> On The Wings of Wind
>  by Chazonic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue - A Memory, Fragmented
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Surrounded by stallions that I cannot see, for they are shrouded in the darkness of my fragmented memories.

"Hey kid! surrender quietly now... Our boss wants you for who you are."

"Hehe to get paid so much to capture this freak of a pegasus"

"Wait, he's too close to the edge-"

Falling off... One tried to grab me, only to hit me sharply in the head

Vision fading to black... Last thing i can remember... A scream...

"BIG BROTHER!!!"

Darkness...





"Hnnng... Who... Where am I...?"

"Oh thank goodness you're alright!"

A mare... pegasus... red coat, dark orange mane, magenta eyes, and a harp for a cutie mark.

"I found you unconscious on the edge of the forest with a big welt on the side of your head and massive grip marks. I can assure you you will be just fine. Now, where's your family, little one?"

"I... I don't remember..."

"Wait, surely you remember who they are, or what they look like?!"

"I don't... who's my mommy...? I'm... scared"

"Can you remember your name name at all? Perhaps..."

"Zephyr... I can't remember my last name... I want my mommy..."

"Shhh... it's ok, everything's going to be alright... I'm right here with you."

A loving hug, followed by a beautiful singing voice.

Sleep, my child, go to sleep, my child...

"I...love you... mommy..."
> Chapter 1 - Arrival, Plans and New Faces
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Arriving at the Ponyville station in fifteen minutes."


I woke up slowly as the announcement rang through the train compartment I was in. How long was I out for? I could of sworn I only fell asleep for ten minutes. I guess time flies like that when you are least expecting it, not that it's necessarily a bad thing.

I stretched as I re-positioned myself in my seat. The travel time between Manehatten and Ponyville was about 5 hours long, give or take an hour since I can't remember exactly. When I looked outside, I saw plenty of trees and hills decorating the view outside of the window, homage to how rural Ponyville is compared to what I am used to.

I had left Manehatten primarily because I wanted to "broaden my horizons," as I put it in front of my adoptive mother.

While I grew up in Manehatten for most of my life, I have no idea where I was actually born. I was found unconscious on the edge of a nearby forest with a bleeding welt on the side of my head and some grip marks that most likely came from a particularly large creature. Because of what had happened before that, I had lost my memory except for my first name and one obscure, yet somehow gruesome quip from my previous life. The shrouded stallions, the falling, the scream.

Especially that scream...

Anyways, I was adopted by the mare who had found me and nursed me back to consciousness. The authorities attempted to find my real family, but without any leads and me being amnesic, they ran into too many dead ends. They decided to simply let the one who found me raise me as her own colt.

I learned all of this one year ago from my adoptive mother; Harpsong Earthwing, a local celebrity singer and harp player. She apparently found me after visiting the grave of her late stallion who had perished a few years back. Despite my coming into her life as abruptly as I did, she loved me like I was her own flesh and blood, and tried to raise me as best as she could.

Sure, I was slightly peeved at her for not telling me  until "I was old enough," but thinking back at how much she cared for me during all the years I CAN remember, it was hard to stay that way for long.

Sadly, as hard as she tried to raise me to be, well... 'normal,' my colthood is something of a painful memory as well.

Because of how special I am...

I quickly shook my head. Thinking about it will only reaffirm its existence. The thing that caused me so much pain. Caused me to get bullied at every turn.

The reason I believe friendship is just a word and nothing else.


"Now arriving at the Ponyville station."


I sighed as I forced all my current thoughts out of my head and picked up my saddle bags. I wanted to move from Manehatten to escape all of the memories that haunted me, as well as start a new life. However; Ponyville isn't going to be my final stop either. My plan was to travel to all of the cities and towns around Equestria in an attempt to find a place where I can lead a normal life.

Yes; normal. no excitement, no drama, not even romance. Just a plain old existence. Is there something wrong with that?

"You sure you got everything in order, Zephyr Earthwing?" A nearby conductor I somewhat knew approached me with a bit of a smirk on his face.

I simply roll my eyes. "Yes I got everything Coltuctor. Sheesh, you accidentally leave an item on a train and you're marked for life."

"Don't be like that! this may very well be the last time I see you if you don't plan on returning to Manehatten. I godda bug you at least a little bit, don't I?"

I snort and start grinning at him. "What are you; an insect collector?"

Now it was his turn to roll his eyes. "Oh, ha ha ha, you and your puns." his smile turns into a bit of a frown. "Admittedly, I'm going to miss them. as bad as some, or most, of them are, they at least brighten up my day a bit."

"Glad to know I made a difference in somepony's life. Now, I've got to go before the train tries to leave with me still on it." And with one final farewell nod, I step onto the station.





"Alright, first things first: find a place to stay for at least one night. After that, find something to eat, as it's almost time for lunch. Not much else after that besides looking at any major landmarks around this place."

This is my basic to-do list for every new town and city I go to next. I have more than enough bits to last me through this journey, counting days spent at a hotel (or anything similar), food, and travel via train. Always nice to have a bit of an action plan when doing something like this.

I don't feel like walking around this place too long for a hotel. I exited the station on that thought. looking around quickly, I spotted a grey pegasus mare with what looks like a mail bag. If she's the mail-mare, then my course of action is clear.

"Excuse me miss, could I ask a quick question?" Approaching from the side should prevent me from scaring her too much. Wouldn't that be a wonderful start...

Looking around, she quickly spotted me and smiled. "Anything I can help you with, sir?"

"Yes I was wo-- whoa."

So that's what it looks like to be wall-eyed...

When she tilted her head in confusion, I quickly caught myself from staring for too long.

"I was just wondering if there was a hotel in Ponyville. If there is, could you give me directions, please?"

She grinned and said, "there is a hotel called the Hay and Stay just down the street from the station. You can't miss it."

"Thank you kindly miss..."

"Ditzy Doo, but most ponies just call me Derpy."

That's a little mean... "Zephyr Earthwing. Pleasure to meet you, and thank you for your help."

"It's fine, but I got to get back to work, or I'll be behind again. See you around." And with that, she flew away, albeit rather clumsy. Must be because of her condition...





The rooms at the Hay and Stay were relatively cheap by my standards. Heck, I could put more money into food at that rate even if I stayed one night extra.

Speaking of food, my stomach started growling after I had unpacked what little I had with me. One saddle bag contained my bits for the journey, all stacked and wrapped in a way that prevents them from clinking together while trotting. I simply shook my head at my mom when she was packing them away for me, letting her OCD with bits take over her.

All I had in my other bag was my water bottle, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a quill, ink, some parchment, and my wind harp. The harp acted like most other harps, except that you can outright change it's tone using some magic or by manipulating wind and air currents around it.

I picked it up and gave it a few strums before putting it back. I had learned how to play harps from my mom, not because I had to, but simply because of the fact that harps are a soothing instrument. Despite it not being part of my cutie mark, I was very proficient in using one.

Deciding to clean myself up before going anywhere, I went into the bathroom and stared at myself in the mirror. I was an average sized green pegasus with a dirty blond mane and tail, with my eyes being a deep blue colour. My cutie mark was a ball of wind flanked by a wing on each side. there is also a hole in the middle of the mark shaped like a mic.

This basically meant that I was skilled in wind and air-current manipulation, flying, and singing.

I must be both a wind bag and an air head. Snorting at that thought, my eyes fell on one spot in my reflection right behind my wings, which had a similar build to alicorn wings. Bandages covered all around that one section. The only thing between Equestria and my secret...

I sighed, washed my face quick, and headed out into the street once again.





Now to find either a place to eat, or a place or stall that sells food.

On the way to what I believe is the plaza, a pink earth pony spotted me, jumped into the air with a long and loud gasp, SOMEHOW breaking the laws of gravity, then dashing off to Celestia knows where. Needless to say, I was a bit disturbed.

Too bad she didn't hang around longer... hah.

One bad pun later, I spotted where there were stalls selling various wares. One stall seemed to... stand out more than any of the other ones, probably because it was dead in the middle of the road.

Wait... is that stall selling what I think it's selling?

Apples...

Lots and lots of apples.

Being a colt who grew up on the stuff, saying I was ecstatic was a bit of an understatement. I swear there was a miracle in the works, since I prevented myself from bolting right to the stand.

"Howdy pardner! haven't seen you round' these parts." The orange earth pony mare behind the stall had a thick accent that sounded... homely? Must be. Could be just the stetson hat she's wearing, farmers like those hats for some reason.

"I just came in from Manehatten; currently looking around town. Quite the stock of apples you got there."

She grinned. "Care to try one? we at Sweet Apple Acres grow the best apples 'round Equestria."

"Somepony's confident. Looks like I'll have to take you up on that statement. How much per apple?"

"Bag of' apples cost three bits. Still, since yer' new in town an' all, why not try one on the house?"

I deadpanned. "You're simply giving away a potentially hard earned apple purely because somepony is from out of town?!"
What kind of community structure did they have here?

When she gave me a puzzled look, I shook my head and stated, "if you're offering me, I guess I'll take you up on that."

Receiving the apple, I gave it a once-over. It certainly has more of a shine to it that the ones sold back in Manehatten. Farm fresh? Regardless, I took a small bite.

"..."

"Uh, par'ner? You ok there?"

"This... this is..." I took a deep breath.

"The skin is wonderful and provides an excellent crunch while the flesh has a very sweet red-delicious taste with a very complimentary hint of sour all in one big juicy package that is not only filling but is sure to leave the consumer both happy and satisfied. Holy star apples, I said a mouthful."

Now it was her turn to deadpan. A few other ponies looking my way as well

I simply grin sheepishly at her. "Sorry, I grew up on apples, so I get a bit... over the top when I find a very tasty specimen."

"Well, ah'm' glad you like it so much. Still, yer' the first one to go on that kind of a rant after taking one bite."

I raise an eyebrow. "That was a little short to be a rant, but I digress. two bags of apples for me please."

"That'll be six bits." As she's putting the apples away for me, I count out the money and place it on the stall. As I walked away with my apples in tow, I slyly slip a couple more bits onto her stall without her noticing, considering it my rather generous tip to her family.

As I round the corner, I hear her say, "now where did these extra bits come from?"

> Chapter 2 - Coincidental Party?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    When I went back to my hotel room, I noticed a slip of parchment on the floor at the entrance. After placing my apple bags on the counter and procuring one, I read what it said.

Come to Sugar Cube Corner at 7 pm!!

No name... I wonder why this pony chose to give this to me. I've only been in this town for two hours now, and already somepony tries to set me up for... something...

My eyes widen in sudden horror.

Did somepony from Manehatten find me here? What if this is somepony's idea of a cruel joke?

No! Calm down, you are just overreacting to this. Whoever wrote this might of picked a room at random, either for something purposeful, or just as an innocent prank.

I sighed before biting into my apple, savoring the taste and juiciness. Letting go of all my bad experiences in Manehatten is going to be difficult.

It's ironic, considering that one of my beliefs contradicts what I am doing right now. Sadly, I came up with no other alternatives when I was contemplating about doing what I'm doing now.

I sighed again before eating another apple. Right now it was two o'clock, so I had five hours before heading to this Sugar Cube Corner place. Judging by the name, it must either be a bakery or a cafe', so it would logically be a prime meeting spot for anypony.

Guess I'll look around town for this place, so that when I go, I'm not wandering around like a lost sheep.





Said SugarCube Corner was a joke to find, considering it looks like it's made of sweets. Shaking my head and attempting to make note of the location, I wandered around town while attempting to avoid any attention. I didn't care as much about it when I'm hungry, but when all my needs are satisfied, I shy away from crowds; they make me nervous...

Wait, scratch that. They make me VERY nervous. And to make matters worse, my reaction earlier when buying apples will certainly draw attention to me if I'm not careful.

A slight snoring sound from above brought me out of my stupor. Looking up, all I see is a lone cloud floating there, with what looks like a rainbow tail dangling from one side.

Since I worked at the mini-weather factory in Manehatten, I was privy to certain tidbits of information that only employees can see. Weather schedules are no exception, and I had a look at what should of been Ponyville's forecast: a clear, sunny day.

The sky was littered with other clouds, although few and far between. That still isn't sufficient for a properly done job, and that one pony on the cloud was just snoozing away.

This would be grounds for dismissal where I came from. How slack can they be around here?

Another snore sounded from the one cloud above me

Sounds like SOMEpony is enjoying a care-free life. Sheesh, some ponies get all the luck...

Resisting the urge to facehoof, I slipped away from the spot. A few blocks later, another thought crossed my mind.

That couldn't of been Rainbow Dash, could it? I thought a mare capable of creating the legendary sonic rainboom would be less lazy. Is she all bark, no bite after all?

Guess I'll confront her about it tomorrow before I leave. That's IF she's awake at the time.

"Why hello there, darling, you must be new here."

Looking away from the snoozing pegasus, I see a rather elegant marshm-- excuse me, white unicorn with a regal mane-style.

"Uh, can I help you?"

"Why yes actually; have you seen a rainbow-maned pegasus around? I need her for something."

I snort, earning a look of confusion from the mare. "I haven't seen a rainbow mane, but if a rainbow tail counts, she may very well be a few blocks behind me, right above your head, with HER head in the clouds."

She gives an exasperated sigh before looking past me. "She is supposed to be helping me and my friends with something after clearing the skies..." A quick pause, the only things heard are ponies walking along the street and another light snore from afar. Come to think that snore is pretty cute--

--what is wrong with me?

"I'll be sure to give her a good talking later. Laziness of that level is unbecoming of a mare her age. For now, lets talk about you, dear."

My face got a bit hot as I started stuttering, "w-what? I-I can assure you that there's n-nothing special about me!"

"Well, if you pardon my bluntness, you seem to have a rather feminine build for your muzzle."

My embarrassment quickly turned into fear. "W-well this has been an interesting conversation, but I think I need to go right now." As I quickly speed away, I hear her say something, but I was long gone before I even considered slowing down.

Panting from the adrenaline rush, I notice a tree that has been made into a house, yet is somehow still very much alive. Must of taken a lot of magic to make that happen.

I was a bit afraid of talking to whoever lives in there, but my curiosity got the better of me. I gave the door the standard three knocks.

"The library is open."

Right, time for me to notice the blatantly obvious sign that reads: Golden Oaks Library. I facehoof before entering, mentally bucking myself for not noticing.

The library looks bigger on the inside. How much magic DID they use to build this place?

"Anything you are looking for at all?" Time to take notice of the lavender-colored unicorn with the pink stripe down her dark-purple mane. That wasn't creepy at all.

"Nothing in particular, just browsing to pass the time. I'll let you know when I find something of interest."

"Oh, OK then. SPIKE!" A purple and green dragon rounds a corner with a slightly irritated face. "Be sure to help our guest if he needs any, OK?" He gives a lazy salute before she turns to you.

"Its fine, I don't wish to be too much trouble. I'm just passing time until I have to go to SugarCube Corner at seven for something."

She stares at me for a moment before giving me a coy smile. I subconsciously tense up.

"...What?"

"Nothing. My name is Twilight Sparkle by the way."

"Zephyr Earthwing."

She gave a thoughtful pause before saying, "pleased to meet you. Again, let us know if you need anything."

I relax a bit and simply nodded before trotting over to one of the nearby shelves to see what books they have. Despite being a smaller town, they had a bigger public library than Manehatten did.

When the clock was reading four-thirty, Twilight suddenly decided to leave Spike in charge of the library before heading out. Looking up from the one book I found interesting, I saw her give me a sly smile, sending shivers down my spine. I hope she isn't one of the ones involved in that meeting that may-or-may-not be a really bad joke.

"I'm not sure if Twilight would appreciate me saying this, but I have to say it." I look over at spike who was giving me a happy, yet apologetic smile.

"Fire away."

"Thanks for putting books you take off the shelves back where they originally were. you have no idea how much that means to me! Also, sorry for being grumpy with you earlier."

I simply raise an eyebrow. "It's no problem, and what I did is a common courtesy to do so where I'm from. Does Twilight give you a hard time with this kind of thing?"

"Yeah, she goes a tad bit loopy when things become 'un-orderly' in her books." He shrugs before going off to dust the opposite corner, as to not disturb me.

"No offense, but my impression of her is that she can be quite scatterbrained." A snort of laughter comes from him and, realizing what I said, I plead to him, "don't tell her I said that!"

Snickering some more, he stated, "it's fine. She doesn't want to admit that she is though."

 She must be fun at parties. Although she seems too young to be partying, unless that's another way this town is lax.





Checking the clock and confirming the time as quarter-after six, I bid Spike farewell before heading back to my room to eat dinner. Reading about the food culture other cities in Equestria made me quite hungry. Getting back to my room, I decided to down a few more apples instead of making a proper meal, which would leave me time to tune my wind harp a bit more to my comfort.

When ten-to seven rolled around, I packed away everything before heading to SugarCube Corner. Exiting the hotel, I noticed the sun starting to set.

Have I mentioned to anypony yet that i hate wandering around after dark?

Don't get me wrong, I love night-time. The cool calmness relaxes me after a stressful day and I can practice my harp skills without anypony hearing me, or paying attention to me.

That's only if I'm near my home. The reason why I'm scared of going out at night is because my mom and I got jumped by a thug on our way home from one of her concerts. We were lucky an officer happened to turn the corner to see it happen.

Hopefully whatever happens at this place is quick.

As I approached the place, I noticed that all the lights were off inside.

Right, closed early for some reason or another. Checking the open hours on the sign, it shows that they were supposed to be open for another three hours...

This is starting to look more like a really elaborate joke by the minute.

I gave a door a frustrated push, only to almost fall in, since it was unlocked. The inside of the store was pitch-black, save for near the entrance. This would be one of the few times I wish I was a unicorn, in case of flashlight emergencies like thi--

"SURPRISE!!!"

... I wonder if I make a good ceiling throw rug.

"Huh? Where did he go?"

This is what I get for eating too many apples. For some reason, I get extremely high-strung when I eat apples, yet when I eat anything sweet, I don't get the same results.

Two blue eyes suddenly envelop my vision. "Silly, you're supposed to lay on the floor, not on the ceiling!"

One surprised yelp later, I land on my back with painful results. I look at the now noticed crowd in front of me; half of them wearing a concerned look while the other half, including a blue rainbow-maned pegasus, looked like they were trying to contain laughter and failing.

Once again my vision gets taken up, this time by pink.

"SowereyousurprisedithoughtyouweresurprisedImeanwetriedtosurpriseyouthenyousuddenlydissapearedandwewereallwonderingwhy
yousuddenlyvanishlikethatthenIlookupan--" She gets an orange hoof stuffed into her mouth.

"Sorry 'bout that sugahcube. She likes to go off like that when she tries to surprise somepony."

"Its fine," I groan as I roll onto my legs and stand up before looking at the owner of the hoof. "Oh you're the farm pony that sold me all those apples! I can't believe i didn't introduce myself then."

She grins as she removes her hoof from the other mare's mouth. "Don't worry 'bout it, ah'm sure we will be well acquainted after this party, Zephyr."

What? How?

"Enough of that! lets get this party STARTED!" With a blast from her-- wait, where did that cannon come from? It took all my willpower to not plaster myself against the ceiling for the second time.

Regardless, I should get introduced to her and everypony she knew. Oh Celestia, I hope I didn't make a mistake.

"Right, well follow me for a minute here." I followed the orange mare to a group of three other mares, two of them I recognize.

"So this is where you went, Twilight." The mare in question turned and smiled at me.

"Hey, Zephyr, I figured i would introduce my friends to you here. Although it looks like you already met Pinkie Pie and Applejack already." Fitting the pink one would be named Pinkie Pie. Plus it's good to finally know the one who sold me delicious apples.

Twilight gestured towards the white unicorn and the flying pegasus. "This is Rarity and Rainbow Dash."

I nod to them while saying, "Zephyr Earthwing. Pleased to make your acquaintance." Hope that didn't come off too awkward.

"Earthwing... that name seems familiar. Regardless; you're the one who dashed away from me when we met earlier!" Rarity gave an irritated huff.

Rainbow Dash snickered before saying, "and don't you forget; you're in the presence of the fastest flyer in Equestria!"

I raise an eyebrow at her. "I've heard rumors about your performance at the Best Young Fliers competition. Some are even going so far as to call you a 'Faker.'"

She gave a small grimace, but quickly placed her hooves behind her head before saying, "they are just jealous they aren't as awesome as I am." An arrogant mare. This is going to be fun... Not!

Twilight looked at you curiously. "Why did you run from Rarity?"

"All I said was that his muzzle had a build like a mare's" At this, I lowered my head and ears both in shame and fright, waiting for the inevitable plethora of potential insults.

"Sorry"

Applejack gives Rarity a slightly annoyed look. "He's sorry for doing that, so don't hold it against him." Giving me a curious look, she added, "Why did you look frightened anyways? It's not like we were going to insult you or anything."

I gave her a dumbfounded look before Twilight added, "yeah, I say it looks OK on you." Rarity gave a gentle nod while Rainbow gave a small smirk that went unnoticed by everypony but me.

I sigh. "Its because when I was younger I--" I gave a small gulp "-- was made fun of a lot for my muzzle shape."

I got three sympathetic looks, though Rainbow Dash was looking at me a bit puzzled.

"You remind me a lot of our friend Fluttershy. Speaking of her, where is she?"

Twilight looked around. "She is here somewhere. And I was hoping she would of opened up a bit more after that incident with the cockatrice.

... Suddenly I got an annoying buzzing in the back of my mind. Fluttershy... For some odd reason that name was like a half-remembered song for me; Familiar, yet not familiar.

"Hey! Turn that frownie upside-downie!" I get a jab to where my bandages were and I let out a high pitched yelp of surprise.

"Would you kindly not do that to me, please?" I glare at Pinkie Pie who gave an awkward smile.

"Warn me before you do that again. Ah' feel like ah' temporarily lost mah' hearing'..."

My turn to give a sheepish smile. "Sorry. My sides there are really sensitive, that's why I have bandages over them." It was a half-truth, but I hoped they would buy it.

After yet another awkward situation of me being weird, I quickly excused myself and went off to try some of the snacks and punch. As soon as I reached the table, I felt a hoof tap my on the shoulder. I turn, only to come face-to-face with a familiar face.

"Mr. Hoofington?"
> Chapter 3 - It goes without saying...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"What are you doing here?"

Never expected my high-school homeroom and science teacher to be here of all places...

Nesium Hoofington simply shrugged. "I was originally here to visit my niece to see how she was doing, and the both of us get a party invitation from Pinkie Pie for welcoming a new pony into town. Never would've thought it was you being the guest of honor."

I gave him a confused look. "Wait if she throws a party for every new arrival in Ponyville, how come I'm the ONLY guest of honor?"

"You might of still been the only pony to have come to Ponyville for the first time?" He shrugs again. It seems to be his thing when he is in conversation.

"...Wow I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty sure the odds are a million to one. And THAT'S with some generous rounding," I stated, waving my fore-hooves a bit for emphasis.

He grins, "aren't you lucky? Most first-time arrivals get clumped together in one party."

Que my eyes to roll with me sarcastically saying, "yeeeeah.. lucky me..." Looking around to make sure nopony would eavesdrop on us, I whisper, "Methinks that it seems a bit... unnecessary to throw a party for somepony who is only going to be here until tomorrow morning..."

Nesium glares at me. "Don't tell me you're going to skip town just because they threw a welcoming party for you." Waving a hoof in the direction of the mares I talked to, he added, "didn't you make friends with those girls over there?"

"First of all I was going to leave regardless if they threw a welcoming party for me or not. Besides that, what friends? Acquaintances, sure. Co-workers, that's just fine. Friends?" I shake my head. "They are a bad idea and a horrible concept meshed together. Needless to say that if anypony thinks that they can befriend me at this party, they are going to be sorely disappointed."

He sighs, "Zephyr, you need to let go of your bad experiences with 'friends' and try again. Being alone for the rest of your life will only make you bitter and depressed. Plus, you need to give this town more of a chance; all of it's charms won't be revealed to you if you only stay for one measly day." With those words he turns and walks towards a fuchsia-colored mare with 3 smiling flowers for a cutie mark.

I glare at his retreating figure. He never went through all the bullying I did. He never had so-called 'friends' who claimed they were, but simply stood to the side as I was tortured. HE never had anypony betray him just because of who he was and what he was.

Looking at the snack and drink table, confirming that parties don't need alcohol to be a party, I shake my head and walk away. That conversation's souring turn completely whetted my appetite. Looking around I see--

"HI AGAIN"

I swear there's a pattern here. Only this time, I dashed under the table instead of plastering myself against the ceiling.

"Heeeey, you keep disappearing on me! Oh oh oh, I know you must be a NINJA! That's how you always manage to vanish like that. You must be a master of hide and seek!"

For the love of Princess Luna's non-existent moon walkers, Pinkie Pie is going to be the end of me. Also, I don't think I move THAT fast, unless that's the apples in my system speaking again.

Shifting around in the darkness of the table-cloth, I bump into something warm, followed by a small 'eep' of surprise.

Is there somepony here with me?

Turning my head cautiously, my muzzle bumps into what feels like another muzzle. In that instant, I fly out from under the table cloth, only to plant myself into a wall.

"Oh there you are Zephy"

Dear Celestia, what did I do to deserve this?

A voice that belongs to Rainbow Dash quips, "there you are Fluttershy. We've been looking everywhere for you."

There's that annoying buzzing in the back of my head. It has to mean something, right?

"O-oh I'm sorry, i-it's just that... I'm still not good with c-crowds of ponies. I think I'm going to go hide again, um, if that's alright with you..."

Prying myself from the wall, I look at the source of the soft-spoken voice, only to get a headache when I see a butter-yellow mare with a pink mane that could make a cherry blossom jealous. Actually, cherry blossoms are a slightly darker pink, my bad.

Rainbow Dash groans. "Come on Fluttershy, at least meet the stallion this party was thrown for!"

"O-okay..." When she turned around to look at me, I could of sworn she flinched in pain. Must be my own headache making me see things. "I-I'm Fluttershy. P-pleased to meet y-you."

"Zephyr Earthwing," I replied, tilting my head forward in respect. I'm not out to make friends, but I still show respect to others.

"Ah HAH, I just remembered why your second name sounded so familiar!" Looking over at Rarity, who looked like she had little stars in her eyes. "You must be the son of Harpsong; famous singer and harp player from Manehatten!"

Great, now the entire party is looking at me again... Well, save a few fillies in the back who are too distracted by their discussion.

"Er yes, what of it?" Better not tell them I'm adopted.

"What of it? She is only the most famous mare singer in the industry. The fact her son is here is a blessing on it's own!" She starts swooning, much to my chagrin.

Applejack shook her head. "Don' mind her, Sugarcube. She always gets like that when she meets somepony important."

"And I can honestly say I'm not that special." A total lie considering my... Condition, but hopefully it would be passed off as being modest, as I get a really distinct feeling that Applejack is good at telling truth from lies. Judging by her mixed reaction, I partially succeeded.

"Perhaps you can sing us a song! that would be super-duper ultra-mega awesome if you could! And I know just the pony to help you out!" As Pinkie bounced off to look for a pony named 'Vinyl Scratch,' I give a small glare before looking back to Applejack.

"I'm in deep, aren't I?"

"Eeyup. you should probably do it, as she an' Rarity will keep asking you to sing. Ah' Think you should get a' choice, but it's outta' mah' hooves."

"Of course silly!" Pinkie pops up to my left, even though she was last seen on my right, and beams at me. "After all, his cutie mark shows that he has singing talent by default!" If this was any other mare, I would of been a little flattered that she was looking at my... never mind.

"Ugh, fine. I'll sing if you all want me to so badly..." Pinkie Gives me an unnaturally large grin, Rarity made a small, unladylike squee, Twilight and Rainbow, who were both with a still nervous Fluttershy, gave an appreciative grin and smirk respectively, and Applejack simply shrugged.

I'm going to need some major therapy after this...

"Alright where is this 'Vinyl Scratch' pony? I need to listen to a few instrumentals before I decide to actually sing or not." Getting pointed to a corner, I see a white unicorn with an electric-blue mane and a rather sweet-looking pair of shades working with what looks like a DJ stand that has a microphone attached to it on the side.

Ugh... I'm glad I took singing lessons as a colt. Being in front of a crowd is still gonna kill me though. Guess this is how mom feels doing a concert.

The unicorn looks up to see me approaching and grins. "Hey dude, going to be singing blind towards an instrumental eh? Take your pick, got plenty to choose from." She hands me her headphones and I put it on my head while cycling through different songs. Most of them seem to be trotstep, as expected for a party DJ, but one song catches my interest. It was a familiar song that two bands tried collaborating on but left it at an instrumental stage; fair mix between rock and trotstep.

"Lets go with this one. I heard it in developmental stages a while back and I know just what to sing for it."

Vinyl gives me a surprised look behind her shades before grinning again. "Sounds like you know what you're doing. Hope you listened to it enough to know the beats by memory." With that, she preps the song while I stand by the mic.

I just realized, it has been awhile since I actually sang! I'm probably going to tarnish mom's name by screwing up, so I can't fail!

As the song starts, I mentally brace for failure. But as the first few beats started playing, I start to feel calm...

And I began to sing:


Don't wanna be sly and defile you
Desecrate my mind and rely on you
I just wanna break this crown
But it's hard when I'm so run down

And you're so cynical, Narcissistic Cannibal!
Got to bring myself back from the grave!

Sometimes, I hate, the life, I made
Everything's wrong every time
Pushing on I can't escape
Everything that comes my way
Is haunting me taking its sweet time

Holding on I'm lost in a haze
Fighting life to the end of my days

Don't wanna be rude but I have to
Nothing's good about the hell you put me through
I just need to look around
See that life that has come unbound

And you're so cynical, Narcissistic Cannibal
Got to bring myself back from the dead

Sometimes, I hate, the life I made
Everything's wrong every time
Pushing on I can't escape
Everything that comes my way
Is haunting me taking its sweet time

Sometimes, I hate, the life I made
Everything's wrong every time
Pushing on I can't escape
Everything that comes my way
Is haunting me taking its sweet time

Holding on I'm lost in a haze
Fighting life to the end of my days

Holding on I'm lost in a haze
Fighting life to the end of my days 


When the song ends, I open my eyes and look at my audience. They looked like they had seen the most amazing thing, for whatever reason. Then all at once they started applauding me, which made me blush if the heat on my face was saying anything. I quickly got off the platform and made my way back to where I was standing originally, with the six mares from before still there.

"That. Was. AWESOME!" Both Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie burst at the same time. Fluttershy gave me a small smile, while the other three gave me an appreciative look. It was clear that genre of music wasn't their thing, but they understood what I did.

"T-thanks. That took everything out of me, so I'm going to have to retire for tonight. Thanks for the party... and all."

"Okie-dokey-lokey, be seeing you around!" and with that, Pinkie Pie went over to the mic to announce that the party was coming to a close. Fluttershy excused herself as well, while the other four decided to stay behind and help clean up.

Not for much longer past tomorrow morning, you won't. With the clock reading 11pm, I exited Sugar Cube Corner and started heading towards the hotel. The wind had picked up a fair amount, but nothing too concerning.

"Umm, excuse me?"

Turning around, I see Fluttershy standing there with a puzzled, yet somewhat pained face.

"I-I was wondering, have w-we met somewhere before?"

"Have you ever been in Manehatten?" She shakes her head. "Then I don't think so, unless I look like somepony you met before."

Frowning, she says, "I-I'm sorry for troubling you with t-that. Umm, goodnight then..." With that, she trots off in a different direction.

Was the reason why she had a pained face was because I reminded her of somepony else? I wonder if that's similar to my predicament...

As I get into my hotel room, turn out the lights, and flop onto the bed, one last thought crossed my mind before drifting to sleep.

Wait a bit before this town's charms are revealed? The ponies in this town are CRAZY!

> Chapter 4 - Windy Interruptions 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Freak, freak, you're a freak!"

No... I'm a normal pony... aren't I?

"Freak, freak, you're a freak!"

"I'm not friends with him!"

Why... why do you betray me?

"Get out of here you mutant pegasus!"

Nopony... nopony likes me... nopony cares about me...

Earth... shaking... I'm... falling...

"BIG BROTHER!"





I woke up with a jolt and almost fell out of bed when the whole building felt like it shifted. Not caring about my bed-mane, I rushed out of my room and out of the hotel, only to get swept off my hooves by the wind.

"What the hay is going on?"

Stabilizing myself in the air, I looked at the town to see that other ponies were not faring very well either. Pegasi were getting pushed around, unicorns that had apparently rushed outside like I did were clinging onto houses and trees for dear life, and earth ponies looked like they were barely holding onto the ground.

"Hey Zephyr!"

I looked over to see the rainbow-maned pegasus from last night, looking like she was going through Tartarus just to move ten meters.

"If you can move around at all, get inside as soon as you can! The wind currents around Ponyville have gone out of control for some reason!"

"What is your Wind Manager doing? On vacation or something?"

"Close enough, he retired three days ago, saying he has had enough of dealing with wind currents."

Only three days? Normally wind currents remain inert in the last state they were in for a whole week before randomly going out of control. Why is Ponyville a special case?

"We've sent for another Wind Manager, but the closest available one is from Appaloosa, and they won't be able to get here until nightfall!"

Of course I could always try to leave, but even if I don't plan on staying here, just leaving them like this will leave a bad taste in my mouth. Ugh, what a drag.

"Anyways, you should get back inside and-- HEY where are you going?"

Looking back at her while flying up-wind, I reply, "you should probably get shelter soon. I don't care how fast you are normally, it is completely useless here."

I heard her shout at me, "what the hay is that supposed to mean?" Ignoring her, I pushed through the typhoon to try and find the first wind current.





A lot of ponies don't really think about it, but managing wind currents is just as important as managing normal weather. Typically, designated pegasi or unicorns, dubbed Wind Managers, manipulate the currents in order to give nearby areas either a gentle, cooling breeze or a decently strong wind to spread flower pollen and seeds during the spring and summer. They can also magically charge the currents to create stronger winds at a later time. This is often used whenever storms are scheduled, as it actually ensures a more even distribution of rain over the land.

Locating a wind current is simple, yet complicated at the same time. They are typically a sideways spiral made of four wind 'strands' that are colored a light green, with how far spread apart they are determining how strong the wind is. Most ponies go their entire life without seeing what a wind current looks like, due in part to the fact that you need to magically enhance your eyesight in order to see them.

On top of that, pegasi need to channel their weather magic through their hooves in order to interact with the currents similar to how unicorns channel magic through their horns. As a result, because unicorns are more adept at manipulating magic outside of their bodies, most Wind Managers are unicorns. Pegasi Wind Managers are uncommon, but are still well known enough, as it takes years of practice in order to master the required channeling skills needed.

Pegasi who are naturally able to manipulate wind currents are rarer still. They still need to learn how to see the wind currents, but they don't need the training to manipulate the magic needed through their hooves. If this happens, usually the cutie mark depicts some form of wind to show this mastery, in conjunction with any other talents the pegasus has.

I often wonder if I am blessed or cursed to be one of the 'natural born.' Considering my condition...

No! Focus on the task at hoof.

Going up-wind is a strategy I often use to make things easier on me. After setting the current farthest upwind, I can usually ride the wind to the other currents.

Having already enhanced my eyes in order to see the currents, I spot a farm right below the current farthest upwind. The barn looked like it was ready to get blown over.

Not wasting any time, I fly up to the wind current. It was in a very tight spiral, set to typhoon strength. Grabbing the current with my hooves, I gave it the hardest yank I could muster. The spiral widened to it's maximum width, and the wind in the area died down shortly afterward.

The area is still feeling the effects from the other currents, but it wasn't nearly as bad now. Satisfied, I rode the wind back into town to find the other currents. The locations of the others are as follows:

-One is over a place that looked like a carousel.

-Over the marketplace I was in yesterday, where I first met Applejack.

-Another was above the plaza, close to the previous one.

-The Hay and Stay hotel (figures.)

-Golden Oaks Library

-Sugar Cube Corner

-Close to a rather large house made of clouds and rainbows falling off of it. How the house didn't blow away, I'll never know.

The last one was over a small cottage that was close to a rather grim looking forest. I could see wind currents above the forest as well, but they looked like they were outlined in black. This meant that while you could set them to a specific setting, more often than not they will just change strength a few hours later on their own.

So not counting any over that forest, there are nine wind currents over the town of Ponyville. No-where near as bad as dealing with fifteen of them in Manehatten.

Whew, I'm more exhausted than I thought. The last time i dealt with a situation like that was three years ago. Guess I got soft dealing with scheduled wind patterns.

After slowly making my way back to town, I wound up collapsing near the hotel.

When did I become so soft? This is pathetic...

"YIPPEE! YOU DID IT!"

Oh no... anypony but that pink mare please...

I looked over just in time to see a familiar pink blur tackle me and start holding me like a rag-doll.

"ItwassoamazinghowyoujustswoopedinandstartedfixingourwindproblemfirstApplejacksaidthatshesawsomething greenflyintotownafterstoppingthewindandsavingherbarnfromcollapseandIinstantlyknewitwasyouafterthewindaroundSugarCubeCornercalmeddownaswell--

The only thing I managed during her spiel was a voice-cracked 'ugh' in exhaustion and confusion.

"Sugahcube, lets try not to rattle him up any further. Give the poor stallion some breathing space, cos'darnit."

"Okay!"

I was let go and I met with the ground once again, albeit more painfully this time around.

"Ugh... If anypony needs me, I'll be in my room... In bed..." Getting up, I walked back into the hotel, with nopony, thankfully, bothering me along the way.








"Pinkie Pie, I worry 'bout you sometimes..."

Applejack had turned around to look at her pink friend, who was bouncing in obvious joy.

"Sorry but I'm just so happy that he managed to save Ponyville from having buildings torn down. The Cake's say that if the wind didn't die down when it did, we might of been roofless."

"Ah'm happy he saved mah barn as well Pinkie, but I doubt he appreciated getting strangled while getting his ear talked off."

Pinkie Pie stopped bouncing with an awkward, yet apologetic, smile. "I'll be sure to say sorry to him at the 'Zephyr Saved Ponyville From A Windstorm Disaster' party!" Applejack rolled her eyes, but didn't comment on it.

"Hey!" Rainbow Dash landed next to her friends with an irritated look. "Have either of you seen the new pony around?"

Pinkie Pie beamed while saying, "yeah he just went into that hotel, presumably where he's staying currently! Get it? Current-ly? Anyways, why do you wonder?"

"I'm gonna give him a piece of my mind for telling me my speed is useless!" All she got were two dumbfounded looks.

"Beg yer pardon?"

"Yeah he said to me; 'I don't care how fast you are normally, it is completely useless here.'

"I'm pretty sure he didn't mean it that way, Rainbow." Twilight had joined with Fluttershy and Rarity, both of them looking frazzled.

Rainbow Dash shot an angry, yet confused look. "What the hay is that supposed to mean?"

"He meant that your speed wasn't very useful in extremely windy conditions. Typically, faster pegasi are lighter than others, which makes them more susceptible to getting blown around. You are one exception possibly because you have more wing strength compared to other lighter pegasi, something that is more important when fighting wind."

Rainbow Dash sat down with an exasperated sigh. "The tone he was using certainly made it seem like he was calling my speed useless..."

Applejack gave her a light punch. "Don't get your tail in a knot about it. Just bring it up with him and ahm sure he will tell you the same thing Twi just did. That issue aside..." Motioning towards Fluttershy and Rarity, she asked, "what in tarnation happened to you two? Get caught in the wind yer selves?"

Rarity huffed with mild irritation. "Well, I was busy trying to tie down all of the dresses I made, especially all of your gala dresses, because I was afraid my roof could of come off! Of all of the bad things that could of happened to them, getting them torn apart by the wind was THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!" She didn't notice, but all she got were deadpanned looks from everypony except for Pinkie Pie, who had resumed bouncing on the spot.

"Uhm, I managed to stay inside, but all of my little animal friends were all terrified and I was trying to calm them all down. I-It wasn't until the wind died down that they all calmed down. I guess they w-were afraid of the house getting torn apart..."

Twilight looked around. "Speaking of which, who fixed the wind currents? I haven't figured out how to do so myself, and the Wind Manager from Appaloosa stated that he couldn't make it until nightfall."

"That's because Zephy saved us with his wind powers!" Pinkie Pie practically yelled. This caught the attention of a few ponies who were nearby trying to repair damages.

That also got a shocked look out of Rainbow Dash, but she quickly recovered with the statement, "I guess he is kind of awesome. Just not as awesome as me!"

Pinkie Pie suddenly started vibrating like she was getting a mini-doozy. "Wow haven't gotten one of those in a while. It seems something big will happen but not in the near future..." This got a worried look out of her friends.

"Oh dear, whatever it is, I certainly am not looking forward to it if it is a bad thing..." Rarity stated in an almost overly-dramatic tone.

"I just hope it doesn't involve shady ponies coming to Ponyville looking to foalnap somepony for some kind of nefarious deed! Oh whoops, I gotta go help clean up at Sugar Cube Corner!" With that, she bounced off, leaving her friends with confused looks, but ultimately wrote it off as 'Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie.'

"Uhm, there's something I want to talk about to everypony. T-that is if you want me to..." Fluttershy shrank a little. "I-It's about Zephyr but I-I'll go into more about it later..."

Twilight nodded, "okay, we can meet up at the library at about five for that. I'll inform Pinkie Pie about it before I go back to check on Spike."

Everypony present simply nodded and split off to deal with their own damages, with four of them wondering what it was that Fluttershy wanted to say about Zephyr.





???





"Phase one of our plan is in order. All we can do for now is hope he isn't too stubborn. If he is, we go straight to plan B..."
> Chapter 5 - Windfall Hiring
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Ah-CHOO*

I had walked into my room at the hotel when I sneezed.

That's not a good sign. Am I getting a cold already?

Shaking my head, I plopped down on the bed. I must of been out of shape for the two months I had quit my job as one of Manehatten's Wind Managers. The Head Manager looked rather disappointed that I was leaving after three years of managing the wind currents in the Residential District of the city. He did have a back-up plan, but stated that I was welcome to come back at any time.

Hate to disappoint further, but the only times I'll ever go back is to visit my mom...

Mom...

"Oh crap!"

Talk about blatantly forgetting about sending a letter to her about my progress and what I have seen so far.

She must be worried sick... Like all mothers are when they don't hear from their children, or so I've heard.

Grabbing my quill, ink-pot, and a piece of parchment, I sat down at the desk provided in the room and wrote:

April 21, 20XX

Dear Mom;

First of all; sorry for not writing to you sooner. The first day I was here in Ponyville was rather... Interesting, to say the least. Getting thrown a 'Welcome to Ponyville' out of nowhere would certainly be out of left field even for you. While I have discovered that alcohol is not needed to make a party (shame on me for not realizing it sooner), Being forced to sing for what appeared to be a portion of the town killed a lot of my nerves. I still don't understand how you manage to get over stage fright so easily.

One other thing I noticed is that the pony who threw the party, Pinkie Pie, is a bit... Unique, putting it nicely. She seems to pop out at the most random of times and even at random locations. However, I was getting the vibe that she threw the party just so that she could be 'friends' with me. That only made me more wary of her and her little circle, as I had bad experiences with such circles as you already know. Hate to say it, but she is going to be sorely disappointed when I denounce her as my 'friend.'

Anyways, the morning after the party, the wind started going nuts for some reason. Apparently their Wind Manager had retired three days ago and the currents had decided overnight to go haywire. The Ponyvillians(?) are lucky I happened to be in town for it, although it delayed my departure to Vanhoover until nightfall. Minor setback, as the hotels here are very cheap compared to Manehatten hotels.

I'll be sure to write to you again when I reach Vanhoover, or if something happens, be it good or bad. Say hi to the rest of the band for me.

Love, Zephyr. 

As I roll up the letter and seal it for delivery, my thoughts turned to my mom's band, Harmonecence. They were the only ponies to ever get close enough to what I consider friends in the past five years.

Well... There is one mare who I still consider a friend. However, we fell out of contact with each other when she had a bout with success, something I'll never hold against her. She earned it in my opinion, though I often wonder if she even remembers me.

Just as I reach the door to my room, somepony knocks. When I answered, I once again meet the prismatic pegasus from last night and this morning, sporting a slightly puzzled look on her muzzle.

While I wasn't really in the mood for anything past getting my letter deposited, I decided to humor her. "Can I help you?"

"Somepony from the Weather Factory in Cloudsdale wants to meet you."

"Oh? What for?"

"She wanted to know, and meet, the one who managed to stabilize the currents around Ponyville. Because I'm the Weather Manager, she dropped by my house first to ask about it, then asked me to bring you to her."

This mare is the Weather Manager? With how lazy I saw her yesterday, she could of fooled me three times over. "Right, lead the way I guess..." This better not be something bad...

Rainbow Dash gives me a small glare before grinning and saying, "wanna race there? You called my speed useless earlier, but now I'm going to prove my worth!"

She's really trying to get back at me for saying that? And declining would be a big time waster. She seems like the highly competitive type, something I failed to pick up on last night.

"Alright fine, I'll race you to the Factory. I want to get this over and done with anyways, so this will speed it up nicely."

"Why are you in such a hurry? Anyways, prepare to taste defeat at the hooves of the speed you called useless!"

I really could care less. Plus, if my stamina earlier is any sign, I'm going to lose horribly anyways.

Heading outside, I deposited my letter for delivery. Ditzy happened to come by right then, so it got sent off immediately. After that, we lined ourselves with the supposed direction of the Factory. I gave my wings a stretch as to lower the chances of a wing cramp.

"Get ready to be amazed by the lightning fast Rainbow Dash! On your mark..."

The ready position.

"Get set..."

Good thing I put a bit more distance between the two of us. The extra width of my wings could have brushed against hers, and we did not need the situation to become awkward.

"GO!"

When we both launched, we were equal distance for a little bit before she started gaining a lead on me. Oddly enough, even though I didn't care about actually racing, I was still trying to close the gap by straining my wings. However, the race didn't last very long, and she got there three seconds before me. While the distance wasn't expansive enough to warrant tiredness, it was still bad for me.

"HAHA, YES! Told you!"

"Ugh... yes, yes, you proved your point. Now can we get this over with?"

Talk about leaving a sour taste in my mouth. I'll be glad that I never have to see her again after this.

"Sounds like somepony is sore over losing."

"Just bring me to whoever wanted to see me..."

Rainbow had a noticeable extra spring to her step as we entered the building. I was still disgruntled by the race, but not enough that I took in the sight what the largest Weather Factory in Equestria looked like. First time seeing a cloud building too.

"Here it is, the Head Manager's office inside the Weather Factory."

Inside the room, there was a royal-purple mare with a somewhat wavy teal mane. Her cutie mark was two intertwining gears, one green and one blue, on a white cloud.

Looking up from her paperwork, she smiled and said, "is this the one who corrected the wind currents?" One nod from Rainbow Dash and she clapped her fore-hooves together. "Oh, wonderful. Thank you Ms. Dash. You can go back to Ponyville now.

After she left, though not before giving me another smug grin that renewed my sour taste, the Head manager stood and walked around her desk and offered a hoof.

"I'm Cloud Conduct."

I shook her hoof. "Zephyr Earthwing."

She smiles again. "Ah, son of the famous lead singer and harp player, Harpsong."

I never realized how widespread my mom's name is.

"But that's not important. Since Rainbow Dash brought you here, I must offer my most sincere gratitude for sorting the wind currents out."

I simply rub the back of my head. "It was nothing, I couldn't very well leave the place while that was going on."

She raises an eyebrow. "You were planning on leaving?"

"Yeah, I plan on traveling around all of the cities and towns in Equestria. Ponyville was my first stop and I arrived yesterday."

"Aw, and I was going to offer you the job as Ponyville's Wind Manager. Our last one retired three days ago, and we are having a rotten time trying to find a new one. It didn't help when I remembered the memo from the Manehatten Branch saying one of their best had quit."

They flatter me, but I see it as an attempt to butter me up so that I come back to work for them. I felt more like a possession there. "That was actually me who quit then. It was in preparation for the trip I'm currently going on."

Her eyes widened in surprise before she adopted a panicked look. "Is there anything I can do to make you reconsider staying? I don't want Ponyville to get blow away simple because we couldn't find somepony to manage it. And you are a pony well-suited for that job."

"Eh, I don't know..."

She panicked a bit more before looking like she had an idea. "How about I give you one of two options; we pay you the same wage you had in Manehatten, while we also cover hotel costs for your stay in Ponyville, or we can give you a twenty-five percent decreased wage, but we outright buy a house for your stay. And you only need to stay until we find somepony to replace you with."

The desperation is ringing pretty clear through her voice. Still those are tempting offers, and who knows when they will be able to get a new Wind Manager. As much as I would like to leave and avoid any more of the crazy population down there, they don't really deserve getting blown apart.

"Alright I'll stay. BUT, I have one more condition to add." Seeing the hopeful look she had, I continued, "you must find a replacement in one years time. I'll help with the search, but I will be leaving regardless if somepony has been found or not."

There's the panicked look again. I'll admit this only to myself that I'm being a bit of a hard-flank, but I don't wish to overstay my welcome in that place. Plus, being denied seeing what all of Equestria is a killjoy for me.

"A-alright. and what option are you..?"

"I'll go with the house option. I really don't need any more bits than I have, plus the hotel does not need anypony occupying one of their rooms for a whole year or so."

"Then I'll arrange for the transaction to be made when you pick a house out. However, we will only get a house that is within a certain cost threshold."

"That's fine. I shouldn't need anything beyond simple housing anyways. Another thing is that when I leave, you can have the house for anything you see fit. In the incredibly unlikely event that I stay, I'll continue taking the lower wage. I'm going to warn you now, chances of that happening is about as likely as a bipedal creature never before seen landing in Equestria."

Where did that analogy come from?

She nods, then gives a nervous smile. "Thank you for doing this for us. Meet up with me at the Ponyville square and I'll see to getting your house paid for."

"Alright. Just don't mention the whole leaving after one year this to anypony. Last thing I need is other ponies getting flank-hurt over me eventually leaving."

"I don't know why you are so hung up on leaving. I'm pretty sure you already got lots of friends in Ponyville." I give a snort of laughter, but decided not to expand upon it.

"When should I meet you?"

"How about five? That's usually the time I get off of work."

"Fair enough. For now I'm going to go back to my hotel room and rest up a bit more."

She gives a friendly wave. "See you then!"

After leaving the factory, I flew back to Ponyville, hoping to get the rest I completely forgot to have before.




Cloudsdale Weather Factory, ten minutes later




Cloud Conduct had just finished the paperwork for getting her temporary employee a house when she heard somepony knocking on the door.

"Come in."

Looking up, she scowled when she recognized the stallion who walked in.

"I take it he accepted staying?"

"Yes, although he added the condition that he's leaving in one year regardless."

"That's fine, that is more than enough time for us." Noticing her continued scowl, he asked, "what has you so upset?"

"The fact that I had to stomp on my pride and practically begged him to stay. I also had to lie to him in saying that we couldn't find a new Wind Manager. The only reason why I did so is because of your promise of making the Weather Factory more efficient."

The stallion chuckled before saying, "don't worry, I'll keep my end of the bargain. It's one more reason why we need him to stay put for now."

Cloud raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying Zephyr is the key to a more efficient factory?"

"Precisely. And don't worry, I will cover the cost of the house for you."

"Then hurry up. I have a business to run, and more efficiency will bring in more bits."

"Of course. For now, I must bid you adieu."
    
> Chapter 6 - Household Suspision
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After getting back to my room, I slept somewhat decently. I never dreamed anything, like I was simply floating in limbo, with both good and bad dreams avoiding me like the plague. I didn't mind; I would rather take no dream than a bad dream, Luna forbid I have the same dream from this morning.

Waking up, I looked at the clock, which read four-thirty. After packing up my writing materials and my wind harp, I returned my room key to the receptionist and headed towards the plaza.

I saw Cloud Conduct, who was wearing a slightly irritated face.

Might be because of the deal she had to strike with me. Not my fault I need a place to stay.

When she saw me approaching, she smiled and greeted me. "Anything in particular you were looking for?"

I put a hoof on my chin. "Only something simple with proper furnishings. I'd rather not attempt to get my own furniture."

"Then you're in luck. I spotted a house up for sale that looks like it will suit your needs. Want to check it out?"

I simply nodded. If it truly is what I'm looking for, this won't be as painful as it could've been.





Golden Oaks Library





"Where in tarnation is Rainbow dash?"

Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy were all waiting for their last friend to show up.

"My goodness. All the speed in Equestria, and she doesn't bother showing up on time?" Rarity huffed.

"Patience girls, maybe she got caught up with the damage done to her house." Twilight Looked out the window...

... Only to get a face full of pegasus.

Pinkie giggled. "The door is over there, silly Dashie."

Rainbow quickly flew off her unintentional victim and said, "Sorry girls, Head Manager of the Weather Factory wanted me to grab Zephyr before I could do any real repairs."

Fluttershy winced a bit, but it went unnoticed as Rarity asked, "how long ago was that?"

Rainbow put her hooves behind her head. "A while ago. Not before proving to Zephyr that my speed isn't useless by beating him in a race." She had a victorious grin on her face after saying that.

Applejack, on the other hoof, didn't look none too pleased.

"You really shouldn't rile him up like that."

"YEAH, I mean what if he decides to live here? All the parties we could throw!"

Rarity looked unsure. "Pinkie Pie, I don't believe we should be assuming that so soon."

"Yeah, but look at Twilight! She came here from Canterlot, and she decided to live here."

Twilight managed to get her mane re straightened. "Pinkie Pie, I originally came here to oversee the Summer Sun Celebration. The only reason why I didn't leave right after was because I didn't want to leave behind all my new friends."

"uhm, g-girls?"

"Who's saying that won't happen to him? I'm pretty sure he is already friends with all of us!"

"Girls."

"Sugahcube, you are assuming that ponies instantly befriend you when they attend one of yer' parties?"

"Most of the time it happens!"

"GIRLS!"

Fluttershy got a bunch of bewildered looks, causing the mare to hide behind her mane in embarrassment. Pinkie Pie suddenly went from bewildered to disappointed.

"Geez Author, just because other writers did the same gag doesn't mean you can do it as well." This time she got confused looks. "What? It's true!"

Twilight gave a nervous cough. "Yes, well on the account of Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie, what was it that you wanted to see us for, Fluttershy?"

Rainbow Dash crossed her fore-legs. "Yeah Fluttershy, what is it about Zephyr?"

The shy mare winced. "I-I don't want to get him into too much t-trouble, but whenever I hear his name, I get a buzzing at the back of my head." All she got were questionable looks from four of her friends.

Twilight had a thoughtful expression. "A buzzing at the back of your head... intriguing."

"A-And whenever I look at him directly, I get a headache..."

This got a worried look out of Rarity. "Are you sure, darling?"

When Fluttershy nodded, Rainbow Dash exclaimed in anger, "ah HAH, I knew he was up to no good!"

Applejack glared at the tom-coltish pegasus. "Par'ner, I don't think we should be pointing hooves jus' yet. Besides, if you 'knew' that he was up to no good, why didn' you say something?"

"I had my suspicions when he was at the party last night, and they only grew worse when he insulted me --"

"He did not insult you, Rainbow." Twilight piped in irritably.

"-- but I wasn't going to say anything until we had more concrete proof."

"U-Uhm, when I asked if I knew him last night, he didn't seem too familiar with me. F-For some reason, it made me a little sad..."

"I know right? It always makes me sad whenever somepony doesn't know me. That's why i always throw a party for everypony I meet!" Pinkie Pie started bouncing on the spot again.

"Wait just a moment Rainbow Dash, why did you have suspicions of him at the party?" Rarity looked puzzled.

"Think about it; he was acting high-strung when he got to the party, and when we finally got him introduced to Fluttershy, he was acting all twitchy, like he wanted to go as soon as he could. I passed it off as irrelevant until now."

Applejack thought for a moment, then sighed. "Ah'm afraid ah have to agree there. 'Course it could've been that he was still rattled up by Pinkie Pie" -- The mare stopped bouncing and gave an embarrassed squee. -- "but ah could tell he wasn't telling the full truth about his bandages. He was tryin' to cover something, but ah doubt it's because his sides are sensitive."

"I can't imagine what outlandish things the son of Harpsong is hiding from us..." Rarity shuddered at the thought.

"I-I think he's ok..."

"Fluttershy! This could be your life in danger!" Rainbow Dash gave her long-time friend a worried glance.

Twilight sighed. "Rainbow, while I don't think Zephyr is that bad -- Spike liked him a lot from earlier -- he will need an eye kept on him, but we also need to avoid alienating  him like we did with Zecora. If he is ok after a while, then it won't be necessary after that. Feel free to interact with him during that time period, though, as we may learn more about him personally."

Rainbow Dash didn't like the idea of interacting with him, but eventually they all agreed to the plan. Pinkie Pie was also told not to throw anymore parties for him, but he can still be invited to other parties. Applejack also agreed to hire him should he be looking for work at Sweet Apple Acres.

"Oh! Floppy ears and twitchy hooves." Pinkie Pie suddenly called out as everypony was leaving the library.

Twilight looked around nervously. She had a bad run with the Pinkie Sense before, and she never heard that combo before.

"That means somepony is moving into a new house in Ponyville!"




Zephyr Earthwing, One block away from Sugar Cube Corner.





*Ah-CHOO*

I got a worried look out of Cloud Conduct. We had just finished looking through the house and I decided to run with it.

"Are you ok?"

I sniffed a few times. "I should be. I got a check-up before I left Manehatten and I was fine then." She shrugged. "Anyways, when do I start?"

"Tomorrow, when you get the schedule for the wind patterns. Ponyville doesn't need wind adjusting aside from a check on all the wind currents and the rare chance we need anything stronger than a breeze."

"Alright, I might pick up a side job if I feel bored, or if I need more bits, the latter of which I doubt will happen."

She giggled. "Don't work yourself too hard. I should warn you now, Ponyville's currents tend to get funky because of proximity to the dreaded Everfree Forest." She shuttered at the name.

That must of been the forest I saw that had the black-outlined wind currents. Such an UN-threatening name...

"Ah yes and the the one you need to work with is--"

"The Weather Manager? Song and dance from back in Manehatten. Rainbow Dash, though? I am NOT looking forward to working with."

"Why not? She's the best Weather Manager we had for a long time."

I snorted. "Could've fooled me. When i got here yesterday, the sky was supposed to be cloudless, yet she was asleep."

"Ah, right she tends to... Be like that."

Waving a hoof, I added, "plus, she is rather rambunctious from my point of view."

"Give her time to warm up to you. I'm sure you will be the best team in history when you do."

Not within a span of a year...

"Anyways, I'll tell Rainbow Dash you're the new Wind Manager and she should be good to go."

"Break it to her gently, she might be hurt over it." I snickered

Cloud simply rolled her eyes. "Well, rest up till then. I'm sure she will give you a run for your bits."

"She kind-of already has..." I muttered.

"What was that?"

"Nothing. Have a good day."

A while after she left, I started walking to Sugar Cube Corner to grab something sweet to--

"HIYA!"

Oh sweet mother of Discord's insanity, not her...

Luckily, she was waving from afar as she passed by, heading in the direction I was going. I simply gave her a bored wave back.

Speaking of insanity, I'll be lucky if i don't lose MY sanity because of her. I don't have anything against the mare, just that her... Antics kinda drive me up a cloud.

Deciding against the sweets, I turned to head 'home,' only to see a disgruntled Rainbow Dash in front of me.

"Why do I have to work together with YOU?"

I gave a huff of laughter. "Better get used to it, I'm the only one they could find to prevent Ponyville from blowing over."

We started glaring at each other for a while. From the corner of my eye, I could tell ponies were looking at us, wondering what we were doing.

"I guess we will be doing this every time we meet. For now though, I must bid you adieu." I walked past her while she we still glaring at me.

"I'll be watching you!" She half-shouted at me after I passed. I simply lifted my left wing and waved it like I was saying good-bye.

Hmm... If she doesn't trust me, then she won't be friends with me! Huzzah!

... Why am I celebrating? I guess I hate friendships just THAT much. Plus she's just one pony out of how many living here? I'm not explicitly trying to make enemies with everypony. But somepony's feelings are going to get hurt at one point, and that may be the turning point...

Urrrgh, why am I thinking like this?!

Getting home, i decided to have a dinner of 6 apples, making a note to get groceries tomorrow after the wind adjustments. Apples may be healthy for you, but they don't supply all the nutrients you need.

Looking at the barren fridge, a sudden thought makes me sigh.

I need to clean this place up. What a drag...





???





"Sir, are you sure Ponyville is a good place to isolate him in?"

"It had to be. It's simple, not as populated, and one of our auxiliary bases happens to be near it."

"What about the Elements of Harmony? Aren't they--"

"I'm well aware of the risks those six happen to be. That is why we need to move as fast as we possibly can. If he somehow becomes 'friends' with them, then the plan is in jeopardy."

"It could also be used to our advantage..."

"How?"

*Murmur* *Whisper*

"Ah an excellent idea. I'll keep it in mind should it come to that."
> Chapter 7 - Of Nightmares, Apples, and Crusaders ( A Dog and Pony Show) [Edited]
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Harpsong sighed as she looked out over the city of Manehatten under the light of the moon. She had just finished reading the letter her son had sent that day. While one part of the letter made her amused, what he said afterwards brought back one of her more depressed moods.

"Zephyr... The ponies there only want to be friends... Why can't you let go of what happened here? How many more ponies are you going to hurt, pushing them away like that?"

Looking up at the moon, she silently prayed to the Princesses for her son's well being before turning in for the night. Harmonecence was going to practice for a new song, and she already knew what to sing for it. For now, she needed rest.





Ponyville, Zephyr's house, the next day.





All around me was nothing but darkness.

The feeling of isolation lingered in the air.

"Hello?"

I heard something; whispers. I could barely hear them, but as they got louder, I began wishing I couldn't hear them at all.

"Freak, freak, you're a freak!"

I flattened my ears against my head, hoping it would muffle the sound. It proved in vain as the voices continued to get louder.

"Freak, freak, you're a freak!"

"No... I'm not... I'm not..."

An eye suddenly opened in front of me. It's iris was red and was staring at me, with the chanting at normal volume coming from in front of me.

"Freak, freak, you're a freak!"

"No... NO..."

I started running from the eye, but more started opening as I ran past, the voices coming from them as well, mocking me... Judging me...

I saw some dark shapes materialize in front of me, all grinning.

"Hehe, to get paid so much to capture this freak of a pegasus."

"Come with us kid. Nopony else wants you around anyways."

I tried stopping, but to no avail. As one of them brought a hoof to my face, a scream pierced the darkness.

"BIG BROTHER!"





I awoke in a cold sweat, looking around wildly. I was still in the house I was living in for the year I'm staying in Ponyville. It was plain, but effective.

A dream... Nothing more than a nightmare.

I bashed the back of my head into the bed's backboard a few times before checking the clock. It was almost time to go out and work with Rainbow Dash to set the weather for today. Hopefully, she will agree to get it over and done with, so we don't have to deal with each other.

As I washed my face and did my business, I decided to omit breakfast for today, as I needed to stock the house with food, and I wanted to be a bit more sparing with my apples.

Alright, plan of action is set. I'll do the morning weather routine, stock the house, explore a bit more, and possibly secure another job opportunity. The last thing I need is the bits from my primary work being barely enough to cover my costs.

I left the house and flew towards the plaza. I notice Rainbow Dash standing on one of the clouds, tapping her front hoof in impatience. When I landed, she turned to face me and we entered another glaring contest.

After a while, I sighed and said, "let's get this over and done with."

"Hope you can keep up with me this time," she sneered. I bit my tongue, not wanting to delay the job on account of her being flank hurt over everything I say.





The job went rather smoothly, considering who I was working with.

Rainbow Dash dusted herself off before turning to me. "Now that's done, I challenge you to another race!"

...Seriously?

"I do believe you made your point last time we raced."

She scoffed. "That measly little distance? that was more of a sprint than an actual race. This time, it will be a proper one!"

Urrgh, I don't need this. And the chances are high she won't take no for an answer. Best I can do is stall out long enough to get my business done.

"Ugh, FINE. But not right now, I have other plans, so perhaps later?"

"Yeah sure. I'll hold you up on that, so call me when your business is done, or whenever you feel like getting your flank kicked. See-ya!" She blasted off from her spot, most likely not hearing the feral growl I sent her way.

One of these days, I'm going to take that ego, and DROWN IT!

"Oh, Zephyr! I never expected to see that you're the one working with Rainbow Dash." I turn around to see Rarity walking up behind me.

"Hi Rarity. And yeah, It's a fun time." I said it sarcastically, but I don't think she picked up on it. I look beside her and I see Spike dragging a cart behind him. "Hey Spike!"

He waves at me, though his attention appears divided, with the mare he's following looking at me with a worried face.

"Dear, what happened to your mane? And what happened to your feathers? They look horrible!" I couldn't look at my mane, for obvious reasons, but I looked at my wings. Indeed, they look like I haven't preened in forever and were starting to look more like a rats nest.

"Well, that explains why I haven't been flying as well lately. Still, it'll have to be done later, as I have things to take care of today."

"Keeping yourself busy? I would love to help you myself, but I need to collect more gems for my dresses." This surprised me, as her cutie mark didn't really have anything to do with fashion in the most direct sense.

She must of integrated her special talent with making dresses. Classy...

"Right, well I'll let you two get to it."

"Be sure to come to my boutique later, dear. I'll be sure to make something nice for you after I'm done. For now, I'll be seeing you." With that, the both of them walk off to a more rugged area around Ponyville.

Sadly, fashion and I do not get along very well. Still, I can't refuse without ticking her off. Fashionista's tend to be rumor spreaders, and if you get off on the wrong hoof with them, the rumors about you will not be pretty. I wish to keep at least SOME face around here.


Shaking my head, I headed off to the market.





Luckily it was easy to find what I needed. Of course I had to detour back to my house to get my bit bag, but hey.

One thing that did catch my interest was the group of mares standing idly by the town hall. I identified Rainbow Dash and the other four mares from the party. They went running off after Spike came back without Rarity, looking panicked. I didn't hear what was going on, but I didn't care very much either.

After putting away all of my food-stuff, I went to the apple farm that I saw when I corrected the wind currents yesterday. It was pretty large, so I figured they would need help.

When I arrived, I saw a huge red stallion hauling a cart of apples to the barn. He gave a small smile when I approached.

I smiled. "Good afternoon. I'm Zephyr Earthwing."

"Big Macintosh Apple."

I thought for a moment. "Are you Applejack's older brother?"

"Eeyup."

"That's cool." He simply nodded. when I looked at the orchard, I noticed something. "Are you and Applejack the only ones working here?"

"Eeyup."

"You don't hire anypony else to help?"

"Nnope."

Guy doesn't talk much does he? I can respect that, heck I prefer that.

"Did you guys need a helping hoof?" He looked like he was mulling over it. After a while, I started fidgeting nervously on the spot.

"Can ya' apple-buck?"

That threw me for a bit of a loop, but I answered, "I never tried before..."

He looked at me for a second before motioning his head towards the line of trees. "Wait there for ah' minute."

When I got to the trees, I found him coming to me after he unhitched the cart. I followed him a bit deeper before stopping in front of a tree full of apples.

"Try it."

I like this stallion already. Simple, to the point, but relaxed about it as well. Still...

Remembering what a farmer told me when I was younger, I started tapping around the trunk. I could tell Bic Macintosh was looking at me curiously.

"Hope you don't mind me cheating slightly."

What I was doing is finding a more hollow spot on the tree for more optimal harvesting. Unicorns, pegasi, and weaker earth ponies can use this to make their bucks more effective.

"There."

Sharply turning around, I bucked the spot as hard as I could.

Pain...

It wasn't bad, but needed getting used to. On the plus side, It looked like I got slightly more than half the apples out of the tree.

The bigger stallion had a slightly surprised look. "Not bad."

"Heh, well... It could be better."

"Don' shoot yerself. When do you wan' to start?"

"Tomorrow maybe? I got wind management duties first, then I'll swing by after." He simply nodded and shook my hoof. This stallion could crush me so easily...

"Ah have to thank you." I gave him a puzzled look. "Fer saving our barn."

"Oh, It was nothing. I'm glad I came when I did."

He nodded before asking, "have you seen my younger sister?"

Younger than Applejack maybe? "No I haven't. Want me to look for her?"

He shook his head. "That's fine. Be seeing you tomorrow."

"Nice meeting you Mr. Macintosh."

"Jus' call me Big Mac."

I nodded before heading back to town. I needed to preen for my race with Rainbow Dash--

"LOOK OUT!"

I jumped high in the air without thinking. When my mind caught up, I looked down to see a trio of fillies, two of them being pulled by the one on a... Scooter?

The yellow one called up, "sorry 'bout that, mister. Scootaloo wasn't paying attention to where she was going."

The orange filly, Scootaloo, Looked at the yellow one with irritation. "That's because we were discussing what we were going to do for our next crusade!"

The white one piped up, "I told you, we should wait until we get to the clubhouse before discussing anything."

I sigh as I land. "Now, now, nopony got hurt so everything is good. Just be sure it doesn't happen again."

Scootaloo looked at me with an embarrassed grin. "Sorry about that. We promise we won't-- HEY you're the stallion who sang at his welcoming party the other night. That was awesome!"

Oh no... That's the last thing I want to be recognized for.

"We never heard what yer name is, though." The yellow filly piped up.

Ah, so it's like that? I'll see if I can't play with this song and dance. Adopting a hurt look, I ask, "you never bothered to learn my name? I feel so hurt! Oh, what a world!" I put my hoof up to my forehead in mock drama.

Two of the fillies looked guilty, but the white one giggled. "You're just faking it aren't you?"

I smirk while the other two looked at her with surprise. "Ouch, caught red-hoofed. How did you know?"

"My sister is a drama queen. I've gotten used to it to the point of telling actual drama from mock."

Only one pony I recently met would fit the bill. "Is your sister Rarity?"

She giggled again. "That easy to tell, huh? Yes I am. I'm Sweetie Belle."

"I'm Scootaloo!"

"And Ah'm Applebloom. We are..."

"THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!!!"

Ow my ears...

Shaking my head, I say, "Zephyr Earthwing. And Applebloom, perchance you're the younger sister of Applejack and Big Mac?"

She looked up in surprise. "How could you tell?"

"Take a wild guess, pard'ner." Dear Celestia, my impression sucks

"Oh, right, the accent."

For a brief moment, I thought I saw a sad look appear on Scootaloo's face. It was gone almost as fast as it appeared.

"Girls, we need to get to the clubhouse before the day ends!"

The other two jumped, but nodded. They got loaded up in the cart while Scootaloo got on the scooter.

"Bye mister Zephyr." Sweetie Belle called to me. The other two repeated the same thing.

"Just Zephyr will do, and have fun." With that, they were gone.

Those fillies are cute. I'm sometimes jealous of their innocence. Innocence, just waiting to be corrupted...

Shaking the thoughts out of my head, I flew back home to prepare myself for the race I will have to do with Rainbow Dash.





My feathers aren't completely in order, but it will suffice. I need to bring my A-game if I want to drive a point home with that prismatic pegasus.

When I reached the town square, I observed six ponies, each towing a cart full of gems.

Holy motherload, I have never seen so many gems at once.

All six of the mares I met at my welcoming party were present, plus one dragon. All of them look pretty worn out, like they went through some kind of ordeal that involved lots of running.

No, They were walking and they got tired. No crap, brain.

After they went to the carousel building I saw yesterday, they all separated without Rarity. Rainbow Dash flew towards me with a nervous grin.

"Yeah, I think I'm going to reschedule the race for tomorrow."

I give her a flat look. "After all that talk about me coming to you when I 'felt like getting my flank kicked?' Sounds to me you're the one worried about getting kicked."

She growled at me. "I would like to, but I'm not in top notch condition to do so. It wouldn't be fair if I raced tired and you don't!"

"Excuses. Fine, we'll have it your way, like this is Veggie King, and race tomorrow. You better be ready by then!"

She threw another glare at me before flying off. Deciding on supper, I flew home as well.

Why am I starting to act like her? I haven't been around her very much! What is wrong with me in general? My personality feels like it shifted somehow.

I sighed as I made a simple supper.

This town really will be the end of me. In more ways than one.

I decided to write a letter to my mother tomorrow before work. I needed sleep.
> Chapter 8 Part 1 - Interruptions Galore (Rarity)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I woke up after another night of dreamless sleep, when yesterday I woke to a nightmare.

If the pattern is a nightmare every odd night, I'm not looking forward to tonight. The fact that I cannot seem to control my own dream scape does not help.

Checking the clock, I figured that a quick breakfast, followed by a quick letter to my mom before work, would be the best way of doing things.

Unfortunately, my idea of a quick breakfast involves eating two apples. Luckily, it usually takes three before I become high-strung to the point of attaching myself to a ceiling without the need for flying.

My quill was already unpacked from yesterday, but I had gotten regular letter paper and envelopes, just so that my letters don't look like a royal delivery.

Sitting at the table, I wrote:

April 23, 20XX

Dear Mom;

Sorry, again, for not writing to you right away, but I had things to take care of. I got hired as Ponyville's Wind Manager, with part of the deal being that they get me a new house for the duration I'm staying here. As much as I dislike it, I'm here for an entire year before I can move on to Vanhoover. I guess I kinda got guilt tripped into doing it primary because they were unable to find another pegasus or unicorn qualified to do it. But another reason, albeit a much lesser one, is the fact that I couldn't let the town simply get blown over every time the currents get looked at funny.

I digress, I'm no stranger with working alongside Weather Managers, but the one here is irritating as all Tartarus. Rainbow Dash is just a cocky, egotistical, and ill-tempered mare who keeps insisting on racing me in order to 'prove I'm wrong.' At least, that's how I think it is. Seriously, one comment about speed being useless in a massive windstorm and she takes it like a personal attack. Since she can't take 'no' for an answer, I've been humoring her about it, hoping she would get off my wings about it.

There is something I need to get off my chest, though. Truth is, I'm scared of myself. I've gone through the most severe personality shift ever since high school. I went from really timid, to easily irritated, to snarky in a span of two days. Not only that, but my nightmares seem to be getting worse ever since I got here.

Anyways, I also got set up to help the apple farm that is situated right near Ponyville. Since I won't be going anywhere anytime soon, I'll have my mailing address on the back of this letter. For now, I'll write to you again when I feel like it.

Love; Zephyr.

After writing the mailing address and folding the letter into an envelope, I check the clock.

Good thing I woke up early enough to write that. It's almost time to start 'primary work' as I will call it.

After putting the letter inside of my mailbox and raising the flag, I set off towards the plaza. Once again, Rainbow Dash was standing there, tapping her hoof in impatience. And, like yesterday, as soon as I landed, we started another glaring contest.

This time, however, she was the one to speak first, with a grin.

"You better be ready. After wind and weather, we are going to settle this."

I sigh. "Once again, fine. At least I got nothing planned for after this other than going to Sweet Apple Acres to help there."

She raised an eyebrow. "You got hired by AJ?"

"AJ? Oh, Applejack. Nah, her brother did, though."

"You do realize that you need Applejack's approval as well."

I shrug. "I'll worry about it when it comes. For now, lets get our job done so we can get the race out of the way." She simply nodded and took off with me.





The both of us were lined up on the lone cloud that we set aside as our starting point. During the job, Rainbow Dash was making note of what the race will be like.

"So, quick recap. We start here in the plaza, go straight before curving AROUND the library, U-turn around the Carousel Boutique, go to Whitetail Woods and hit a tree, before finishing at Sweet Apple Acres."

She nodded. "The gate sign over the entrance is the finish line."


"Alright. A quick stretch and we should be--"

"ZEPHYR, DEAR!" I almost fell off the cloud. Looking down with Rainbow Dash, we see Rarity with a pleading look on her face. "Could you come with me to my boutique? I know I promised to make you something good yesterday, but I was busy with Sapphire Shores' order."

Sapphire Shores? She rubs my mom the wrong way, but from what I've heard, she is very popular in a good way. If she goes to Rarity for her fashion, it must be halfway decent.

Irritation flashed across Rainbow Dash's visage before adopting a... look in an attempt to be convincing. "Rarity, were were just about to start something important. Can't you wait until after we are done?"

"Oh, I just feel so bad about promising I'd make something for him, yet because of those brutes yesterday, as well as Sapphire Shores' order, I could never get around to bringing him to my shop."

She feels bad because she never gave me anything? I never did anything for it, and yet...

"Oh please, please, PLEASE, come with me! I can't stand not being able to make you anything!"

I flashed a nervous look to Rainbow Dash, who now wore full irritation on her face. After a bit, she sighed and said, "you better go. She could be hounding you for a while if you don't."

"Yeah, I think I should." My voice was sounding higher pitched than normal. When I flew down to Rarity, she gave a very unladylike squee and started dragging me. It wasn't enough to really warrant injury or dirtiness, but the way I was being dragged apparently made Rainbow Dash burst into laughter.

I'm still going to get her one of these days...





The carousel place I saw yesterday was where we went. This surprised me, but I never commented about it.

"Here we are, darling. Just wait a moment while I get things ready." Rarity went off to the back of the shop. Not knowing where I wasn't supposed to be, I decided to have a look at the dresses that were currently out in the 'lobby.'

All of these are actually pretty good, even with my very limited knowledge on dress...es...

One of the doors was wide open, and I can see six very well made dresses. They all looked like they had been stylized to a certain theme. These dress looked so well made, even I was gaping at them in utter astonishment.

"Admiring my work, Zephyr?" I spun to face Rarity in surprise. She had an assortment of measuring tools and materials floating by her.

"I have never seen such well made dresses before. I've been to enough formal parties to at least get some opinions on them, albeit slightly poor."

She giggled. "Well I made those dresses especially for my friends and I. You wouldn't believe the trouble I had to go through to have those made." She motioned for me to stand on a pedestal in front of some mirrors, probably to measure me.

"Rare materials? Details kept going a-wire?"

"No, darling. The materials were common enough, and I had a very easy time making them. It's what happened after they were made the first time."

She made these EASILY? Ok, I may avoid being friends with her, but at the very least I should respect her skill.

"The first time?"

She sighed. "Believe it or not, my friends didn't seem to like them at that time."

"Wait... WHAT? How could they-- are you for real? And my voice keeps cracking."

She giggled, but then nodded solemnly. "From what they told me, they liked the dress, but were not what they had in mind."

"Oh this is going to be good..."




A few minutes later, after telling the events of Suited For Success




"... And that's how that ordeal went." Rarity had taken my measurements and was looking over color choices for my dress-coat while she told the story.

"So basically, even though they liked the first dresses, they wanted it more in 'their style' which forced you into making horrible outfits that lead to your embarrassment. After that, they coaxed you out by finishing YOUR dress and allowed you to make the original dresses, which redeemed you in Hoity Toity's eyes?"

She nods and she narrows the color choices down.

"I feel kind of bad for you now... I mean, I don't think I have the bits to pay you with for the suit you're making me."

"Oh, hosh posh, dear. I'm making this suit free of charge!"

This caught me off guard. "What? But you--"

"Hush now, I won't take no for an answer. Plus, consider this my way of thanking you for saving my store from that dreadful windstorm."

Oh, that explains some of it. I highly doubt something like that would be enough to really 'pay' for a high-caliber suit...

"It's also customary of me to make a dress or suit for each new pony who moves to Ponyville."

"..."

"Hm? Something wrong?"

I shook my head. She shrugged and went back to picking out a color for my suit outside of the stereotypical black.

If she's doing this to be my friend, if her story is any indication, she's really reaching there... Maybe I should avoid her after this.

"Hmm picking a color is going to be difficult. That green of your coat would go wonderfully with most colors, but picking just the right one will... IDEEEEAAAA!" She takes a piece of midnight blue cloth and puts it against my side. "Yes, this will work just fine. I'll have your suit ready by tomorrow."

I nod nervously as she takes everything to the back room, presumably her work station. Deciding I've overstayed my welcome, I exited the shop.

> Chapter 8 Part 2  - Interruptions Galore (Fluttershy and Applejack)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------





???





"Where are the supplies we need for our operation?"

"I don't know. They should be here by--"

*Poof*

"A letter?"

"It must be urgent if it was sent like that."

"..."

"... Well?"

"Bad news. Our suppliers had a bad run-in with the royal guard. They are currently laying low, but they can't continue."

"Ugh, we really don't need this. We can silence the more prominent officials in Canterlot, but the princesses will not approve of what we set out to do. The royal guard answer to them alone."

"'Them' sir?"

"Don't forget, Princess Luna was redeemed by the Elements of Harmony, and is currently trying to re-integrate into modern society."

"Then what should we do?"

"I hate to say it, but this is one setback we cannot avoid. Sent a message back to tell them to lay low. Attempting to speed things up will only increase chances of being found out."

"How long must they hide?"

"The Grand Galloping Gala is slowly approaching. While I originally wanted to proceed with the plan then, changes will have to be made. Tell them that the guards will be distracted by the Gala, which is a prime time for slipping by with minimal detection."

*Fwoosh*

"Message sent."

"Alright. For now, we observe."





Ponyville, Carousel Boutique, Zephyr





"Finally done are you?"

Rainbow Dash was waiting outside of the boutique when I exited.

"Yeah, so? I was just wondering how you intended on measuring 'coolness.'"

She had a confused look. "What?"

"It needs to be about twenty percent cooler."

Her face went red in embarrassment and anger. "It... just needs to look cool!"

"That doesn't answer my question. You either tell me or I make fun of the image of you wearing a dress." She now looked halfway between anxious and furious. "Oh, whoops, I already did."

"I'm going to seriously enjoy kicking your flank in our race."

"Hehehehehehe, ready when you are."

"Uhm... Rainbow Dash?"

Hello buzzing in the back of my head.

Both of us looked at the source of the voice; Fluttershy.

And hello headache. I need an aspirin...

"What is it Fluttershy? Can't you see we're in the middle of something here?"

She winced. "T-Twilight wanted to see you Rainbow."

Deja vu...

"Can't she wait until after this race? I've been raring to go for a while and Zephyr already got dragged away once."

"S-she said it was urgent. P-please Rainbow..."

Rainbow Dash looked at me with the same irritated look as last time before sighing. "Alright, fine."

I shake my head. "This is going to become a thing now, isn't it?"

"I certainly hope not, but it might be... This is such a drag." With that, she flew off towards the library.

Fluttershy looked at me nervously. "Y-you and Rainbow were going to race?" When I nodded solemnly, she squeaked. "Oh,I-I'm sorry. If i knew, I wouldn't of..."

I sigh. "It's fine. She keeps wanting to race me in order to 'settle the score.' At least I THINK that's what she wants."

For all I know, It's to get revenge on me for being a hard-flank towards her. What goes around...

"Oh..."

Awkward silence.

I in-took air sharply. "Soooo... what do you do?"

She jumped a bit. "Oh, I-I uhm..." I raised an eyebrow. "I... take care of animals..."

I barely heard her. "Take care of animals?" When she nodded, hiding behind her mane, I added, "never really met anypony that does that."

She brightened up. "Oh, would you like me to show you? I mean, if it's ok with you..."

I was about to nod, when I suddenly remembered something. "Oh buck, pardon the language, I forgot I had to go to Sweet Apple Acres! Oh no..."

Fluttershy flinched when I swore, but then said, "I met Applejack after Twilight asked me to find Rainbow Dash. She wanted to tell you that you didn't have to go there until later today."

I sigh in relief. "Alright, then that leaves me free to go to your place."

She gave me a small smile before walking towards her place. My headache got worse for some reason.





This cottage seems familiar...

Fluttershy's residence was situated by the entrance to the forest with the nonthreatening name. It was teeming with animals of all kinds.

"Huh, the place is rather well kept." I was flying beside her as she walked. I wanted to keep myself limber before the inevitable race.

"T-thank you. I like to ensure my animals are in a clean, safe environment."

All the animals were looking in our direction as we went past the fence, most likely curious about me. Despite it not being from ponies, I was still getting kinda antsy from the attention.

"Err, Maybe I should--" I felt something tap my side where my bandages were, causing me to spaz out. Unfortunately, my first reaction to something like that is to fold up my wings.

Which resulted in my face saying hi to the ground.

"Oh my goodness, are you alright?"

"I'm ok!" It was muffled because my muzzle was in the ground, but I got it extracted soon after.

"Edwace, that was not very nice of you!" Apparently, Fluttershy has an easier time dealing with animals than ponies. She was outright scolding whatever touched me.

Judging by the sad chirping, it must of been a small bird.

"He says he's sorry for doing that."

"Don't worry about it."

I heard her sputtering in anxiety. "A-are you injured at all anywhere-- oh?"

Suddenly I feel something light sitting on my head, which I had already shifted so that my chin was on the ground and I was facing forward.

"Elizabeak, get down from there!" All I heard in response was a cluck.

"There's a chicken sitting on my head? I know my mane is dirty blond, but this is ridiculous..."

This is highly degrading for me. I bet Rainbow would be laughing her flank off if she saw me now...

"Why aren't you getting off this poor stallion's... head..?"

I started feeling several things sitting on my back and in my re-spread wings, which was tickling me a bit. "What's going on?"

"I-it seems all of the birds have taken a liking to you." I see a shadow, presumably hers, stop in front of me. The chicken on my head got lifted off, with a few clucks of protest, and I was able to look to see what was going on.

Several smaller birds of differing colors were nested both on and under my wings. Some larger birds were resting on my back, all chirping contently.

Well, this is embarrassing...

A thought crossed my mind and I grinned. "I'm going to say something I might regret."

"Oh? What might that be?"

"Gee, I sure know how to pick up chicks!" Upon saying that, I planted my face into the ground again while I laughed silently. I could tell some of the birds were face... winging? While others sounded like they were laughing as well.

Fluttershy let out a small giggle. "I should really see if you're--"

"Howdy, Fluttershy!" I flattened my ears in dread.

"O-oh, hi Applejack."

"And howdy... Zephyr?"

I could tell she was restraining laughter, so I looked in her direction with a frown. "Laugh it up, why don't you? This is humiliating..."

"Aw, don'' be like that, par'ner. At least I'm not Rainbow Dash in that regard."

"Point taken." Fluttershy managed to shoo away the birds so I could stand. From the corner of my eye, I could see a white rabbit looking at me curiously, like I looked familiar.

"I-I just wanted to show him my house s-since he has never been to a caretaker's house..." She kicked the dirt nervously.

Anypony could misinterpret her bringing a stallion to her house. "I think we should keep this between us three."

Applejack looked at me curiously, but when I motioned towards Fluttershy, she nodded.

"U-um I really need to check you for injuries." She suddenly starts dragging me into her house.

"Wha- I'm fine, really!"

"I-I must. I feel guilty about letting you get injured near my house. Please?"

I sigh and let her drag me. Applejack started chuckling again as she followed us. I shook my head. "I have never been dragged around so much in one day. I feel like a rag-doll."

She grins at me. "If ya want, ah could drag you to Sweet Apple Acres."

"Nonononono I'm good with just flying there!" When she started laughing, I frowned. "Why do I always fall for that?"

Fluttershy quickly checked for injuries. "Um, aside from a few bruises, you seem fine."

"I didn't fall from very high, so that's to be expected."

Applejack thought for a moment, then smiled. "Hey Fluttershy, why don't you cheer for him not having any injuries?"

"O-oh, I don't know..."

I looked at Applejack funny. "Why would that be deserving of a cheer?"

She chuckled. "It's fine, ya need to hear how she cheers."

I gave a huff of laughter before nodding. Applejack looked at Fluttershy with a smile.

"O-ok, here it goes." She started in-taking air.

She's usually soft spoken. Maybe this cheer will be something else.

I braced myself for a very loud cheer. She stopped her intake of air and--"yay"

It wasn't loud, but I think my inner stallion just committed suicide. That was ADORABLE, and why did my headache get worse?

"Uh, you ok there par'ner?" I guess I started rubbing my head to try and ease the pain.

"It's nothing. Nice cheer, it was... cute." Fluttershy blushed and my headache upgraded to a migraine right in what feels like the middle of my brain. I started loosing my vision.

"Ok seriously, are you alright?"

"I said I'm fine!" I shook my head rapidly. It didn't alleviate the pain, but my vision cleared up. "Besides, I still have to help you at Sweet Apple Acres."

Applejack thought for a moment. "Ah, right we should hurry along then. Ah'm keeping an eye on you though."

I roll my eyes. "Right, whatever." As we exited the cottage, I wave goodbye to Fluttershy, who was shyly waving back.

"When we get there, I'll set a quota for you to do over the day if ya like."

I nod. "That's fine. Gives me an idea of how much I should help."

As we got further away from Fluttershy's house, my headache lessened.

> Chapter 8 Part 3  - Interruptions Galore (Pinkie Pie and Twilight)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

True to her word, Applejack kept an eye on me as I helped apple buck. While it didn't seem too imposing, I get the feeling she was also watching me for something else entirely. Like she doesn't trust me.

That's fine. If she doesn't trust me, then she won't be as likely to try and get more familiar with me.

"That's good enough for now, sugahcube. Ah must say, you buck pretty well despite being a pegasus."

Wiping the sweat from my brow and ignoring the pain in my hind legs, I say, "that's because I was taught a trick for better results."

She simply nodded before giving me a quizzical look. "By the way, what were you an' Rainbow Dash up to this mornin'?"

"Oh, she keeps wanting to race me. Something about outright proving to me she's the fastest, no questions asked."

If I had to be honest, I keep forgetting her actual reason for racing me, so something different keeps coming out whenever somepony asks that.

Applejack sighs. "That girl is a  hoof-ful. Still, it is partially yer fault, considering you aggravate her, judgin' by what ah overheard yesterday."

I glare at her. "She antagonizes me, what's wrong with getting even?"

"Problem is, she's a might bit stubborn about things like this--"

"Probably her ego talking..."

"There ya go again. She might not leave you alone if ya keep pulling her feathers like that."

"Meh, I really don't care."

As much as I hate being a hard-flank, the way I see it, it's unavoidable.

Applejack shakes her head. "If that's the attitude ya have, yer not going to make any friends here."

Gee, that's the kind of thing I want; to not make any friends. Course I'm not going to say that out loud...

"If that is all you're going to say on the matter, I would like to excuse myself."

She gave an irritated sigh before nodding. I flew towards my house, as I needed another preen.

An explosion and a, "WHEE!" was all I heard before I got knocked out of the sky.

"Ow! who--?"

"Hi Zephy, I really wanted to get your attention but you seemed out of it, like you were contemplating something, and you kept ignoring me so I decided to shoot myself out of my cannon to bring you back to Equestria to see how you we--"

"Wait, wait, you SHOT yourself out of a cannon? How are you not hurt from the explosion?"

She shrugged with a goofy grin. "I don't know. I've always shot myself out of my party cannon and it never harmed me."

"I don't care if it's just a party cannon, you should still... uuurgh you are not making sense!"

Suddenly her tail started vibrating. "Ohhhh, twitchy tail!" She suddenly hides in a nearby trash can.

"You are just being completely rand--" Next thing I knew, my head feels like somepony smashed me with a pot.

More like a pot actually fell on my head.

Is this karma?

Pinkie Pie hopped out of the garbage can. "I warned you! Twitchy tail means 'watch out for falling objects.'"

I glared at her as I brushed the pot off my head. "That info would of been a lot more helpful earlier."

"Aw, don't be Mr. Grumpypants over it. Don't be like Twilight when she first experienced it."

"Let me guess, she got skeptical over it? I can see why, considering--"

"TWITCHY TAIL AGAIN!" She dives back into the garbage can again. I sigh and hold what looks like a buckler over my head.

I ain't falling for the same thing twice.

Sure enough, another pot had fallen.

Pinkie Pie poked her head out of the garbage can. "Wow, you started believing me fast!"

"Common sense dictates that you should believe somepony if they talk about something they know well. At LEAST I hope you know what you're talking about..."

She giggles. "Nope, not a clue." I deadpan at her. "What are you doing right now?"

"Changing the subject are we? Ugh, I was heading home so that I could fix my wings for a race against Rainbow Dash."

"Oooh, can I come and watch pretty please?"

"Watch the race or watch me preen?"

"What do you think silly?"

I facehoof. "I'm going with the former. You're gonna have to wait outside my house though."

"Okie dokie lokie!"





It didn't take long, and Pinkie Pie was surprisingly patient.

Walking onto the street, I say, "alright, guess I need to find Dash. I REALLY want to get this race over with. last I heard, she went to Twilight's."

She leaps into the air exclaiming, "oh I know what's going to happen. I'm going to zip there before you while you think 'gone already. Geeze, why is that mare so random and off-the-wall?' before trying to follow me there, only to get greeted by Twilight. And that's what I'm doing!" She dashes off, leaving a dust cloud.

"Ack, Pinkie Pie!"

Gone already. Geeze, why is that mare so random and off-the-wall?

"...?!"

How did she? Arrrrgh, my sanity just lost a few points. Guess we're heading to Twilight's library...

"Hey Zephyr, I thought I would find you here." I look to see Twilight approaching me.

That's it, I'm officially scared of that pink pony.

"Twilight, how can you deal with Pinkie Pie? Her actions drive me up the wall."

She giggles. "You'll get used to it. She may be random, but she has a heart of gold. You should've seen me dealing with her Pinkie Sense for the first time."

"Pinkie Sense? If you're talking about her tail randomly spazzing and telling her something's falling, she mentioned that to me."

"It's not just a twitchy tail."

I look at her curiously. "You're gonna need to tell me the whole story. I'm rather interested."

She smiles. "Sure. I'm heading to Horte's Cafe right now. Care to join me?" Upon her saying that, my stomach growled, enticing a blush out of me and a giggle out of her.

"Uh... sure. I need something to eat anyways."





Horte's Cafe, after the retelling of 'Feeling Pinkie Keen.'





"... And that's how the day went."

I had ordered a lettuce, onion, and tomato sandwich while she had ordered a daffodil and daisy sandwich.

"So in short, you had a rotten run-in with bad luck and at the end, you simply gave up and simply started believing her?"

"That's about it. Just by believing her, everything simply seemed to get better."

I snorted. "That, or you were looking into the wrong thing." When I saw her irritated, yet quizzical look, I added, "as you know, all ponies naturally have magic inside of them."

"Yes."

"And that magic is different for each race."

"And... where are you going with this?"

I sigh. "Twilight, Pinkie Pie's earth pony magic might of manifested as her Pinkie Sense, which is short-term future prediction in the form of differing body spasms. I'm pretty sure that's why you couldn't figure it out, because you kept looking for a more complex answer involving 'why' instead of 'how.'"

She paused for a few seconds before groaning in frustration. "It was so simple! Why did I overlook it?"

"I'm not saying you looking for a more complex answer is a bad thing. It's just that, the best solution to a problem, is usually the easiest."

She sighs. "Yeah, thanks for that. At least you made more sense out of the Pinkie Sense."

I nod before checking the time. "By the way, do you know where Rainbow Dash is?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, she flew off after I talked to her about something. Something about finding somepony and always getting interrupted?"

I snort. "That might be because you needed her urgently right when we were about to have a race."

She gives an embarrassed grin. "Sorry, didn't realize."

"HEY TWILIGHT!" Speak of Discord and she doth appear.

"Oh hey Rainbow, what's going on?"

Rainbow Dash lands next to twilight, not noticing me. "I was actually wondering if you could be at the finish line with Applejack for our race."

Twilight brightened up. "Oh, sure. Just let me get some things from the library and we'll be set."

"Let's find Zephyr first. He's the one I wanna beat."

"Sitting right here!" Rainbow Dash quickly turns and sees me with a surprised look. "What am I, chopped spinach? Then again, I am green..."

Twilight face hoofed while Rainbow Dash grins. "Yeah? Well prepare yourself. You're going to be so left behind, you'll be green with envy!"

Two can play that game. "What's wrong? Are you so afraid of losing that you're feeling blue?"

She glares at me. "Zephyr!"

"Rainbow!"

"Zephyr!"

"Rainbow!"

"Both of you, be quiet!" I look at Twilight with a startled expression. She was looking quite irritated. "The two of you are acting like school foals. Why can't you be friends?"

It's rather painful to stifle a powerful laugh, and even then, a small snort got out. "Why? She has too much of an ego."

Rainbow glared at me. "And he's outright aggravating."

Twilight let out a heavy sigh as she rubbed her temples. "Look, if the two of you have your race, will you drop your petty battles?"

I cough. "I'll try, but I can't guarantee it." Rainbow Dash simply huffed.

"Then let's pay for our meal and get this over and done with."





Rainbow Dash and I did our stretches and were waiting for the signal to go.

"I hope you like the taste of defeat, because that's all you'll be tasting."

I glare at her. "Maybe you'll shut up once you experience failure."

She glared back at me before we got in our ready positions.

"Are the racers ready?" Apparently, our race was drawing a crowd, with Pinkie Pie as the starter. I hated crowds still, but they were far enough away for me to keep a brave face.

"On your mark!"

"Get set..."

"GO!"

Both of us launched off the cloud, effectively removing it. She was slowly gaining a lead on me when the library was fast approaching.

When we reached it, Rainbow simply started flying around it. I started doing something that eventually got a shocked look from her.

I went to the ground and started drifting. This effectively allows me to hug the wall closer than I could while flying, at a minor cost of speed. With this, I gained a lead on Rainbow Dash as we both straightened out and headed towards the Carousel Boutique.

I repeated the same tactic, however she managed to pull in closer to the wall while flying, effectively evening out the speed we were turning at.

As we launched ourselves towards the White Tail Woods, I suddenly began realizing just how fast Rainbow was going. I was barely keeping up with her, and I was pushing myself like I never pushed myself before. The strain on my wings is apparent, and despite the speed boost my preening gave me, I was still losing.

Perhaps... she really does have the speed to back her words up... I am such an idiot!

As we approached the woods, I saw Fluttershy standing near the outskirts. Most likely to make sure we touched a tree before mad dashing towards the farm.

Rainbow started flying outward in order to do a fly-by tap of the nearest tree. I had a different plan.

I'm at the very least going to make her work for that win.

She did a fly-by tap as expected. I flew straight at the tree, prompting a gasp out of Fluttershy, twisted myself in midair so that my hooves faced forward, and practically re-launched myself off the tree.

Rainbow Dash and I were neck and neck, but as the farm came into view, she was slowly pulling ahead. I kept putting all my strength into my wings, trying to go faster.

It didn't work.

"RAINBOW DASH WINS!" came the megaphoned voice of Applejack. We both skidded to a stop, but I let myself collapse onto the ground when I slowed down enough.

I could hear the nearby crowd cheering for Rainbow Dash, with Scootaloo's voice being very predominant. The prismatic mare herself was panting pretty hard like I was.

"Are... you...ok?" She sounded... concerned.

"...Hehehehe..."

"...Huh?"

I roll onto my back with a slightly louder laugh, the first genuine laugh I've had since coming to Ponyville.

"I lost again, completely! Darn it all." I look at Rainbow Dash. "You were just too much for me."

"Yeah... I guess I... was. So.. do you... admit it?"

Applejack glared at Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow, that's jus' salt in the wound!"

I chuckle. "Don't worry about it, Applejack. She won, fair and square. She's the fastest pegasus in Ponyville. Congratulations, no joke here."

"Now if you'll excuse me... I need to crash in bed. That race... took everything out of me." Looking at Rainbow Dash, I gave her a salute and said goodnight to everypony else before walking back home.





Later, that night.





Rainbow Dash couldn't sleep. she kept tossing and turning on the cloud she had picked out for the night, opting not to sleep in her house, as it felt too empty with just her.

She had been like this for a while, and during that entire time, one thought persisted in her mind.

Even though I won and rubbed Zephyr's nose in it, why do I not feel happy?
> Bonus Chapter 1 - Dispelling the Nightmares
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Darkness once again surrounded me, offering no way out. Instead of isolation, the feeling of absolute failure hung in the air.

Rainbow Dash suddenly appeared before me, eyes glowing red, grinning savagely at me.

"Hah, not only are you a freak, you are also weak! All that smack talk, and the only thing you've proven is your worthlessness!"

"No, I'm not worthless. I'm-- AAAAHHH" The ground gave way and I found myself landing in Sweet Apple Acres. The crowd of ponies were still there, but instead of cheering on Rainbow Dash, they were looking at me, all eyes glowing red.

They all started chanting in demonic voices.

"Freak, freak, you're weak, freak, freak, you're weak!"

From all sides... no place to run... no place to hide... nopony to turn to.

Rainbow Dash's figure was there again, a mocking smile on her face. One by one, all her friends started materializing beside her, giving the same snide grin.

"Ooh, I bet he will be an 'interesting' test subject."

"If ya can't even buck a few apples out of a tree, then yer worthless!"

"Let's face it, you are all bark and no bite. You can't even win a simple race."

"Such a foul being. You aren't Harpsong's son, you're just a nopony."

"Oh, I'm sure I can find a use for you... as food for my animals!"

"I could throw a 'you are totally worthless' party, but I don't feel it's worth it!"

I had curled into a ball, trying to become as small as possible. But their torturous voices egged me on.

"Please... stop... please."

"BEGONE!" A brilliant flash of blue light engulfed the area, all the ponies dissipating. I looked around wildly, seeing nothing but the empty land of Sweet Apple Acres. 

When I looked up and saw a pony silhouette on the moon, I made a connection as it flew down. "Princess... Luna?"

"Zephyr Earthwing." Despite it being a dream, I still managed to bow to her. "Thy nightmares hast gotten worse as of late?"

I was off-put by her wording, but I answered, "Yes, your highness, though I do not understand why. Everything repeated, over and over..."

"Raise thy head." I look up to see her standing before me. Her midnight blue coat was practically glistening and her flowing mane was reminiscent of a clear night sky. She, however, wore a very somber look on her face. "I came to ask thou, and many others, for forgiveness..."

"Why is that, you highness? You have done nothing wrong."

She sighed. "While I was recovering from mine transformation, I hast let nightmares fall unchecked upon mine subjects. Thou, in particular, hast been suffering while I did nothing."

I nervously pawed the air. I had met prominent ponies before, but I never met either of the princesses. In the end, I simply said, "Your highness, I forgive you, and I'm certain everypony else will as well. Please don't feel like this is entirely your fault, as I'm certain there were things beyond your control. All you can do is move forward."

Princess Luna sighed before straightening out, albeit with a small smile. "Thank thou for thy kind words. As for the source of thy nightmares, thou hold onto a fear thou refuse to let go. I won't prod any deeper, as 'tis a secret thou hold dearly, but thou will hast to face thy fears one day."

When I gave her a scared look, she simply said, "belief, or disbelief, rests with thou. We will meet again, someday." With that, she started flying away. The dream started shattering as the waking world beckoned me.
> Chapter 9 - Fluttering Headaches (Green Isn't Your Color)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I woke up the next morning, the memories of the race I had yesterday still fresh from my mind. As I recounted everything that lead up to that point, I started facehoofing over it.

"I am an idiot. There was no way I could of won, yet still I clung to a false hope that I could teach Rainbow Dash a lesson in humility, but all I ended up proving was my own hypocrisy."

I decided to try not to dwell on it. She could very well still hate my guts, which remains a good thing for me in a way.

Opting for a breakfast of oats and granola in milk, I decided to write another letter to my mom while I ate.

April 24, 20XX

Dear Mom;

I am a hypocrite.

Last evening, I finally had my race with Rainbow Dash. All I can say, reflecting on my actions, is how stupid I was being leading up to it. I suppose It was unavoidable, but I'm certain that she won't be getting friendly with me anytime soon considering we antagonized each other plenty before the race.

Other than that, I learned more about her friends outside of Pinkie Pie, who I am now officially scared of. Seriously, she somehow managed to predict what I was going to think and predicted I would get greeted soon after by another friend of hers.

Anyways, first off is Rarity, a fashionista with considerable talent. While she does fit the typical stereotype, her skill in dressmaking is something that cannot be denied. Even with my limited fashion sense, I was gaping at some of the dresses she claims to of made rather easily. I highly recommend dropping by Ponyville to check her dresses out, though I will warn you; she seems to be a big fan of yours.

Then there's Fluttershy, a really timid pegasus who is the animal caretaker of the area. Not much else to say about her aside from her cheering being cute and my headaches becoming worse and more chronic when she is around.

Applejack is a farmer who runs an orchard called Sweet Apple Acres. Their apples are really good, considering I'm having to try and make the apples I bought last. Thing is, she seems to be rather skillful at telling lies from truths. At least that's the vibe I got, considering she doesn't trust me very much either, especially when she confronted me about my behavior towards Rainbow Dash.

Lastly, there's Twilight Sparkle, a librarian and student to somepony. I haven't interacted much with her, but from what I can glean, she often takes more convoluted paths in hopes of a complex answer.

Outside of them, I haven't really interacted with the other ponies of the town. Still, if anything interesting happens, I'll let you know.

Love; Zephyr.

I sigh as I put the letter in the envelop for delivery and head out.

Things are going to be so awkward now...

After depositing my letter and flying towards the plaza, I noticed ponies looking at me. I couldn't discern the emotion behind them, but I quickened my pace to try and avoid anypony from staring at me for too long. For all I know, they could be judging me...

When I reached the plaza, I notice Rainbow Dash just plopping down on the usual meeting cloud. When I landed on it as well, she turned in surprise. "You're earlier than usual. Couldn't sleep?"

I look at the clock tower. True to what she said, I was about five minutes early. I sigh and say, "if you can call it that..."

"Guess you couldn't get over being beaten by the Dash." She was gloating again, but I noticed something was off.

Must be my imagination. "Lets just get this done with..."

She shrugged. "Today is going to be slightly different. The forecast is partially cloudy with a light breeze, just letting you know."

I simply nodded and followed her as we began our routine.





The entire time, we always had ponies looking at us. Rainbow always gave an enthusiastic wave, but I simply tried to ignore them.

"Jeez, you're tense today. Are you really that antsy over losing?"

I shook my head. "No, everypony keeps staring our way. It's making me very nervous, I hate attention."

"Give them a day or two, then they'll stop. Besides, you seemed fine when you were singing and when you raced me."

"Those were different. I could drown out the attention with the music and I had something to focus on during the race. I've done this job for so long, I can't really drown anything out with it."

She puts her fore-hooves behind her head. "If it bugs you that much, you can probably head out now. You got all the currents, and I still have stuff to do."

I nod slowly. "I think I will. Apple bucking might get my mind off things. If not, I can always head home."

"Be seeing you then." With that, she flew away.

Why don't I sense any hostility from her? She doesn't seem like the one to get over being antagonized that easily...

Shaking my head, I flew as fast as I could towards Sweet Apple Acres to avoid any more attention.





When I got there, I saw a brief glimpse of Applejack, but I immediately flew into the orchard and started apple bucking. I was just bucking randomly, not bothering to utilize the trick for more efficient harvesting.

I needed to get my mind off the town's ponies staring at me.

"Hey." I jumped two feet in the air before looking at the source, Big Mac.

"H-how long were you there?"

"Long enough..."

I simply sigh and slump against the tree I was going to buck.

"Hey, Big Mac. Everything ok?" Applejack came into view and stopped when she saw us. "Oh, Zephyr. Didn't realise you were here." I sigh in response. "You alright there, sugahcube?"

"I just wanted to get away from all the stares, all the attention. I hate the attention, it feels like they're... judging me."

Applejack gives a small smile. "Ya don't need to worry about the towns ponies. They were more likely staring at you out of awe that you accepted ah challenge against Rainbow Dash in something she's very well known for."

"Eeyup."

"Not only that, being a full second behind her is no small feat."

I gave her a very worried look. "But... I still lost."

"Don' worry yer head over it. If yer that antsy over it, ya can head home early to recuperate. Ah'm sure the other ponies will stop staring by tomorrow."

"...Thanks Applejack."

"Jus' call me AJ, sugahcube." I give her and Big Mac a small smile before heading home.

Am I forgetting something? Oh crap, I need to go to Rarity's place for my suit. Ugh, no... best not to keep her waiting...

I changed my direction and headed towards the Carousel Boutique. While there were no other ponies along the way, I hid in a tree in front of the building to make sure nopony was there. When the coast was confirmed clear, I knocked on the door.

At least I would of, had the door not opened right when I raised my hoof. Rarity was standing on the other side, wearing a green feather hat.

"Oh, so sorry Zephyr. I was about to head to the spa with Fluttershy." I flinched, which made her glance curiously at me.

Now the mere mention of that name gives me a headache... ow.

"Sorry to disrupt you, but you told me I could pick up my suit today?"

"Oh, actually... can that wait until tomorrow? I want to make sure it looks and fits properly."

"That's fine I guess..."

She breathes a sigh of relief. "Then I'll see you tomorrow!"

I wave good-bye before heading home myself. I only wanted to spend the rest of the day home alone.





Like Applejack said, all the ponies around town stopped staring at me the next day. I managed to calm down a good deal as a result, and my routine became rather normal. I do weather with Rainbow Dash in the morning, help out at sweet apple acres, and I finish with either some grocery shopping for what I need, or just lazing around at home.

Oddly enough, Rainbow Dash didn't seem alright herself, like she was missing something. I decided not to bug her about it; I'm only a coworker and I don't want to start the whole antagonizing thing up again unless she starts getting too friendly.

I also managed to get my suit from Rarity. Midnight blue with a few emeralds crested right underneath the collar. It fit and looked good on me, much to my joy. Rarity, on the other hoof, was excited over something else. Something about a 'Photo Finish'...

A few days later, I began noticing things going around in town. There have been different posters and what-not starring Fluttershy, to my dismay. Even Applejack was using her image to try and sell apples.

I swear, are they TRYING to kill me? Then again, nopony knows she causes me headaches.

Opting to just laze in my house, I decided to do a bit of snoozing when I heard shouting outside.

Ugh, what the hay is going on? So much for small towns being quieter-- 

The yelling got louder and I heard my front door open and slam shut.

Note to self: lock the door.

Heading downstairs, I see Fluttershy cowering by the door. My headache returned in full force, but I wanted to know why she picked my house of all places.

"Let yourself in?" I got a surprised squeak and a fearful look, which made my headache worse... again.

"Ooh, I'm s-sorry. I-I just wanted t-to avoid a-attention and I-I picked a house a-at random." Somepony was banging on the door.

I gave her a confused look. "What attention? You don't seem like the type to garner attention. Unless you modeled for whatever reason... wait a minute..."

"I-I started modeling for Photo Finish a-at Rarity's behest."

"That explains the random images of you strewn about." There was more knocking at the door. "Wait, you started modeling because Rarity asked you to?"

She gave a shy nod. Jeez, how nice it would have been to have a friend like Fluttershy. Bleah, I gave up a long time ago, no sense going back on it now.

"Y-you don't m-mind me in your h-house?"

I sigh. "I kind of mind it, but that doesn't mean I can be a bad host. You may as well stay here as long as you need."

"Oh thank you! I thought you would be like everypony else."

I roll my eyes. "I'm not one to follow things like that. Honestly speaking, I could care less."

She flinched and rubbed her head, enticing a curious look from me. She looked like she was suffering from a headache herself.

"Regardless, want anything to eat? Drink? Or do you simply want to wait it out?"

She paused with a surprised face before looking uncertain again. "C-could I have s-some water please?"

"Sure. Feel free to sit on the couch." She cautiously flew over as I went to grab a glass and fill it.I could feel her attention on me, which not only made me feel nervous, as I never been alone with a mare before, but it also increased my headache.

Ok seriously, I'm going to the hospital to get some headache medication after this. This is getting ridiculous...

Sighing, I flew over to Fluttershy and gave her the glass, which she gulped down.

"T-thank you. Y-you're... very sweet."


* * *


"I could care less about that!"


* * *


"You're very sweet, big brother."


* * *


"AAAAAUUUUUGH!" I collapse on the floor, holding my head.

"O-oh my goodness! I didn't mean to!"

"Head... splitting... open..."

I suddenly felt her pick up my head a bit and hug it, trying to comfort me. My headache didn't go away, yet I somehow felt better.

"I-I'm so sorry... P-please forgive me..."

Why... why does this feel... familiar?

There was more banging at the door, which brought us both back to Equestria. I leaped up in surprise and she scooted away from me with a squeak.

"You should probably go before somepony decides to let themselves in. Take the back door."

"T-thank you. A-and sorry f-for being a n-nuisance." With that, she flitted out the back door.

Shaking it off, I answered the door. There were a bunch of mares with cameras around their necks. "Is Fluttershy here?"

Ok, think fast! "Why are you looking for Fluttershy at my place?"

"We saw her come in here a little bit ago, and we were wondering if she was still here."

"Huh, are you sure she didn't just immediately take the back door out to make her escape?"

Their eyes widened in shock. "Oh, darn it, we didn't think of that. Sorry!"

I wave it off. "No worries. Good luck finding her." All the mares gallop off in their presumably fruitless search.  She owes me one now...





The Spa, day after Fluttershy renounced her role as a model.





"... Now will you take down my letter to Princess Celestia?" Twilight was soaking in a simple bath and was conversing with her assistant.

"I would love to, but I'm a little busy at the moment..." Spike was fanning a seaweed-covered Rarity in the steam room. Twilight simply gave an amused groan and rolled her eyes.

"U-um, Twilight?" Fluttershy was relaxing in the bath right by Twilight's. "C-can we talk?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"U-um, during my model fiasco, I-I entered Zephyr's house by accident when I was being chased."

"I'm sure he would understand. He doesn't seem like to type to go gaga over things like that."

"H-he isn't. But it's what happened after he accepted me in his house."

This got Twilight's attention. "After?"

"W-when he said 'I could care less', t-the way he said it made my headache around him worse."

"Oh my gosh, are you still alright?" The conversation got Rarity's attention as well, though Spike was still preoccupied with fanning his 'love'.

"I-It's not me I'm worried about. After telling him he's very sweet because he was being hospitable, he collapsed on the floor with a cry of agony. H-he said his head was splitting open."

Twilight put a hoof up to her muzzle in thoughtfulness. "Perhaps he's suffering from something similar to you? If he is, that's got to mean something was between you two in the past."

"T-thing is Twilight, I don't remember anypony like him at all..."
> Chapter 10 - Crusading Bonds (Over A Barrel)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Yo, Zephyr! You there?"

I jolted out of my wandering thoughts, looking around wildly. Apparently, Rainbow Dash and I were already done with wind and weather duties.

"Jeez dude. You've been like this for a few days now. It's starting to weird me out..."

"Sorry... a lot on my mind as of late. Can you repeat what you were just saying?"

She rolls her eyes in irritation. "As I was saying, you will be in charge of both wind AND weather duties while I'm gone. I'm going with my friends to Appleloosa to deliver a tree, so we should be back by the day after tomorrow."

I nod. "Right, and tomorrow is a scheduled storm. Fun times..."

"Just don't screw anything up while I'm gone. Last thing I need is to come back to a mess."

I groan with irritation. "Yes, I got it..."

She smirks. "Good, now I've got to get ready for the trip. See ya!" With that, she flew off with a burst of speed.

Prepare for what? All you're doing is delivering a freaking apple tree with your 'friends'... logic.

I sigh as I flew to Sweet Apple Acres, slipping again into a distracted stupor. I've been doing it a lot ever since my last run-in with Fluttershy, trying to figure out what it all meant. Sadly, all I ever do is go in circles with my thoughts, and I become oblivious to everything else.

Like the apple tree I just rammed into head-first.

I REALLY need to get it out of my mind. All I need to do is avoid Fluttershy to prevent it from happening again. Should be simple enough.

Big Mac was already bucking trees when I reached where I last left off. He gave me a concerned look, but I waved it off with my wing and started bucking. Him and Applejack had noticed me slipping into stupors while I was working there for the last two days. Every time, I tell them I'm fine, despite the unconvinced looks they give me.

"Right, I should probably warn you, tomorrow's a storm, so have everything tied down by then." I get a nod in thanks. "Do you know why Applejack's taking her friends?"

"Nnope."

"Figures..."

Finishing my quota, I decided to fly into White Tail Woods for some flying practice. I felt somewhat out of shape, despite both my jobs being rather physical.

"A-are you sure this is alright, Applebloom?"

Sweetie Belle? I haven't seen her or her friends for quite a while, though it IS the start of the weekend. What are they doing out here?

"Ah'm sure of it. This time, we will get our cutie marks!"

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS TIGHT-ROPE WALKING, YAY!"

Reaching the fillies, I notice that they were pretty high up, and that all three were going to go on the rope at the same time.

They are guts, but they have nuts... wait what? They are nuts, but they have guts, bleah!

Still, this is an awkward situation. If I call to them now, all three might fall off at the same time. There's no way I'll be able to catch all three of them, and the fall would definitely cause serious injury to a filly.

In the end, I opted to get as close as I can underneath them and hope for the best. Currently, Scootaloo was faring the best, as she was using her wings, tiny as they may be, for extra balance. Applebloom was faring slightly less, but her earth pony heritage allowed her more balance naturally.

Sadly, Sweetie Bell was--

"EEK!"

-- Faring poorly. I quickly leaped up and caught her after she fell off.

"Wha? Mr. Zephyr?"

"I told you, just Zephyr is fine." I put her down on the ground and she beamed at me. Looking up, I noticed the other two were holding onto the rope and giving me a bewildered look.

Scootaloo spoke up, "how did you know we were here?"

"I didn't. I came here to practice flying, but when heard your voices, I decided to see what you were up to, pun intended." I grin at the two still on the rope as they roll their eyes while I hear a giggle from beside me. "Don't let me stop you from continuing, though."

Again with the bewildered looks, but Applebloom spoke this time. "Wait, yer letting us continue? But ah thought you would try and get us to abandon our attempt after Sweetie Belle fell off."

I shake my head. "As harebrained as your idea is, no sense stopping you when you're already attempting it. Plus, since I'm here, I can act as your safety net."

The two on the tight-rope looked at each other before beaming at me and continuing their attempt. Applebloom was the next to fall off, though I caught her just fine. Scootaloo was close to the other side when the wind decided to be a jerk and blow her off the rope.

"Darn it, I was so close too..."

I shrugged. "You tried."

She looked at her flank before giving a sad sigh. "Well then, what's next?"

As the three fillies pondered the question, I decided to leave them to it. I still needed to practice my flying--

"Zephyr, can you help us?" I turn to look at Sweetie Belle, who was wearing an innocent face.

"Help you with what? I'm pretty sure you girls already got it figured out."

Now Applebloom's wearing an innocent face. "It's jus' that... Yer the first one to really let us do what we wanted in our attempt to get our cutie marks. Nopony has ever done that fer us..."

I sigh. "You girls won't be fillies forever. I think you deserve to enjoy every bit of it, even if your ideas are all harebrained and/or unworkable."

Scootaloo's turn to join. "Then could you watch over us when we go on crusades? You seem to be the most 'allowing' pony we've met besides Fluttershy"-- I wince at the name --" and you were pretty cool in saving us from falling."

"So essentially, you're asking me to become your 'guardian'? Hmm, can't say I would have enough time to--"

"Pleeeeeease?"

Ok, that's just plain unfair. I should find a way to write to Princess Celestia about making puppy dog faces illegal.

"Fine, I'll make sure you girls don't hurt yourselves too badly-- oof!" I got tackled by all three of them to the ground, and they were hugging me.

"Thank you! Thank you so much!"

"Hold up, I want some questions answered first." They look up at me. "First of all, why are you so trusting of a stallion you've only known for literal minutes? Wouldn't asking your sisters this kind of thing be better?"

Sweetie Belle frowned. "Rarity always shoots down any ideas that we come up with. Applebloom says both Applejack and Big Macintosh are a little less strict about it, but they still remove more than half of our ideas."

Gee, I wonder why...

I look at Scootaloo. "What about Rainbow Dash? She certainly would be pretty allowing if you asked her."

She gives a nervous grin. "Uh, i-it's usually because she's so busy, that I could never bring myself to ask her..." One of my ears flicked in disbelief, but I didn't touch on it.

"That still doesn't tell me why you chose to trust me over somepony who's been living here for Celestia knows how long." I gave them a brazen look.

"W-well, outside of what Scootaloo said, Applejack always said yer a hard worker, and that yer a nice stallion. We figured that if Applejack and Big Mac trusts you, we can as well."

Saying Applejack trusts me is a real stretch. Still, I actually got nothing better to do for the day besides flying practice, so why not?

"Very well, you convinced me. However, you should probably say bye to your sisters before starting anything more. They're leaving for Appleloosa this afternoon." Applebloom and Sweetie Belle gasped and dashed off. Scootaloo gave a sad sigh before running off as well.

"Meet me at Sweet Apple Acres!" Guess I'll go there now...





All day, I spent time with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, making sure they didn't hurt themselves too much, while shooting down any ideas they came up with that seemed outright suicidal.  Yet... I found so much joy in their beaming faces every time I was there to save them from a fall, when I was there to reassure them if the crusade turned out to be a flop.

"Just keep trying different things. Eventually, you'll find something that you like. After that, it's just a matter of dedication." I spoke these words to them the first time a crusade crashed and burned horribly. It somewhat amuses me how much vigor they get just by hearing me speak.

As the sun was starting to set, I decided that the fillies had enough for the day. When I dropped Applebloom off at the farm, Big Mac was surprised to see me, though he smiled when I told him what I was doing with the fillies.

"Yer a good guy, Zephyr. Don' let anypony else say otherwise."

I simply nodded at him before taking Sweetie Belle to her house. When she was dropped off, I turned to Scootaloo. "Alright, sorry for leaving you last. Where do you live?"

She shuddered. "I-I can get home on my own just fine." I gave her a questioning glance, but she continued, "thanks for being there for us, Zephyr. See you tomorrow?"

I chuckle. "I told you girls already I would join you after overseeing the preparations for the storm. If you're fine going home by yourself, then have a good night."

"Good night." With that, she scoots off on her... scooter.

I shake my head before retiring for the night.

Scootaloo is hiding something. Question is; what?





Preparations for the storm went smoothly, as it was something I was used to during my time in Manehatten. After charging the wind currents to increase wind speed when the storm starts, I went to the farm as per usual. Big Mac was outside doing something with the barn, probably reinforcing it.

"Hey, all ready for the storm?"

"Eeyup."

"Need any other work done?"

"Nnope."

"Alright. I promised your little sister and her friends that I would be here for them again today. Didn't think I was THAT likeable..."

"Hey Zephyr!" I turn to see Scootaloo riding into the farm with Sweetie Belle in tow. Applebloom had just left her house and hopped into the wagon.

"Well, the cast is here. Remember, we need to be back before the storm starts later this afternoon."

Scootaloo rolls her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, we got it. Lets go already!"

I shake my head in amusement as the fillies take off. I give a quick nod to Big Mac before taking off after them.





"I guess we just came full circle... how long have we been out here for?"

We were at the same spot I found the CMC at yesterday.

Applebloom shrugs. "Time can fly when yer having fun."

"I highly doubt it was any funner after you girls decided to include me as part of your schemes."

"It was still a lot of fun! Admit that you had fun too." Sweetie Belle beamed. I groan, though I couldn't get the smile off my face.

Scootaloo was off to the side, pondering. "So what do you think we shou--" The sound of thunder interrupted her, and I suddenly realized, with horror, that the storm was about to begin.

"I think we should wrap this up girls. We need to go now!"

*KABOOM*

The fillies jumped, before nodding and clamoring towards the scooter. The wind had started picking up.

I miscalculated... if we are to get home safely without getting drenched, we need to move fast.

Applebloom got home without a hitch, but it had started to rain right when we reached Sweetie Belle's house. It got worse by the second.

"Scootaloo, where is your house?" I had to raise my voice against the wind.

"It's... it's..."

"Crap, if it's on the other side, then we will be waterlogged by the time we get there. No choice..." I pick her up, scooter and all, and flew towards my house.

"Wah-- hey what are you doing?"

Good thing I left the door unlocked. The irony...

Despite my house being close by, we still got drenched.

"Ugh, hold on a second." I trotted to the bathroom, got a bunch of towels, and threw one towards Scootaloo before trying to dry myself off.

I only got my wings dried before noticing that she was struggling.

"Need a hoof there?"

she gives me a stubborn look. "I can do this myself!"

I observed her for a bit longer, seeing her repeated attempts to dry herself and failing. "Here, let me help." Putting my towel on my head, I hear a squeak of surprise as I start scrubbing her dry.

"T-thanks..."

"Sure. Now make yourself at home while I attend to something quick." I briefly see a surprised look from her before I went up into my room.

I need to change my bandages. They're soaked, and Celestia knows what would happen if somepony sees what I'm hiding under them.

Dried off and changed, I head back down to see Scootaloo looking around the house. "See anything of interest?" She jumped in surprise, but quickly recomposed herself.

"You don't have much here..."

"Sorry about that. I moved in recently, and I tend to be rather plain. Regardless, need anything to eat or drink?" She lets out a yawn and I grin. "Or perhaps you need some sleep."

"No I don't." She let out another yawn before rubbing her eyes.

"Methinks somepony was trying too hard during her crusades. If you wanted to stay up later, maybe you should--"

There was a very soft snore.

"-- not play so hard..." Shaking my head, I carefully pick the sleeping filly up and took her to my bedroom.

She would probably hate me for thinking this, but she looks so cute while she's asleep.

After covering her with the bed sheets, I started to exit the room to sleep on the couch.

*KABOOM*

I jumped a little myself, but I looked back at Scootaloo, who looked like she was still asleep, but with a scared look on her face.

I did the last thing I would of expected myself to do.

I crawled under the sheets with her and draped a wing over the shivering filly. She calmed down and started sleeping more peacefully.

I wanted to stay there... to continue comforting her...

To let her know she's not alone...

Why do I feel like I'm acting on an instinct I forgot I had?
> Chapter 11 - Heartwarming Awkwardness, Somber Realization
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I rejoined the waking world, I became aware of my mildly discomforting position in my bed. I typically sleep on my back or side, so waking up to find myself sleeping on my stomach is a bit unusual, not that it hasn't happened before.

I try to shift to a more comfortable position when I felt something move at my side, under my wing. I froze instantly.

What just--

I felt another shift, followed by what feels like a nuzzle to my side. Looking, I see Scootaloo under my wing and her muzzle buried right below where my wing was connected.

By this point, I was panicking internally. Here I was, a full grown stallion... for the most part, sleeping in bed with a filly I know next to nothing about. Sure, I spent a lot of time with her and her friends, but I knew there was a limit to everything.

I look like a bucking pedophile... I just hope I can get out and down stairs before she wakes up...

Checking the clock, I realize I got half an hour to get out and help clean the remains of the storm up, as well as reset the wind currents. However, when I lifted my wing, Scootaloo let out a small whimper and tried snuggling closer to me. I move away a bit and she follows me, eyes still closed with a sad frown.

Jeez, rip my heart out and stomp on the pieces, why don't you? Why do fillies have to be so adorable, intentional or not?

In the end, I decided to use my 'last resort'. I did this a lot to quickly get out of bed when I lived with my mom, whenever she started getting impatient or if I'm going to be late. I use my wings to 'throw myself out of bed, which was only possible due to their larger-than-normal size, landing me on my hooves in record time. It uses more energy than simply getting out, but it's good for when I need to leave in a hurry.

I figured it would be the same thing, except I'm using my legs instead.

Alright, it's do or die now.

The launch off the bed was successful...

... If not for the fact that I forgot about not flipping myself in midair.

*THUMP*

It didn't hurt too bad, but it certainly woke Scootaloo up, judging by the panicked breathing.

"Huh? what?"

"Ow..."

I see her poke her head out to look at me. "What were you doing?"

Normally I have a decent enough poker-face, but I was failing horribly at hiding my embarrassed smile. "Uh... good morning! I, uh, tripped when I came up here to wake you up."

She gives me a disbelieving look.

"Eep... I swear I'm not a creep!"

"Why am I in your house again?"

I resisted facehoofing. "I brought you to my house because we couldn't get you home in time before the storm got bad." I noticed her sad look as I got off the ground. "What's up?"

"N-nothing! Nothing at all!"

My turn to give her a disbelieving look. "You acted weird two days ago when I mentioned walking you home, and you were rather reluctant yesterday about telling me where you live. I know I haven't known you for a long period of time, but at least let me hear your problems."

She shuddered, looked around nervously, then sighed. "C-can you please keep a secret? I-I don't want my friends knowing about this..."

"I... guess so. I have no idea why you don't want your friends to know--"

"I-I don't have an actual home..."

...What?

"I live in an... orphanage."

Are you serious? Just what kind of game is fate playing here? Here is a filly who looked like she was on top of Equestria with her friends, only to constantly remind her she doesn't have an actual home...

Scootaloo looked like she was close to crying, and I cursed whatever forces caused her this suffering. The best thing I could think of at that moment was giving her a hug.

"Scootaloo, you know you don't have to suffer this alone." She looks up at me."Think about it, you got two great friends who would give you the fur off their backs if need be. I highly doubt they would abandon you over you being an orphan. Besides that, I'm sure somepony will take you in as their own one day.

"Besides, you're already living life to it's fullest as a filly. You never let your status get in the way then, so why let it anytime soon?"

She looks down at the bed for a second before looking at me with a... rather cute smile. "Thank you..."

The ironic part is that I consider myself to be a pessimist. However, that way of thinking is NOT for a filly in any way, shape, or form.

I look at the clock again. I got about twenty minutes left. "Since we got that sappy moment out of the way, need anything to eat?"





After feeding Scootaloo, I escorted her back to the orphanage before work. I told the mare in charge of it why the filly never come back yesterday, and she thanked me for it.

Scootaloo ran off to meet up with her friends, with a noticeable skip in her step.

I still don't get why I did what I did last night. It feels like I was acting on an instinct that's long forgotten. I can't put my hoof on it...

Oh well, better than a headache.

The cleanup of the storm went well, though I had to get somepony to help me clear the clouds away. Ditzy was pretty good for it, although she almost crashed a few times.

When I got to the farm, Big Mac informed me that I wouldn't be needed for the next few days. He then surprised me by giving me a small sack of bits.

"Fer' helping."

"Uh, it's no problem. Don't you need the bits more?"

"We're currently fine financially."

"If you say so. Thanks."

After leaving, I check the amount of bits I got. It was a decent amount, more for spending on small things.

I know exactly what I want to do with this.

I decided to head to Sugar Cube Corner for the first time in a while, primarily because the pink pony wasn't around. I was greeted by a middle-aged mare with a blue coat and frosty-pink mane.

"Hello, what can I get you?"

"Just a chocolate cupcake for now."

"For now?" She looks at me inquiringly as she got the cupcake for me.

I simply smile. "You'll see me again later."

After paying for the confection, I quickly grew to love the sweets the place had to offer. It tasted like it had some actual thought put into it, not like the ones in Manehatten.

I wonder if these are the kinds of charms Nesium was talking about...

Thinking back, I realize something with horror.

I'm getting attached to somepony in this town and vice-versa. The crusaders somehow managed to get inside my heart, and that's not good for any of us.

I hate to say it, but I need to watch my step again. Keep them at legs length as much as possible. I don't want anypony missing me when I leave after one year...

When I exited the building, I saw the crusaders off in the distance. Deciding not to test my luck, I made a mad dash towards my house.

Sighing to myself, I figured I would stay the rest of the day inside.

After all, I can't get attached, or more attached, to anypony if I don't interact.

Dragging out my writing materials, I started composing another letter to my mom.

April 30, 20XX

Dear Mom;

I'll be brief, There has been a few things that happened to me since I last written to you and none of the are good for me or my health.

First off, when Fluttershy burst into my house to escape ponies chasing her with cameras, my headaches got worse yet again. However, when she said something (I can't remember what), my head felt like it was splitting open, and I heard... voices echoing in my head. I have no idea what this pertains to, but she has joined Pinkie Pie on the list of ponies I'm avoiding.

After that, I met a trio of fillies who call themselves the 'Cutie Mark Crusaders'. They do various things to try and earn their cutie marks, and I wound up looking after them to make sure nopony got hurt.

There's Applebloom, an earth pony who is the ringleader and Applejack's little sister. Sweetie Belle is the 'voice of reason', as I'm calling her, a unicorn, and little sister to Rarity.

Finally, there's Scootaloo, a tomcoltish pegasus who has yet to fly. I took her into my house when a storm became too severe. Yet when I saw her scared in her sleep, I felt some kind of protective instinct rise up in me, and I slept beside her 'protectively'...

Sadly, I feel I got too attached to these three fillies, them being so adorably innocent. Before you write to me about breaking their little hearts, I don't plan on doing that. I'm just going to avoid them until they forget about me, that way, none of us will be hurt when I leave.

That's about it. You should write to me once in a while as well you know? Would be greatly appreciated.

Love; Zephyr.

Depositing the letter in the mail box, I simply laid in bed for all of the rest of the day. There have been knocks at the door, but I never bothered answering.

After all, I want to make sure nopony will miss me...
> Chapter 12 - Meet the Princess... Kind Of (A Bird In The Hoof)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I really need to get something to do in here..."

When I saw Rainbow Dash again after her trip, she complimented me for a good job, yet it seemed like she was... disappointed? I pointed it out to her and she got rather defensive. After that... well we started taking snips at each other again, though it was toned down more than before our 'actual' race.

I have isolated myself from the rest of the community again by retreating back home after both my jobs. Groceries are the lone exception to this, though I always head home right after. When Applejack heard about my interactions with her sister and her friends, she asked me why I wasn't continuing to do so. My vague answer was that I felt like I was getting in their way.She didn't look like she believed me.

From the way things seem, she must hate lies. That's good, I'll just keep lying to her and she won't get too comfortable with me.

Current status as is follows:

I'm avoiding Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and the Crusaders. It pains me to do so, but for the good of mine and their emotional health, it must be done.

I don't have to worry about Rainbow Dash and possibly Applejack. They most likely will turn their heads the other way when I leave, which is fine.

Rarity, I need to be wary, but I think I'm in the clear with her. Twilight, I know next to nothing about, other than she's a librarian. For good measure, I'll see if I can't avoid them too.

After all... if you are alone, no-pony can hurt you...

This leads me to my current conundrum. I don't have any books I can read, or any sort of entertainment in place. I could always do various exercises to keep myself fit, but I'm otherwise left with nothing to do.

Looking in my fridge, I spy milk, apples, celery, lettuce, apple juice, onions, tomatoes--

"Oh crap! I forgot sugar and flour. Guess I'm going back to the market again... stupid short-term memory."

When I saw Sugar Cube Corner, I notice two gruff ponies wearing golden armor standing outside the entrance.

Royal guards? Why are they here? Are they somehow in the middle of a drug bust? I always wondered why Pinkie Pie acted so hyper all the time...

Rainbow Dash suddenly jumps out the door before saying, "So... what do I have to do to become one of the Princesses royal guards anyways?"

Wait... what?

"Is the pay good?"

Stoic.

"Hellooooo. Anybody home?"

Anybody?

Still stoic. Rainbow Dash stares at one before making funny faces and noises. When she stuck her hoof in her mouth and made a fart sound, I found it hard to not laugh.

"Oooooh, you're good..." I let out a snort of laughter which made her face me in surprise. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to see you do all that. Hahaha, that face you made when you stuck your hoof in your mouth. Getting a little puffed there, eh Rainbow?"

She rolls her eyes. "Whatever, I'm going back in. I'm bored." With that, she leaps back into the door.

Still chuckling, I walk past the store, ignoring the guards.

"...Hah, phew... made it!"

Oh good Luna, not again... The Headaches, part six: Return of the Karma...

I turn around, just in time to see the guards block Fluttershy with their wings.

"Halt!"

"Who goes there?"

*Gulp* "no-one... never mind, I'll go home."

Geeze, never knew she was such a-- wait, 'no-one'?

"It's alright sirs, she's on the list." I saw Twilight poking her head out and her hoof on their wings before they retracted them. Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief before heading in.

All I could do was sit there and stare with a shocked expression, brain totally broken.

Sadly, Twilight seemed to have noticed me. "Oh, Zephyr! Why don't you join us? Let him in as well." And with that, she retreats with Fluttershy in tow.

Oh no no no no, she must be somepony important if she can order royal guards like that! If I turn her down, the consequences could be ENORMOUS!

I think the guards actually looked at me when I started having a dancing panic attack, but I didn't care.

I-I guess I have no other choice... I HAVE to do this, or I may as well live outside of civilization for the rest of my life! I would like to try and avoid that.

With hesitation, I walk towards the entrance. The guards didn't block me, so I quickly slipped by.

A lanky yellow stallion walked out of the kitchen with a tray of... mini pies? "How's everypony doing? Good? Good."

The mare that served me the other day was standing next to--

P-Princess C-Celestia?

I had heard tales of her regal and graceful, yet powerful form. White, wearing golden garments, and a billowing mane that looked like an aurora borealis.

I immediately started giving off a cold sweat. I was never prepared to even catch a glimpse of the esteemed ruler of Equestria, yet here she is. It was scaring me... horribly.

I'll just... sit off in the corner and hope no-pony sees me...

Looking around, I spot an incredibly nervous Twilight with a rather calm Fluttershy-- Damn these headaches... -- walking towards the Princess.

"Oh, you and your tender, loving care of little animals. I just know Princess Celestia is gonna love that about you. I mean, I hope she will... I mean, of course she will!" She was twitching a lot.

"Wow, Twilight. I thought I was the only one who got nervous at social gatherings."

My thoughts exactly... oh, why did I have to eat four apples for breakfast today?

"Oh, it's not that. I just want the princess to approve of my friends." This caught me off guard. My mind started reeling with reasons as to why Twilight answered directly to her Highness.

"But she's met us all before."

Ungaaaahhhhhhh...

"And read about you in my letters." I started having an internal panic attack. "But this is the first time she's spent any real time with you. I want everypony to make a good impression. "

"Well, I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. Besides, it's just a casual get-together, right?" She was looking around, slightly nervous.

"Don't touch me!" I look over to see Rarity in one of the dresses I saw at the boutique. "Watch the dress! Careful, you're gonna spill that on me! Oh, oh, that looks delicious. What is it? Oh, does it stain?! Keep it away from me!"

Why did you wear it, then? I wanted to ask out loud, but my want to be left alone kept my mouth shut.

Fluttershy winced slightly. "Or... perhaps not that casual."

Ya think? The tension in the air is so thick, you could cut it.

"Uh... which is the salad and which is the appetizer again?" I notice Applejack with a bib, which made me force down a painful snort of laughter, and sweating. "And which am I supposed to eat first?" She reached for different food three times before saying, "oh, never mind. I'm not hungry."

Ironic. The country bumpkin is one of the few polite ones. Besides, everypony knows that first comes the appetizer, usually soup, then the starter or salad, followed by the main course, and finishing with dessert or pudding. She probably regrets not looking it up before coming here.

"It's okay, Twilight. So our friends' manners aren't perfect. I doubt the princess will even notice."

Que something to happen in three... two... one...

"Whoo-hoo!" Pinkie Pie was jumping all over the place. "Cupcakes, candies and pies, oh my!" she hits herself with a pie. "Oooh! Chocolate fountainy goodness!" She gets her head covered in chocolate. It hardens, then cracks open, with her somehow chewing some.

Yup, she still scares me...

Suddenly she's by the Princess. She says, "you gonna eat that?" Before promptly eating one of her cupcakes out of her magic.

My reaction was similar to the two catering the party, minus the loud gasp. After pulling away the pink pony with a "hey", they apologized and filled the tea cup every time the Princess takes a sip.

Ok, I have no room to judge, but that's being a little obnoxious--

The cup overflowed. "Gotcha!"

...Wut?

Twilight, who happened to be nearby, let out a whimper before the Princess turned towards her and Fluttershy. "And what about you, dear? Fluttershy, is it?"

Time for me to block that conversation out. My headache is already there, no need to make it worse...





It continued for a while like this. There have been ponies looking at me curiously and the few who tried to talk to me only got a few vague responses. Princess Celestia suddenly stood up and said, "I'm sorry, everypony. I'm afraid I have to cut the party short." Twilight looked like she was stopped herself from spitting out her drink. "The mayor has requested an audience with me. Royal duty calls. Thank you for a wonderful time. It's been a joy getting to know you all better."

As she said that, she looked around the room. When her gaze rested on me, I shrank back further into my corner. Luckily, she got up and exited the bakery without second thought.

I was still plastered to the corner, feeling like I just avoided a cannonball. Somewhere in the back of my head, I knew she was gracious ruler, but my default paranoia being multiplied by my apple-induced high-strung nature put me on edge... to the extreme.

After most of the ponies have left, I quickly took my exit as well. I still had business in the market--

"HEY"

Look Ma! I can see an entire village from up here. Freaking Pinkie Pie...

After slowly making my way back down, I made sure to land in the market in order to grab what I still need.





Princess Celestia, Town Hall.





"... And that concludes everything I needed to say. Thank you for taking time to listen to my concerns. " The mayor was talking to Celestia about general issues and the current status of Ponyville.

"I assure you it was no trouble on my part. However, I am slightly curious about a deep green pegasus stallion that I saw during the party earlier."

The mayor thought for a moment. "You mean Zephyr Earthwing?"

"Indeed. I know that most of the ponies in town couldn't attend the party, but when I saw all the Ponyville residence after my sister's return, he was not among them."

"Oh yes, He moved in a short while ago to be the new Wind Manager. However, a lot of the residents think he's weird."

Celestia frowned. "Weird? Please elaborate."

"He's rather... 'out there'. He interacts with ponies just fine one day, the next he's shutting himself in his house refusing to come out."

Celestia frowns. "Interesting... how much interaction has he had?"

The mayor sighed. "Not much. The only ponies who interact with him all the time are Rainbow Dash and the Apple family. To me, it sounds like he intentionally avoids interaction unless it's necessary."

The Princess mulled over it with a bit of a sad look. She often encourages her subjects to have meaningful friendships, which is one basis of her rule. To have one of her subjects intentionally avoid such a thing made her sad.

"I'll have my faithful student look into it for me. From the reaction I got from him during the party, talking to him myself would not be very productive..."





Zephyr Earthwing, Town Plaza.





I had taken notice of a few posters depicting some kind of bird being put up by the guards from earlier. Luckily I recovered from my apple-induced high-strung nature, so when they suddenly appeared behind me to ask me about "Princess Celestia's pet bird," I didn't rocket back into the sky.

Finding what I forgot was more of a pain then I realized. The flour was easy enough, but the sugar was oddly scarce.

Guess there's nothing more to it... I'll just head back home and bake some--

I notice a bird looking similar to the one on the poster sitting next to it. It suddenly drew Very pronounced eyebrows and a mustache in such a way, I couldn't help but laugh.

"Bwahahahaha. Ok, that's gold. A bird drawing facial hair that detailed is actually pretty funny." I stopped laughing when a few feathers fell off said bird. "Are you molting?"

It ran off and clamored on top of the fountain statue. on the other side was Applejack, Rarity, and--

Oh sweet, merciful Celestia, not Pinkie Pie!

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie was lifted by Fluttershy. "Excuse me!"

"Hi!" I facehoof. My headache returned AGAIN, but I was curious as to what Fluttershy was up to.

Didn't help when I started snickering in laughter when Twilight picked up Rarity, who responded with "Put me down!"

"What in tarnation?" Was all Applejack said.

Fluttershy looked around, worried. "Sorry, but we've gotta find--"

"The Princess's pet bird!" I look up at the now almost featherless bird.

I'm sorry, but that cough seems exaggerated.

"Philomena, come down from there! You'll hurt yourself!"

Suddenly, Philomena started going through some overly dramatic death rattle, before falling off the statue.

"I'll catch you!" Fluttershy rushes forth in an attempt to catch the bird.

Only for it to spontaneously combust.

The girls all gasped while I deadpanned.

Fluttershy started crying.


* * *


"I-I-I o-only w-wanted t-to h-help!"

"You tried your best. That's all anypony could ask for..."


* * *


I hoped none of the ponies on the other side of the fountain notice me on the ground, clutching my head in pain.

The next thing I heard was, "oh, stop fooling around, Philomena. You're scaring everypony."

I look up in time to see ash swirling up into the sky, suddenly forming a red and gold bird in a flash of light. I had to avert my eyes, as my headache wasn't subdued yet.

Fluttershy was the first to speak. "I don't understand! What is that thing? What happened to Philomena?"

Celestia smiled at the bird perched on her foreleg. "This is Philomena. She's quite a sight, as I said. But nothing unusual for a phoenix. Isn't that right, Philomena?" There was a squawk of confirmation.

That explains a lot...

"A... A phoenix?"

Celestia gave an explanation of what a phoenix is, oddly whispering one part. "I'm afraid mischievous little Philomena here took the occasion to have a little fun with you, Fluttershy. Say you're sorry, young lady."

When Philomena gave an 'I'm sorry' squawk, I fought the urge to say, "that's you! That's how dumb you sound. I didn't want anypony knowing I was right there, eavesdropping.

I quickly got off the ground and hide on top of a nearby house, looking out onto the scene. I notice the phoenix flying around after giving a feather to Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash whispered something, and Philomena tickled the noses of the guards, causing them to laugh. Everypony else but me started laughing as well.

I took my leave after that. I felt that my presence was insignificant, something I accepted a long time ago...

Unfortunately, for my current mindset, the Princess saw me fly away.

> Chapter 13 - Concert Ticket Shenanigans
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------





? ? ?





"How is the target doing?"

"Struggling. His attempts to avoid interaction have had mixed results."

"So, no way to know for certain?"

"Correct. Thing is, it has grabbed the attention of Princess Celestia, who will undoubtedly ask the Element of Magic to look into him."

"Urgh, and with the royal guard keeping our boys laying low, our own hooves are tied"

"Should we..?"

"No. Continue observing for now. Remember; we have that back-up plan for a reason."





Zephyr Earthwing, Zephyr's house





"WHAT THE BUCK WAS SHE THINKING?"

I knew that my mom was, bluntly put, a troll when she's feeling mischievous. But sending me ten tickets to her upcoming concert WITH conditions attached to them was just plain mean.

I look over the letter she sent me with the tickets again.

Dear Zephyr;

As you know, Harmonecence is going to be performing at a concert coming up right soon here in Manehatten. As such, I would like to invite you and 9 of your friends from Ponyville to attend the concert. Please attend; the rest of the band misses you, and it would be nice to see you after a while.

Also note that I will be expecting you to extend the invitations. You know I won't forgive you for squandering the tickets I worked so hard to procure for you. VIP tickets are hard to come by.

Love, Mom.

The silver and gold tickets doubled as VIP backstage access.

"Friends? What friends? I never told her about making any friends in any of my previous letters. What is she trying to get at?

"Worse yet, I care too much about my mom's opinion to really just give them out willy-nilly, especially if what she said on the back of the letter is true."

P.S:

If you question who I'm referencing when I say friends, I mean the six mares and the three fillies you wrote to me about. I want to meet them personally and ask them their opinion of you. So don't be mean-spirited in giving them out!

"Urrrrrgh, I really wish I didn't put that much detail into my letters. Even though I think I explicitly said they're not my friends, she still--"

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*

I jolted out of talking to myself. The scare I got yesterday with the Princess visiting Ponyville personally had not gone away, so I was trying to be cautious. Sadly, it devolved to talking to myself for the rest of the day like a psychopath and it had carried over to today.

Deciding to humor who ever knocked, I answered. Twilight Sparkle was the one behind it.

"Hey Zephyr. Can I talk to you?"

Love of duck, can my luck get any worse? If she really is tied in with royalty, I can't really do much to refuse her...

"Sure... come on in."

When she got herself seated in the kitchen chair, she motioned for me to sit down as well.

"So, what have you been doing lately?"

I shrug. "Oh, nothing new. Do wind and weather, go to the farm and harvest some apples, then just do whatever for the rest of the day."

She gives a skeptic nod.

"So... you don't do anything with other ponies?"

I give her a slight glare. "Of course. I work with Rainbow Dash, and I occasionally see Applejack and Big Mac. What's it to you?"

She frowns. "Not much, I suppose." She suddenly smiles. "Got any problems, troubles, conundrums, or any other sort of issues, major or minor, that I as a good friend could help you solve?

...What?

"I don't know about the friend part, but I do have one problem."

"Oh? What might that be?"

I gave a slightly nervous grin. "Would you kindly take these tickets off my hooves and give them to your friends?" I hold out nine of the ten tickets to her.

She gapes at them. "VIP tickets to the upcoming concert in Manehatten? How did you get these?"

"My mom. She wanted nine ponies from Ponyville to come along, and I figured, why not you and your friends?"

I forgot to flip the letter I got. Hope she doesn't notice.

She looks at me for a moment before smiling and lighting up her horn.

Yes!

She only takes one.

Wait, what?

"Why don't you hoof out the tickets yourself? You can get to know others a bit more through this."

"But...but..."

"No buts. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be just fine." She stands up. "Besides, there's a certain trio of fillies you should visit after school is done. They have been rather sad that you haven't been there for them." With that, she takes her leave, ticket in tow.

I, on the other hoof, felt like a complete jerk flank because of what she said.

The miniscule amount of time I spent with the crusaders, and they already grew attached to me... this was EXACTLY what I wanted to avoid...

I sigh as I look at the remaining eight tickets left to be handed out.

"May as well get it over with..."





Question is, who to start with?

I had taken to wandering around Ponyville, debating on my course of action.

Rainbow Dash would ironically be the easiest to give one to. I just have to disguise it as--

There was a 'WHOOSH' sound above me. When I looked up, I saw an all too familiar rainbow trail.

"Speak of Discord and she doth appear." I launch myself after her. Apparently she noticed me following her, since she stopped and turned to me with a slightly irritated face.

"What the hay do you want? If it's a race you want, then all you have to do is ask. I'll gladly kick your flank again."

Ignore it... ignore the irritation...

I sigh. "Actually, this IS about a race. More specifically, the last race we had."

"Yeah, what about it? You going to get on my case over it?" She sneers at me.

Grind my gears, will you? "Ugh, no. What I wanted to say was--"

"Spit it out already. I'm on a tight schedule, and I got stunts to perform!"

I scowl at her. "Hock the ego for one minute, PLEASE?" She scowls back at me, though it quickly diminished when I showed her a concert ticket.

"This is your reward for beating me back then. Don't tell anypony else where you got this, otherwise I'm going to kick you so hard, you'll be flying backwards for a week." As soon as she took the ticket with a surprised look on her face, I flew off.

Now, I hope I don't regret this decision...

I land in front of Sugar Cube Corner, still grumpy from my encounter with the prismatic pegasus.

"Hi!" I look over to see--

Oh sweet merciful Celestia, what did I ever do to you? All I did was shirk from your attention!

"What do you want Pinkie?" The pink party mare was standing there with a big smile on her face.

"Nothing! I'm just glad you didn't disappear on me again!"

I thought for a moment before realizing what she meant. "If you're talking about yesterday, I got to see the whole town at once from the air, thanks to you."

She paused. "I have no idea what you're talking about!"

I groan in response. "What I meant is that you scared me into the sky."

"Oooooooohhhhhhhh... was it fun?"

I facehoof. "Yeah, I was about as joyful as a monkey in a banana famine."

She giggles. "Silly! Just give the monkey a banana then."

All the facehooves in Equestria could not express my feelings towards that statement. Is she naive or is she just doing it deliberately? I doubt she's stupid.

"Pinkie, can I ask you something?"

"Sure!"

"If I give you this ticket --" I pull it out and show her "-- will you please leave me alone?"

Next thing I knew, I was in a crushing death grip from Pinkie Pie. "Oh Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank You!" She takes the ticket out of my grip and rushes into Sugar Cube Corner, leaving me to fall to the ground without any support.

She still scares me...





"Three down, six more to go..."

As convoluted as my order was, I found myself going to Applejack's farm next, even though Fluttershy was closer.

Have I mentioned enough times that I hate headaches? Because I don't think I have.

"Well, howdy pard'ner! Ferget somthin'?" Scared out of my wits, I turn to see Applejack coming out of the barn, probably finished with loading apples.

"O-oh, uh... hi Applejack. I just... uh, happened to pass by here on an enthusiastic walk!"

She deadpanned. "An' this... 'enthusiastic' walk jus' happened to bring you right up to the barn?"

I foresee my flanks getting burned in the future. Still, as thin of a lie that was, I wonder if she actually saw through my other lies.

"Alrighty then, then I have one question." She straightens up. "What kind of music do you like?"

This apparently caught her off guard. "That's it? Jus' asking what music ah like?" She sighs when I nod. "While ah typically like country music, ah will listen to other kinds if the band is good enough. Why are you suddenly curious?"

This... might be a bit awkward.

"I'll cut to the chase. Did you want to go to the concert going on in Manehatten?"

She mulled over it for a bit before nodding with a smile. "It would be nice and all. After all, There's a few...few..." She started gaping at the concert ticking I suddenly held out to her.

"Yeeeeaaaahhhh... my mom sent me a bunch for some reason, and I figured 'why not give one to my employer'?"

Applejack shook her head, like she was snapping out of a trance. "Are ya sure, sugahcube? Ya don't have to if ya don't want to."

"Nay, I chose give you one." More like I was kinda-sorta forced to... maybe.

She gives be a big grin. "Well, ya certainly made this farm pony happy! Ah'm not much for concerts, but the one going on in Manehatten is said to be the biggest one yet! Thank you kindly fer a chance to go."

Wait till she finds out that's a VIP ticket.

I shook my head. "It's no problem, Applejack. I'm going to be running along now." I turn to leave the farm.

"Actually, there's one last thing ah want to tell ya." I look at her with a puzzled expression. "Be sure to give Applebloom a visit. That filly actually misses you, ya know?" With that, she practically skips into her house.

Strike number two. Did I really make that much of an impact on their life? All I did was watch over them!

Giving a heavy sigh, I continue to my next destination.





"Figures she's be out..."

I had arrived in front of Rarity's boutique, only to find it closed in a 'temporary leave of absence'.

Now what am I to do? From what I can tell, Rarity gets along well with Fluttershy, so I figured I'd get both of them out of the way by giving Rarity Fluttershy's ticket as well.

"You looking for Miss Rarity, sir?" I look over to see a light blue mare with a mane that was blue and white.

Colgate, Ponyville's dentist if I recall. "Yes I am."

"Ah yes. She usually goes to the spa with Miss Fluttershy at around this time. Perhaps you can find her there."

Perfect. I can give the both of them their tickets right then and there. "Can you point me there? I wanted to give her something as payment for something she worked on for me."

She gave me the directions to the spa, as well as a request to come in for a 'complimentary check-up' when I find the time of day. It came out of left field for me, but I agreed to it. I'm odd like that; I like getting my teeth worked on.

When I flew to the spa, I skirted around Rainbow Dash, who seemed... preoccupied? Regardless, I didn't want to deal with her again until the next day.

When I entered the spa, I was greeted by a light blue mare with flowing pink hair. Seems to be a lot of light blue mares in this town...

"How may I help you?"

I looked around, slightly nervous. "Is miss Rarity here? I wanted to give her something."

"Oh, yes. She's currently in the middle of her session with Miss Fluttershy. I could give it to her if you would like."

"Sure." When I pulled out the two tickets, she gaped at them, but quickly regained composure. I took my leave after she assured me they would get to their intended recipients.

All that's left are three fillies. I still love how specific my mom was when she told me who to invite. Still... how will they react when I see them after how many days?

I look at the clock tower. If the time foals get out is similar to Manehatten's schools, it was pretty close.

Oddly convenient...

However, when I got to the school and waited for a bit, nothing happened.

... Or not. Huzzah for my memory lying to me.

Apparently, school wasn't out for another thirty minutes, so I simply waited underneath a nearby tree, with nothing better to do.

Actually, I could of went for a snack... that's besides the point though. I guess a nap will have to do.

As soon as I curled up, I was out like a candle.





Cutie Mark Crusaders, thirty minutes later.





A lot of foals liked the sound of the school bell ringing at the end of a day. It always meant no more classroom boredom. Cheerilee always made sure the foals had a good learning experience, but most still couldn't wait for day's end.

Prime examples being the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They were always silently thinking up different crusade ideas for after class to try out.

Except this time, as they left, they all concluded that they all drew blanks for the day.

"If this keeps up, we will be redrawing ideas from past crusades!" Scootaloo gave an exasperated sigh.

Applebloom shook her head. "We've got to keep trying! We won't get cutie marks from doing nothing."

"Keep trying past crusades or trying to think up new ones?"

"Both!"

This went on for a bit until Sweetie Belle stopped, eyes wide.

Applebloom was first to notice. "What's wrong, Sweetie Belle?"

She lifted a shaky hoof to point. "L-look who it is."

Sleeping right underneath one of the trees was a familiar green pegasus.

Applebloom went wide-eyed as well. "Zephyr? But we haven't seen him since he took us home during that one storm."

Scootaloo frowned. "Last I saw him was when he took me back to the orphanage to tell them I was ok." She had already told her friends about her situation. They vowed to never let anypony else know until she was ready for it. It certainly didn't change her standing with her friends.

"What is he doing sleeping here of all places?"

Sweetie Belle put a hoof up to her chin. "I don't know. We could ask when he wakes up."

"Or we could just wake him up ourselves, then ask." Scootaloo grinned. "Besides, we haven't seen him in a while. May as well give him a wake-up call."

The other two fillies looked at each other before nodding and dashing towards Zephyr.




Zephyr, two seconds later




Next thing I knew, I felt three weights suddenly reveal themselves on my back. I gave an 'oof' as my eyes snapped open. My sight didn't last long, as I felt hooves cover my eyes.

"Guess who?"

"Hi, Scootaloo." The hooves retract and I twist my neck to see the three crusaders on my back, all sporting innocent grins.

Scootaloo's grin quickly turns into a frown. "Where were you for the last few weeks? We always tried searching for you, but we could never find you."

Sweetie Bell had a sad look on her face. "We... missed you. We thought you didn't like us anymore."

Strike three for me. The guilt cannot be denied.

I sigh. "I'm sorry about that, girls. I have been dealing with... difficulties. Some of them centered around you three. Unfortunately, they lead me to avoiding you girls until now." I bowed my head as best I could. "All I can really say right now is... sorry."

I have no idea how to approach this kind of situation. Certainly shows my social-awkwardness.

All I got was a bat on the side of the head from Scootaloo that didn't hurt. "Just don't do it again."

Applebloom had a thoughtful look. "Is that why ya came 'round to the school?"

I simply smile. "Mostly. Perhaps you girls could forgive me if I give you these?" I held out the last three tickets currently on me. When they showed confusion, I explained, "tickets for the concert in Manehatten." That definitely got them excited.

"Yay, we can go to a concert! Except..." Applebloom gave me a worried look. "Ah can't go by mahself... Mah sister won't let me." This 'wilted' Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo as well.

"Don't worry about it. Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash are all going as well. Scootaloo, you can ask Dash if she can be your acting 'sister' for the day." I wondered If my mom actually thought that through before sending the tickets.

"YAY!" was all I got out of the fillies before they started hugging me.

"Now... how about I take all of you for ice cream?"
> Chapter 14 - Rainbow Disposition (Cutie Mark Chronicles)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's been a couple of days since the whole concert ticket hoof-out and my apology to the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They agreed that I wouldn't be able to join them all the time, so I agreed to accompanying them at least twice a week. In my mind, I figured that if I already dug myself a hole I can't get out of, may as well dig it even deeper.

Flawless logic if I ever heard it... not.

Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof, has been acting weird every time she sees me. I could never tell if she's angry, disappointed, or sad about something. We still verbally nip at each other, so that's unchanged.

Both Applejack and Rarity were rather happy they could go to the concert in Manehatten. Rarity in particular had to flag me down to thank me properly, saying Fluttershy gives thanks too.

Speaking of her, I still avoid her like the feather flu.

Twilight hasn't changed much on the surface, yet I'm starting to get the odd feeling she's... observing me from afar. I usually pass it off as my neurotic side being... that.

Pinkie Pie still scares me, but I did attend a welcoming party for a mare moving into Ponyville the other day. Never got her name, but Pinkie's parties are actually quite good if you're not the honorary guest.

When I'm not being distracted by anypony, I wander the streets, rather than secluding myself in my house. I had gotten to know the locals more, even though it was due to the whole 'small-town atmosphere'.

All in all, I gained semblance of what could be considered a 'normal' life.





"Are you sure about this, Dashie? Even I couldn't handle the heat from that stuff." Pinkie Pie looked at the cup filled with liquid rainbow with worry.

Rainbow scoffs. "Don't worry about it. Besides, this will count as revenge for all the shots he's taken at me."

"Still, disguising it as an apology gift? Isn't that taking it too far?"

"Worst case scenario, he starts a prank war with me. I always win those."

"But still, I--"

Rainbow Dash sighs. "Pinkie, are you with me or not?"

"I... guess so..."

"Good. Let's get set up for it."





"Ah hate to leave you like this, sugahcube, but I need to catch those varmints!" Some rabbits had apparently gotten brave enough to steal some harvested apples from the farm.

"Right, did you want help?" I had yet to fulfill my quota for the day, but I wanted to ask anyways.

"Ah'll be fine. Ya'll continue what yer doing." With that, she dashes off in hot pursuit.

I wonder if she knows I could easily out-speed rabbits holding apples. Oh well.

I kept bucking until Big Mac came along to tell me I was done for the day. Even though I have been there for a while, I always lose track of my progress, and I end up bucking more than I should.

"Is that bag you're holding what I think it is?"

"Eeyup."

"I can't take it now. I thought you guys needed the money still."

"Nnope."

I sigh. He and Applejack are usually insistent about paying me for my hard work. Sure, I originally came to this job for extra spending bits, but after seeing how tight-knit the family was and how they sometimes struggle to make ends meet, I didn't mind doing charity work.

I wonder if I could simply fly off after my quota is done... IF I can keep track of it.

I sighed and simply took the bits anyways. "Thanks." The Apples could be quite stubborn, even more so than I can be.

"Eeyup."

"Right, I'm off." With that, I started walking home. My bandages were starting to feel loose, so I needed to change them.

Hold up, didn't Rarity need something from me? Bah, I should probably go there first.

"LOOK OUT!" I subconsciously leap into the air.

I just got an odd sense of deja vu...

I look down to see the crusaders looking up at me with apologetic faces.

"This totally isn't reminiscent of how we first met," I stated as I flew back down.

"Sorry about that," Sweetie Belle piped up. "We were on our way to Rarity's to find out where Rainbow Dash is."

"Oddly convenient, I was on my way there as well. Guess I can accompany you." I shrug.

Applebloom's face brightened up. "Could you tell us how you got yer cutie mark?"

I give her a dumb look as Scootaloo groans. "I keep thinking we are going to find Rainbow Dash for that."

I shake my head. "I will concede; Rainbow probably has a better story of how she got hers. Mine is rather... pathetic."

Sweetie Belle gives me a pleading look. "Please? We need all the stories we can get about cutie marks." Applebloom joins in while Scootaloo rolls her eyes and sighs.

I groan. "Fine, but don't blame me if you fall asleep or come out of this disappointed."





Zephyr Earthwing, Canterlot Mountain, Ten years ago.





"It happened when I was visiting my grandpa who lives outside of Canterlot."

"Why did he live there?"

"He was originally captain of the pegasus branch of the royal guards. When he retired, Princess Celestia allowed him to build a house on the 'outskirts', as he wanted to stay close to Canterlot, but not live inside it."

"Hi, Grandpa!" I rush up to the older stallion and hug him.

"Ah, there's my little squirt!" Grandpa gives me a noogie before smiling at mom. "And hows my daughter doing?"

Mom smiles. "Just fine, dad. Little Zephyr wanted to see you badly, so here we are."

Grandpa chuckles. "Surely you had some desire to come as well?" He looks down at me. "Regardless, I want to see how much better you became at flying. I still can't believe you could fly at the raw age of eight!"

"Wait, you could fly at MY age?"

"I was apparently a very early bloomer when it came to flying. I'm guessing it's due in part to my larger-than-average wing-span."

"I have gotten better! Watch me." I fly into the air and start flying loops and dives above the house.

Grandpa chuckles as mom walks up beside him. "His control and speed has gotten better, that's for certain."

Mom smiles. "He's quite the little singer too." She then frowns. "Though he still gets bullied a lot because of who he is..."

I stop flying around with a sad face. "I... I still haven't gotten my cutie mark yet either..."

Grandpa shakes his head. "Don't worry about it too much, young colt. Destiny has it's way of revealing itself to you in unexpected ways." When he saw my worried face hasn't gone away, he added, "there's a field of flowers behind the house. you can frolic there if you want."

"While I did go to the back, I didn't feel like frolicking, as I was still sad over not having a cutie mark. It was one of many reasons why I got bullied at school..."

"What did ya do then?"

"I simply hummed to myself. I usually did so whenever I needed to vent my emotions, even if no-pony was around to hear it. While I can sing, I'm normally not good with making up lyrics."

"I can relate to that..."

I simple hummed a sad tone to myself, wallowing in self-pity.

That's when 'it' happened...

"It?"

There was a massive explosion, scaring my out of my stupor so badly, I wound up jumping high into the sky and clinging to something. When I looked in the direction of the sound, I saw a massive rainbow shock-wave.

"Zephyr? Zephyr, where are you?" My mom had come calling for me, worried.

"U-up h-here!" I tried calling. I was still shaking so badly I didn't realize--

"Are you clinging onto... nothing?" Came my grandpa's voice. "No... that's not it."

"Later, dad. Zephyr, I'm coming to get you!"

"N-no, I-I'll try t-to get d-down myself." It took a while, but I managed to get unclung off... something. When I landed, mom had the look of utmost worry as she hugged me, while grandpa looked like he was incredibly proud.

"I can't believe it... my grandson is a natural born." My fright melted away into confusion.

Mom looked at him, shocked. "You don't mean... he clung onto a wind current?" I simply looked at them, confused.

"Mom, grandpa? What's a natural born?"

"Sweetie, a natural born is a pegasus who can interact with wind currents without training. pegasi born with this ability naturally are rare."

Grandpa nodded before beaming at me. "I knew you were destined for great things. It seems your cutie mark agrees too."

I look at my flank to see my cutie mark consisting of a pair of wings and a ball of wind with a mic cut into the center. That moment, I felt like the happiest foal alive.

Mom smiles warmly at me. "Congratulations. Perhaps a treat to celebrate?"

"Yay!" I pranced into the house, with my grandpa still rambling on how significant my ability was.





Present Time





I sigh. "At the time I didn't care, but as I grew older I started to somewhat resent how I got my cutie mark. Kind of pathetic if you think about it..." When the fillies gave me a worried look, I shook my head. "Don't worry, I'm still proud of my cutie mark."

Applebloom put a hoof to her chin. "So, yer cutie mark could come completely by accident?"

I nod. "Why do you think I'm so lenient with you three?" Noticing Scootaloo sighing, I shake my head again. "That's besides the point, I held you girls for a bit too long. I'll go with you to Rarity's."

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle climb back into the wagon before Scootaloo takes off with me flying above her.





Thanks, short-term memory, for being oh-so useful to me today...

Rarity didn't need me until the next day, making my trip there almost completely pointless.

"Guess I'll head back home for now. Still need to--"

"Hey Zephyr." I look to see Rainbow Dash approaching with a somewhat sad face and a cup.

"What is it, Rainbow? I told you I didn't want to--"

"Actually... I wanted to apologize." This metaphorically blindsided me. All I could do was give her a surprised look as she put the cup down. "All I've ever done is antagonize you and treat you like utter crap. I've been pushing my ego in your face all this time and attacking you, forcing you to accept my challenges. I've been making your life here miserable and...

"I'm sorry." She bows her head in apparent shame.

What... but I... you shouldn't...

I think back on how we always antagonized each other, all of the petty insults and the blows to each others pride.

I fold my ears against my head as I thought back to that one day. I started it, and she was apologizing for it.

"... Shouldn't I be the one saying sorry?" She looks up at me, surprised. "After all... on the day of the windstorm, I said something insensitive that you would take offense to. Yet, because of my stubborn pride, I refused to believe it's my fault,--" I close my eyes "--that I was the one who wronged.

"When you started antagonizing me over what I said, I threw it back in your face, masquerading as the victim. I started making your life living Tartarus like you did with me..."

"W-what... what are you..?"

"I shunned and blamed you for brandishing the knife, when I was the one to brandish it first. I'm... sorry." I open my eyes and saw Rainbow Dash with a very sad face before looking at the cup filled with a rainbow liquid.

My memory flashed to when she threw it in my face that she was the fastest pony in Equestria.

"You're not a pony, you're just a monster!"

I'm the monster...

When I grabbed the edge of the cup with my teeth, Rainbow Dash cried out, "no, wait!" I threw my head back and drank the contents.

When I set the cup down, I saw Rainbow Dash cringing. I swirled some of the liquid in my mouth before swallowing.

"...Mmm. Mixed berry with a slightly spicy sub-flavor." She looks up with a shocked look. From the corner of my eye, I could of sworn I saw Pinkie Pie with the same shocked look.

"Y-you like it?"

I stick my now rainbow-colored tongue at her. "Mixed berry is tied for being my second favorite flavor with grape. Apple being my most favorite. What was it?"

She deadpanned. "That was liquid rainbow produced by the Weather Factory."

My turn to deadpan. "Liquid rainbow... as in the rainbows used for decorating the sky?" When she nodded, I looked at the cup with a frown. "Why does it taste so good then?"

She shrugs. "Beats me. Since you like it enough, did you want a pitcher of it?"

I shake my head. "It's fine. I couldn't make you do that..." I hold a hoof out to her. "Want to start clean?"

She looks at me for a bit before smiling and bumping my hoof. "Let's start clean. See you around!" With that, she flies away.

I wonder... could the foals in my past have..?

No, they very clearly betrayed me. They never tried to make up for it or apologize.

Shaking my head, I fly home. For real this time.





Sugar Cube Corner, a while later.





Scootaloo groaned as Applebloom and Sweetie Belle started hugging her. The six mares had just found out that they all got their cutie marks thanks to Rainbow Dash's first sonic rainboom.

Fluttershy got an idea. "Hey. How about a--"

"Wait, hold on," came Sweetie Belles voice. She was wearing a look of realization when all the ponies in the room looked at her.

"What is it, Sweetie Belle?" Rarity looked at her little sister in confusion.

"All of you got your cutie marks from Rainbow Dash's sonic rainboom." Sweetie Belle got nods all around. "Then aren't we missing somepony?"

"What are you talking about?" Twilight asked. The Elements looked confused.

Applebloom realized what her friend was getting at. "There was one other pony who got a cutie mark thanks to Rainbow Dash."

Scootaloo quickly caught on. "Zephyr! The rainboom caused him to get his cutie mark as well."

The older mares had a look of both shock and amazement. There was one other pony who was connected to them in that way.

"Then why isn't that silly filly here?" Pinkie Pie dashed out of the bakery.

Applejack looked over and saw Rainbow Dash with a small smile. "Alright, Dash. What has you smiling all of a sudden?"

"Oh, nothing. Just the fact that Zephyr and I apologized to each other today."

Twilight put a hoof to her chin. "You two have been going at it again recently. What made you apologize so suddenly?"

Rainbow scratched the back of her head nervously. "Because it was originally part of a prank I was going to play on him."

Fluttershy stared at her friend, horrified. "T-then your apology wasn't genuine?"

"Let me explain. The plan was to give him a cup of liquid rainbow as an apology. For some reason, I've been feeling hollow ever since I got a concert ticket from Zephyr and I figured that it may of been because I have yet to prank him yet, considering how much we insulted each other." This got Rainbow glares from the other mares and confused looks from the fillies.

"Rainbow! ya knew even Pinkie couldn't handle the taste of liquid rainbows. What possessed ya to do such a thing?" Applejack huffed.

"Let me finish. When I got up to him and delivered the apology, I... couldn't help but put actual genuine feeling behind it. For some reason, it almost felt like a weight was lifted off my back." She frowned and shook her head. "What really struck me was when he apologized. He took all the blame for making me act the way I did, saying that he was 'maska something' as the victim."

Twilight rolls her eyes. "Masquerading."

"That. The final thing he said to me was; 'I shunned and blamed you for brandishing the knife, when I was the one to brandish it first', before drinking the rainbow."

Rarity almost shrieked. "Why didn't you stop him?"

"I tried to, but it was too late. Yet... he likes the flavor of it. Mixed berry with a slight spice to it, if I recall." This got surprised looks all around, minus the fillies who still looked slightly confused.

"He can drink liquid rainbow. Interesting." Twilight mulled over it.








"Come on silly! The others are waiting!" Pinkie Pie was dragging me across Ponyville towards Sugar Cube Corner.

"I swear I'm not that special!" I keep trying to tell her that despite getting my cutie mark through the same event she and her friends did.

"You're special to us!"

I'm not even going to touch that.

The only things worth noting after that was me getting swept up in a group hug, me being irritated by it, and the mares being interested by my ability to drink rainbows.
> Chapter 15 - A Dragon In Need, Bitter Exposition (Owl's Well That Ends Well)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Remind me why I'm here again?

Twilight had invited me to watch the meteor showers the previous day. Normally I'm not one to really enjoy such... outings, but I typically prefer not raising a ruckus over a decision like that.

Guess I'm a pushover like that...

I had arrived shortly after most of the other ponies had. Much to my dismay, Fluttershy was there as well. I didn't hate the mare, it's the headaches she causes that twist my wings.

I look at Rainbow Dash and she gives me a smirk. Ever since we apologized to each other, we've been working together pretty well. She still challenges me to races, but they were a lot more friendly in context. One thing I learned was to never get between her and Applejack. Their challenges to each other scare me a bit.

"... Yeah, I'm a sweet talker," came Spike's voice from my left. I look to see him and Twilight coming up the hill with a wagon.

"And a number one assistant, right?" was her response as she winks at him.

Did she just... I doubt that was the intention but nothing I can't poke fun at. 

I had a small grin as I flew up beside her and Spike went to unload the wagon.

"Flirting with your number one assistant, are we?" I whispered to her so Spike couldn't hear.

She gave a squeak of surprise before blushing and smacking me on the shoulder. Spike looks at us, confused. "What's up?"

"Nothing at all." I smile at him. "Long time, no see Spike. Haven't seen you since the first day I was here."

He grins at me as he sets up the picnic with uncanny speed. "I have seen you flying above the town doing wind duties. No offense, but you kind of stick out against the sky."

I deadpan as Rainbow... chuckles or giggles, I couldn't tell, through the apple she was eating. "Yeah, green against a blue sky is kind of hard to miss. That being said, I wish I had a rad assistant like you, Twilight."

"Oh, I can be your assistant, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo had apparently took a place beside her idol while I was embarrassing Twilight.

Rainbow grins. "Oh yeah, squirt? How about throwing this apple away?" She throws the core on the ground in such a way, I had to resist facehoofing.

"Yes ma'am!" Scootaloo picks up the core and dashes off.

Jeez, I knew she idolized Dash, but I never thought it was THAT much.

Rarity must of noticed the look on my face, because she said, "let the filly do what she wants. Besides, we need to thank Spike for this wonderful spread."

"Aw, It was nothing." I simply rolled my eyes and sat to the side as he took in the attention.

Wish I could handle attention like that.

Rarity said something and put a rather glamorous bow-tie on the dragon.

A small sigh later, I look up to see a streak across the sky. "The showers are starting, everypony!" That got their attention, as we all sat and watched the meteor showers.

I'll admit, they are very pretty. I'm sure it's fine to think or say that, I've already turned in all my stallion cards by this point to voice cracks and what-not.

After the showers ended, the mares turned their attention to the spread. The cookies were --

"Wow! These cookies are delish!"

-- Apparently popular.

"Speaking of, Spike, can you bring us some punch?"

I roll my eyes. "I'm sure you're just as capable of getting them yourself, Twilight." She glares at me and opens her mouth to retort, but gets cut off by a snore. Looking over, I see Spike sleeping in the punch bowl

I grin and --

"And now the punch has been... 'spiked'!"

I glare at Pinkie. "Oi! Don't steal my thunder!" The girls started laughing as I pouted. A while after that, we decided to pack it in for the night.





The next day, after hearing from Rainbow Dash that Twilight wanted to show us something, I found all the mares in front of the library. There was an owl perched on Twilight's back.

Twilight get a new pet?

"Oh, what a fantastical, fluffalicious feathery little friend!" Pinkie spouted off.

I saw my chance as she opened her mouth "I'm--"

"HOOked!" I finished for her.

"HEY!"

"Revenge has never been so satisfying!" I proclaimed loudly with a massive grin as the other mares laughed

"Yes well, he is quite a charmer." Fluttershy piped up. I hear a grumble and I look to see an irritated Spike perched on a window-sill with a book.

"Yes, and since he's such a star, I made him this." I look back down to see Rarity attaching the SAME bow-tie she made for spike onto the owl.

"Whoa whoa whoa, Rarity." She gives me a quizzing look. "You're telling me that you're willing to give the same bow-tie you gave Spike, somepony you've known for Celestia knows how long, to an owl that you've known for literal minutes?"

"His name is Owlowiscious." Twilight piped at me with irritation.

I gave her a look. "I'll touch on that name later." I look back at Rarity. "So yeah, what gives?"

"Why, I don't see anything wrong with giving Owlowiscious a present."

Logic...

I heard a growl from Spike as he slams the window shut from his re-entry into the library. I glare at Rarity, who seemed rather oblivious to what she said.

"M-maybe Spike feels threatened over the fact that Owlowiscious might replace him." At that moment, for the first time in a while, I loved Fluttershy for pointing out something that could be very well true.

At the same time, a feeling of dread washed over me. The set-up was very familiar.

Twilight simply smiled. "That's crazy. There's no way he could be replaced."

"That quote is not really aspiring a lot of confidence in me, Twilight..." Yet another nail on the banner of dread...

She gives me a funny look. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Ugh, never mind. I need to do some shopping, so if you'll excuse me." With that, I flew off.

How dense can Twilight be? I just hope it's not as serious as I think it is.





"... Sorry, all out of quills!"

"Huh?" I look down to see spike sitting in front of a door with Pinkie Pie at the entrance.

"Ugh, shoot." Spike said dejectedly.

"Oi Spike, whats up?" I ask as I land next to him.

He sighs. "Been trying to find a quill or at least a feather for Twilight. Sadly I haven't found one yet."

Must be trying his best to keep his position as assistant. Celestia knows how fate loves to screw around with anything that tries to find something.

"Does the feather have to be specific?"

He shook his head. "Not really. Any feather will do."

"Then I might be able to help." I look at my wing for my longest feather.

"Thanks dude, but what are you--"

*Pluck*

"Ow." I muffled through the feather I had between my lips.

"You didn't have to do that!" Spike exclaimed, holding his claws up.

I spat my feather at him with a 'poo' before saying, "Anything to help a friend in need, ay?"

He gives me a smile as he grabs the feather. "Thanks dude, I owe you one!"

Apparently Pinkie observed the whole exchange because she suddenly said, "wow, you certainly come far from being Mr. Secludy-pants!"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly what it means!" She dives back into the house.

I don't even wanna know.

Sighing, I turn back to Spike with a bit of a joke in mind. "Well, when you give that to Twilight, tell her I said 'YOU BETTER APPRECIATE IT'!" He recoiled and I chuckled. "Just kidding. Tell her to make good use of it."

He salutes before running off.

I just hope nothing too drastic happens.

Too bad that wasn't the case, as later on in the same day, I found him looking like he thought up an evil plan. Unfortunately for him, he looked the wrong way before dashing right into me.

"Ow. Oh, uh... h-hey Zephyr. What brings you here?"

I raise an eyebrow. "Oh, nothing. Other than wondering what you were thinking about back before you dashed into me."

He panicked. "I-it was nothing, I swear!"

"Lies are unbecoming of a dragon of your age."

I should talk...

He sighs. "Fine, I was thinking of a way to get that pesky owl in trouble as revenge for trying to replace me and setting me up."

"Setting you up?"

"Last night, before we got to the hill, I, uh... accidentally burned a book she wanted for the night." I resisted snorting in laughter for whatever reason. "I told her I couldn't find it because I was afraid of how she would react, yet that owl ratted me out over it. I did fess up and tell her I accidentally burned it, but she reacted the way I feared she would react."

"Which was?"

"Telling me how disappointed she was in me and giving the cold shoulder."

hm, I wonder if he is expected to have a perfect run of everything, leading to his fear of failure and being replaced. 

"I hate to say this, Spike. You kind of shot yourself in the claw in regards to that. You should've admitted to burning the book by accident right when you did it. I would think she would forgive you for an accident."

I shake my head. "Then again, despite your stature as number one assistant, your rational thinking was overridden when panic settled in, also something a lot of foals tend to be victim to. That's why you lied, isn't it?"

He slumped his shoulders. "Yeah, all I thought about was all the trouble I would been in if I told her on the spot." He shakes his head, looking angry. "That still doesn't mean I should be replaced by some owl she only met last night!"

Ah, so Fluttershy WAS right. Unfortunately this is starting to remind me more of--

"Every time I try and do a task for her, she only accepts Owlow... whatever his name is, and what he has done for her!"

"So... what WERE you planning to do?"

He smirked. "I was going to... 'borrow' a fake mouse and frame him for making a massive mess over tearing it apart!"

Red flags everywhere... this is the same...

"Essentially... sabotage in an attempt to defame, right?"

He nodded, rather proud. "That's about the jist of it."

I shuddered out a sigh. "Spike, that's a very poor plan. Twilight could easily walk in on you setting it up, the end result leaving you both heartbroken..." When he gave me a confused yet scared look, I shook my head. "Why don't you come to my place for a bit to cool down instead?"

He slumps a bit. "Yeah, I guess so." I kneel down for him to climb on. Admittedly, it felt weird to have a dragon ride on my back.

My house wasn't too far from our place of conversation. I offered Spike something to eat or drink and he simply took water.

I'm getting lucky with all my guests wanting only water.

Seating myself on the couch near the back door as Spike took the offered chair, he spoke up, "I need to ask, why did you sound so adamant over my plan being poor and the both of us being heartbroken over it? It almost sounds--"

"-- Like I speak from experience? Yes..." I absentmindedly swirled the water in my glass with my hoof, ignoring the look of concern he had on his face. "Allow me to tell you a story that happened just over ten years ago. Back before I got my cutie mark... back when I was young and stupid."

I took a drink before looking at Spike. He seemed settled in to listen.

"Before my mother joined... no, created the band known today as Harmonecence, she was a drifting singer and harp player. There were plenty of bands who wanted temporary mare singers in some of their songs and they would often go to her. That's how she became so famous to begin with.

"She never explicitly showed it, but she did have have times of stress during that part of her career. She was happy to do what she was doing, but she was also very happy to have a son waiting for her every time she came home."

One of my ears swiveled to face the back door when I thought I heard a bump come from it.

"I was ignorant of the times of stress my mother went through, but she usually made it clear whenever work was on her mind. I tried my best to complete chores and tasks around the house, aiming not for allowance, but for recognition. I had very little, if any, friends at that age, forcing me to seek attention and love from the only pony I saw almost every day.

"When she made the decision to start her own band, I was unaware of all the things that was expected of her as bandleader and singer. From the day the band officially launched, I noticed that all the attention and recognition I once got from her diminished greatly. Every time I asked her why, I never understood the answer she gave me, always keeping me in the dark.

"As it went on, the panic caused by my simple-minded need for attention from my mom had been rising. At first, I thought nothing of it, but it degraded me into thinking that what I was doing wasn't sufficient enough for her approval. I started going above and beyond what I previously did for her, much to her eventual chagrin and annoyance."

I chuckle, inciting a surprised look from Spike. "I would learn much later that she kind of liked it when I had my moments of laziness. Even though it would annoy her that I was too lazy to do one or two chores, she appreciated the normality it brought with it." This got a small smile out of him.

I sigh before shaking my head. "It all eventually got to the point where she started snapping at me with mild irritation. I finally got attention, but it wasn't the kind I wanted. I wanted her to be happy with me, to be proud of everything I have done for her, not to be met with annoyance and displeasure.

"After a particularly big snap, I started blaming the band for her problems and her irritation. My thought process was 'if the band never came to be, my mom wouldn't be like this! she wouldn't be irritated at me for trying to help her. I wouldn't be vying for her attention so much'."

"Just like me with Owlowiscious..." Spike frowned.

"My blame turned to jealousy, and I made a plan to sabotage the band in such a way that she would no longer want to be with them. In my mind back then, it was flawless and would ensure me getting my mother's true attention back. Needless to say, it got her attention when she caught me midway through my execution."

I let out a shaky breath, fighting desperately to hold back tears. "I had... never seen my mother... so angry in my life. Before she snapped at me with irritation, sure, but she was never truly angry until then. The way she yelled at me... what she had said at that moment. It was then I became convinced of one thing.

"She didn't love me anymore... she didn't care about me anymore. Her band had replaced me and I became nothing. I didn't matter anymore. She had stormed out, leaving me in the mess I created to try and get her back.

"After that... I ran away. No point in returning to a place... a home that you felt no longer accepted you. Now I'm just a colt, running while blinded by tears through Manehatten in the middle of a white winter. It didn't take long before I got lost amongst the countless alleyways that were spread out like a spider web waiting to trap it's prey. That night, I slept fitfully in the emptiest trash can I could find."

"W-why a trash can?" I could tell Spike was trying to hold back his own emotions.

"I... certainly felt like trash that was callously thrown away. After all, trash is unwanted and undesired waste.

"For the next three days after that, I lived in the alleyways. Even if I found food that was half-way decent, I barely ate and nothing could fill the emptiness I felt. During the coldest day of winter, I tried to keep myself warm, but newspapers and scrap cloth couldn't save me from the unforgiving gusts of ice cold wind." I closed my eyes.

"So cold... so alone..."

"Because of my slim complex as a colt, it didn't even take two days for me to waste away into nothing but bones, fur and feathers. I started losing feeling in my entire body, which only reinforced the emptiness I felt. By the third day, I could barely muster the energy to move.

"It was that night that my mother found me. She had been sending search parties to look for me for the past two days I was gone. It was when the other band members convinced her to look for me herself, stating that if she still loved me, she would search for me with her heart.

"I had never seen her so angry until the day I ran away... and I had never seen her cry until right then." I finally let a tear fall down my face as I stared listlessly at my half empty glass. "When she tearfully embraced me, the warmth I felt from her was something I missed, something I never wanted to forget."

I shook my head. "Due to my self-negligence, I was almost lifeless when she found me. She rushed me as fast as she could to the nearest hospital to get me treated for third degree frostbite. The way the doctors and nurses called me a miracle, I can tell I almost didn't make it."

"Y-you almost died?" Spike was starting to sob a bit. I thought I heard slight sobbing elsewhere.

"If it wasn't for my mom finding me when she did and holding me close as she rushed me to emergency, I would of died. After I was stabilized, she cried as she apologized to me, saying she never should of been so angry with me, for never giving a proper explanation as to why she acted like she did. She blamed herself for holding me at legs length, for ignoring all my attempts to make her happy.

"I think she broke down more when I told her what I told Rainbow a few days ago; "shouldn't I be the one saying sorry?" I told her that I should've realized what she was going through, and that constantly vying for her attention only added to her stress. My jealousy towards her band members simply for trying to work with her was unjustified."

I choked out a sigh. "She was so afraid to leave my side in the hospital every time they closed. The other band members visited me during my stay and they were rather good-natured about my attempted sabotage. This relieved me, and they quickly became something akin to a second family to me.

"A few weeks later, I was cleared to leave the hospital under the condition that I stay inside until I could walk and regain feeling in my body. I couldn't walk for another week after, and feeling didn't return until a month later. I couldn't feel the warmth of my mom's body whenever she hugged me.

"I was so stupid back then... so naive... so, very blind." I started crying silently. Spike came over and hugged me, letting his own tears flow as well.

"Spike, please... promise to never put Twilight through what I put my mother through. She is akin to a big sister to you, and you're the only one who truly understands her. If something ever happened to you, I don't think she could bear it."

I break the hug and look at him. "Don't let miscommunication sever your bonds, or all you'll be left with is regret and emptiness."

"Y-yeah..." His eyes were red when he looked at me. Silence reigned between us.

I gave an almost sad laugh. "At least a few good things came out of it. Not only did my bond with my mom get stronger, I became more resistant to cold." Bad way to break the tension, but that was all I could think of.

He gives me an almost painful smile. "I-I need to go... thanks for having me over."

"It's no problem." He takes his leave out the front door.

I once again hear something out the back door. Drying my tears, I peek outside. It was nighttime, but the only thing that stood out to me was a wet spot in front of the door, like somepony rained a little on that spot.

"I need to write a letter to my mom. I wonder how she's doing." As I went to get my writing supplies, I remembered that the first Harmonecence song she sang was a tribute to me, and it played in my mind.

"After all... I'm her immortal."





Spike, Golden Oaks Library





Spike had just gotten back to the library, Zephyr's story weighing heavily on his mind. He had almost done something that could of broken his bond with Twilight, something that could of left him as a broken shell.

He couldn't bear it. He had to apologize more profoundly and be more clear about his problem, about his insecurity.

When he started climbing the stairs up to the bedroom, he started hearing sniffling. Fearing for Twilight, he rushed into the room to see Twilight with swollen eyes, like she was crying.

"Twilight! What's wrong? Did somepony--" She tackled him.

"Oh Spike! I'm so, so sorry!" She cried out almost hysterically.

When Spike didn't go back to the library, Twilight panicked with Owlowiscious. Oddly, the first pony she thought to ask for help from was Zephyr, thinking that what he said earlier in the day had relevance.

Before she could knock, She heard Spike speaking with him  and he said something about having experience with something. When he started telling a story, she decided to listen to it through the back door, knowing full well eavesdropping was not something that would be appreciated.

It tore her apart, hearing what Zephyr went through with his mom, Harpsong. All of the connections she made with the story. In her mind, she practically ran through what it would of been like if she was Harpsong and Spike was Zephyr. Her ignorance of Spike's jealousy crashed down on her harder than the anvil and piano she got hit with a while back.

"So you heard the story too huh?" Spikes voice was pained rather than disappointed.

"I was so blind to your jealousy, expecting you to just accept my decision. I did everything without properly explaining it to you, and even spoke too harshly to you over the book without considering your fears. I'm sorry, Spike."

He sighs. "I need to apologize as well. I should've told you about the book, but my pride and fear prevented me. I should've been straightforward about my jealousy instead of trying to outperform." He looks up at her. "Can you... forgive me?"

"If you can forgive me." They both embrace again.

Spike broke the hug and turned to the owl. "And Owlowiscious? I'm sorry for being condescending towards you. I knew you had good intentions, but I never acknowledged them." Spike held out a claw. "Partners?" The owl flew down with a soft 'hoo' and extended a wing for him to shake.

While they did that, Twilight started on a letter.

Dear Princess Celestia:

I've learned something very important today, not just about friendship, but about family as well. Becoming jealous over something without telling another about it will get you nowhere.

At the same time, being ignorant of another's jealousy over your decisions without consulting them is devastating as well. If such miscommunication is to continue, both parties will do things they will regret, and both will forever be left with a feeling of sorrow and emptiness.

Communication is key in any relationship, whether it's between friends, lovers, or even close family. For without it, the bonds you worked hard to build up will eventually shatter. I have learned to value such communication and bonds between my friends, especially the one between me and my number one assistant.

Your Faithful Student;
Twilight Sparkle

"Hey Spike, can you send a letter for me?" She could tell he had become tired from all the emotion. As soon as he sent off the letter, he fell asleep, inciting a smile out of her and put him in his bed.

"I think I'll turn in early today. Owlowiscious, You take a break as well. See you tomorrow night." With that she climbed up into her bed and fell asleep.





Princess Celestia, Canterlot Castle





Celestia found the letter sent to her by her Faithful Student before she turned in for the night. The message brought back painful memories of her sister's bottled up jealousy towards her and her own ignorance of it.

"I am glad she has learned this lesson when she did. After all, nopony should go through that kind of pain...



"Nopony should go through what me and my sister went through..."
> Chapter 16 - Death's Cold Embrace
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why... Why did this happen?

He was so full of energy when I last saw him a month ago... so full of life.

The only other pony in my immediate family...

The only other pony to witness my cutie mark, my coming of age.

And now? he's gone forever...





Two hours earlier





The day started out normal enough. Weather and wind duties went flawlessly. Apple bucking only had one incident involving the crusaders. Even after that, I still had a fair a mount of energy. I probably wouldn't ever get to Pinkie Pie's level of energy like Twilight said, but energy is energy.

Speaking of Twilight, I found out from her personally that she eavesdropped on the story I told Spike last night.

"You could of just knocked and listened to me inside." I gave her an annoyed look.

She bows her head in shame. "I'm Sorry, it's just that... I was worried about Spike, yet I didn't want to interrupt you. D-did that story really happen?"

I sigh heavily. "Yeah. Don't worry, my irritation comes from your act of eavesdropping, not you actually hearing the story. That being said, I'd prefer it if you don't spout off about it willy nilly. I would rather avoid others casting a critical eye on my mom."

"Is it ok if I share it with my friends? I want them to know the lesson I learned hearing it." Seeing my confused look, she elaborated, "What you went through with your mom was something that almost happened to me and Spike. I want to make sure nopony else makes the same mistake."

"That was the reason why I told it to him. Nopony should ever go through what we went through. I had hoped to use my own bitter memories to prevent more from being created." 

I still can't believe I cried a little after that. I'm supposed to be stronger than that. After all, colts don't cry. I shake my head.

She smiles before giving me a hug. "Thank you, Zephyr. I promise to hold your lesson in my heart, always." I nod to her before she walks away.

I went back to my happy, energetic self and trotted off for a pleasant stroll.

"U-um, Zephyr?" I look over and was greeted by Fluttershy with the thing I hated feeling.

"What can I do you out of?" No headache was going to get the better of me today.

"I-I just wanted to thank you for the ticket to the concert. N-nopony has ever given me something like that, y-yet I kept forgetting to thank you for it until now."

I tilted my head in confusion. "Do you not like things like that?"

"Oh, I do! I-I mean... n-not really. Any place with big crowds scare me."

I can relate to her somewhat. Especially if the attention is on me.

"But I-I couldn't turn down your offer. This ticket must of taken a lot of effort to get."

I give her an apprehensive look. "It actually didn't. And you know you don't have to go if you don't want to."

She squeaks and shakes her head quickly. "N-no, it's fine. Maybe there will be animals there that have a love for pony music."

"If you're sure about it then--"

"Hey Zephyr." I look up to see Ditzy flying in from above, albeit clumsily. It would of been slightly funny if it weren't for the sad expression on her face.

"What's up? That face is unlike you."

"I... have a letter for you. Special... delivery." The way she choked it out... my joy and energy turned into fear.

When she brought out a black envelope and gave it to me, Fluttershy gasped. "N-no, t-thats..."

I didn't need Fluttershy's reaction to feel like something dropped a weight on my heart. I opened the envelope and read what was in it.

I only read the first sentence before I bolted, the message on the letter I left behind firmly engraved in my mind.

Dear Zephyr;

Your grandfather, Spearwing, has contracted a deadly variant of the feather flu, and currently lies in the Canterlot main hospital.

I didn't read who had sent it. All I cared about was reaching Canterlot as fast as I could. I didn't even bother with the train, it served only to slow me down.

I had to reach him...





The hour and a half journey left my wings burning, but I didn't care. Remembering when grandpa took me on a tour through the city, I rushed right to the hospital.

Grandpa... please be alive...

I burst into the front entrance of the hospital, much to the surprise of the mare at the front desk.

"My grandpa... Spearwing... where is... he?" I was out of breath

"Sir Spearwing? Room 124 to your right." I give her a quick nod before hurrying as fast as I could down the hall.

When I entered the room, the familiar beeping of the heart machine hits my ears. Another sound, one I had hoped to never hear, entered my ears as I approached Grandpa. The sound of life support, pumping painkillers into his system so that he may rest comfortably while attempting to make up for the possible failure of one of his organs.

My mom was there too, looking like she's trying to put on a strong front but failing.

I didn't recognize him at first. He used to be a bright, golden yellow, despite his age, with a white mane. Now his coat is a lackluster grey and his once cerise eyes were now dull.

As I approached, my mom looked up at me, now on the verge of crying. "He hardly recognizes anypony anymore... He is constantly in pain, despite what they are giving him."

"He was so healthy when I saw him a month ago." I almost choked it out. Walking to his side, I grab his hoof that was close to me and held it tight.

"... Zey...phr..." He's suddenly looking at me, his eyes showing a bit more life than before, like he had been staring off into nothing earlier.

"Grandpa... I'm sorry for not coming sooner. I--" I was fighting desperately to keep my emotions in check.

"It's ok, child." He smiles before going into a coughing fit. "It's not your fault."

"I... I..."

"Think about it," he whispered. "You finally have more than one friend who values you for who you... are." His eyes flutter, like he's trying to stay awake. The heart monitor starts beeping slower.

"It's meaningless without you or mom."

He shakes his head slightly. "I always told you, child. I wouldn't be around forever." He takes in a ragged breath before continuing, "Value the friends you have... made. They will be... your support."

"D-dad..." I head my mom sob behind me.

"I'm... sorry you two... had to see me... like this."

"W-what?"

"Just remember what I've always told you. You are who you... are... and nopony... can...change..."

*BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP*

It was an instant that felt like a millennia. When the hospital staff rushed in to try and save him, my mom and I got out of the way. For a full minute, we waited to the side.

"... I'm sorry. He's gone." The message that nopony ever wanted to hear. My mom clutched me while crying into my neck. I simply stared listlessly at the body that was once my grandfather.

He bore witness to my cutie mark... my coming of age.

Inside, I was all torn up, yet...

"I can't cry. Colts don't cry."

Why couldn't I cry?








It's been three days since Zephyr returned from Canterlot, but he has yet to open up. The day he returned, he brushed off his friends, who were happy to see him after a long absence, and locked himself in his house for the rest of the day.

Even after that, he never came out to work on the weather with Rainbow Dash on his own, or to help Applejack with her farm. Not even the Cutie Mare Crusaders have seen him outside a lot, much to their sorrow. The only time anypony would ever see him is when they visit his house, which was seldom, or if he got nudged out to do his job.

All encounters were the same; a listless look in his eyes, a monotone voice, and an unwillingness to do anything. Rainbow Dash even got a brief glimpse at the inside of his house one time. It looked somewhat destroyed, but she didn't get a long enough look at it to really think about it.

Twilight eventually got her friends together at Sugar Cube Corner.

"Girls, you all know why we're here, right?"

Applejack gave a solemn nod "Ah know. It's because Zephyr's been actin' weird lately, never comin' to the farm anymore." The farmer shook her head. Applebloom had gotten sad a few times over the green pegasus not visiting her and her friends.

Rarity frowned. "I've seen him a few times whenever Rainbow Dash drags him out to do wind management. He looks absolutely horrible."

"You've no idea, Rarity," a somewhat dejected Rainbow Dash stated. "It's like he's only an empty shell now."

"I wanted to throw him a party," Pinkie Pie piped up with a sad tone. "But I wanted to keep my pinkie promise to Twilight about not throwing him a party directly and he keeps turning down invitations to other parties."

Fluttershy simply whimpered, catching the attention of Rarity beside her. "Fluttershy, darling, you've been clammed up for a while yourself."

"I-it's because... of t-this." She holds up an opened black envelope in her hoof. Twilight and Rarity look at it curiously, Pinkie Pie frowns a bit, and Applejack looks a bit scared of it.

Much to the surprise of everypony present, Rainbow Dash looked horrified. "Fluttershy! Don't tell me your dad didn't--"

"O-oh, no he's just fine, thankfully." The blue pegasus breathed a sigh of relief, but continued to look at the envelope with worry.

This earned more confusion from Twilight. "I don't get it. What's got you two worked up over an envelope?"

"T-Twilight, i-it's because y-you never want t-to see one." Fluttershy choked out a sob

"But why not?"

Rainbow Dash shuddered. "It's... for when somepony in your family is... dead or dieing." This drew horrified looks from the non-pegasi in the group. Death was a topic no-pony liked bringing up.

"So that's why Big Mac an' Granny Smith feared getting those things..." Applejack shot a look at the black paper.

"Fluttershy... is that the reason why you stopped me from using black envelopes for invitations to one of my theme parties?" Pinkie Pie whimpers when the butter mare nods.

Rainbow Dash sighs. "I know this.. because I was with Fluttershy when she got one saying her mother was suffering from a fatal strain of the feather flu." She would never forget the heartbreaking moment when she bore witness to Barricade Windstorm dieing in front of her frail friend. It was one of many reasons why she was so protective of her.

Rarity had a worried look. "Then perhaps... one of Zephyr's family members has..."

"I-it was his grandfather. H-he passed away." Fluttershy held up the letter that was in the envelope. "H-he suffered the same thing... m-my mom suffered from."

"B-but what can we do?" Twilight had never dealt with anything like this. She had half a mind to bolt to the library and look up 'How to comfort a grieving pony'.

"Something we all, especially myself, neglected to do; simply be there for him." Rainbow shuddered. "I've... been rather horrible with it. I was blinded to his feelings by some of the frustration that I felt towards him initially. He may not want to see me at all..."

Fluttershy shook her head. "Rainbow, we have to try. I still remember that you, even through all of Flight School, stood beside me to comfort me."

Applejack lowered her stetson over her face a little. "Should we go then?"

"Fluttershy, dear, what about your headaches?" Rarity shot another concerned look at her friend.

"I-I'm still going. I... I want to be there for him."

"Then let's go. I can't stand it when somepony can't smile at all. It breaks my heart." Pinkie let out a small whimper. Her mane somehow looked a little 'deflated'.





The distance between Sugar Cube Corner and Zephyr's house was miniscule, but all six mares had a slow pace. Even Rainbow Dash was going slow.When they finally got to his house, Fluttershy shuddered before quickly knocking.

All six of them flinched when they heard a crash from the other side of the door. After what felt like an hour later, the door finally opened.

The mares had to suppress the urge to gasp when they saw Zephyr. There was a small cut under his muzzle and the one front leg that could be seen had what appeared to be several bite marks, some of them with dried blood on them.

"C-can we come in?" Fluttershy had a look of worry very similar to whenever she deals with seriously injured animals.

Zephyr said nothing but pushed the door further open and turned to move out of the doorway. His other fore-leg had a similar amount of bite marks, but it was his wings that caused everypony to finally gasp.

Feathers had been plucked out forcefully, and some of the remaining feathers were caked in what appeared to be fresh blood from bites. He also looked a lot thinner than before. The level of self-abuse his body was giving off was astounding.

The damage wasn't limited to his body. When the mares entered the house, they saw destruction in what was assumed to be the living room. A table and a few chairs had been smashed, some glass and ceramic shards lay on the ground, and torn fabric covered some of the carpet. Luckely, the kitchen had no damage.

"Would any of you... like a drink or something to eat?" His monotone voice made it near impossible to discern any emotion, which only served to break the mares' hearts even more.

"It's... ok." Twilight was the first to say before the others agreed. He adopted a slightly dejected look before wandering over to the living room, sitting in front of the destruction.

Fluttershy approached him, carefully brushing away a shattered mug before sitting right behind him. "H-how are you feeling?"

"I'm... fine." The monotone was starting to waver.

"Zephyr, you can talk to us."

"I said I'm fine!" he snapped, though he shuddered when he saw all the mares recoil.

There was a long silence before he finally sighs. "He... looked so healthy... when I last saw him... so full of life." He slowly turned to face Fluttershy again, the rest of the mares looking on with concern. "I was there... to hear his final words... when he took his last breath. I'm so devastated, and yet... why... why can't I cry for him?" The agitation became a bit more clear in his voice. "Is it because I don't actually care for him? Was he so miniscule in my life that I can brush him off just like that?"

"Zephyr..."

"What if I hadn't left home? What if I never bothered moving away from Manehatten? Would he still be around, still healthy like he was before?"

"Zephyr, please--"

"And why... why do I feel like... I failed him? Why do I--" he cut himself off when Fluttershy held one of his badly damaged fore-hooves between both of hers.

"Please... stop blaming yourself. Your grandfather wouldn't want that." She briefly looks at the destruction behind him before looking at him, tears in her eyes. "He wouldn't want you to torture yourself like this."

"But... I... I can't..."

She starts stroking his side, careful to avoid his damaged wing. "Shhh... it's ok... it's ok to cry."

"I.. I can't c-cry." He starts choking a bit. "C-colts don't cry."

Fluttershy draws him into a hug. "It's ok, Zephyr. It's ok to cry... to cry for him."

"I... I..." he finally buries his muzzle into her shoulder, beginning to sob. 

"It's ok. Let it out..." 

He had finally started to cry. Rainbow walked over and joined the hug, letting him know of her presence, that he wasn't alone.It wasn't long before he had a cocoon of mares hugging him as he cried his heart out for his deceased family member.

"Hush now, quiet now..."
> Chapter 17 - Unintentional Betrayal (Party Of One)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------





???





"Sounds like the back-up plan became the primary plan."

"Already?"

"He and the Element of Loyalty forgave each other a while back and have apparently restarted their 'friendship' anew."

"Does he know she's the Element of Loyalty?"

"No. He doesn't even know any of them are Elements of Harmony. Ironic, considering he shares a type of 'connection' with them."

"Could the plan still work even if he knew?"

"That, I cannot say. As such, I hope he remains ignorant of such facts."

"You certainly hope for a lot of things, sir."

"That's all we can really do until our boys arrive. Even his vulnerability after his grandfather's death couldn't of been taken advantage of. We are stuck with nothing but to observe and make modifications to the plan."








It's been a full week since my friends came over to my house to see what was wrong with me. I had only started to recover after I finally let my sorrow spill out in front of somepony over what happened to my grandfather.

I was still slightly embarrassed over crying in front of my friends like that.

"My friends..."

I smile. I liked the way it sounded now. I've changed a lot for the better during my stay here at Ponyville. Past me would be horrified.

I was brought out of my thoughts by a knock at the door. I was cleaning up my house in small intervals during the day ever since I internally destroyed it during random fits of rage.

Didn't help my case that I was restricted from flying for three days after due to me plucking off too many primary feathers. I had to drink some kind of feather growing agent made by a "Zecora" to get my wings back up to par. This also meant removal of all the blood-stained feathers.

The fact that I still had a few scars from when I was biting myself was the only thing to show for it now, outside of the minor pain from flying.

I shook my head and answered the door. Standing there was a very worn out Pinkie Pie. She looked like she was wearing two cakes.

"Hey Pinkie, what's wrong?" She tried rasping something to me in response before falling over. I quickly brought her to the couch and gave her a glass of cold water, which she drained almost instantly.

"Oh my gosh, thank you Zephy. I wanted to sing an invitation to you for Gummy's birthday party tonight, but I accidentally thought of you last and I had already sang to all my other friends' invitations and I never thought to pass out written invitations--"

"Slow down there. What is this about, a birthday party?"

"Yup! I figured you needed something to help cheer you up, and this birthday party may just be what the doctor ordered!"

I shook my head in amusement. "Nopony said anything about needing to cheer me up, but I accept the invitation."

She gave a loud squee and gave me a bone-crushing hug. "Oh thankyou thankyou thankyou, it's at seven. I have to go prepare for it!" She rushes out the door I forgot to close.

Come to think of it, my own birthday is tomorrow. Meh, nothing important, not right now anyways. I got a party to prepare for.





Seems even at a Pinkie Pie party, I get a few looks of concern. At least they quickly shifted focus after the first minute... I think

"You're telling us that you never bobbed for apples or anything like that before?"  Both Rainbow Dash and Applejack were giving me surprised looks. The three of us were standing by the tub full of apples and water. Pinkie Pie and Twilight were dancing while Fluttershy and Rarity were conversing by the cake.

I give a nervous shrug. "It's... probably due to how I perceived parties before moving here."

Rainbow cocked her head. "How so?"

"Back when I lived in Manehatten, all the parties my mother went to apparently served only alcohol, meaning minors couldn't join. She always stated I wasn't missing out on much and I guess that perception got carried through my life up till I met Pinkie Pie.

"Well then sugahcube', let us show ya' how it's done!" Applejack dunks her head into the tub, coming up a few seconds later with an apple. "Ya learn by watching the best," she stated through the apple before eating it whole.

Rainbow looks at her. "Riiiiiiight... 'watching the best'..." This earned her a glare from the farmer.

"hmm, alright then." I move in-between them and peer into the tub. Spotting an apple that was slightly green, I hold my breath and plunged my head in.

Worst. Decision. EVER.

I immediately bring my head back up, sputtering and coughing. "Water up the nose!"

I think Rainbow died right there. Applejack put her hat in front of her face in an attempt to try hiding her laughter.

"Be... beginner's trap. Oh Celestia, that was Hilarious!" Rainbow choked between laughs. When she calmed down enough she stated, "now watch how it's actually done!"

"Hey everypony!" Pinkie Pie walks over to us.

"Hey."

"Howdy."

"Sup?"

Pinkie gives a happy hum. "Just wanted to tell you how happy I am that you could make it to Gummy's party."

I grin. "Hey, your parties are always worth going to, no matter the occasion." She flashed a very brief worried look at me before smiling again.

"That's right. Wind, rain, or shine; if Pinkie Pie throws a party, I am THERE." Rainbow dunks her head into the tub and comes up with the apple I eye-balled before. The "ta-da" she made sounded somewhat directed at me, much to my annoyance.

Pinkie made a disappointed click. "Just a boring old apple? There's other surprises in there as well, you know?

Oh this is going to be golden...

Rainbow spits out the apple at Applejack, which I promptly ate while it was still in the air. "What kind of surprises?"

I roll my eyes. "Surprises are supposed to be just that, RD. Ruins the point if you know what's coming." I was still chewing on the apple, so it came out somewhat blocked.

Pinkie gave a large smile. "Couldn't of said it any better, Zephy." This made the two mares look back into the tub, looking for said surprises.

"I'll let the pros get the surprises. Last time I tried, all I got was water up the nose." Pinkie giggled as two splashes were heard.

Applejack came back up with an apple with strings attached. Rather, it had a spring which dragged her head back into the tub, much to my amusement. What took the cake for me was Rainbow coming back up with the guest of honor attached to her face. I fell down laughing. "Karma get to you two?"

Applejack looked a bit disgruntled before laughing a bit herself. "Ah guess we got what was comin' for us."

Rainbow threw Gummy off her muzzle. "Y-you didn't see anything!"

"Oh, I saw everything." I give a mischievous smile, earning a glare from the pegasus.

"I SAID, you. Saw. Nothing."

Applejack rolls her eyes. "Don't get yer' feathers in a bunch over it."

Rainbow was about to retort when we all heard a spitting sound. Looking over, we see Pinkie Pie standing in front of Rarity, face covered in punch.

I grimace. "Wonder what happened to warrant that?"

"Probably that." Applejack points at the punch bowl that Gummy was sitting in.

"That would be enough to whet my appetite too." I made a disgusted face.

"Oh really?" Rainbow shot a conniving look at me. "Then I dare you to drink that punch and not spit it out."

"Seriously?" I shot her a flat look.

Applejack gives a half-smile. "Ah hate to take sides, but ah wanna see this as well."

"Traitor... fine I'll do it." I walked up to the bowl as Rarity was trying to save face. "Hey Pinkie, mind if I have the punch?"

"Sure, knock yourself out!" came the excitable response.

Twilight looked curious. "Did you say 'have THE punch' instead of 'have SOME punch'?"

I smile at her. "Sounds like somepony is paying attention to sentence structure."

Now Rainbow looked confused. "What the hay do you mean by that?"

"Exactly what I mean." Grabbing the punch bowl with Gummy still in it, I started draining the contents. The alligator managed to scramble out of the bowl and I heard a collective gasp from everypony except Pinkie, who was cheering me on. When I was finished I somewhat slammed the bowl down, wiped my muzzle off, then pointed at an awestruck Rainbow. "Where's your dare now, huh?"

Pinkie Pie jumped towards me. "Whee, I never seen anypony drain an entire bowl of punch like that!"

"Um, aren't you going to...well feel stuffed?" Fluttershy looked at me with mild concern.

"If you mean bloated, then yes. Totally worth it though," I exclaimed, pumping a hoof into the air in victory, inciting a mild growl from Rainbow.

Rarity huffed. "Can't say I approve of such boorish acts, but I suppose if Pinkie allows it, I can overlook it."

Who died and made you controller of the sun?

"It's fine, Rarity." The music changes. "Oh, this is my jam!" I shook my head as Twilight and Fluttershy started dancing again, with Pinkie joining them shortly after, talking to them mid-dance. While it did look kind of cute for a bit, Pinkie wound up hitting her dance partners with her flank.

I hope she's covered for dancing accidents...

"C'mon, everypony! Gummy wants to dance!" Pinkie cries out. I got Fluttershy pried off the wall and after a smile of thanks, the both of us went into the incomplete circle to dance around Gummy.





"... See ya later, birthday alligator!" All of us were just leaving the party after a full night of dancing and cake.

"Rainbow, that doesn't roll of the tongue very well." At least not for me...

"Don't care." she flies off back to her house.

I heard Twilight say something off-hoof about doing something like this again soon. I had a slightly bad feeling about it, but I brushed it off and headed home.

When I got to my room, I remembered my wind harp that I brought with me when I first came here. I strummed it a few times in the past, but it was mostly just collecting dust. I made a mental note to play it one of these days, either privately or for my friends. For now, I needed rest for work in the morning.

For some reason, I couldn't get any hot water for my shower.





After coming home from wind duties and apple bucking, I cleaned up what remained of the mess I made. The only difficult part was breaking up shattered glass and ceramic ware. Right as I finally finished, there was a knock on the door and answering revealed Pinkie Pie as the perpetrator.

"Deja vu... sort of. What brings you this time around?"

"Well... uh." That's odd, Pinkie's usually a bit more... enthusiastic. "I was... uh, wondering if you wanted to come to Gummy's after-birthday party."

I snorted in laughter. "An after-birthday party? No offence, but only you would come up with that kind of thing." Remembering something, I asked, "did you think of this because Twilight said something about 'doing it again soon'?"

"Y-yeah."

I shake my head in amusement. "You know how that old saying goes? 'Whatever you do, do it in moderation'."

"Yeah, but I figured it would be a fun idea..." She pouted a bit.

"I wasn't jabbing at you Pinkie. Besides, I need to get caught up on your parties anyways."

This immediately perked her up as she gave me yet another bone-crushing hug. "Oh Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou, I thought you were going to turn me down as well!"

she let me go as I gave her an exasperated look. "Wait... *cough* what?"

She sighs unhappily. "I could tell you at my place." Not knowing what else to do, I agreed.





I groan. "...So let me get this straight; Rainbow and Fluttershy have to... 'house sit' for a bear."

"Yup." Pinkie was looking out the window.

"Rarity has to 'wash her mane'." Celestia forbid a speck of dirt gets in it.

"Yeah..."

"Applejack has to harvest apples, even though I CLEARLY thought she was done for the day."

"Seems that way..."

"And finally, Twilight is behind on studies and has to hit the books. Dunno why she wants to hit them when they're meant for reading."

"That's what I told her."

"Rather... 'convenient' that everypony decided to mark themselves as too busy to attend."

She gasped. "They actually all sound like... EXCUSES!"

I'm going to settle for her either being naive or innocent.

She suddenly gasped again and lowered herself onto the window still. When I opened my mouth to ask, she somehow filled it with her hoof halfway across the room. Oddly, it tasted like cupcakes and I had to resist the urge to start licking it. "That doesn't look like studying... OR hitting."

She removed her hoof from my mouth. "Let me guess... Twilight?" A nod from Pinkie and I was tempted to look outside myself.

"She entered the store, trying to be sneaky or something."

"Want me to confront her downstairs?" I got ready to launch myself outside.

"No!" she whispered loudly somehow. "We need to be tactical about this." She pulls out two tin cans both attached by a string. She uncovered a hole in the floor and stuck one can in it.

"Now what--"

"Shh, she's hear you." She beckons me over while putting the other can to her ear. Humoring her, I stuck my ear near it as well.

"Oh, You must be here for--"

"Shh... is Pinkie Pie or Zephyr around?"

Hmm it seems Pinkie does have some foresight. How she knew Twilight was avoiding me as well, I will never know.

"Good. Neither of them need to know anything about this." That actually hurt a bit.

Pinkie let out a small whimper. "I... I thought we were friends. What is it that Twilight doesn't want us to know?"

This infuriated me a bit, although I didn't show it. "I thought she trusted me... trusted US--"

"Oh, she's coming back!" I put my ear back by the can.

"Here you go."

"Thanks and remember: not a word to either of them." Both of us look at each other with immense worry. "Hey, what's with the tin can?" The can in Pinkie's grasp suddenly went into the hole with her foreleg. She quickly jerked it out, snapping the string and making Twilight yelp.

After a little bit, Pinkie spoke up, "we have to follow her!"

"Why follow her when we can just confront her?"

"Twilight's smart, she will find a way to get away from us if we confront her directly. We need to be tactical about this!"

"Ugh... fine, I'll follow your lead."





As we stalked Twilight as secretly as we could, Pinkie had donned a goofy pair of glasses, thinking that it would fool her. Sadly when Twilight looked behind her when I accidentally kicked a rock, both of us hid as fast as we could. Stealth was not my thing.

"Our cover's blown," Pinkie hissed to me. "We need a new disguise..."

"Please something better than just donning those things."

She looked around and dove into a bale of hay before hopping off after Twilight. I groaned and decided to make a decently sized bush as my cover, uprooting it in a way that would allow me to carry it in a wing. Satisfied, I followed after Pinkie, heart pounding and body slightly shaking from the excitement and fear of getting caught again prematurely.

When I caught up with the hay that contained Pinkie, I crouched so that I looked like a normal bush. I observed Twilight passing a package to Rarity, who cleverly picked it up with her tail. She then walked right past us both without so much as a glance and I gave myself a mental hoof pump in victory.

Pinkie kept adding things to her 'disguise', making it LESS effective than if she left it alone. I didn't dare speak up about it, as it might blow our cover. We've come too far to fail now.

Finally, Rarity met up with Fluttershy in one of the alleyways.

"Have you seen either of them?"

"Haven't seen Pinkie Pie since this morning. Zephyr I'm not so sure about..."

"Me neither, and I'm a bit worried about that. Still, can you believe that she wanted to throw an 'after-birthday party today?"

What's so special about today again?

"I'm just thankful to come up with an excuse for Pinkie Pie. I don't know what I would of done if I had to deal with Zephyr."

That WAS an excuse... uh oh. I look over to see Pinkie's sad eyes, like she was going to cry.

"I worried about the same thing. Besides, this is going to be so much better."

"As long as neither of them find out about it." That statement felt like a knife to the heart. I had thought they liked doing things with us but now they are outright AVOIDING us like the feather flu. The statement from Rarity was probably a massive blow to Pinkie as well.

Rarity dropped the package next to Fluttershy and whispered something before walking off. Fluttershy picked it up and kept going straight. I managed to move far enough away, but Pinkie accidentally bumped into a wall while trying to move away. This caused her to bump into the buttery mare, blowing our cover and sending said buttery mare packing towards the hills.

"I thought everypony liked my parties..." Pinkie whimpered. This added another knife to my heart as I walked out of the bush and rubbed her as best as I could on her head. This only served to fuel the rage that was smoldering since I heard from Twilight they were trying to hide something from us... from ME.

"Hey Pinkie, hey Zephyr." There goes Rainbow. I guess she wasn't--

"Uh-oh..." Spoke too soon. She dashes off like she had seen a demon from Tartarus.

"Rainbow Dash... wait!" Pinkie tried hopping after her.

"I'll run her down." I immediately took flight after the prismatic pegasus. When I realized I lost her, I flew higher to get a better view.

"Where are you going?!" I looked where Pinkie's voice was coming and saw Rainbow streaking towards the school. I started following her, only to hear Pinkie shriek again and the pegasus fleeing the bell.

At this point, I was feeling kind of useless.

"WHAT'S IN THAT BAG?!" Seeing the rainbow trail coming off the side of a hill towards the farm, I streaked after her.

"RAINBOW! ANSWER US CELESTIA DAMNIT!" I practically screamed at her. I could see her flapping her wings faster in desperation, dodging between trees. I barely caught up with her, probably because of her being weighted down by the bags. But when I tried grabbing her tail, my wing nicked a tree, sending me careening back into ponyville and crashing muzzle first.

The first thing I noticed after regaining consciousness was my bleeding nose. The pain caught up a few seconds later. After that came the rage.

The only thing I could think of at that point was screaming my frustrations out.

"RRRRRR AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" 

Not only did it worsen the pain in my nose, but I coughed up additional blood from screaming at my loudest. From what my grandad told me, I could yell louder than Celestia, which is an accomplishment. Only problem is that I cough up blood, like I just did, and I also temporarily reduce my voice to a rasp.

"There you are Zephyr," came the disgruntled voice of Pinkie Pie. "And how are YOU doing?"

"YOU try crashing muzzle first into a stone street and see how well YOU fare!" I snapped a rasp back at her.

"You try getting your head slammed in a barn door!"

"You try-- oh..." I deadpan. "Shall we just call it square then?"

"That's just fine... besides, I know they're up to something!"

"Gee what tipped you off? The fact that they are no longer acting like half-flanked decent friends and are avoiding us like the blue flu?!" I was holding my nose, trying to quell the bleeding.

"Quit the sass! We still need to know the 'why', and I know who's going to tell us."

I grunted. "They better tell us big time, or there will be Tartarus to pay."

"Oh trust me, I know..."





Why did Spike get picked to be the victim? Oh right, closeness to Twilight and Rarity.

While Pinkie was off getting an interrogation victim, I went to the hospital to get my nose patched up. Nurse Redheart made the off-hoof joke about my visits becoming more regular than Rainbow Dash's. I was still ticked off over her, but I didn't say anything.

However, when I went back to Pinkie's place, a sense of dread grew in my stomach.

"They are all yours, Spike!" Pinkie motioned towards the heap of gems on a plate. Before he could reach them, she had Gummy grip his tail to keep him in place and shone a light on him for effect. "All you have to do is talk."

I really hope this gut feeling is wrong. I don't want--

"That's it? Oh, you got it. Okay... uh, beautiful weather we're having..."

Not only did he fake me out, he completely missed the point...

Pinkie huffed in anger. "I mean talk about our friends!"

At this point, I was more scared of Pinkie than anything else. "Uh, shouldn't you--"

"Quiet!" I backpedaled a bit. Seems Spike was losing his cool as well. "Never mind that last question. I want you to confess!"

"Uh...uhm... I-I'm the one who spilled juice all over Twilight's copy of 'Magical Mysteries and Practical Potions'!" He braces himself.

The Irony.

"And?"

"And I'm the one who used up all the hot water in Ponyville yesterday when I took a seven-hour bubble bath!" Braces again.

"THAT'S why I couldn't have a hot shower last night." He shot me an apologetic look.

"No, no, no, NO." Pinkie's really going over the edge here...

"W-what do you want me to tell you?"

"Tell me that my friends are all lying to me and avoiding me because they don't like my parties and they DON'T WANT TO BE MY FRIENDS ANYMORE!" She starts breathing heavily.

If Spike takes that literally--

"Your friends are all lying to you and avoiding you 'cause they don't like your parties and they don't want to be your friends anymore!" he quickly replied.

Of course...

Pinkie celebrated for a second, only for her mane to 'deflate' to show her depression.

I walked over to Spike. "I guess you're still young that way, taking things too literally."

"D-did I say something wrong?"

"Never mind that for now. Let me ask a few questions before you get your plate." He nods nervously. "First of all, and I need you to be honest with me, did Twilight tell you ANYTHING about her plans for today?"

He shook his head. "Sorry, left before she got out of bed for once to go to Rarity's."

"Did SHE say anything about today?"

"Uh... not that I know of."

Great, back to square--

"Wait, hold on. I think I overheard her saying about... 'avoiding a few ponies by any means necessary'..."

No...

"...That 'everything should go swimmingly well if they aren't around her and everypony else'..."

No...no...

"...And finally; 'I hope to never see them'. She might of said something else, but I had to go outside at that moment."

"..."

"Uh... Zephyr?"

"W-wha? Oh... h-here you go." I tried not to sound broken as I slid the plate of gems to Spike and stared at a spot on the floor. He took the plate with glee and started chomping down on gems as he left the building.

"Z... Zephy?"

My heart felt like it was bleeding out, my mind was hazy, and I was trembling as I continued to stare at the floor. There was only one thing that kept repeating in my mind:

"Betrayed...betrayed..."








Pinkamena could only watch as Zephyr started twitching out, eyes constantly staring forward in a pinprick state. When she caught him as he fell over, she could feel him trembling with every twitch. He kept repeating one word: betrayed.

This broke her heart and drove her into a further depression. Putting him on her back, she carried him to her bed that was next door. When he was put down, he curled up into a fetal position, still saying the same thing like a broken record.

"I'm so sorry..."

This was exactly what I wanted to avoid, she thought to herself. Being a pony who threw plenty of parties and wanted to be friends with everypony, she knew about his initial distrust of strangers. He had tried to make a point of avoiding friendship because of past experiences, something she guessed at when she overheard his conversation with his teacher at his welcoming party. She didn't want to tell her friends; at the time it would of only fueled their distrust of him due to whatever secret he was hiding. As such, she went along with Twilight's restriction of not throwing any parties FOR him; putting him on the spot would only antagonize him further.

They had managed to get him out of his shell. They made him feel like he mattered to somepony. Now all of it was undone within a span of a day, and he was probably feeling the greatest shock of betrayal of his life.

Pinkamena snarled. None of them were HER friends anymore either.

"I don't need them! I'm going to have a wonderful party with my REAL friends!"





It had been a while since Pinkie had fully snapped into Pinkamena mode. She started treating a bucket of turnips, a pile of rocks, a piece of lint, and a bag of flour as her real friends and party guests. At this point, she once again renounced the other ponies statuses as her friends. "Not after the way they acted, not after the way they treated me, not after the way they treated ZEPHYR!"

*knock**knock**knock*

She immediately forgot her rage. "Who could that be?"

The door opened to reveal Rainbow Dash. "Hey there Pinkie Pie." This immediately soured Pinkiamena's mood again, seeing her former friend. "Sorry I didn't stop to say hi. I was in a rush and--"

"Save it." Came the harsh reply. "Do you honestly believe I'm actually THAT stupid?"

"W-what are you--"

"You know full well what I mean, Rainbow Dash." Pinkie usually used nicknames like Dashie, which told the pegasus something was wrong immediately. "Now why don't you make like a bird and flock off?"

"O-or you could.. you know, come with me to Sweet Apple Acres?"

"Why don't you MAKE me?" Pinkamena slams her hooves into the table. "I'm having a wonderful enough time with my REAL friends. All I'm missing is one, and he'll most likely be joining a while later. Isn't that right Madame le Flour?"

Changing her accent and pitch, she said, "Oui! Zat iz correct, madame." Rainbow could only watch with a shocked expression.

"Another slice of cake, Sir Lintsalot?"

She changed her pitch and tone again. "I'd love one!"

Rainbow shook her head, back into the 'weirded out' zone of discomfort. "Right, I still think you should--"

"Still not convinced? Fine." Grabbing Rainbow by the mane, she drags her into another room. "Look and see what you have brought about!"

Rainbow gave a shocked stare. Laying on the bed curled up, twitching like mad, and muttering to himself, was the pegasus Fluttershy was sent to gather.

"Wh... what--"

"You broke him, Rainbow Dash. You and your four friends broke his heart."

"But we didn't mean to!" Zephyr was still twitching, but he stopped muttering to himself and started listening at that point. Pinkamena and Rainbow didn't notice.

"Didn't mean to what? Abandon and avoid us? You know how much it hurts being avoided Rainbow Dash. So why did you do it?"

"Because..." She hesitated. All she wanted was to surprise her friends on their birthdays, not drive them away.

Sorry everypony, but I don't want it to end like this. "We were trying to surprise you two."

Pinkamena deadpanned and Zephyr stopped twitching altogether. "S-surprise us?"

Rainbow nodded. "Could you come with me to the farm? I'll explain more there." She gave Pinkamena a pleading look.

The pink mare looked at Zephyr, well aware he had stopped acting caustically. "I don't know if he's--"

"...This had better not be an elaborate trick." He sat up and turned to the mares at the doorway with a glare. His iris' regained some of their original size, though his eyes were slightly bloodshot. Rainbow gasped at the nose splint

"It's not! Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Rainbow went through the motions. Zephyr raised an eyebrow in confusion and suspicion.

"Let's just go with it, Zephy..." Pinkamena was still unconvinced, but the pinkie promise was pretty sure-fire. She usually treated promise breakers a lot worse than how she just treated Rainbow.

Still not fully convinced himself, Zephyr shot another smoldering glare at Rainbow before following, much to the mare's discomfort.








As we walked down towards the farm, Fluttershy joined us. She looked like she was going to hug us, but the look Pinkie and I gave her quickly changed her mind.

My mind was still screaming that I should just ditch the mares, get packed, and never come back to this place. Besides Pinkie, what these mares had done to me was even worse than what the colts and fillies back in school did to me.

When we reached the barn, Rainbow pushed the barn door open with a rather weak "we're here". Pinkie and I looked into the barn.

"Surprise!" Rarity, Twilight, and Applejack were all wearing party hats, much to my confusion. We walked up to them, a rather unamused.

"W-we thought you would be more excited about this..." Fluttershy said quietly as she joined them.

I huffed. "Like I would get excited after I had thought I had been betrayed." The four of them looked shocked while, in the corner of my eye, Rainbow grimaced.

"Why would either of us want to attend our farewell party?" Pinkie spoke up.

Now they looked confused. "Farewell party?" Twilight asked.

"None of you wanted to see us, so you decided to abandon us. A 'farewell Pinkie Pie and Zephyr Earthwing' party..." Pinkie elaborated.

"Now why did ya'll think we're abandonin' you?" Applejack trotted over to us.

I shot an "are you serious" look at her. "Why don't you think about it for a second?"

"Because not only were you avoiding and lying to us, none of you wanted to see us anymore!" Pinkie elaborated anyways.

Rainbow gave a nervous grin. "Because we wanted your guys' birthday party to be a surprise." This got my attention. I didn't tell anypony about my birthday.

Rarity walked forward. "We'd been planning this party for such a long time, we had to make excuses for why we couldn't attend Gummy's party, or why we didn't want to see either of you so that we could get everything ready." Neither of us were convinced, though Pinkie was shooting me a sideways glance at this point.

"If this is a farewell party for the both of you, then why are there two cakes, one saying 'happy birthday Pinkie Pie, and the other saying 'happy birthday Zephyr'?" Twilight showed the respective cakes. Now I'm starting to wonder...

"Because it's my birthday! Oh, how could I have forgotten my own birthday?" Pinkie's mane had re-fluffed. "Why didn't you tell me today's YOUR birthday as well, Zephy?!" Now she was looking at me intensely.

"What I wanna know is: how did you guys know about my birthday?" I motioned towards the other five mares.

Twilight giggled. "Your mother told me."

"Wut?" was my intelligent response.

Twilight elaborated, "when she saw Princess Celestia at your grandfather's funeral, she wanted my mailing address as an emergency contact in-case she couldn't contact you. After we helped you recover, I got a letter from her telling me that your birthday was today. Since you and Pinkie shared a birthday, we wanted to make the party extra special."

I'm going to have a very stern word with my mom one of these days...

"That still doesn't answer my question!" Pinkie got in my face with a wide grin, making me jump back.

"I didn't think it was important, that's all!"

"What do you mean it's not important?!" came the response from everypony, especially Pinkie.

I facehoof. "Never mind."

While the party activities were dandy and all, I exclude myself from the final group hug. I don't think I'm quite ready to forgive them for this...
> Chapter 18 - 'Band'ing and Draining
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's been a few days since the whole "surprise birthday party" incident. I was still pretty ticked at the girls about it, considering I don't receive surprise parties very well AND the fact they alienated me right before it. At this point in time, Pinkie was the only one I still felt any sort of connection to as a friend since we went through it together.

I started giving the other mares the silent treatment, Rainbow Dash being the first one to really feel it. Out of the corner of my eye, I could tell from her expressions that it somewhat got to her. I half expected her to get mad at me right away for not "forgiving" her and her friends by now.

I'm pretty sure forgiveness doesn't come right after an apology from the offending party, except in Pinkie's case. Speaking of her, while we are still in good relations, she was distraught over my reluctance to forgive her friends. She kept trying to convince me to not give up on my friendship with my other friends so easily. If I had to be honest, the only reason why I haven't left Ponyville yet was because of her.

Jeez, that makes me sound like I'm in love with her...

Anyways, I wrote a letter of resignation to Sweet Apple Acres since I didn't want to deal with Applejack anymore than I wanted to. Then I wrote a stern letter off to my mother, telling her not to write anything more about me to Twilight. Last thing I need is Twilight knowing anything more about me, being connected to the royalty in Canterlot and all. I haven't seen Fluttershy or Rarity since the incident, though I kept telling myself I would go a bit easier on Fluttershy since she was the main pony who helped me out of my depression a while back.

Thing is, a part of me still wants to forgive and believe that all of them truly had good intentions with the party.

The other part of me... lets just say that I have a nagging part of me practically shouting "Leave those losers! They mean nothing to you."

It keeps getting louder. There are times when I just blank out in the middle of the street, trying to keep myself under control. I usually snap out of it when I've finally calmed down again or--

"Excuse me sir?"

--When somepony talks to me. I shake my head and saw a royal purple mare with a blue muzzle, yellow and black mane styled similarly to the DJ I met when I first came to Ponyville, cyan eyes, and a cutie mark depicting a music note surrounded by electricity. "Are you Zephyr Earthwing?"

I immediately tensed up. It wasn't often something like this happened outside of occasional greetings, plus I was still wary. "Yes, I am..."

She smiles. " I finally found you! Sorry about that, I'm Electron Note and I help create electronic music and the like."

"A... pleasure, but what do you mean by 'finally finding' me?"

She hesitated, as if she was trying to find the right words. "Have you heard of a band named Dead By Sunset?"

I pondered for a bit. "I think I have. Their most popular song is 'Losing You'."

She squeed in apparent delight. "That's us!" Seeing my stunned look she added, "like I said, I help create electronic music and the like. More specifically, I do it for that band."

Somepony from a fairly famous band searching for me? I've never... wait.

Snapping out of my stunned trance, I look at her questioningly "That doesn't explain why you said you 'found' me, though."

Considering the song I just mentioned, it's kind of ironic.

"Well our current band leader, Burst Mic, heard you sing at your welcoming party a while back."--

Not that again...

--"And he was very impressed by it. The current band leader and lead singer, Clean Octave, is on temporary leave, so Burst Mic thought you would be an excellent substitute."

I sigh. "So you want me to essentially become the reserve lead singer? Don't I need to go through auditions or something along those lines in order to apply for something like that?"

She smirks. "Burst already got the all-clear from the higher-ups."

Now I was starting to internally panic. Not only was this inadvertently setting off my stage anxiety, but I didn't want to get roped into a band this early in my life. "Surely there are more talented singers out there."

She shakes her head. "We already went through auditions. You're the only pony he has heard who exceeded expectations."

Way to lay more pressure on me.

I mulled over it for a bit. "Do you have anything  big planned right off the bat?"

She flashes a nervous grin. "We were... going to be one of the bands playing at the Manehatten Concerts. We are to be the last ones singing at the end, but Clean Octave won't be able to show up for it."

"And that's two weeks from now..."

Worst part about all of this is how guilty I will feel turning them down... I really can be a pushover sometimes.

I let out a defeated sigh. "Fine, we'll see how it will play out. I need to meet the other members before we can work anything out though."

Electron claps her hooves in joy before hugging me. "Thank you so much! The others will be meeting up here at Sugar Cube Corner tomorrow at lunch. I'll see you then!" She dashes off.

I stood there looking a bit shell-shocked. Being the smooth stallion I am, which is a blatant lie, I used to hardly have anypony much less a mare hug me when I'm not emotionally distressed. Pinkie Pie tries to make it a point to give me a quick hug every once in a while and a few weeks ago even Rainbow Dash--

I immediately forced the thought out of my head and quickly dashed back home before I started saying anything in public that I would regret. For a second I think I passed Twilight, but I didn't hear what she yelled at me. I felt an odd feeling, like there was water washing over my tail, but it didn't seem to slow me down.

As I slammed the door of my house shut and dashed upstairs, the shouting in my head started up again. however, not only was it telling me to ditch my treacherous friends, but to also get away from getting roped into a band.

Feeling incredibly frustrated, I slammed my hoof into a wall.

"I don't understand! Why am I still so... spineless?"





Rainbow has finally gotten fed up with me and refuses to look my way now. I'm still somewhat confused as to why she took so long to do so considering her personality, but I'm fine with it.

Almost ran into Applejack as well. She seemed intent on tracking me down, probably for my unorthodox way of quitting. I still don't feel like dealing with her, so I took a detour in order to reach Sugar Cube Corner.

Entering the building, Pinkie popped up in front of me. "Good almost-noon, Zephy! Have you tried making--"

"Good morning Pinkie. And no, I still don't feel like talking to the others yet." She visibly drooped at my words. "Besides, I'm here on important business."

She 'poofed' back up again. "Oooh, what kind of business? Are you starting to make shady deals with shady ponies of shadiness?" I open my mouth to rebuttal when she gasped. "Or is it because you met with a member of an important band who is interested in making you a replacement singer because of how well you sang at your welcoming party?"

I quickly look around in a panic before sighing in relief since nopony was currently and conveniently in the bakery, despite it being close to lunch. "Pinkie, can you promise me not to make a big fuss about-- wait how did you know?"

"Lucky guess!" I facehoofed at that . "Also because some ponies asked me to lead you to them when you arrived."

"Then why didn't you-- never mind." I follow her as she hops into a less visited part of the bakery and stored the situation under the newly-created 'Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie' section of my mind. In the corner, I saw a group of five ponies in a quiet discussion.

As I approached, the red one notices me and waves me over.

"There's our up-and-coming stallion! How are you doing today, Zephyr?"

He was a unicorn with a cutie mark of a mic on the backdrop of an explosion. Electron Note was sitting between a large grey earth pony with a piano cutie mark and a yellow mare with  two sticks crossing over a drum. Beside her was a light-blue pegasus stallion with a cutie mark of guitar strings. When he saw me, I thought I saw a narrow look pass over his face for the briefest of time before smiling.

"I'm... fine I guess." I sit and look back at Pinkie, who was probably waiting to take my order. "A coffee with sugar, please?" This got a surprised reaction from Pinkie, before nodding happily and bouncing away.

The yellow mare gives me an odd look. "Pinkie usually never reacts that way, no matter how absurd the order is."

"Probably because she knows me personally and the fact I don't normally drink coffee." I shake my head. "Maybe it's because I've been so bitter lately..."

Electron frowned. "You did seem a bit out of it when I ran into you yesterday."

Pinkie deposited my cup in front of me as I sighed. "I had a... bit of a falling out with my friends. That's not important though." I take a sip and scrunched my muzzle at the bitter taste.

Electron shook her head. "I guess we'll worry about that for another time. For now, introductions are in order!"

I nod as she points to the red unicorn. "This is Burst Mic, our... secondary leader. He's the unclean vocals while also playing the bass."

"Pleased to meet you."

Next was the grey earth stallion. "This is Iron Keys. He may look massive but he can play a mean piano when he's buckled down and focused." All I get from him is a nod.

"On the other side of me is Snare Wingstick, our and I quote 'fastest drummer on this side of equestria'."

The yellow pegasus simply grins at me. "You really need to be less tense. Otherwise you're already cool in my books."

I got a strange sense of deja vu...

Electron rolls her eyes. "Somepony could make you a subpar flower steak and you'd be their best buddy." Ignoring the scathing glare Snare gave her she continued. "And last but certainly not least; our main guitarist, Yamaha Strings."

The blue stallion nods. "Just call me Strings. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." He sounded like somepony who lived in Canterlot.

I nod to all of them. "You may already know me from Electron but I'll introduce myself anyways. I'm Zephyr Earthwing and I simply manage the wind here."

Snare snorts. "Yeah you're Harpsong's colt, the one who saved Ponyville from getting blown over by rouge wind currents." I deadpan at her, not expecting my name to stand out for something like that.

Burst shakes his head in amusement. "Now now, Snare, don't embarrass the newcomer even if he's only a reserve member. Sorry about that by the way, I'm betting you're somewhat disappointing at not being an actual member of the band."

"I'm actually ok with this set-up. I'm still wondering why you chose me of all ponies."

This time it was Strings who spoke up. "It was because of how similar you sounded to Clear Octave. At least that's what Burst says..."

I put a hoof to my chin. "I guess you would want somepony to sound as close to the original singer as equinely possible."

Burst nodded. "Exactly. Now that introductions are out of the way, let's discuss how we're going to do things..."





As I exit Sugar Cube Corner and headed home, I thought over the plans the band made again. Starting a few days from now, we needed to practice for the Manehatten concert. We were to play three songs: Their old standby which is Losing You, a semi-new song released in their last album known as Last Goodbye, and an entirely new song.

This is going to be stressful... not only because we need to perfect a new song entirely, but I also need to learn how to sing the other two songs. Guess it can't be helped since I--

"ZEPHYR! GET YER' TAIL OVER HERE!"

I groan. "For the love of Discord's ambiguated mother, I do NOT want to deal with you right now, Applejack!" I try and take off, only to have my tail grabbed.

"Yer comin with me. Ah' want a proper explanation as to why you quit, especially with the way ya did!" She spoke through a mouth full of my tail, but I understood her completely.

"I think you already know why I did that. Now let me go!" The pulling on my tail was getting painful and oddly tiring.

"No. Ahm'. Not."

"Let. Me. Go--" Pain lanced through my body and I fell to the ground in a cry of agony, body and wings convulsing. What appeared to be blood vessels framed my view as the shock that went through my body caused me to black out.








Applejack released the tail and looked at the now unconscious Zephyr, horrified at what just happened. All she wanted to do was drag him back to the farm.

"Applejack, what happened?" She looked over to see Twilight galloping over with a worried face.

"Ah don't know, Twi. All I wanted was to find out why Zephyr quit working at mah farm the way he did an' this is what happened!"

Twilight looked at Zephyr. "That's bizarre... no, no time to think. We need to get him to the library." Without realizing she did so, she flipped Zephyr onto her back and started running.

"Why didn't you use yer magic?" Applejack was running right beside her.

"I'll explain when we get there. Besides, he's actually very light to the point of barely being able to tell he's there." The two kept running until they got into the library. After Applejack got in, Twilight tried closing the door with her magic, but she wasn't getting a response from her horn. "Applejack, could you close the door?"

She did so quickly before looking at her unicorn friend questionably. "Why couldn't you close it yerself?"

Twilight sighed as she beckoned Applejack to follow her downstairs. "I think it has something to do with what happened yesterday."

"Yesterday?"

"I tried to speak to Zephyr, but when I used my magic to stop him, It felt like I was trying to grip a marble orb slathered in a slick liquid."

Applejack deadpanned. "Wait, yer saying he's resistant to yer magic?"

"More like immune. Even further than that, he seems to be canceling out my ability to use magic in the first place by being in contact with me." Twilight slides the unconscious pegasus off her back in front of her testing machine before using her magic. "See, now I can use magic again. Anyways, could you fold his wings up for me? There's something I need to check."

Applejack hesitantly did so, afraid of triggering another convulsion. She was taught by Fluttershy a while ago on how to fold a pegasus' wing back against their body when they were knocked-out, something that happened to Rainbow Dash a lot. Luckily Zephyr didn't react and Twilight was able to get some kind of helmet onto his head.

"Before you ask, Applejack, I'm going to measure his body's magic level. I saw what happened and it looked like an extreme pegasus symptom for magic deficiency."

"Defice-what now?"

Twilight groaned. "It means a sudden lack of magic in the body. It doesn't happen very often in earth ponies or pegasi, although there have been cases, since they don't actively use magic as it's more of a passive effect for them. Unicorns experience it more often BECAUSE of our ability to actively use magic, though symptoms range from tiredness to nausea."

Applejack simply kept silent, though it wasn't long before she was pacing around anxiously while waiting for results, hoping she didn't inadvertently do permanent damage.

"Here we go!" Twilight held up a detailed chart regarding Zephyr's magic levels. She was curious about a label she's never seen before, but she found what she was looking for. "It appears his magic level dropped fifty percent from what it should be... halfway gone is worrying but still easy to fix."

Applejack let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "If it's an easy fix then ah'm glad I didn't do--" The helmet was suddenly strapped onto her head, replacing her stetson. "What in tarnation?"

"Sorry, but I want to check something quick before letting you go." Seeing her friends apprehensive look, she chuckled nervously. "I guess I should've asked first."

" Well... if ya need to..."

The results oddly came back faster than for Zephyr, but Twilight dismissed it. "It seems you have an extra abundance of magic energy in your body."

"Are you telling me ah' absorbed energy from him, like a magic leech?"

"It appears to be the case. Luckily, extra magic reserves don't overly affect a pony other than allowing them to use their talent for a while longer before resetting back to normal parameters."

Applejack sighed. "Yeah, lucky for ME. What about Zephyr? Ah don't wanna leech magic off him every time ah want to shake hooves or what-not." Shooting a scathing glare at the still unconscious pegasus she added, "although he does kinda deserve it from the way he's been treatin' us."

Twilight also sighed as she rubbed her temples. She still couldn't figure out why he's been acting so abrasively after his shared birthday party with Pinkie Pie. She bounced back after an oddly depressing conversation involving them not liking her anymore, yet he didn't.

Putting her stetson back on, Applejack nodded at her friend. "Well ah got to get back to the farm. Big Mac went with Granny Smith to a relative's place and ah need to pick up the slack." Tipping her hat in respect, she climbed out of the basement.

"Don't over-exhaust yourself again!" She waited a few moments before levitating a bottle containing a purple liquid. A while back, Zecora taught her how to make magic restoration brews in response to her desire to last longer than she usually does when practicing magic. The ingredients could be found in Ponyville as well.

"This should restore most of his magic." Since Zephyr's mouth was already open enough, she slowly emptied the bottle's contents into him before picking him up and taking him outside. She flagged down a pegasus, who happened to be Derpy.

"Could you take him back to his house for me?"

Derpy looked more than pleased. "Of course Twilight!" Her skewed eye suddenly corrected itself as she gave the unicorn a curious look. "What happened to him anyways?"

"He.. uh... had some of his magic inexplicably drained from him, which caused him to black out. I gave him some magic restoratives that should take effect after a few minutes, so he isn't in danger." She gives a nervous smile.

Derpy stared a bit longer before shrugging and picking up the green stallion. "He's awfully light for somepony his size and physique." with that, she takes off.

Twilight watched the wall-eyed pegasus fly away before going back inside. She wanted to find out what that one label meant.








The first thing I remember waking up to besides my home's roof was a massive headache.

"Did somepony catch the owner of that carriage? I feel flattened..."
> Chapter 19 - Enter Regretful Manehatten
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In hindsight, it was probably better for me that I had quit working at Sweet Apple Acres before all of this happened. Production in the band was incredibly time consuming in order for everything to go efficiently, considering the rather punishing deadline for the concert. It resulted in most of my time being spent in a basement suite enchanted with soundproof walls while attempting to match the timings of the previous songs as well as getting the new song up and running.

This meant quickly dealing with the wind currents, finally bothering to get the weekly wind schedule mailed to me directly, then rushing to the suite to write (being the lead singer, even a replacement, also meant writing new songs) and/or practice songs before heading home, occasionally picking up food for the house, rinse and repeat.

I haven't seen Applejack since my sudden blackout in the middle of the street. I was scared by what she had done to me on top of the resentment I used to have against her.

Yes... used to...

The other band members quickly found out what had happened between me and my 'friends', much to my initial dismay and eventual despair. The remained supportive of me in my singing and song writing endeavors, yet they kept talking to me about it...





Two days after joining





"Hey Zephyr?"

"Hm?" I look up from my desk to see Electron Note approaching me. Out of all the band members, her and Burst Mic were the only ones I really connected with. Strings was usually "business only" talk despite his friendly demeanor, Iron only said a few words occasionally, and  Snare reminded me too much of Rainbow Dash to be comfortable around her.

"I've noticed how you still seem out of it, even after Burst's pep-talk yesterday."

I yawn. "Sorry about that. Never realized how tiring all of this actually is. You guys certainly  have your work cut out for you."

She raises an eyebrow before sighing. "While that might be true, I can tell that's not the real reason for your... condition. Hay, Snare can be tactless, yet even she can tell your behavior isn't purely due to nervousness." I give her a curious look as she pauses. "Is this got something to do with your friends?"

My anger flared up briefly before I extinguished it, though I must of shown it as Electron took a small step back. "That isn't something I want to talk about right now."

"Zephyr... bottling it up isn't going to help you--"

I gave her an irritated look. "Just forget about it, ok? We've got bigger things to worry about."

Electron gave a defeated sigh before wandering back to her equipment. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Iron staring at me rather intently, though I brushed it off and continued with the lyrics of the new song.





Five days after joining





"Zephyr... can we talk?"

I look up to see Burst standing in front of the desk, giving me a worried look.

"Depends on the subject. Want the truth or do you want me to lie to you?" I occasionally try to be humorous, although it more than often fell flat on it's face.

"The truth. I talked to Pinkie the other day about your recent behavior."

I groan. "My behavior isn't anything to write home about."

"Even if it's dealing with what happened between you and your friends on your birthday?"

For the first time, I actually resented Pinkie for being herself. "That... has nothing to--"

"Getting angry at your friends for trying to throw you a surprise birthday party?" I glare at him, yet he stood resolute. "You do realize they were trying to do something nice for you. Even if they went about it the wrong way."

"That's because they practically made me relive a part of my colthood I wish to forget. Foals always abandoned me even when they claimed to be my friends and it constantly haunted me, to the point of dropping out of high school!" Slamming my hooves on the desk, I added, "when I moved here and they actually became my friends, I thought nothing in the past would affect me anymore. Them doing what they did... it destroyed me!"

"Does that change the fact you blew them off because you refused to see their good intentions?" I recoiled a bit as he sighed. "You accentuated all of the negatives during their attempt to make you happy and never bother seeing the positives of their final result. Weren't you supposed to believe in the fact that they would never try to consciously hurt you?"

I started chewing on my cheek as I processed his words. He shook his head. "We'll talk more about that later, there's also the matter with Electron."

"Did something happen to her?"

"No, but she was a bit depressed after she tried talking to you a while back. She talked to you because she was worried about you, Zephyr. To her, you were in a downward spiral of emotion, yet you blew her off like she had invaded your privacy.

"If we are to make this up coming concert to be a success, we need to be in top form as a team and as friends. Communication is vital for for any relationship to work, yet if you keep shutting us out it's going to fall apart." He looked at me with a bit of pleading in his eyes. "We need you to be honest with us, Zephyr. Not only do you keep driving us away, you're hurting yourself by bottling your feelings."

"I... I didn't mean to..."

Looking at the clock he said, " again, we'll talk later. In the meantime, you should think about what's happened thus far with a different perspective." With that, he leaves me with my very conflicted thoughts.





True to Burst's word, he kept talking to me about my problem. Electron often accompanied him after I apologized profoundly  to her for my behavior and even Snare had pitched in her two bits occasionally.

All it served to do was turn my resentment into a bottomless pit of regret. Even after I realized my horrible mistake, they kept trying to reassure me that everything would be fine if I talked to them about it.

Despite that, I couldn't bring myself to do it. I was the one who refused to accept their gesture. I was the one who never gave them a chance after the fact. I even started avoiding Pinkie Pie again because of how unworthy I felt, as cliche as that sounds.

Everything they've done for me... everything I've done for them was rendered pointless...

They didn't lose ME as a friend. I lost THEM. Let the punishment fit the crime I suppose. 

It was thanks to that I finished the new song we were going to sing as the concerts closing act, lyrics and melodies alike. They say an artist's greatest work comes through their suffering. I could only hope that's even remotely true for me.

With the new song written and the other two songs down, the last four days was spent on the newest song.





Getting on the train to Manehatten the day before the concert was probably the closest I've come to a complete nervous breakdown. I knew that most ponies would be heading there the day before in order to be there when it first starts. 

This meant I ran a high chance of running into my former friends boarding and/or exiting the train since we somehow got a high-class train cart all to ourselves.

"Geez dude, are you going to sit in that corner for the entire trip?" Snare apparently checked to make sure I was still there. I had taken to shivering in the corner after I got a brief glance at Rainbow Dash's tail in the boarding crowd. I WAS recovering a bit emotionally, but I'll never be rid of my overwhelming guilt, despite what everypony tells me.

"Just... let me know when we're there. I'd rather not risk anything."

"No can do, boss. Burst wanted to see you in his compartment for one second." She giggled before adding, "no offence but you're still too green under the collar to be my boss. I guess if you 'cornered' me about it, I'd relent." Apparently she's trying her hoof at bad puns as well.

"Hah... point taken." Feeling a bit better, I went to see Burst. Electron was already there with Iron and Strings.

"Glad to see you haven't completely lost your nerve, Zephyr. We were just discussing what we were going to do for the rest of today after unpacking."

I thought for a moment before facehooving over something I almost forgot. "I just remembered that I need to visit my mom first and foremost. I got a letter from her two days ago and she wanted to see me before the concert. I was just wondering... do you guys mind coming with me? I-I mean... If you... um... want to."

Snare laughed as Electron and Strings shook their heads in amusement. That was when Snare said, "look at him being bashful." She stopped laughing when she saw Iron's withering glare. "Though... with your emotional roller coaster, I can't blame you."

Electron gave me a thoughtful look. "I don't mind. I just want to relax until the concert. Besides, I want to meet your mom which would most likely be a pleasant visit."

Burst looked at the other members for acceptance before looking at me again. "Seems we really are a passive band despite what we sing. Hope your mom will have rival band members under her roof."

I shook my head. "She should be ok with it. She WAS a freelance singer before her current band."

"Then that's the plan."





The hotel we were staying at was in close proximity to where the concert was being held, Times Circle. Normally it charges out the nose for decent rooms, but bands get in free of charge and VIP ticket holders can get in at a discount. Despite the price, most ponies tried to check in for the convenience of being among the first to get in when the 'gates' open.

Our suite supported six ponies and was on the top floor, giving quite a view over the Circle and city.

Unfortunately for my heart, I heard the girls and fillies move into the next door room. At this point, I felt like Celestia was taunting me. Getting out of the hotel without seeing them was a stroke of luck. Snare kept telling me to "pony up" and talk to them, but I kept declining.

Iron's stare didn't really help my situation...

It didn't take long to find mom's place considering her house's proximity to the Circle. It also didn't take long for her to respond after I knocked.

Her eyes lit up as she saw me. "Zephyr, your here!"

"Hi mom..." I give her a big hug, partially feeling guilty over being a bit harsh in my last letter to her when I told her off.

"Who are your friends?" She looked at my band mates curiously.

Burst stepped forward. "Your son is a temporary part of our band. I'm Burst Mic." he held out his hoof

Mom raised an eyebrow as she shook hooves. "I've heard of a band that had gotten a temporary replacement. That's you foals, huh?" She shook her head in amusement. "I'll get the details later. For now, why don't you come in? I was about to start making dinner."

Electron widened her eyes. "Oh no, we wouldn't want to impose."

Mom simply laughed. "I insist. It's the least I can do to thank you for taking in my son, even if he's only temporary." I blush at her words, earning a chuckle from Snare and Strings.

Burst smiled. "Thank you for your kindness, Mrs. Earthwing."

She waves a hoof dismissively. "Call me Harpsong. And all of you are always welcome in my house."





"I should probably bring this up since you're here and all."

I look up from my plate full of daisy steak with peas and mashed potatos. Why she had this much daisy steak in stock, I'll never know. Mom's seem to work in mysterious ways.

"What might that be?" Strings had already finished his meal.

"There have been some changes to how this concert is going to work and since all of you got here today, I feel I should give you the run-down. First and foremost; it's confirmed that there's a total of twelve bands playing this concert."

Electron put a hoof to her chin. "Explains why a lot of ponies kept stating this would be the biggest concert in a long time. Most concerts have three or four bands tops."

Mom nodded. "Exactly, and a normal concert wouldn't be able to handle everything. The authorities decided to split all the bands into three separate buildings, each with a few different genres set to play in said buildings." She gives all of us a smile. "Your band and mine got stuck in the same building. Hope you don't mind."

I don't know about the rest, but as long as the other two bands don't sing the only country music in the concert, my chances of seeing Applejack again is slim.

Snare waved her hoof dismissively. "I honestly think that's a better way of doing it. In the past, they organized concerts for specific genre's, but more than once, fans of one type of music had to sit through other types because the ponies behind the scenes were too lazy to split them up."

Strings nodded. "Plus this is also a way around the time limitation of one day to have everypony sing their songs."

"This brings me to the next change." Mom put her hooves on the table. "While the original plan of three songs per band is still there, they're making the last songs sung, all of the NEW songs, a part of a contest of sorts on the biggest stage."

This got Snare's attention. "What's the prize?"

"The top three bands get tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala." Snare deflated a little. "First place gets brand new music equipment of the best kind on TOP of a large sum of bits. Second place simply gets a lot of bits and... a boat."

This dumbfounded me. "A boat? Seriously? Who in Equestria is going to find use for a boat besides ponies living next the the oceans?"

Burst shakes his head. "You'd be surprised." I facehoof.

"... Third place?" There's Iron. He has a deep voice, yet it doesn't have an edge to it. Deep, yet soft is the only way I can describe it.

"Third place gets... even less bits and that's it. The other nine bands get restaurant gift cards as a consolation prize, with dead last getting a booby prize on top of it." Snare snickers and gets a look from Electron, much to my confusion.

"Having a new song judged in a contest... talk about pressure, especially for Zephyr," Strings stated with worry.

Mom looks at me surprised. "You wrote a song? I can't wait to hear it." She giggles nervously. "Though now would probably be a bad time to mention Princess Luna will be there for the contest."

I huff. "No, you'll mention it anyways. Still, that means we can kiss a top three position good-bye."

Burst shook his head. "Remember, Luna has been away for... a thousand years? Still boggles my mind when I think about it."

Electron rolled her eyes. "That could go one of two ways: She's either hung onto what she liked from before she was banished or she is leaving herself blank to see which of today's music pleases her the most."

Snare put her hooves behind her head. "I don't see the issue. We play like we always do and let fate decide our... well fate."

"Your speech was so inspirational it's moved me to tears..." I say while sarcastically clapping my hooves. Everypony laughs as Snare gives me a death glare.

Burst clears his throat. "Thank you for the info, Harpsong. It's getting late, so we should head back to our room. Big day tomorrow after all."

Mom nods. "See you back-stage tomorrow. May the best band win!" 

"I'm going to be behind you guys so don't wait up," I whisper to Electron and Burst, who nod. I wait as the rest of the band files out before turning to my mother.

"What's troubling you, Dear?"

I sigh before hugging her again. "I'm sorry... for being harsh on you in my last letter. I was in emotional distress at the time."

"It's alright, Zephyr. I understand; whatever happened must of been huge for it to have messed up your writing so much."

My writing then wasn't THAT bad!

"Of course, write like that again to your mother... and I will have to take drastic measures!" The way she said it made me cover my head with my wings in fear. This was the exact reason why I feared talking to the girls--

"Just kidding!"

Harpsong you magnificent troll mother you, I've heard your MUSIC...

I swear I've heard something similar to that before.

"Give me a heart attack why don't you?" Mom's still to busy laughing her flank off on the floor.

"I'm sorry but that was just perfect!" Her laughter died down as she got back up. "In all seriousness, you should probably catch up to your band mates."

"Right. Love you, mom!"

"Love you too, sweetie." 

All that was left was to sneak back into the hotel and get rest for tomorrows concert. Sadly, when everypony in my room went to sleep, I could hear the girls talking a bit about me...

I drew my head under the covers. 

All the hurtful things Rainbow and Applejack are saying... the snooty comments from rarity...

The silence from Twilight, Pinkie, and Fluttershy...

I deserve it.








Harpsong settled down in her bed as she eagerly anticipated the next day. She wanted to hear her son sing for a band for the first time and the very thought made her restless...

Until something she had forgotten about suddenly hit her.

"His letter said I shouldn't divulge information like that to Twilight Sparkle... I don't remember sending her any letters."
> Chapter 20 - Manehatten Blitz
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

WARNING: This chapter contains many links to many different songs. I own none of them, as I am merely  using them for 'entertainment' purposes.





" --Ey Zephyr! Wake up!"

"Wah!" I bolted upright before my mind had a chance to catch up, resulting in a minor headache.

Burst gave me a worried look. "You alright? You looked like you were having a nightmare."

I shuddered before nodding. "I'm fine now..."

I had been getting a few nightmares from time to time ever since everything crashed down on me involving my former friends. Usually they were tame, if not similar to the nightmares I had when I first moved to Ponyville.

This one though... it involved the concert. The band had failed and everypony in the crowd, including my own band mates, singled me out for the punishment. I was tortured in front of an entire audience.

The last knife stroke came from Rainbow Dash, her eyes narrowed in a murderous glare.

"Take this you freakish traitor! Nopony wants you around!"

Right before the knife sliced my throat open, the scream echoed in my mind. The same scream that has haunted me from the beginning of my memories.

I shuddered a bit more before climbing out of bed, Getting a worried glance from Electron and Iron though they didn't touch upon it.

Snare and Strings had gone ahead to the concert area to get things set up, with Burst leaving shortly after waking me up. Iron and Electron were still getting ready; Iron was doing what looked like morning stretches while Electron was doing up her mane and tail. Right underneath her horn rested a pair of blue shades.

"Those glasses look familiar..."

She gives me a startled glance before smirking. "You've met Vinyl Scratch then?" I nod. "She's my cousin. I got these from her as a birthday gift a while back. I initially didn't think too much of it, but now they're my favorite pair of shades to wear. She thought I was going into trotstep as well... imagine her surprise."

I give her an amused look before heading into the bathroom. My mane was a rats nest and my bandages were getting a bit loose.

Luckily I brought a roll of bandages and my own mane brush. Wouldn't want to look like I crawled out of a rock slide in front of the audience.

Despite my nightmare, I was only uneasy about the concert. Ponies don't resort to physical torture for others who have failed miserably. I have heard of griffons doing it in the neighboring kingdom.

After sorting myself out, I decided to head out before Iron and Electron. From what I've heard, band members are harder to recognize if they travel individually. Plus I wanted to make sure I didn't run into anypony from next door.

Especially Rainbow Dash. After that dream, I might suffer a mental breakdown if she confronts me.

The clock in the lobby is currently telling 9:15AM. The concert officially starts at 9:30, so I flew to the building where my band was going to meet. The organizers were nice enough to have a message board showing which bands are in which building.

Upon getting to the back of a stage, I was immediately greeted by my mom and Snare.

"Hope you don't get cold hooves there, Zephyr." There's Snare being snarky again. She admitted to not being a morning pony before, so I let it slide.

"It just feels a bit... surreal that I'm here."

Mom shakes her head. "That was my feeling when I first stepped back-stage as a singer. Don't worry, you'll get used to it."

"Speaking of things to get used to..." Burst walked over with a stoic face. "Apparently guests with VIP back-stage access won't be let back here until the first song from each of the bands has been sung. A bit odd."

I grimaced. I forgot I gave out VIP tickets to a certain group of six mares and three fillies before the whole birthday incident.

"By the way Harpsong, Where's the rest of your band?" Strings was tuning his electric guitar for the first song we were going to sing.

She snorts. "They tend to be a bit lazy. They'll show up, don't worry." She turned to look at me. "And don't worry, Zephyr. Just believe in your ability to sing and everything will be fine."

"I hope so, mom... I hope so..."





Harmonecence's first song was quite the leading act for our little building. I was beginning to doubt my capacity to perform properly after such a performance, even if it was my mom's band.

During the song, I learned about the other two bands in this building. One was called Disrupted, who played mostly heavy rock. The other was Linkin Colt who did rock amongst other genres, making me wonder why they got stuck with us in this building when they had such diverse music. Both were popular bands and, judging by all the screaming fans on the other side of the curtain, everypony  attending most likely expects a good show.

I was only slightly nervous before, but now my nerves are completely wrecked. The thoughts of messing something up during a song tormented me as I started dancing around, much to my own band's worry. The other singers managed to somewhat reassure me, one of them saying "It's everypony's first time at some point." Heck, one of them got a laugh out of me when he said I should work against my fears and rile up the crowd. I don't even know why I laughed.

Burst gave me a pat on the back. "We're up next, Zephyr. Just remember the lyrics and we should be fine." There was a ten minute reprieve between songs, with a huge lunch break between the first four and the second four.

Snare smiled savagely. "Let's give 'em a show they won't forget!"





Apparently swallowing your fears and going all-out had great rewards, especially if you were feeling metaphorically suicidal about it. I was introduced as the "new singer" and right as the song started, I managed to rile up the crowd. Heck, I even took it one step further and held the mic in my right wing of all things. Saying I was incredibly happy with the result was a massive understatement.

It was also an understatement for my mom too. As soon as I went backstage, she had me in a massive hug crying "I'm so proud of my little colt!" It definitely got a laugh out of all the ponies present.

Snare was pretty ecstatic herself. "I told you we could do it!"

"You didn't sound EXACTLY the way Clear Octave sounded, but it gave the song a bit of much needed freshness." Electron huffed. Apparently she still had some stage anxiety which gave her shortness of breath after the fact. Disrupted had just started their song.

Burst smiled at us. "If we ride this success, we'll be among the best of this concert. Let's keep it up!"

"Hate to burst your guy's bubble, but we still have a long time before our next song." Strings shrugged when all of us gave him a look.

"Buzzkill," I snarked. He shrugged again.

Burst shook his head. "Regardless, there's going to be plenty of VIP's who will want to meet you now, Zephyr."

This made me lock up and Snare facehooved. "Here we go again... feather nuts."

"I-I'm... sure they'll be, um... happy to see me." All I got were a bunch of disbelieving looks.





As Linkin Colt finished up their song, the backstage hooves mentioned that, while we were free to explore the park, VIP's will be let into the back now that the first part of the day is over. I managed to excuse myself and exit the building without anypony else seeing me.

I didn't dare try and go back to the hotel. I might lose track of time and be late to the second song. Plus I didn't want anypony to recognize me on the way there or back.

As I skirted crowds, I was relieved to find a small, secluded section of the park a fair distance from my concert building that nopony else seems to acknowledge. Flying into the tree, I perched myself to observe the crowd from afar. I had a pretty good view of the concert area.

Most of them look... happy. Especially when they're with friends. I suddenly felt a longing for something I knew was long gone.

If only I wasn't so blind...

There were a few things to note. First thing I noticed was Rainbow Dash looking for somepony or something with Scootaloo at her side, though they disappeared quickly. Then I noted a small brawl between what appeared to be fans of two different genres. Manehatten ponies aren't the friendliest of ponies even on a good day.

I did see the other mares from Ponyville even though they all looked like they were casually trotting to a destination. None of it was noteworthy except...

"Hello there, Mr. bird."

... I never saw Fluttershy.

She would be the only other pony to come to a place like this...

I tried staying still so she wouldn't see or hear me, but the branch I was on conveniently decided to break and send me tumbling to the ground, inciting a surprised squeak from the only pony to see it.

"Um... Z-Zephyr?"

I scrambled to my hooves and backed away from her, the look of pure fear plastered on my face. She bore a look of mild concern and confusion, but it didn't fool me...

I can tell... she was frustrated and... angry at me.

She hated me...

"N-No! I--"

"Zephyr, what's wrong? Why are you--"

"NO, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I just... don't look! Don't look at me like that! I don't deserve it!" I flew away in a flurry of feathers, not caring about skirting the crowds this time, before landing in a bush and cowering.

Underneath her kind yet shy exterior, I could tell she resented me.

I couldn't...

I can't...

I stayed there for most of the lunch break until my fear was replaced with self-loathing.

"All I can ever do... is run away."

Sighing, I went back inside to find that all the VIP's have been ushered out for the next part of the concert. Going into the bathroom to get all the twigs out of my mane and tail, I got a good look at myself.

"I need to re-evaluate my life. I can't go on like this."





Oddly, it took slightly longer for all the bands to finish up their second songs. I secretly blamed it on my sense of time being skewed by depression. I didn't show it, thankfully.

Harmonecence had played the complete version of 'My Immortal'. I thought that only the band and I knew who my mom was singing it for, since everypony thought she sang it for her dearly departed husband. When I got looks of sympathy from my band and the others, I knew they knew, which slightly depressed me more.

Then my band stood forward with the song 'Last Goodbye'. I didn't rile up the crowd like I did last time and I put a bit more emotion behind it than intended, but I once again held the mic in my wing and it still worked. The only one who gave me a worried look this time was Iron.

Disrupted went forward with their song titled 'Darkness'. I noticed we were all going for a more depressing song in the second round. The lyrics certainly felt like they applied to me.

"Slowly walk away to breath again... on my own."

Finally, Linkin Colt ended the second part with the slightly more upbeat 'Somewhere I Belong'. In a way, it was a relief that it was more upbeat since it made me feel slightly better, yet once again I felt it pertained to me again.

"Just stuck, hollow and alone, and the fault is my own and the fault is my own."

Why do I feel like everything pertains to me? Now I'm egocentric?





When the VIP's were let backstage again for the last time, I disappeared again. The other bands were pretty understanding about my not wanting to meet VIP's, going so far as to say that I was "shying away from the attention". When I got back, they mentioned that a pegasus mare and her little sister kept asking about me. The filly had looked deeply disappointed and even saddened when they kept telling her they had no idea where I was, with the older sister huffing in extreme annoyance and frustration.

I've got a pretty good guess as to who those two were.

Anyways, all of the equipment was moved to the biggest stage in Times Circle for the final phase of the concert. All the bands were to sing either a new song or a very recent one. Our band was doing the former, though others like Linkin Colt have the latter in mind.

Electron peaked out of the curtains. "Looks like an even bigger crowd than I imagined. Heck, I can even see Princess Luna waiting for the final round."

Burst looked at the rest of us. "We've come this far, gang. We give them our A-game and show them how we do things around here."

Snare snorted and waved her hoof dismissively. "That goes without saying. That little pep talk was pretty lackluster. Final act got you nervous, second-in-command?"

He glares at her. "I've never had a song judged by a PRINCESS before. Of course I'm nervous, though I can't imagine how Zephyr is feeling right now."

"Y-yeah... I just hope that it passes muster..."

Strings looked around. "With so much variety in what genres ponies like, I can see the results being either mixed up or incredibly close together."

Electron sighed. "Let's just try our best. That's all we really can do..."

I nodded with Iron. Probably the hardest part of this phase of the concert is waiting, as we were to be the closing song for the night.

Burst and I connected eyes and we both nodded at each other. During my quick rewriting of the new song, I found out that his dad had passed away a month prior to me joining. As such, he really appreciated the fact that I made the song as homage to both his dad and my grandfather.

I'm sorry, Grandpa... for what I've done.

I kept my feelings in stock, hoping it would make a bigger impact on the song.





As Disrupted finished their new song, I noticed that none of the bands said what the name of the song was, nor were they announced. As such, I could not remember what they were singing as well as I'd like, though the curtains having greater muffling capacity might have a role in it as well.

Burst sighed. "Well... this is it guys. Now we go for broke."

"And now, the final song of the night. Ladies and gentlecolts, Dead by Sunset!"

My band members had already taken positions. I started to come out as the song started. No holding the mic in my wing this time.

As the electronic part of the intro kicked in, I once again brought up my memories of my grandpa...

Feelings of anguish from when he died...from the loss of my friends and my own failure to recognize so.

I put all these emotions into my voice as I began to sing.


No, I just refuse to believe my eyes...

In front of me something I can't recognize...

~You stood beside me all my life.~






The heart machines are ticking

I can hear the life support pumping

The line between life and death doesn't come any clearer than this!

Covered in oxygen mask

These words will be his last

With the energy he's got left, he turns to me and says...






I cannot stand by you...

Till the end of the world like I said I would do...

No I won't be able to...

Help you carry the weight of the world

My time has come

Silent as a butterfly...

I'll be flying beside you

Watching above you...

Silent as a butterfly~






All of a sudden I've lost my strength

Isn't it scary how things can change?

It made an instant just like that






Whenever I had questions

you always had the answers

you taught me about life and the importance of being yourself

To highly value honesty

How not to lose grip of reality

With all your hooves on the ground






I cannot stand by you...

Till the end of the world like I said I would do...

No I won't be able to...

Help you carry the weight of the world

My time has come

Silent as a butterfly...

I'll be flying beside you

Watching above you...

Silent as a butterfly~




You weren't supposed to see me like this and I'm sorry

I would say it's not true but I will see you soon






I cannot stand by you...

Till the end of the world like I said I would do...

No I won't be able to...

Help you carry the weight of the world

My time has come

Silent as a butterfly...

I'll be flying beside you

Watching above you...

Silent as a butterfly~


As the song slowly ended, I noticed some of the front row ponies had tears streaming down their faces. I had to force back a sob and prevent myself from crying as well.

When the song completely ended, the audience burst into cheers as we slowly made our exit.

"Quite the song there. Sounded a lot better than practice." Electron wiped her brow as Burst and I look at each other again.

"It's because we put forth real emotion there." was all Burst said before falling silent again. I nodded in agreement.

Snare looks around at the other bands before looking at the curtain. "All we can do now is wait..."





As all the bands gathered on the rather big stage, there were murmurs among the crowd as to who would be the winner. Standing here now was probably the most nerve-wracking thing thus far when dealing with the concert.

"Her royal highness, Princess Luna, will now announce the contestants places." I stiffened at the caller's voice. The moment of truth.

The princess walked onto the stage with a piece of parchment in her magic grip and named off bands starting from last place. Oddly, Linkin Colt was only in ninth while Disrupted was in fifth.

One of the country bands managed to get third place. While I knew we were in the safety zone long ago when it came to the booby prize, the anticipation of who got first place between us and Harmonecence was making me jitter a bit.

"...And lastly--"

Lastly?

"--In first place is a tie between Dead by Sunset and Harmonecence!" I stood there dumbfounded as most of the Circle burst into cheering and applause.

I also got swept up in a group hug in my band as well, Electron squealing, "we did it! We did it!" and Snare proclaiming, "I told you we didn't need to worry!"

Princess Luna had handed off the mic to the original caller. "Well that was a result nopony expected. Would Harmonecence and Dead by Sunset please wait in the back, we wish to discuss the rewards with you. As for everypony else, hope you had a great time! See you next concert."





"I think I'm dreaming over here." I was still in a daze as both bands were back behind the curtain.

Snare gives me a evil grin. "Want me to see if you are?" It was never good if she had that grin.

"NothanksI'vechangedmymindI'mprettysureI'mwideawake." This got a laugh out of everypony present before Princess Luna and another pony walked backstage. We all bow to her as she stops in front of us."

"Rise. Both bands hast proven themselves to be exceptional, howev'r, the reward is anon problematic as 'twas 'riginally intend'd to be reward'd to only one." I noticed her chewing a bit on her cheek, slightly frustrated. Apparently her old dialog was tough to break.

Burst stepped forward before anypony could say anything. "As honored as we are to tie for first place your highness, we feel that the second place prize would be better suited for us. Our current equipment is still relatively new and we would not benefit enough from it." He chanced a nervous grin before adding, "although... could we get something other than a boat as a reward?"

Luna looked at my mom before nodding. "But of course, we wouldst be more than happy to compensate. Besides, a boat is a bit of a fooleth's prize." She shoots a withering glare at the pony beside her, who cowered from it.

"Are you guys sure? You did work pretty hard for the spot." Mom gave us a worried glance.

Snare waved a hoof nonchalantly. "Nah, I don't feel like picking up new duds until my current ones are thoroughly worn. Uh... no offense, your highness." She got a small nod from the lunar princess.

"Then... perhaps an extra sum of bits instead? I can't really think of anything else at the moment." I guess that's the organizer for the whole event. He looks kind of like a Canterlot noble.

"That will work just fine. Besides, I'm sure all of us need some rest after such a big day." Snare apparently wanted things to get moving. He may not show it, but he gets dead tired like the rest of us.

"Then I'll arrange for the extra bits to be delivered to your respective addresses in a few days. Ah, and before I forget." The organizer gives all of us one golden ticket each.

I'm suddenly reminded of a bad song I heard when I was younger.

"Tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala, as promised. These ones double as a two-way train ticket, just show them to the conductor and you'll be set. I'll see you all tomorrow night." With that he leaves with Princess Luna bidding her own farewells before leaving as well.

"Well everypony... today was hectic as all Tartarus, so we best go back to the hotel to rest up for tomorrow." Burst punctuated the statement with a yawn.

"Aw come on, don't be so wimp-wimpy." Snare yawns as well. "Never mind..."

Mom nods to everypony. "Have a good sleep and see you again tomorrow... hopefully."

I give her a hug. "G'night mom. And don't worry, we'll be there."

At least THEY won't be there...
> Chapter 21 - Gala Entourage (Best Night Ever)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The group next door to us had already left by the time I woke up the next morning, much to my relief. For the first time in a while I was blessed with a seemingly dreamless sleep, most likely due to how tired I was from everything that happened yesterday.

"Snare! We need to get ready to go, like... now!"

I roll my eyes, amused. According to Burst and Strings, Electron was the one to always get Snare out of bed in the morning, often with mixed results. There are times when she's easy to get out of bed, albeit in a grumpy mood, or--

"Five more minutes mom..."

-- She's a royal pain to even move.

I shrug at Iron, who was always the first to wake up out of all of us. He cast another worried glance my way before looking at Burst, who seemed to recall something.

"Did you have any nightmares last night? I'd hate for you to feel dead tired for your first Grand Galloping Gala because of some bad dream."

I shake my head. "Last night was fine for once. Still... going to one of the biggest parties in Equestria, I thought the nervousness would end with the concert."

"Mind you, this is the first Gala for us all." Strings was in the bathroom doing... something. There was a spitting noise before he continued, "Still, the biggest party after the biggest concert?"

I snort in laughter. "We're putting out fires everywhere. What's next; attending the biggest dance, the biggest wedding, or the biggest BIRTHDAY party?"

That last one leaves a very sour taste in my mouth...

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves." Electron finally got Snare out of bed and was now having a glaring contest with the grumpy mare. "I'm as nervous as all of you for this, perhaps even more so than during the concert. Let's just try and get through it without incident."

Burst nodded. "Agreed. Which is why we need to get going if we are to catch the next train to Ponyville to prepare ourselves."

"Bathrooms open to those who need it." Strings went to pack up his luggage. I shrug and go in to freshen myself up.

This is going to be another long day... and night.





I fell asleep on the train ride to Ponyville, so it didn't take very long according to my perception. I went to my house to... well, freshen up even more for the Gala without any idea about what's acceptable. After all, this is the first formal party I'll ever attend.

When I finished I caught sight of the formal suit Rarity made me. Back when I was still mad at the mares, I left it to gather dust and even considered burning it. After that though, I took care of it even more than before, partially out of guilt for what I did.

I could wear this, seeing as I don't have any other formal attire... it might insult Rarity if I wear it, but... I guess I'll use it. As a tribute to a friendship forever broken.

After getting it on without messing up my mane comb too much, I headed towards the train station. We had decided to go as a band and meet at the station at seven, however we agreed that we would split up and do our own thing after we got there. I managed to get there without any incident.

"Looking good there, tiger." I turn to see Snare... nicely done up for how rebellious she is. She's wearing a violet dress with blue highlights, which complements her yellow fur perfectly. She must of noticed my look and gave me a flat glare. "What? Can't I look prettied up once in a while?"

"Err... sorry it's just..."

"You never took me for this kind of mare right?" She sighs. "I know how I usually act, but I do like cutting loose every now and again."

"Right, sorry. Where's everypony else?"

"Right here. You two were slightly earlier than us." Burst, Strings, Iron, and Electron step into the station. Burst is wearing a garnet-red suit, Strings' is Aquamarine, and Iron's is a regular black. Electron's dress is amethyst with red-violet highlights.

"Wow, everypony's decked out here." At least Snare was still being herself.

Burst rolls his eyes. "It IS a formal party. Now lets get going. The train is leaving soon."

The train conductor's eyes widens when he sees our tickets, but doesn't comment on it. Once again, we get settled in for another train ride, albeit a much shorter one.





"Grandiose much?"

I had to agree with Snare, as everything looked like it was decorated by a perfectionist.

Strings sped up a bit. "Well, Canterlot nobles are a fastidious bunch and can raise a ruckus over the smallest of details. It's no wonder why this place is done so fancy. " Noticing our deadpan looks he asks, "What?"

Electron took the cannonball for us."Fasti-something bunch?"

Strings rolls his eyes. "Fas·tid·i·ous, adjective, very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail. Does that help?"

Burst rolls his eyes. "We get it, Strings. No need to act like a dictionary." This got a laugh out of the rest of us and a slightly irritated huff from Strings. It was rare to see him lose his cool like that.

I shake my head. "There's our new thing learned for tonight. Lets try and keep it that... way...." My eyes shrink in horror and I backpedal when I see my former friends gathered in front of the main doors. Right soon after, they all dash in, leaving behind a very confused and slightly depressed Spike.

Iron coughed. "Well... that happened..."

I keep walking backwards. "Yeeeeaaaahhhh... I think I'm going to sit this one ou-- wah!" I get shoved forward by Snare.

"Get your flank through that door and don't chicken out. Besides, you wouldn't want to leave your mom hanging, now would you?"

Celestia damn the drums you beat on, Snare... "Okay fine, I'll go!" Spike disappears when I refocus on the door. The others are already approaching the door, and I shortly follow suit with Snare on my tail.

"See? That wasn't so bad now, was it?"

"Shut up and leave me to my suffering..." She shrugs and wanders off after Strings.

Iron, oddly, hangs back for a moment before turning to me. I give him a puzzled look as he sighs.

"What's up Iron?"

He shakes his head before finally saying, "Believe in your friends and embrace that belief by forgiving failure. Never forget that." He walks off after Snare.

As out of the blue that statement is, it still struck home for me.

Believing in your friends... how can one forgive such failure if such a belief wasn't there to begin with?

I look around nervously before going in the opposite direction and accidentally bump into somepony. "Sorry, I didn't mean to--"

"Zephyr! I'm so happy to see you here tonight!" I suddenly get hugged and I simply hug back.

"Hi mom." She let go of me and I get a better look at her. I've seen her dress before, but it still astounds me how she can make an orange and red dress work for her.

"I love your suit. The way that midnight-blue color, garnished with a few emeralds, fits perfectly with your green coat. Whoever designed it must be an expert."

"Yeah... she lives in Ponyville and works at a place called the Carousel Boutique."

She looks surprised. "Ponyville? I thought it was from another place. Guess even small towns hold very talented ponies as well."

I deadpan. "Mom that sounds... bad the way you put it."

"Oops, sorry."

I look around nervously for a bit. There were a few nobles around us, but nothing too spectacular. "Did you want to walk somewhere?"

"Ah yes, silly me. Perhaps you would like to see Princess Celestia? I hear she's greeting guests a bit further down the hall."

I nod slowly. I needed something to get my mind off things.





"What made you change your mind so suddenly?"

My nervousness increases when I see Princess Celestia. Yet the thing that takes the cake is when I beheld Twilight Sparkle standing right next to her. Mom is looking at me curiously.

"I just... don't feel worthy enough to be in the presence of a princess again so soon..."

She sighs. "If you say so..." Her eyes widen. "Oh no, I'm supposed to meet with one of my band members soon. Sorry to do this to you dear, but I have to run. Try to enjoy the event as best as you can." She gives me a quick hug before quickly trotting off. Apparently, outright running is frowned upon here.

I sigh and head off in a different direction. While I'm wandering around, I get a brief glimpse of a stand run by Applejack, though I quicken my pace to sneak by. Eventually I soon find what appears to be a VIP area and wonder what it takes to be a VIP.

The stallion next to the entrance notices me and smiles. "Zephyr Earthwing of the band Dead by Sunset?" Surprised, I nod and he lifts the rope with magic. "You are free to go on in, sir."

Apparently you need to be a winner in a concert contest or something of that nature...

I wander through the tables, taking note of a Wonderbolt stallion munching happily on a pie. I roll my eyes with amusement before continuing.

"Well... I never imagined I would find an old friend here of all places." I turn to the voice and instantly recognized the friend I haven't heard from in five years.

I grin. "Hey Spitfire, haven't seen you in forever. Moving up in Equestria?"

She chuckles. "Yeah, though being the captain is no easy task. Sorry I never contacted you, I was always busy."

I shake my head. "A pony's got to do what a pony's got to do and I'm not holding you against it." Considering what happened last time I held something insignificant against somepony...

"Glad to hear. Besides, I'm not the only one who moved up in the world, Zeph." She grins at me.

I grin back. "Whatever you say, S-fire." We share a laugh at calling each other our foal hood names before I give her a confused look. "How have I moved up in the world?"

"Well firstly, you somehow became renowned as an expert Wind Manager. Don't ask me how, it just happened I guess." She shakes her head. "Secondly, I heard how you single hoofedly stopped a town from being blown away by rogue wind currents."

Again, I didn't think it was THAT big of a deal...

"And finally, your singing at the Manehatten Concert. I can vouch for that one because I was there." I start blushing heavily and she laughs again. "Still as bashful as you were back then I see. Just like old times. Remember how we first met?"

I smile. "'Course I do. It's one of my fondest memories. Back when we were eight years old."





Zephyr, Manehatten Stadium, 13 years ago





"Why are we here again, mom?"

She looks at me with a smile. "One of my cousins is in the Wonderbolts and he invited me to watch the practice. Not many ponies get a chance to see them in a training environment."

I sigh. I admired the Wonderbolts, but I had no interest in actually joining them when I grew up.

"Hm? There goes Captain Afterburn, wrangling out the team again."

"Yeah, he was considered the harshest captain in Wonderbolt history."

Being at my most mischievous, I sneak away from my mom and onto the field, sneak up beside Afterburn and start mimicking his shouting actions outside of his vision.

It took a bit for the team to notice me, but when they did, they try to hide their laughter and fail, much to their captain's confusion. I keep it up until they are laughing uncontrollably before I sneak back to the stadium seats. My mom was less than pleased.

"Zephyr, that was very naughty of you. When we get back home, you are grounded, young colt!"

Totally worth it!

As I settled back into my seat with a grin on my muzzle, I hear somepony giggling intensely behind me. Looking back, I see a yellow filly with a flaming orange mane failing to contain her own laughter.

"That... that was the best thing anypony did to my dad in forever!"

"Imagine my surprise when I found that out."

I flinch when she sees me staring at her. "Uh..."

"Hey come on, I don't bite... or have cooties." I hesitantly trot up to her and she smiles. "Thanks for doing that. You've no idea how much the team needed that."

"I was... just feeling bored."

"I was too until you did that. I already like you!"

"The way you blushed when I said that was hilarious in its own right."

"Laugh it up why don't you..."

"Uh...uhm... th-thanks. I'm Z-Zephyr."

"Spitfire. Nice to meet you Zeph."





Present time





I shake my head. "I think we broke the record for how soon we started calling each other by nickname."

She shrugs. "I doubt there's a record for that, but okay..."

Suddenly a thought occurs to me. "If the Wonderbolts were only temporarily in Manehatten, how come you never left with them back then?"

She sighs. "My mom and dad went through a divorce when it became apparent that neither of them could handle the other. My mom lived in Manehatten and because my dad couldn't take care of me because of his duties, I spent about three years in Manehatten before moving to Cloudsdale."

"Ah, now I understand... sorry."

"Don't be. You're one of the reasons my foal hood was bearable. There is one thing I have to apologize for. One year after we became friends, I started seeing you less and less."

I put a hoof to my chin. "I always wondered about that. Thought you were getting sick of me."

She shakes her head. "It's not that. I had begun training to become a Wonderbolt myself and, as a result, I started taking less and less time to see you.It wasn't until I left for Couldsdale that I completely stop seeing you."

"Alright, I understand. Just... at least try and stay in touch?"

She smiles. "Will do, Zeph."

She looks away just in time for her to miss my look of horror when I see Rainbow trying to get the attention of another Wonderbolt. I mentally berate myself for not remembering her dream to become one.

If she saw me conversing with Spits now... That's when I get an idea. While it might devalue Spitfire if Rainbow finds this out, at least I'll try and help her as indirect reconciliation for having to deal with me.

"Hey Spitfire there's something I need to tell you about." This gets her attention and I lean in to talk in a lower voice. "During my stay in Ponyville, I met a pegasus who has potential to be a great Wonderbolt recruit."

She cocks an eyebrow. "How good are we talking?"

"She's a better flyer than me." This definitely has her attention now. She had told me before that I had great potential as a Wonderbolt if I was even remotely interested in joining.

"Interesting. I'll keep an eye out for her."

"Actually, she's here right now. Just look for a rainbow-maned sky-blue pegasus mare and that will be her. She might have a few eccentricities but give her a chance."

Spitfire nods. "I met her right before entering the VIP area. I think I see her right now, so I'll go--"

"Just one thing. Don't tell her I recommended her." Seeing her questioning look, I shake my head. "Just trust me with this."

"Remaining anonymous? I guess if that's what you want. If you're not busy, you should go talk to Soarin for a bit, you two will hit it off just fine. He's the one eating a pie." Giving me a smirk, she goes off to indirectly talk to Rainbow. I quickly take my leave as to not garner suspicion from Rainbow.

"Mmph... that was some very good pie!" I deadpan as I approach the Wonderbolt named Soarin. He looks over at me and the next thing I know, he is shaking my hoof rapidly. "I can't believe I get to meet you here, Zephyr Earthwing!"

"Uh... what?"

"You are quite the singer. I thought that Dead by Sunset would flop because Clear Octave couldn't make it, but I was wrong."

"Wait, you went to the concert as well?"

He grins. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, even as a Wonderbolt. I even dragged Spitfire there to watch as well."

I roll my eyes. "And here I was thinking she attended of her own accord."

"She liked it in the end. Not only the music, but also seeing her foal hood friend." Seeing my inquisitive look he elaborates, "She told me about you after your first song. Lucky dog."

I blush heavily. "T-that's not--"

He shakes his head. "Just pulling your wing." He gives me an apologetic smile. "Sorry if I'm coming on too strong. I guess it's the pie."

"Speaking of that, where did you get one? I saw where they're serving food and I didn't see any pies on the dessert table."

"Oh, I got it from a mare that was running a stand over there." He waves a hoof in Applejack's direction. Now that I had a clearer view of her, she was looking kind of depressed. Most likely because none of the nobles were even remotely interested in her food.

"Hm... she's having a rough time of it. I knew nobles were fastidious but this is ridiculous considering you have to pay to eat the food they serve here." Seeing his puzzled look, I roll my eyes. "Never mind..."

Still... I feel immensely bad for AJ. All that work put in and nopony even looks her way... wait.

I turn to Soarin again. "How much did you like her pie?"

He cocks an eyebrow. "I like it very much."

"How good was it compared to other pies?"

Now he looks curious. "Other pies don't even compare. That was, without a doubt, the best pie I ever had."

Good thing Pinkie isn't here... yeesh. "Alright then there's one more thing I must ask. Would you be willing to sponsor for somepony if you loved their product?"

"But of course, why wouldn't I--" He looks at Applejack then back at me with a determined look. "I see what you're getting at. Perhaps ponies would be more willing to buy her things if a Wonderbolt promotes them for her."

"Exactly."

"Well with how good that pie was, I feel like I ripped her off. I will make it up to her with this!" More determined than ever, he trots out of the VIP area towards Applejack.

Just like Rainbow. I turn to leave when a realization blindsides me. I never told him not to mention me! I think it's high time to take my leave... wait, where's the exit?

Finding my way in an open sky is one thing, finding my way in a planned out maze of a castle is a completely different story. More times than I would care for, I wind up back where I started. I eventually resort to going outside to get my bearings straight, as well as get out of the stuffy atmosphere.

"Ah... fresh air is always nice..." I suddenly note some frightened tweeting on my back. When I look, there is a nightingale cowering from something. I heard birds were not very common in the Canterlot Gardens, so seeing one kind of surprises me. I coo it onto my fore-leg and give it some comforting strokes, thankful for my inherent connection to birds even though the other animals in the area would not feel the same.

I hear a frustrated cry and, for the life of me, can not put a face to it at the moment. The nightingale flies away with frightened tweet, yet despite the poor birds fright, my curiosity as to who it was was stronger than my fear. I crawl into the bushes as stealthily as I can and look towards the other side.

I almost instantly regret it.

"COME OUT!"

Well if I was ever curious about how Fluttershy looked and sounded like when she was angry, that curiosity would have just been fulfilled. Her mane was getting fuzzy and she appeared to be missing a shoe.

The look on her face though....

"YAH!!!"

I'll take my leave now...

Sadly for me, a twig happens to be where I step next.

My luck with these kinds of things has been rotten as of late...

"I FOUND YOU!" Fluttershy makes a mad jump for the bush I am in. Seeing no other alternative, I leap out underneath her, glimpsing a surprised look on her face, before making a mad dash for the castle interior.

I almost run into Rainbow, but I manage to dodge out of her way and blend in with a crowd of ponies. I have little doubt she saw me.

Pinkie was singing some kind of polka song much to the entire crowds annoyance. I simply use the confusion to slip between ponies, only to have a near run in with Applejack, who was entering the room with a cake. Thanks to my positioning, I could see Soarin tending her stall in her stead.

I wonder if he suggested turning the normal apples into baked goods as well?

"STAGE DIVE!"

This won't end well...

Pinkie lands on the cart carrying the cake, sending it flying towards Rarity and some unicorn stallion, who has the gall to use her as a shield.

"And I'm probably going to regret this." Spreading my wings, I jump to intercept the cake, hitting it out of the air and splattering it against the wall. Not even checking to see if Rarity saw me, I dash through the doors after landing, quickly finding that the residue cake matter on my wing prevents me from flying properly.

So I've exposed myself to Fluttershy, Rainbow, Applejack and Rarity with Pinkie somewhere else in that same room. The only one I've yet to cross paths with is--

I see Twilight walking down the hall with Princess Celestia.

--Her.

Going for broke, I flap my wings to give myself a speed boost and blow past the two. I hear Twilight call something, but I didn't quite hear what she says.

After running for a bit, I finally find the exit to the castle. There were some rumblings in the distance, giving the indication something big just happened. I take note of it as I continue running; opting to ask my mom a day or two later what it was all about.

I slowed down as I find myself a fair distance away from the castle. Tired and once again lost, I look around and find a doughnut shop still open. I see Spike sitting inside with another unicorn stallion, but I no longer care about avoiding attention. Spike and I never did anything to each other, so I figure it will be fine.

"Welcome-- what happened? You look like somepony threw you into a cake and deposited you into some bushes!" Spike turns and adopts a surprised look when he sees me.

"Long story... don't want to bore you..." I take a seat beside Spike.

"Long time no see, dude. Haven't seen you since you asked me those questions on that one day. How come I never saw you after that?"

I sigh and I give him a weary look. "Again, long story. All I can say is... I messed up... very badly. Doughnut please?" I put a few bits that I brought with me to the Gala on the counter and I get what appears to be a strawberry-vanilla doughnut.

"Still, wouldn't hurt to fly by to say hello every once in a while." I shake my head and he shrugs. We both eat our doughnuts in silence, much to the discomfort of the stallion running the shop.

"Can... can you promise me one thing, Spike?" He looks over at me. "Can you not tell the mares I was here?"

"Why not?"

"They... would be better off not knowing. They probably wouldn't care anyways." I sigh before looking at the stallion. "Do you know when the next train to Ponyville leaves?"

"It leaves in seven minutes. You can make it if you leave now."

I nod. "Thank you and thanks for the doughnut." I nod to Spike. "See you around... maybe."

He waves at me. "See you around." He turns to the stallion. "Hey, another doughnut please."

I exit the shop and head towards the station. After everything that just happened, all I really want is to collapse in bed and forget everything.

Forget how much of a coward I am...

Maybe I should just move away from Ponyville... after all, nothing is there for me... nothing is left.





???





"The supplies have finally arrived, sir."

"Excellent. Begin final preparations for the operation to begin. In two nights time, everything will be realized. Operation Windfall will be achieved at long last."

"Sir... one thing to consider is his mental health. As of late it has been... very questionable."

"Hm... we came this far despite everything. May as well see it through."
> Chapter 22 - Fallen Feathers Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

WARNING: This chapter contains a lot of self-inflicted depression and self-hate. Viewer discretion is advised.





This is the last time I'll ever see this view…

As I flew over Ponyville doing my very early morning wind duties, I took my time to appreciate the scenery the waning night was providing. Not many ponies were out this early, giving an unobstructed view of Ponyville at it's most peaceful.

I had come to grips with my decision to move away last night, and informed Cloud Conduct that I could not continue wind management duties for Ponyville.

"Why are you moving away?"

"I... made a fatal mistake."

I sigh as I touch down in front of my house. Because I never had plans to stay in the house, I hardly made any changes from when I first moved in. Only one thing was different and that was a picture of me at Gummy's birthday party with the mares.

When I was ticked at them, I tried crossing out every one of them except for Pinkie as a way of reminding myself to never forgive them. When I realized my mistake, I tried to rub the red marker off as best as I could, but it was still clear something was there. It was only last night before going to bed did I finally cross myself out of the picture in a thicker line.

The fridge was cleaned out already and all of the belongings I brought with me here are already packed up. I tried to give most of my bits to Cloud as an apology for leaving so early, but she declined.

"All that's left is to wait for night-time..."

With my saddle bags on the table ready to go, I lay down on the couch to try and get more sleep, nightmares or not. Just as I got comfortable, I hear a knock on the door.

Who's up at this hour besides me?

Peering through the doors eye-hole, I see a brown pegasus stallion with a nonchalant look on his face. Breathing a small sigh of relief that it's not one of the mares, I open the door. "How can I help you?"

"Zephyr Earthwing? Cloud Conduct wanted me to inspect the house before we clear it for another Wind Manager's use."

That's a bit odd, but I suppose it's protocol. "Alright." I open the door and let him into the house. Keeping an eye on my saddle bags as he went about the house, I lay back onto the couch to try and relax once again.

It wasn't long before I heard him approaching. "The house passes muster, but I'm afraid something else requires attention."

I was about to respond when I felt a sharp pain in my neck. I immediately feel the location and found a dart stuck in my neck.

"Wha... what are... you..." was all I mustered before everything started fading.

"I'm afraid you're... needed for something else, Zephyr Windstorm." That was all I heard before I blacked out.





Three days later.





"Have either of you seen that coward anywhere?" Rainbow Dash had just entered the library where Twilight and Applejack were.

Applejack gave a look of confusion. "Coward?"

The pegasus gives an irritable groan. "Zephyr! Cloud told me he was to give her the keys for his house a few days ago, yet he didn't. Can you believe that jerk has the nerve to just leave Ponyville without saying anything, especially after what HE'S done?"

"Ah know that feeling, but perhaps he changed his mind abou--"

"That's not the case. The wind currents haven't been changed at all since that day, and nopony has seen him around town." Rainbow lands on a chair with another irritated huff

Twilight sighed as she went back to the book she had in her magic. "Perhaps you’re worrying a bit too much about it, Rainbow. Didn't you say you weren't going to mention him ever again after Scootaloo missed her chance at seeing him again?"

"I know what I said, but this is completely different! Because he up and left without anypony to replace him, the wind currents might go out of control again!"

Applejack groaned. "Then why don't we head towards his house to get some answers? Ah'm sure if we can confront him properly, he'll spill the beans."

"You two know that it could take a turn for the worse." Twilight put the book she was reading away. "Cornering somepony isn't going to guarantee he'll go quietly."

Rainbow raises an eyebrow at her unicorn friend. "It's the only way we're going to get answers. Besides, you said you were still confused over why he treated us like that, even though I told you time and time again that he's just an unappreciative jerk."

Twilight sighs. "I want to believe it's deeper than that. But if you insist, I'll go along with this hay-brained idea. Just don't blame me if the situation turns sour."

"That's fine. If it does turn sour, it'll give me an excuse to kick his flank."

Applejack rolled her eyes at that statement, but didn't comment on it. She herself had entertained the idea of kicking Zephyr's flank into submission ever since he quit apple-bucking, but knew it wouldn't be that simple.

On the way to his house, they were joined by Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Rarity. Rarity herself had hard feelings about Zephyr, yet after what happened at the Gala she was now mixed in her feelings. Sure, he was a bit of a brute, but he had shown more gentlecoltly traits than that horrid prince, especially when he prevented a 'Caketastrophe' from happening, as Pinkie put it.

Fluttershy was the only pony besides Pinkie who wanted to give him another chance from the beginning despite what he did. What made the situation worse for her was when she had a run-in with him back at Manehatten. The way he was scared of her and what he said had subconsciously hurt her more than when the animals at Canterlot avoided her. She kept quiet about it because she feared inadvertently invoking her friend's wrath towards him.

When the group reached Zephyr's house, it was eerily quiet.

Rainbow was the first to speak. "So how do you figure we're going to get in? I say we bust the door down!"

Rarity huffs. "Rainbow I know your feelings towards him, but we should at least try to be civil about this." She knocks on the door, only for it to start swinging open.

Applejack deadpans. "Huh... that was easy."

The mares enter the house and the first thing they noticed were the saddlebags sitting on the table close to the entrance.

"Huh, why didn't he take his bags with him?" Pinkie made the connection since Rainbow told them the keys for the house were never relinquished.

Twilight shivered. "I don't like this. let's check upstairs." Applejack joined her as they climbed.

"Hey I remember this!" Pinkie held up the picture that was taken on Gummy's birthday.

Fluttershy looked at it. "W-why is it that somepony tried to get rid of marks on this picture, only for them to cross out..."

Rainbow looked around the house impatiently. "I don't care about that. He need's to show his flank or else we risk having Ponyville's wind currents go out of control again!"

"You sound more concerned about the wind currents than you do about his actual disappearance." All six mares give a surprised look at the light-blue pegasus stallion who had just entered the house.

Rainbow narrows her eyes. "You're in the same band as he was."

"That's correct. I'm Yamaha Strings, main guitarist of the band Dead by Sunset."

Rainbow rolls her eyes. "I already knew that, but that's besides the point. As for Zephyr, we could care less about what happened to him! I just want to know where the buck he went." Twilight gives her a small glare for being included in that sentence while Applejack scrunched her muzzle in minor contemplation. Rarity looked torn while Fluttershy and Pinkie looked saddened.

Strings sighs. "I'm afraid to say he doesn't have the luxury of coming back and that he won't be going anywhere at all."

Fluttershy immediately got aggressive. "What did you do with him?" Seeing the looks she got, she whimpered and sank to the floor.

"I wish I could say I didn't do anything to him." Seeing the confused looks he shook his head. "I'll be brief; he was foalnapped by a conspicuous group who needed him for their goals."

Rainbow gave him a flat look. "Okay, firstly; how do you know this and secondly; why would you think we care after all he's done?"

"To answer your first one, my real name isn't Yamaha Strings, that's my everyday and under-cover name. For security purposes I won't disclose my real name, but I can tell you that I had secretly infiltrated that same group under Princess Celestia's orders." This got a small gasp from Twilight.

"Secondly, I'll have to answer that with another question; is that how you truly feel?" Rainbow recoiled a bit before glaring at him. "If you're under the assumption that he is unaware of what he did, then you are wrong."

Applejack was the first to respond. "Ya mean he admitted to being in the wrong?"

"You make it sound like he instigated it, but I digress; yes he admitted to being wrong and started to become depressed because of it." Strings looks at his watch. "Explaining will take too long and I have somepony to pick-up. If you even carry a shred of hope he could still be your friend, I recommend listening to this." He pulls a tape player out of his own saddlebag and promptly leaves the house.

Twilight looks at it with a worried face. "I don't like where this is going, but..."

"Don't we have better things to do?" Rainbow was stretching her wings, eager to leave and fly around.

Pinkie gasped. "Rainbow! What a thing to say! Can't you at least give this a chance, especially if what Strings said is true and Zephyr really was foalnapped?"

Rainbow came to a stand-still. She hated Zephyr's guts for throwing their friendship away so haphazardly, yet she couldn't just ignore somepony in trouble. In the end, she decided to stay and hear what the tape had on it.

Twilight pushed the play button after confirming it was at the beginning. At first there was only a bit of static until an unknown stallion's voice cut in with familiar yelling in the background.

"Audio log #342; subject has been captured and brought into lab Sigma P-V for study. Despite the lab's limited capabilities, we will be able to confirm and discover the subject's capabilities, as well as inherent connections and reactions. Currently subject is reacting violently to confinement, sample collection is not viable."

"That's horrible... trying to tie somepony down like they are some kind of rogue animal!" Fluttershy outburst again, except this time her friends agreed. Rainbow stayed silent.

"Audio log #343; within the same day of admittance to the facility, subject has quieted down to acceptable perimeters. The leader is worried, as the subject calmed down far faster than original projections, leading to concern over the subject's mental and psychological health from before admittance. Blood, feather, and magic samples have been taken and are undergoing research. Leader will communicate with the subject tomorrow."

Now Applejack spoke up. "He... gave up so quickly?"

Twilight shakes her head. "I'm concerned over how they immediately regarded mental and psychological health over why."

Pinkie whimpered. "Was he... unhappy?" once again, Rainbow didn't comment, though she bore a softer look on her face at this point.

"Audio log #344; the leader has requested this audio log to record the conversation between the subject and himself."

The tape fell silent for a bit before fizzling back the audio.

"How are you holding up, Zephyr Windstorm?" Fluttershy let out a gasp at the name.

It took a bit before the voice everypony in the room recognized spoke up. "Does it matter how I feel in the end?"

"Oh, I was wondering because of my next question. As apologies for suddenly admitting you to this facility, I'm willing to release you in any city you wish with a substantial apology. You only need to--"

"Would it matter if I were to simply stay put?" This confused the mares in the room.

This also confused the unknown stallion. "Are you saying you'd rather not be released at all?"

"Would anypony even care if I just disappeared off the face of Equestria? Would anypony even bother looking for me?"

"I care about you disappearing, Zephy!" Pinkie cried out despite knowing he wouldn't hear it.

"I... see. I suppose you will be accommodated accordingly in lab Alpha C-L. Before I go, is there anything you would like to say?"

"..."

"No? Then I suppose--"

"I just..."

"Hm?"

"I wish I could take it all back. I honestly do, I honestly do wish... I could take it all back... and not just because I found myself in a laboratory to become a test subject. Anyways... if I were to ever see them again... do you know what I would say? I would say... 'I'm sorry'... sincerely... I am sorry I was bossy... a jerk... and monstrous... and I am genuinely sorry..."

Is this... what he meant in Manehatten? Fluttershy thought as she fought back tears as hard as she could because of how much the words hurt.

"If... that's how you feel, then why didn't--"

"Why didn't I apologize before this? It's because... I’m a coward. I feared their retribution... at how I wronged them... how I threw their friendship back in their faces. I knew... none of them would ever forgive me... not even Fluttershy, the kindest pony I have ever met..."

"Why did all of this happen?" The unknown stallion's curiosity was piqued and he pressed on, knowing Zephyr was laying his soul out on display.

"It happened because... I let the past blind me to the present. I've had so many friends turn their backs on me as a colt that... I was unable to see genuine friendship. When my birthday rolled around and they did... what they did to give me a birthday party... I simply saw it as another betrayal, not realizing I would be the ultimate hypocrite."

"So you threw away their friendship?"

"Before Ponyville, I treated friendship as a hinderance... as something worthless. Even after I made friends, I treated it like an obligation; expecting them to adhere to what I felt was acceptable.

"I left Manehatten to run away from my past. I ignored and shunned my friends because I was running away from the fact that I might be wrong. Even after I realized I was wrong, I ran away because I feared retribution... I feared getting what I deserved. That's all I've ever done... is run away.

"I'm tired of running... I'm tired of everything... I... give up."

"You give up?"

"Yes... I doubt anypony... including my adoptive mother... would care if I disappeared. Especially those... six mares, who hate me with every fiber of their beings. I never realized how much I valued them as friends... until it was too late."

There was a silence before the recording cut out. The elements were struggling to come to terms with what was said when an orange hoof rested near the tape recorder.

Rarity was the first to recognize the owner. "Mrs. Harpsong?"

Harpsong simply looked at the tape player with sadness in her eyes. "My sweet, little colt... why did you keep everything to yourself?"
> Chapter 22 - Fallen Feathers Part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

WARNING: This chapter is a massive exposition dump. Read at your own risk.




Twilight looks at Harpsong with a surprised look before looking at Strings. "Is she the one you went to pick-up?"

"Correct. A few days ago, I managed to send her a letter telling her to come to Ponyville at this time. I've... already filled her in on the situation."

Harpsong kept looking at the tape-player with a sad face until Fluttershy spoke up. "Um... is it true you aren't Zephyr's..."

"Y...yes, it's true. I'm merely his adoptive mother from sixteen years ago." Looking back at the tape-player, Harpsong lets out a sad sigh. "Why would he think I wouldn't care if he vanished?"

Rarity looked dumbfounded for a moment before giving Harpsong a sad face. "Despite not being tied to him in blood... you care deeply about him, don't you?" All she got was a solemn nod.

"H-how did you come about adopting him?" Fluttershy let out a small meep when Rarity and Applejack gave her a curious look.

Harpsong was going to respond when Strings cut in. "You can explain on our way to the lab. I already know where the entrance is, but I need to clear something first." Turning to the younger mares, he asks, "Are any of you willing to at least forgive him long enough to save him from a fate he's condemned himself to?"

Applejack flattened her ears against her head. "Ah dunno... even through that tape-player, he sounded so... honest about everything he said, even his apology. He didn't know we would hear it, yet he spilled himself out anyways." Pulling her stetson over her eyes a bit, she adds, "Hearing him admit to being a coward after how many times WE called him a coward... it doesn’t feel right anymore."

Pinkie shook her head, mane slightly deflated. "I told you he's not a true meanie-mean pants, just... misunderstood."

Twilight sighed. "Misunderstood might be a bit of an understatement now..."

Rarity shuddered. "Sweetie Belle was recently done with telling me how much she didn't like Zephyr anymore either. For all of this to happen to him..." Applejack simply nodded.

Fluttershy looked around with a fearful look on her face. "B-but what can we do?"

"... I'll tell you what we can do." Everypony in the room looked at Rainbow Dash in surprise. She had been silent ever since listening to the tape-player and all of Zephyr's confessions. "We're going to bust into that lab and get him the buck out of there before it's too late!"

Twilight flinched a bit. "Rainbow, weren't you the one who said we should forget about him?"

"I know what I said before! Still... even though he was honest about his indirect apology-- Applejack confirmed that --I feel... hollow with that kind of apology. Plus no-pony, especially pegasi, should be confined for the rest of their lives when they should be flying free. Zephyr needs a second chance!" Rainbow's little speech got somewhat mixed reactions from everypony present.

Strings puts a hoof to his chin. Quite the heel realization for the Element of Loyalty. She treated his actions as a betrayal, yet now that she knows his reasoning, she feels responsible for the situation he's in. Of course she tried to hide this by saying something completely different.

Harpsong started crying when the other mares had unanimously wanted to help. "Thank you... thank you all so much. You've no idea how much this means to me and Zephyr..."

Pinkie hugs the shivering mother. "Hey, what are friends for?"

Strings cleared his throat. "I hate to interrupt the moment, but we need to get moving if we want to break into the lab when security is at it's lowest. It's almost sunset and by the time we get there, it'll be early nighttime, the only window we have to infiltrate in."

Rainbow leaped into the air. "Then what are we waiting for?" With those words, everypony filed out of the house and followed Strings, seemingly headed towards the outskirts of the Everfree Forest.

Fluttershy trotted up beside Harpsong. "S-so... um... how did you and Zephyr..."

"Ah yes... that. Well I suppose it will help you girls understand him a bit more.

"Sixteen years ago, my husband passed away from a type of hereditary disease, something that haunted his family for ages. I understood this, yet when he did pass away, I couldn't move on from it and it resulted in my singing career almost falling to pieces. Every month, I would visit his grave in the foothills outside of Manehatten.

"One day, while visiting his grave for the umpteenth time, I hear a loud bird's cry from the sky. When I looked up, I saw a massive green bird flying down towards me."

Fluttershy and Twilight gasped. "A Garuda!"

"So that's what it was. Anyways, at first I feared for my life, thinking I was picked out as prey. However as the bird drew closer, I noticed something clutched in it's talon."

Applejack nodded. "Zephyr."

"To this day, I wondered if the Garuda and Zephyr were, in some way, a message from my husband telling me I couldn't mourn him forever. Perhaps the bird saved the colt from a terrible fate and, not knowing what to do, gave him to me knowing I would take care of him."

Twilight had a thoughtful look on her face. "In ancient times, Garuda's were commonly associated with strong family bonds, being a bird species where the parents stick together until the last hatching has left the nest and were at their fiercest when defending their young. Perhaps that particular one felt your pain and, through rescuing Zephyr, wanted to ease it by giving you a foal to take care of."

Pinkie on the other hoof looked horrified. "What do you mean by 'a terrible fate'?"

Harpsong sighed. "Excluding the grip marks from the talons, he had a massive welt on his head when I took him in. When he woke up, he had amnesia and could only remember the first part of his name, Zephyr. After that, he started to instinctively ask for a mother he couldn't remember, something I quickly filled for him. I gave him my last name to fill in the part he couldn't remember after the authorities couldn't find his parents without proper leads."

Applejack gave Harpsong a thoughtful look. "An' you took care of him ever since?"

"Long story short, yes."

Strings suddenly stopped in front of an old shack. "We're here."

Rainbow gave an exasperated look. "This doesn't look like a lab to me!"

"Patience, Ms. Dash. With labs like this one, there's more to it than meets the eye."

Twilight gives Strings an apprehensive look. "You stole that line from a sci-fi book, didn't you?"

"Unimportant." He walks into the building with the mares trailing behind him. Stopping in front of a bookshelf, he pushes a book in and the entire shelf slides over to reveal a metal door.

"It's always the bookshelves..." Twilight grumbles.

Snares swipes what looks like a card and opens the door before turning to the mares. "From here on out, we need to keep talking to a minimum or low level. If we get caught, the chances of us getting Zephyr out of here decreases by a lot. Any questions before we continue?"

Applejack stepped forward. "One thing ah don't get. You sent a letter to Harpsong a few days ago, yet you never sent a letter to Princess Celestia?"

"When Zephyr was brought in, the facility went into lock-down and we couldn't send letters unless it was very important. Plus no-pony was allowed to send letters to Canterlot. I was able to disguise my letter to Harpsong as a letter to a family member, yet I couldn't send one to Princess Celestia until I talked to Twilight's dragon assistant. Any other questions?"

No-pony spoke up and he took it as clearance to begin the rescue operation. As the group went down in the elevator, unease grew in everypony's heart, wondering if anything will be back to normal even if Zephyr was rescued.

Strings spoke up one last time. "There's only one floor, but the room where Zephyr is held is on the opposite end of the facility. If we're lucky, we won't need to hide in any of the off-shooting rooms." All he got was a round of nods before the door opened again. They were met with a long, grey hallway with many doors evenly spaced apart, some of them open with a green lamp over them.

This place is so cold and sterile. Fluttershy thought as the group silently made their way through the hallways. There were many branching paths so everypony kept behind Strings as he led them through. They reached a door labeled "Containment Area P-V 2", when he stopped and swiped his card again.

Everypony had different expectations as to what they would see beyond the door. A padded room, a plain room with basic necessities, or even a simple prison cell.

What they saw was Zephyr sitting upright, yet chained to the ground with wings chained open. The mares instantly made a bee-line for him to confirm he wasn't hurt physically.

Rainbow reached him first and stopped dead in her tracks. "Am... I seeing this right?"

There, where his bandages used to be, nestled against his body, was a second smaller set of wings.

Rarity shivered. "Is... this what he was trying to hide all this time?"

Pinkie gave the apparently sleeping pegasus a thoughtful look. "That explains why he reacted so adversely to a jab there. His sides weren't sensitive, his wings were." She gave one of the wings a poke. Zephyr groaned uncomfortably and the wings sprang open.

Fluttershy gaped at them. "T-they're the same size as m-my wings."

"Girls, that's not important right now. We need to get him out of here!" Twilight quickly grabbed a key off the wall and started unlocking his chains.

Applejack took notice of Rainbow's renewed irritated look. "What's got yer tail in a knot now?"

"The fact that he's been holding out on me this whole time, despite him always telling me off for holding out on him whenever we race!"

Harpsong looked at the younger mares with a surprised look. "You girls... you don't mind..."

"The fact that he has a second pair of wings?" Pinkie finished for her. "Of course not, silly! Zephy will always be Zephy despite what he looks like!"

Twilight looked up from the chain she was currently unlocking. "I agree with Pinkie, I don't see any issues with that. It just means he's a better flyer than he originally let on." Fluttershy and Rarity nod in agreement.

Applejack looked at Zephyr again. "In the beginning, ah would of liked him to of been more straightforward about this. But now that ah know about his foalhood, ah can see why he wanted to hide them."

"That's besides the point!" Rainbow cut in. "When we get out of here and he's okay, I'm challenging him to another race. I prefer my opponents operating at 120% capacity, otherwise it's just not right."

Harpsong couldn't believe her ears. Every day when he was younger, Zephyr would always come home, crying at how all of the foals bullied him for having extra wings and calling him a freak. It went so far as to make her believe no-pony in Equestria would accept her adopted son for who he is, not what he is. Yet hearing the mares he thought no longer liked him say that they didn't care about it, their dedication to their friends overwhelmed her.

Bowing her head, she quietly said, "Thank you..."

"Now's not the time for this." Strings cut in. "We need to get out of here ASAP. The fact that there is apparently no-pony around bothers me."

Rainbow shook her head. "Right, escape first. AJ, could you carry him?"

The farm-mare backpedaled. "No way, no how. Last time I came into contact with him, I somehow leeched magic from him!"

This got a startled look out of everypony except for Twilight, who facehooved at forgetting about telling her friends about it. "Right, I forgot to say something about that. Still, he's incredibly light at the same time, so anypony here could carry him easily."

Rainbow sighed. "I guess I will. No use arguing over it." With one fluid motion, she picked up the sleeping Zephyr onto her back. "Wow, he really is light."

Strings sighed. "If we got that sorted out, then we should get a move on--" As soon as he opened the door, he stopped in his tracks. "Great, I knew it was too good to be true. We've got security doors active now." Sure enough, the hallway in front of them was blocked by a large door.

Fluttershy started panicking. "T-then h-how are w-we supposed t-to get out?"

Rarity noticed something. "One of the side rooms is open. the lamp above it is green... an unpleasant shade of green..."

Strings beckoned them to hurry. "We'll have to make due, all rooms are connected in one way or another. Lets use that to our advantage and get out of here!"








The leader of the lab, code name O, sat in the security chair with a thoughtful look on his face.

When he took over for the previous leader, he immediately objected to the harsher ways of doing things and straightened out his researchers. It was the upfront, brutish way that made the previous leader loose sight of Zephyr because of attempts at foalnapping too close to society. Up until a year ago, this division was frantically looking for their target until he took lead.

When O set forward the plans to 'bring in' the now grown up Zephyr, he accepted that the pegasus would of had his spirit broken at least somewhat. However, with how quickly he gave up his fight and the fact that he was willing to stay as a lab-rat, it made O feel a little hollow inside. He never intended to kick Zephyr when he was down, but that's how it happened.

Perhaps sending a fake letter from Harpsong was too much of a stretch...

O heard his right-hoof assistant approach him. "Sir, is it wise to simply let them go?"

"I'm fine with this. I had no intention of keeping Zephyr here, against his will or not. All of the samples and copies of our findings have already been sent to Lab Alpha C-L. We have more than enough to truly go forward with our research. Plus, if the friends he thought hated him rescued him, perhaps his soul can start healing again, like it did when he first moved to Ponyville."

"Still... leaving copies of our findings in their forged path out?"

O chuckles. "I consider that my little apology to them by helping both Zephyr and his friends understand more about his body and magic. Plus, I think two of them are in for a big surprise when they find the results of our genealogy tests."

"You're being pretty kind..."

"Maybe. It certainly help's Zephyr's case since he effectively took over my place in the band I used to be with." O shakes his head. "For now, we should leave this place. No doubt Princess Celestia has been informed about this lab and we wouldn't want to stick around for the royal guards."








In one of the rooms they were going through, Twilight noticed something. "A lot of the equipment in here is used for testing magic!"

Applejack looks around. "Similar to the widget you have in the library?"

"Similar, but more advanced."

"Look at this!" Pinkie holds a few sheets of paper out towards the group.



Initial tests of the subject's magic immediately shows differences from regular pegasus magic. When the subject is unconscious or asleep, it works to lessen the body weight by an astounding 75%, making for easy transportation for any party. This also results in higher immunity to hotter and colder temperatures even while conscious.

Further analysis shows that this magic shows aversion towards unicorn magic, effectively canceling it out and making most unicorn spells useless, though more powerful magic users can overload this immunity. On the contrary, it gets absorbed by earth pony magic because of it constantly going through a magic equivalent of osmosis; the subject's magic has less 'solutes' than earth pony magic, causing a reaction that can be misrepresented as 'magic leeching'. This takes effect after approximately five seconds of contact with an earth pony. Reasons why a similar reaction doesn't occur with regular pegasus magic is unknown, further analysis required.

Final testing with auxiliary facilities show that the subject's magic is malleable similarly to unicorn magic, possibly explaining the aversion. If the subject was a unicorn, or temporarily gained a unicorn horn, this magic can be used to cast unicorn spells with proper training. Results also show an increased vulnerability to negative magical effects.



Applejack shivered. "So ahm not the only earth pony who can 'drain' his magic..."

Rarity simply deadpanned. "He's immune to unicorn magic? That's not something you hear about..."

Twilight sighed. "Another thing I forgot to mention. Seems they were able to find out more about his magic than I was... how frustrating."

"So that explains why..." Everypony looked at Harpsong with confused looks. "There were times when Zephyr was younger where a teacher couldn't get him away from a group of bullies with his or her magic. It caused a lot of confusion." Looking over the beginning again, she frowned. "Higher immunity to hotter and colder temperatures? I'm calling them out on that."

"At least he's still huggable!" Pinkie cheered.

Strings looked at the research notes with interest. "Perhaps we should take those with us. They might be useful in the future." Pinkie nodded and stuffed the papers in her mane.

After running through a few more rooms, Rainbow took notice of a few machines in one room. "Some of these things look like hospital equipment."

Fluttershy took notice of one particular machine. "T-this one has one of Zephyr's feathers in it."

Twilight picked up some paper in her magic. "More research notes..."



Physically, subject is somewhat similar to a regular pegasu. Primary wings have less nerves than a normal pegasus wing and contains a few more 'bone offshoots' in the wing. This leads to the speculation that the subject is able to grip a wider variety of objects with his primary wings. Primary wings also have slightly more muscle mass than normal.

Secondary wings have far more nerves than a normal pegasus wing, sensitive to subtle things not normally felt, like a change in the wind. Bone structure is made of a similar material to unicorn horns; further analysis required for concrete support behind such biological anomaly.

Feathers are more flexible than a regular pegasus feather, yet some aren't as well attached, leading to minor feather loss with sudden movement or if startled. Feather growth faster than normal; able to regrow primaries within three days, secondaries within two. Eyes contain slightly more magic than normal; possible indication of ability to enact 'gale vision' for wind management.



Rainbow huffed. "That one was kind of disappointing outside of the feather growth."

"Guess that explains why his wings are so sensitive." Pinkie pokes Zephyr's 'secondary' wing again, causing him to shift uncomfortably on Rainbow's back and earning a glare from the prismatic pegasus.

"Please refrain from teasing the sleeping pegasus, we don't need him shifting around when it counts." Most of the mares almost giggled at Strings for saying it in a deadpan tone.

Twilight was looking over the notes thoughtfully. "Bones made of the same material as unicorn horns? what could that mean?"

Applejack shrugged. "Probably a bit more of a pain to heal if it gets broken."

"I say, Applejack, what a terrible thing to even consider!" Rarity gasped. Applejack gave a nervous smile as everypony continued onward.

In the last room right before the exit, Fluttershy caught sight of one more research note and paused to grab it, causing everypony else to stop as well. Rainbow huffed in irritation. "Come on Fluttershy. I know Zephyr isn't heavy, but he's kind of uncomfortable on my back."

Strings also huffed impatiently. "The exit's right around the corner. I still don't get why they're just letting us waltz out with Zephyr."

Pinkie tutted. "Strings, just smile and nod at our good luck, no need to question--" She was interrupted by fluttershy dropping the paper with a shocked look on her face. "Fluttershy? What’s wrong?"

"I-It's true..."

Twilight picked up the paper and held it for everypony else to read.



DNA results:

Subject: Zephyr Windstorm
Race: Pegasus(?)
Blood type: B-



Harpsong hummed. "Windstorm... it certainly sounds more fitting for him than Earthwing, I must admit. Kind of hurts seeing that question mark beside his race though..."



Based on a cumulative DNA sample study, subject carries blood relations with the deceased Barricade Windstorm and Medishy of Cloudsdale, and Fluttershy of Ponyville. DNA analysis holds confusion as to what race the subject is, as despite being born a pegasus by a pegasus, the machine was unable to properly identify the proper race. Further analysis required.



Now everypony was gawking at Fluttershy. Rainbow was the first to speak up, "Fluttershy... he's your..."

She nods. "He's my brother... I remember it now. W-when I heard his real name on that tape-player, a flood of memories suddenly washed over me. I-I didn't say anything i-in case I was wrong..."

Twilight widened her eyes. "That could explain the headaches you two got whenever you were around each other; your minds were trying to remember, yet they couldn't so it manifested as a headache!"

Harpsong shook her head in disbelief. "After everything we've found out, we've finally found his true family." This caused her to look at Zephyr with sad eyes, realizing that she wouldn't be together with him for much longer.

Pinkie suddenly squealed with joy. "Oh my gosh, I should totally throw a 'brother and sister finally reunited' party for you two!"

Strings rolled his eyes. "If you’re serious about that, wait until he has a clean bill of health from the hospital. For now, Fluttershy, keep that paper, it's proof that he is related to you by blood. Exit's around the corner, let's get out of here."








The first thing I became aware of when I started regaining consciousness was how comfortable I was, as I never got used to the chains tying me down.

The second thing was the slow, consistent beeping of a heart monitor, something I haven't heard since visiting my grandpa on his death bed.

Wait... if I'm on a heart monitor, then...

I force my eyes open and saw the white room that are the hospital emergency rooms. While wondering how I wound up in one, I felt something shift at my side.

It was Fluttershy. The monitor started beeping faster as I started panicking.

W-why is she here? I thought she--

She stirred and I tried to calm my heart down so I could pass off as still sleep--

"Zephyr?"

Too late.

"Oh thank Celestia you’re awake!" I jolt as she nuzzles my neck affectionately.

"F-Fluttershy... why? I thought you--" I stopped as she put a hoof on my muzzle.

"Please... stop thinking that I hate you. None of us do."

"But... everything... everything is my..."

She frowns at me. "Big brother, please stop making it entirely your fault. We were ignorant of your feelings when we did what we did. We carry most of the blame." She nuzzles me again.

Her calling me "big brother" made me think back to when I was called Zephyr Windstorm for the first time in the lab. A flood of memories had washed over me, but I ignored it thinking it could have been a lie and that it wouldn't matter anyways. Hearing Fluttershy say it now, I can now confirm all of those memories are true.

I sigh as I nuzzle her back. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be."

It stayed like that for a while until Pinkie burst into the room. "Fluttershy, we have a prob--" She saw me awake and gave a quiet squee of joy as she hugs me. "Zephy, your awake!"

"Hi Pinkie."

Fluttershy looked startled. "P-Pinkie, what's the problem?"

"Oh yeah, a certain trio of filly's found the tape-player we accidentally left behind and heard Zephyr's confession for themselves." I winced when I realized that the mares somehow recorded and knew what I had said. "Now they're trying to avoid going to school and want to see Zephy."

"O-oh, I can try and help with that..." Fluttershy took leave after giving me one last nuzzle.

Pinkie squeed again. "You two look so cute as siblings! I'm totally throwing a reunion party for you two!" She gasps. "Oh my gosh, I have to plan it out right now! In the meantime, your mommy wants to talk to you!" With that, she dashes out of the room.

Pinkie will always be Pinkie... in a way, it eases my mind knowing she's still hyper.

"Zephyr?" I look and see my mom standing at the door way. I barely got a smile out before she hugged me, sobbing. "Please don't scare me like that! I thought I lost you!"

"I'm sorry mom..."

"And please, don't ever think I won't care about your well being. I may only be your adoptive mother, but I still love you very much."

I sigh and did the one thing I hated as a colt; I bumped the tip of her muzzle with mine. She gave me a startled look before embracing me again.

I'm never going to live any of this down...

> Chapter 23 - Awkward Recoveries Topped With Nostalgia
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was late afternoon when I was cleared from the hospital. All I had were minor bruises from the chains, some minor blood and feather loss, and a case of malnutrition. The staff wanted to keep me in longer, but I insisted that I would be absolutely fine, though they insisted that I "take it easy".

Because of my lightweight structure from malnutrition, I easily got knocked over when three fillies tackled me. Scootaloo landed on my stomach and started pounding on my chest in frustration. "Idiot, idiot, idiot, idiot! Why would you say such things? Why did you keep everything to yourself? Why?!" Her pounding got slower and weaker as she started sobbing.

I sigh and shake my head. "Because I’m weak. I understand if you three hate me for avoiding you like that..."

"I told you to stop saying that!" I look over and see Fluttershy giving me a frustrated look.

Applebloom whimpered. "But... why didn't ya tell us anything?"

I look away, partially in shame. "If I did tell you, you would of hated me anyways."

Sweetie Belle gave me a worried look. "No we wouldn't! We could of helped you find a way to make up for it!"

"You say that because you listened to that tape-player. Think about it; how would any of you felt, before hearing that, if you knew I wronged your older sisters and their friends?" The fillies looked at each other.

Scootaloo sighed. "I... suppose you're right." She glares at me. "I thought I told you not to do that ever again. This time, I want you to Pinkie Promise not to do it ever again!"

I shoot a confused look at Fluttershy. "Pinkie Promise?"

I hear a gasp from my other side. "I forgot to tell you about that!" I look and see Pinkie facehoofing. "It's what Rainbow Dash did on 'that' day. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." she went through the motions before looking at me expectantly.

"C-cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my-- ow." I poke my eye with my hoof.

The fillies giggle as Pinkie shakes her head in amusement. "Twilight did the same thing, so I'll let it slide. Just remember, breaking a pinkie promise is the fastest way to lose a friend--" She zips up beside me with a menacing look. "-- FOREVER!"

"I-I get it, even though I thought I already lost everypony as friends."

"That's beside the point." She suddenly dashes off, leaving all of us confused.

I shake my head as the fillies get off me and I stand up. "I suppose I should go see Cloud Conduct over my situation. I'm not sure if I'm still the wind manager."

Fluttershy gives me a worried look. "Are you sure you're fit enough to fly to Cloudsdale? You only just got out of the hospital."

"I should be fine, the feathers I'm missing aren't that important to my flight and I feel rested enough." She looked unconvinced but gave me an affectionate nuzzle anyways.

Scootaloo was about to gag when Applebloom cut in. "Hey, I've seen Applejack doing that to Big Mac whenever she's worried about him."

Sweetie Belle deadpanned. "The nuzzle from a worried little sister to her older brother? Wait, could that mean..?"

Fluttershy and I look at each other before I nod at the fillies. "We've just recently found out but yeah, Fluttershy's my sister."

This caused Sweetie Belle and Applebloom to squeal with delight while Scootaloo deadpans. "And here I thought you two suddenly became lovey-dovey with each other."

"Wha-- I assure you that is NOT the case." My outburst got a giggle out of Fluttershy.

"There's the stallion I've been waiting for!" I look up and see Rainbow Dash flying right above me with a glare. On instinct, I crouched in fear.

Fluttershy gave the rainbow-maned pegasus a glare of her own. "Rainbow, give him a break. I thought you--"

"I'm not mad at him for THAT, not anymore anyways." She narrows her eyes at me. "I'm mad for a different reason. You, mister, have been holding out on me this whole time!"

Seeing the looks of confusion the fillies and I bore, she rolls her eyes and jabs my side. I yelp as all four of my wings spread much to the surprise of the crusaders, Scootaloo especially. "I... uh... I can explain!"

"No need, Harpsong filled us in on why you hid your second pair. That still doesn't change the fact that I want a rematch, except you're using all FOUR wings this time."

This surprised me. I thought she, somepony who prides herself on her flying as a normal pegasus, would hate a 'cheating freak' like me. "Y-you don't mind...?"

Rainbow rolls her eyes again. "Harpsong asked the same thing, and Pinkie answered for all of us; you're you no matter what you look like. I'm more irritated at you for holding back on me despite you always giving me flack for holding back."

"B-but what about the rest of the town?"

She sighs. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. In the meantime, I want you to get back up to speed with BOTH pairs, then we'll have our rematch. Until then, see you around town." With that, she flies off.

"That... is... AWESOME!" I give Scootaloo a surprised look when she shouts like that. "Er... not as awesome as Rainbow Dash, but you essentially have double the wing-power you originally let on."

"Are you girls... fine with this?"

Applebloom gives me a questioning look. "Will it change yer personality if they aren't hidden?"

I shake my head and Sweetie Belle smiles at me. "Then you have no need to worry."

I breath a sigh of relief, glad to finally be wrong about how some ponies would treat me. "Well, I need to head over to Cloudsdale to get something straightened out. If I can, I'll play with you three tomorrow after school." They nod and run off.

"You are very kind to those three, aren't you?" I look at Fluttershy with a nod and she shakes her head. "But I'm coming with you to Cloudsdale. I couldn't bear it if something happened to you on the way there."

Day one of having a little sister and she's already trying to look out for me...

I shrug and spread my primary wings to fly. I had trained myself to fly with only one pair, yet I've mostly forgotten how to use my secondary pair. Taking off, I hear Fluttershy take off with me.





Apparently word travels fast from Ponyville to Cloudsdale. Cloud Conduct had heard about my situation, and she already had a replacement called in. Seeing as that I still needed to recover, she wouldn't cancel the replacement in order for me to rest. It included temporarily giving up my house, but I understood. Plus, Fluttershy thought of everything; she had my house key from the get-go and had already moved all of my personal stuff into her house.

Before we took off, she tugged at my wing to get my attention. "W-would you like to see... dad?"

Oh no... I almost forgot... again.

"What about mom... I mean... my biological mom."

She slumped on the ground with a sad look. "She... passed away ten years ago." Despite only remembering three years with her, this devastated me.

I let out a shaky breath. "Then let's go see... dad."

It's going to be weird having a dad... and so awkward.

When we landed in front of the cloud house, I went to knock, but hesitated and looked back at Fluttershy. She gave me an encouraging nudge and I knocked.

There was silence for a bit before a soft-male voice called out, "Wh-who is it?"

Fluttershy spoke up, "It's me dad."

"Flutters?" The door opened and I see an indigo stallion with dark-red hair. "What's going on sweetie--" He stopped dead when he saw me with a look of pure shock. "It... can't be..."

I smile nervously. "Hi... dad..."

Next thing I knew, I was being squeezed... well it felt like he was trying to squeeze me, like he was afraid I would disappear again. "I-I thought we lost you... sixteen years ago. I can't believe it... you're alive!"

"I must of caused you, mom, and Fluttershy a lot of grief. I'm sorry..."

He breaks the hug to look at me. "W-well... after you disappeared, your mom and I were... scared to let little Fluttershy out of our sight as I lamented your apparent death. Poor Fluttershy took it the hardest in a way; she lost her memories of her early fillyhood from the pure shock of losing you."

I gave a surprised look before turning and nuzzling my sister, who hummed at the contact. "I... wish I could see mom..."

"She held fast to the belief that you were still alive, even on her deathbed. Her instincts as a mother were always spot on, even though I sometimes had doubts." Dad shakes his head. "I'm willing to bet she's happy just knowing you returned to both of us."

I nod before hugging him. "In truth... somepony in Manehatten took me in as her own son when I myself lost my memories. If not for her, I probably wouldn't be here."

He smiles. "Is that so? I would like to meet her and give her my eternal thanks. Would you like to come in and see your old room?"

"Sure." He leads us into the house. Outside of the cloud materials, it was similar to a middle-class house in Manehatten like the one my adoptive mother lived in.

When I stepped into my room from sixteen years ago, something washed over me and I just stared.

Fluttershy must of noticed my somewhat dreamy look. "Big brother, what's wrong?"

"... Nostalgia... unchanged..."

It looked like the room you'd expect a five year old colt to have plus a layer of dust.

Dad spoke up. "Your mother kept your room tidy until her death. It was one of the ways she showed knowing you were still alive."

I simply nod as I let the memories I had once lost wash over me. I took notice of a Wonderbolt poster and chuckled. "Guess I did want to become a Wonderbolt at one point. Spitfire will have a fit if she finds that out."

Fluttershy gives me a surprised look. "You know the captain of the Wonderbolts?" I nod and she giggles. "Rainbow would have your head if she knew."

"That sounds like her." I turn to my dad. "I think we should head back to Ponyville. It was great seeing you for the first time in... well, ever."

He hugs me. "Don't be a stranger, son. It feels so... surreal to be saying that now, but in a good way." I chuckle at that statement. The sun was starting to set when we exited the house, so we flew straight to Fluttershy's cottage.

By the time we reached it, it was night-time. When we entered, the rabbit I saw before gives me a scrutinizing look before looking at Fluttershy in confusion with the rest of the animals. "Don't worry, Angel. He's my brother and he’s staying with us for a few nights." He gives me a surprised look before nodding with a smile. he chittered something to the other animals, who nodded before returning to their resting places.

As Fluttershy prepared dinner, I looked through my belongings quick. My wind harp was still there and--

Oh no, why didn't I notice that cake stain on my suit before?

I sigh and made a mental note to visit Rarity tomorrow, even though I still felt like I didn't deserve anything done for me.

"Dinner's ready!" Putting my harp on the floor beside the couch, I head to the dining room. Fluttershy had made a simple salad, but it was enough to get a grumble out of my stomach, making her giggle. "Somepony hungry?"

"I... actually haven't eaten in a few days."

That got a gasp out of her. "No wonder you look famished. Eat as much as you can, you're going to need it." I nod, knowing she wouldn't let me have it any other way. Despite the initial awkwardness, we managed to talk about what happened in our lives ever since our separation, including how we got our cutie marks. It seemed like she missed something, but I decided not to prod.

"So that's why Pinkie said "you're special to us." that day..."

She nods. "Yeah, that rainboom eventually brought us together as friends. It was just the six of us originally, but then you came around."

"And then I messed up the whole composition."

That statement earned me a jab to the shoulder. "Stop being down on yourself, you're not to blame for that."

I beg to differ.

We continued talking, even when I helped her with her duties, until it was time for bed. Fluttershy told me about the spare bedroom during dinner, so I started heading there when I noticed that she followed me into the room. "What's the matter, Shy?"

She stutters a bit at me using her nickname from sixteen years ago before recomposing herself enough to talk. "I-is it okay if you... sleep with me tonight?"

I deadpan as I remember when she would always crawl into my bed whenever she was scared when we were foals. It was fine back then, yet now...

"Aren't we a bit too old for that now?"

"I-I know but... I just want..." She didn't finish as she gives me a worried look.

She's afraid I'll disappear on her again.

I sigh. "I guess I could..." She gives me a soft smile as I follow her into her bedroom, which looked fairly simple all things considered.

It wasn't long after I crawled into the bed when she started snuggling up beside me. I drape two wings over her and she hummed as she started falling asleep. Her fur tickled my secondary wing, but I didn't mind as I fell asleep myself.





Fluttershy cracked open an eye and saw Zephyr sound asleep. She breathed a sigh of relief as he relaxed from everything that has happened.

She wanted to sleep with him not only because she was afraid of letting him out of sight with how he’s been acting, but also because she wanted to reconnect more with him.

Fluttershy remembered when she was a filly and when thunderstorms or nightmares scared her. At first, she always crawled into her parent’s bed, but both of them were too deep of sleepers to really provide much comfort to her. 

One night she accidentally stumbled into Zephyr’s room, much to his surprise. When he saw how scared she was, despite being scared of the thunder himself, he offered her room in his bed for the night. He did his best to comfort her, despite his own fears.

Tonight though, she wanted to be there for him.

“I love you… big brother.”
> Chapter 24 - Subconscious Fears
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I didn't dream anything last night, yet... it was very comforting all the same. Perhaps it’s because nightmares plagued me before and during my captivity.

When I started waking up, I became aware of something warm pressed against my side and under my wing... s. When I look to see, I see Fluttershy curled up beside me with a soft smile on her face. The same smile I woke up to when we were foals and she crawled into my bed at night when she was scared of something.

Am I really such a comfort to her?

I slowly removed myself from her bed, making sure she stayed comfortable, before heading down into the living room. Some of her animal friends had already woken up and were now regarding me with curiosity. Once again noticing my harp, I decided to try playing it for the first time since I first arrived in Ponyville.

I remembered enough about tuning to do so as I held the harp in one of my main wings, but I kept going off-key for the only song I knew how to play. I quickly regained my feeling for the song and started playing the song properly, with a few delays in the timing. As I started hitting all of the notes correctly, I noticed plenty of the animals gathering to hear my performance. It embarrassed me somewhat, but I played on regardless.

As I hit the last note and brought myself to a rest, I heard a soft sigh. I look to find Fluttershy with her eyes closed. "That was a beautiful piece."

I smile nervously. "It's... the only thing I know how to play on a harp."

"That doesn't mean it's not good." She shakes her head slightly as I put the harp down and started going into the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the both of us when she gasped. “Oh, your wings. The feathers are all misaligned.”

I look and noticed she was talking about my secondary wings. Because I neglected them before, their feathers were going in almost every direction. 

“Huh… I never noticed. I suppose I’ll straighten them out before I leave-- ack!” I start squeaking as Fluttershy started preening them because of how sensitive they were.

When she finished and my secondary wing feathers were in order, I was red in the face from the activity. “S-sorry. I knew they were sensitive, but I couldn’t just leave them like that.” She gives me an affectionate nuzzle before heading outside to feed her animals.

Why go to such lengths for a ‘brother’ you’ve only recently reunited with?

I sigh as I went into the kitchen to make pancakes for breakfast.

They were ready by the time she was done her rounds. "Oh? You didn't need to."

"I figured something like this would make your day a bit more convenient." I shrug.

She smiles. "It will, thank you. I need to head into town to pick up more food for the animals, so I won't be back right away."

I nod. "Alright. There are some things I need to get done in town as well, so lets eat up."





I need to head to Rarity's to get my suit sorted out... even though I doubt she will do it for me. For convenience's sake, I'll see if I can buy a watch of some kind to keep better track of time, Celestia knows how I can forget the time all the time...

After that... I think I'm free until the crusaders get out of school.

Deciding to start getting use out of my newly-preened secondaries, I focused on flapping all four wings in an attempt to re-synchronize them. It was difficult, but something I forced myself to do, lest I suffer Rainbow’s wraith.

I almost reached Ponyville when a thought shot across my mind, halting me on the spot.

Wait my back wings are exposed and the only ones who know are the girls and the crusaders!

Just because my friends and the crusaders accepted my wings doesn't mean the rest of the ponies would as well. Deciding against cutting straight to Rarity's, I started to skirt around town.

"There you are, Zephyr!" I dropped a bit in the air when I heard Twilight call to me. "I tried visiting you in the hospital, but they said you were cleared to leave that afternoon."

"O-oh... I uh, left for Cloudsdale with Fluttershy to get my work situation sorted out."

She gives a concerned look. "Are you sure you're fine to be out and about? I'd thought Fluttershy would be more opposed to letting you out early considering how fretful she was over you when you were brought in."

So worried and concerned so soon after remembering me... why?

Twilight must of noticed the look on my face because she shook her head. "You should keep taking it easy, okay? I know I would be fretful over MY big brother if he was in a similar situation." She widened her eyes. "Oh, but where is my mind today? I wanted you to come see something in the library quick."

This made me drop to the ground and backpedal a bit. "That's in the middle of town right? My wings aren't covered up! What if--"

She rolls her eyes and suddenly teleports behind me. Before I can even react, she starts pushing me into town. "You'll be fine, Zephyr. The townsponies are more accepting than what you give them credit for. Give them a chance."

"Alright alright alright, I'll go! Um... er... if you really want me to..." I raised my voice against her, only to regret it immediately afterwards. Twilight stopped pushing me and I shrank to the ground, gave her a worried look, and hoped she wasn't even madder at me for doing so.

She must of missed the reason behind my worried look when she rolled her eyes in amusement. "You and Fluttershy act pretty similar too. Don't worry, it'll only take about five to ten minutes of your time."

She started walking ahead and I followed her closely, wondering why she didn't erupt into flames on me. I've heard horror stories of unicorns turning their manes into fire in times of great stress and rage, so much to the point that I tried to make it a point to not tick any of them off. In hindsight, I failed that miserably with TWO unicorns.

I winced every time a pony looked at me and my secondary wings while we headed through town. Many of the earth ponies regarded me with mild curiosity while most unicorns looked only somewhat curious. A lot of the pegasi looked mildly shocked when they saw me, which made me cringe in fear of inevitable retribution. The part that confused me the most on the other hoof was when Ditzy saw me and, despite seeing my extra wings, gave me a smile and a wave.

After what felt like an eternity for me, we reached the library.

"A-alright... what is it you wanted--"

"Well look what the cat dragged in." I nearly jump out of my coat when I heard Rainbow speak. Seeing my reaction, she raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Geez, you really need to lighten up. You look like you're about ready to faint."

I don't understand! After what had happened, why is she so casual with me? Even her challenge yesterday noted her clear hatred for me, yet--

"Give the poor stallion a break, Rainbow." I once again almost jump out of my coat when I hear Applejack speak, though she didn't see me. "Can you blame him after all he's been through?"

"I'm just saying!"

Applejack shakes her head before turning and seeing my frightened expression. "Sugahcube, ya alright there?"

"Y-y-yes, I-I'm just p-peachy here!" When she deadpanned, I squeak and drop to the floor again. "I'm sorry! I'll make it up to you, return the favor! I pinkie promise!"

Now she was confused like Rainbow and Twilight. "Beg yer pardon? How are you going to return the favor? Wait, scratch that! What Favor and make what up?"

"I don't know, I'll just do whatever you want for how long you want!"

Twilight's turn to deadpan. "Are you sure you're okay? You certainly aren't acting like it."

"Nonono, I'm good, great, awesome, outstanding, amazing!"

"All I did was press A!"

I barely hear what sounds like a young colt say something almost in response to my uncontrollable jabbering. Three of us ignored it, but Rainbow deadpanned in the direction the voice came from.

Applejack shakes her head. "Zephyr, please be honest with us. Why are you freaking out so much?"

"A-aren't you mad at me for q-quitting the w-way I did?"

She sighs. "Ah'm not gonna lie, ah'm still a might bit irritated over it. But ah'm not going to hold that against you, not after what you said about yourself." I flinched at the subtle reference to the fact that they somehow knew what I had said. More than anything, I was confused.

Why?

Twilight cleared her throat. "Right. Zephyr there's something I wanted to give you. During our escape from the lab, we managed to get some research notes that I think will interest you. I wanted to get them to you yesterday, but I couldn't find you." This broke me out of my stupor as she levitated a few sheets of paper towards me.

Hesitating, I grab them from her aura with my right wing. This earned a snort from Rainbow. "There's THAT talent again, I'm almost jealous, except I'm not."

I didn't say anything and read through the notes. I quickly discover what was written down about my inherent magic and some of my physical attributes. "I-I guess this is why... I reacted the way I did that one day."

"Ah'm a might bit sorry 'bout that, sugahcube. If ah knew that, ah wouldn't of done what ah did."

So my own magic is going to make me look racist against earth ponies... wonderful. It does explain some things I was confused about, like why I lose feathers at least once a day.

Rainbow got up and stretched. "Well I'm going to go practice some of my tricks. Remember Zephyr, you better be practicing with both pairs of wings for our rematch." With that, she flew out the window, leaving me slightly shocked.

Applejack sighs. "That mare sometimes..." She turns to me. "Look, if ya need anything at all, don't be afraid to talk to us. Yer also welcome back on the farm anytime you want, ya hear?" I simply nod dumbly as she exited the library.

I said my quiet farewells to Twilight, who said the same thing Applejack said. With that, I once again flew towards Rarity's boutique, confused thoughts swarming my head despite my attempts to clear them out.

When I landed in front of her door, I once again started having second thoughts about asking her for something like this. I still remember the fact that I turned on them, as well as the fact that they recently saved me, and it once again has me convinced I shouldn't be asking any favors. I would be grateful even if she had a steep cost for doing something like this for me, yet my reluctance kept making me hesitate when I went to knock on the door.

Of course whatever was giving me my blessings earlier decided to curse me once again when Rarity suddenly opened the door. "Oh, I thought I heard somepony landing in front of my boutique. What can I do for you, Zephyr?"

"Err... um... c-could you h-help me with something?"

She rolls her eyes. "No need to sound nervous, dear. Come on in, I just need to apply the finishing touches to one of my dresses then I can help you."

She opens the door wider and trots to the back. I entered in a skittish manner, wondering what I should say or how to act.

Surely, she still hates me like the others... right? Then why was she so willing to...

"You can come to the back now, Zephyr. I'm all finished." I gulp as I head into the back room where Rarity was. When she saw me again, she gives me a warm smile. "Now what is it that you need of me?"

"W-well... my suit had something... happen to it. D-do you think you can fix it?" I pull my suit out of my saddle bag and give it to her. When I inspected it again earlier, I was appalled to have found little tears on the suit, somehow missing them when I saw the cake stains last night.

Rarity took it in her magic and inspected it, frowning at all of the little tears in the fabric much to my growing displeasure. When she saw the cake stains her eyes widened a bit, like she recognized them, but she didn't say anything.

While she was doing all of this, I simply stood there fidgeting and expecting her to decline. I still thought I didn't do anything to deserve any sort of favor and that I should be the one taking favors from HER. I kind of knew what I was getting into coming here, as the coat had suddenly became one of the things dear to me as a relic of a past long gone, but sitting in the boutique at that point felt incredibly... wrong.

It felt wrong to the point where my mental dam broke. "Look, I know you probably hate my guts and that I shouldn't be asking any favors, especially after you saved me, but this is actually very important to me and I didn't know who else to go to. If you decline or even charge a hefty price for it, I'll completely understand and will gladly compensate for my inability to take care some something properly. I've done nothing but cause misery to you and your friends, yet I ask for favors like your my friend even though you owe me nothing and that I should be the one to repay you--"

I was cut off when I felt a hoof touch my muzzle. During my blabbering, I had unconsciously closed my eyes and there was minor tear build-up in my eyes.

I open my eyes and saw Rarity holding her hoof against my muzzle. "That's quite enough, Zephyr. I'm sure one of the girls already said this and I'll say it again; none of us hate you anymore for what you did. You reacted in the face of apparent betrayal because we were unaware of your horrible past with such circumstances."

"But I--"

"Another thing is, I understand that everything that has happened to you might confuse you because all of your past endeavors with friendship never gave you the same results. Favors aren't a currency to be traded or sold. They are things friends do for each other out of the goodness of their heart, because we believe that by doing so we can help strengthen our bonds with one another and that we will be there for each other in our moments of weakness."

I suddenly remember back to the night of the gala and what Iron told me. "Believing in your friends and embracing that belief by forgiving failure..." I utter softly.

She beams at me. "Exactly!" She returned to a worried expression. "As such, don't keep blaming yourself for something you didn't have control over and stop thinking we all hate you. Especially poor Fluttershy, she was worried sick over you after she confirmed you as her brother. If you keep thinking like that, it'll tear her apart."

I looked at the floor, partially out of shame. If my interaction with Applejack was of any significance, they were actively trying to make amends with me, yet I keep burying myself in the role of a wounded and victimized, tragic hero.

I was once again running away from my problems.

Rarity sighs and I look back up at her. "Give it some time dear. You're still probably shell-shocked from your ordeal in that cold laboratory." She motions to the suit in her magic. "On a much brighter note, I can indeed fix all of this damage with little effort, no need to pay for any of it."

"Ah... yes... thank you."

She smiles and gives me a hug, inadvertently causing her magic to cancel out and drop the suit. "And I should thank you for what you did for me back at the Gala. Even though you fled afterwards, that's the most chivalrous thing anypony had done for me that night."

I nod as she broke the hug. She deadpans at the grounded suit before picking it back up and putting it to the side. After a while, I said my farewells and exited her boutique, the crushing feeling of self-loathing hanging over me.

I got the watch I needed and played with the crusaders, but I had the feeling they knew I was troubled, even if they didn't say anything.

When I returned to Fluttershy's cottage, she was already making dinner. "Oh there you are, Zephyr. I was wondering where you were--"

She stopped talking when I abruptly hug her from behind. "I'm sorry for worrying you..."

She sighs as she touches my foreleg with a hoof. "You are alive and with me. That's all I need."
> Chapter 25 - Try For "Normal"
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

This morning went somewhat similarly to yesterday, except I woke up in my own bed instead of Fluttershy's. As I was making breakfast, I looked over the research notes that Twilight gave me more thoroughly, since I only briefly skimmed over them yesterday and only saw details about myself I've noticed over my life, before and after my memory loss.

The only thing they don't cover is how high-strung I become when I eat too many apples... and apples specifically. I've tried many other fruits and they never have the same results.

The whole "magic osmosis" thing still bothered me. Unlike my apparent immunity to unicorn magic, I never got drained by earth ponies when I was younger. On top of that, I was worried that any attempts at patching things up with Applejack and Pinkie Pie would be stalled by such a hindrance.

After breakfast was eaten, Fluttershy told me that today was her "spa" day with Rarity and asked if I wanted to come along as well. I declined, not comfortable with that type of environment ever since one visit to a Manehatten spa with my mom as a colt. I can't remember what I saw there, but I know for a fact it killed some of my innocence as a colt. Plus I'm still under the impression that it's a mare thing.

Today was a Friday so the crusaders would be in school again, despite them being insistent on "catching up on lost time" after class is done. Until then, I didn't have anything to do other than wander around Ponyville and practice using my secondary wings.

When I tried using only my secondaries, I quickly discover that, due to their lack of use for the past ten years, they were weak to the point of barely getting me off the ground. Sighing, I use my primaries to gain altitude and then only use my secondaries to try and stay in the air.

At least until a pink blur knocks me out of the air.

"Oh my gosh, Zephy! I couldn't find you yesterday and I was worried you got captured and experimented on again--"

"P-Pinkie! I'm fine, really!"

She gives me a funny look. "I knew that. Well, I didn't know that until just now, but now I REALLY know that!" She gasps a bit. "Oh no! I almost forgot! Your--"

"Zephyr! There you are, I haven't seen you since the day before yesterday!" I look over to see my mom trotting over with a worried look. I sigh as Pinkie hops off me, only to get hugged by her. "You had me worried again!"

"Mom, I can take care of myself... sometimes..."

She gives me a look. "Y-you do know I'm not really--"

I roll my eyes. "Do you think a few pieces of paper telling me otherwise will change my mind? You'll always be my mom, okay?" She gives me a worried look before nuzzling me.

Pinkie squeed. "That was the absolute nicest thing I've heard today!"

I look at her, uncertain. "What about you Pinkie? Why are you--"

NO! I shouldn't think like that. I shouldn't think they hate me still... but why is it so hard?

She gives me a look. "You were about to ask why I don't hate you?" I deflate and nod and she shakes her head in amusement. "I can tell you're trying. Give it time; all you need is a zephyr under your wings of friendship and you'll soon be flying high in the skies of happiness!"

She went there.

"Well if that's what you think, then you might as well tickle me pink till I balloon up and get a pie to the face."

"What's wrong? Green with envy?"

"I hardly think so, my bouncing friend. After all, every smile you see puts an extra spring in your step."

I notice my mom deadpanning at the both of us. We look at each other with the realization we've been making incredibly bad puns and jokes with each others names, colors, and actions. We burst out laughing at my mom's reaction, who went from deadpanning to sporting a confused look.

I guess I don't have to worry about Pinkie in that regard... hopefully

I cough out of my laughing. "O-okay then, what were you up to, Pinkie?"

She grins. "Oh me? I was just doing what I always do when your mommy"-- I facehoof at those words and my mom giggled. --" asked me to help find you because she couldn't find you yesterday."

"Right, I'm currently lodged at Fluttershy's house because I'm in no shape to work until the day after tomorrow and my replacement needed a place to stay."

She shakes her head in disdain. "Isn't it your house? Why are they openly letting--"

"To be fair, the weather factory's head manager had the house bought for my time here. Admittedly I was being kind of a... hard-flank when I..." I trailed off as I remembered how I acted when I first got here, a fresh wave of guilt washing over me.

Pinkie quickly broke the silence. "Don't worry about what happened back then, Zephy. The past is in the past, you only need to look forward into the future."

I sigh and give her a small smile, most of my guilt eased. "Thanks Pinkie. You're are a true friend. One I never realized I had until a while ago."

"Don't dwell on it silly!" She gasps loudly. "Oh that's right I still need to plan your reunion party! See you later Zephy and Harp!" With that, she speeds off.

I give an amused shake of my head before turning to my mom. "Parties are her specialty after all. I'm still antsy as to how the rest of the town will react to my secondary wings and the fact I'm somepony's long-lost brother."

She puts a hoof on my withers. "Just try and hold onto the fact that your friends will be there for you. As for your relations, I managed to get that cleared with the mayor of this town, including your actual name."

Realizing it must of been a lot of work, I nuzzle her in the side of her head. "Thanks mom. I'm lucky I have you."

She hums. "The feeling's mutual. That's besides the point; what did you actually do yesterday?"

"Oh right. I intended to go to Rarity's boutique to repair my suit, but Twilight wanted me to go to the library with her so she could give me the research papers you guys found at the labs yesterday. My reactions when I had a run-in with Rainbow and Applejack were... unkind, I suppose is the word I'm looking for.

"I kept acting like they would lash out at me, not realizing that they were trying hard to make amends with me, only to be met with fear. It took a visit with Rarity to make me finally realize what I've been doing. It... admittedly made me feel even worse about myself, but I also told myself to try not to act so scared around them."

She sighs. "Again, trust in the fact that your friends just want what's best for you. As hard as it may be, try to forgive yourself as well, otherwise everypony else won't be able to forgive you."

I shudder. "Well... doing that and trying not to act scared is so hard for me..."

"No-pony changes instantly. Give it some time and you'll be alright."

That's just like mom, looking out for me in more ways than one.

She gives a low cough. "I just have one question; where does Fluttershy live?"

This caught me off guard. "Oh, uh... she lives near the entrance of the Everfree Forest. Why?"

"I just figured that I would get to know my adopted son's younger sister better." She gives me a coy smile.

"Right... letting you know now; she most likely won't be there, as she mentioned going to the spa with Rarity today. You could try there if you're antsy about it."

She nods. "I think I will. I wanted to unwind after everything that's happened, so a spa visit sounds lovely. Oh, and before I forget; your band members wanted to see you at their leader's place. You should probably fly by and say hello." With that, she trots off.

I facehoof hard when I realized I haven't seen the other band members for a while after the Gala.

Better late than never, I suppose. I just hope they aren't too mad at me for... again, why is this so hard?

Shaking my head, I headed over to where we practiced everything for the Manehatten Concert. When I knocked on the door, the next thing I notice the the death-grip on my mid-section by a yellow mass.

"Geeze you doink, you had us bucking scared!"

I sigh. "Hi, Snare." I notice the other band members at the entrance with surprised and relieved stares.

Electron spoke up, almost in a low squeak. "Where were you? We heard something happened to you from Strings and... and..."

Burst sighed. "We were all worried for you, even Snare."

Snare quickly let go of me with a cough. "I-I wasn't scared or worried about you. I was j-just worried we would be down a singer once again." I give her a look and she looks away with a flustered blush.

I shake my head. "I thought I was just a temporary singer for you guys and that's it."

Now Burst shook his head. "Would we really of did anything for you if we didn't care about you?" Iron nodded in agreement as Burst sighed. "You're a part of our little family, Zephyr. Even when you were just a replacement before, we still cared about you."

"I'm sorry I worried you guys like that."

Snare snorted. "You better be..."

I give an amused shake of my head before noticing something in Burst's wording. "What do you mean by "even when I was just a replacement"?"

Burst opened his mouth when Electron cut him off. "Clear Octave recently wrote to us saying he won't be able to sing for us anymore."

"Wait so that would mean..."

She smiles. "Your the official lead singer of our band now!" This got a surprised reaction out of me, as I never expected to be promoted to 'official member' so soon after everything that's happened recently. It was going a little too fast.

Snare snorted again. "See? I was merely concerned about the well-being of our band."

Burst rolled his eyes. "Yeah, you were totally concerned to the point of freaking out over Zephyr never returning to us."

"I told you that was not--"

I let out a massive groan. "As much as I appreciate it, sadly I'm a wind manager first and foremost. I don't think I'll be able to--"

Snare cut in, apparently already over her embarrassment. "Did you forget the first week or so we spend working on songs for the concert? Our band is primarily situated here in Ponyville, though don't say that too loud."

I deadpan. "Wait so that means...?"

Electron smiles and hugs me again. "You won't have to worry about any sort of commute for this job!"

"W-what about my appearance? my extra wings--"

Snare gives me a curious look as Electron lets go of me. "Seen you around town yesterday with those. I'd say you look more awkward with them than without."

I roll my eyes. "I haven't used them for over ten years outside of bare-bones basic maintenance."

This got a shocked reaction from everypony, Snare especially. "Jeeze, that long? No wonder you look so awkward with them." She shakes her head. "Kind of a waste if you ask me. I say be proud of the fact that you have more wings than anypony else, especially if it gives you more wing-power."

"So this doesn't... bother any of you?" All I got were shaking heads.

My foalhood fears are being dashed each day now...

"Though I should bring this up." Burst cut in. "I don't know if Strings told them or not, but the higher ups for our band apparently want us to take an extended break on account of your ordeal--"

Way to make me feel like an invalid...

"-- and String's "business trip" to Canterlot. We won't be doing anything for a while now."

I sigh in relief. "I guess I won't have to worry about that for now."

Snare gives me a look. "That doesn't mean you don't have to see us. Swing by and talk with us once in a while."

"I know, I know. Building relationships further being a key thing."

Burst and Iron nod while Electron rolls her eyes at Snare, who gives her a confused look.

I check my watch, noting that school's almost out on account of it being a Friday. "I need to get going, some ponies are expecting me soon."

Burst chuckles. "Busy already? Alright, we'll see you around."

Snare nodded. "Yeah, and make sure you whip those secondary wings back into shape ASAP. I know I would." I waved her off as I took off, also waving at the other members of my band.

Becoming an actual member of a band like that? It came so fast I also need time to process it...





"Ah have to ask... how come ya acted weird around mah sister earlier today?" Applebloom gave me a questioning, yet slightly worried look.

When I went to meet up with the crusaders, I found Applejack wanting to give her a little something for all four of us while I watched over them. After fighting with myself for a bit, I finally apologized to her for my actions yesterday, stating that it wasn't fair to her, Twilight, or Rainbow.

"Sugahcube, no-pony expects you to simply buck up and act like nothing happened right away. Just... let us carry some of yer burden instead of trying to shoulder it all yerself. Believe me, ah know what it's like to do something like that..."

I sigh. "Well... metaphorically speaking; I was trying to fill my plate with more burdens than I can handle that my... friends could help me with." Applebloom gives me a confused look, but didn't comment on it. "More importantly, you girls don't really seem to... crusade whenever the four of us are together."

Scootaloo pouted. "Isn't it obvious why? We just wanted to be with you after so long of being apart."

I give a small smile. "You girls are too good to me..."

Sweetie Belle kicked the ground a bit, looking a bit guilty. "Well... I also wanted to--"

"Zephyr! Girls!" I look over to see a prettied-up Fluttershy flying over to us from Ponyville. "There you are, I've been looking for you."

I give her a confused look. "What's going on?"

She shakes her head. "I don't know. Rainbow wanted us to go to Sugar Cube Corner for a treat or something."

Scootaloo started buzzing her tiny wings in excitement. "Rainbow Dash wants us to go there? Race you all there!" With that, she takes off.

"Scootaloo, wait up!" Applebloom takes after her pegasus friend.

I was about to follow when I noticed Sweetie Belle lingering behind. "What's wrong?"

She sighs. "I... just wanted to apologize for throwing you under the carriage." Seeing my confused look, she added, "A few days ago, I told my sister I've 'washed my hooves of you' because of how frustrated I was with you."

"I understand but... why are you telling me this now?"

She shudders. "I suppose hearing your conversation with Applejack brought it to the forefront of my mind." She shakes her head. "The thing is...  all three of us were devastated over you not seeing us again for the second time. I think Scootaloo was hit the hardest back then, although I don't know why."

That explains why she was the one to start punching me in frustration when she saw me again...

Fluttershy had a worried look. "Is... she okay now?"

"Getting a lot better now. I know it's not my place to say this but... if I had to hazard a guess; while Rainbow Dash is her idol, Zephyr was the closest thing she had to a big brother which is why it hit her harder than it hit me or Applebloom." I slightly grimace, not realizing just how much damage had been done.

Fluttershy noticed my reaction and nuzzled me. "If she's getting better, then hopefully we won't have to worry too much about it. Just... be sure to be there for her when she really needs it."

I simply nod. "On that note, let's hurry before those two eat all the treats or whatever Rainbow has in store for us."

We didn't see the other two fillies on the way to the bakery. However when we went inside almost nonchalantly, all three of us were startled by a surprise from Pinkie and everypony else present. I blanched a bit while recoiling and flaring my wings, Fluttershy hid behind me with a squeak, and Sweetie Belle backpedaled a bit.

"Hey, Zephy, you managed to stay on the ground this time!" Pinkie bounced over with a grin.

"Cut me some slack! I didn't know this was going to be a surprise party."

"Well duh, then it wouldn't be a surprise!" I facehoof at that. "Besides, this party is in celebration for the reunion of you and Fluttershy!" She grins at my still startled sister.

P-p-p-please d-don't d-do that t-to me, P-Pinkie." Fluttershy was stuttering badly, so I started rubbing her back to calm her down.

Pinkie looked sad now. "Sorry Fluttershy. I wanted to make it special but..."

"N-no, it is s-special. Y-you just s-startled me, thats a-all."

Pinkie 'poofed' back up after hearing it. "I'm happy to hear it! Now lets get this party started!"

Many of the other ponies congratulated me on my reunion with Fluttershy. After the first few, I started wondering if I grew up in the wrong place all my life.

I talked with my mom, who really likes my sister now, and my fellow band members during the party.  I did also talk to the rest of my friends, but I still couldn't avoid occasionally flinching or recoiling in fear of retribution, much to Rainbow's apparent amusement. I kept an eye on Scootaloo from afar, Sweetie Belle's words still ringing in my head.

"Excuse me." I look over to see a black pegasus mare with a black mane with a gold streak in it. "Are you the one I'm currently covering for?"

It took me a moment to make the connection. "Are you the replacement Wind Manager?"

She smiles. "Yes. I just wanted to apologize for taking over your house during my time here."

I wave it off with a wing. "Don't worry about it. I was... tied up at the time and you needed a place to stay."

"That being said, the day after tomorrow is when my time here is done. You should be able to move back in and re-take over wind duties again."

I nod. "Thank you. I was wondering when I would get back to work."

We hear a low cough near us amongst the noisiness of the party and look to see Rainbow giving me an amused look. "Just remember to practice with those secondary wings, buck-o."

I roll my eyes as the other mare takes her leave. "I'll get plenty of it if I'm paired with you."

"Is that so?" I recoil a bit, thinking I accidentally made her angry, until I hear her snicker and mentally berated myself for it. "Don't worry, Zephyr. I'll even help you with your training if you need it."

"Helping your opponent?"

"I like making sure my competition is at least at one-hundred and twenty percent efficiency." I roll my eyes at that statement.

The only other major event that happened was when Scootaloo suddenly asked me for my autograph as a singer for Dead by Sunset. When I asked her why when we spend plenty of time together, she mentioned wanting to get every single band-member's autograph and mine was the only one missing. I obliged her, but I think it drew some additional attention towards me.

I wasn’t able to talk to Fluttershy until after the party, when I found her quickly exiting. “Hey Flutters, where were you?”

It gave her a start, but she calmed down when she saw it was me. “O-oh I was… hiding.  P-Pinkie Pie’s parties are nice and all, but I always get so nervous with so many ponies around.”

I nod in understanding. “That’s okay, no-pony expects you to just instantly change for one occasion.”

Gee... sounds similar to what my mother told me earlier...

She sighs. “I’m so sorry for shoving all of that attention on you…”

“Don’t worry about it, okay?” I shake my head “Regardless, I found out when I’m getting my house back.”

This oddly surprised her. “R-really? When?”

“The day after tomorrow is when my replacement is leaving. I’ll be able to move back into my house then.”

“Wow, so soon… I’m very happy for you.” 

The tone of her voice sounded mostly happy, but it was laced with sadness too… like she didn’t want me to leave so soon. I put a wing over her back and she cuddled closer to me.

> Chapter 26 - Broken For Harmony (Return Of Harmony)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

On the morning of the day I was to move back into my home, I woke up to Fluttershy snuggling up to me in my bed. It, oddly, didn't surprise me when it happened considering the night before when she constantly cuddled with me, as if she was trying to get as many in as possible before I left.

It wasn't like I was leaving Ponyville or anything, but I humored her during it all.

Moving back into the house was no hassle, although Pinkie threw a "Late, Late Housewarming Party" on that night, making for one heck of a mess the next day.

I slowly got back into working the morning routine with Rainbow Dash, still finding it hard to not cringe every time I think I made her angry. She constantly found amusement in it, though I could never figure out if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

One thing she did insist on was overseeing my flying practices with my secondary wings, stating that I looked incredibly awkward simply flying with them. I definitely got a chuckle from the look she gave me when I told her I haven't used them for at least ten years.

The crusaders sometimes stopped by to watch, much to my embarrassment. The way Rainbow "coached" me often lead to what I liked to call my "epic failures", involving crashing in awkward positions or flying into trees due to my attention being so focused on making sure my secondaries worked. In my opinion, the only good things to come from said failures was the entertainment value to my small audience.

My mom told me she was staying in Cloudsdale for a while in order to keep an eye on me, despite my insistence in telling her I was fine. My biological father also visited me a few times as well, one time to tell me that he met my adoptive mother. I asked her about it and she stated that their first conversation was awkward because of how much he kept thanking her for looking after me all those years. That certainly got a laugh out of me.

I've yet to go back to working at Sweet Apple Acres, though I did tell Big Mac and Granny Smith about my vulnerability to getting drained by earth ponies. They took it rather well, Granny Smith going so far as to tell me that there have been far more racist things directed at earth ponies in the past. I still wonder how old she is.

In the end, my life finally started to settle down in the aftermath of my foal-napping and my secondaries being exposed for Equestria to see. I even dared to hope things would go back to normal.

They never do in Ponyville...





"You’re starting to get the hang of using your secondaries." Rainbow commented during one of our "sessions" after our weather duties were done.

I sigh. "I can just barely feel how... natural it should feel, but it still eludes my grasp."

"Your wings certainly look close to being in sync to that point." She twirled a bit in the air with a thoughtful look. "Have you felt any faster since you've begun re-training your secondaries?"

I thought about it for a second. "Kind of. Mind you, I doubt my secondaries were meant to add speed, more so to act like an on-the-fly adjustment and as a way to feel out how much wind resistance I'm getting."

She gives me a look. "Speed is speed. Lets try not to spark THAT argument up again." I blanch to those words as she shakes her head. "You've still got a long way to go in terms of not flinching every time you make an off comment to one of your friends."

"I-I'm just always so afraid I insulted you girls when I don't mean to."

She gives me a coy smile. "I can still see the family resemblance, personality wise. Regardless, the day isn't getting any younger, so let's keep--"

She was interrupted when a pink mass flew by her and caused her to spin like a top. I was about to say something when the same thing happens to me.

I'm so glad trips like this don't make me sick...

"Zephyr! Snap out of it, those clouds are going to get away!"  

I quickly correct myself and my vision follows suit before I fly after Rainbow in pursuit of the oddly pink cloud. Because of her head start, she managed to catch it except, to both of our surprises, it didn't disappear. It actually coated her.

Something witty suddenly came to my mind. "Doing our best Pinkie Pie impression there, Rainbow?"

"Oh ha ha..." She sarcastically laughed as she shook most of it off her, though some of it still clung to her. I flinch when she licks it, only for her to adopt a surprised look. "Cotton... candy?"

"Wait, what? Last I checked, cotton candy doesn't fly at break-neck speeds or--" I suddenly get drenched in what smelled and looked like chocolate milk. I look up and see another pink cloud floating over me. "--Do... that..."

"Still think you're special there, smart-alack?" Was her come-back.

"Fine I deserved it, but I think we have a bigger problem." More "cotton candy" clouds started zooming all over the place, much to our dismay.

As we started chasing down the pink clouds, we both heard of insane weather happening all over Equestria, with Cloudsdale getting a... cola storm. Perhaps even weirder was Manehatten getting hit with... gummy worms... that actually moved after hitting the ground.

Not only is that incredibly random but also very creepy... yeesh...

Eventually, we wound up over Sweet Apple Acres and a very confused Applejack. "Rainbow Dash, Zephyr, What's going on with this rain?"

Both of us flew down. "Technically it's chocolate rain but..."

"There's crazy weather all over Equestria!"

"Cloudsdale's getting soaked by a cola storm."

"Manehatten's getting moving gummy worms."

"Canterlot is--"

"For pete's sake, stop talking in turn like that, yer making my head spin!" Applejack suddenly groaned as she started holding her head with one hoof.

Rainbow and I look at each other, surprised. She quickly shook it off and said, "Well don't worry Applejack. We won't leave you until we've got everything under control!" I gave a swift nod in confirmation before we flew back up to start chasing down clouds again, but not before noting that the ground suddenly got coated in popcorn.

As we did, Rarity and Pinkie Pie both appeared, though neither of them contributed much as far as I could tell. The apples on the trees suddenly grew huge, too big for the trees stay upright, though I swear they should of snapped first before bending like that.

What finally made me stop and stare in shock was when the bunny Fluttershy was trying to coerce out of eating suddenly mutated into, in my opinion, something super bucking creepy. "Sweet, mummified Tartarus, did reality take a lunch break or something?"

"Later, Zephyr! We need to focus!" Rainbow called to me. I slapped my face with my fore-hooves and got back to chasing.

"Don't worry, everyone. I've learned a new spell that will fix everything." I hear Twilight shout out to us. Rainbow and I stopped and watched as her horn glowed before covering the area in light.

... Only for nothing to change, much to her shock. "My fail-safe spell... failed! What do we do?"

I flew down to her in a panic. "M-maybe it failed because I'm here? Wait, never mind! Plan b, plan b, plan b!"

Spike rolled his eyes. "Twilight doesn't have a plan b. So... we give up now?"

I give him an exasperated look. "Really? REALLY right now? Not only are we talking about Twilight here, but giving up because of one failure seems highly unconducive at this juncture!"

Twilight rolled her eyes as Rarity transfers an umbrella onto her. "Zephyr calm down, panicking won't help either. You are right though, I do have a plan b. I need you and Rainbow to corral all of those clouds into one singular spot."

Both of us give a salute before flying back up. Before, we were simply chasing them, but now we actually worked as a team to get them clumped together for Applejack to lasso and bring down. This was followed by Fluttershy using reverse psychology in order for the animals to start consuming the clouds instead of the apples, much to Pinkie's displeasure.

I flew back down and gave Spike a smirk. "Told you she had a working plan b up her sleeve."

He gives me a look. "This is coming from the one that was panicking?"

"You, zip it. You weren't the one who got drenched when you were still clueless about what was going on." Apparently I operated just fine when dealing with Spike.

Twilight gave an amused sigh. "That's enough you two. Besides, there's nothing we can't overcome with team-work."

Now if only my colthood wasn't so messed up...

I gave a start when Spike suddenly belched fire, only for the smoke to form a letter. This amused Applejack, who was apparently the only one to see it. "Don't worry, sugahcube, yer not the only one to get startled by that."

I re-regulated my breathing as Twilight undid the scroll. "Glad that's the case. I never knew he could do that."

Twilight let out a large gasp. "Girls, we're needed in Canterlot right away! The princess needs us!"

Right, forgot she was royalty of some kind-- I hope what I did to her wasn't reported. 

The other mares looked ready to gallop off but Rainbow, oddly, seemed reluctant. "I know answering the princess is important, but what about the rest of Ponyville? We've only got the portion over Sweet Apple Acres and I don't want to leave everypony else hanging!"

I sigh before nudging her forward gently with a wing. "Don't worry, I'll take care of it. I'll see if I can't get any other ponies to help me, but it's nothing you should worry about. The princess' summons are more important."

She gives me a look before finally nodding. "Alright, I'll leave it to you. Don't let us down, okay?"

"Hey, I want to be at least SOMEWHAT useful in this crisis." This got a snort of laughter out of her before she flew off. Fluttershy gave me a nuzzle before she galloped after her friends.

After watching them disappear from my vision, I turn to look at the rest of Ponyville, still getting drenched by chocolate rain.

"That boat prize from the concert might've came in handy here. Guess I better get started, the day is still young."





It took a little while, but I managed to get some ponies who weren't running around in full panic to help me. I got Ditsy, Snare, Thunder Lane, Raindrops, Flitter, and Cloudchaser helping to bunch up the clouds for Iron, Big mac, Caramel, Carrot Top, Time Turner, and Bon Bon to lasso with guidance from Electron, Burst, Lyra, Vinyl Scratch, Colgate, and Sparkler, all forming teams of two from each race.

While I did manage to get them to stop panicking in order for them to help, I didn't help much after that besides chasing after ponies that refused to calm down. The three "Flower Ponies" were among the worst of them.

Despite that, it didn't take long until the skies of Ponyville were clear of cotton candy clouds. I quickly found the spot where all of the clouds were being kept. "Wow, quite the haul of cotton candy."

Snare huffed at me, still out of breath. "You... never mentioned... how fast they...were."

I roll my eyes. "It wasn't THAT bad. Besides, a little exercise never hurts."

"Snare doesn't fly as much as she should." There's Electron taking a verbal nip at Snare again. The two entered another intense glaring contest, though one had a massive grin on her muzzle.

Burst shook his head, amused. "Alright, let's just be thankful that episode is over thanks to Zephyr."

I deflated when all the attention was on me. "But... I didn't actually do anything. I left all of the hard stuff up to all of you."

Thunder Lane gave me a pat on the withers. "Hey, you managed to get us organized and started. Besides, it's probably no different than overseeing a weather team preparing for a storm."

Raindrops nodded. "Most of us on the weather team can vouch for your organization skills, since you handled a few storms pretty well."

"Eee..." The praise was making me even more embarrassed.

"Aw, he really is Fluttershy's big brother." Colgate cooed.

Ditsy rolled her eyes, which was made quite a display with her condition. "I think he's had more than enough attention, everypony." Looking at the bunched up clouds, she sighed. "Too bad my little muffin isn't here."

I nodded. "The foals would certainly jump on a chance to eat lots of candy."

Caramel looked around. "Weren't they off on a field trip to Canterlot or something?"

Carrot Top nodded. "Something about a trip to the Canterlot Gardens if I recall. Cherilee's looking after them, so there's no need to worry."

"Ah worry regardless..." Big Mac said softly. His look was mirrored by Ditsy, Sparkler, and Thunder Lane.

I understand as well. I just hope Fluttershy is okay, doing whatever the princess wanted her to do.

Lyra yawned. "Well, we should just hope that whatever is going on, it won't last too long. We should just--" She cut herself off as she adopted a look of horror.

Bon Bon noticed first. "What's wrong, Lyra?"

Lyra pointed and we all looked, only for all of us to adopt the same look of horror.

Reality isn't just out for lunch. It took a full blown vacation.

Snare grumbled. "Oh great. Not only did all of THAT happen, but those pink clouds returned in full force, making our earlier endeavors completely pointless!"

"I-it's t-the thought t-that c-counts?" I was so shocked, I wasn't able to--

Is that my house floating over there?

Burst snapped out of his shock and quickly addressed us. "I think we should just head home and hope this crazy... surge of chaos dissipates soon. Unicorns and earth ponies; if your house is floating, ask a pegasus to fly you up to it." Everypony agreed and scattered, leaving only me and my still shocked look.

"Oh ho! I love it when ponies have that most excellent of looks on their faces when marveling at my work!"

That utterly scared me as I jumped a few meters in the air before looking around wildly. "W-who's there!"

"Aww, why ask who's there when you could ask when I'm here?"

"W-what do you mean? T-that doesn't make sense!"

"Why, oh why would I want to make sense?" When I didn't respond, still looking around wildly and even taking to the air, the voice chuckled. "As amusing as it is to watch your reactions-- they remind me of somepony -- it's no fun keeping ponies in the dark."

A flash of light blinded me. When I was able to see again I was, once again, horrified at what stood before me. A mish-mash of different creatures on a long, snake-like body with a pony-like head.

As a pony who always like reading about legends, I quickly knew who the creature resembled. "D-Discord? I thought... I thought..."

He chuckles ominously again. "You thought I was but a mere legend? Let it be known, my little pony, that one thing always holds true; If there is a legend, it's always true."

The finality behind his words crashed onto me, figuratively and literally. As a colt, I always did fantasize about some of the legends being true and that I would eventually be the one to fix everything in the end, finally gaining the respect I wanted. Seeing one such legend before my eyes made my mind turn blank with almost pure fear to the point of having my life flash before my eyes.

I was smack dab in the middl-e of a legend at play and I felt like a powerless little foal.

"But my, I haven't seen your kind around in FOREVER!"

I suddenly realize he was inspecting my secondaries, causing me to yelp and back away from him, only for him to suddenly appear on my other side. "I-I swear I don't know y-you!"

"But you do know me, otherwise you wouldn't of known my name." The intro of what sounded like a song suddenly played. "I wasn't talking specifically to you anyways."

"W-what do you mean?"

He tutted. "Why bother trying to understand when-- oh, never mind. I'm sure I said it at one point and I don't like repeating myself. Repetition is really quite boring after all.

"Besides, I will answer one thing that may or may not be nagging at you; why I chose to have a little 'meeting' with you of all ponies." Suddenly he's coiled around me. I could of flown away but I found my wings locked out of fear. "It's about a certain group of "friends" that you have. Perhaps it will interest you to know that they never did trust you entirely."

This baffled me. "What? I-I'm sure t-they trust m-me enough."

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Enough to tell you that THEY are the bearers of the Elements of Harmony?"

I was going to at least try to rebuttal when it got caught in my throat. Thinking back, all six of them did say they shared a "special connection" because of Rainbow's Sonic Rainboom, yet it never occurred to me that the connection was THAT special.

I was also trying very hard to come up with reasons as they wouldn't tell me.

Discord disappeared from around me and reappeared a few meters away, wearing a monocle and holding a sophisticated pipe. "I just figured I would let you know. After all, they quite clearly didn't trust you with such information, especially your own little sister."

I shake of my attempts to justify why they wouldn't tell me. "How do you even know? The only way you would know was..." The implications I just realized made me widen my eyes.

Party sound effects went off around me and he was now wearing a game-show suit. "A winner is YOU for figuring it out so quickly!"

The fact he confirmed it himself made me bite down most of my fear with rage. "You better not have done anything to my little sister or her friends!"

He hummed. "Maybe I did, maybe I didn't. However, I do believe my time with you is up as I need to check on the spoils of my victory." He gives me a menacing grin. "I'll be seeing you later, my little falconite." He disappears in a flash.

Falconite? Why did he-- no, there's no time and point to waste pondering a name given by a mad being. I need to find Fluttershy and her friends and see if they’re still okay!





Navigating normal Ponyville was okay on a bad day. Navigating a reality-on-vacation Ponyville was torture. Nothing was where it should be, the hills seemingly switch colors whenever you start climbing a new one-- the checkerboard patterns didn't help --and the sky kept rapidly switching from day to night and back at random intervals. It quickly annoyed me.

Now that I think about it, one good reason why Fluttershy never told me about the Elements of Harmony thing was for security reasons. They can't exactly prance about, claiming to be wielders of powerful artifacts unless they WANTED to figuratively paint a big red target on themselves. Of course I think of this AFTER Discord up and left.

I noticed light off in the distance at one point, but passed it off as Discord doing something. Eventually, I see a lone candy cloud hovering over a slightly greyed-out pony with a tiara on her head, walking dejectedly.

When I got closer, I realized it was--

"Twilight, there you are! I've been looking all over for you!"

She snapped her head towards me with a scowl which made me balk. "Oh sure, and were you looking for me just to humiliate me as well?"

"What? I wasn't going to--"

"Save it. I've had enough of this!" She growled as she continued walking.

I cautiously flew up beside her. "Please humor me, Twilight. What happened? Where are the others?"

"I don't give a buck about the others!" I backed off a bit, knowing she definitely wasn't herself if she swore. "With friends like them, who needs enemies? Especially when one's a liar, a grump, a hoarder, and a brute, plus one ditcher."

"Wait that doesn't sound like them!"

"Don't know and don't care! I quit! I give up! I'm leaving this pla--"

I interrupted her when I flew around and landed in front of her. "Is that what you truly believe Twilight? That you have no other option but to give up?"

"My 'friends' have proven otherwise!"

"Then who was one of the girls who came to rescue me when I had given up?" This only got an irritated huff out of her and I sighed. "Twilight, when I was stuck in that lab, I truly thought that there was nothing left for me. I thought you all hated me and wanted me gone and no-pony else would accept me even if I chose to leave the lab.

"Despite my confusion on how you knew about what I said, you and your friends never truly stopped believing in me and saved me from my self-condemned fate. All six of you taught me a lesson I didn't recognize at the time, one that I eventually learned. Never give up."

"You talk about never giving up, but you didn't go through what I just went through!"

I sigh again. "You know full well that I ALSO went through that, through many years of my life." When she still looked unconvinced, I shake my head despondently before walking past her. "Please, at least THINK your course of action through, if not for me, then for yourself and for your other friends. The Twilight I know wouldn't just make snap decisions like that."

She let out another irritated huff and continued walking, leaving me behind. I let out a sad sigh. "Believing in your friends and embracing that belief by forgiving failure. It seems... these feelings have vanished from our hearts." I look out towards the chaotic landscape. "I'm going to find Fluttershy and find out what happened to her."

I didn't care if Twilight heard me as I launched myself into the air in order to get a good vantage point. Seeing her cottage, I flew towards it, knowing she might be there.





The chaos in the air has a way of screwing with your sense of direction. It took longer than it actually looked.

When I finally landed near the cottage, I recognized a mutated Angle pacing outside of the cottage with a very worried look on his face. He seemed to recognize me as well because he ran right up to me.

Sadly, I can't understand ground animal-speak without a bird to translate for me, which he quickly realized as well. His frightened look when he glanced at the cottage told me enough. "Don't worry, I'll see if I can't do anything to help her. Hopefully my status as her big brother helps my case..." He gives a reluctant nod as I trotted forward and entered.

"Well if it isn't the cowardly big brother." I almost didn't recognize her voice because of how smarmy it sounded. When I saw Fluttershy, I was shocked to see her even more greyed out then Twilight was.

"Fluttershy, what are you even--"

"Don't bother. I don't talk to cowardly ponies who launch themselves high into the sky from just a simple hello."

Okay, I'm normally accepting of that limitation of mine, but the way she said it made that actually burn...

"Fluttershy, that is not how--"

She advances on me with a cruel smile. "Not how I what? You're such a pathetic brother I can't believe how much I actually fawned over you. Thinking about it is making me sick, bleagh."

"If that's how you--"

Even that LAUGH sounds cruel. "You know... now that I think about it, I'm far superior to you, a freak of nature who can barely sustain a simple conversation with a NORMAL pony. You're getting more pathetic by the second!"

This is going nowhere if she keeps interrupting me. At this point, I only have one idea but it's a huge risk and I'm unsure about the consequences of the aftermath. Still, I have to try somehow...

"Fu... if you think you're so superior then hit me!"

This looked like it caught her off guard. She quickly regained her composure and harrumphed. "I'm ABOVE hitting ponies like YOU."

"Oh? Then I guess you're all bark, no bite." That definitely got a reaction as she punched me in the face. I managed to move so nothing broke from it. I spat on the ground and gave her a defiant glare. "Come on! My adoptive GRANDMOTHER could hit harder than you!"

"WHY YOU!" She punched me again, this time in the shoulder.

I gritted my teeth against the pain, hoping to last. I kept indirectly insulting her, each insult resulting in a punch. It didn't take long before I occasionally coughed from the pain but I also noticed her punches becoming less powerful and more hesitant, her face somewhat contorting.

It finally got to the point where she didn't punch me period after an insult. I pressed it further. "What's *cough* wrong? I thought you *cough* wanted to hit me!"

"I... can't..."

When I heard her say something very quietly, my ears twitched. "What was that?"

"I CAN'T!" I hear what sounded like glass shattering and her color instantly returned as she flew forward to give me a tearful hug. "I'M SORRY! I'M SO SORRY!"

Knowing she was back to normal, I hug her back "Shh... It's okay, Fluttershy."

She wailed, "No it's not! I-I hurt you! I-I hurt you s-so bad!"

"That wasn't you, Flutters. That was a bad mare who thought she could get away with anything. You're the one who drove her away."

"B-but that's not--"

"Listen, I know what you're like. You are a very kind pony who wouldn't hurt anypony or anything without very good reason, and even then you don't." She let out a few sniffles and I kiss her on the forehead. "Just believe when I say that you are not at fault for anything that mare did. You are not her."

She let out a few more sniffles. "B-but you're hurt because of..."

"I'll be fine. Besides, this is nothing for a big brother like me. Just remember; if you have any frustrations you need to let out, let them out on me. I'll take it on the chin."

"O-okay. Thank you..."

We hug for a bit longer until I notice a gold necklace with a pink butterfly jewel. Making the connection I chuckle. "You'd probably best get going, miss Element of Harmony."

She looks up at me with widened eyes. "How did you know?"

"I had a run-in with Discord, that's how."

she shudders. "Oh... I'm sorry we didn't say anything."

"Don't be. Your reasons for not telling me-- whatever they may be -- are completely justified. Besides, I think Twilight needs your help right now."

She gasps as she breaks the hug. "Oh no! I-I was also so mean to her as well!"

I sigh. "Like I said, that wasn't you. However, if it WILL make you feel better if you apologize, you should get going. Chaos isn’t going to wait around after all."

She gives me a worried look as she dons her necklace. "But what about you?"

"I'll be fine. There's something else I need to do as well."

She gives me yet another worried look. "Alright. I'll work as fast as I can to clear up everything. Don't overexert yourself." With that, she gallops away towards Chaos-Ponyville.

No promises. I'm not like Twilight; I can't make plans worth of anything and the ones I do make, like the most recent one, are usually very risky and sometimes involve self-harm... I guess I have a masochistic streak.

I exit the cottage, still feeling the effects of Fluttershy's punishment. The still mutated Angle gave me something along the lines of an "are you for real?" look. I simply shrugged at him before taking off.

If what Twilight said is true and Fluttershy is any indication, the other four are also under some kind of personality altering spell. I may not be able to save the day, but I'll be damned if I just simply do nothing after seeing my sister like that.

Problem is... who should I go to first?

Applejack could be closer, but I have absolutely no idea how to attempt curbing her... alternate personality. I didn't even know what everypony else's alternate personalities are like. Fluttershy was turned to be, at my best guess, cruel as opposed to being kind, yet everypony else was pretty diverse in their personalities.

While I was thinking about it as a flew back towards Chaos-Ponyville, I noticed a speck of greyed-out blue on a cloud. Flying closer, I recognize Rainbow; just as greyed-out as Twilight was and just laying on the cloud, seemingly enjoying herself.

She opened her eyes as I drew closer, which got me a narrow look. "Sorry, but I'm enjoying a nice sunbath and currently am not available."

Okay, she doesn't sound too different. Don't know if that's a good thing or not yet...

"Why do you say something like that? Don't you have more important things to consider?"

Now she looks irritated. "What important things? I don't have anything right now."

I pretended to think. "Oh, I don't know... maybe helping your friends and saving Ponyville?"

"Hah, Ponyville is a lost cause. I'm staying here in Cloudsdale where it's far better, perfect for catching a nap or two."

I finally saw how she was different. She's normally not one for ditching her friends to do something mundane and is usually always there to save Ponyville, if her friend's stories are accurate--

Wait... what...

"Here in Cloudsdale? I see a 'cloud' but not 'Cloudsdale' at the moment."

"What the buck are you talking about?" This got a massive groan and a face-hoof out of me.

"Look, we don't have time for this when your friends need your help. You can get back to sunbathing after--"

"Phht, who cares about them? All they've ever done was--"

"I heard little miss braggart here is an Element of Harmony, I would think you have a job to do!" I had raised my voice slightly to talk over her.

She blows a raspberry. "Harmony shmarmony, I refuse to lift a hoof for a lost cause of a town."

Okay, this is getting really annoying really fast! I do have an idea how to snap and/or break her out of her 'stupor', but once again it's risky. It could end badly for me, her, or all of Equestria but I've got nothing else... I need to take lessons from Twilight on how to make more workable plans...

I huff. "What is it going to take to get you to help?"

"A~bsolutly nothing! I'm not moving from this cloud at all."

"Even for a race?"

That definitely got her attention, though she quickly went from surprised to sneering. "You think you're good enough to challenge ME again?"

"I'll never know unless I try."

She huffs. "Well fine, I can't very well turn down a racing challenge. Just do me a number and lose quickly so that I can go back to napping."

"Not gonna happen..."

She growls at me and we quickly get ready to launch. "If you're going to be stubborn about it, then I'll countdown."

I say nothing as I wait for the countdown to finish. She tried pulling a fast one on me by quickly counting down, but I quickly compensated.

My secondaries actually did have an effect on my flying speed, but I was slowed down by the pain of my somewhat invisible injuries from my encounter with Alternate-Fluttershy, which was making me wince.

We kept pace with each other, much to her annoyance, until we entered a forest of very tall, dead trees. I blame Discord for this forest, as I don't think there was one around Ponyville normally.

The trees had intertwined making quite the obstacle course. Dash expertly dodged in-between them while I used my secondaries to adjust my flight just enough to flit through.

Sadly, this is where what little good luck I had left me. I was still wincing from pain, but one in particular threw me horribly off course. I almost failed to keep pace and keep dodging.

My right primary hit a tree branch. I heard what sounded like bones snapping.

The excruciating pain came a moment later.

As I went down with a cry of pain, my left foreleg hit another branch incredibly hard. I heard more bones snapping and even more pain before having it all amplified tenfold by the crash.

I was somehow still conscious despite all of the pain, though my vision was severely hampered, both because of pain and because of the tears that started welling up.

I was outside the dead forest, but I had no idea where I was.

"Zephyr!" I heard Rainbow cry out as she landed and galloped towards me. I try to stand up, but I stupidly use my left leg, only to fall back down with another cry of pain. "You idiot, don't move!"

I manage to start standing up while not moving my left foreleg. "But what... about... the race?"

"Buck the race! You can't take anymore!"

"But... I must! I... have to... TRY!" I try flapping my wings, only for even more pain to flare up, causing my vision to slightly fade out as I collapsed again.

"Idiot, idiot, IDIOT! I told you to not move!" She felt around me, panicking. "On no no no, what have I done? What have I done?"

I let out a pained huff when I noticed her brighter colors. "Funny... I recall... Racing a... greyer mare..."

"That was clearly me! Discord tricked me into ditching my friends!"

"I.. don't think--"

"Stop trying to lie to me! I'M the one who did this!" She tried moving me without moving my broken limbs.

"Rainbow... just... go. You have... more important... things..."

"I can't just LEAVE you!"

I opened my one eye enough to look her in the eye. "The other... Elements..."

"I-I know but... I still can't--"

"Equestria's... more important... than me. Just go... I'll be... fine." I cough a bit.

Her face showed full reluctance as she gritted her teeth. Finally she said, "Fine... but right after we're done, I'm coming back for you. Don't you go dying on me!" With that, she flew away at top speed.

I rest my head back on the ground with a small smile. "Hmph... I AM... quite the... moron..."

I stayed like that for a bit, with my vision fading in and out, before a brilliant rainbow light washed over the land, turning Ponyville back to normal. The gust of wind from the light moved my broken wing, which finally made me black out.





Don't you go dying on me yet.

I still need you.





I once again became acquainted with the beeping of a heart monitor the moment I regained consciousness. This one sounded exactly like the one my grandfather was hooked up to on his death-bed.

I quickly felt pain from my wing and foreleg, although it was a lot more subdued. I open my eyes and noticed I was in the Canterlot Hospital as opposed to the Ponyville one. I also noticed my left foreleg was cocooned in a cast, along with my wing.

A doctor walked in as soon as I started looking around more. "Ah, Mr. Zephyr... Windstorm I believe. I'm glad to see you awake."

"How... long was I out?"

"Actually... not that long after we got you into this room. Surprising, but I still find it amazing how you manged to stay conscious despite such injuries." He trotted over and showed my diagrams of broken wing-bones and a broken leg. "You have multiple ruptures in your... primary wing and your left foreleg. You also have some lacerations in the wing area. Though it's not unrepairable, You're going to be grounded for a very long time."

"That bad, huh? Guess I really am--"

"Ah yes, the princess wanted to see you when you were awake. I'll send for her now." He quickly left the room.

It felt like my heart stopped, but the heart monitor started beeping faster.

Was she going to punish me for trying to interfere with what was going on? Now I really do wish I thought things through me. Damn me and my impulses...

It wasn't long before the door opened again and I beheld princess Celestia for the second time as she walked in. "Zephyr Windstorm, I'm glad you're awake."

"I-I-I'm s-sorry y-your highness."

This apparently confused her. "Sorry for what? I was going to thank you for your perseverance in helping Equestria in a time of crisis."

I pinned my ears against my head. "But... I didn't do anything..."

"That is a blatant lie. You helped keep most of Ponyville together during panic and you helped two of the Elements of Harmony regain their senses." Looking at my broken appendages she added, "Although not without great, personal sacrifice."

I shudder. "P-permission to s-speak f-freely, your h-highness?"

"Please, call me Celestia. Here, I am your equal and you don't need to treat me with such formalities." There was something about her tone that felt very calming for me.

I grin sheepishly. "I... kinda deserved what happened to me, considering I tried to be a big damn hero without any sort of good plan."

She lets out a sad sigh. "No-pony should wish suffering upon themselves. You did what you did because you wanted to try and help your friends. Oh, and little sister too." She punctuated the last part with a giggle, something I never thought I would hear.

"That... doesn't really change the fact I'm stuck here because of my own stupidity."

"Perhaps this will convince you otherwise?" She put her horn on my chest and ignited it. A soothing feeling washed over me and the pain instantly dissipated. I also felt all of my bones and injuries fix themselves with no pain at all.

After moving everything a bit after discarding the casts with the doctor's permission, I gave her a surprised stare. "Magic... doesn't normally affect me though..."

Celestia lets out another giggle. "Yes, I've read about that from my student. You're resistant to UNICORN magic. I'm sure Alicorn magic is completely different."

I never thought of it that way...

"But... how come you came to see me personally?"

She sighed. "Like I have said earlier, I came here to personally thank you for your contributions towards helping Equestria. That isn't the only reason, however. The Elements wanted me to see you personally and to make sure you were okay, especially two of them."

I widen my eyes. "Rainbow and Fluttershy..."

She nods. "Those two were almost inconsolable when they brought you in after defeating Discord. I managed to calm them down a great deal, but only you can truly put their fears and worries to rest."

"Because of my own--"

"That is quite enough. No-pony should be putting themselves down for accidents. Instead, focus on the good you have done and what you did for your friends and little sister." I close my eyes for a few moments before nodding and she smiles. "There will be a ceremony in honor of the Elements of Harmony in two hours. Would you like to attend?"

"Yeah, I doubt my friends would appreciate me skipping out on their ceremony."

She shakes her head in amusement. "We would be honored to have you." Leaning in to whisper she adds, "Though you probably should expect something to happen." I give her a confused look as she withdrew and simply smiled at me.





I got a spot right up close to where princess Celestia was situated. She insisted I stand there, though the reason why was lost on me with her only saying, "You'll see."

I started chatting with a few other ponies from Ponyville. Many of them were surprised I recovered so fast from all of my injuries, only for them to be confused when I refused to say why or how.

Eventually, the doors to the hall opened and the Elements of Harmony walked through. When they stopped in front of Celestia and she spoke her praise, I noticed that most of them had a pained smile.

When they turned around to face the crowds, I saw Fluttershy scanning them restlessly for something. Celestia whispered something into her ear and almost right after she locked eyes with me.

Next thing I knew, I was tackled and hugged by her, crying out with joy. I patted her on the head as the others came over as well.

Applejack spoke first. "Sugahcube, ya keep up yer current streak, an' y'all be Rainbow's level of reckless."

"I'm sorry if I worried you all..."

Rarity shook her head in amusement. "Darling, as long as you don't do anything too foolish in the near future, having you here and recovered is all we need."

Pinkie hugged me and Fluttershy with a laugh. "I told you he would be just fine!"

"Of course you did, Pinkie." Twilight rolled her eyes before smiling at me. "Zephyr, I have to thank you for your words when I had given up hope. I'm sorry it took returned letters from the princess before I finally realized their weight, that no matter what, somepony will always be there for you."

"I'm just glad I at least somewhat helped you." I notice Rainbow hanging back with a guilty look on her face. I made a mental note to talk to her later.

Pinkie suddenly grabbed my hoof. "Come on silly! Join us!"

This not only threw me off, but the thought of being in front of so many ponies, despite most of them staring at us now, made me stutter. "B-but I-I'm not t-the one w-who defeated D-Discord!"

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Come on, ya helped two of us get back to normal so we could fight him. I think ya deserve SOME of the credit."

Even Fluttershy insisted I take a spot with them, much to my dismay. I think my face was red from embarrassment the entire time, especially when a pony pointed out that I was the singer for Dead by Sunset.

Once again, I'll never be able to live any of this down...


> Chapter 27 - True Birthday Surprises
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I sigh. "Come on, Rainbow. Talk to us."

I was in Fluttershy's cottage with both her and Rainbow Dash. Ever since the "Chaos Incident", she had been avoiding Fluttershy and avoiding eye-contact with me, always trying her best to not look guilty. When Fluttershy came to me somewhat tearfully over it, I finally decided to talk to Rainbow about it with her.

It didn't start off too good.

Dash shuddered while continuing to avoid eye-contact. "I-I'm sure there's nothing important t-to talk about!"

"I know that's a lie..." I deadpan.

"P-please Rainbow. I-I'm worried about you."

"I'm just thinking that y-you need some time away f-from me, that's--"

I decided to bite the cannonball and go with what I was thinking about. "Does your behavior recently have anything to do with what happened a few days ago?"

That got a grimace out of her before she tried-- and failed-- to reconstruct her bravado. "N-no, I-I'm already o-over what h-happened then!"

I sigh again. "Rainbow, I implore you to talk to us about it. Whatever it is, it's tearing you apart." My plea was punctuated by Fluttershy putting a comforting hoof over hers with a reassuring smile.

"D-don't you guys h-hate me?" When she saw our confused looks she finally blurted, "I'm the one who almost KILLED Zephyr!" With that, she covers her head with her wings.

Fluttershy looked at me as I shook my head. "I told you before; that wasn't your fault."

"It is! Stop trying to lie to me--"

"I'm not lying, Rainbow. What happened back then was purely an accident. Accidents happen and I knew what I was getting into by challenging you to a race like that." She lowered her wings and, for the first time in awhile, we had eye-contact. She looked really close to tears too, which dampened my own spirit; seeing a mare as tough and proud as her so close to breaking down.

Seeing it as well, Fluttershy brought her friend into a hug. "Please don't beat yourself up about it, Rainbow. That was purely out of your control... it was out of everypony's control."

"Y-you guys... forgive me?"

I walked over and patted her on the withers. "I said this to Twilight and I'll say it again; believing in your friends and embracing that belief by forgiving failure. I forgive you."

Fluttershy breaks the hug and smiles. "I forgive you as well."

Rainbow looks at us before giving a small smile herself. "I... thank you."

I nod before checking my watch. The crusaders were getting out of school soon and Rarity asked me to send Sweetie Belle home right away for something important. There was one last thing I wanted to get out of the way before that. "So... about that race..."

She jumped before waving her hooves in front of her. "Nonono, I can't race you right after a race like THAT!"

I raise an eyebrow. "That sham was not an actual race, but okay." As all three of us exit, a mischievous thought crossed my mind. "Oh, I know the actual reason why you don't want to race me!"

"Huh? The actual reason?"

"You're too slow!"

"YOU LITTLE--" I take off while laughing madly with her in hot pursuit. I was laughing so hard, I could barely slow down to avoid running into a cloud. She lands on the cloud with a bit of a knowing smirk. "Who's too slow now, huh?"

THERE'S the Rainbow I know and love.

I give her an impish smile and we both share another laugh, though I could of sworn I heard Pinkie giggling as well.





I managed to catch the crusaders right after school. They were once again discussing what they could do for cutie marks... or rather, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were discussing it while Scootaloo was oddly silent. I got their attention when I cleared my throat. "I enjoy seeing you fillies discussing ideas, but I'm gonna have to be a killjoy and say that Rarity needs you, Sweetie Belle."

That sounded like an awkwardly worded sentence...

Sweetie Belle gasped. "Oh no, I completely forgot! Sorry girls, but we'll have to discuss this tomorrow." With that, she gallops off as fast as her tiny legs could carry her.

Scootaloo sighed. "Well... if we aren't doing anything, I'll be... going back..." She rides away, depression clearly around her.

I look at Applebloom, who also sighed. "She's been like that for the past few days or so."

"Do you know what's wrong?"

"Her birthday is coming up."

This immediately got a confused look from me. "I thought foals loved celebrating their birthdays."

"Ah thought so as well. Yet, from what ah heard from the other orphans, she always gets depressed around her birthday." She drooped her head. "It always happened and no-pony could help her..."

I look back in the direction Scootaloo was traveling, feeling too powerless to help. "If only there was a way..." I look back at Applebloom. "Not even Pinkie Pie could cheer her up?"

"No, she always happened to be away for it, though ah doubt that was her intention." She shook her head. "It's been getting me an' Sweetie down too. Ah just wish somepony... anypony could help her..." With that, she trudged back to the farm.

If only there was a way... if only-- wait a minute.

An idea finally made itself known to me and I pondered it a bit before deciding that it was one way, maybe the only way, to permanently cheer Scootaloo up for her birthday. "Hey Applebloom, do you know when her birthday is?"

She turned around with a confused look. "It's in three days."

Okay, that should be enough time to get things perfect.

"Thanks! I want to try doing something for her on her birthday, that's why I needed to know."

She gives me a hopeful look. "Ah hope it will at least make her feel a bit better."

With any luck, it will be more than a bit.

I nod. "Alright, well I'm off. Have a safe trek back." She waves at me before I take off.

The first place I went was Sugar Cube Corner, as I wanted to speak to Pinkie about--

"Speak to me about what?"

I was immediately floored. "PINKIE! Don't pop out of nowhere like that!"

"Sorry! That's just how I roll, though."

I facehoof after getting back up. "Right, well I'm here to discuss something with you."

"Is it perhaps a party?" When I nodded she squealed with joy. "Ohmygosh! What kind of party? Tell me, tell me, tell me!"

"Are you aware of any birthdays coming up?"

She thought for a bit before pulling a notepad out of her hair, inexplicably gaining a pencil behind her ear in the process. She flipped through a few pages before gasping. "Oh no! Scootaloo's birthday is coming up and I missed her last two parties! Thank you so much for reminding me!"

"Ah yes, about that. I'm going to have to ask you to refrain from doing so."

"WHAT! Why would you want to--"

"Doing so here. I want to host the party at my house." She was giving me a surprised look with her mouth hanging open like she was cut off from talking.

She then gave me a smile. "Oooh, you sly pony you, you had me fooled for a second there."

I give her an exasperated look. "What do you take me for, a cruel pony?"

"I'm just teasing you."

Figures...

"But why do you want it at your house?"

I raise my eyebrow at her. "It's for the surprise I have planned out."

"Oh, what is it? I want to know, is it a surprise for Scootaloo, or for everypony present?"

"It's... a surprise!" She falls onto her face. "Come on, Pinkie.I know I can trust you with secrets and what-not, but I want it to be a surprise for as many ponies as possible, including the guest of honor."

"Ooh, sounds like you got things planned out!"

"I do. So... will you host the party at my place?"

She salutes. "That will be no prob-lemo!"

"I'm counting on you. I need to go someplace and discuss something for my surprise to work out." With that, I took my leave.





Three days later, Schootaloo's Birthday





"Come on, Scootaloo. We could have a sleep-over as part of your birthday!" Both Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were actively trying to encourage the distraught pegasus filly.

She lets out a sigh. "Do whatever you girls want to..." This got a worried look out of her friends.

I shake my head. "Don't be like that, Scoots. If it helps, I can host your sleep-over at my place this time around... if you want to, I mean."

"Sure... that's fine." With that, she starts trudging towards Ponyville. The other two fillies look at me and I give them a wink before following.

On the way, we kept encouraging her and discussing what they could do for activities. When we reach my house, I held the door open. "Birthday filly first." Scootaloo simply walked in with no objections.

3... 2... 1...

"SURPRISE!"

I heard a small cry of surprise from Scootaloo and I quickly followed her in with her friends. "Did you really think we would skip giving you a birthday party?"

Pinkie suddenly came forward and held one of Scootaloo's hooves in both of hers. "I'm so sorry for missing two of your birthdays in the past. As my attempt to make up for them, I made this one extra special!"

"Y-you didn't have to." She was stammering at the moment.

I look and saw my friends, my little sister, my parents, a few other ponies from around town, and a bunch of foals in the group. Out of the corner of my eye, I also saw the mare who ran the orphanage.

I roll my eyes and gently pushed her forward with a wing. "Come on, the party won't start without you."

"Yeah, Squirt. All of us wanted to celebrate with you." Rainbow flew forward a bit with a smile.

"Y-you came to my party a-as well?" Scootaloo rushed forward to hug Rainbow when she nodded. "Thank you!"

Pinkie popped up in the middle of the crowd. "Come on, everypony. Let's get this party STARTED!"

We mingled for a bit until Scootaloo wanted to have cake. When Pinkie brought it out from the main floor spare bedroom, I was amazed at how big it was, despite only having nine candles. After the birthday song, Scoots blew out all of them in one go.

"What was your wish?" I roll my eyes at the question one of the foals dared asking.

Pinkie tutted. "You know she can't say. It's bad luck telling ponies your wish until it comes true."

Applejack chuckled. "Ah reckon she'll tell us when she's good an' ready." I roll my eyes again but didn't comment.

After the cake came the games. Most of us older ponies stood back as the foals played various games Pinkie managed to bring along. Applejack and Rarity got hooked into playing a game as well, much to the latter's dismay and to the amusement of everypony else.

Eventually, we got to Scootaloo opening her presents. There was a decent turnout, nine in total, compared to previous years where she only got one or two.

Applejack had gotten her a smaller stetson, which she wore with a bit of a goofy grin. She even tried mimicking the accent, only to blush when it sounded nothing like the Apples.

Rarity gave her a well designed dress that really suited her. She looked a bit torn between liking it and not liking it, so I whispered to her that she would eventually need one. She only rolled her eyes at that.

Pinkie gave her a box of cookies, much to my confusion. I brushed it off when Scootaloo chomped on one happily.

Twilight gave her a book titled "Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone". I've never heard of the title, which led to Twilight telling me I was welcome to borrow a copy from the library if I was interested enough in it. Scootaloo liked it a lot.

Fluttershy gave a feather charm bracelet made of black and white feathers, made specifically for her.

Rainbow gave her Wonderbolt posters and a pair of goggles, which made her quite happy as well.

There was a collaborative gift from both Applebloom and Sweetie Belle which consisted of a modified crusader's cape of her color and a pair of wings surrounding the emblem. It was another simple gift but it had it's own value, judging by her happy expression as she put it on.

Scootaloo picked up the second-last gift and read the tag, which confused her a bit. "From the Windstorms/Earthwings?"

My mom shook her head. "Think of that as a collaboration between two families."

"No offense but... it seems kind of small for a collaboration of that caliber."

I roll my eyes. "Open it and see what's inside then."

She did so and all that fell out was a scroll. This confused almost everypony at once, though Applejack spoke up first. "What in tarnation?"

Twilight eyed the scroll. "Maybe it says something important?"

"I can't see words being that important." Scootaloo stated as she undid the scroll, which got a small smirk from me. She read it for a bit, only to lock up with a shocked face before looking at me and my family. "I... I..."

Seeing as no-pony else was currently in a position to read the scroll, I broke the ice. "Cat got your tongue... little sister?"

The effect was instantaneous as she rushed forward to tackle me, crying out in joy, before doing the same to the rest of our family. Rarity picked up the scroll and read it, only to get her own shocked face. "My word... this is an adoption form!"

I patted Scootaloo on the head when she tackles me again as everypony else except for Rainbow and Safe Haven, the mare running the orphanage, gathered around the scroll held in Rarity's magic to read it.

Pinkie let out a loud squee. "So THAT'S the surprise you were talking about! That's about the sweetest thing to give somepony on her birthday, and I work at a bakery!"

Applejack shook her head. "Well ah'll be."

Safe Haven stepped forward, which made Scootaloo turn to her with tear-filled eyes. "Congratulations, you finally have a family that you belong to now."

"A-am I dreaming? Oh dear Luna, I hope I'm not dreaming!" I roll my eyes and poke her in the wing, which got a squeak out of her. "I'm not... I can't believe it! I've finally... I finally got my wish!"

Dad walked over and gave her a nuzzle. "Welcome to the family, Scootaloo." He got another hug out of her.

Safe Haven walked over to me. "I've never seen her so happy before. Thank you for taking her in."

I look at Rainbow and she nods at me. I still remember the chat we had before I gathered my family for the surprise.

"How come you're asking me?"

"You're her idol and big sister figure. I... just wanted to see if you had any objections to my course of action."

"Of course not. Besides, I... doubt I would of made a good big sister anyways. Even if I did eventually take her under my wing, I wouldn't be able to adopt her, I can only be a surrogate sister."

"You you still can be one..."

"For now, not yet. I'll still be there if she needs me, though. She needs a true family before anything else, in my opinion."

“Don’t forget your last gift!” Pinkie held up the box from me

“I don’t know, I doubt I can top what anypony else gave.”

Mom rolled her eyes. “It’s the thought that counts.”

Scootaloo opened the gift, which was a blue box. When she opened it, she saw the pendant I got for her. “This… is this?”

Rarity looked at the pendant in awe. “A sunstone and moonstone pendant. Zephyr dear, you went all out for her, didn’t you?”

“I hated seeing her depressed like that. I wanted to do all I could for her.” I got yet another hug from the filly. I remembered the look on the jeweler's face when I ordered the pendant.

"Come on, Scootaloo, get close with your new family!" I was jarred out of my thoughts and saw Pinkie holding a camera. I quickly got in position with Fluttershy on one side and Scootaloo on the other. She was in between me and dad, who had mom on his other side. "Big smiles!"





"And here's your new room, Scoots." I showed my new little sister her bedroom. It was a little barren outside of the necessities, which made me cringe at how lazy I was. "Sorry it's a little... bland."

"I don't care, that's easy to fix. I'm just... still so happy." She gives me another hug.

"Careful, she might turn into a bur if she keeps that up." I turn to give mom a flat glare and she shakes her head in amusement. "Still, thanks for letting all of us stay here for the night."

"Of course. No sense introducing Scoots to her new family, only for most of them to leave right after."

She raises an eyebrow. "Fluttershy as well? She lives in the same town unlike me and Medi."

"Why not?" Fluttershy walked up the stairs and greeted us with a smile. Then she gave me a worried look. "Are you sure there's enough bedding for us all?"

"Hm... there's only three bedrooms total in this house." I pondered it for a bit. Mom and dad had the spare bedroom and Scootaloo had her own. I wasn't about to make her share her new bed, but I worried when she might think if Fluttershy slept with me. "I'll sleep on the couch for tonight."

Fluttershy gave me a flat look. "Oh no you don't, mister. I'll sleep on the--"

"You might be family, Fluttershy, but you're still my guest. It would be rude of me if I didn't--"

"Uhm..." All three of us look at Scootaloo. "I-Is it okay if I sleep with one of you tonight?"

We looked at each other until mom smiled. "Why don't all three of you share Zephyr's bed? There's enough room after all." With that, she went back downstairs.

I deadpan at her retreating figure before looking at my sisters. "Is... that fine with you two?"

Scootaloo nodded. "I just... wanted to be close to my new family for the night..."

Fluttershy smiled before yawning. "Then... should we go to bed then?"

"We should. It's late, and Scootaloo has school tomorrow."

"I don't wanna--" She was cut off by a loud yawn.

I let out a tired chuckle. "You'll need your rest, especially after today."

Fluttershy agreed with me as we went into my bedroom. After Fluttershy got in, Scootaloo snuggled up beside her and I sandwiched her in a way that was comfortable.

The last thing I saw before drifting off into sleep was the picture Pinkie took. The five of us were all smiling, with Scootaloo having the biggest one.
> Chapter 28 - Lesson Unlearned (Lesson Zero)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I slowly drifted back into the waking world, I became aware of two soft breathing noises to my right. When I open my eyes, I see Fluttershy curled up with Scootaloo in-between us, still sleeping peacefully.

I smile at the sight. Last time I woke up with Scootaloo in my bed, I was worried it would be taken the wrong way. Now that she's my newly adopted little sister, I no longer felt it was... wrong, in a way. Plus, I get to bask in the adorable sight that is seeing two sisters sleeping with one-another.

Shifting around so that I wouldn't wake them up, I check my watch. It was still early in the morning, about 7:15 AM. Scoots didn't have school until 8:30 and I felt it would be a waste if I didn't let her sleep as much as possible. I quickly got out of bed without waking them up and made sure they were properly tucked in before heading downstairs.

"Good morning, Sunshine." I look over to see my mom having a cup of tea at the table with dad. "How did your new little sister sleep?"

"Still sleeping, I didn't have the heart to wake her up just yet."

Dad chuckled quietly. "That sounds like something I would say."

Mom shook her head in amusement. "Of course, he's your son after all."

Thinking she still didn't consider herself part of the family, I quickly say, "Your still my mom as well!"

"Well no... at least not yet."

This confused me. "What?"

"Well... we didn't know when to tell you since everything has been crazy but I guess now is a good time. Your dad and I are dating."

I gaped at her, unsure what to say, which got an amused laugh out of both of them. "Wait, when did this happen?"

Dad spoke up this time. "I-it happened right before Equestria got hit by incredibly random weather. We wanted to tell you but, like Harp said, we couldn't find the time when everything crazy started happening."

"Ah... well... uh..."

Mom laughed again. "Are you shocked over the fact that your adoptive mother will eventually become your mother-in-law?"

She fluttered her eyes at me, which broke me out of my shocked trance and made me double facehoof. "Right, just be sure to let Fluttershy and Scootaloo know as well."

"Will do. Anyways, is there anything you want for breakfast? And before you say anything regarding that we're your guests, we're still your parents."

Her straightforwardness caught me a bit off guard, but I just accepted it. "How about your omelets? I haven't had one of those in forever, and there should be enough eggs for five of us."

She giggles. "Went right for the good stuff, huh? Very well, let me work my magic." With that, she went right to work. It wasn't long before the house was filled with the smell of her cooking. I pour myself a glass of milk before taking a seat with dad.

"Mmm, what's that smell?" I look over to see Fluttershy coming down the stairs with a half-asleep Scootaloo.

"Mom's omelets. Trust me when I say they're divine, and I don't usually say stuff like that."

Scoots pouted at me. "That's beside the point. Why didn't you wake me up when you got up?"

I chuckle. "How could I? You looked so peaceful." This got a groan from her. "Get used to stuff like that. It's baggage that comes from having an older sibling."

"Now now, you two." My mom rolled her eyes in amusement. "What do you two want in your omelets?" she asked while looking over at Scootaloo and Fluttershy.





After breakfast was eaten and things were explained, Fluttershy left for her cottage to feed her animals while mom and dad left for Cloudsdale once again. I took Scootaloo to school, much to her fellow classmates' surprise and to her amusement. I figured that Rainbow would understand me taking her to school before heading off to weather duties.

"So how was Squirt's first night with you guys?"

"She slept pretty well. Apparently she didn't like me waking up without waking her up." This got a snort of amusement out of her.

"Right well, letting you know now that Fluttershy and I are going to a picnic with our friends later on. Unfortunately, Rarity and Pinkie wanted to make it "girls only" or something."

I raise an eyebrow. "Don't think I'm insulted, Rainbow. You girls don't NEED to include me in everything you do. I mean, hay, I'm just the out-of-place male in your circle of friends."

She rolls her eyes. "If you’re sure about it."

I nod. "Yes I'm sure. Besides I need to visit my band mates as I haven't seen them outside of getting their help during the "Chaos Incident"."

"Right, forgot you were in a band. See you around then, I'm off to help Applejack with something." With that, she flies off.

I shake my head in amusement before flying off myself. On the way to the meeting place, I spy Twilight and Spike heading in the direction of Sugar Cube Corner, with the latter holding the longest scroll I have ever seen.

When I arrived and entered, I found Snare practicing on her drums, Burst tuning his bass, and Electron fiddling with her equipment. Burst was the first one to notice me. "Hey Zephyr, how have you been?"

"Pretty good. I just got myself a new little sister."

Electron looked up from what she was doing. "I was hearing a lot of hubbub at one point last night. Was it because..."

"It was her birthday and my family's gift to her was adopting her."

She cooed. "Aw, that's sweet."

"Yeah, yeah, gag me..." I look over at Snare who wore a look of irritation.

Burst rolled his eyes. "Snare's still a bit sour over you making her fly more than she's used to."

"Am not!"

I sigh. "Snare tell me, how was I supposed to know that all of our work that day was going to waste because of a mad spirit's power?"

"Wait, that was caused by a mad spirit?"

"Discord." She deadpans at me before whistling nonchalantly.

Burst shook his head in amusement. "Now that that's out of the way, do you have any plans for Nightmare Night, Zephyr?"

I widen my eyes in shock. "Wait, Nightmare Night's coming up? I don't have anything!"

I used to hate Nightmare Night when I was younger because I was easily scared and the other foals always alienated me. Now that I had a filly younger sister, it suddenly became something more that I had to worry about.

Electron patted me on the withers. "Don't worry too much if it's about your sister. Besides, we wanted to do something as a band... or at least between the four of us."

I look around. "Speaking of, where's Iron and Strings?"

"Strings hasn't returned from Canterlot and Iron went to Vanhoover to visit a relative." Snare spoke up this time. I guess she's over her little vendetta now.

"Hmm... I wonder..." Suddenly, due to resentment from previous years of my life, I came up with a very evil idea. "You know... seeing as it's going to be Nightmare Night and all, why don't we give the town ponies a scare?"

Burst raised an eyebrow. "You look like you have an idea."

"Whether you guys agree to it or not is up in the air. Here's the deal..."





I chuckle ominously as I left the building. I know this town never really did anything to me, but I was never able to fully enjoy Nightmare Night to it's fullest in the past. That included giving others a scare, but because I was more of a scaredy cat back then and that nopony wanted to help me, I couldn't.

I grabbed lunch at Sugar Cube Corner, where Pinkie reminded me that they were having a picnic. I told her the same thing I told Rainbow, though now I wonder if the girls were trying to tell me something. I couldn't put my hoof on it at all, so I just shook it off.

With nothing better to do, I decided to fly around the outskirts of Ponyville just to kill a little bit of time. I eventually see Twilight sitting on a park bench... talking to herself.

I flew down cautiously to check on her. Last time I saw her like this, she was not in the best of moods. "Uh... Twilight?"

She completely ignored me. "It will all be over! My time in Ponyville--"

"Wait what? Twilight, snap out of it!"

I shake her by the shoulders, which broke her out of her trance. "Oh what? Zephyr, I'm glad you came to see me!"

I went from completely concerned to half-concerned and half-confused. "What do you mean? And what do you mean by your time in Ponyville will be over?"

"That's not important! You came to me because you had a friendship problem, yes?"

"... Actually, yes I do. It's that my normally calm and collected friend is acting so spontaneous!"

She flinched. "Y-you have a problem with me?"

I chew on my cheek. "Don't twist my words, you know full well that's not what I meant!"

"He's just worried about you, Twilight." I look over to see Spike walking over with a box in his claws. "You shouldn't panic yourself so much."

I sigh in relief because he was here to help. "Look, Spike's right. You yourself told me that panicking won't help in most situations. If you’re uncertain about something, talk it over with your friends. I'm sure they’ll try to help."

Spike nodded. "That's right. You can talk it over with them at the picnic--"

"The picnic!"

I'll be seeing that smile in my nightmares tonight...

"I should go see my friends!" She grabs the box from Spikes claws with her magic and runs off.

Both of us look at each other with a worried look. "I hope she came to her senses... enough to be coherent anyways."

I sigh. "As dark as this may be, I think that smile of hers gave me an idea for what I'm doing on Nightmare Night." I shake my head before looking in the direction she went. "I wonder what's gotten into her..."

Spike groaned. "Oh, today's the day she is supposed to send a friendship letter to princess Celestia. She's been panicking over it for half of the day, worried that this one time she misses a letter will end her."

"I forgot about that. Still, as much as I know that being a student under a powerful princess has it's own demanding requirements, I'm sure her highness would understand." Seeing Spike's inquisitive look I explain, "I met her right after the Chaos Incident when I was in the hospital for serious injuries."

"Oh, so that's how you got out so fast."

"Yeah... still I hope things turn out okay." He nods in agreement. There was silence before I sighed. "Perhaps, as a security net, you should inform the princess about this."

He blanched. "I was thinking the same thing but... what if Twilight thinks I told on her."

"Spike, it's better to inform somepony about a major problem than do nothing at all. Besides, if push comes to shove, Celestia may be the only pony Twilight truly listens to, as much as I wish for it to not be true."

"Alright. I'll head back now and send her a letter. Hopefully things turn out alright."

"I hope so too, Spike. I hope so too..."





I was waiting outside of the school when the bell rang, signaling the end of classes for the day. Scootaloo was surprised to see me there, though she quickly became happy about it as well. "You came to pick me up?"

"Of course. You think I'd just let you walk home by yourself?" She nuzzled me with a giggle. "Besides, we still need to discuss what you're doing for Nightmare Night."

Sweetie Belle gasped. "Oh right! Rarity did say she would help us with our costumes if we needed."

Interesting, I should see if she can help with mine.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. "We can worry about that later. Anyways, I don't feel like crusading today, but I do want to enjoy the day outside."

Appleboom tilted her head. "Ya mean you jus' want to play today? Ah have a beach ball at home we can hit around."

"Of course. I want Zephyr to join us as well!"

I raise an eyebrow. "Oh? Here I was thinking you girls didn't want me to join this time."

Scoots gives me a look. "Come on, it'll be the first time I get to play with my new big brother!"

Sweetie Belle giggled. "You've certainly been happy about that today."

"Why not?"

I shake my head in amusement. "If you're certain then let's go get the ball, the day isn't getting any younger."

I saw Granny Smith while at the farm who told me that, because I took in a filly that needed a family, I've gained the Apple Family's respect and that I was now an honorary Apple. I asked Applebloom about it a bit later and she explained that the Apple Family puts high value on family ties and relationships, meaning my act resonated with Granny Smith when Applejack told her what I did.

I blew up the ball because of how much of a wind bag I am, which tuckered me out a bit but not enough to prevent me from joining the fun. "Why don't we make this interesting? Lets see how long we can keep the ball in the air."

Scootaloo scoffed. "Please, that'll be easy peasy."

I raise an eyebrow. "Don't jinx it."

Sure enough, she hit it awkwardly enough that none of us were able to reach it in time, forcing us to restart right off the bat. It was actually stressful in a way, how you’re pretending the ball is something precious and the floor is lava. It was the fun kind of stressful though.

Suddenly, when the ball was heading towards me, it suddenly started dropping faster like it gained weight. Thinking it was just the ball losing some air, I went to hit it again with my head, only for it to feel like a flower pot dropped on it. "Ow, what the?"

Scootaloo snorted. "Way to drop the ball, big broth--" She stopped herself short when the ball suddenly started getting bigger and looking like something was trying to break out.

The ball pops and in it's place is Twilight, looking like she desperately needs a mane re-style. "Hi, girls... and boy!"

Wow, way to make me feel like an afterthought, Twily...

Applebloom spoke up, sounding somewhat intimidated. "H-hi, Twilight. How are--"

"Gr~eat. Just great."

I roll my eyes. "Oh, yes? Then how was the picnic?"

"We don't. Speak. Of the picnic!" That definitely tipped me off that thing did not turn out okay as I had hoped. She turns to slowly advance on the fillies. "Anyways, you three look like you're doing great too! Looks like three good friends who obviously don't need the help of another good friend."

The way she was advancing on them did NOT sit very well with me. "Twilight, maybe you should--"

She suddenly brings out a raggedy, old doll. "This is Smarty Pants. She was mine when I was your age, and now I want to give her to you! She even comes with her own notebook and quill, for when you want to pretend she's doing her homework!"

That made me facehoof hard. "Twilight, I hope you don't become a salespony."

She gives me a withering glare. "And just what do you mean by that?"

"The fact that you did not sound convincing. At. All."

"What's it to you?" She snapped at me.

"The fact that, if you're trying to do what I think you're trying to do, I am NOT amused." I don't know why, but the way Scootaloo and her friends looked borderline scared made me put venom in my voice.

"It's free isn't it?" She looked even more crazy now, but that didn't make me flinch one bit.

Applebloom spoke up. "Ah don't know... maybe Sweetie Belle should have first turn?"

The mentioned filly looked insulted. "No, I think Scootaloo should play with her first!"

"What, why me?"

I sigh while glaring at Twilight. "Girls, you don't have to accept it if you don't like it!" All three give me an uncertain look before backing away again.

"Oh? If the problem is the fact that you don't like her, then I'm sure you'll absolutely love her more than anything!"

I groan in irritation, the whole situation somehow putting me in a bad mood. "If you're going to try to pass it off again, then-- what in tarnation?" Foals were around, so I had to borrow a leaf from Applejack's book.

The doll in question suddenly looked like tiny hearts were going inside of the doll, which baffled me.

At least until Scootaloo suddenly gasped. "I want it."

What?

"I NEED it!" Applebloom suddenly said.

"I REALLY like her mane!" Sweetie Belle sounded off. They stared at the doll for a second before disappearing in a ball of violence.

I immediately turn to Twilight with a growl. "WHAT did you do?"

"Eh heh, the Want It, Need It spell. Works every time!"

"Yeah and if by it works you mean it causes foals to start beating each other up over a stupid doll, I'd have to agree with you. Now cancel it!"

She looked like she got off-put by my more aggressive tone. "Uh, right just... let me do something first!"

She went over and said something about a lesson to be learned, only be promptly denied by a no from Applebloom. She dived in as well, only to get rejected. I give her an unamused glare. "How'd that plan work out for you? Shouldn't you just, oh I don't know, CANCEL the spell?"

She whimpered. "B-but I don't know how!"

I groan. "You don't even have a counter-spell? Love of-- I guess if you want something done..." I leap into the dust ball myself and pushed Sweetie Belle and Applebloom away from each other with my wings while I held Scootaloo in one foreleg. "Break it up, you three!"

I briefly saw hearts in their eyes before they went back to normal with confused looks. Scootaloo took one look at the doll before hiding underneath me. "Eep! What did that doll do to us?" Sweetie and Applebloom joined her, much to my discomfort.

I once again glare at Twilight, who withered under it. "Congratulations, you just tr--"

I was interrupted by a red blur taking the doll. I look to see Big Mac, with the same hearts in his eyes. The way he came out of nowhere like that baffled me to the point of making me change my accent. "Aye... what just happened?"

It didn't take long before he was in a mountain of ponies who all fell under the doll's spell. I look to Twilight, now panicking. "Twilight, do something!"

"I'm trying! I can't seem... to--" Her attempts to get the doll were interrupted by the mayor taking the doll from Big Mac, who proceeded to knock everypony else away with a "nope" before pursuing.

"Will you be able to disengage the spell if I get you the doll?"

She gives me a worried look. "Won't you fall under the spell as well?"

"I was looking at it earlier just fine."

"A-alright. I don't know the exact counter-spell, but I'll try my best!"

I nod quickly. "That's all I ask!" I fly up to address the fillies. "You three head back into town and, whatever you do, don't look around!" I got a round of nods from them before they scamper off. I nod once more to Twilight before flying off myself.

Spying the mayor and keeping my weakness to earth ponies in mind, I quickly swoop in and snag the doll from her mouth. It didn't take long before other pegasi tried taking it from me, which made me do the equivalent of an air-ballet in my attempts to dodge.

Sadly, I wasn't able to keep up the dodging long enough to get it to Twilight, as a pony managed to land a hit on me which made me drop it with an "augh" of pain. I saw where it landed briefly before it disappeared in the brawl below. I kept getting glimpses of it, but I wasn't able to get a lock on it.

When I finally did, I managed to snag it before it disappeared on me again, but I once again had afflicted ponies on my trail. I wasn’t able to take off in time though, as an earth pony leaped into the air to intercept me.

I knew I couldn’t get out of the way in time, but I tried to dodge anyways. As I did, my secondaries suddenly felt tingly and, all too suddenly, I whipped out from under the mare. The dodge was so unexpectedly smooth that I nearly lost my balance right after.

What… what just--

I couldn’t ponder it too much when another mare, this time a unicorn, tried ramming into me. Once again she was too close for me to dodge normally but when I tried to anyways, the same thing happened again, although this time I kept my balance.

Using the opening and the fact that any other pony affected by the spell was too far to try and do anything, I took to the air again. The same thing that happened on the ground happened in the air as well, with every single pegasus that tried tackling me too close for normal dodging gets dodged anyways.

My dodging spree was ended when a pegasus I didn’t see coming hit me in the head, causing stars to explode across my vision and making me drop the doll.

When I managed to recover after a few seconds, I saw the doll drop near Rainbow and, in a fit of panic, I dropped down as well to get it out of her sight. Twilight managed to save her from the spell by closing her eyes. "Don't look at it!"

Rarity walked over, confused "What do you mean?"

"Enchanted doll that makes you fight for it!" Was all I got out before the doll disappeared again.

Seeing the looks of confusion, Twilight covered for me. "I enchanted my doll and now everypony is fighting over her!"

Fluttershy spoke up this time. "Why would you enchant your doll?"

I covered Twilight this time. "Because she needed to solve a friendship problem for a letter to the princess."

She nodded. "I thought if I couldn't find a problem, I'd make a problem! Look at how THAT turned out!" She cowered on the ground. "Not only did I make Zephyr mad earlier, the day is almost over!"

"Not almost," Applejack managed to say before the sun dipped over the horizon and a white light ignited over us.

"Twilight Sparkle!" The voice of the princess made me drop to the ground in surprise. With the light from her horn, she cast a spell that made everypony stop fighting, seemingly breaking the enchantment.

I saw the ponies gathering around the doll with confused, annoyed, or embarrassed expressions before dispersing. I redirected my attention towards the princess, remembering that I told Spike to send her a letter. The feeling of dread suddenly welled in my stomach.

She landed in front of Twilight with a disappointed look. "Meet me in the library." Was all she said before walking off.

Twilight let out a heavy sigh. "Goodbye, everypony. If you care to visit, I'll be in magic kindergarten... back in Canterlot." Her words struck me as I suddenly realize--

"We're never gonna see Twilight again!" Pinkie said in an outburst, which drove my realization and feeling of dread home.

"Oh no no no, it's all MY fault!"

Applejack gave me a concerned look. "What do you mean, sugahcube?"

"I wasn't clear with her when I told her to talk it over with you girls. Then, when she was trying to make a problem, I started acting passive-aggressive with her when she confronted Scootaloo and her friends!"

Rainbow looked surprised. "YOU acted passive-aggressive? Why?"

"I don't know. But what I do know is that I should of tried talking her out of her plan instead of blowing her off! Now look what happened!"

Rarity put a hoof on my muzzle. "Darling, you shouldn't throw all of the blame on yourself. None of us gave her the time of day when it counted either."

"That's not--"

Fluttershy nuzzled me. "Please, Zephyr. We're all to blame for this one."

"Still, Of all the worst things that could happen, this is THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!" Rarity got weird looks from everypony but me. "What? I really mean it this time!"

I adopted a confused look. "Did I miss something?"

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "She did that earlier when she realized she forgot plates." That got a deadpan from me and an even more nervous smile out of Rarity.

Pinkie jumped up. "We can worry about that later. Twilight needs us!"

I shake my head before nodding. "Yeah, we need to get there ASAP. Come on!" Four of us started galloping towards the library while Rainbow and I flew over them.

We reached the library quickly and suddenly flew towards the door in a burst of speed. "Battering ram!" I half-shouted.

Only for me to stupidly use my head and not my hooves to hit the door. Stars once again exploded across my vision and the pain followed shortly after, with Fluttershy tripping onto me with an "eep" of surprise. She managed to quickly shake it off and join our friends surrounding Twilight while I took a bit longer to recover.

When I finally joined the others, The girls were ringing out their arguments as to why it was their fault, ending with Fluttershy saying, "Please don't take her away from us just because we were too insensitive to help her."

I walked forward, still slightly disoriented. "Especially me. I treated her like total garbage and got too defensive against her when she needed support most! I got angry for no good reason and... and..."

She raised an eyebrow. "So that's why Twilight said you got mad at her." Seeing my confused look, she simply sighed. "I'll explain in a minute. So I take it all of you learned an important lesson today?" She got agreement from us all. "Very well. I'll forget Twilight's "punishment" on one condition.

"From this day forth, I would like you all to report to me your findings on the magic of friendship, when, and only when, you happen to discover them. That includes you as well Zephyr." That kind of came out of left field for me so all I did was give a shocked cheer, much to her amusement.

Twilight looked like she had a thought. "Wait, how did you know about--"

"Your troubles? I received a letter from Spike that made me aware. I commend him for taking your feelings seriously." I suddenly found the bookshelves very interesting.

Spike piped up. "Uh, while I did have the idea, Zephyr suggested it to me as well."

I flinch when all of the attention was on me. “I-I effectively helped tattletale on her and got her into trouble with you…”

“You still took her feelings into consideration when you told Spike to write to me about it.”

"B-but... in the end I still blew her off for no good reason..."

Celestia raised an eyebrow. "No good reason? Is acting like an older-brother with a protective instinct no good reason?"

I give her a shocked look. "But I've only been a big brother for... a week-and-a-half tops! How could I have--"

"My understanding is that you were a big brother to Fluttershy before your separation, correct?" I nod. "Some instincts never truly leave us, even after many long years of never using them. You were just... abrasive in your execution." I continue to look at her with surprise as she gives me a soft smile before flying out of the library.

Applejack whistled. "Well ain't that something? Granny Smith was right when she said she had a good feeling about you as a big brother. Anyways, Spike, take a letter!"





"A-are you sure I'll be okay?"

I was busy tucking in Scootaloo for the night after our letter to the princess was wrote. When I got home, I found her in a slightly scared state and it took much convincing to get her to go to bed.

I sigh before patting her on the head. "Don't worry about it too much,  Scoots. If you need me at all, my room's right across from yours, okay?"

"O-okay..." She snuggled into her bed in an attempt to get comfortable.

I smile softly and give her a kiss between the ears. "Sweet dreams, little sister." She let out a soft hum at that and I left for bed myself, praying to Luna that she did indeed have sweet dreams.

If only I could help her more tonight...
> Chapter 29 - The Ones (Luna Eclipsed)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I'm just... I'm so sorry about yesterday. I didn't mean to scare you and your friend's, it's just that... I wasn't thinking coherently in my panic attack."

I was in Twilight's library home with Scootaloo at my side. Twilight had flagged me down earlier during an errand I was running for Applejack and asked me to bring her with me to the library, both to apologize to her and to talk to me about something. Scoots seemed a bit unsure at first when I told her, but decided to hear Twilight out over it. I knew Twilight learned her lesson from that ordeal as well, so I was okay with it, but a part of me still felt reluctant. I'm wondering if it's my over-protectiveness trying to rear it's head again.

Scootaloo gave Twilight a cautious, yet trusting look. "I understand, Twilight. Just... please don't do that to us in the future. Plus, the way you made Zephyr put venom in his voice was... very startling."

I recoiled when I heard that. "W-was I acting scary? I didn't mean to. In fact, I didn't want to--"

"Don't worry about it, big brother. I knew you were trying to protect us from Twilight's... craziness, it’s just that hearing such a tone from you was... startling." She nuzzled me in the foreleg to emphasize her statement.

I pat her on the head as Twilight shook her head. "I can empathize with Scootaloo. When I saw my older brother acting abrasive, we were in a similar situation and it was startling to me as well."

I sigh. "So I'm not going insane? Good..."

Scootaloo batted me in the leg as Twilight rolled her eyes. "Yeah, if you consider THAT going insane, then what the heck was I?"

"Uh... not important at this juncture. Anyways, what did you want to talk to me about?"

She widened her eyes. "Oh yes, It's about when you were dodging the enchanted town ponies a second time. I saw you dodge out of attacks that you shouldn't of been able to dodge."

Scootaloo looks at me with wide eyes. "Wow, you're that good at dodging?"

"I would say that... if I knew HOW I was dodging in the first place." This got a confused look from her.

Twilight shook her head. "I was hoping you knew. Every time you dodged, your secondaries looked like they lit up for a split second before you started flashing during the dodge."

"Oh, so that's why they always felt tingly right before a dodge."

"Wait, is that true?" When I nodded she squeed in excitement. "Perhaps your secondaries channeled enough magic to allow you to dodge in that way!"

I was about to say something when Scootaloo cut me off. "You can use magic like a unicorn? At this rate you'll be as cool as Rainbow Dash!"

"Eh... not exactly. See, I have no idea how to use said magic when I WANT to like a unicorn. As of right now, the only time I "can" use it is when I'm in danger of being hit."

Twilight clopped her hooves together. "Oh, this is just so fascinating!" When she saw my apprehensive look, she gave an embarrassed smile. "But maybe not yet. Perhaps sometime after Nightmare Night?"

I nod. "Let things cool down from that spell fiasco yesterday. I'll come back for... whatever it is you do when I'm good and ready."

"That's fine. I need to work on my costume anyways."

"Alrighty then. See you on Nightmare Night."





Two days later, Nightmare Night





"Scootaloo, are you done getting dressed up?" I called up to her from downstairs. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were already here and waiting.

When I heard nothing, I groaned and went up into her room. "Scoots, you really shouldn't--"

"RAAAWR!" 

She suddenly jumps on me while dressed in her werepony costume, much to my initial shock before realizing it was her. "Oh ha ha, Scoots. Were you waiting for me to come up for you to scare?"

"Yup, and judging by the look you had, I'd say it was a success!"

I rolled my eyes at her impish smile. "That's nice and all, but your friends are waiting for you downstairs."

She gasped. "Oh yes! But what about you? I kind of wanted you to be there..."

"Sorry, but I have something else planned for tonight. Don't worry, I won't be gone the entire night, just long enough for me to finish something."

She gives me a long, hard look before sighing. "Alright. Just don't take the whole night to do it, okay?"

"Don't worry. Just have fun with your friends." She nods and starts going down the stairs. "Oh, and one other thing."

She looks at me. "What is it?"

I grin. "Don't go dieing on me..."

"Yeesh, don't do that! Hearing that in that kind of tone sends massive shivers down my spine!" Scootaloo shuddered again at the end of her sentence.

"Well, tonight is the night for thrills... and chills after all."

"Yeah, yeah." She waves to me before continuing down the stairs to meet up with her friends.

I chuckle before bringing out a simple, white hoodie that I asked Rarity to make me. She seemed confused over having such a simple piece of clothing as part of a costume, but she let it be.

I did ask Fluttershy what she was doing for Nightmare Night, but all she wanted to do was hide in her home and not be scared by all the things going on. I accepted it as I knew she was easily frightened but, seeing most of the costumes out there now, most of the ponies looked pretty mild... at least compared to what I was going to do.

I quickly flew to the band's meeting place in order to prepare for our Nightmare Night "stunt". As of right now, I only hoped it would be effective at scaring everypony. If it doesn't, at least we can say we tried.

I entered the building and was immediately greeted by Electron. She was already ready to go, dressed and done up like a gothic mare crying blood, and was currently helping Snare with her make-up. Snare was going for a more lizard-like appearance and already had most of her body covered in black and dark green scales.

"I think the only pony really left to prepare is you, Zephyr." I turn to Burst, who looked like a zombie-pony, with one eye completely white.

I snort. "Not much in the way of preparation for me. Just got to slightly mod my piece of clothing here and apply enough make-up and cover to make sure no-pony knows it's me."

Snare roll her eyes as best she could without messing Electron up. "You would probably be the simplest out of us, so it shouldn't be too hard."

Electron scoffed. "Depends on what he wants applied. Alright Snare, you're good to go." I got a better look at Snare and she really did look like a creepy lizard-pony, eyes and all. "Now what is it that you want, Zephyr?"

By the end of my make-over my head was chalk-white, save for my mane which was now jet black and the corners of my mouth which were painted to look like I was constantly smiling because of a scar. I asked Burst to modify my hoodie so that it looked like there were bloodstains on it and that there were stain lines forming a blocky heart on the chest. My eyes were done up to make it look like I haven't slept for ages.

I had decided to go as a pony from a horror story my mom used to tell me. I couldn't remember the name off the top of my head, but I was pretty sure I had his appearance down.

Burst gave me a once over. "Simple, yet pretty creepy when viewed up close."

I gave him a deranged grin. "You think so?"

"Yeesh, you really look scary like that. I think it's perfect for what you have planned."

"I know we're all ready, but one question." Snare walked over to me with a quizzical look. "How are we supposed to move our equipment without anypony seeing us?"

Electron rolled her eyes. "By using the mist generators borrowed from the weather factory. We just have to be careful about how we move it all."

I nod. "Yes, we should get moving. The night is still young after all."

The mist provided enough of a distraction for my band mates to set up in the middle of town, close to where there was a stage. We overheard some hubbub over the return of something, but we ignored it.

I gave my deranged smile again as I signaled Electron to start. I hear many ponies gasp in fright when the first few notes of the song hit their ears.

I had to stifle my mad giggling as my part slowly came up. I slowly walked out of the mist in front of where most of the ponies congregated and began to sing:


Would you believe me if I told you the reasons why,
you can't rest and drink yourself to sleep at night?
Not like it matters, you can't escape,
don't even try,
we speak what no-one knows.


I continued giving my deranged smile, frightening more ponies. They looked even more shocked when they heard Burst say from the mist:


Oh, I've got to get to sleep.


Advancing on different ponies at random, I continue:


You lie awake and hope it's all in your head.
You're counting teeth with your tongue,
"are they all there?"
There's no relief in the dark from what isn't there,
but you don't feel alone.


As I swept my gaze for more ponies to frighten, anypony who noticed me looking at them instantly started cowering. Noticing Rainbow dressed as a shadow bolt while on a cloud, I flew up to her and landed on the cloud, startling her, while continuing:


We are the ones you should be fearing,
come in the night and take your teeth away.
Now sew up your mouth and go to sleep,
'cause we'll be there soon to break your heart and spite your face.


She yelped and fell off her cloud as I continued to stare at her with my deranged smile. Noticing Applejack, dressed as a scarecrow, approaching to see what's going on, I flew off the cloud and landed a fair distance away from her. She got into a defensive position, but it was broken with fear when I once again continued:


Now they're finally here
and you know what they're looking for.
With their empty grins
they proceed in taking what you owe.

And you move your lips
but the words
they just fall to the floor,
so this is how it ends?


Noticing Rarity approaching, I immediately flew and landed right in front of her, getting a small squeal from her before singing:


Crawl to the mirror
and see all that you've become.
A grim reflection
of all the things that you have done.

You try to weep
but no tears have or will ever come.
So this is who you are?


Rarity fainted on the spot as I made my little sound effect for emphasis. Within the mist cloud, Burst managed to project the words "GO TO SLEEP" in red lettering through the mist in a way that was readable. Once again sweeping my gaze over the now terrified town ponies, I spied Pinkie Pie with a group of foals including Scootaloo and her friends. I got the drop on them and, before any of the could scream, I continued while advancing:


We are the ones you should be fearing,
come in the night and take your teeth away.
Now sew up your mouth and go to sleep,
'cause we'll be there soon to break your heart and spite your face.


They finally screamed and ran away. When other ponies tried to move in on me, I turned my smile onto them, which made all of them balk in fear. Spying the cloud Rainbow fell off of, I landed on it and, attempting not to blink as part of my costume, lip-synched Burst's next part:


All the stars will burn out sometime,
we hang by our own rope.

All the stars will burn out sometime,
we suffer from inward growth.


I once again look over the town. Anypony within range of the song and my antics was cowering on the ground in fright. It was then I noticed Twilight, wearing some kind of robe and hat, approaching with a pony I never expected to see: Princess Luna.

Deciding to make them my final target within a degree, I landed in front of them a fair distance. Both of them looked surprised, but I didn't advance on them. I merely finished the song off the same way I lip-synched Bursts lines:


We are the ones you should be fearing,
come in the night and take your teeth away.
Now sew up your mouth and go to sleep,
'cause we'll be there soon to break your heart and spite your face.


Both of them continued to bear surprised looks as I slowly walked backwards into the mist as Electron made it sound like the electronics were freaking out, like they were haunted. This finally made the towns ponies start running around in a panic, screaming in fear.

"I think it's high time we got the buck out of dodge." I whispered to my band mates, who nodded and quickly got everything packed up and out of the mist without anypony noticing. At one point we heard an echoing shout, but we didn't recognize it.

Snare set down her drums in our meeting place. "Whew, didn't think we would be able to pull it off."

"You know, Zephyr, I never took you for being this evil before." Electron gave me a look that's halfway between surprised and annoyed.

I simply chuckle. "I've got to do something like that at least ONCE in my lifetime, right?"

"I'll be surprised if this town isn't scarred for life after tonight." Burst shook his head. "Regardless, if the plan was to give the entire town a scare, it worked."

"You sure did give everypony a scare." All four of us froze on the spot when we heard a new voice. When we looked, Twilight was standing at the entrance, wearing a face of irritation.

Seeing as we were already this close to being caught, I decided to take the blow for my band if we did indeed get caught. "Uh... hey Twilight. What brings you here?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just the fact that one of my friends just pulled the biggest town-wide scare I've ever seen. Isn't that right, Zephyr?"

I cough nervously. "C-come on, Twilight. Not only was it my idea--" This got a surprised look from her. "-- But it's Nightmare Night. Can't we cut loose with the fright tonight?"

"I'm surprised you of all ponies came up with that, but that's not the point. Princess Luna had come to Ponyville to try and reconnect with her subjects more." She points a hoof at me. "They were already scared because of her attempts to save somepony and how she still speaks, yet your little act caused the town ponies to fully drive the nail in the fact that she is a frightening pony."

This left me at a loss for words with a distraught look. I didn't realize my stunt caused so much damage, especially to a princess.

Electron suddenly spoke up, "Miss Sparkle, please understand that it was not his intention to do that. He had this stunt planned a few days ago; he never realized that Princess Luna was coming to Ponyville right before we did that."

"That isn't enough to excuse--"

Snare cut her off. "Kid, I know that the princess has been away for a thousand years, has difficulty reintegrating into today's society, and that the town is easy to scare." She waved a hoof in irritation. "That's no reason to throw us, especially Zephyr, under the carriage for a town-wide prank that inadvertently caused more fear towards somepony we didn't know was here."

Twilight chewed on her cheek. "Okay, maybe it wasn't a fair thing to do, but that little stunt did kill what progress she DID attain with the town ponies."

Burst sighed. "So you're saying our timing was far worse because of the damage inadvertently done, correct?"

"Correct, though I guess I still shouldn't of come unglued at you guys for trying to pull off a harmless prank on the town. I'm sorry."

I shake my head. "Don't be. you had every right to be mad at us for doing that. That doesn't mean I won't sit back at let things continue as they are, though."

Twilight smiled at me. "So you're going to help princess Luna?"

"I've met her before, so I should be okay... more or less. I'll do it myself as representative of the band, since it was my prank idea to begin with."

Electron widened her eyes. "You realize you don't have to do it without us, right?"

"I was the only pony the town saw during the prank and I don't want you guys coming under fire for my decisions. I'll call on you guys if I do need help, though."

Burst shook his head. "If that is what you wish, but we won't just sit by idly as you try to fix a problem. The rest of us will try to calm the panicking town ponies as best as we can."

Twilight nodded. "That's probably a good strategy. Zephyr, I'll lead you to Luna." I simply nod before following her out the door.

We found the princess on one of the stone bridges going into town, walking away dejectedly. I signaled Twilight to stop as I approached. "Your highness?"

She took a look at me. "Zephyr Earthwing?"

This made me recoil in surprise. "I-it's actually Windstorm now, not Earthwing. Anyways, how did you know it was me?"

"We remember thy voice from the concert and, as clev'r as the disguise was, we can see some of thy natural fur color to the side of thy ear."

I look at Twilight with surprise and she nodded. "I don't think anypony else saw it, so it really was a good costume."

"That's not why I'm here, though." Looking back at Luna, I bow in respect. "I must humbly apologize for my prank causing you so much distress, your highness. I never intended to--"

"Raise thy head." I did so and gave her a worried look. "We know thou did not mean to cause us distress intentionally. Our. . . overreaction to being treat'd by the other towns ponies and forcibly canceling Nightmare Night may hast been much."

I shake my head. "That still doesn't excuse the fact I made the others fear you even more by doing what I did right then."

"Please don't blame thyself, Sir... Windstorm? We do wish to know why thou changeth thy name."

"Earthwing was just my adopted name when I had amnesia, but after regaining it I discovered that Windstorm is my true name. I can say more later, but now I want to help you regain favor with the town ponies."

"Actually, I think I have just the thing to help." I look over to see Twilight approaching from a back ally. "Perhaps if we can have princess Luna poise as Nightmare Moon again and scare the foals one last time, maybe she might regain some favor."

I give her a doubtful look. "Or that could just drive the ponies fear further home with that act. Methinks it would be better to have her highness--"

"Please, call us... I mean me, Luna."

"... Have Luna be in a more positive spotlight. Say, have another pony be so immersed into their costume's role that they become an actual threat to the community. Luna could save the day... um night, and get rid of the pony in a way that isn't too harmful."

Twilight gave me a thoughtful look. "That idea also has its negatives. The others could think she set it up like that, or they might be even more scared of her because she got rid of a big threat with no problem."

"Hm... true. What do you think, your high-- I mean, Luna?"

The princess gave it more thought before finally nodding. "Twilight Sparkle, while thy plan has merit, we... I don't wish to have ponies believe I've regressed back into being Nightmare Moon. Zephyr's idea has some more merit to it, so it shall be so."

Twilight nodded. "That's fine. The problem now is finding a pony who is willing to fill the role of being the one for Luna to 'banish'."

Luna looks at me. "Perhaps Zephyr can? He is dressed as the killer who haunted the still-developing town of Manehatten over a thousand years ago."

"Wait, this costume was partially inspired by the nightmare stories my adoptive mother used to tell me. Don't tell me they were..." Remembering Discord's words about legends always being true, I let out a massive shudder.

Luna nodded. "The very same. The only thing missing from thy costume was the knife the killer always carried. Perhaps touching up on that ear would be recommended as well."

"I guess, if you also consider how I scared plenty of ponies witless with my massive prank earlier." I hit my chest with my hoof. "I'll do it."

Twilight gave me a worried look. "Are you sure? You don't seem like the kind of pony to do things like that, even if you’re faking it."

I was about to retort when I realized she was right and deflated. "You're right, I got all of my... "evilness" out of me with that massive prank. I don't think I can handle doing things like that to others..."

"Thou don't hast to." I look at Luna with surprise. "We... I can cast a spell to make you act like the killer did back then. It would knock the real you unconscious, unfortunately, for the duration of the spell so..."

I was going to say something when Twilight cut me off. "Your highness, Zephyr is highly resistant to magic. I don't think we can--"

"Twilight, first of all I'm pretty sure Luna is powerful enough by default to override my resistance. Secondly, my resistance only applies to unicorn magic. Alicorn magic bypasses my resistance entirely, which princess Celestia proved by mending me with her magic with no opposition."

She gives me a surprised look. "That's how you healed so quickly?"

"Yeah. As such, I agree with the plan. It probably will make it more realistic and more believable as well."

Luna nodded. "Very well. We... I must warn you, this might sting a little." She shot a blue beam of magic at me. I felt a stinging pain in my mind before fully blacking out.





Well, I guess this is about as close as I'm going to get in interacting with anything for now. Might as well utilize it as best as I can.





I suddenly find myself jolting awake when I felt something cold touch my face. I got up with a yelp, only to find Snare with what looked like a wet towel. "Jeeze, warn me before you get up like that."

"Sorry, it's not often I wake up to something cold to the face."

"I'll say." I look to see Burst getting his makeup removed by Electron. "Besides, it was nice of you to do what you did for princess Luna."

I give him a shocked look as Snare got back to work. "How did you guys know?"

Electron looked at me. "Twilight explained when we found you out cold in here. Thanks to your puppet-like stunt, everypony now likes princess Luna. She's been interacting with the town ponies just fine."

I breath a sigh of relief, though I shudder a little bit when the sentences "Am I beautiful?" and "Go to sleep!" started lingering in the back of my mind.

"Aaaaand done. No-pony will ever know you were that killer pony." Snare stepped back, looking like she was admiring her work.

I sigh and nod. "Thanks, Snare. I probably better get back home. If my youngest sister got caught in that incident, she might still be scared."

Electron shook her head. "I doubt it, but good to check up on anyways. See you around!"

I wave good-bye as I exit the building and flew towards home. As it turns out, while Scootaloo did get caught up in it, she wasn't too scared over it and was gushing about how cool princess Luna was. I simply humored her until we went to bed.





Canterlot Castle





Celestia looked lovingly at her younger sister. "Have the residents of Ponyville accepted you?"

Luna nodded. "At first they were too scared of me, but thanks to young Twilight Sparkle and Zephyr Earth... Windstorm's help, they fully welcomed me."

"From what I understand, you casted a spell on Zephyr to make him act like the pony he was dressed up as, correct?"

"He wished to make up for the prank he pulled that further ruined my attempts to connect... except..."

Celestia gave her sister a confused look. "What is it, Lulu?"

"The spell worked... perhaps a little too well. It was as if there really was another personality within Zephyr's psyche, hidden away from Equestria..."

Celestia frowned. She had heard from her student that Fluttershy had a dangerous alternate personality, but it only came out in extreme conditions. That personality wasn't really hidden in her psyche so much as it was borne from her fears. "If it worries you that much, perhaps you can keep an eye on him through his dreams. It might just be something minor, but we can never be too sure."

Luna nodded. "Perhaps. I can only wish it doesn't turn into a massive problem..."

> Chapter 30 - Bent For The Social (Sisterhooves Social)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Having nightmares after Nightmare Night? I've heard of it. Having nightmares of the things others have dressed as? Sounds normal to me.

Having a nightmare about the one YOU dressed as? Not so much. Karma was most likely biting me while I slept for pulling that massive prank on the town that inadvertently killed Luna's progress reintegrating with today's society.

Problem is, I think it bit me too hard. The killer pony I dressed as was almost exactly the same except for his eyes. He had yellow eyes where they should of been white and the last thing he whispered to me was "I'll always be right here". If I keep seeing him, I might need to pay a visit to a psychiatric ward to check if I really am insane.

Anyways, Rainbow seemed to be fine this morning, though she kept wondering out loud why she got scared by such an elaborate prank by an unknown pony. I tried so hard not to break my poker-face and burst out laughing, as she didn't realize that the mastermind behind it was right beside her.

Thankfully, she kept it easy by constantly gushing over seeing the Wonderbolt performance going on tomorrow that she was going to. She left for Cloudsdale as soon as she could, just to "reserve" her place.

After my weather duty was done, Scootaloo and I saw Fluttershy off for a three-day animal convention that she was excited to go to. Afterwards, Scoots expressed disappointment over the fact that she hadn't spent much time with her adoptive sister as she wanted to. I told her we could arrange it after Fluttershy gets back.

Scootaloo left for Applebloom's place to discuss something afterwards, leaving me to my own devices. I simply hung around town for a bit before heading home to relax, possibly to take a nap. I noticed posters around the town, but I ignored them, feeling 'evented' out for the time being.





"Hey Zephyr, wake up!" I feel something prodding my side.

"Huh, wha? What's going on?" I open my eyes to see Scootaloo standing there with a bit of a worried look on her face. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing’s wrong with me. It's just that... I heard from Sweetie Belle that she's living with her sister while their parents are on vacation."

I raise an eyebrow. "Must that be something to write home about?"

"Thing is, she's having a bit of a tough time with it. I think she's having a bad fall-out with her sister. Is that even possible?" She gives me a questioning look.

I sigh as I shift on the couch to make room for her, allowing her to jump up and lay down beside me. "Scoots, families aren't perfect even during the best of times. Even if they are related by blood, siblings with differing enough personalities WILL butt heads over the smallest of things."

She gives me a surprised look. "But I thought all siblings got along. Look at you and Fluttershy or even Applebloom and Applejack."

I sigh again. "Fluttershy and I are both relatively similar in personality and that we haven't been around each other long enough for something like that to happen. As for Applejack and Applebloom, you most likely always catch them while they are still on good terms. They may have butted heads in the past, but have resolved their issues."

"W-will we wind up d-doing that?"

"Maybe, maybe not. That is something only the future can tell us, but I'm pretty sure we can move past it if it does indeed happen."

Scootaloo lets out a hum of affirmation. "Actually... something else was brought to my attention as well."

"What is it?"

She sighs. "Tomorrow, something called the Sisterhooves Social will be going on."

"Oh, I was kind of wondering what those posters around town were-- wait a minute, it's an event for sisters only..."

She nods. "And Fluttershy has already left town..."

I mentally curse myself. I didn't have the heart to drag Rainbow back here, considering how much she was looking forward to seeing the Wonderbolts. "I'm sorry I can't take you..."

"It's fine. There's always next year, right?" I kiss her on the head and she hums again. We remained like that for for a while until she asked, "Zephyr?"

"Yes, Scoots?"

She jabs me in the stomach with a grin. "Tag, you're it!" she scampers off into the kitchen.

I roll my eyes. "Oh, it's on now! Will the filly named Scootaloo escape her brother's wrath? Or will she succumb to the tickle demons?"

"No~ not the tickle demons!" I chuckle as we dart around the place, trying to catch one another. I went easy on her because of my bigger and faster bulk.

We eventually took the game of tag outside of the house and happened to include a few others in the process, including a colt named Rumble and his own big brother, Thunderlane. All of us got amused and confused reactions from the rest of the town ponies, but we didn't pay them any heed.

We eventually headed back home close to sunset, exhausted from all of the running we did. "You just had to make me get a work-out in today, didn't you?" All I got from Scootaloo was a giggle.

Thunderlane, who was heading in the same direction as us, shook his head in amusement. "That's a younger sibling for you, always so full of energy. Can't live with them, yet you can't live without them." He noogied Rumble on the head for emphasis, getting a laugh out of him.

I nod in agreement while giving Scootaloo a noogie as well, much to her chagrin. She later told me with a huff that we should keep interactions like that at home for now. I simply stick my tongue out at her in response.





Scootaloo once again didn't have school today and I didn't need to do weather. Most ponies would try and sleep in later, but because both of us were used to rising early, we only slept til 9:00AM and couldn't fall back asleep. At least I couldn't, I'm not sure about Scootaloo even though she exited her room at the same time I exited mine.

She seemed chipper, but I could tell she was more disappointed about not going to the social today than she was yesterday.

I hate not being able to do anything for her, but this is one scenario I truly can't do anything to help.

As we finished breakfast, we hear a knock on the door. It turned out to be Twilight, who was wearing an excited look on her face. "Hey, Zephyr and Scootaloo. How are you today?"

Scootaloo tried to give the unicorn a genuine smile. "Oh, we're fine today!"

Twilight must of noticed the forced smile because she looked worried now. "What's wrong?"

I shake my head. "She's disappointed over not being able to go to the Sisterhooves Social today because of Fluttershy's absence." Scoots drooped her head in affirmation.

"Oh... I'm sorry. I was going to ask Zephyr if he could come with me so that we could study his 'dodging' ability, but if you're too down over it--"

Scootaloo looks up quickly. "Oh no, it's fine. Actually... could I come and watch since I... really don't have anything better to do?"

Twilight looked at me and I nod. "Alright, you can come with. I'll be sure to do something for you two after we're done." Scoots simply nodded to that.

When we got to the library, Twilight's excited attitude returned. "Okay, I'm going to grab some parchment for notes while we do this, so one sec--"

"TWILIGHT, LOOK OUT!"

She back-pedaled a bit upon hearing Spike's shout. She dodged a metal pail, but didn't avoid the water that fell before it. "Spike... really?"

Interrupting mop bucket much?

"Sorry, I was trying to mop up here and I accidentally pushed the bucket over the edge."

"Why would you have the bucket so close to the edge then? Never mind..."

I snicker a bit. "Hey Twilight, 'water' you waiting for?"

Both Scootaloo and Spike burst out laughing as she gave me an undignified glare. "You just couldn't resist, could you?"

"Nnope!"

"Ugh, whatever. Just let me dry off first."

After drying off and getting her parchment, she was good to start testing me. She had me both dodge a magic projectile normally and had me hit with one with no attempt to dodge. She states it was for a couple of... control groups or something. Most of her science babble flew over my head, so I simply smiled and nodded. The magic blast that hit me felt like water, minus the wet feeling.

Twilight's testing did produce results that were interesting. Similar to when it happened during the Want It, Need It incident, my dodging acted like a rapid strafe, circling around whatever I was dodging. One thing that was discovered was how far around I go. Twilight said I could make a ninety-degree dodge, a one-eighty dodge, or even a full three-sixty if the projectile was fast enough.

Most interesting was when I 'strafed' in the air. I could strafe in any direction in the air and, if I was moving, I would keep moving with no loss of momentum. When it happened the first and only time, I ran right into a wall much to the amusement of all present. Twilight wisely decided not to have me moving for the future strafes.

"Okay then, just a couple more times and we're done, Zephyr. We've shed some light on this ability of yours. It's pretty interesting; no other pegasus in recorded history could strafe the way you do."

I roll my eyes. "Yay for being unique..."

"You know full well I didn't mean it like THAT. Come on, let’s get a few more in before we call it a day. I'm going to put a lot more power into these ones to see if your dodge reacts differently to more dangerous projectiles."

"Wait, what? What happens if it hits me?"

She rolls her eyes. "Your magic resistance should cancel out most of the bolt's power, so you should still be fine. I know what I'm doing with my magic." I inhale sharply before giving in with a nod and mentally preparing myself for another dodge.

As Twilight started focusing and charging up for a more powerful blast, I hear a small "urp" from the side. I chanced a look and saw Spike holding his stomach, looking like he was sick. I was about to say something when he let out an enormous belch of green fire.

This startled me... and Twilight, who fired off the spell that changed color with a yelp. I barely saw it before it hit me, causing me to black out momentarily.

At least I think it was momentarily, as I didn't hear anypony else speaking until I started coming to. "-- Sorry, Twilight. I *cough* can't hold in a *cough* delivery this big for very long."

"T-that's fine *cough* Spike. Is everypony else okay?"

"I'm okay!" I hear Scootaloo ring out. I tried to say something, but all that escaped from my muzzle was a small gasp. My entire body felt squishy.

I open my eyes to see Twilight's silhouette through the smoke, looking around. "Zephyr, are you okay? Hold on, I'm going to blow the smoke away!" I see her horn light up and the smoke moved higher.

"I-I'm fine!" I finally manage to say, only to notice my voice has changed to be a bit softer and a lot more feminine. I look around and saw everypony looking at me with a shocked look. "W-what's wrong and why is my voice different?"

Scootaloo spoke up first, "Big... Brother?"

"Wh-what, don't you recognize me, Scoots?" I was horrified when she shook her head.

Spike twiddled with his claws. "Should I... get a mirror? You're voice isn't the only thing that changed, Zephyr."

This made me very worried to the point of not wanting to see, but I reluctantly nodded. He grabbed a smaller mirror and held it up so that I could see my reflection.

Except I wasn't looking at me. I was looking at a gold-colored mare with a deep blue mane, styled similarly to Fluttershy's, and forest-green eyes.

I moved and the reflection moved with me. I look down at my hooves, only to see the same golden color in the mirror.

I couldn't even scream. I started to hyperventilate instead while saying, "No no no, t-that can't be me! That can't be me!"

Twilight rushed to me and started holding me up. "Zephyr, slow down your breathing! You're going to make it worse for yourself!"

"I-I-I-I'm n-not a-a m-mare!"

"I know you aren't. Just calm down, please!"

Scootaloo rushed over and hugged me. "Please calm down, big brother!"

It took a while before I finally slowed my breathing down. "W-why did this happen? I-I thought I resisted magic enough to prevent something like this!"

Twilight shook her head. "I guess my thoughts turning to Scootaloo's inability to attend her first Sisterhooves Social caused that effect to happen and I put a stronger pulse of magic into that bolt by accident when I was startled. I didn't think I was that strong though!"

Spike hung his head shamefully. "I'm sorry about that. I didn't mean to..."

I shake my head, my longer mane disorienting me a bit from the action. "It's not your fault, Spike. What was it that you... burped up?"

"Oh, the princess sent a book on pegasus flight trajectories, patterns and techniques. Twilight wanted to study it to see if she could find anything similar to your strafe. Talk about bad timing..."

Twilight gave me a once over. "Are you feeling okay?"

"No, I'm not. I don't feel right anywhere and... I don't know. I just don't want to be a mare! C-can't you change me back?"

She grimaced which made my heart drop into my stomach. "Thing is... that's not even an actual spell that I casted. I don't think there is a counter spell for something like this."

Scootaloo looked at Twilight with immense worry. "C-can't you still find a way to return him back to normal?"

"I don't know for sure but I'll try my hardest. This might take a while though, so you may as well make yourselves comfortable." Twilight starts teleporting around the library to gather up books.

I stayed rooted to the spot, afraid to move. I doubt I will ever feel right ever again, even if I do revert back into a stallion. Scootaloo snuggled up beside me in an attempt to comfort me. "Please don't worry about it. I'm sure Twilight can find away to change you back, I just know she can!"

"I-I don't doubt Twilight. It's just... I will never be able to look at myself the same ever again. I never wanted to become a mare, period."

Spike shook his head. "I feel you, buddy. I'm still kind of weirded out by you sounding somewhat like Fluttershy."

Scootaloo nodded. "The new voice DOES take some time to get used to."

He suddenly smacks a balled claw into his other one. "I know! While Twilight is searching for a way to revert you back, why don't you take Scootaloo to the Sisterhooves Social?"

I look at him in horror. "Spike, I don't think that's a good idea..."

"I have to agree," Twilight chimes in above us. "Ponies will be questioning over why Scootaloo is at the event with a stranger. Plus, others might find out that it's actually Zephyr and he'll... she'll become the laughing stock of Ponyville." I shrank to the floor in fear.

"Can't he go under a different name and say that she's Fluttershy's and Zephyr's distant cousin who wanted to meet Scootaloo and Zephyr, but Zephyr had to go to Cloudsdale for the day?"

I shudder. "Being addressed like I'm not here aside, Spike, that plan seems kind of... paper thin. What proof will I have over being a distant cousin? Plus, ponies will be questioning why Fluttershy or I didn't say anything about a cousin coming to visit."

"You could say you wanted to make a surprise visit, but only met with Zephyr briefly."

"Stop referring to me like I'm not here, it's weird!" I look down at Scootaloo, who had hope in her eyes, before sighing. "I'll go with it if the final problem is solved. I still have two pairs of wings and I doubt there's another pegasus like me out there with two wings."

Twilight gasped. "Wait, didn't we have gold-colored ribbon bands somewhere around here?"

Spike ran upstairs briefly before coming back down with a roll of gold ribbons. They matched my new fur perfectly, which made Spike raise an eyebrow. "Huh, that's oddly convenient."

While he was helping me wrap my midsection, I noticed that my cutie mark had changed as well. It was now a musical eighth note, exept the ball was a ball of wind while the tail was a wing.

It's a bit more creative than my real cutie mark. How frustrating...

When we were done, it actually looked like nothing was there, much to my relief. "O-okay, I just hope I can pull off a different personality..."

Scootaloo pats me on my side. "You'll be fine, big sis!" She giggles as I give her a look. "Oops, I should say cousin. Now what should your undercover name be?"

I thought about it for a second. "Galestorm?"

Twilight looked down at us. "Seems a bit too close to your real name. How about Feather Dancer?"

"My cutie mark doesn't depict feathers or dancing."

"Okay, the dancing part I understand, but it depicts a wing, which has feathers."

Scootaloo thought for a moment herself. "Perhaps Feather Singer then?"

Spike scratched his chin. "How about Gale Singer, coming from Las Pegas?"

Twilight widened her eyes. "That could actually work. Gale is opposite to Zephyr in terms of what they actually mean. Plus, everypony would buy the Singer part because of your music note cutie mark."

I sigh before nodding. "Gale Singer it is... now I just need to respond to it if somepony says it. Oh, I hope I can pull it off..."

"Hey, Gale Singer?" I look at Scootaloo, who smiled. "See, you're already adapting. Have more faith in yourself, cousin."

Twilight nodded. "I agree. Believe in yourself and we can get through this with no incident. Come back here after the social is over, in case I do happen to find a reversing spell."

"A-alright. Wish us luck, then... I'll need all I can get..."





I had no idea that ponies would be so willing to accept my little 'story' on why I'm with Scoots.

When we reached the grounds for the events, some ponies like Ditzy asked me why I, a complete stranger, was walking with my little sister. I must of acted convincing enough when I told them my story. Heck, plenty of them supported me in spending time with my newest relative.

The only bad thing so far is the fact that my mane and tail look vivid compared to most of the other ponies, making me quite noticeable. At least the magenta scarf they gave us off-sets it a bit.

Scootaloo suddenly gasped. "There's Applebloom and Sweetie Belle!" She rushed over and I simply followed.

I noticed Applejack there as well and she gave me a scrutinizing look, to which I gave a nervous smile. She would probably be the one to see past everything I have to say, but I had to try anyways.

Applebloom looks at me curiously. "Who's this, Scootaloo?"

"She's Fluttershy's and now my cousin from Las Pegas. She heard about Zephyr and my adoption and wanted to pay us a surprise visit, but Fluttershy's at an animal convention and Zephyr had sudden business in Cloudsdale for today. He wanted to find somepony to look out for me and she happened to be there."

I added my bit, "When I heard about this event, I figured that it would be the best time to spend time with my new cousin. U-unless they don't accept cousin pairs."

Applebloom shook her head. "Ya'll should be fine. What do you think, Applejack?"

The farmer shook her head in amusement. "Ah reckon so. What's yer name?"

"Gale Singer."

She smiles and holds out a hoof to shake. "Ahm Applejack, pleased to meet you!" I shake her hoof and wound up giving my foreleg a workout from the action. "Ah'll just say this much; ya better be ready for when the main relay begins. That'll test how close sisters, or in your case cousins, really are. The closest sisters are usually the winners."

I give Scootaloo a worried look and she responds with a confident look. "Don't worry. I've only known you for a bit and I already feel like we can do it!"

I giggle, which felt incredibly wrong. "If you're certain."

"Yeah... it'll be a fun time for all..."

I look over to see Sweetie Belle with a very sad face. "What's wrong? If you're here, isn't your sister here as well?"

"No, she's too prim and proper for this kind of thing. She'd be SO repulsed by everything here, it wouldn't even be funny..."

"O-oh, I... I apologize."I shoot another worried look at Scootaloo, only this time she gave a worried look back.

I guess the situation was worse than Scoots anticipated.

"It's fine..."

"Oh, it's almost time!" I was startled out of my stupor by Applejack's sudden statement. Scootaloo and I quickly follow her and Applebloom.

"Well, you girls have fun... sure wish I had a sister to run the race with..."  I turn in time to see Applebloom putting her green scarf around Sweetie Belle's neck, much to her surprise.

Applejack gave her a smile. "AB and I figured since we do this every year..."

Applebloom piped in, "I'd let you borrow my sis so you can give it a try!"

Sweetie Belle continued to have a shocked look until she finally jumped for joy, only for Appleboom to tell her it was only for one day... twice. She still looked happy, but a bit more mellowed out.

As we approached the starting line and listened the hilarity that is Granny Smith trying to be a good announcer, I noticed that many of the fillies were staring at my vivid blue mane, much to my embarrassment. Some of the mares commented on how much I looked like Fluttershy, despite only being a cousin.

Scootaloo brushed them all off with ease. She was incredibly excited to run this race with me, her big brother turned big sister under the pretense of a cousin.

I wonder if that makes sense in context?

I lined myself up in-between Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Applebloom suddenly appeared behind me. "One. Day."

I roll my eyes. "I think she gets what you're saying. You're starting to come across as clingy."

That got a laugh out of Scootaloo, Applejack, and Sweetie while Applebloom gave me an insulted look. "I am NOT clingy!"

"I'm just saying what I've observed." She pouted at me before retreating from the line.

Sweetie Belle shook her head. "I kind of get why with a sister like Applejack, though. Outside of this, I'm GLAD to be sisterless. I could care less about my REAL sister!" That comment made me feel incredibly sad.

"You don't know what you've got,
Oh, you don't know what you've got,
No, you don't know what you've got,
Until it's gone~"

I meeped when I realized I had many looks in my direction because I sang that. Sweetie Belle in particular had a confused look on her face. "Why did you sing right there?"

"I-I don't know. I guess I j-just had a small urge to s-sing."

Applejack gave me a smile that made me a bit uneasy. "Ya have a very pretty voice there, sugahcube. Good singing voices must run in your family." I started playing with my bangs in embarrassment, making her chuckle. Playing with my bangs like that made me feel ashamed of myself.

"On your marks..." I silently thank Granny Smith for finally starting the count-down as we prepared to launch.

"Get set..." I narrowed my eyes as I started sweating a bit in concentration.

"GO~!" I wanted to feel bad for her there because of how painful it sounded, but I had to focus on the race.

Even though I was a pegasus, I wanted to avoid using my wings in an attempt at preventing me from accidentally leaving Scootaloo in the dust. I almost made the first jump, teetering on my front hooves before landing my hind ones in the muck, much to my disappointment and Scootaloo's amusement, who had simply hopped across the mud with Sweetie Belle.

I heard Applejack fall into the mud pile, causing the three of us to stop and look with concern. She emerged on the other side of the 'pool', completely caked in mud and--

Is my switched gender playing tricks on me, or did her eye color change?

I shook it out of my head as we quickly caught up with the other racers. At one point, Scoots and I fell behind Sweetie Belle and... Applejack? Her tail looks a bit more curly than usual as--

Oh great, now my gender change making me more of a pervert now? I hope Twilight can get that reversing spell, or I'm going to go insane...

The rest of the race went fairly well. Scootaloo and I kept taking notes from what Sweetie Belle and Applejack(?) were doing. When we got to the final stretch, it was a race final sprint between us, them, Berry Punch, and Piña Colada. When we all made the last jump, We wound up in third, which somewhat disappointed Scootaloo.

"So close, all of you came so close!" I look to see Applebloom running over to us.

Sweetie Belle grinned. "Gale and Scootaloo made quite a good team. Even so, I don't care that we lost! That was the most fun I've had!" She jumps to hug Applejack, but knocks her hat off, revealing a white horn.

This dumbfounded me and Scootaloo. "What the?"

Sweetie wiped away mud from her flank. "Rarity?" The mare shook all of the mud away to fully reveal herself.

Scootaloo looked around. "Wait, if you're here, where's Applejack?" She was answered by a gasp. When we looked over, we saw Applejack still in the mud pool.

If she seriously held her breath for that long, I've got new-found respect for her.

Sweetie looked even more confused. "I don't get it."

Applejack simply chuckled as she approached. "We switched places right there."

"Wait, so Sweetie Belle did the entire race with you, Rarity?" From the corner of my vision, I saw Applejack's face change to one of realization for a split second. I brushed it off since it happened so fast.

Rarity giggled. "That's right, except for the start."

"So that's why your tail looked so different..." I mumble under my breath.

"What was that, darling?"

"Nothing, nothing!" I close one eye in an attempt to look convincing, but wound up having most of my one-eyed vision blocked by my bangs. I blew them out of the way in annoyance, much to everypony else's amusement.

Sweetie looked shocked now. "You mean... you did it for me?"

Rarity giggled again. "Us. I did it for us, you see?" She got a tearful hug from her little sister. "I think this calls for a celebration!"

I raise an eyebrow. "What kind of celebration, if I may ask?"

"A trip to the spa!" This caused all of us to burst out laughing, much to her confusion.

"Typical Rarity, am I right?" I whisper to Scootaloo, who rolled her eyes in response.

"I'm... being serious here." She let out a small cough of embarrassment. "Anyways, if none of you have anything planned right now, we can go immediately."

I let out a small sigh. "Well, you five have fun them."

Rarity looks at me. "Gale Singer, was it? If you think I'm excluding you, I verily don't think so. You ARE Scootaloo's cousin after all."

I flinch. "B-but you've only known me for literal minutes!"

"That doesn't mean I can be a bad hostess... even though we aren't exactly going to my place."

Applejack shook her head. "Jus' come along, sugahcube. Besides, It'll give you more "bonding time" with your 'cousin', right?"

I missed the way Applejack said cousin as I look at Scootaloo, who was giving me puppy dog eyes. "A-alright, I'll come with."

I really don't want to feel more like a mare... it feels wrong enough as it is. But I don't want to garner suspicion either.

As we walked to the spa, both Rarity and Sweetie gushed over how nice my mane and tail looked, much to my chagrin. It ended when we finally reached the spa where, to my relief, it was made known that Rarity can book the spa on short notice all to herself and her friends. I was "introduced" to the spa ponies and they accepted me rather easily.

The first stop all six of us took was a simple, hot bath. The fillies liked swimming around in it while us older ponies simply soaked. I was submerged up to my muzzle with my eyes closed, very uncomfortable with my current situation. Partially I'm a mare WITH other mares in an environment like this, but also because the ribbons around my secondaries are starting to become tight.

Rarity apparently took notice. "Gale, sweetheart, are you feeling alright?"

I give her a worried look. "T-this is m-my first s-spa visit."

Kind of a lie. I did visit one as a colt, but my memory of it is hazy at best.

"Well don't worry about it too much, darling. Lotus and Aloe are the best ponies for this kind of job. You won't find more capable hooves."

Applejack raises an eyebrow. "Ah don't think that's what she's worried about... right, Zephyr?"

That comment made me widen my eyes in terror. Scootaloo also had a look of horror while Applebloom and Sweetie Belle looked confused. Rarity looked at Applejack with an offended look. "I say, Applejack, what has gotten into you?" When she saw mine and Scootaloo's looks of horror, she recoiled. "Is...is that actually true?"

Applejack shook her head. "If ya think about it, Scootaloo got along a little too well with her for only knowing each other for half a day. Plus, she kept talking to and about us like she actually knew us." I dunk my head under the hot water from sheer embarrassment and fear.

It's over. Rarity, Applejack, and my other friends will see me as a shameless pervert and I'll become the laughing stock of Ponyville. I might even get ran out!

I hear Applejack through the water. "Uh, Rarity? Ya might want to lift her out of the water. Ah think she's... he's trying to drown herself and ah don't want a repeat of that one day."

"A-alright." I feel something else wash over me, followed by a gasp from Rarity. A few moments later, I feel forelegs wrap themselves around me and pull me out of the water.

I cough and sputter a bit before covering my face with my forelegs with a sob. "N-no, let me go! I...I..."

"Darling, please. Just tell us what happened and how you wound up like this."

"D-don't you see me as a p-pervert?"

Applejack shook her head as Scootaloo swam over to hug me. "Sugahcube, ah don't think you're a pervert in the slightest."

I look over my hooves at her with tears in my eyes. "B-but I..."

Rarity shook her head as she swam away from me a bit. "I know perverts when I see them and you're no pervert. You just seem like a victim of... circumstance, I suppose. By the way, where are your secondary wings?"

Hearing them brought up, I start pawing at my midsection until I got a grip on a ribbon strand. Ripping it, the entire strand unraveled off my body, allowing my secondaries to spread open, causing the other two fillies to gasp before I dunk my head under the water for a second time.

I was brought back up again by Rarity. "Please stop doing that. All of us, especially Fluttershy and Scootaloo, would be devastated if you drowned yourself." Scootaloo gave me a sad look.

"D-don't you g-girls hate me?"

Applejack sighed. "This again? Look sugahcube, if we hated you, we wouldn't try to hide it from you like this. Although I am once again a bit peeved ya'll didn't explain your situation to us from the get-go."

I feel Rarity shaking her head. "Now Applejack, place yourself in poor Zephyr's position. He clearly didn't want to be seen as a pervert and he didn't want other ponies thinking bad things about him. I don't know about you, but I certainly wouldn't want to be caught when I get turned into a stallion. I imagine the slander would be awful."

"Ah guess ya got a point. Still, what's the reason behind this?"

"I'll explain." All eyes were on Scootaloo as she told them about what happened at Twilight's place.

Applejack shook her head again. "So you never wanted to have this happen to you. Well... look on the bright side; ya managed to give your younger sister a chance to go to the Social."

"I... I suppose..." I feel Scootaloo cuddling up beside me and I wrap a wet wing around her.

Rarity smiles. "You really are sweet to that filly. I wish I was to my own sister earlier, but..."

Sweetie Belle hugs her sister. "Don't worry, Rarity. We both learned our lesson on that."

Applebloom cuddles up to Applejack just as Lotus walks in. "Are we ready for the next-- oh? Am I interrupting something?"

Rarity shook her head. "We're good to go. Besides, I think we've spent enough time in this bath, as lovely as it feels."

We went through all of the spa treatments Rarity had planned for us. The spa ponies were surprised that I had an extra pair of wings, but didn't comment on it, much to my relief. After the whole spa ordeal, Scootaloo stated she didn't really feel any different, which got a laugh out of me, considering her coat was a lot cleaner and more shiny than it was before.

When we went back to Twilight's place, we learned that Twilight did indeed find a reversing spell, but because of it's requirements for an unintended effect, she told me she was going to visit Zecora in the Everfree Forest tomorrow to see if she can't brew anything to help.

I only hope she can.
> Chapter 31 - A Violent Surprise
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I woke up still feeling incredibly off due to my switched gender. I wondered if this is how mares always feel and if they're so used to it, it doesn't bother them.

I got up even earlier than usual to get wind duties out of the way before Rainbow came out to do weather. She would definitely see through my ruse if she saw my two pairs of wings and if she saw me doing weather, as well as never seeing 'me' anywhere in Cloudsdale yesterday.

I can only hope she's convinced by Scootaloo if she asks her where I am. I probably shouldn't throw her under the carriage like that, but... considering how she normally acts, that's a risk I want to avoid.

Returning home, I see Scootaloo getting ready for school. I made a quick breakfast of pancakes, the only thing I know how to make besides oatmeal, before seeing her off and heading towards Rarity's at her behest yesterday. I knew she accepted that my gender change was an accident, but I still felt uneasy even as I knocked.

"Just a minute~!" She opens the door and smiles upon seeing me. "Ah, Zep-- I mean, Gale! Come in, I'm so glad to see you've made it!"

"A-are you sure you're okay... with me like this?" I give her a worried look as I entered.

Rarity closes the door before letting out a sigh. "Darling, I understand you didn't want this to happen and that you didn't want any of us to think negatively of you. But please give your friends some credibility, none of us will think any less of you because of a simple accident."

I sigh sadly. "I'm sorry. I'm just not used to any of this that's happening to me as of late, not just this."

"Of course... the "friends" of your younger age would of tossed you aside and made you suffer for it. I've never had that happen to me, but I'd imagine letting something like that go would be difficult." I droop my ears in a nod.

"Oh my gosh! I forgot my-- oh hi Zephyr!" I jumped two feet in the air before realizing it was Sweetie Belle.

Rarity rolled her eyes. "Sweetie, did you forget your lunch again?"

"Sorry, I guess I was just in too big of a--"

Sweetie was interrupted by Rarity holding out her lunch bag for her. "I understand, little sister. All I ask is that you remember what we agreed on at the spa."

"Yup! Until he turns back to normal, call Zephyr 'Gale Singer'. I can see why you called yourself that from what you sang yesterday. I can't believe I missed the message of that, but that's in the past. See you around!" With that, Sweetie runs out of the boutique in a hurry.

I look to see Rarity giving me a confused stare. "You sang yesterday?" With a blush, I nod and told her her what I sung. "Ah, I suppose you heard of our falling-out. That's exactly what I realized when I saw what she drew and what flowers she got me."

"It... made me sad to hear she wanted to be sisterless, which is the reason why I sang that, I suppose."

Rarity sighs. "Well, you're definitely right in that little song. If only I realized it before it was too late. Ah well, we've made up and it's in the past now." She smiles. "This might be sudden, but can I hear you sing?"

I blanch. "Wait, what? I swear I'm not a good female singer!"

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Gale. While I don't approve of the genre you sing for, I can still vouch for your singing as a male and I doubt it's any different with a switched gender. Even if it's the little piece you sang yesterday, I would like to hear it."

I look around nervously, like I was making sure no-pony else was listening, before nodding and singing that piece. Rarity let out a soft hum. "You definitely would pass off as Fluttershy's twin sister if you were born a mare. Your singing voice is a bit deeper than hers, but soothing in it's own way."

I shudder. "For some reason, hearing that I could pass as my sister's sister doesn't comfort me one bit..."

"You know that it confirms that you're related to her anyways. If both the blood test results and this incident hasn't convinced you, I don't know what will."

I let out a small cough. "Right... so, uh... why did you have me come here again?"

She gasped. "Oh, yes. Remember when I said that being groomed at the spa is one way of knowing what a mare does in her life?"

I tilt my head in confusion. "That sounds more like a Fluttershy and you type of thing."

"That's besides the point. Why don't I show you another mare thing."

I have to wonder how many "mare things" there are, although I'm afraid to ask.

Rarity led me into the back room, much to my initial confusion, until she showed me a dress which made my entire face burn in embarrassment when I realized what she implied. "Y-you mean w-wearing dresses?"

She smiles at me. "Don't be like that, Gale. If you're going to be a mare for a while longer, you might as well get the full experience."

My face continued to burn for a little bit longer until I began realizing how nice all of the dresses I was trying on felt. I told Rarity my worry that I was beginning to enjoy it too much, but she said that it was only because well-designed dresses have that effect on most ponies. She also assured me that, while she knows that I'll be back to being a male, she wanted to find or make a dress that suited my female persona in case I happen to gender change again.

This went on for a while until Rarity decided that I had enough. "I wouldn't want to drown you in all of your choices now, would I?"

I roll my eyes as I got out of my final dress. "I think you already did."

This merely got a giggle out of her. "Don't worry about it too much, darling. I'm sure you'll be fine as soon as you're gender is back to normal."

I highly doubt it...

"Oh, yes. Perhaps you would like some more gold ribbons to cover up your secondaries?"

I thought about it for a moment. "I... should be fine if I hurry enough and don't use them. I'm going straight home right away anyways."

She pursed her lips, uncertain. "If... you say so, darling. Come to think, they are kind of hard to tell from your coat, so you should be fine."

With her plans for my mare form's dress, she bid me farewell before turning to her work. I started heading back to my house, being discreet about it as possible.

"Hey, you!" I freeze as I hear Rainbow's voice from above me. She lands in front of me with a scrutinizing look. "You must be Gale Singer, am I right?"

"Y-yes I am. W-who are you?"

"The name's Rainbow Dash. I must ask this: You say you're Fluttershy's cousin, right?"

I didn't like the way she worded that. "Y-yes. I-I wanted to pay her and her family a surprise visit from Las Pegas, b-but she had left for an animal convention the day before I came."

Rainbow raises an eyebrow. "So I've heard. I'm Fluttershy's filly-hood friend, in case you didn't know."

"O-oh... really? I didn't know that."

She scoffs. "Now you do. Since you're here and all, why don't we go to my place to chat? Makes sense that you would want to get to know your cousins' best friend, right?"

I really don't like where this is going, but I can't say no for fear of invoking even more suspicion.

"A-alright. Lead the way." Rainbow gives me a look before taking off with me in tow.

I follow her for a while until we come across the cloud house I always see during wind duties. When Rainbow started descending towards it, I finally realized that it was her house.

She never told me this before...

As I approached the front door, I gazed at the beautiful design of the house and at how pretty the rainbows coming off of it looked. I never really stopped to admire it before, as I always focused on my work and never remembered to come back afterwards.

The interior was nothing different from the other cloud buildings outside of the fact that it looked like it was built more for a family, not one mare. No longer mesmerized by the house's exterior, I look around nervously. "I-is there anything in particular you wanted to talk to me about?"

Rainbow looked around aimlessly. "Oh, nothing much really... except for you perhaps."

"Oh, that's fine-- wait, what?"

I suddenly find two magenta eyes glaring into my vision. "You don't think I haven't caught onto your tricks yet, you poser? You may have fooled Ponyville, but you can't fool ME!"

I yelp in fright as I skid away from her, only for her to follow me the entire way. "I-I-I d-don't know w-what you m-mean!"

"Feigning ignorance, are you? Perhaps it should interest you to know that Fluttershy doesn't have and family in Las Pegas, nor does she have a cousin named Gale Singer."

My heart felt like it stopped, yet at the same time it was thumping madly in my chest as she continued to stare me down onto the floor. "B-b-but I-I--"

"Give it up, I've already caught onto your tricks. Just tell me who, or what, you really are and maybe I'll ask Ponyville to go easy on you!"

The pressure... the intense glaring... the accusations...

The hatred directed at me...

I started to shudder pretty badly. "Okay, okay! Just... please stop!"

"Oh, going to finally confess?"

"F-f-fine, y-you caught me. I... I..."

"You what? Spit it out, or am I--"

"I'M ZEPHYR, OKAY?!" I burst before covering my head with my hooves and waiting for her response.

I hear a huff of disbelief after a pause. "You really are delusional, aren't you? There's no way you're Zephyr when you're a mare and he's a stallion."

"B-b-but I am! I-I swear to you I a-am! P-Pinkie promise!"

There was another moment of hesitation before she said, "Well... Zephyr is very different from most pegasi. I don't see--" I hear a gasp from Rainbow after extending both pairs of wings as I continued cower behind my hooves, thinking she truly hated me now. Not only for posing as a fake relative, but also because of my switched gender.

I continued like that until I feel her hug me, much to my shock. "W-why a-are you--"

"I'm so sorry, Zephyr, for doing that to you! If you had told me from the start, I wouldn't of scared you so badly like that."

"D-don't you hate m-me?"

Rainbow suddenly holds me at forelegs length with a tear-filled glare, one that spoke saddened frustration rather than hatred. "Stop thinking I'm going to hate you, you idiot! If anything, you should hate me for doing what I just did to you."

"B-but... don't you see m-me as a p-pervert for changing g-gender like this?"

"I don't care about that! I never wanted to hurt any of my friends like that... not ever again!"

I start hugging her back, now feeling guilty over causing Rainbow such distress over my attempts at keeping my gender change a secret. We both stayed like that until we calmed down. "I'm sorry I kept this a secret from you. It's just... I didn't know how you would take it and I didn't want to become Ponyville's laughing stock."

"It's fine. I suppose I would of made fun of you if you did come forward with it any sooner. The reason why I did what I did is because I thought you were some poser trying to take advantage of Scootaloo or something." She breaks the hug and gives me an apologetic smile.

"It's fine, I'm actually surprised most of Ponyville bought it. Applejack figured me out pretty early and Rarity found out after, although both of them took it rather easily."

"That's Applejack for you, although I do have to wonder how this happened, though." I tell her what happened at Twilight's place, causing her to shake her head. "So much for your "resistance" to magic. I knew Twilight was powerful, considering she lifted an Ursa Minor out of Ponyville, but dang."

This got a shocked look from me. "Wait, what? She seriously did that?" Rainbow nods and I deadpan. "Remind me never to get on her bad side."

"You and me both... on most occasions." Both of us sat there in silence for a bit. "Hey, uh... mind if I take you around town for a bit tonight, just to make it up to you? We can bring Scootaloo along as well."

"No-pony said anything needed to be made up, but I'll take you up on that."

Rainbow smiles. "Alright, meet up with me after the Squirt gets off of school."





When Scootaloo and I met up with Rainbow, Pinkie Pie invited us to a party and, since we couldn't think of anything better, we decided to accept.

When we got to Sugar Cube Corner, we found the rest of our friends, excluding Fluttershy, there as well. Twilight told me that the potion for reverting my gender needed to sit for a while before it would work, though It would be ready by the time the party ended. Applejack and Rarity realized that Rainbow had found out about my gender issue, though what surprised them was how Rainbow was handling it. I didn't tell them about our 'episode', thinking that Rainbow didn't need that kind of flack.

The guest of honor was a piano player from Canterlot, but when most of the ponies asked her to play for the party, she had qualms over playing without somepony to sing to her music. Most of the ponies sounded disappointed about it.

At least until Scootaloo started beaming at me. "Gale, perhaps you can sing to her music? I'd like to hear you sing a proper song."

This definitely got a nervous reaction out of me. "I-I don't think I'm up to the challenge."

Rainbow scoffed. "Come on, it should be a breeze for you. It would help you live up to the "Singer" part of your name anyways and I'm curious how it will sound."

I was about to retort when Rarity squeed. "That sounds like a wonderful idea! You should definitely do it, darling!"

"... Don't I get a say in this?"

"Well... you wouldn't want to disappoint the party now, would you?" Pinkie suddenly popped up in front of me with a smile, causing me to yelp in fright. "Besides, you did fine the last few times you've done it. What's one more song for the time being?"

I'm not even going to question how Pinkie knew it was me...

I let out a sigh. "Fine, I'll do it. I'm so easily pressured..."

Rainbow rolls her eyes. "You think you're easy to pressure, you should see Fluttershy on some days."

"Point taken."

I head to the back where the light-violet mare was practicing her piano. She hears me approaching and smiles. "Are you the one who's going to sing to my piano's music?"

"I wouldn't be back here if I wasn't."

She laughs. "Fair enough. I'll play something for you right now and see if you can't formulate any lyrics."

She starts playing again and, because of how beautiful it was, I started humming along with it. Thinking back to earlier today and how much I wavered in front a pony whom I should of trusted from the start, I thought up the perfect lyrics for what she was playing. "I think I got something thought up."

"Already? Well, if you say so and got the confidence to back it up."

I shake my head. "Truth be told, I've only sang lyrics I made up on the spot only once. It was... decent enough, but no promises about this one."

"I'll keep that in mind. My name is Lilac Keys."

"Gale Singer." Thinking for a bit, I ask, "Do you know a stallion named Iron Keys?"

She widens her eyes. "Yes, he's my older brother and he plays piano for a band named--"

"Dead by Sunset? My cousin sings for that band, that's how I knew his name."

She nods. "Then when you see him next, tell him Iron won't be back in Ponyville for a while longer."

Ironic that I don't have to convey that message... unless I want to tell my other band-mates.

As she brought out the piano to play for the crowd, I notice my friends and my little sister giving me supportive gestures. I simply waved back at them and mentally braced myself for the song.

Feeling prepared, I signal her to start and began to sing immediately:


Silver lines of tears fall.
Hope...
Come and find me.



Courage rises steadily.
Will I...
Get through it all?



Faith...
Please...
Save me...
And create in me an Unwavering...
Heart of gold~.



Pain, like blackness
Soon depart.
The white...
Heals our ruby hearts.



Like a diamond
We will start to shine.
We won't fall apart.



Faith...
Please...
Save me...
And create in me an Unwavering...
Heart of gold~.


I hummed loudly to the piano for a bit longer before Lilac stopped playing. The entire bakery exploded into applause and cheering, much to my embarrassment as I went back to my friends.

Applejack was the first to speak, "Boy, howdy. No matter what situation you're in, ya sure sing a good song."

Rarity hummed a bit. "I take back what I said earlier about you singing similarly to Fluttershy. The similarity is still there, but outside of one exception, Fluttershy usually sings more... up-beat tunes. Your singing drifts much closer to being lullabies." As if on cue, Scootaloo let out a yawn.

I give a small smile. "As long as it's pleasing to hear, at the very least."

Rainbow rolls her eyes. "You really need to have more confidence in yourself. Even Twilight would agree."

"Speaking of Twilight, where did she go?"

"Oh, she said something about 'checking up on a potion' or something along those lines," Pinkie happily explained. “Don't worry, she only left at the tail end of it and told me to tell you how soothing it sounded."

I nod before looking outside and seeing the sky painted in the colors of a sunset. "I suppose we can mingle a bit longer at the party. Don't really need to be anywhere desperately." Noticing Scootaloo with a slightly tired look on her face as she chatted with her friends, I add, "At least until Scoots get's too tired."

Pinkie squeed. "Then what are you waiting for? There's a party to be had!"





It was dark out as we left Sugar Cube Corner. The party was still going, but I decided to get Scootaloo home as soon as possible, though she was obstinate about coming with me to make sure Zecora's potion worked. She was able to keep up the facade of not being tired and insisted that she can walk just fine, but I could tell she would soon be dead on her hooves.

Sugar Cube Corner was a fair ways away from the library, so I kept an eye on her as we started trekking through the less lit streets of Ponyville.

"Well, what's a fine young lass doing out this late at night?"

I squeaked in surprise as I whipped around to face where the voice came from. I saw four pony outlines emerge from a nearby ally-way and instinctively pushed Scootaloo behind me with my wing as we started backing away. "I-I don't know what you mean."

"Innocent too. Just the way I like it."

I kept backing away from the stallions as they continued to slowly bear down on us. I hear Scootaloo whimper, which instantly put a scowl on my face. "I don't know what you want with me, but you're sorely mistaken if you think I'm just going to play along with your--"

"Ah ha ha, feisty as well. But we wouldn't want THAT, now would we?" I lost some of my bravado as they continued to bear down on us, unfazed. "We've met others like you. We shouldn't have to tell you what might just happen should you... 'refuse' our company." I connected eyes with Scootaloo briefly, long enough to see her apparent fear. "Smart girl, you know exactly what I mean."

The burning enmity in my chest was getting hotter. "What power do you hold over me if my cousin is right next to me?"

I couldn't tell what the leader's coat color was, but I COULD see his smile. "The answer is very simple; come with us quietly to 'entertain' us and your cousin will be left alone. If you refuse... well, you're still coming with us, but not only is your stay more... permanent, the filly gets punished for it as well."

"WHAT?!"

Suddenly one of the other stallions spoke up, "Perhaps I could keep the filly?"

Another one yet to speak shook his head. "You always had a thing for fillies, didn't you?" I start gritting my teeth.

"Shut up, you two." The leader turns back to me. "So what's it going to be?"

"I refuse!"

He adopted a fake look of hurt. "Oh? But don't you care for your little cousin, whom you've only know for a short while and was practically a street rat until recently?" I give him a smoldering glare as he shakes his head. "Now, know that I am a fairly understanding stallion. As such, I'll give you another chance to make the 'right' decision."

I cast one last look at Scootaloo and silently bid good-bye to any shred of stallion left in me. "Fine... I'll do it. But only if you let her go!"

He smiles even bigger. "That's a good girl. Always eager to please." I gave Scootaloo an apologetic look before walking over. As soon as I reached them, two of the stallions, pegasi, immediately flanked me on both sides. I cast one last look at the filly, who had the look of pure hopelessness.

I'm sorry, little sister. I don't think I could of done this any other way... I failed you.

"Bring the filly as well."

No sooner did he utter those words, did the two stallions flanking me start pinning me down. I struggled harshly as I shouted, "You told me you would leave her alone!"

"I lied. Not only would letting her go cause complications, you did refuse my first offer of coming quietly." Scootaloo let out a distressed cry as the other remaining stallion grabbed her. The leader smiles down at me I give him a look of pure rage, the enmity threatening to tear my chest open. "Don't worry, we'll be sure to take good care of her as well. I'm sure it'll... be... fun."

The last thing I remember was yellow covering my vision before being swallowed up by a hazy red veil.





They shouldn't of done that.





"...--Op, Zephyr! Please stop! PLEASE!"

Scootaloo's voice suddenly made me come to, only to find that I'm sitting on one of the stallions from before with a broken and bloody face, clearly unconscious. I clamor off before slowly looking around and seeing the three other stallions, all of them also unconscious with bloody faces and bodies.

All it took was one look at my bloody hooves to realize that I was the one who did it.

I was the one who almost killed them.

"Oh... w-what... what have I done? What have I done?!" I collapse on the cold cobblestone, sobbing into my hooves with the smell of blood invading my nose. I didn't hear anything from Scootaloo outside of panicked breathing.

"Hey, what happened here?" I look to see Thunderlane and Rumble rapidly approaching us, shocked looks on their faces. He looked over the unconscious stallions before coming to my side. "Are you alright?"

I whimper. "I... I almost... I almost..."

"Please calm down, Gale. What happened to these stallions?"

"They approached... threatened me... threatened her... almost... what have I done?"

Thunderlane looks back at the unconscious stallions with slight distaste before looking at Rumble, who was trying to comfort Scootaloo. "I need you to tell the authorities what happened here while I take--"

I whimper again. "Library... Twilight... please..."

"-- Her and Scootaloo to the library. Come straight back to me after you're done." Rumble nods and scampers off. Thunderlane puts me, still shaking with fear and regret, on his back before picking up Scootaloo and flying right to the library. He burst through the door with a loud bang.

Twilight looked down at the entrance in annoyance. "Try to keep the door on it's hinges pl--" She gasped when she saw us. "Dear Celestia, what happened?"

Thunderlane shook his head. "I found them like this in front of four beaten up and unconscious stallions. I think they threatened them, but Gale is too terrified to really say anything."

"I can't believe her doing it, but if she really... come upstairs and put them on the bed after cleaning her hooves."

As soon as I was on the bed with Scootaloo, she curled up against my side with a whimper. Seeing how I flinched and continued to shudder, Thunderlane put a hoof on my withers. "Gale, please calm down. You're among friends here, so please tell us what happened."

Scootaloo nuzzles me, prompting me to hesitantly start telling them what had conspired. Twilight had a shocked look when I finished. "To think such shady characters were in Ponyville of all places. Then there's also--"

"Thunderlane, where are you?" Rumble's voice comes from the floor below.

"Up the stairs!"

Rumble's confused face soon made it's appearance. "When I showed them the ponies, they mentioned something about being part of a syndicate before telling me that a great deed has been done by rendering them capturable."

Thunderlane's face darkened. "I thought, and feared, as much. They were part of an unnamed criminal syndicate spanning Manehatten and Las Pegas." Seeing Twilight's confused look he added, "I know this because Rumble was almost foalnapped by some of it's members. I managed to find him in time and hold the members off until security arrived, but the memory still burns in my mind."

Twilight gaped at the revelation. "That doesn't explain why some of its members are in Ponyville."

"From what I've heard, most security and local militia caught on to their tricks and have been squashing out all resistance in those two cities. I'm willing to bet my wings that they decided to try their luck somewhere that lacked much law enforcement."

I whimper a bit more. "T-that doesn't e-excuse my b-brutal violence..."

"That was actually a natural reaction." Everypony except for Rumble gave Thunderlane a confused look. "It's hard-wired in all three races, but pegasi always tend to act violently whenever their kin, sibling or child, is threatened. I suppose you were close enough to Scootaloo for it to trip off when she was in danger."

Twilight put a hoof up to her chin. "I've never heard or read about that."

"It's not very well documented, I know that much." Thunderlane gives me a pat. "So cheer up, Gale. Not only did you do Ponyville a favor, but what you did is completely normal."

"I still don't..."

He sighs. "Just try not to agonize over it too much. Anyways, I'd better get Rumble home, as it's starting to get late." Both him and Rumble wave good-bye before heading back downstairs.

Twilight sighs. "This is turning into quite the night..." She looks at me for a bit before realization dawned on her. "Oh right, the potion!" After teleporting twice, she holds out a filled bottle in her magic. "Drink it before going to sleep and you should wake up as a stallion again."

"T-thank you... But don't you--"

"This again? Zephyr, you can't expect us to hate you every time you do something "wrong". Just believe in yourself and everything should fall in order."

I nod as Scootaloo let out a yawn. "You're right... but I still get plagued by doubts all of the time. Still, it's late to be agonizing over it and Scootaloo needs to sleep."

"Do not..." Was her tired response before yawning again.

Twilight shook her head. "Then you'd better get going. I need to report to Princess Celestia about this incident when Spike gets back. Don't worry, I'll keep you anonymous."

I nod and say my goodbyes as I exit the library with Scootaloo on my back. I got her in bed as soon as we got home and took the potion, but sleep didn't come to me, knowing something else was wrong.








Rumble gave his older brother a quizzing look. "Why did you--"

"Why? Gale looked traumatized enough already and I didn't want to send her into a state of irreversible shock." Thunderlane sighs. "That doesn't mean I feel good about lying to her."

"When you saved me, you had a look of rage and determination."

"That's because us ponies fight harder when our kin is in danger. But no-pony ever escalated to brutal levels of violence, even in the most perilous of situations. What makes Gale so different?"
> Chapter 32 - One Visit, Five Hypocrite (The Mysterious Mare Do Well)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

You've no idea how great it feels to finally feel like yourself again. Being a mare felt like all shades of wrong when you're supposed to be a stallion and yet... even after changing back, I still feel slightly off.

More than likely because of what had transpired the night before. True to Twilight's word, the royal guard that came to escort the crooks that attacked me and Scootaloo didn't know of my, or rather Gale's, involvement. Many ponies wondered who it was that rendered them incapable of escaping and even considered calling that pony a "one-shot hero" of sorts.

Twilight once again reassured me after I confirmed the potion worked that I shouldn't pick myself apart for something like that. What I didn't tell her is something that still frightens me: I wasn't fretting over nearly killing the stallions, but rather what had happened to make me fly into such a brutal rage. Thunderlane did try to reassure me, as Gale, that what I did was natural and I trust him... but I subconsciously knew something was amiss with his explanation.

And it scares me to think that I could lose it bad enough to hurt my friends or family.

When Fluttershy came back from the animal convention, she was clueless as to what had happened during that time. I didn't want to tell her myself, so I had to work up what semblance of courage I had to tell her. She was quite surprised to hear I got gender-bent in an accident, but told me she was proud of me for making the most out of a bad situation. I didn't tell her about my... psychotic breakdown that made Twilight's look like a case study, for fear of what her reaction might be.

I also managed to arrange Scootaloo to live with her for about seven nights. I wanted to go to Manehatten to visit my mom for a bit and Scootaloo still had school, even though she wanted to come with me. As shallow as my mind-set right now may be, I wanted to let my little sisters, especially my younger one, have some distance between us. I know she still loves me, but after what had happened last night, being around me was the last thing she needed for the time.

I got clearance from both Rainbow and Cloud to take a very brief vacation. They told me that they already had somepony on standby, in case I couldn't do wind management for whatever reason. All I told them was my wish to see my mom for a bit, though I think Rainbow didn't really buy it.

When I did get to Manehatten, my mom was surprised to see me again so soon. I told her the same thing I told Rainbow, but I knew for certain this time she didn't believe me. Oddly, she didn't comment on it, so I figured she didn't care.





I know I temporarily left because I wanted to protect my friends and family from myself; so why do I feel so empty because of it? Four days I've been here and it hasn't gone away. That's on top of me not sleeping very well and not feeling too well...

"Actually, Zephyr, Can I talk to you for a second?"

"Hm?" I look up at mom from my sweeping. Just because I wanted to visit my mom didn't mean I had an excuse to be lazy.

She sighs. "I didn't want to bother you with this yesterday as you seemed somewhat shell-shocked, but I need to know the real reason why you came to visit me. Visiting for the sake of doing so is nice and I appreciate it, but there's far more to it than you're letting on."

I put down the broom with a dejected sigh, knowing she already caught me. "I... guess there's no point in stalling." I tell her of my gender change and the events that followed after.

Her only response was to raise an eyebrow. "So you felt you needed to give everypony some breathing room from what had just happened? Are you excluding something from your story?"

"N-no, I'm pretty sure that--"

She sighs. "Zephyr, please don't lie to me."

"Wha-- how did you know?"

"Your left ear twitches whenever you lie." She giggles a bit at my dumbfounded look. "It's a mother thing, even if we aren't of the same blood. So what is it that you're so hesitant to disclose?"

I shudder out a sigh. "I'm... scared of myself, mom. The other night, some members of a syndicate tried foalnapping me and Scootaloo. When I heard her distressed cries after they said they would leave her alone, I... blanked out. Next thing I knew, all of the stallions were beaten unconscious and... I was the one who brutally beat them. I was the one who almost MURDERED them!"

This got a gasp out of her. "But... you never had a violent bone in your body for most of your life, even during the worst of the bullying!"

"That's why I'm scared of myself. I'm afraid... I'm afraid I'll lose it on my friends and family and do the same thing. I just... I just can't."

Mom drew me into a loving hug. "It's okay, Zephyr. You did what you had to in order to protect your little sister. I'm sure your friends will always be there to help you through anything, so have faith that they will be there for you should there be a repeat of the other night."

"T-that's what I'm so afraid of. I don't want a repeat of what happened on my birthday or worse."

"If they feel the same way, then I'm sure you'll be just fine; I think it's more important that you be there for your sisters regardless. Besides, you could always tell Pinkie Pie or Applejack to drain you, should you get too out of hoof."

That got a snort of laughter out of me. "Yeah, then they have to live with draining my magic forcefully."

"It's the thought that always counts, right?" She gives me an amused look before shaking her head. "You're here now anyways, you may as well stay for the rest of the duration."

"Thanks mom. How's dad been?"

"You bother to ask now of all times?" She laughs at my look. "You should know by now when I jest, Zephyr. Medi's fine, though he's been torn between moving in with me and staying in the house that holds the memories of your biological mom. I told him he could stay in Cloudsdale if that house mattered that much to him, but he still looked torn."

"I could try saying that to him, though I doubt it would make any difference."

That comment earned me a small smack to the leg. "Stop discrediting yourself. You need to have more confidence in yourself, especially when friends and family are present. Besides, I'm willing to bet my job that what you say to him holds sway, considering he thought he lost you so many years ago."

"Way to say I could take advantage of him..."

"You know full well what I meant," She groaned before shaking her head. "You should also stop being so negative. I thought you became more positive when you made friends in Ponyville."

I sigh. "I could comment on what happened after that, but I'd rather not remember that." I pick up the broom and start sweeping what remained of the floor. "Besides, if I did have more confidence in myself, I would probably be worse off."

Mom starts cleaning the table. "Everything in moderation, Zephyr. You can be more assertive just so long as you don't fly past it into either obnoxious or mean."

I give her a look as I put the broom away. "But what if it's something that makes me mad? I don't want to fly into a brutal rage again..."

"You don't have to be mad at all. Do you remember back when you were younger, whenever you did something bad?" I grimace and she sighs. "OUTSIDE of what happened that one winter?"

I think back for a bit. "I do know I always felt either disappointment or calm annoyance from you."

She nods. "Not so much the latter, but most ponies are very susceptible to disappointment, even when they're older. Many hate to disappoint, making it a very good way to tell them that they truly messed up. Rage and anger can as well, but the consequences are far more severe than with quiet disappointment. Hay, look no further than when I almost lost you that winter."

"Really? I thought only foals were susceptible to it."

"Well... some ponies do gain more immunity to it with age than others. Ponies like you and Fluttershy are still susceptible because it hits you hard whenever it happens. Ponies like Rainbow Dash are susceptible because, to them, there is no greater failing than disappointment aimed at them."

I give her a shocked look. "Rainbow Dash of all ponies? What makes you say that?"

"She strikes me as a mare who's stuck with only one option: to win at whatever she is doing and gain the attention from it. From what I observed from afar, she seems like the pony who sees success as the only way to get positive attention. Take that way and you wind up with a mare being very harsh on herself for being a failure, even if it's out of her control. She comes off as egotistical because of it, but strip that off and you've got a pony with self-worth issues."

Observant as usual, even I didn't see that. When I first went to Ponyville, I only saw her as an egotistical try-hard who needed her head to be deflated. I never realized how much failure affected her, even up to and after the chaos incident when she was punishing herself for getting me injured. Tch... and I call myself a friend.

Mom must of noticed my dark look and read my mind. "If you're bucking yourself for not noticing, don't be. Mothers are usually observant like that, almost to a fault. All I need to say is this: be there for her you no matter how annoyed or angry you get at her. In the end, it's lonely at the top and the fall from the top is the most painful. If either or both happen, she will need a good friend to pick her back up and help her start over."

"Jeeze, I come here to help you with various things and you're throwing life lessons at me. I appreciate them but still."

She giggles. "Fair bit of warning should you consider being one; a parent's job is never done, even if their children have left the nest. Also always remember that there is no greater failing than simply giving up without a fight."

I sigh before giving her a smile. "Thanks, mom. I'll try to remember that as best as I can."

One thing against what she said: I doubt anypony would want a freak like me to be their special somepony...

"That's all I ask. Now stop dawdling and help me with these dishes." I roll my eyes in amusement before doing so.





I decided to go back to Ponyville after another restless night, heeding my mom's advice to always be there for friends and family; the argument being that if I truly cared about them, I won't lose myself like I did with the syndicate members. I also still felt incredibly empty just leaving them all like that with no extra word.

However, when I did get back, there was some kind of parade being set up. Everywhere I looked, there were pictures of a pony clad in purple with the name "Mare-Do-Well" on them. There were even fillies clad in the same purple hat and cap.

"Hey Zephyr!" I look over to see Berry Punch trotting my way. "Are you here to participate in the parade in honor of The Mysterious Mare-Do-Well as well?"

My only reaction was mild confusion. "Care to fill me in?"

"Why, she has done so much for Ponyville in such a short amount of time that we just HAD to do this. You might not know because you were away a lot for some reason, but because of how heroic she is--"

"Let me get this straight: you threw a town wide parade for a mare that, for all I know, only saved the day a few times and no-pony knows who she is or why she's doing it?"

Berry gave me a surprised look. "Well... one of the reasons why we love her so much is because of how mysterious she is. She's also very selfless, so who and why isn't really important."

I do not have enough suspension of disbelief to not think something's off here.

"Right... I'll let you get back to it..."

She shrugs. "Your loss." She continues trotting towards the town square.

I shake my head as I continue home. Along the way I kept getting asked by various ponies if I was attending the parade as well. I gave them all vague answers, but I quickly grew annoyed with it all.

What stopped me in my tracks was when a stallion off-hoofedly  said something along the lines of, "At least she's better than that braggart, Rainbow Dash." He didn't notice me but I gave him a very shocked look because of what he said, realizing that there was indeed more to this situation than I thought.

I need to find her to get some answers, as none of the towns ponies would seem to know. Question is... where?

My search took me to to the outskirts, where I found Rainbow sitting on a grey cloud. This worried me as I got closer, only to hear; "Have I changed? Same sleek body, same flowing mane, same spectacular hooves."

As coincidental as my mom discussing Rainbow with me might be, this all sounds like an attempt to try and... reaffirm herself.

"Nope, I'm still awesome. They're wrong!"

I decided to interject, "And who exactly is wrong, per se?"

She whipped around in shock, only for her face to fall. "Oh, are you here to laugh at me or to tell me how Mare-Do-Well is so much better than me?"

This confused me tremendously. "What? I just got back today and I have no idea what is going on."

"All you need to know is that I was being a hero just fine until SHE showed up. After that, it's been humiliation after humiliation to the point that the entire town abandoned me in favor of her." She plops back onto the cloud with a sad sigh. "They all forgot about me..."

I gaped at her. "But... what about our friends? My little sisters?"

"They abandoned me as well. Even Scootaloo, who I thought would remain loyal to me, ditched me in favor of that caped pony. I'm all alone." She lays down, looking like she's about to cry. "I hate being alone..."

Once again, the mare I always knew to have a strong spirit was utterly crushed, which brought my mood down as well. It was then I made the boldest move I ever unconsciously did. I lay down next to her and drape my wings over her, which caused her to flinch. "But you're not alone, Rainbow. You have me."

My conscious thinking caught up a moment later and I realized what I just said. Rainbow was looking at me with a blush and a shocked look. Instead of throwing me off, however, she slowly started laughing. "That has got to be the corniest thing I've heard all week and I'm the one who spouted superhero one-liners."

I shifted away from her, my face burning in embarrassment. "W-well I d-didn't mean i-it in that sort of way!"

"I know, but that doesn't stop if from being so corny." She bops me on the nose with a hoof, making me scrunch it in confusion. "Still, thank you for reassuring me."

"Well... in an entire town, there should be at least one pony who still believes in you. However, I do wish to know the full story behind this." Noticing her worried look, I shake my head. "I'm not going to just drop you for listening to what happened."

She started slow, but as she went on, she became increasingly agitated. It started two days ago when she rescued a filly from an old well and she, for some reason, got recognition for it. Then she saved a baby from careening off a cliff at the bottom of a hill, with me commenting on why there is a drop right there with nothing there for safety. At this point, what mom said to me yesterday was true; her whole need for approval to feel good about herself.

It was when she told me how she saved elderly ponies that I recognized the problem, though I decided to give her my assessment after she was done. She did have a lot of ponies being fans of her, but it all fell downhill when Mare-Do-Well showed up. Ever since, Rainbow suffered humiliation after humiliation until the entire town practically forgot her. Even her friends turned on her, praising Mare-Do-Well for various things, some of which were the same thing Rainbow showed. I question how this Mare-Do-Well not only was strong, but also could use magic and fly, but all I got was a disgruntled shrug.

I put a hoof up to my muzzle in contemplation. "So that's what happened... seems like an awful lot of things to happen within a span of two days. What happened during the last three?"

"I heard Applebloom contracted something called cutie pox right after you left; don't ask me because I know nothing outside of it being resolved on the next day. Day after that, I got myself an awesome pet!"

"I'm going to ask about that later. However, I must give you an honest assessment of your current circumstance and it's that you more than likely needed an ego check right before Mare-Do-Well showed up."

She gives me a baffled look. "Are you turning on me now?"

"Don't misinterpret, Dash. I will concede that the first two deeds you did were purely because you wanted to save somepony and I'm happy for you there. The problem comes from when you did your third deed; you did it half genuinely, half because you wanted more attention, from what I've heard. After that, you got so much attention you became arrogant because of it; look no further than when you didn't immediately try to save the pony in the hot air balloon."

"So you're saying this is all MY fault?"

I groan. "Let me finish, please. Metaphorically speaking, your ego wound up digging a hole for you to eventually fall in. At the same time, having this Mare-Do-Well come out of nowhere and practically shove you into it is something I don't agree with. Did ANYPONY at all try to talk to you about your ego or attitude at the time?"

I'm starting to feel a bit hotter... must be leftover embarrassment.

She thought for a second before shaking her head. "Nothing of that sort. My friends didn't really like how I was acting, but they never really said anything about it, so I figured they didn't really care."

I grimaced. "I was afraid of that. If there was a pony who took issue with your bragging, they did something no-pony should ever do: turn a last resort into a first resort. I'd understand going that far if somepony tried to talk to you about your ego at all and got shot down every time-- I'm not speaking about if you would or not -- but that isn't the case here."

"Now you're saying I should of been more humble about it? That's what--"

I hold a hoof up to stop her. "I'm not saying you should of been totally humble because that's, in most cases, impossible; no-pony is perfect. My personal opinion is that if you can do something no-pony else can, that does give you a right to brag; it's technically not bragging if you can back it up. My problem with this comes from the fact that you LET it overstay it's welcome, rather than a small amount of bragging here or there then just shrugging it off."

She tried to retort, but her face fell a bit after she was silent for a bit. "I... suppose I did brag a bit too much..."

"If you understand, then I won't hold it over you. What matters is that you keep trying to rebuild yourself back up from the ground. My mom told me something that I think you already know: there is no greater failing than giving up."

"Yes, I know."

I nod before looking more serious. "As much as I would like to say that's it, the one rogue element in all of this that still remains is this Mare-Do-Well. Yet I have no I idea how to go about doing anything regarding her."

Both of us lapsed into silence, thinking over it. A little while after, the silence was broken by somepony from below. "Rainbow Dash!" It was Scootaloo.

"I knew it!" Rainbow immediately flew down to her in joy, much to my slight dismay.  "No need to apologize, squirt. Anypony could make that mistake."

"What mistake?"

Figures...

This immediately made Rainbow regress back to disgruntled. "Wait, why are you here?"

"To invite you to join us at Mare-Do-Well's thank you parade, of course! Who wouldn't want to attend to honor Ponyville's greatest hero?"

I chose this time to fly down myself. "Not just a parade, but a THANK-YOU parade? Talk about rubbing salt and pepper in the wounds."

Scootaloo gave me a shocked look. "Zephyr? When did you get back?"

"Not to long ago, really. I found a stray fuse that needed to be smothered, so I didn't have time to tell you or Fluttershy I was back."

She gives me a confused look. "I'm not sure what you mean by that."

"I'm in a metaphorical mood today, that's all I can really say."

Yay, rhyming... why am I suddenly possessed by an urge to say "now it's rhyme time"?

"Alright... then would you like to come along as well?"

Rainbow looked like she was going to rebuttal, so I quickly jabbed her in the side hard enough to get her attention. "We would love to go! I just wonder what it's going to be like!"

"Scootaloo gives us a happy smile. "Great! It's starting soon, so we better hurry." With that she scampers off with a few other foals.

Rainbow gives me an insulted look. "Why would we go to that thank you parade after everything I told you?"

"Think objectively here, Rainbow. If I did what little homework I had correctly, then this is the only time this Mare-Do-Well will show up." I look at her to see what her reaction would be.

She mulled over it before she widens her eyes. "We can expose her here and now for Ponyville to see!"

"And also get the reason why she decided to steal your thunder. It's a reckless plan, but it's all I got. I seem to be fond of those."

She grimaces. "Don't remind me. Anyways, if we want to do it we better hurry."

I simply nod and fly with her till we catch up with Scootaloo and I land next to her. "So do you have anything planned after this parade, Scoots?"

She gives me a confused look. "Not really. Why?"

Time to use my newly acquired weapon.

I lean in to whisper into her ear, "You and I need to have a little chat after this."

I'm petty sure she heard the disappointment in my voice because she now looks scared. "W-what did I do?"

"All in due time, provided you don't find out yourself. All I'm going to say now; it's not so much something you did do as it's something you shouldn't of done." That certainly left her scared as to what's going to happen. I felt slightly bad, but it needed to be done, otherwise she wouldn't learn.

When we reached the location of the parade, it had yet to start, so Rainbow and I simply tried to squeeze as close to the front as possible. I look at her inquiringly. "Closer proximity is nice and all, but what IS our actual plan of attack?"

She waves her hoof in a "keep it down" motion. "I've already figured some of it out. I'll be the one to initiate the chase, since I've already gone as low as possible with everypony else. I want you to try and sneak in the direction I chase the pony in and join me afterwards. If we do catch him or her, we'll try to get as much info as we can without taking the pony hostage to one of our houses."

"In laycolt's terms, try to avoid becoming the villain in this instance."

"Essentially, but there won't be any guarantees that it won't be interpreted like that. Be prepared for anything." I nod as we continued to wait.

Eventually, when the mayor announced it, Mare-Do-Well burst through the backdrop of the stage and posed as the crowd cheered. I crouched a bit as Rainbow went up to confront the pony and try to expose her. She missed and chased after him or her and I quietly snuck out of the confused crowd, suddenly feeling hotter and a bit worse because of it.

Why now of all times? I have to focus; Rainbow needs me!

I managed to find Rainbow chasing Mare-Do-Well into an alley, where she saw me. "Go around as fast as you can and try to cut her off!" I simply nod and do that. I encountered her on the way around, much to my dismay, and attempted to chase her as well. I lost her when I barely glimpsed her cape disappearing around the corner, but before I could continue chasing I hear a whistle. Turning, I see Mare-Do-Well... getting chased by Rainbow in another direction.

That explains how she could use magic and fly, it wasn't all just one pony; there were many in on this.

I landed on a roof and even though I was feeling even worse than before, I managed to flag Rainbow down on a roof, who gave me an irritated look as she joined me. "I almost had her, why did you--"

"That's not important. We're being played for fools; there isn't one Mare-Do-Well but multiple. Don't ask me how many."

She gapes at me. "So it was a collaborative effort? Guess that explains how she did all of that stuff; it was a different pony each time."

"That's what I thought. For now, try and focus one down."

She nodded before seeing a Mare-Do-Well standing near our hiding spot. Rainbow managed to get the jump on her and pinned her down. "Gotcha! Now lets see what under the mask!"

I fly down and land with a small stumble just as she rips the mask off, only for the both of us to be stunned at what lay underneath. "Pinkie Pie?!" I look around to see two other Mare-Do-Wells coming out and revealing themselves to be Twilight and Applejack. "What in the actual-- all three of you were working together?"

Twilight spoke up first. "I guess Rainbow filled you in already. Yes, we played the role at different times."Applejack grinned and Fluttershy and Rarity approached, which made me realize all of them were in on it. All of them were surprised I was there, but listed off their feats, with a little too much gusto. I was hard pressed enough to keep a flat look with my increasing weakness.

Rainbow finally regained her voice. "B-but I don't understand. Why did you do all of this? Do you not want me to be a hero?"

Twilight shook her head. "Of course we want you to be a hero. The thing is; real heroes don't brag."

Rainbow was about to say something when I interjected, "If you girls are going to lecture her on how 'real heroes are modest and that you shouldn't brag', You're about thirty minutes late for that; she's already learned her lesson. As for the five of you, I'm VERY disappointed in you." That got a variety of different reactions, but Fluttershy seemed to react the worst.

Rarity spoke up with slight disdain, "Well, I can't see how you're more disappointed in us than Rainbow. She was the one who was rubbing her feats in everypony's faces."

"Again, I already ran that past her. Besides, can you spell out h-y-p-o-c-r... i-s-y?" I almost trailed off from weakness, something both Fluttershy and Rainbow took notice of.

This confused everypony except for Twilight, who looked flabbergasted. "Why are you calling us hypocrites? I'm pretty sure we exemplified good qualities as Mare-Do-Well!"

"If what Rainbow said to me is true, all of you spouted something about 'Mare-Do-Well' the other day. It's hypocritical because it was you the entire time. You knew that full well, but you said it anyways while fully knowing Rainbow was starting to crack because of it. Don't get me started on the fact that you all just bragged about yourselves AGAIN... in front of us.

“The icing on the cake is the fact that you got a thank-you parade. Rainbow did not.”

Pinkie looked very taken back. "But... we just wanted to let her know that she shouldn't be bragging too much!"

I gave her a look. "And what was wrong with, oh I don't know, directly talking to her and asking her to watch her bragging?"

Twilight started looking a bit defensive. "I planned this way because I knew she wouldn't listen."

That was about the worst thing I've heard all day. Rainbow immediately looked very insulted. "Gee, THANKS for the vote of confidence, Twilight!"

I nod, which made me dizzy. "And that's not even getting into one thing: at least Rainbow started out just fine and had pure intentions. For all I know, every pony you saved was saved for the sole purpose of 'teaching Rainbow a lesson'."

Now the five of them look horrified. Applejack tried speaking up, "B-but we didn't mean to come off that way."

Rainbow shook her head. "I didn't think of it that way, but I have to agree with Zephyr there. While the two of us could give you the benefit of the doubt, I'm not sure the rest of the town would."

Fluttershy looked at Rainbow in surprise. “S-so you forgive us, Rainbow?”

“While I am bitter about getting everything swiped away from me and getting humiliated on top of it, I also understand it’s partially my fault as well. I forgive you, but you have to let everypony know what happened; the entire town will get on my case thinking I ran Mare-Do-Well out of town.” This got worried looks from the other five mares.

I sigh. "If you girls had... had..." I hold a hoof up to my head briefly, getting a small gasp from Fluttershy. "Excuse me for that. If you had thought your plan through better and at least tried to talk to Rainbow before it, I wouldn't be so disappointed. Instead, you used… a last resort...*huff*... as your first action..."

Unable to keep my weakness in check any longer, I fall over on my side while I begin to breathe heavily. This got a few cries of shock from everypony present. I felt one of them lift me and put a hoof to my forehead. "He's burning up and sweating like crazy. We need to get him to his home, fast!"

"W-was that Rainbow or Applejack speaking? I... can't tell...

The last thing I remember was being lifted onto somepony's back before blacking out from sheer exhaustion.
> Chapter 33 - Fever Omens
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow burst into Zephyr's home in a mad rush to get him in his bed while the other mares were hot on her tail, worried about their friend's sudden illness. When they got him into the bed and as comfortable as they could manage, they gave him a once over.

Rainbow was the first to speak up. "He got worse as we entered; he started emitting a lot more heat and is sweating far more because of it." This prompted Fluttershy to head back downstairs in a hurry.

Pinkie put a hoof up to his forehead, only to yelp has her hoof caught fire. "You weren't kidding! How did he go for so long before suddenly developing this... whatever this is?"

"It must be a fever and a high one at that." Everypony looked at Applejack. "Ah had a  few fevers whenever ah overworked myself. He has the same symptoms: High body temperature, uncontrollable sweating, and--" Zephyr suddenly started shivering. "-- Shivering like nuts."

Fluttershy came back through the door with a wet cloth and put it on Zephyr's forehead. "But why did he get a fever so suddenly? I noticed that he was struggling with it before, but I never expected him to suddenly collapse because of it."

"He was acting a bit weird before the parade as well." Rainbow pursed her lips, wondering if what he said was induced by the beginning stages of this fever. While it did make sense to her, it also inexplicably made her feel saddened that those words could very well have been a product of an illness.

Rarity shook her head. "I've also had my nasty run-ins with fevers. It certainly makes it hard to take care of yourself, let alone somepony else and that's only if it's mild."

"Wait, that means somepony has to take care of him while he's like this?" Twilight looked among her friends, contemplation on her muzzle

Applejack shook her head. "That's correct, unfortunately. Ah think Fluttershy or Rainbow should do it, since Pinkie and ah would only serve to make his condition worse; being Earth ponies and all. And no offense to you or Rarity, Twi, but ah doubt you two would be able to take care of him that well with his magic actively cancelling out yours."

Rainbow went a little red in the face at the mention of her taking care of Zephyr, but she figured no-pony noticed. She shook her head a bit in an attempt to clear her thoughts, which briefly caught Rarity's eye. Why am I acting like this over a small detail?

Fluttershy hummed. "I'll do it. It's my responsibility as his sister after all; mine and Scootaloo's"

Pinkie made a little "irk" sound. "Oh no,speaking of Scootaloo, we forgot about what we should tell the town."

Rarity sighed. "I suppose better sooner than later. Question is; how do we break it to them?"

"I'll think of something." Twilight let out a sad sigh. "Besides, it was my impulsiveness that got us in this situation instead of trying to talk to Rainbow, like Zephyr said. I think it would be best if we went now instead of later."

The other four mares nod as Rainbow adds, "I'll come along as well. You girls need somepony to vouch for you in case things turn sour."

Twilight gave her a surprised look before bowing her head. "... Thank you Rainbow... and I'm sorry for what we did... for what I did."

"Twilight, don't worry about it. It IS partially my fault, so I want to help set things right. Besides, we need to tell Squirt what happened to her brother."

Everypony nods before heading out, though Fluttershy got stopped by Applejack. "Sugahcube, ah think it would be best if you stayed with Zephyr for now. He need's somepony to make sure he's comfortable and well hydrated; as Rarity implied, moving around when you have a fever is very painful due to weakness."

Fluttershy hesitated before nodding. "I-I understand. I just... feel bad that you girls have to take a blow for me as well."

Pinkie pats her on the withers. "Don't worry! Just leave it to us and we'll try and make it right. Pinkie promise!" With that, the five mares head downstairs.

Fluttershy sighed as she look at Zephyr, who had an uncomfortable look on his face again while still shivering. She flipped the cloth on his forehead onto its other side before going downstairs and fetching a thermometer and some water. When she stuck it in his mouth, it started reading 101 F; just under the high fever range of 102 F or higher. 

She breathed a sigh of relief. "So Applejack was wrong about it being a high fever. That's good..." She gave a small start when he let out a soft groan. "Are you awake, Zephyr?"

"F-Fluttershy? What... happened? Last I remember, I was talking to you girls about...*huff* the whole Mare-do-well thing."

He tried to sit up, only to be softly pushed back down. "Don't strain yourself; you've developed a sudden fever and I don't want you to get worse. Here." 

She gives him the glass of water, and watched with worry as he struggled to drink from it. He coughed a bit from the sudden in-take. "Ugh... to think I would become a liability like this... I'm so sorry."

"It's going to be alright, Zephyr. The other girls already went off to rectify their mistake... for me as well." He let out a tired sigh and she noticed. "I have to ask... how much rest have you been getting?"

Zephyr lets out another shudder. "Ever since I went to Manehatten for a brief vacation, my sleep has been... somewhat lackluster."

"More so than that. What's causing you to lose so much sleep?"

"It's... rather inconsequential, really." Fluttershy went silent and he looks up to see her giving him a look of disbelief. "What?"

"Your left ear is twitching."

Zephyr stared at her for a second before realizing what she meant. "Uhm... and that pertains, how?"

"You're lying, aren't you?"

He winces, realizing that their mother told her about some of his quirks. Before he could say anything, Scootaloo burst into the room with some tear build-up in her eyes. "Big brother!"

Fluttershy let out a squeak of surprise as the filly jumped onto the bed, nuzzling her older brother. He patted her on the head. "Hey Scoots... don't tell me you rushed home as soon as you heard about my illness, did you?"

"I did! You leave us for five days, only to come back sick? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I... didn't know I was getting sick until it was too late. To think... I"m causing so much grief..."

Fluttershy lightly bats him on the top of my head. "I keep telling you not to throw every single little blame on yourself. Still... what is it that's causing you to lose so much sleep?" Zephyr connected eyes with Scootaloo and they both adopted a worried and scared look. "Are the both of you in on this?"

Zephyr sighed, knowing he couldn't hide it from Fluttershy forever. "It's more so what almost happened to her..." Fluttershy flashes him a scared and confused look. "I'll tell you... but I need you to pinkie promise not to tell anypony else, especially the other mares. They already have enough on their plate."

She nodded and, after reciting the pinkie promise, Zephyr then told her of what transpired that one night. When he told her of the syndicate stallions and how they were essentially threatening them, she had a dangerous look on her face, her protective sibling side of her starting to come out. But when he told her about his violent outburst, she looked horrified instead. "I-I've seen you get mad before, especially on your birthday, but never to the point of violence."

"Is it because a small part of me still wanted to be friends at that one time or was it purely because you were mares?" He shakes his head. "That's the reason why I felt I needed to get away; I couldn't bear thinking about what would happen if I were to lose it on somepony else, especially my friends and family." He started coughing harshly, prompting Fluttershy to give him his water, which he once again downed with difficulty.

Scootaloo nuzzled the side of his head after he stopped coughing. "But don't you remember what Thundarlane said? As long as No-pony tries to threaten me or Fluttershy, you don't have to worry about becoming violent."

Fluttershy frowned slightly. She never heard of that, but she shrugged it off since she didn't have a younger sibling for most of her life. "If Thunderlane says so, then I'm sure it's true."

Zephyr shook his head. "I worry regardless. I'm afraid it'll become something... far more dangerous..." His eyes start drooping a bit.

"I think that's enough for now; Zephyr needs his rest." Fluttershy took the now dry cloth off his head.

"Actually... I need to ask something..." Zephyr gives Scootaloo a tired, but inquisitive look. "W-what was it that you wanted to t-talk to me about e-earlier?"

"Oh, right. Didn't you say, at one point, you were Rainbow Dash's number one fan?" She gives a solemn nod. "Then I'm guessing you know where I'm going with this."

"T-the fact that I ditched her?"

"In a less blunt fashion. This is the one reason why I was disappointed in you earlier, Scoots. Despite your claims, you gave Dash up when she needed you the most. When you're a fan of somepony, especially if you self-proclaim yourself as the number one fan, you stick with them through it all. Even in their deepest pain, weakest hour, or darkest night." 

Scootaloo lets out a whimper and he rubs her on the head. "I'm not mad at you, Scoots. I just don't want you making the same mistake in the future. All I ask is that you stick with your idols through thick and through thin, save if they do something unspeakable."

"... Thank you, Zephyr."

She quickly got swept up in a hug from Fluttershy. "I'm so sorry, Scootaloo! I-I was the one who made you do that and I... I'm a horrible older sister!"

Scootaloo looks back at Zephyr, who gives her a tired nod. "I forgive you, Fluttershy. I'm... sure you had your reasons for doing it like that. Just... please be more careful next time something like this comes up."

Fluttershy gave her little sister the happiest smile she could muster while tearing up before re-embracing, With Scootaloo returning the embrace. Zephyr gave his own smile as he watched his sisters reconcile in their own way before he began to nod off again. 

Fluttershy noticed and broke her hug. "How about we let Zephyr sleep for now. Lots of rest will do him good." With that, she tucked him in a bit more after Scootaloo hopped off the bed. Zephyr simply hummed before closing his eyes.

As Fluttershy got the cloth wet again for Zephyr's forehead, Scootaloo left the house in an attempt to find Rainbow Dash and apologize to her for abandoning her so easily. As time went on, she started to worry if her friends got lynched and about her animals at her cottage. She had yet to go back today; she planned to do so after this day's Mare-Do-Well escapade and they haven't been fed since the beginning of the day. 

To top it all off, she was worried about Zephyr. Not just because he developed a sudden fever, but the fact that he lashed out so violently weighed on her mind. Given the situation, plenty would consider it justified, but she still shared his worry that it might become something far worse. 

It couldn't of been a side effect from the gender spell Twilight accidentally cast on him. While it was a spell fired off with no preparation other than gathering energy, I don't think that alone could of influenced his mind.

Fluttershy was jarred out of her worried thoughts when there was a delicate knocking at the door. When she opened it, Rarity was standing there with a slightly relieved face. "Good to see you, Rarity. H-how did--"

"It went fine, darling. Many ponies were understandably upset when the whole ground-works was laid bare, but they were willing to let it slide when Rainbow explained the situation herself. How's Zephyr?"

Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief. "Been asleep for a little while. His fever was caused by lack of sleep, so I figured that would be best for him." She hummed for a bit before a thought came to her. "O-oh, but c-could I burden you to take care of him for a bit? I forgot to feed my animals earlier and I--"

Rarity giggled. "It's fine, Fluttershy. Expecting you to look after him twenty-four-seven when you have your own duties to worry about would be selfish. Magic or no, I'll look after him until you or Scootaloo come back."

"Thank you, Rarity. I'll try to be as quick as possib--"

"Take your time, darling. I wouldn't want you to forget something vital because you were in such a rush." 

Fluttershy had her mouth open for a bit before sighing and nodding. After she left, Rarity finished getting the face cloth wet and getting another glass of water for Zephyr before she started heading for the stairs.

But not before putting on a surgical mask to help keep herself from catching his flu.

I'm sure Fluttershy will understand. Just a precaution in order to prevent it from spreading to anypony else.

Before climbing up the stairs, she took note of the house interior. She had a chance a while back to check his house out, when he was foalnapped. The urgency of the situation prevented her from truly observing, but now she had a chance to actually observe.

This... must be the blandest house I've ever seen. Save for some unremarkable furniture, both Zephyr and Scootaloo have absolutely nothing going on in here. Little wonder why they typically prefer other places.

Rarity made a mental note to ask Zephyr about internal decorating before heading up into his room. She put the glass she had in her magic on the night stand before applying the wet cloth onto his forehead with her hooves. While she hasn't experienced getting her magic canceled out as much as Twilight has, she still took it into consideration.

After applying the cloth, she observed Zephyr as he slept. "You know... I'm surprised more ponies haven't pointed out how his muzzle looks like a mare's. Perhaps it's somehow subtle about being more feminine than most stallion muzzles."

He lets out a small, content sigh and she smiles. "I'm also surprised mares aren't falling head over hooves for him. He certainty looks like a pretty cute stallion and his personality is similar to Fluttershy's, which typically hits some mares in the weak-spot." She shook her head. I wonder if that was what Rainbow was blushing about? I would think she's showing some interest in him, though I really shouldn't jump to conclusions like that.

Rarity gave a start when the bedroom door was suddenly opened by Scootaloo. "I'm back, Fluttersh-- oh hello, Miss Rarity."

"Just Rarity is fine, darling. In case you're wondering about Fluttershy, she had to go back to her cottage to feed her animals."

Scootaloo nodded. "I suppose that's-- wait, where are you going?" Rarity had gotten up and started exiting the room.

"Why I'm pretty sure you can take care of your brother without me just fine. Fluttershy did say she would be coming back after she was done, so don't worry too much about it."

Scootaloo shot a look at her still-sleeping brother before giving Rarity a worried look. "But... I don't know if I can look after him by myself."

Rarity pats her on the head. "All you have to do is be there for him whenever he wakes up and make sure he's comfortable. I already put a  wet cloth on his forehead and there's a glass of water on the night stand in case he needs it. Oh, but anything else you need before I go?"

Scootaloo nodded. "Yeah... what's with the mask?"

This got a nervous giggle out of Rarity. "Oh, well I didn't want to catch his fever; no matter how you initially get a fever, it can spread to other ponies if not treated carefully."

"I think that only applies to the common cold or similar illnesses..."

"Darling, fevers come about because it's one of the ways your body fights off bacterial infection or viruses. It only resorts to it when your immune system becomes too weak to fight off infection, typically brought about by poor eating habits or lack of sleep."

This got a flat look from the filly. "I never thought you had medical knowledge."

Rarity gave her an amused smile after lowering her mask. "I got it from Fluttershy of all ponies. You'd be surprised how much animals and ponies have in common. Anyways,I'd better be off; Sweetie Belle might get worried if I don't get home soon." With that, she exits the room.

Scootaloo continued to shoot a flat look at the door for a little bit before shaking her head. Looking back at Zephyr, she gained a determined look. "I will take care of my brother! He's taken care of me for so long, now it's time to return his kindness... at least until I mess it up somehow."





The rest of the day was fairly uneventful, save for Twilight, Applejack, and Pinkie coming in at separate times to check up on him. He was awake for Twilight's visit, but otherwise slept the rest of the day.

It wasn't until nightfall after Fluttershy retired to her cottage and Scootaloo went to bed did Rainbow decide to swing by. She peeked at him through his window, a look of self-conflict on her face. 

"But you're not alone, Rainbow. You have me."

"E-even if he said it as a friend and it wasn't because of his fever... why do I feel so conflicted over it? All he was doing was trying to reassure me that he hasn't given up on me even when everypony else did... why am I getting so worked up over it? I don't get it..."

Sighing, she flew back to her house, expecting a sleepless night to be in store for her.