//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 // Story: The beginning of the end. // by BAR0SS //------------------------------// Chapter 6 __________oOOo__________ I slowly opened my eyes as I felt the soft lips that were once touching mine give one last soft kiss before slowly pulling away. My eyes were greeted by an alluring pair of brow eyes that were staring straight into mine, practically radiating emotion from them. "That was amazing Wind. We really need to do that more often." said the owner of those beautiful eyes that were so close to mine. "Yeah babe, it was good wasn't it?" I asked as I thought over the events that happened just beforehand as I lay down on my back while my marefriend snuggled up beside me while resting her head on my chest. We lay there for about 20 minutes, just enjoying the aftermath of our make out session, but that soon came to an end as my love sat up. "This sucks you know. I wish I didn't have to go to Cloudsdale for this show. I just want to stay here with you." she said as she began to stoke my chest with a forehoof. "Yeah well, Soarin will need your help with the show. You know what he's like with legal part of being a Wonderbolt." I said with a chuckle. "Yeah but, It's just that you are not going to be there with me. Solo performances always make me nervous and most of the time, you are there to help me calm down." she said with a slight tremor in her voice. "Hey," I said as I gently moved her head to face me with a forehoof. "I can guarantee that you will do fine, even without me. Thats why you are who you are. You made it as a Wonderbolt without me, so I am sure that you don't need me when you are Captain." I said as encouragingly as I could. "I know. Its just that..." *KNOCK* *KNOCK* "... Oh for peat sake!" My marefriend exclaimed in frustration. "Don't worry, I'll get it" I said as I got up, laughing a bit at her frustration. I made my out of our bedroom, down the stairs and to the front door. *KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK* "Calm down! I'm coming!" I called out to the impatient pony that was on the other side of the front door. When I opened the door, I was greeted by my brother Soarin. "Oh, hey bro. What happening?" he asked as he made his way past me and into the living room. "Hi... So, why are you here?" I asked as I slowly closed the door and turned to face him. "Come on little bro. You know that I have a show in Canterlot tomorrow night and that the Captain and I are needed there by tonight." he said as he sat on the couch and began to look around. "Yeah, but why are you here?" I asked again, emphasizing on the word 'here'. "What, am I not allowed to come and visit?" he asked, but I just continued to look at him with a bored expression. "Alright fine! We are going together." he admitted. Something began to nag at the back of my mind, but I ignored it and shook my head before I made my way upstairs. "Hey beautiful. Your annoying flying partner is down stairs, waiting for you." I said as I stuck my head back into our bedroom. "Sigh, I guess I should get going then." my marefriend said as she got up and picked up her saddlebags before throwing them onto her back. She walked up to me and gave me a kiss, a kiss that I returned in full before parting again. "Wish me luck Wind." I placed my forehead on hers and looked into her eyes lovingly. "Good luck... Spitfire. I love you." __________oOOo__________ My senses slowly returned to me as I returned back into the land of consciousness, tears filling my eyes as memories of the past came back to me. That dream was the day before my love had to leave for Cloudsdale before... I shook my head to try and clear my thought of these memories, but I was unsuccessful. My mind went back to that night where I found her with my brother. "Why? Why would they just turn their backs to me like that? What did I do wrong?" I asked myself out loud as I began to break down into an emotional wreck. Last time I was in that state was about three years ago. It was hearts and hooves day, and seeing all of the couples together forced my mind to remember all that I used to do with the one I used to love, and all the fun we used to have together. So there I was, reverting back to a emotionally weak pony as my mind flooded with sorrow and pain again. I curled up into a ball as best as I could and just let my emotions out, not caring if anypony could hear me. I had lost the only things in my life that were good to me, and I was really hurt about it, So I just began to cry. I kept crying for a few minutes, but I was brought out of my sad state when I felt a hoof brush through my mane. I opened my eyes and looked around with blurry vision. I blinked a few times to clear my sight before seeing Dash sitting beside me with a sorrowful smile on me face. I sat up onto my haunches, but as soon as I did, Dash wrapped her forehooves around me and pulled me into her chest. She hugged me for a moment, but to her confusion and dismay, I pushed her off of me gently and smiled to her. "Hey Dash, whats up?" I asked as I tried to brush of her concern. She tilted her head and gave me a scolding look, but I ignored it and looked away before climbing out of the bed I was in that seemed to be in... a... cloud? "Hey Dash, where am I?" "You're in my house." she stated, causing me to look at her with my head tilted. "I live in a cloud house that floats above Ponyville. I brought you here after I caught you falling out of the sky yesterday. Now, are you ok?" she asked as she placed a hoof on my shoulder. "Yeah, I'm fine. Why?" I asked trying to avoid the truth. But I could see in Dash's eyes that she wasn't buying it. I decided to look away before her expression broke me and proceeded to get up from the cloud bed I was on. "Seriously Wind. Yesterday you broke the sound barrier while shouting out against Soarin's name before..." Dash began, but I cut her off. "Don't say his name!" I snapped, causing her to take a step back. I shook my head before talking again. "Sorry Dash. I didn't mean to snap like that. But really do not wish to hear that name again for a long, long time." I said as I smiled apologetically to Dash. Dash did not say anything back, instead she just turned her head. "Look Dashie, I'm just not ready to talk about my brother or my Ex. Don't worry about me, I have gone the past 4 years without breaking, so I will be fine. Trust me." I said quietly as I placed a hoof on Dash's shoulder. "I just don't want to see you get hurt like I found you just before. I only just got you as a friend, and I don't want you to go again." she said sadly. I smiled and pulled her into a hug while closing my eyes. She brought her head up and rested it on my shoulder. I smiled to myself as I hugged her. It was nice to be able to be this close to another after 4 years. We hugged for a few minute before slowly parting from each others embrace. When I opened my eyes, I almost had a heart attack as Spitfire was in the place that Dash should have been in before slowly fading away back into the cyan fur and rainbow mane that should have been. A wave of relief washed over me as I realized that Spitfire was not really there with me, but it was only my stupid brain reminding me to what I was used to last time I felt the soft touch of another in my hooves. Dash however did notice my somewhat freaked out expression and looked to me with a concerned look again. "Whenever you are ready to talk Wind, I will be there for you." Dash said as she moved beside me and leaned against me. I felt my face go a bit red, but I ignored it. "Thanks Dash." I said as I wrapped a forehoof around her and pulled her closer. "It feels good to know that I have more than one friend." Dash let out a content sigh as she snuggled her head into my neck. I had to concentrate just to not make the situation awkward for us both. After about 2 minutes of Dash with her head buried into my neck, we had both managed to lay back on Dash's bed and were just relaxing, talking about Dash's feats and just enjoying each others company in general. I was lying on my back and Dash was snuggled right up under my left wing which was draped around her. I smiled, but then was soon hit with a thought. 'How the hay did I manage to get into this position?' I asked myself as Dash let out a rather cute yawn. Dash carefully draped her forehoof over my chest and lazily closed her eyes. A moment later, I could hear soft snores coming from her as she had fallen into a peaceful slumber. 'Oh no.' I cursed myself repeatedly as I tried to think of a way to get up without disturbing Dash, but every time I thought of a possible solution, I remembered that Dash was still lying on my wing, and there was no way I could move it without moving Dash first. I let out a sigh as I gave up on try to move before I turned my gaze to the sleeping mare that was holding me tight. I had to admit, she did look quite cute as... 'No wind! She is a friend and I made a promise to myself that I would not let our friendship grow further than that.' I warned myself in my head as I forced my gaze away. I shook my head and closed my eyes. I was unable to do anything else, so maybe sleep would just be all I can do. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep. ---------- I slowly awoke again, but to the feeling of somepony softly playing with my mane. I opened my eyes and was greeted by a big pair of purple eyes. Dash was smiling as she brushed my mane out of my face. "Hey Dash, What are you doing?" I asked as she continued to play with my mane. "Why did you dye your mane black? It would look so much better with your natural colour." Dash said. "I was afraid somepony would recognize me with my natural mane colour, so I dyed it before I came to Ponyville." I explained while trying to sink my into the pillow. Dash just smiled at my nervousness before getting up. "Come on Wind. You have been in bed all day, and its almost time of dinner." Dash said. I was about to protest, but my stomach rumbled loudly. "Alright fine." I said as I too pushed myself up from Dash's super soft cloud bed and to my hooves. "What are we going to do for dinner?" "W-well, I don't really cook. So I guess that I only really offer you some apples... or carrots..." Dash said trailing off and looking away. I smiled while shaking my head. "Alright Dash, I'll make you a deal. Come with me to the Apple's farm and I'll get my Bit pouch. Once we have that, I'll take you out to dinner." I offered. Dash looked to me with an excited grin before nodding her head. We both made our way outside of Dash's cloud house and spread our wings to begin our flight to Applejack's farm. The flight itself was short, and I was soon standing outside of the front door of the Apple's home. I knocked on the door thrice and waited. I heard what sounded like hoofsteps making their way to the door. The door opened to reveal a very confused looking Applebloom. "WIND SLASH!!!" She exclaimed loudly before leaping out at me and tackling me to the ground. "Hey Applebloom." I said as I ruffled her mane a bit. she soon got off me while Braeburn and Applejack appeared in the doorway. "Now just where in tha hay heve ya been all day!?" Braeburn asked in a angry and somewhat concerned tone. "I'm sorry boss, but I had a little accident yesterday and ended up hurting my wings. Dash here not only saved me, but she helped me recover. To thank her for her efforts, I am taking her to dinner." I explained. Both Braeburn and Applejack pulled their heads back in confusion. "So, ya are only here ta get ya Bit's before ya'll going back into town?" Applejack asked. "Yes, and I am also sorry about not giving you a heads up earlier. I didn't mean to make you both worry." I said as I placed a forehoof over my chest. "Ah, don't sweat it pardner." Applejack said before turning and going back inside, soon followed by Braeburn. I followed them inside as well, but I went upstairs and into the guest room to fetch my money. But instead of grabbing just my Bit pouch, I got lazy and just picked up my saddlebags. I walked back outside and saw Dash waiting for me. "You ready Dash?" I asked, but I only got a rapid nod in response. We both took off and flew in the direction of Poyville and landed just outside of the town. "So, where are we going?" Dash asked as we began to walk into the town. "I don't know. I was hopeing that you could name a place. I'm still not familiar with this town yet." I said. "Yeah, I don't really know restaurant, but I think there is a place in that direction." Dash said while pointing a hoof to her right. "Alright, lets go." We soon arrived outside of the building that Dash was talking about. 'The Prancing Pony?' I asked myself in confusion. I shrugged my shoulders and we both entered the restaurant. We walked up to the counter and waited for somepony to serve us. I took a glance into the seating area, and saw that the place had hardly any ponies inside. "Hello, can I help you?" I turned my attention back to the counter and saw a waiter there. "Uh, yes please. A table for two." I asked. "Sure, follow me." Dash and I followed the waiter into the seating area and ended up being seated at the table nearest to the salad bar. I set my saddlebags beside my chair and sat down. "Can I take your order?" the waiter asked. I looked over the menu for a moment before answering. "Can I please have a Blt sandwich with an apple pie for desert?" I asked. "Anything to drink sir?" "Just a pitcher of water and a glass thanks." I said as I concluded my order. The waiter turned to Dash and asked for her order. I did not hear what she asked for because I began to look around the restaurant in confusion. Dash and I were the only customers here. I turned back to Dash, and she look just as confused as I did. "Why is this place so empty?" Dash asked, not me, but to herself quietly. We both shook of our feelings of confusion and looked to each other. "So, Dash. How is it that you became an Element of Harmony?" I asked, causing Dash to almost choke. "How do you know?" she asked in a slight worried tone. "Twilight told me that her and her friends, meaning you, saved Princess Luna from Nightmare Moon." I said. Dash spent the next minute or two going over the events that led her to become the Element of Loyalty. She even described what happened when they first used the Element's. She seemed quite proud of herself and her friends. "Then the giant rainbow coloured beam shot down at Nightmare Moon and began to circle her rapidly before a giant white light engulfed the room. When we were able to see again, Nightmare Moon was no more, but Princess Luna was there instead." Dash explained. "Sounds like powerful magic to come from and artifact." I said with a hoof on my chin. I was not thinking, I was just enjoying Dash's company. The waiter came back into the seating area of the restaurant, levitating a tray beside his head. He walked up to our table and placed our respective meals in front of us. Dash had gotten some sort of soup, but I didn't question it. "Thank you." I said as the waiter bowed his head and backed away. I picked up my sandwich and took a bite. "Sweet Celestia this is good." I said as I began to eat the rest of the sandwich rapidly. When I finished my sandwich, my eyes snapped onto the apple pie. "Hey, just like..." Dash began, but stopped when I looked at her. "...l-like AJ makes. Y-yeah." she finished nervously. I knew what she was going to say originally. Soarin had always been known for liking apple pies. After dinner was done, Dash and I spent the next few hours conversing. Just talking about our lives and relating to each other. Aside from Dash's bloated ego, she was actually a very relateable mare. "I am sorry you two, but we need to close up now." Dash and I were brought out of our conversation about flight patterns and tactics by the same waiter that had served us. I looked at the clock on the wall behind the counter and my eyes widened greatly. It was 10:00 P.M. so Dash and I had been talking for about 4 hours straight. "Uh, sorry." I apologized as I pulled my Bit pouch from my saddlebags. "How much do I owe you?" "Your total comes to 10 Bits." the waiter informed. I pulled out 20 nd passed them to him. "Thank you sir." I nodded before Dash and I turned to leave. We left the restaurant and took flight back to Dash's house. It was only right that I fly her home after all. We landed outside of Dash's house and she walked inside. "Well Dash, I guess I'll see you next time." I said as I turned and began to walk away. "Wait! Don't you want to come in?" She pleaded. "I'm sorry Dash, But I have to go back and help Applejack on the farm tomorrow. So I really need my sleep." I said. "But... you can sleep here. I will even come with you tomorrow and also help out." I thought about her offer for a moment. I guess that there is no harm in waking up early and flying back to the farm in the morning. "Alright Dash, but we have to get up early." I warned before facing her again and entering her house again. Dash closed the door behind me and we walked back to the bedroom, but I was them hit with a thought. "So, Dash. Where should I sleep?" I asked. But instead of getting a response, Dash gestured to her room. "Are you sure?" I asked. "Come on already." Dash said as she walked into her room and jumped up onto her bed. I felt a weird tingle go down my spine, but I ignored it and entered the room and walked up to the bed. Dash patted the space beside her. I gulped and dropped my saddlebags before slowly sliding into the bed next to her. Before I was even able to get comfortable however, Dash had managed to get herself pretty much into the same position as earlier, but this time, she had her head resting on my chest along with the forehoof. "Good night Wind." she said sleepily before letting out another cute yawn and closing her eyes. Within moment, I was able to hear her soft snores again. "Good night Dashie." I said quietly before closing my own eyes and drifting off to sleep.