the council members from all over Equestria. Behind Whirl was and array of ponies that now included Sunny, Whim and Derpy. He shot them a smile and a wave and the whole court room erupted in cheer. A loud bang of the gavel quickly quieted them again. “Mr. Wind, can you please refrain from riling the crowd as we prepare for this trial?”

Whirl blushed. “Sorry, I was just waving to my fiancé.”

The council went back to their preparations. Flare leaned over to Whirl and whispered, “Wow, I have never seen you so calm. You are up for judgment in front of all of these ponies and I am your defense council. How can you just sit there as if nothing is happening?”

Whirl chuckled lightly. “Because it doesn’t matter what the sentence is. Look at that behind us. All of my friends are here and my best friend is my defense council. Even if I go to prison after this, I am just happy to have all of these ponies helping me by just being here.” he whispered with a smile.

“Well don’t celebrate just yet. I still have to defend you and they have one of the best prosecutors in Equestria. What if I can’t defend you well enough?”

“Sonic Flare, my dearest friend, even if I go to prison for the rest of my life I will know you did your best and you did all you could to defend me. I know you will do great today.”

Another bang of the gavel got everypony’s attention. “This court is now in session. This session is Whirl Wind versus Equestria. Mr. Wind, you have been accused of aiding the enemy in the attack on the Crystal Empire, how do you plea?”

“Not guilty your honors.” Whirl pronounced with a smile.

“Then let the proceedings commence. The prosecution may now make their case.”

The suited pony at the prosecutions table stood up and adjusted his tie. “Thank you your honors. Now, we have all heard that this stallion is some kind of hero, however there are some flaws to that assessment. Firstly, this particular pony is known by another name we have all learned, recently in fact, and that name is General Wind. The very general who destroyed the lives of countless ponies.”

“Objection your honors, the pony in question has been absolved of those crimes due to the fact that he was being controlled against his will by dark magic.” Flare explained.

“Sustained. Prosecutor, you will refrain from using that case during these proceedings.”

“Very well your honors. Thought you cannot say that it didn’t change the pony in question. Therefore I would like to call him to the stand.” Whirl stood up and walked up to the stand. “Mr. Wind, since you have been ‘freed’ of this dark magic… have you killed anypony?”

Whirl went a bit pale at this question, because he knew the answer to that question. “Yes…” he answered with a frown.

The audience gasped and started to murmur amongst themselves. “So, you admit that you have murdered a pony in cold blood?”

“No, I did not murder the pony in cold blood. When I first arrived in the Crystal Empire I was ambushed by two of the corrupted guards. In order to survive I… I was forced to kill the first pony… the second was knocked unconscious and turned to stone so that we did not have to kill him.” Whirl said in a shaky voice.

“We? You mean you weren’t alone?”

“As everypony should know, a lieutenant was behind enemy lines prior to the incident. That pony was the one who turn the other to stone before trying to send me out of the empire. When I refused, he tried to apprehend me.”

“Is said lieutenant here today to defend that claim?”

“Yes he is.”

“At this time the prosecution would like to call that pony to the stand.”

Whim used his magic to wheel his chair up next to the stand while Whirl stepped down. “Would you please state your name and rank for the record please?”

“Lieutenant Whim, first battalion in the unicorn militia.”

“Could you please verify Mr. Wind’s story?”

“I can. Whirl was in the alley I was hiding in when the two guards in question approached. I witnessed Whirl kill the first and quickly disable the other. Had it been me I would have killed them both, but he showed mercy and begged me not to kill the other. I turn him to stone so that he would not give away my cover when he awoke. When I attempted to apprehend Mr. Wind he fled. I am not sure what he did after that but later on I witnessed him attempting to escape with another prisoner. Bloody Marey ended up stabbing the other prisoner and using the same dark magic against Whirl to control him.”

“Did she succeed?”

“No, I later came to discover that he used the situation to gain her trust and ultimately betray her.”

“So during that time did Mr. Wind assist Bloody Marey to defend the Crystal Empire?”

“I do believe he assisted her in setting up the defenses to fail.”

“How can you be so sure he wasn’t helping her to strengthen the defenses?”

“Even as General Wind, Whirl had excellent strategic skills which is why Sombra made him a general in the first place. He was able to defeat two major cities and several of our smaller settlements. Had he not been freed of the dark magic he would have defeated us.”

“Mr. Whim we have established that General Wind cannot be used as evidence in this trial.”

“Then let me remove that from the record and replace it with this, Whirl Wind has proven to me that he has extreme knowledge in strategic placement of defenses and yet he left three extremely large gaps in his defenses that allowed us to take the city with as few casualties as possible. He did this intentionally to assist us in taking the empire back and we succeeded.”

“This is all speculation on your behalf however as you did not physically witness his planning.”

“Correct.”

“Thank you for saying that. The prosecution would like to call up Mr. Wind back to the stand please.” Whim wheeled himself back to the audience as Whirl approached the stands. “Mr. Wind, I would like you to answer one more question before I rest my case. Did you kiss Bloody Marey in celebration of your future victory?”

“I… did what I had to… to earn her trust…” Whirl admitted with a frown.

“Kissing the leader of the enemy isn’t exactly what I would call a move to hamper our enemy. In fact it signifies that you yourself had fallen for her and you were proud to assist her. I rest my case.”

“Very well, Mr. Wind, please return to your seat.” the lead council member ordered. “The defense may now make its case.”

“Thank you your honors.” Flare said as he stood up. “Ladies and gentlecolts of the council, I would first like to state something off the record.”

“You may proceed.”

“This pony has been the most honorable and most helpful pony to all of Equestria. Whirl Wind IS a hero and deserves our respect and admiration during this time.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes your honors. The defense would like to call Princess Luna to the stands.”

The audience murmured as the princess of the night approached the stands and sat down. “Order please. Proceed.”

“Princess Luna, it has come to my attention that you had communications with Whirl Wind during the meeting in question in which he planned the defense of the Crystal Empire, is that correct?”

“Yes, I used this to communicate with him.” Luna explained as she levitated the two pieces of diamond she used to communicate with. “This diamond was a gift to Sunny Plains that Bloody Marey stole from him when she took him prisoner.”

“To verify that this diamond is a means of communication, could you please give one half to the council?”

Luna levitated one half of the diamond up to the head council member who passed it around as Luna levitated the other half around the court room. “It has been verified by the council that this is a means of communication.”

“Now then, Princess Luna, could you please inform us of what you heard while Whirl was planning with Bloody Marey.”

“Whirl opened up the three distinct holes in their defense and then informed me other them before our attack went out. We used his information to attack and reduce the amount of casualties to a minimum. Off the record, Whirl commented that he nearly vomited in Bloody Marey’s mouth during the kiss because he found it to be as vile as the mare he was kissing.”

The crowd laughed and the gavel banged on the desk. “Order! Princess Luna, this council requests with the highest respect that you only offer pure evidence to the court.”

“Very well, here is the biggest piece of evidence I can offer. After the attack was over Whirl offered Princess Cadance valuable information on how to repair the crystal heart and even saved her life when the spell backfired. Nopony who was intentionally trying to do harm would do that.”

“Thank you Princess Luna, could we please call Princess Cadance to the stands?” Flare asked respectfully. The princesses swapped places. “Princess Cadance, would you please verify that Whirl indeed risked his life to save yours.”

“Yes I will. Whirl saved my life and my empire. I do not think more is needed to be said.”

“Thank you Princess Cadance. The defense rests its case.” Flare said as he walked over and sat down. “How did I do?” he whispered to Whirl.

“Very well.” Whirl whispered in response.

“Would the prosecution like to continue its case against Mr. Wind?”

“No your honors.”

“Then this council will begin its deliberations.” the head council banged her gavel and proceeded to walk out of the room with the rest of the council.

Flare put his head down on the table and put his hooves over his head. “I hope I didn’t screw this up…”

Whirl put a hoof on Flare’s back. “You did great. I couldn’t have done better myself.”

Flare shook his head and moaned in disappointment. Several hours later the council emerged from the back room and took their seats. “The council has come to a decision. Based on the evidence given we have no choice but to find Whirl Wind guilty of conspiracy.” The crowd suddenly exploded with rage and the head council hammered her gavel down. “Order! Order!” It took a moment but the crowd quieted down. “We sentence the defendant to house arrest for a year and intense conditioning sessions. This court is adjourned.” the head council banged the gavel again and they started to leave the room. As the audience voiced its rage at the sentence Whirl was escorted from the room. Flare followed along and once they were out of the room Flare sighed sadly.

“I’m sorry Whirl… I couldn’t get you off…”

Whirl hugged Flare and pat his back. “You got me home and now I can be with Derpy again.”

“But what about the trial in the Crystal Empire?” Flare asked sadly.

“There isn’t going to be one.” Princess Cadance said from behind them. “Nopony in my kingdom wants to convict him. We simply placed one of our council members in on this trial and they helped with the sentencing.”

Whirl smiled and hugged Princess Cadance. “Thank you so much…”

Princess Cadance giggled and returned his hug. “It’s the least I can do for the pony who not only saved my husband’s life, but for the pony who saved mine. You two have saved my family and I thank you both.”

Whirl took a step back from the princess and looked at the others. “Thank you all for coming to support me… I am glad I was able to get off with such a light sentence.”

“Well, we might have suggested to the council that you get house arrest rather than dungeon time.” Applejack said innocently. “A lot of the ponies on the council are close friends with mah family so I was able to ask a favor on their behalf. The council was happy to assist.”

“Well, come on by my house sometime and I will find a way to repay you for that.” Whirl said happily.

“Don’t you worry about that one bit; ah was repayin yall for buckin in mah fields for no pay.”

Whirl smiled and hugged Applejack. “Thank you so much.”

Derpy wheeled Sunny around the corner and Whim was right behind them. “Hey! You never told me you kissed her!” Derpy said as she bopped Whirl on the nose.

Whirl blushed and frowned. “I… she… I hated it… and all I could think was how you would feel about it…”

“Whirl, I know that you only did it to gain her trust. But when you get home I am going to make you eat a lemon as punishment.” Derpy said sternly.

“I will gladly eat a lemon for you.” Whirl said as he kissed her cheek. “Can we go home now?”

“Yes, we have arranged for a guarded car to take you home. Once you get off the train you will be escorted to your home where you will stay for a year. You can go outside but you must stay within one hundred meters of your house. Other than that, you are free to do as you please.” Princess Celestia explained. “Congratulations Whirl Wind.”

“Well… let’s go face the journalists Derpy. Then we can go home. Whim, Sunny, I can’t wait to see you there.” Whirl said happily.

Whim nodded and Sunny smiled. “I can’t wait to be home with you brother.”

Whirl and Derpy walked to the exit and Whirl sighed. “There is another door you could use.” Luna said suddenly.

“No, you take that exit while Derpy and I will deal with the last bit of work. You ready Derpy?” Whirl asked with a smile.

“Yes I am.” Derpy said as she gave him a kiss on the cheek.

The others snuck out the back way and Whirl opened the doors. Immediately the noise level skyrocketed and flashes from cameras nearly blinded them. When they stepped out of the door they were bombarded with questions from all side. “Alright everypony, I will answer your questions if you will all quiet down!” Whirl shouted over the noise. The crowd started to hush down and the only thing that could be heard was the shutters of cameras. “Much better, now then… you, what is your question?”

“What are you going to do now that the case has been settled?” a journalist asked enthusiastically.

“I am going to go home and marry this fine mare here.” Whirl said as he wrapped his good wing over Derpy’s back.

“Do you think you got a fair punishment for your crime?” another pony shouted over everypony’s heads.

“Well, I think that this should have never happened. The only reason I was put on trial in the first place was to prevent the noble houses to claim favoritism and then make outlandish demands to the princesses.”

Everypony’s pencils and quills were rapidly writing down every word. “How would the nobles be able to claim favoritism if the princesses would have let you go?”

“Easily, the nobles would have pointed out my several flaws and my friendship with Princess Luna. Then all they would have had to do was prove their case and then get whatever they wanted.”

“Why would the noble houses do such a thing?”

“One word, greed. A lot of the nobles just want it all and they will do anything to get it. To anypony who doubts these words I say this, try working for a noble for a week and see if they treat you kindly. If they do, then you are lucky.”

“Are you saying that all nobles are greedy?”

“Did I say that? Or did I say ‘a lot of’? No, not all nobles are greedy. I just wish that they were all a bit more considerate of what they consider to be a ‘lower class’.”

“When you kissed Bloody Marey did you ever think of telling your wife?”

“Kissing Bloody Marey was the single most foul thing I have ever done. My wife knows that and she knew I was only doing it to protect Equestria.”

“Were you nervous when the prosecutor asked you if you had killed anypony?”

“I would say that I was sad. Killing is never easy and you will never get used to doing it. The moment that pony died by my hooves I felt immediate guilt and sorrow the likes of which I had never felt before. I… I never wanted to… I never…”

“I think that is enough questions for today.” Derpy said as she saw the absolute guilt ridden look on Whirl’s face.

They stared to walk through the crowd again and they were once again bombarded with ponies trying to ask their questions. Were it not for the guards, they might have been trampled. Eventually they made it to the carriage waiting for them and they were taken to the train station. Whirl sighed when he saw the train. “I hope I don’t get sick on the train…”

“We will cuddle on the seat and I will rub your tummy.” Derpy said lovingly.

Whirl smiled and gave her a kiss on the cheek before they boarded the train and found their seats. Derpy laid down on the bench and Whirl laid down next to her. Derpy hugged him and started to rub his belly as the train started to move. Whirl let out a large exhale and closed his eyes. “Thank you Derpy…” he said as he took a deep breath.

“It’s just a train silly. You are going to be fine.” Derpy said calmly.

“I’m going to be… fine… augh… ohhh… window! WINDOW!” Whirl said as he jumped up and vomited out of the nearest window.

Derpy laughed and stood up. “I will get the trains medical kit and see if there is anything in there to help calm your stomach.”

Whirl heaved and vomited again. “Trains… I hate trains… BLOUGH!”

Derpy opened the medical kit and dug around inside. “Nope, just a lot of bandages. Looks like you are going to be very hungry when we get…”

Whirl interrupted her by vomiting again out the window. “I ONLY HAD ONE APPLE! WHERE IS THIS ALL COMING FROM?!”

Derpy frowned as she watched him heave over and over without anything coming up. “Honey, just sit down. I think you got it all out.”

Whirl fell from the window and sat down. He had a few more dry heaves before he flopped face down onto the floor. The conductor was walking through when he saw Whirl on the floor. “Uhhh, is he going to be okay?”

“Just a bit sick from the train.” Derpy explained.

The conductor pulled out a small white flat disc. “Here sir, eat this. You will feel a bit better.”

Whirl lifted his head up and saw the small disc and bit it right out of the conductors hoof. Just thirty seconds after he ate it he fell asleep. “What was that?”

“A sedative. We ran out of motion sickness medication two days ago.” the conductor explained. “Have a nice ride.” He continued to the next car.

Derpy looked down at Whirl and laid down next to him. She leaned her head against his and sighed. “Maybe we should have taken an airship…”

****

“Look, all I am asking is to transferred to Ponyville’s hospital. It will clear up a bed that doesn’t need to be filled. Come on, you already have Whim half way ready to go why can’t you transfer me too?!” Sunny asked desperately.

“I’m sorry but you just aren’t ready to be transferred. In your state you could easily collapse your lung.” Span said apologetically.

“I’ll be fine! I just want to go home…”

“I know you do. I want to be able to send you home but it would be irresponsible for me to release you for transfer.”

“Then I want to be discharged.” Sunny said defiantly.

“You are kidding me… you can barely move.”

“I can move enough to get out of here and go home. Now you can either transfer me, in which case I will have access to medical help if there is an emergency, or you can discharge me and let me go on my own. Either way I am going to be going home.”

Span sighed sadly. “You are putting me in a tough position Mr. Plains… I will prep you for transfer. Please find any possessions you might have had when you arrived…”

“Thank you, I owe you one.”

“Yeah well… if you make it.”

“I’ll be fine. I really can’t thank you enough for doing this.”

“You can repay me by not collapsing that lung while you are gone.”

Sunny got down from his bed and into his wheel chair. He took a couple of deep breaths and started to gently push himself forward. “See… nothing to worry… about…” he said in a winded voice.

“Take it easy, no need to rush. The airship won’t be taking patients to Ponyville for another hour. Let me go tend to my other patient and I will be back to wheel you down to the docks.”

Sunny wheeled himself by the door and waited for the doctor to return. When Span came back into the room he didn’t see Sunny by the door as he walked in. “Hey doc, I’m re…” Sunny started before the doctor yelped in surprise.

Span regained his composure. “You startled me… are you ready to go?”

“Yes I am. Why are you so jumpy doc?”

“Because I am trying not to get into trouble for transferring you. If we get caught I could lose my job for negligence.”

“Whoa, alright I will keep my mouth shut. If anypony asks, we are going to the cafeteria.”

“Sounds good to me. Let’s get going before it gets busy again.” Span said as he used his magic to start wheeling Sunny out of the room. As they walked through the castle Sunny noticed how quiet things had gotten.

“Why is it so calm?”

“We aren’t expecting more patients until this afternoon. That is why we are transferring the lesser cases to Ponyville and to other cities throughout Equestria. We need the space.”

“Are there really others still out in the field?”

“Yes there are. We would have them be taken care of in the Crystal Empire, but they are stuffed with their own wounded.”

“Well, I am glad I can help make room.”

At last they made it to the docks and Span loaded Sunny up onto the airship. Sunny gestured for Whim to be quiet as he spotted them. Span quietly left the airship and Sunny waved goodbye as they were on their way. Whim wheeled himself up next to Sunny with a smile. “Hey, how did you manage to get the doctor to transfer you?”

“I told him I wanted to be discharged.”

“What? Why would you do that?”

“I want to be at home Whim. I can’t stand being away from Ponyville for one more second.”

“Well, I hope it was worth it. Try not to take too many deep breaths, there is no need to strain your lung.”

“I’ll be fine, just have to take it easy.” Sunny said as he exhaled.

“I’ll keep an eye on you, just in case.”

Sunny took another breath and exhaled slowly. “Taking it easy. At least I know I am doing better than Whirl right now.”

“What do you mean?”

Sunny pointed down at the train that was traveling in the same direction as they were. “Do you see who is poking out of the window?”

Whim squinted his eyes and saw a small green dot and something pouring out of it. “Is that Whirl… vomiting?”

Sunny nodded slowly. “Yup, wait… he is puking out of the train too?! That is priceless. I will laugh about it later though. Taking it easy.”

Whim chuckled a bit and stopped looking down at the train. “How can a train be so detrimental to you both but an airship isn’t?”

“I have no clue. I never tried to figure it out.”

“And you never tried to figure it out… Why not?”

“I have never been on a train this much in my life. I walk or fly everywhere.”

“Trains are the main source of transportation between cities and you prefer flying or walking?”

“Yeah, it is fun.”

“Walking hundreds of miles is… fun?”

“Well, I guess not for everypony.”

“I would have to say so. What would possess somepony to walk that far?”

“Desire to change one’s life. It can be very powerful.”

“Interesting. I have never been in that kind of situation before.”

“Of course you have, when you moved to Ponyville and started a rock farm. Were your parents excited about that?”

“They said it was not something ponies like us would do. I just told them I wanted to be different.”

“And they just let you go?”

“Yes they did. They told me to keep to tradition though. I was going to, but then I decided I wouldn’t be different if I did.”

Sunny exhaled again slowly. “No more talking… for a little while…”

“Alright, just sit back and enjoy the gentle breeze.”

Sunny nodded slowly and inhaled slowly.

****

The train came to a stop and Derpy shook Whirl to wake him up. Whirl moaned and opened his eyes slowly. “Are we there yet?” he asked with a slurred tone.

“Yes we are and the guards are here to escort us home. Let’s get up and go home.” Derpy said with a smile as she helped him to his hooves.

“Awesome…” Whirl said quietly as he started to hobble towards the door.

Two guards followed on either side of them as they stepped off the train. Derpy was helping to steer Whirl as she started to walk towards home. “It’s a few miles this way.”

“Where are we going again…?” Whirl asked, still dazed.

Derpy giggled. “We are going home Whirl. Home.” she said slowly.

“And who are these two nice gentlecolts following us again…?”

“They are the guards that are escorting us to our house. Do you two know anything about the sedative they gave him?” Derpy asked the guards.

“Well, it is very powerful you see…” one of the guards said tentatively.

“How long will he be like this?”

“Am I acting like something?” Whirl asked as he nuzzled Derpy’s neck.

“Like you had one too many at the bar Whirl.” Derpy said with a giggle as they stumbled a bit.

“Hey, I can hold my liquor. It was that dang cracker… it was salty… and flat.”

“Give it another hour or so miss.” the other guard said calmly.

“For wha? You trying to… to… what?” Whirl said as he looked around. “Hey look, it’s that place I live.” he said as if he was never happier to see his home. “Let’s invite these two in for some cider! They… they… ohhh… they are so shiney.” Whirl poked one of the guards armor repeatedly. “How did I get in your armor?”

Derpy pulled Whirl away and towards the door. “Thank you both for the escort. Come on Whirl, leave the guards alone so they can get back to work.”

“But they are so shiny and I am stuck in their armor!” Whirl said in protest as Derpy walked him through the door. “Derpyyyyyy I am stuck in their armor!”

“Then how are you in your house Whirl?” she said with a giggle as she let him flop down on the sofa.

Whirl looked around and then back to Derpy. “You save me!” he said happily as he threw his hooves up.

Derpy laughed and pushed him over on the sofa. “Close your eyes and go to sleep for a little while, you are so far gone right now.”

Whirl rolled onto his back and hummed. “Home sweet home…” He closed his eyes slowly. “I love you Derpy…”

“I love you too Whirl.” Derpy replied as he fell asleep. She walked into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of water. “Home sweet home indeed.” she said as she took a sip.

****

“No, no, no sir. This stallion was on the transfer list. He was a new addition today and he needs a room.” Whim tried to explain to the doctor unloading the ponies from the airship.

“Listen, we are full and he is not on the arrivals list. I can’t get him a room.” the doctor responded as he shuffled the papers on his clipboard.

“Then give him my room. He needs to be monitored; he has a spear wound to the chest, lung and back. You have to give him my room under the room of triage.”

“Actually sir, you don’t have a room either. You were sent here to be processed and discharged.”

“You are telling me that there is nopony here who has a room that doesn’t need it?”

“I-I-I-I… I’m sorry I-I-I-I-I….” the doctor stammered as he flipped through his papers.

“What seems to be the problem here?” a familiar voice sounded out from behind the other doctor.

“Ray, thank Celestia you are here. I have a mister…”

“Sunny Plains.”

“Sunny Plains here and he wasn’t on the transfer list. I can’t get him a room.”

“Go ahead and help the other new arrivals Imager, I will take care of this.” Dr.Ray said with a smile. The other doctor walked off into the crowd and Dr. Ray looked at Sunny. “Whirl, what are you doing here with a fake name?”

“Uh… Okay Ray, you have to believe the next few things I am going to say. One, I am not Whirl Wind… technically. Two, I am not crazy. My name is Sunny Plains now. I believe we met when I was here while I still had my horn. Do you remember that?”

“I remember a yellow alicorn with a white mane and tail.” Dr. Ray said skeptically.

“Okay good, now imagine that alicorn… lost his horn, lost his coat color aaaaand… is actually the separated dark entity that was pulled out of Whirl in order to save him from Sombra’s dark magic.”

Dr. Ray was a bit lost now. “What?”

Whim decided it was time to speak up. “This pony was the embodiment of the dark essence inside of Whirl Wind. In order to save Whirl from Sombra’s dark magic Princess Celestia pulled this fine stallion out of Whirl, effectively making two separate ponies. This stallion here was cursed by Sombra with a horn made from a dark crystal and it was removed by Princess Twilight, effectively freeing Sunny here from the dark magic as well. Then… well, Bloody Marey foalnapped Sunny here and Whirl went to save him and that is how he got this new wound that needs to be monitored lest his lung collapse.”

Dr. Ray nodded. “Fair enough, you know I can’t give you a room though.”

“What?! Ray, I thought we were friends.” Sunny said dissapointedly.

“Oh we are; that is why I am offering you home services. I can come and check up on you every day until you don’t need to be monitored. I assume Whirl is already home considering he was placed under house arrest, which is why I was so confused he was here.”

“I think you are right, we saw the train unloading ponies as we flew by.” Whim said happily.

“Then it is settled. You two head to Whirl’s house and I will be there at the end of the day to check up on uh… Sunny was it?”

“Yes sir. Thank you Ray, I owe you one.”

“Just make sure that there is some nice hot tea waiting for me.” Dr. Ray said as he trotted back to the crowd of ponies.

“Well, I don’t need them to tell me to go home. I can just go. Want me to wheel us to Whirl’s house?” Whim asked with a smile.

“Sure thing. Just… take it slow.” Sunny said as they started to move.

“Did you see the look on his face when you told him that you weren’t crazy?”

“Priceless. He was thinking I suffered mental trauma for sure.” Sunny said with a chuckle.

“I thought he would have you in a strait jacket in about ten seconds if I hadn’t stepped in.”

“That would have gotten me a room at least.”

Whim laughed a bit at Sunny’s joke. “True, but at least this way you can be at home.”

“You know, you look a bit like a tan Dalmatian with all of your frostbite.”

“That was random…”

“True none the less. I might even give you treat when we get to my house.”

“You are so funny; maybe you can be a comedian.”

“Nah, ponies get bored with accused mass murderers really fast.”

“Too bad, I was laughing it up over here.”

“I could tell. You can kick it into high gear now; I think I can handle it.”

Whim’s horn started to glow brighter and they were really starting to gain speed. “Almost like flying huh?”

“Not even close. Get us to the speed of sound and I will start to feel a little bit like it was flying.”

“I can’t do that with the wheel chairs, they would break apart. But I can go a little faster if you are up to it.”

“Go for it!”

“Hang on!” Whim said as they doubled their speed.

****

Derpy had just entered the den with a glass of water as Whirl sat on the sofa holding his head when she spotted a dust cloud heading right towards the house. “Um, Whirl… what is that?”

Whirl stood up and slowly walked to the window. His eyes squinted and he looked at the dust cloud roaring towards his house. “It looks like… WHIM AND SUNNY!” he shouted excitedly as he ran to the door and flung it open. He ran to Whim and Sunny as they started to slow down. “Hey! What are you guys doing here?!”

Whim slowly halted the wheel chairs with a smile. “We got transferred to Ponyville’s hospital but there was no more room so we were sent here. Sunny is here to stay, I am probably going to head home to check on my rock farm and tell Flare that you are home.”

“But you just got here! Stay a while, your rock farm will be fine in Flare’s hooves for just a little longer.” Whirl protested.

“No sir, I have already let him do too much over time as it is. I need to give him leave for at least a week.”

“You know he is just going to insist on continuing to work right?” Sunny said with a chuckle.

“Of course I do but it is the gesture that counts.” Whim said as he turned his chair around.

“You are still invited to have tea with us when the doctor comes over.” Sunny called out as Whim wheeled out of there quickly.

“Tea with the doctor? You mean Dr. Ray?” Whirl asked excitedly as Derpy trotted up behind him.

“Let’s continue this inside where we can all relax.” Derpy said as she started to push Sunny towards the house.

“Derpy! It is so good to see you again!” Sunny exclaimed happily.

Whirl followed along happily and held the door open for Sunny. “So did you mean Dr. Ray or not?”

“Yeah, Dr. Ray is coming over at the end of the day for tea and to check up on me since they couldn’t get me a room.”

“That’s great, I will get the tea ready to be brewed.” Whirl said as he closed the door behind them. He trotted to the kitchen happily and pulled out a teapot and several teacups. He looked in the cabinet and saw one teacup that didn’t belong and took it out. It was a beautiful crystal teacup with Luna flying through the night’s sky on the side. Inside was a note that read

Dear Whirl Wind,

It has been such a long time since we met, almost a year in fact. I was rummaging through the castle’s wreckage and I stumbled upon this tea cup amidst the ruins and I remembered that Sonic Flare had not received it while he could. Next time you see him, make sure he receives it with my thanks, for encouraging you to assist me on that Nightmare Night that turned out to be one of the best adventures of my life.

Your friend forever,

Princess Luna

P.S. Tell Sunny the diamond is under his pillow.

P.P.S. Don’t ask how I was able to get it there.

P.P.P.S. Don’t ask how I got the teacup in your house either.

Whirl chuckled and walked out into the den with the teacup in his hoof. “Sunny, how did we forget to get Flare another teacup after the last one broke?”

Sunny looked up at Whirl and smiled softly. “The teacup that started it all, where did you get it?”

“It was in our cabinet. Luna asked us not to ask how she got it there.”

“Teacup? I am so confused… what is the teacup for?” Derpy asked in a confused tone.

“Last Nightmare Night Flare broke his wife’s favorite teacup, so he dragged me to Canterlot to buy another one. That is the same week Sombra attacked. It seems like it was so long ago…” Whirl explained.

“We have to make sure he gets this, for all of his help and then some.” Sunny said happily.

There was a lot of strain in the room as Whirl set it down on the table. “It’s like… looking into the very essence that changed out entire lives… it is making my heart ache a bit…”

Sunny nodded in agreement. “I… I’m sorry Whirl…”

“For what Sunny?”

“I… I need a hug…” Sunny replied as tears welled up in his eyes.

Whirl walked over and hugged Sunny lightly. “It’s okay Sunny, what is wrong?”

“I… I just remember… our family… I feel responsible for them…” Sunny said as he returned the hug.

“Oh shush you… we have both already agreed that it was Sombra, not us who did that. Don’t think about it anymore.”

“Alright… alright…” Sunny said with a sniffle. “Sorry about that… you can probably feel it too…”

“I do, but I know it is all okay now. We are home, together. Just sit back and relax now. No need to worry about the past.” Whirl said as he released Sunny with a smile on his face.

“You two… are starting make me cry.” Derpy said suddenly with a sniffle.

“Oh Derpy, honey I’m sorry. We shouldn’t think about the past year like that.” Whirl said apologetically as he hugged Derpy. Derpy suddenly flung her hooves around Whirl and started to sob hysterically. Whirl was taken by surprise and held her tightly while rubbing her back. “Honey what’s wrong?” he asked in a very concerned tone.

“I just love you so much… and we are finally home… and we are getting married… and… and… and… I am just so happy… but I am so afraid… afraid we are going to be apart again…” Derpy sobbed as she held Whirl.

“No… no… never again. We will be together forever, I promise.” Whirl continued to rub her back until she calmed down a bit. “Feeling better?”

“Yes…” Derpy said softly as she held Whirl.

“Okay, why don’t you relax a bit and I will make us all lunch.”

“No… just… stay here a little longer…” Derpy tightened her grip on Whirl and he chuckled a bit.

“You can make lunch with me if you want.”

“Pizza?” Derpy asked him in a childish voice.

“Whatever you want honey.”

“Muffin pizza?” Derpy asked in the same childish voice.

“Muffin pizza?”

“Hey, that was my idea!” Derpy said jokingly.

Whirl and Sunny both laughed simultaneously for the same length of time. “Oh Derpy… you are too cute. I think I might get diabetes from your sweetness. Let’s go to the kitchen and you can show me how to make muffin pizza.”

“Okay, but you have to carry me there.” Derpy threw herself at him and he caught her with ease. “To the kitchen!”

Whirl smiled and gave Derpy a kiss on the cheek before walking to the kitchen. “Okay, what is the first step?”

****

Whim wheeled himself through the gate of his rock farm. He took one hoof off of his wheel chair and set it on the ground. Every rock, every gem and everything else underground was felt through that hoof. “Home sweet home.” he said as he wheeled himself over to Flare’s house. When he got to the door he knocked on it gently.

“Who is iiiiit?” Air’s voice sang from the other side.

“Landlord.” Whim said playfully.

Air swung the door open and smiled. “Whim, you are home! Welcome back, come in! Come in and have some lemonade!”

Whim wheeled himself into the house and into the den where Flare was playing with his two foals. “Flare, how have things been on the farm?” he asked happily.

“Whim, good to see you! Things have been great, the last batch of marble you were growing came in wonderfully and I got it out with little issues.” Flare replied as he scooped up Solar Glider, his little orange filly with an orange and yellow mane and tail, and flew around the room with her while she laughed.

Whim chuckled a bit at Flare as Frost Star, a little purple unicorn with a dark blue mane and tail, simply stared at Whim. “Daddy, is this uncle Whim?” she asked as she continued to stare.

“Uncle Whim huh?” Whim asked with a smile.

“I figured you wouldn’t mind the nickname. I think you deserve it for giving me a job, a house and a future.” Flare said as he landed next to Star. “Yes Star, this is Uncle Whim.”

“He’s cool! He looks like a cheetah!” Solar said happily.

Whim chuckled and lifted Star up to his lap. “Well, you see these spots are actually frostbite. It happens when you stay cold for too long and it actually hurts a bit.”

“I didn’t bite you though…” Frost Star said in a sad tone.

Flare laughed a little bit. “No Star, he meant frostbite as in the actual frost, not you. Just don’t move while up on Uncle Whim’s lap until he feels better.”

“Uncle Whim, did you get to see the crystal princess while you were at the Crystal Empire?” Star asked excitedly.

“Yes I did Star, she is very pretty just like you.”

Solar giggled a little and Star blushed. “I’m not that pretty…” she said innocently.

“I am sure she would agree with me if she saw you. You are both very pretty little fillies.” Whim said with a chuckle.

“Whim is right, you two could be princesses if you wanted to.” Flare said with a smile.

“Really?!” Solar said happily. “Star let’s go be princesses and build a castle in our room!”

“Yeah!” Star said as she jumped down from Whim’s lap and followed Solar up the stairs to their room.

Whim, meanwhile, was holding his lap where Star was sitting. “A little rough on the takeoff…”

“Sorry about that, they have been so hyper all day.” Flare said with a chuckle.

Air came into the room holding a tray with a pitcher of lemonade and three glasses. “Here we are, one glass of lemonade.” she said happily as she set down the tray.

Whim levitated his glass off the tray and over to him. “Thank you Air.”

“Are you here for the rent Whim?” Air asked in a bit of a worried tone.

Whim chuckled. “No, I am not here for the rent. I am actually here to tell you something I have chosen to do with this house.”

“What do you mean?” Flare asked in the same worried tone Air had just a moment ago.

“Now, I don’t want you to upset with the decision I have made and I want us to still be friends afterwards, alright?” Whim said in a serious tone.

Air was almost in tears as she thought of the worst. Flare hugged Air with his wing and nodded. “Of course we will still be your friend Whim. So… what is your decision?”

“I have decided… that I want you two to have it. No more rent, no more paying me more than half your pay.”

The tension in the room instantly released and they both let out a sigh of relief. “You want us… to have the house? But you built it… it’s on your land…” Flare said in a stunned tone.

“Are you saying you don’t want it?” Whim asked jokingly.

Air flung herself and Whim and hugged him tightly causing his eyes to tear up in pain. “Oh Whim! You have no idea what this means to us! Thank you! Thank you!” she said happily as she cried tears of joy.

Flare pulled Air off of Whim. “Air, he has frostbite and you just squeezed half his body.”

“Right, sorry! I just got over excited…” Air squeaked.

“It’s okay… I expected it…” Whim wheezed. “I just didn’t expect it to hurt so much.”

“Really though, this means a lot to us Whim. Thank you.” Flare said as he sat down on the sofa with his wife.

“To celebrate, we should go to Whirl’s house later today and have some tea with him.” Whim suggested as he took a sip of his lemonade.

“That sounds great!” Air said excitedly. “I would bring my teacup but somepony broke it.” She poked Flare’s side a bit roughly.

“Hey, I tried to get you a new one… it just broke too. And I would have tried to get another one but I was kind of leading ponies into battle, you included!” Flare protested playfully as he poked her back.

“Okay, fair enough. Oh, did you tell him you are going to be racing in the running of the leaves race?”

“I think you just did so I don’t have to.” Flare said with a chuckle.

“Good luck with that one. This will be your first time running right?”

“Yup, and I am going to win.”

“Have ever ran a marathon before?”

“Well, no… but how hard can it be to run? I mean, I flew to the Crystal Empire without stopping.”

“Didn’t you crash?”

Air laughed mid sip and spit a little bit of her lemonade out before recomposing herself. “Sorry, but he makes a very funny point.”

“I made it most of the way, almost all the way. Close enough.”

“With that attitude, how can you fail?” Whim said with a chuckle.

“Exactly! See Air, he gets it!”

Air couldn’t help but laugh, this time without spitting lemonade. “He was being sarcastic dummy!”

“I know but you could have just agreed with him…” Flare said sadly.

“Oh don’t be silly, you know we both think you can do it.” Air said as she bopped him on the nose.

“Well, I think he can race. Winning might be a stretch. I hear Rainbow Dash and Applejack are racing again this year and this time they won’t be sabotaging each other. You got your work cut out for you.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence Whim. I just have to train for the next two weeks.”

“But you still have to do your chores.” Air said sternly.

“Yes dear…”

Air squealed excitedly. “We are home owners now!” She jumped up and down excitedly.

Flare laughed and joined her in jumping around the room. “I know, it is so exciting! Now we can pay for the foal’s flight camp and we can put money into their college funds and provide what they need to succeed!”

Whim sipped his lemonade and watched as they bounded around the room, quite gracefully in fact. “Enjoy the house you two. It is the least I can do for all you have done for me.” he thought as he finished his lemonade and slipped out the door without them noticing. He wheeled himself to the middle of his field and placed two of his hooves on the ground to get a feel of what had changed while he was gone. The feeling of his fields made him feel a long missed sense of familiarity. “Oh how I missed you my precious fields. Seems like Flare did a fine job tending to you. Wait… what is that?” Whim felt something large underground that was not there before. He wheeled himself above the object to get a better feel of it. His horn started to glow and he put his hooves on the ground. “What did Flare plant here? I didn’t tell him to… oh sweet Celestia…” Whim turned his wheel chair around and quickly wheeled himself back to Flare’s house and knocked on the door gently.

Flare opened the door with a smile. “There you are Whim, go for a stroll while we were celebrating?”

“Flare, what did you burry in my fields? The truth please.”

Flare stepped outside and closed the door. “Okay, I am going to be completely honest with you. One day while I was tending the fields I saw you planting the marble seeds you had… so I thought I would try planting something for you… it was an emerald that my brother gave me when I was little. I wanted it to be ready before you got back, I was actually going to dig it up today to see how it did… but you got home early and I forgot to do it.”

“Flare, grab your shovel and bring follow me.”

“Air, I’ll be right back!” Flare called out as he grabbed his shovel from the front porch. He followed Whim out to the field and Whim marked a spot with an X.

“Dig up your emerald Flare, if you can.” Whim said coldly as he moved out of the way.

Flare stuck his shovel into the ground and started to dig. Shortly after he felt a large ‘thunk’ and scraped the dirt of the top of the object he had hit. Flare expected to see his emerald, but in its place was a large brown rock. “I… I don’t understand… What happened to it?”

“It decayed! You can’t just arbitrarily plant minerals into the dirt! It takes hours of meticulous planning and care! Do you know how big this rock is?!” Whim shouted angrily.

“N-no…”

“It has rooted through half of my field! I won’t be able to grow here for months Flare!” Whim turned to look at Flare. Flare was just sitting there holding dirt in his hooves looking absolutely guilty. Whim sighed and helped Flare to his hooves with his magic. “Listen… Flare… I know your intentions were good in nature, but these aren’t your fields and you don’t have the necessary experience to plant minerals. Since you are my friend and I know for a fact you didn’t mean to do this… I will let it slide with no consequences.”

Flare looked up to Whim with a frown. “I am so sorry Whim… is there anything I can do to fix this?”

“No, I am going to have to magically dissolve the rock and then start to enchant the soil all over again.”

“How much is this going to set you back? I can work for only quarter pay until you make it up…”

“I said no consequences. Flare, I don’t do this for the bits it brings in, I do it for the joy of rock farming. Besides, I don’t need the money anyway.”

“I’ll still work twice as hard to make it up to you. I won’t just leave you hanging.”

Whim smiled and nodded. “Alright, thank you Flare.” he said as his horn started to glow. The ground shook a little and an emerald broke out of the rock and floated into the air. “I believe this is yours.”

Flare blushed and took the emerald in his mouth. “Yeah… shorry aout hat…”

“It’s okay. Go continue your celebration with your family and be ready to go when I tell you we are going to Whirl’s house for tea.”

“Whell oo.” Flare said as he took his shovel and started to walk home.

Whim started to dissolve the rock that was contaminating his field and sighed. “At least it gives me something to do.”

A few minutes later he felt the trotting of hooves approaching. “Howdy there, I heard yall are farmin folk around here and I wanted to extend a neighborly hoof of friendship.” a voice said kindly from behind Whim.

Whim wheeled his chair around and looked at the sight of Applejack. “You are one of Whirl’s friends right?”

“Right you are, mah name is Applejack. Ah’m from Sweet Apple Acres just from the other side of town.”

“Yup, I have heard of you, Element of Honesty and all. How can I help you today?”

“Ah just came down here to meet yall. Ah can’t believe that ah didn’t notice your farm sooner, which was mighty unneighborly of me.”

“No worries, I wasn’t looking to be noticed by anypony else besides my regulars.”

“Well, yall have been noticed by me and mah family. You are a rock farmer right?”

“Yes I am, does your family need rocks or minerals for some reason?”

“Rumor is, is that you can make ultra-fertile soil. Is that true?”

“Well, yes I suppose I can. I am guessing that you need soil for apple trees, right?”

“Yup, and some of the other farmers round here might be stoppin by later to place their own orders.”

“Well, I am not sure how much I can make right now. There was a little fiasco with part of my fields so I will only be able to fill one large order or two small orders at a time.”

“How large an order are we talkin?”

“Two tons for a large order and one ton for a small order.”

“Woowee, that is a lot of soil. Ah’ll take a large order, how long will that take?”

“Well, I can work through the rest of the day and part of the night and have it to you tomorrow.”

“No need to get it done that soon mister… well shucks, I forgot to ask you for your name.”

“Just call me Whim, and I insist on getting it to you as quickly as possible. I do have standards.”

“Well alright, just don’t let it get in the way of any plans you may have had. Also, don’t over work yourself, yall look like you were on the flank end of a flank kickin.”

Whim chuckled a bit. “Just a bit of frostbite.”

“Wait, now I remember yall! You’re the pony that was at Whirl’s trial! Are yall goin ta his house later for tea like the rest of us?”

“Is Whirl inviting everypony over for that?”

“He said it was goin ta be a returning home party. Pinkie Pie has already started to decorate and everythin.”

“Well, I regret to tell you that I will be busy filling your order. Tell Whirl that I will try to catch his next party.”

“Oh come on now, don’t you worry about my order today. It can wait.”

“Applejack, I have a…”

“Whirl can only come home once and he would want all of his friends to be there. Now ah insist that you put off the order until tomorrow.”

“Well… the customer is always right. I will get it started though.”

“Fair enough. See you at Whirl’s party.” Applejack said happily as she trotted away.

“She sure does have a way with words…” Whim said to himself as he continued to dissolve the rock.

****

“Pinkie Pie, enough! This is not that kind of party! It is just a… a… oh gosh…” Sunny said as he gripped his chest.

“Oh Sunny are you okay?” Pinkie Pie asked in a concerned tone.

Sunny exhaled slowly. “I’ll be fine, but you need to calm down for a second and listen… This party can’t be too excitable, that means no party poppers, no balloons, and only a little bit of sugary treats. It is a calm tea party.” he said calmly.

“Awww, so no fun? That doesn’t sound like much of a party.”

“There can be fun, just not too much. Maybe a nice game of chess here or there, a nice calm game of charades, or maybe even pin the tail on the pony. But no wild dancing.”

“Okay, I can get all that stuff too! Fun times for all!”

“Calmly gather the party supplies… I feel like my heart is going to explode if I don’t calm down…” Sunny said as he slowly wheeled himself to the sofa and laid down on it on his back.

Pinkie Pie rushed out of the house and Whirl walked over to Sunny. “Hey, you doing alright? You look a bit worn out buddy. I can call off this party if it is going to stress you out like this.”

“No, no. I will be fine. I kind of need this party too. I want to be able to play chess against Whim and see if I can beat him.”

“Ohh, let me know how that goes and I will play the winner.”

“Can you get me some water Whirl? I just don’t have it in me to make it to the kitchen.”

“Sure thing, just hold tight for just a second.” Whirl said as he left the room.

“You aren’t going to make Whirl slave for you while you are like this, are you?” Derpy asked as she entered the room.

“No, I only asked him for a glass of water… Did I seem like I was trying to enslave him or something?”

“No, I am just making sure you don’t take advantage of him while you are hurt.”

“Fair enough. I promise I won’t ask anything outrageous. Be warned though, he may come to me and ask me if I need anything then list off all of the things I could potentially need.”

“How would you know that?” Derpy asked with a giggle. Sunny simply smirked at her and let her figure it out. “Right, you are the same pony. I keep forgetting.”

“That is actually a good thing. I am glad that I am able to be my own pony and others will see me as such, even you.” Sunny said happily.

“Here you go Sunny, one glass of ice cold water.” Whirl said as he set a glass on the table.

“Thanks Whirl, I owe you one.” Sunny said as he picked up the glass and took a drink.

“It’s no big…” BANG! Pinkie Pie suddenly slammed the door open causing Sunny to spill his water all over himself.

“HEY! I got the chess board, the pin the tail on the pony and PARTY POPPERS!” Pinkie Pie said as she pulled the string on several party poppers.

Sunny jumped in fright at the sudden loud noise, as did everypony else. Sunny clenched his chest again and sighed. “I think I will be in my room…. until things calm down…” he said as he got into his wheel chair and slowly wheeled himself to his room.

“Pinkie Pie… didn’t Sunny tell you to lower the excitement down a bit?” Whirl asked in a concerned tone.

“Well… yes. But I am so super excited that you are home and this should be the best party ever and everypony should be able to enjoy it and…”

“Right, everypony should be able to enjoy it, even Sunny. This party is for him too you know?”

“Oh alright… no party poppers…”

“And no being too hyper.”

“Okay! I also brought cupcakes from the Cakes and apples from the Apples and everypony’s favorite, carrots! From the Carrots!”

“That is great Pinkie, just tone it down a bit okay? We really need to keep Sunny calm. If we don’t, his lung could collapse during the party and we would have to cancel it to get him to the hospital, which is full so they probably won’t admit him so he would die. Do you want that?”

“No…”

“Okay, then why don’t you help me get rid of these balloons.”

“Okay…”

“That was a little bit extreme, don’t you think?” Derpy whispered in Whirl’s ear.

“Nope, I think it was just the right touch. Now she can help me prepare a nice relaxing party instead of a wild one.” Whirl whispered back.

“Alright then, I will go get the party cups and stuff then.”

“Sounds like a good idea.” Whirl said as he grabbed a balloon and started to deflate it.

“Hey Whirl! Does breathing helium and talking really fast count as being hyper?” Pinkie asked in an extremely high pitched voice.

“A little bit, but that is not too much. We just need to keep Sunny calm, understand?”

“Yes sir!” Pinkie replied happily in her high pitched voice.

There was a knock on the door and Whirl answered it with a smile. “Hello? Oh my, Princess Twilight.” he said as he bowed.

Twilight giggled a bit. “You can stand up now. I guess I am going to have to get used to that.”

Whirl stood back up and smiled. “Come on inside, Pinkie Pie was just helping me take down the balloons.”

“Oh, is the party canceled?” Twilight asked curiously as she walked inside.

“Not by any means, we just can’t have one of these popping and causing a scare. Sunny’s wound is very sensitive right now and we have to keep everything pretty calm.” Whirl explained as he deflated another balloon.

“Oh, okay. What are we going to be doing for party games then?”

“Chess, pin the tail on the pony, stuff like that.”

“Ohhh chess, I would love to beat a couple of ponies at chess.”

“You might have your work cut out for you when it comes to me and Sunny. We used to play against our older brother, and he was really good at chess.”

“Sounds like a challenge to me.”

“It was a challenge.”

“Oh it is so on.”

“Whirl, where do you want the party cups?” Derpy asked as she carried in a large box.

Whirl set down the balloon he was deflating causing it to fly around the room. He took a lamp and some pictures off of a side table and put them away. “Set them in a circle on that table and I will get the punch bowl for those who want punch instead of tea.”

“What flavor punch do you have?”

“I tried a new mixture that everypony is sure to love. But I will not reveal its contents.”

“That worries me a little bit, but okay.”

“No need to worry, you will love it.”

“What is in it?”

“Just some a… wait a second, you aren’t going to get me that easily.” Whirl said as he poked Derpy in the side.

Derpy giggled a bit. “Were you going to say apples?”

“I am not saying.”

“Was it anchovies?!” Pinkie asked excitedly.

Both Whirl and Derpy looked at Pinkie with raised eyebrows. “No, no I was not.”

“Awww shoot, I thought I had you on that one.”

“Right, well I am going to go check on Sunny.” Twilight said as she politely exited the room. She knocked on Sunny’s door gently with a smile.

“Come on in.” Sunny’s voice said from the other side.

Twilight opened the door and walked in closing the door behind her. Sunny was sitting at a desk whittling away at a piece of wood. “How are you feeling Sunny? Are you experiencing any headaches lately?”

“Just a few mild ones, but I figure that is just because my mind was violated by Bloody Marey.”

“It is, she just told us that it would have some adverse effects on you, namely headaches. She said it would go away in a few months but you shouldn’t do any heavy lifting.”

“She just told you that, without any hassle?”

“Well, she didn’t tell us willingly… but she did tell us. She doesn’t have any power anymore so she can’t fight us.”

“Sounds pretty bad, you aren’t hurting her are you?”

“Of course not, we are just accessing her memories and her thoughts as we ask her questions. It is completely painless.”

“Is that what you are doing to me right now?” Sunny said as he set down his whittling tools.

Twilight recoiled in surprise and her horn stopped glowing. “How did you know?”

Sunny sighed and pushed away from the desk. “I spent the last year being controlled and freed by ponies trying to control my mind; I know what it feels like to have somepony else in my mind. I don’t care if you did it because you must have had good intentions, right?”

“Yes I did. I was making sure that no part of Bloody Marey was left inside of you.”

Sunny turned around and smiled at Twilight. “Okay, you may continue.”

“You are going to let me continue even though I did it without permission the first time?”

Sunny chuckled. “Twilight, you are the one pony I trust in my mind. Also, this will teach you to ask permission first when you probe your friends minds.”

Twilight chuckled nervously. “Right… Okay, what is the last thing you remember doing for Bloody Marey?” she asked as her horn started to glow.

“The last thing I did was argue with her about troop movements before I was able to regain enough control to spring Whirl out of her dungeons.”

“Wow, she can get quite angry. How did you manage to deal with her?”

“From what I can remember, I just toned her out.”

“That would make sense, most of the memories you have of her are all garbled. It is strange though, I can hear your voice calling out. Was that you trying to regain control?”

“Yup, I was fighting as hard as I could and it paid off.”

“Well, from what I can see you were able to distance yourself far enough away from her magic to keep it off of you. Sorry for not asking permission before accessing your memories…”

“It’s okay Twilight; friends forgive each other for their mistakes. Besides, no one seems to want to talk about it with me. I think that would be helpful for me to work past it.”

“What do you mean?”

Sunny sighed and wheeled himself closer to Twilight. “I am tired of holding in all this stress. Everything that has happened to me has been tiring and stressful. Every little noise is making me jump and panic and I am sure Whirl is experiencing the same thing but I am also sure he has talked to Derpy about it. Who do I talk to? Where do I turn?”

“Why not Princess Luna? She told me she snuck your half of the diamond under your pillow.”

“What?” Sunny said as he wheeled himself over to his bed. He pulled the diamond from under his pillow and hugged it tightly. “How… when… thank you for telling me Twilight…”

“You’re welcome. I will just let you be alone for a little while.” Twilight said as she left the room and closed the door.

Sunny wheeled himself over to the desk and set the diamond down. “Luna… Luna are you there?” Sunny sat there for a moment and didn’t hear anything. “Luna… please answer…”

A tired moan sounded from the diamond. “Who is in my room…?” Luna’s voice sounded tiredly.

“Oh Luna, did I wake you?” Sunny asked guiltily.

Luna’s image appeared in the diamond and she looked really tired. She yawned loudly and giggled. “Yes… you did. But it’s okay, I was going to awake in a little while anyway. That and I would rather be awoken by you rather than my guards. How are you doing?”

Sunny smiled and set his head down in front of the diamond and sighed. “Do you regret meeting me?”

“I do not. Why do you ask? Did I do something wrong?” Luna asked worriedly.

“No… no you didn’t… I was just wondering if I did anything wrong. I mean… I know I did things wrong but not because I wanted to but… did I do anything wrong with you?”

“Well, you are really ugly. I was meaning to tell you but I just couldn’t work up the courage. Good thing I like the ugly ones.” Luna said jokingly with a wink.

“Oh ha ha… I bet my new scar will make me even uglier.”

“Hmmm… poor Sunny. I wish that your wound was already a scar. Then maybe you wouldn’t be so down.”

“It’s not the wound that is getting me down… it’s just everything that has happened… and I want to just forget all the bad parts… I really don’t want to have this party but everypony is coming and they could all use a distraction… I just don’t want to party right now.”

“Then stay in your room and we can talk. I am sure everypony would understand if you wanted to rest.”

“You think so?”

“I do. Especially if you just let Whirl know and he can tell the others.”

“Good idea. Hey Whirl, come in here for a second!” Sunny called out. He gripped his chest and moaned a bit in pain.

A moment later the door opened and Whirl walked in. “Are you okay Sunny?”

Sunny lifted his head off of the table. “Listen, I don’t want you to cancel the party or anything but… I don’t think I can handle it right now. I am going to stay in here and talk to Princess Luna tonight okay?”

Whirl smiled and nodded. “Sure thing Sunny, just let me know if you need anything else.”

Before Whirl closed the door Sunny spoke up again. “Hey, just tell the others that I am going to be resting for the rest of the night and give me a warning before Dr. Ray stops by to check up on me.”

“No problem. Anything else?”

“No, thank you for being alright with this.”

“You’re welcome, have a good night buddy.”

When the door closed again Sunny turned back to the diamond and set his head down again. “So I have been meaning to ask you, should I dye my coat and mane again?”

“Maybe a dark blue?”

“Ohh like my lovely lady huh?”

Luna giggled a little bit. “It’s just a thought.”

Sunny shook his head. “No, dark blue would remind me too much of my little brother. I would never be able to look myself in the mirror.”

“Oh alright, sexy yellow it is then.” Luna said in a fake tone of defeat.

Sunny chuckled and tilted his head a bit. His eyes closed and he let out a sigh. “I feel… so bad right now…”

“Emotional bad or physical bad?”

“A little bit of both. Well, I feel pretty bad emotionally actually but talking to you is helping so much. I might move this conversation to the bed though if I can’t get my breathing under control.”

“Just go lie down on your bed, no need to wait.”

Sunny chuckled and opened his eyes. “But it would be harder for me to see your beauty.”

“Just look outside, I will be raising the moon in a few minutes.”

“I wish I could be there to see it.”

“Hold the diamond up to the east; you will see me and the moon.”

Sunny thought about it for a second. “It’s okay, I can’t go out there… the party is going to be starting any second and almost everypony is here.”

“Very well, keep an eye out the window then. I must do my royal duty.”

Sunny wheeled himself over to the window and stared out at the violet-orange sky. The sun fell behind the horizon and the sky turned dark blue with a silver hue from the moonlight. “Just beautiful…” he said as the stars started to appear in the sky.

“How does tonight look to you? I feel as though it is missing something…” Luna asked as she sat back down on her bed.

“As beautiful as my lovely love Luna and the only thing she is missing is my loving embrace.”

“Ohhh, smooth. Somepony has been practicing in their mirror.”

“I don’t need practice to tell the truth.” Sunny wiggled his eyebrows and smiled.

Luna laughed so loudly it shook the diamond on his table. “Don’t do that with your eyebrows! It makes you look silly!”

Sunny kept wiggling his eyebrows. “Whatever do you mean? I think this makes me look super sexy.”

There was a thump on the other end of the diamond and Luna was rolling on the floor laughing. Sunny joined in on the laughter and held his wound when it started to hurt. Luna leaned back up and saw him bleeding. “Oh my, Sunny are you okay?”

Sunny chuckled a bit more and moved his hoof away from his chest. Some blood was leaking out of his wound in between his stitches. “My lung is okay, but I think I may have pulled my wound a little bit too hard while I was laughing.”

“We should be a little more careful with our enjoyment.”

Sunny tried to wipe the blood from his coat but he just ended up making it worse when he tore a stich. “AH! Damn… I mean dang. Sorry Luna, I shouldn’t swear in front of a lady like that.” Sunny said as he grabbed a cloth from his desk.

“Apology accepted, now go tell Whirl that you tore a stitch before it gets worse. Don’t make me order you to.” Luna said sternly.

“Alright, alright. I will be right back.” Sunny said as he wheeled himself out of the room. When he got to the den he saw that the six had arrived. Fluttershy was the first to notice Sunny’s predicament.

“Oh my! Sunny are you okay?” Fluttershy said as she leaped from the couch and gently flew over to Sunny. “Somepony get me a warm wet cloth please.”

Whirl quickly trotted to the kitchen and wet a cloth with warm water and wringed it out before walking back into the room. Fluttershy quickly took the cloth from Whirl’s mouth and started to dab it on Sunny’s wound. “What happened Sunny?”

“Oh I laughed too hard and it started to bleed. I thought I could wipe it off but I ended up tearing a stitch. Sorry for ruining your conversation.”

“Oh don’t you worry about that, let’s worry about getting this stitched up again. Whirl, do you have any stitches?” Fluttershy asked nicely.

“I don’t… My medical kit only has bandages and disinfectant.” Whirl said as he walked to the closet and pulled out the medical kit.

“Well, you said a doctor should be over soon so we don’t need to worry too much about the stitch, but we need to disinfect the wound and try to keep it from bleeding too much.”

“Here you go, one bottle of disinfectant.” Whirl said as he pulled out the bottle with his hoof and hoofed it to Fluttershy.

Fluttershy uncapped the bottle and took some cotton swabs from the medical kit and soaked them with the disinfectant before dabbing it on Sunny’s wound. Sunny hissed in pain and let out a small grunt. “Ouch… that stings…”

“Oh my, I’m sorry I didn’t warn you more before I did that…”

“It’s okay, sorry I tore the stitch in the first plAAAYYYCE!” Sunny yelped as she dabbed the wound again.

Whirl couldn’t help but laugh a little. “You took a spear to the chest but you can’t handle a little disinfectant? That is priceless.”

“Hey, this stuff stings!”

“Of course it does, nopony here thinks any less of you. Right Whirl?” Fluttershy shot him the first stern stare he had ever seen from Fluttershy.

“How could I think less of myself? I am awesome.”

“You’re darn right I aaaaaAAAAMMMM.” Sunny said happily as Fluttershy dabbed his chest one more time. A knock from the door startled Fluttershy and she jerked her hoof across Sunny’s wound tearing away two more stitches.

Fluttershy yelped and started to cry. “I am so sorry Sunny! I was startled!”

Sunny doubled over in pain and nearly fell out of his chair. “Oh sweet Celestia that hurts… Somepony get the door…”

Whirl walked over to the door and opened it up. “Dr. Ray, just in time. Sunny tore three stitches.”

Dr. Ray sighed and walked through the door with a medical bag following him in a magical aura. He set the bag down next to Sunny and pushed him back in his seat gently so he could see what was wrong. “Okay, so you tore thiiiis one on your own.” he said as he cut the hanging stitch out causing Sunny to wince in pain. “Then somepony else tore theeese two.” Dr.Ray pulled out the remnants of the last two stitches and started to stitch up the wound again. “And there we go. Try not to tear these ones.”

“Dang doc, did you have to be so cruel?” Sunny asked with a chuckle.

Dr. Ray chuckled a little bit. “Well, I just don’t have very many portable stitches and I thought it would be prudent to make my point.”

“Fair enough. I am going to go lay down now.” Sunny said as he wheeled himself back into his room slowly.

Dr. Ray turned to Whirl and smiled. “Welcome home Whirl. It is good to have you back.”

Whirl was chuckling a bit after what Dr. Ray had just done to Sunny. “Thanks Ray, it’s good to be back. Thanks for patching up Sunny.”

“I really didn’t expect to have to do that really, but it’s okay. I wasn’t expecting so many ponies to be here. Does this mean we aren’t having tea?”

“Of course we are having tea; I just wanted as many friends to be here as possible. I haven’t seen you all in so long. Come sit down and I will get you a cup.”

After Dr. Ray sat down Whirl hoofed him a cup of tea and another knock came from the door. Whirl trotted over and opened it up to see Flare’s family and Whim. “Hey buddy! Welcome home!” Flare said as they walked inside.

Whirl helped Whim wheel over the door frame. “Thanks Flare, I’m glad you could make it. Awww, they have gotten so big. Hey Star, hey Solar, how are you two tonight?” Whirl said as he kneeled down to their eye level.

Star and Solar hid behind Flare and Whirl let out a chuckle. “Aren’t you two going to tell Uncle Whirl how you feel?”

Solar popped her head out and walked over to Whirl with her head down. “You are really big…”

Everypony laughed and Whirl blushed. “Well, I am part earth pony. Earth pony stallions grow up to be really big, right Applejack?”

“Darn tootin’. Big Macintosh is even bigger than Whirl here.” Applejack said happily.

Solar smiled and looked up at Whirl. “Does it stop you from flying because you are so big?”

“Nope, not at all. I actually get a little more speed when I dive straight down.”

The little purple unicorn popped her head out from behind Flare and looked at Whirl. “Solar, is he safe?”

“Yeah Star, he’s actually pretty cool. He has a blue comet instead of orange like daddies.”

Star darted out from behind Flare and looked at Whirl’s cutie mark. “Whoa, that is cool! Daddy, daddy look he has your cutie mark but it is blue!”

Flare chuckled and picked up his daughters. “Yes he does, because he was inspired by your daddy to give skydiving a try.” he said as he flew over to the rug on the floor and sat down.

Whirl stood back up and walked over to his favorite chair and sat down. “That’s right, your dad and I have been friends since we were very young. I tried skydiving after he crashed into a tree and I loved it.”

“You loved it when daddy crashed into a tree?” Frost asked with a frown.

Whirl laughed a little bit. “No, that was a bad thing. I loved skydiving and I still love skydiving. I love it almost as much as I love Derpy.”

Derpy had just come out of the kitchen holding a tray of muffins. “Oh Whirl, you always know just when to say the right thing. Who wants muffins?!” she called out happily as she set the tray down on the snack table.

The two fillies leaped out of Flare’s grip and dive bombed the muffin tray. “They really love muffins Derpy.” Flare said with a nervous chuckle.

“Solar, Star, leave some muffins for the other ponies.” Air said sternly.

Solar turned around with a muffin in her mouth and frowned. Star swallowed what she was chewing on and said, “But mommy, they are so good! I love these more than any other muffin I ever had!”

Derpy giggled a bit. “Well thank you, I made them myself. I also made muffin pizza.”

“Muffin pizza?” pretty much everypony in the room asked at the same time.

Derpy smiled and walked back into the kitchen. “You are all going to stare in awe at this masterpiece of cooking. It is really something.” Whirl said with a chuckle as he took a sip of tea.

Derpy came back out with a huge tray on her back. On the tray had to be the most amazing muffin in the world. It was the size of a large bucket and had cheese and veggies on the top. “Muffin pizza.” she said as she set it down. Everypony did indeed stare in awe as she cut the first piece out of the muffin. Inside the muffin was more cheese and veggies that were hanging between strands of melted cheese. “Who wants the first piece?”

Solar leaped in front of Derpy with a smile. “I do!”

“Ah, ah, ah! You and Star can share a piece that big.” Air said sternly.

“Okay… Star come here and try this with me.”

Star put down the muffin she was about to chow down on and took a piece of the muffin pizza and tapped it against Solar’s piece like they were toasting and took a bite. Their eyes went wide and they just looked at each other for a moment. “This… is the best thing… in the world…” they said in unison.

Everypony in the room laughed a little bit and Derpy served up the rest of the muffin pizza to everypony in the room. When everypony had a piece she took one to Sunny in his room. “Sunny, pizza delivery.” she said as she knocked on the door.

“Come on in.” Sunny said happily.

Derpy opened the door and carried the plate the Sunny in bed. “Here you go, it’s muffin pizza.”

“Muffin pizza? Sounds delicious.” Sunny said as he took a bite. “Wow… this is amazing!”

“Thank you Sunny, have a good night.” Derpy said as she walked back out to the den.

Everypony was eating and talking to one another when she got back into the room and the last of the muffin pizza was gone. Derpy folded her ears back and sighed as she looked at the empty tray. “Derpy, I saved you a piece.” Whirl said as she saw her expression.

Derpy looked up at Whirl who was holding up a plate with a large piece of muffin pizza on it. She walked over to him and sat on his lap. “Now I know why I love you so much.” she said as she took a bite.

Whirl nuzzled her neck and smiled. “I thought you loved me for my looks.”

Derpy scoffed playfully and everypony laughed. SMASH! Something in Sunny’s room made a loud smash and Whirl went to go see what it was. “You okay Sunny?” he asked as he opened the door.

Sunny was slumped on his chair and his plate was shattered on the floor. “Sorry Whirl… I was trying to clean my plate but I felt weak and fell over…”

“It’s okay buddy, let me help you out there.” Whirl said as he helped Sunny into his wheel chair.

“I should be able to do it on my own… I promised Derpy I wouldn’t ask for too much help and I don’t want too much help but…” Sunny said guiltily.

“Don’t be silly. If you need help, ask.” Whirl said as he started to pick up the large pieces of glass.

“Augh, this is so frustrating. Give me the broom, I will sweep this up.”

“No, just stay there and I will get it done. I’ll be right back with the broom.” Whirl said as he carried the glass out of the room. He tossed it in a trash bin and grabbed the broom before walking back to the room. The others were continuing to talk and reminisce. Whirl walking into the room to see Sunny trying to use a pillow as a broom. “Sunny… please just let me do this. I got the broom.”

“I got it already, see?” Sunny said as he held up the glass riddled pillow.

“The glass is sticking to the pillow Sunny. Just put it down and go lay down in bed.” Whirl said as he started to sweep up the rest of the glass.

Sunny dropped the pillow with a sigh and wheeled himself back to his bed. Whirl heard Luna’s voice and he smiled. “Sunny, you really should just rest until you are better. You are pushing yourself too hard.” she said in a worried tone.

“I’ll just push past it like I used to.” Sunny said defiantly.

“Sunny, pushing yourself now will cause you more harm than good. What if you would have collapsed a lung today? Do you really think that Dr. Ray could have stitched that up so easily? You need to rest until you heal otherwise you will die. I can’t lose anypony else Sunny…” Whirl said sadly.

Sunny was going to say something but he saw the look in Whirl’s eyes. “Okay… I’ll rest…” he said with a sigh.

Whirl picked up the dustpan with his mouth and smiled. “Fanks.” he said happily before leaving the room. When he was done dumping the dustpan he walked back into the den and it appeared that Flare’s family was leaving. “Awww, Flare are you leaving?”

“Yeah, we have to get the little ones home. You are so sweepy huh Star?” Flare asked in a childish voice.

Star nodded and yawned. “Mmmhmmm…” she said before she was picked up by Flare. She cuddled up against his chest and closed her eyes.

“I’ll be back tomorrow to hang out with you Whirl, wouldn’t want you to get cabin fever or anything.” Flare said with a chuckle.

“Thanks bud, sorry I won’t be able to visit you for a while.”

“It’s okay, just rest up that wing so that you can race me next year.”

“OH! One more thing!” Whirl yelled happily as he bounded to the kitchen. He came back with the Luna teacup and gave it to Flare. “Here you go; Luna wanted me to get this to you.”

Flare laughed loudly. “No way! She actually got one! Air, look, it’s the teacup I went to Canterlot for.”

Air’s eye widened as she took the cup in her hooves. “It’s beautiful, oh Flare…” She suddenly kissed Flare but the suddenness of the kiss caused her to drop the teacup. It seemed to fall in slow motion and everypony gasped, but just before it hit the ground a purple aura surrounded the cup and it stopped midair.

“I think that you should put this somewhere safe.” Twilight said with a giggle as she levitated it in front of Air.

Air blushed and took the cup and put it in her saddle bag. “Thank you, your highness.” she said with a slight bow.

“You’re welcome. I think it about time we all go home to get some sleep.” Twilight said with a smile.

Flare smiled and left with his family and soon the others left as well. Whirl sighed and slumped down into his chair with his hooves over his eyes. “What’s wrong Whirl? The party went great.” Derpy said in a consoling voice.

“I am just worried about Sunny… He is here, with a lung that is about to collapse, hundreds of stiches, sleeping alone… what if something happens to him at night? What if he has a nightmare and he tears more stitches? What if I lose him because I wasn’t there for him?”

“If you want, you can sleep in the same room as him. That way you can be there if anything goes wrong.” Derpy said with a smile.

“I don’t even think he wants my help… I want to do everything for him if he wants me to but he said he promised you and he would never break a promise because I wouldn’t if I had made a promise and…”

“Whoa wait, he took that seriously? Oh Sunny… I’ll be right back.” Derpy walked out of the room and knocked on Sunny’s door. “Sunny? Can I come in?”

“Sure.” Sunny’s voice sounded from the other side.

Derpy opened the door and walked in. “Sunny, I just wanted to let you know I was only kidding when I said ‘don’t enslave Whirl’. If I were in your situation I know I would ask him to lick my hooves cleaned if I were so inclined. If you need something just ask and we will get it for you, no matter what okay?”

“HA! See I told you she was only joking!” Luna said with a smirk.

Sunny sighed and shook his head. “Thanks Derpy, now my life belongs to Luna.” He said with a chuckle.

Derpy giggled a bit. “Is that really a bad thing?” she asked as she closed the door.

“Well?” Luna asked impatiently.

“Well what?”

“Is it really a bad thing that your life belongs to me now?”

“Of course not, it was yours before we even made the bet.” Sunny said with a laugh.

Luna giggled a bit and smiled softly. “Good, because the first thing that I am going to do with your life is make you stay in bed and relax until you are healed.”

Sunny’s jaw dropped and Luna laughed hysterically. “So not fair…”

“Fair or not, you owe me this!” Luna said as she continued to laugh.

Sunny laughed a bit too and shook his head. “Fine, you win. I will stay in bed until I am healed… or until I have to use the bathroom.”

Luna stopped laughing and looked into the diamond again. “You know, I can come visit you tomorrow night if you would like.”

“Yes!” Sunny said happily.

“Then I shall. You should get some rest; I can see how tired you are.” Luna said as her horn started to glow.”

“I’m not ti…” Sunny said as his head fell back. He fell asleep the moment he hit the pillow.

“Goodnight sweetie.” Luna kissed the diamond and placed it on her head behind her crown.

Derpy and Whirl had just finished cleaning the last dish from the party and both of them laid down on the sofa. “Tonight was great Whirl, everypony seemed like they were having a good time.”

“Yeah, it was pretty awesome to…” Whirl started before a clatter caught his attention. “Did you hear that?”

“Yeah, I think somepony is in the bathroom…” Derpy said nervously.

Whirl walked over to the bathroom door and knocked. “Hello, is somepony in there?” he asked politely.

“Whirl… thanks Celestia…” Whim’s voice said weakly from the other side of the door. “This is really embarrassing but… I can’t get up… can you help me?”

Whirl opened the door and saw Whim on his side in front of the sink. “What happened?”

“Well, I had gotten done with my… business… when I tried to get back into my wheelchair I slipped and fell on the floor. I didn’t want everypony to see me on the floor so I waited until the party was over before trying to get anypony’s attention… I’m sorry…” Whim explained with a guilty tone.

Whirl helped Whim up into his chair. “Hey, don’t worry bud. But this does worry me a bit. What if you would have been at home? You wouldn’t have been able to get anypony’s attention then.”

Whim thought about the prospect of falling down in his house and nopony hearing him call out for help, it made him shudder. “You’re right… what am I going to do…?”

“You can stay here if you don’t mind the sofa. I couldn’t let you go home knowing that you could potentially get stuck in your own house.” Whirl offered with a smile.

“Whirl, what’s going on?” Derpy asked as she walked into the bathroom. “Oh, Whim, what are you still doing here? The party ended an hour ago.”

Whim looked to Whirl as if he was unsure what to say. “Honey, Whim is going to be stay here for a few days until he can walk again. He is have a bit of trouble maneuvering in and out of his chair and he wanted to ask for some help.”

“Oh okay, but why did he stay in the bathroom?”

“Hey, when you gotta go, you gotta go.” Whirl said simply.

“Alright, well I will get the extra blankets and pillows for Whim.” Derpy said as she left the bathroom.

Whim sighed in relief and looked at Whirl. “Thanks for not telling her I fell.”

“No problem.” Whirl said as he wheeled Whim out to the sofa. Whirl helped Whim out of his chair and helped him lay down on the sofa before covering him with the warm blanket Derpy had brought out. Derpy placed the pillow under Whim’s head and back hooves with a smile. “Let us know if you need anything Whim.”

“I think I will be fine… thanks again for letting me stay.”

“Anything for a friend.” Whirl said as he and Derpy walked to their room. They both hopped up into bed and cuddled next to each other. Whirl sighed contently and nuzzled the back of Derpy’s neck. “In bed at last…” he said with a smile.

Derpy wiggled around to get closer to Whirl. “Did you like my pizza muffin?”

“I loved it.”

“I knew you would…” Derpy said sleepily. Whirl started to hum a song gently. “What song is that?”

“Just something my mother used to sing to me when I was a foal…”

“Could you sing it for me?”

“My singing voice is terrible…”

“That’s okay... I am just curious…”

“Okay… here it goes… Floating on, the clouds up high, that drift slowly, across the sky. Drifting ooon a breeze, so gently it feeeeels, so niiiice. Go to sleep, my little foooal, one day you’ll awake, to meet your goal. You’ll walk into the light, building new hoope, for tomorroooow. Beating of your wiiings up high, above the clouds, above the sky, go on, don’t hesitate, don’t be afraid to shooow the woooorld now. Doooon’t fear, yoooou’ll be safe from now on, Cel-est-tia’s sun watching oveeer the woooorld. Deep inside so fervently your heart does beat, deeeep inside of you, memories of the past guide you to find your waaaaay, eeeeendlesslyyyyy. Keep ahold of your heart, Cel-est-tia’s sun’s watching over, the wooooorld. Floa-ting ov-er end-less moun-tains, oh so high, walk into the light, your heart will see the sun and you will find your way, just wait and seeeee. Fly-ing ov-er end-less skyyy, oh so high, tooooniiiiight, your heart will find the way and you will float awaaaay, toooo endless sleeeeeep.” Whirl sang gently. Derpy let out a soft snore and Whirl kissed the back of her neck. “Goodnight, Derpy…” he said before falling asleep.

Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine: Home Sweet Home

Derpy’s eyes fluttered open and she felt around for Whirl. When she didn’t find him she panicked and looked around the room. She found him half way out the door lying in a puddle of blood. Her scream could have been heard in Canterlot from here.

“Derpy! Derpy!” Whirl called out as he shook Derpy.

Derpy’s eyes shot open and she hugged Whirl. “Oh Whirl… I had the worst dream…”

“It’s okay, it’s okay… it is all going to be okay.” Whirl said as he rubbed her back.

Whim had managed to wheel himself to their room and open the door. “Is everything okay? I heard Derpy screaming.”

Derpy blushed and closed her teary eyes. “She just had a nightmare. She’s okay.” Whirl explained.

Whim nodded slowly. “I had a pretty restless night too Derpy, don’t worry.”

Derpy nodded her head quickly as she held Whirl. “Don’t let go Whirl… I just need to be sure this is real…”

Whirl chuckled a bit and held her tighter. “It’s real, I’m here. You know, they say if you talk about it, it will go away faster.”

“I… I woke up… and you weren’t there… you were in the door way… covered in blood! I thought you were dead! I thought you died!” Derpy cried.

“Awww, Derpy… I am not going to go anywhere for a year. I am on lockdown. You can be sure that I will be here every time you come home from work, every time you wake up and every time you go to sleep. And even if I wasn’t on lockdown I wouldn’t even risk myseEEELF! WING! BROKEN! AHH!” Whirl shouted in pain as Derpy wrapped a hoof around his broken wing.

Derpy pulled away slowly and Whirl rubbed his wing gently. “Sorry… but if you feel pain then it isn’t a dream.”

“That’s not how it works; you have to feel pain in order for it not to be a dream.”

“Oppse… my bad…”

Whirl chuckled and kissed her cheek. “Are you going back to work today?”

“Yep, I should really get ready.” Derpy said as she got out of bed. “Will you be alright helping Sunny and Whim on your own?”

“Yeah, that will be no problem at all. Besides, I need something to do.”

Derpy started to get her uniform on. “Well you have plenty to do now.”

Whirl watched her get dress and sighed. “I can’t wait until I see you in your wedding dress.”

“And I can’t wait to see you in your suit. You are going to look so handsome. Remember that Rarity is coming by to get your measurements.”

“Right… I will need to straighten up a bit around here before she gets here.”

Derpy put on her saddle bag and walked over to Whirl and gave him a quick kiss. “Then you better get started… I will see you after work handsome.” she said with a wink as she trotted out the door.

Whirl moved off the bed and made it nice and neatly. He walked out of the room and saw Sunny wheeling himself out of the bathroom. “Morning Sunny.” Whirl said with a smile.

“Good morning. What’s for breakfast?” Sunny said with a smile.

“Whatever I feel like making.” Whim’s voice called out from the den.

Whirl and Sunny both looked at each other before heading out to the den to join Whim. “You are going to cook?” Whirl asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes, I will cook for you two today. It’s the least I can do for you for letting me stay here until I can walk again.” Whim said with a smile.

“I will be here to help you out though, just in case.”

“Whoa whoa whoa, when did Whim get here?” Sunny asked as he waved his hooves in the air.

“Last night, he came here and expressed concern about being home alone in such a weakened state. So I offered him a place to stay until he could walk again.” Whirl explained simply.

“Oh… well that makes sense. We can get to know him a bit more too. So Whim, what’s for breakfast?”

“I was thinking of making some crystal berry pancakes. Do you have crystal berries?”

“I don’t think we do.” Whirl said in a sorrowful tone.

“It’s okay, I brought some over.” Whim said as he levitated his saddle bag.

“Then why did you ask?” Sunny asked with a chuckle.

“Because I could have made more than three. It will be a small breakfast.”

“That’s okay; I am still full from that muffin pizza.” Whirl said as he pat his belly.

Whim tried to stand and shook his head when he couldn’t. He moved into his wheelchair with ease and smile. “No need to push myself. Thanks for letting me stay here.”

“No problem.” Whirl said as Whim wheeled himself to the kitchen. Whirl followed along to make sure everything went alright, but just ended up sitting down and watching Whim levitate every tool he needed to cook. “Well, looks like that was quite easy for you.”

“Yeah, levitating small things is easy for me but larger things are so much harder. Today I need to go down to my farm and start to make some super fertilized soil for Applejack. Since you can’t come with me I am going to take Sunny with me.”

“Okay, I am sure he would like to get out of the house for a little while.”

Whim flipped the pancakes onto three plates and levitated them to the dinner table. “Well, let’s enjoy some breakfast together first.”

“Sunny, breakfast is done.” Whirl called out as he sat down.

Sunny wheeled himself into the dining room and moved a chair out of the way. “These look great Whim.” he said happily.

“Sunny, how would you like to come out to my rock farm for a little while and hang out while I make some extra fertile soil for Applejack?”

“That sounds like fun.” Sunny said as he took a bite of his pancake.

Whirl had already finished his and took his plate to the kitchen. The others soon finished their as well and cleaned off their plates. Sunny tried to put his plate away himself, but the shelf was too high and he ended up dropping in. “Oh muffins!” he said angrily.

“Sunny, you no longer get to put away plates.” Whirl said as he laughed at the broken plate on the ground. Whirl quickly cleaned up the mess and the others got ready to leave for Whim’s rock farm.

“Now Sunny, I don’t want you to think you are going to be doing any work or anything like that. Your condition is too severe for that.” Whim said as he draped his saddle bag over the back of his wheel chair.

“I wasn’t planning on doing any work; I just wanted to see Ponyville again. Going through town, seeing the vendors and just taking in the peace. Oh, can we stop by town hall? I want to see if Storm will allow me to keep my job after leaving him high and dry the day after he rehired us.”

“Sure, we can spare a few minutes at town hall, although I wouldn’t get your hopes up.”

“Pshaw, I am the best weather analyst they could ever hope for. You should have seen it last time we were there, ponies were scrambling to figure out why it was raining over Sugar Cube Corner but not over at Sweet Apple Acres.” Sunny said with a chuckle.

“But those two are so far apart that nopony would notice, or really care for that matter.”

“They would care when we ended up in a drought because we used up all the rain water before we could get restocked.”

“Hmmm, you make a good point. But how much water could we possible use up if it were just raining over one place?”

“You would be surprised how much could be wasted if we didn’t take care of such things. Did you notice how last year we had a perfect amount of rain during the summer?”

“Yes I did, it was quite nice.”

“That is because I was still working there. This year was disastrous, mostly because of the war but also because of some other bad events that happened. Like when Rarity got her magic on the weather for more than half of Ponyville.”

Whim shuddered a bit. “I am still trying to get over that day. Snow… snow everywhere…”

Sunny chuckled and started to wheel himself to the door. “Well, let’s get moving. I don’t want to wait any longer.”

Whirl ran into the room before they left. “Wait! Can you two run by Applejack’s and pick up a barrel of cider please? I want to surprise Derpy with a romantic dinner tonight and cider would really help out.”

“Sure thing Whirl.” Sunny said happily. When Sunny looked into Whirl’s eyes he felt something strange. “Whirl I… something… I’m not sure I want to leave…”

Whirl smiled and shook his head. “You are starting to feel the connection between us huh? The desperate urge for us to stick together. I felt it the moment I looked into your eyes when you came to Zecora’s hut… Ever since then, whenever we are apart I feel like a piece of me is missing. You’ll get used to it but… you won’t be able to stop missing your brother.”

“I… I wonder why it took me so long to feel it…”

“Maybe this is the first time you are actually happy to be here with me? You should get going; you won’t have enough time to stop by town hall if you stay any longer.”

Sunny turned his chair around and rolled out of the door where Whim was waiting. “There you are! We are going to be hard pressed to get to town hall and Applejack’s in time for me to get the soil done.” Whim said as his horn started to glow. Both of their chairs took off like a four pony carriage. As they left Sunny turned around with a frown and watched as Whirl got smaller in the distance.

“I do miss him…” he thought sadly. “Whim, do you have any brothers or sisters?” he asked suddenly.

“I do not. I kind of always thought that it was something in my life that was always missing.” Whim replied with a neutral expression.

“Did you ever have a special connection with a pony that made you miss them whenever you were apart?”

“You mean a marefriend? No, I have never had one.”

“No, I mean like a brother or sister.”

“Again, no I have not and again I feel like it is something I am missing. Why the sudden concern with my family?”

“It’s just… Whirl and I we… have a special connection that is making me want to turn around right now just to make sure nothing happens to him.”

“Sounds intense. You are making me want to have somepony like that even more.”

“But it is kind of painful really. Like a piece of me is missing.”

“But when you are together it is the best feeling in the world right? Like everything is going…”

“…to be alright.” Sunny finished his sentence for him with a smile. “That really does make it worth it. He’s my only brother now and it is nice to know that he is safe at home now.”

“Right.”

“So why did you move to Ponyville? Why not just stay in Canterlot?”

“I wanted to be different. I told you that on the airship.”

“Yes, but there must have been more than that. Why not just stay in the lap of luxury?”

Whim scoffed and shook his head. “Luxury is overrated! Having everything hoofed to you makes you weak and ungrateful!” he said angrily.

“Whoa… sorry if I upset you.”

Whim sighed and shook his head. “No, I’m sorry for shouting. I just don’t want you to think that being a noble is great by any means. You showed me that.”

“No, I showed that what other nobles are like. You can be a noble and do good things for Equestria you know? With that kind of wealth you can make the world a better place for ponies like me and my family.”

“Sunny, I can’t go back. You remember when I told you my family didn’t care that I was moving to Ponyville? I lied. They disowned me. You remember when they told me to keep tradition? I lied. They told me I had betrayed tradition and that I could never return.”

Sunny just looked at Whim with a slack jaw. “They disowned you?!”

“Yes they did. But they are my family and I still love them, even if they don’t love me back.”

“Whim, you need a new family bud, one that will take your feelings into consideration, one that will care for you when you are down and one that will come to your farm to help you out even if they took a spear to their chest.”

“Sunny, I know where you are going with this but don’t. I don’t need a family to survive and they apparently don’t need me.”

“We need you Whim. You saved my life and you helped Whirl get into the Crystal Empire. You saved my LIFE bud. What more can a brother do?”

Whim sighed and they slowed to a stop. “Sunny, why are you doing this?”

“Because you deserve better Whim. You deserve a family, you deserve your friends and you deserve to have somepony to watch your back when you need it.”

“Sunny… thank you. I would be honored to a part of your family.” Whim said with a smile.

“Then I officially proclaim you to be my honorary brother. Now get over here and give me a hug.” Sunny said as he held his hooves open hide for a hug.

“No hugs.” Whim said with a neutral expression.

Sunny put his hooves down with a chuckle. “Okay then. Let’s keep moving, we are almost to town.”

Whim got them going again and they were soon in town, basking in the ambiance. “Sunny, welcome home.”

Sunny looked at all the ponies going about their business and smiled. “Oh it is good to be back.”

They wheeled themselves over to town hall and were stopped by the stairs. “Well… it seems like we are going to have to come back later when they build a ramp.” Whim said with a chuckle.

“Nu uh, I am going inside.” Sunny said as he started to stand. “If you hear screaming for a doctor, something went wrong.” Sunny started to climb the stairs and Whim was just staring in shock at what he was seeing and hearing. He walked inside and saw that things were a bit frantic. Storm was shuffling through the mess on his desk when he saw Sunny come in.

“Whirl? Wait… what? When did you get that wound?” Storm asked as Sunny walked up to his desk.

“No, no. I am Sunny. I was with Whirl that day we came by to see if we could get jobs here again. Speaking of which, do we still have those?” Sunny asked confidently.

“Yeah, if you two are willing to come back after you both heal and get off of your house arrest. Why aren’t you yellow and why do you look like Whirl?”

“Long story short, we are both the same pony and if I were to explain that you would just get confused like everypony else.”

“Okaaaay, well when you are better just come back in and get to work. You two are the best weather analysts I have ever had.”

“Thanks, now can you help me back to my wheelchair outside before I fall over?” Sunny said with a chuckle.

“Sure thing, Cloud Kicker, come and help me get Sunny here back to his wheelchair outside.” Storm said as he stood up.

Cloud Kicker had just walked in and was a bit confused as the why Storm called Whirl Sunny but she didn’t complain. “Hey Whirl, how did you get that chest wound?” she asked as she wrapped a wing over Sunny’s back.

“I’m Sunny, Whirl’s duplicate. I need to dye my mane and stuff. If you want the whole story then go out to his house and he will explain… until then… keep walking.” Sunny said as he started to stumble.”

The very confused Cloud Kicker continued to help him out and as they walked outside she prepared to help him down the stairs. “So… you aren’t Whirl, but you are Whirl?”

“No, I am Sunny but I am a duplicate of Whirl… kind of like a twin.”

“Oh cool. Well, tell Whirl I said hi!” Cloud said happily as she helped him into his chair.

“Thank you two. I will tell Whirl you both said hi.” Sunny said happily as he started to wheel himself over to Whim who was still in shock that Sunny just blatantly stood up and walked inside despite his injuries. “Whim, why are you staring at me like that?”

“Are you trying to get me into trouble with Whirl?! You just did everything he asked me to make sure you didn’t do!” Whim said in an annoyed tone.

“Did I? Uhhh… sorry?”

“It’s fine, I put glue on your seat so you can’t get up again.” Whim said with a smirk.

Sunny’s eyes widened and he tried to stand up, but he couldn’t. Little did he know, Whim was using his magic to hold him down and not glue. “Aww, Whim… really? Come on…”

Whim chuckled and started to move the chairs towards Sweet Apple Acres. “Comfy?” he asked sarcastically.

Sunny grunted and gave up trying to get out of the chair. “Yeah, I guess I have to be.”

“Hey, now that I am your honorary brother I have to keep you safe.”

“Well no pony said you have to glue me to a chair.”

“Whirl did. Well, not directly but close enough.”

Sunny chuckled a bit. “How are you going to get me out of the chair when I want to go to bed or the bathroom?”

“It’s magic glue, I will just dispel it when I am done laughing… I mean… when you need to whatever.”

“You are hilarious… Don’t tell Applejack or Big Macintosh you glued me to the chair.” Sunny said as they reached Sweet Apple Acres. Whim wheeled them both through the field to the barn where Big Macintosh was carrying a load of apples to their apple cellar. “Hello Big Macintosh, how are you doing?”

“Well howdy Wh… Wait, are yall that Sunny fella Applejack told me about? Cuz I remember Whirl havin’ a blue mane.”

“Thanks for noticing, I am Sunny but I do remember apple bucking with you. Thanks for helping me with my anger by the way.”

Big Macintosh raised an eyebrow. “Wait… what? I thought yall were Sunny. How in the hay were you apple buckin’ with me?”

“Well, that was before I was separated from Whirl. We both share that memory.”

“What?”

Sunny sighed and shook his head. He told Big Macintosh the whole story and he seemed to understand. “Did you understand that?”

“Eeyup. Mighty nice to meet you Sunny and nice to meet you too Mr. Whim.”

“So Whirl sent us over to get him a barrel of apple cider. Do you have any left?”

“Eeyup, this one is on the house.”

“What? Why?” Sunny asked as he dropped his bits on the ground. “Darn it… Whim, a little help please.”

Whim used his magic and levitated the bits back into their bag and gave it to Sunny. “There you go Sunny.”

“Well, Applejack and ah have decided that we still haven’t paid yall back for helping us get our apples stored in record time.”

“You helped Whirl get a lighter sentence during the trial. I think you have repaid him.”

“Now if what yall just told me is true then we haven’t repaid you yet. Ah can have the barrel to Whirl today.” Big Mac said as he turned to go get the barrel from his barn.

Sunny thought about it for a second and shook his head. “Big Mac, I insist you take my bits for this barrel. By helping my brother Whirl you have repaid me in full and I know you could use the bits to help you get through winter.”

Big Mac froze in his track and turned back around. “Thank you kindly Sunny. You are a very kind pony for doing this.” he said as he took the bag of bits from Sunny.

“Really, it’s the least I can do. If you ever need anything just let me know and I will do my best to help out.”

“Oh, can you tell Applejack that the soil will be delivered tomorrow morning, bright and early?” Whim asked with a smile.

“Eeyup.” Big Macintosh said happily.

“Thank you. Sunny, we need to be off if I am going to get the soil started on time.”

“Yup, thanks again Big Macintosh. Whirl will be at home to receive the barrel. Oh, make sure it is there before three thirty!” Sunny called out as they were wheeled off.

“Eeyup!” Big Macintosh called out as he waved goodbye.

“Sorry for leaving so quickly it’s just I really have to get started soon if I am going to be on time.” Whim said apologetically.

“It’s alright; I was able to instruct him.” Sunny said happily.

“So why did you pay him after he said it was on the house? Won’t you need to save all the bits you can while you are not working?”

“Because the Apple family has already done enough for us and I felt like we owe them. I know Whirl would have done the same.”

“Sometimes I think you are too honorable and kind. Sometimes it is good to take advantage of the kindness of others.”

“I know that I shouldn’t do that all the time but… it’s a good habit to have. I am not sure that I could depend on others kindness without regret.”

“It’s not about that, it’s about survival. You shouldn’t put yourself at risk to be kind to others.”

“You should if the pony you are trying to help deserves it. I would do the same for anypony, especially you and the rest of my family.”

“Suit yourself. I think I would have just taken the barrel though.”

Sunny chuckled a bit. “Most ponies would, but I know how to deal with a financial crisis and I am not sure if they can even afford to attempt to handle a financial crisis. They run an entire business and all I do is live.”

“I guess that’s true. I guess you did make the right call on that one.”

Sunny smiled and shook his head. “It wasn’t about making the right or wrong call, it was about being kind.”

“Really? That is all you wanted to do was be kind? It had nothing to do with money?”

“This is really hard for you to believe isn’t it?”

“Well, yes. Considering where I am from can you really be that surprised about that?”

“Yes, yes I can. Haven’t you even done something just for the sake of being kind? Didn’t you save me to be kind?”

“Well, no. I guess not. I saved you because you are my friend’s friend and you were my mutual acquaintance.”

“There was nothing else?” Sunny asked sadly.

“Of course there was. I am a lieutenant in the Equestrian military and it was my duty to protect Equestria. Saving you helped save Equestria. Also, I care about your life and everypony else’s life in this grand nation.”

“Well that is honorable. Glad to know I helped you out.” Sunny said sadly as he looked away.

“Hey, don’t think that I don’t appreciate you are anything. You are a very good friend and a good brother. I am very happy to know you because you are kind of an inspiration… to me… and everypony…”

Sunny’s eyes widened and he looked at Whim. “An inspiration? Me? Yeah right, are you crazy?”

“You really are. All of the things that you have been through and you still manage to somehow keep a pleasant disposition as well as be as kind as you can to everypony. Most ponies would have given up long ago.” Sunny just started at him with a blank expression and blinked a couple of times. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

“How did I inspire you?”

“Well… You inspired me to go back to my farm today even though I am in no real condition to work. You inspired me to move forward.”

Sunny smiled and looked ahead. “I win.”

“You… win?” Whim asked curiously.

“My father and I made a bet. I said that one day I would inspire others as a Wonderbolt and he said I would never inspire anypony to do anything. If I won, I would get our great grandfather’s sword. If he won, I would quit trying to be a Wonderbolt.”

“Well, you get your great grandfather’s sword. Where is it?”

“In… Appleoosa… in my parent’s house.”

“Are you going to go and get it?”

“No… I am not. Everything is being shipped here soon. Whirl and I will have to split up what was left behind by our family.”

“That must be hard for you two; to have to separate that last bits of your family’s possessions amongst you two.”

“Thanks, you really know how to cheer a pony up…” Sunny said sadly.

They soon approached Whim’s rock farm and came to a steady halt. “Sorry about that. I can be rather blunt at times.”

“It’s alright.” Sunny said as he pushed himself forward. “So, what do you want me to do?”

“You aren’t doing anything but going over to Flare’s house to visit.”

“That’ll work! See you later Whim!” Sunny said as he excitedly wheeled himself over to Flare’s home. Whim simply shook his head and got to work creating his ultra-fertile soil. Sunny got to Flare’s home and quickly knocked on the door.

“Whoooo iiiissss iiiiit?” Air’s voice sang from inside.

“Sunny Plaaaaaaiiiiins!” Sunny sang to play along.

The door swung open. “Oh Sunny, come on in.” Air said politely as she held the door open. “Flare’s not here right now; he is pulling a double shift at the post office today. He has been very busy ever since Whim left but now that Whim is back he can get back onto a normal schedule again.”

Sunny wheeled himself to their den and relaxed in his chair. “So how are you and the fillies doing?”

“Great, just great. They have been playing upstairs all day long, pretending to be the royal princesses with cardboard horns. It is just so adorable.”

“I need to ask a favor from you. Can you order a wedding cake for Whirl’s wedding? He is terrible at choosing cakes and I know Derpy will insist some kind of giant muffin so I was hoping to get you to do it.”

“Of course we can order it for you. I know what a mare wants for a wedding cake.” Air said with a wink.

“Great, thank you.”

“Is there anything else I can get you while you are here? Lemonade, iced tea or a water or something?”

“Do you know where that box of wedding decorations is? I want to try to get things set up as soon as possible.”

“Sure thing, but I thought Whirl was under house arrest. How is he going to get married?”

“I am going to try to convince the council to allow him to get married where he wants to. Freedom for one day.”

“Sounds like a good plan.” Air said as she hovered out of the room. “I’ll be right back with the box!” she called out from the top of the stairs.

The sound of little hooves could be heard clambering down the stairs. “I don’t want to play with you anymore! You always make me the bad pony!” Star said as she ran into the den with tears in her eyes.

“Hey, what’s wrong Star?”

“Nothing Uncle Whirl… Solar keeps making me the bad pony in our games.” Star said sadly.

“I’m actually Sunny, Whirl is my twin.” Sunny said with a smile. “Come here and tell me everything.”

Star walked over with her head down and sat down in front of Sunny. “Solar is always the princess and I never get to be. She keeps making me a bad pony like Nightmare Moon.”

“Awww, Star I am sorry to hear that… but did you know that I used to be a bad pony once?”

Star looked up to Sunny with shock in her eyes. “You did?! What happened?!”

Sunny chuckled and told her the entire story of what had happened since the day he met Luna. She listened in awe of the epic tale and even shed a tear or two as the story went along. “… and then I was able to return home at last with this cool chest wound.”

“Whoaaaaa…” Star said in awe. “So even the worst of ponies can turn good?”

“Well, not all ponies can be turned back to good but never give up the hope that someday you might be able to call them a friend.”

“You are my favorite villain ever! I’m going to go tell Solar right now and be the EVIL GENERAL WIND! Raaaaawr!” she said happily as she ran up the stairs.

“Make sure it has a happy ending!” Sunny called out as Air hovered down the stairs with a box.

“Make sure what has a happy ending?” she asked as she set the box down.

“Their game. I told Star about what has happened over the last year and she just loved it. Don’t worry, I kept it foal safe.” Sunny said quickly as he saw the look of rage on Air’s face.

“You better hope they don’t have nightmares.”

“I’m not the one who told them about Nightmare Moon.” Sunny said with a chuckle.

“Wait, what?! Who told them about… FLARE!” Air shouted angrily.

Flare was just coming through the door when his wife shouted his name. She hadn’t spotted him, but Sunny did and signaled him to turn around and run. Air saw Sunny’s signal and turned around to see Flare standing at the door. “Uhhh… hello dear, what seems to be th—OOMPH!”

Air had tackled him to the ground and was giving him a super strong bear hug. “I said no scary stories! Why did you tell the girls about Nightmare Moon?!”

Flare was struggling to breath but managed to wheeze out an answer. “Because… I didn’t want them… to get scared… on Nightmare Night!”

Air release her death grip. “Oh… right. It is coming up isn’t it?”

Flare inhaled deeply. “Yes… yes it is…” he panted.

Air helped him back up to his hooves. “You need to help Sunny set up Whirl’s wedding thing. When were you planning on having the wedding Sunny?”

“This weekend. I am going to make it a surprise wedding.”

“What? You’re as crazy as Whirl…” Flare said as he sat down on the sofa.

“We can do it; I just need a little help is all.”

“Well, I guess I can help you. I technically owe you one for helping me get that teacup for Air.”

“What do you mean you guess you can help him? Get your flank moving hun.” Air said as she smacked Flare on his flank.

****

Whirl was dusting around the house as he had nothing else to do at home but clean or stare at his Wonderbolts collectables. He got bored and started to play catch with himself by throwing the duster around the room and catching it before it hit the ground. A foul throw caused him to dive across the room in a desperate attempt to catch the duster and he hit the side table next to the sofa and smash the lamp that was on top of it. At the same time Derpy had just opened the door in time to see Whirl crash to the ground. “Whirl, what they hay are you doing?”

Whirl sprung up and hugged Derpy. “I am just playing around… I broke a lamp!” he said happily.

“Yes you did, why are you so happy about that?” Derpy asked in a confused tone.

“Because I am so bored! A smashed lamp is the highlight of my day other than you walking through the door! I’ll go clean it up!” Whirl said as he dashed off to get a broom.

“One day and he has already gone insane.” she thought as she took off her saddle back and hat before hanging it on the coat hanger. She walked into the kitchen and found Whirl digging through the broom closet. The broom however, was not inside. Instead it was behind the door to the broom closet.

“Derpy, have you seen the broom?” he asked as he dug through the mess.

“Yup.” she said as she poked his flank with the end of the broom.

Whirl jumped and hit his head on a shelf in the closet. He turned around while rubbing his head to see Derpy holding the broom. “Thanks, now off to clean up the mess!” he said happily as he bounced into the den.

Derpy giggled and shook her head. She got a glass of water and sighed contently. Suddenly Whirl dashed into the kitchen, took her glass from her and smashed it on the ground. “Whirl! What the hay?!”

“Look! Another mess! I got it!” he said as he started to sweep.

Derpy started to laugh and stopped him from cleaning. “Whirl, how about we go outside and sit on the roof for a little while. You seem a bit wound up.” she said as she started to pull him out the door. When they got outside Derpy flew up to the roof and Whirl just sat in the yard.

“How am I supposed to get up there?” Whirl asked in a confused tone.

Derpy had completely forgotten about Whirl’s broken wing. “Uhhh… just think of it as a challenge to find a way up here. There, I just gave you something to do.”

Whirl’s attitude perked up immediately and he bounced a bit before running around the house to try and find a way up. He found the logs he had stored by his house for the winter and started to stack them up in front of the house to build a makeshift staircase. “I got this!” he said enthusiastically.

Derpy simply laid on her back and relaxed as the sun washed over her. “That’s nice Whirl, when you get up here we can cuddle.” she said lazily.

Whirl continued to stack the logs and got about half way up before a loud voice sounded from behind him causing the logs to fall over. He turned around to see who had startled him when he was face to face with Big Macintosh. “Howdy there Whirl! Sunny sent me on over with this here cider!” he said happily as he placed the large barrel of cider on the ground.

Whirl smiled and lifted the barrel onto his back. “Awesome. I assume Sunny paid you right?”

“Well I told him that he didn’t need to but he paid anyway.”

“Good, because I wouldn’t want him to take advantage of our friendship.”

“No need to explain. Sunny already did that for ya. Whelp, I need to be gettin’ back to the farm. Yall have yourself a nice day.” Big Macintosh said happily as he gave Whirl a goodbye hoofshake.

Whirl smiled and nodded before turning around and looking up at Derpy on the roof. “I have cider honey!”

Derpy waved her hoof in the air lazily. “That’s nice…” she said as if she didn’t really hear him at all. In a way she kind of didn’t as she was so relaxed on the roof.

Whirl carried the cider inside and set it in the den before walking back outside and started stacking the logs again. Once they were in place he slowly climbed up to the roof and laid down next to Derpy, cuddling her softly. “I made it.”

Derpy hummed with approval and returned his cuddle. “That’s nice, I just want to relax though.”

“What else would we do?” Whirl asked curiously.

Derpy giggled and whispered into his ear. As she whispered Whirl turned a bright red in an intense blush. “…but that will all have to wait until after we are married.”

“Oh… Derpy.” Whirl said as he kissed her forehead.

“Whirl! Get your tail down here! I need to have a word with you!” a familiar voice called out to him.

Whirl sighed and leaned up to see his boss, Storm Clouds. “Oh, hello Storm. I’ll be right down.” he said as he stood up and carefully made his way down the logs. He trotted up to Storm with a smile. “What can I do for you?”

“I need you to come back to work, really badly. I know you are under house arrest but you can work out of your home right?” Storm pleaded.

“Well… sure? The weather captains would have to fly to my house to pick up the reports though and they would be pretty hard pressed to make it back to their designated zones.”

“We all discussed it and we all agree that things are getting out of hoof at town hall. Please Whirl, we really need you back… Sunny can help too! We will pay you both so it will go smoother!”

Whirl chuckled and smiled. “Sure thing Storm, Sunny and I can start whenever you…”

“Great! Here is this month’s statistics as calculated by the Mayor, last week’s weather reports and last week’s actual reports. Thank you so much!” Storm said as he shoved stacks of papers into Whirl’s hooves.

Whirl looked like a desk with all the papers in his hooves. “No problem… I will get started right away.” he said as he started to slowly walk back towards his house, trying his best to keep the papers from falling all over his yard.

Storm sighed in relief and took off to the skies. Derpy sighed and looked down at Whirl. “Do you need any help with that?” she said with a giggle.

“Nope, I got this.” he said as he walked through the door. The house was an obstacle course as Whirl carefully navigated around the many objects in the house with ease. However the door to his study was locked as he held the papers off to the side and tried to open the door with his mouth. “DERPY! I need some help!” he called out.

The clatter of hooves could be heard on the roof and then soon ceases. The door to the study opened and Derpy guided him through the door. “That’s a lot of work Whirl… are you sure you can handle it?”

“When Sunny gets here we will blast through it like it was a third of the size it is now… but he will need a desk! Derpy, can you make a run into town for a desk? Here, take these bits and then some more for them to deliver it today.”

Derpy giggle and shook her head. “Alright, but when I get home there had better be muffins… or else.” she emphasized ‘or else’ with an evil smirk.

Whirl chuckled and sat down at his desk. He pulled out his calendar, a chalk board, some chalk, a quill, some ink and some parchment and got to work.

Derpy placed the bits in her saddle bag and put it on. She started to trot out the door when she say something dart behind a tree in their yard. With a raised eyebrow she walked over to the tree and looked around it. When she didn’t see anything she shrugged and moved on thinking it was her imagination. Up in the tree Flare had managed to lift Sunny up to the first branch in his wheel chair. “What are we… ugh… doing here again?” Flare asked in a whisper as he strained to keep Sunny balanced on the branch.

“I need to pick something up so that I can have Luna convince the council to allow Whirl to have a day off of his house arrest so he can get married.” Sunny explained.

Once the coast was clear Flare lowered Sunny down to the ground and collapsed on the ground. “You do that… I am just going to rest here.”

“Sure thing, be right back.” Sunny said as he started to wheel himself inside. At the door he stood up out of his chair so he could sneak. He slowly made his way to his room where Luna’s diamond laid on his side table. With a couple of light steps he made it over and grabbed the diamond before opening the window and climbing out. When he got outside he saw Whirl popping wheelies in his wheelchair. “Oh crap…”

Whirl spun around on two wheels and stopped as he faced Sunny. “Somepony was sneaking around.” he said with a smirk. “If it is a secret I don’t want to know why, what I do want to know is why you are up out of your wheelchair.”

Sunny sighed and slowly made his way to the wheelchair. Whirl got out and help Sunny ease into it. “Sorry, Whirl. It is a secret, I can’t tell you and I wouldn’t want to. Talk to you again later.” he said as he wheeled away from the house. When Whirl went back inside Sunny signaled Flare to get him out of there as quickly as possible and Flare started to push Sunny’s wheelchair as he flew.

“So what did you tell Whirl?” Flare asked happily.

“That it was a secret. Take me far from town, where nopony can find us.”

“Sure thing. Is it okay if I ask why?”

“I need to be alone for a moment so I can talk to Luna.”

“Oh, okay.”

Flare wheeled them out of town and out to the middle of an open field. “This will be fine Flare. Can you leave me alone for a little while? Come back in ten minutes or so?” Sunny asked softly.

“Yeah, sure thing.” Flare said as he took off back to town.

“Luna, are you there?”

“Yes Sunny, what is it?” Luna’s voice sounded from the diamond.

“Can I ask you a favor?”

“Indeed you can, what is it that you need?”

“Can you talk to the council about letting Whirl have a day off from his house arrest for one day so that he can get married?”

There was a pause as Luna thought about how she could convince the council to do such a thing. “I can try.”

Sunny smiled and gave the diamond a kiss. “Thank you Luna.”

Luna giggled and nodded her head. “It’s no problem.”

****

“That’s perfect Flare! Just like I imagined and Whim, that statue is looking great, keep it up!” Sunny says confidently.

The wedding was almost ready to go, all that was needed now was the word from Luna. “Sunny, do you really think the council will allow Whirl to come out for a day?” Whim asks as he finishes the statue of Derpy and Whirl flying together.

“I have no doubt.” Sunny says with a smile. He pulls out the diamond from his mane and taps it. “Hellooo? Are you there Luna?”

“Yes, I just got out of the meeting with the council… and I have some bad news.” Luna says sadly.

Sunny frowns and shakes his head. “They didn’t let him have the time…?” he asked sadly.

“Oh no they did but… they want somepony to take his place for the day… they want… you.” Luna says with a frown.

Sunny’s ears perk up. “That’s fine! That’s really fine!” he says as he wheels himself towards his home. “I’ll go tell Whirl right now so he can get ready!” he says excitedly.

****

Whirl and Derpy were slowly dancing in their den. The room’s furniture had been pushed up against the walls and a record was playing one of Octavia’s concertos. “You are getting much better at this.” Derpy said lovingly as Whirl spun her around slowly.

“Well, I have a wonderful teacher.” Whirl replied with a slight chuckle. He leaned Derpy back and looked into her eyes. They seemed to sparkle with joy as their faces moved closer, but just as their lips met a loud knock on the door interrupted them. Whirl let out a sigh and said, “To be continued…” before leaning Derpy back onto her hooves and walking over to the door. “Who is it?” he asked with a smile.

“The muffin pony!” Sunny said with a slight laugh.

Within seconds Derpy had push Whirl out of the way and opened the door. “Ah! Sunny! You said you were the muffin pony!” she said with a grumble.

Sunny chuckled and wheeled himself inside. “Well I did bring muffins to celebrate. You two are getting married this weekend.” he said casually as he pulled out a small bag of muffins and set them on the table.

Whirl closed the door and sat down in his favorite chair. “Sunny, unless you are going to pull out a wedding from that bag; I don’t think we will be ready in time for this weekend. I mean, look at this place, it’s not prepared to service all of our friends and various family.” he said with a chuckle.

Sunny smirked as Derpy fluttered down onto Whirl’s lap, where she proceeded to take a muffin and took a big bite out of it with a smile. “Oh the wedding isn’t going to be here, it is at the park where you wanted it.” Sunny said with a grin.

Whirl let out a loud laugh. “You do know you injured a lung, not your brain right. You can’t have forgotten that I am under house arrest. So how do you expect the groom to be there?”

Sunny shook his head and took a muffin. “Oh, I just had Luna talk to the council and we worked out a deal.”

“What kind of deal?” Derpy asked with a confused look on her face. “Is Whirl going to have to wear a paper bag over his head or something, because I think that would make him look better.”

Sunny started to laugh loudly and Whirl smirked. “Sunny, we have the same face so she called you ugly too.” Whirl said with a chuckle.

Sunny thought about it for just a split second. “Suddenly it isn’t as funny. But back to the point, the council said if I stayed home for the day of your wedding then you could take the day to do whatever you want!” he said excitedly.

Whirl had a dumbstruck look on his face from the news that he had just heard. Derpy placed the paper bag that the muffins had come in over Whirl’s head slowly with a smile and started humming a wedding song. “Thank you very much Sunny!” she said as she tried to imitate Whirl’s voice while drawing a crude smiley face on the bag. “Yes thank you Sunny, you have done so much for us.” she said in her normal voice as she finished her drawing.

Sunny let out a laugh and shook his head. “No need to thank me you two. I need to make a few more preparation for the…” he started before a knock at the door interrupted him. “Ah, that must be Rarity to get you both measured for your outfits.” Sunny opened the door and it was indeed Rarity.

“I came as soon as I got word, congratulations Wh… Why is there a bag on your head darling?” Rarity asked as her eyes fell on Whirl.

Derpy had gotten up and walked over to Rarity and gave her a small hug. “Thanks for coming over Rarity, I am so happy that you are making my wedding dress and Whirl’s formal wear. As you can see, Whirl is very happy also.” Derpy said with a giggle as she gestured to Whirl.

Rarity couldn’t help herself. Despite it being un-lady like she pulled out her makeup kit and outlined the lips with lipstick and shadowed the eyes. “Much better, and I think he is ready to go now.” she said as the whole room broke out in laughter.

Whirl let out a slight laugh himself and pulled off the bag. “Okay, enough fun at my expense. Thank you for stopping by Rarity. My father’s suit could use some fitting.” he said with a smile.

“Not at all dear, you are all good friends of mine and when Sunny here left a note on the door of my boutique I gathered my emergency sewing supplies and came right over. Ladies first, Derpy, come with me and we will get you measured.” she said as she trotted down the hallway to their room.

Derpy giggled once more at the bag and followed Rarity to the room where she promptly closed the door. Whirl looked over to Sunny with a smile. “So, you won’t be at my wedding then, I see how it is.” he said with a smirk.

“Oh yeah, because you know how much I hate you. Remember when you gave me a knife when I was still ‘evil’.” Sunny said with a chuckle.

“Psh, not nearly as bad when I was holding you hostage and Bloody Marey stabbed you in the chest with a spear. How is that feeling by the way?”

“Not healing nearly as well as your wing did. What has it been… three weeks and your wing is all better while my wound still has to have stitches. Dr. Ray said that it will be another week before they can be taken out.”

“Well I am just glad that you are alive. Thank you for doing this for Derpy and I, it means…”

“… a lot, I know.” Sunny finished for him. “I also know that you would have done the same for me.”

“Without hesitation.” Whirl said with a smile.

****

The days leading up to the wedding were thankfully uneventful, except for the debacle with the ice sculpture being delivered three days early, but that was fixed by Whim who preserved it in stone until today. Whim trotted over to the small gazebo Whirl was getting ready in that had been covered as a private room for today. Whirl was pacing around the gazebo with a nervous expression and he was sweating a bit. “Whirl, are you getting cold hooves?” Whim asked with a chuckle.

Whirl just shook his head and continued to pace. “I love her, I love her, I love her more than anything. Don’t mess up the vows, don’t mess up the vows, don’t mess up the vows.” He said over and over.

Whim chuckled and stopped Whirl from pacing. “You are going to be fine. Just remember that she is as nervous as you are.” he said as he used his magic to straighten Whirl’s bow tie. “No matter what happens you will be married today and everything will be fine.”

Whirl smiled and nodded. “Thanks bud… I just wish Sunny was here but… I am grateful that he stayed home for us.” he said with a sigh. “But I am glad you took his place as best stallion.”

“Really? I am surprised you didn’t ask Flare, you two are the best of friends.”

“Flare said that he wanted to just be here, he said that he had been best man before at his brother’s wedding. He said you would be the better choice.”

Whim smiled softly and nodded. “Thank you, it is a great honor.”

Suddenly music could be heard and they both dashed out of the gazebo and up to the alter. When they arrived they stood in their positions and looked down the aisle. Derpy was in a magnificent white dress laced in pearls and a veil that matched. As she reached the alter her father gave her a slight kiss on her cheek and gave Whirl a nod. Derpy smiled at Whirl then they both faced the priest who began to speak. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to bring together these two amazing ponies.”

“So you were almost late huh?” Derpy asked in a whisper as the priest spoke.

“I was… getting some last minute pointers from my best stallion.” Whirl whispered in reply.

“Getting cold hooves huh?” she asked jokingly.

“No, I just don’t want to mess up my vows…”

“Well the priest did just ask you to read your aloud, so what do you have?”

Whirl blushed and spoke up. “Derpy, we have known each other for so long but I feel like it has been an eternity. And I have felt the love for you that had always been there but was hidden behind fear and doubt. A lot of things happened to me… things that I am not proud of and things that I am proud of but… mumnthing….” he started to feel dizzy and turned a bit pale.

“But nothing was so special, as the time we first kissed…” Derpy finished for him with tears in her eyes.

Whirl smiled and nodded. The priest continued and Whirl and Derpy both clipped the rings on the base of each other’s wings. “You may now kiss the bride.” the priest said.

Whirl kissed Derpy on the lips softly, the music started to play, and everypony started to cheer and throw seeds over the two. They walked down the aisle together and into a waiting carriage. They leaned against each other and embraced each other gently. “I thought I was going to faint there for a moment…” Whirl said with a chuckle.

Derpy let out a soft giggle. “There were a few moments for me as well… But we are married now and we get to spend the rest of our lives together…”

“That’s all I ever wanted…”

“That and I am sure the sex will be great…”

Whirl’s ears perked up and his eyes widened in surprise.

****

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten: Two Years Later

Whirl was making goofy faces in front of a small light teal unicorn colt that had a dark green mean with a bit of light green in it. The colt was giggling and laughing. He reached forward and grabbed Whirl’s snout and when Whirl lifted his head, the colt was lifted with it. Whirl chuckled and gently pulled the colt off of his face. “Now Bold, what have I said about hugging my face? If you do that then you are going to be tickled!” Whirl said playfully before setting the colt on his back and started to tickle him playfully.

“Whirl, are you torturing Character with tickles again?!” Derpy called out from the kitchen.

“I thought we decided to call him Bold!” Whirl called back as he continued to tickle the colt.

“Why not just name him Bold Character?” Sunny suggested as he set down his newspaper.

“Ohhh, I like that.” Derpy said as she flew into the room with the colt’s breakfast.

“Great idea Sunny, Bold Character it is.” Whirl said with a smile. “What do you think? Bold character sounds pretty cool huh?” He stopped tickling the colt and took the bottle from Derpy and started to feed Bold.

“Thanks again for agreeing to watch Bold Character while we are at work, Sunny.” Derpy said with a giggle.

“It’s no problem at all. Whirl agreed to bring my work to my place after the work day is over, so I am more than happy to spend time with your little colt. Still can’t believe you beat the odds and had a unicorn.” Sunny said with a grin.

Derpy put her uniform on and grabbed her lunch. “We have to go Whirl, otherwise we are going to be late.”

Whirl gently gave Bold to Sunny and gave Bold’s mane a quick pat. “Love you Bold, see you again after work.” he said softly before heading out the door.

Sunny finished feeding Bold and set him down. “So what do you want to do huh little guy?”

Bold walked over to Whirl’s desk and jumped up onto the chair. Sunny followed him over and watched as the little colt took a quill and started to write big letters on a piece of paper. “BALL” is what he wrote down before he set the quill on the desk and looked at Sunny.

Sunny was a bit dumbstruck but just smiled. “Ball it is then.” he said as he picked up the colt and set him on the floor. Sunny took a ball and rolled it over to Bold. Bold let out a laugh and rolled it back to Sunny. Sunny kept his attention on the ball and when he rolled it back, Bold was gone. He gasped and looked around the room quickly. He didn’t notice Bold sitting at the desk again writing some more and ended up frantically flying around the house looking for him.

Bold sat there writing all over the place, on the desk, on the walls and all over Whirl’s paper work. Sunny flew back down stairs a moment later to see quills flying all over the room writing on everything and Bold sitting in the center of all the quills laughing. Sunny started to walk over to Bold and the quills started to write on him too. He walked up to Bold and started to tap his hoof. Bold looked up to Sunny, who was covered in writing, and frowned. All of the quills dropped to the floor and Sunny chuckled. “Bold, let’s go get you some stuff to write on.”

****

After a quick bath and clean up session at home, they were off to town. Bold was being a bit restless in his saddle carrier and Sunny had to stop walking. “What is it Bold?” Sunny asked as he looked at the little colt. Bold was reaching his fore hooves up to the sky and Sunny looked up. He saw Derpy flying overhead and smile. “Let’s go say hi to mommy.” he said before he gently took off. He flew up next to Derpy with a smile. “Hey Derpy! Bold and I were going to Quills and Sofas to pick up some quills.”

Derpy giggled and gave her colt a gentle kiss. “Well have fun sweetie.” she said lovingly to the colt. “You have fun too Sunny, I have to get back to work.” She turned and dove down and Sunny turned to land outside of the store gently.

“Did you enjoy the ride little guy?” Sunny asked as Bold laughed. “I’ll take that as a yes.” he said as he trotted through the door. He bought some foal safe quills and a small book with blank pages. Before he was able to leave though Bold levitated a gilded quill over to himself and hugged it. Sunny smiled and purchased it too before leaving and flying back home. When they got home they were greeted by Whirl. “You’re home early.” Sunny said with a chuckle.

Whirl smiled and nodded. “Storm gave me the rest of the day off. Said that our work had set them ahead too far and if I kept going I would be out of work for a whole year.”

Sunny laughed a bit and walked inside with Whirl. “So it seems that your little colt loves to write. I figured I wouldn’t discourage him so I went and bought him some writing materials and the gold quill he is currently hugging to death.”

Whirl looked at Bold, who was indeed still hugging the quill, and smiled. “Well, let’s see what he writes.” he says as he takes Bold out of his carried and sets them on the floor.

Bold takes his new quill and dips it in ink before writing on Whirl’s face, ‘And they lived happily ever after. The End.’