> A New Life
>  by Trivium
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: Doing the World a Favor
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 1: Doing the World a Favor

I don't know how I am supposed to start this off. Ummm. Hi, my name is Trivium, and I'm about to kill myself! Yeah, that seems good. Anyway, before I plunge to my death, I'll explain a little bit. I have no friends, family, job, house, money, or self-esteem. My parents? Oh yeah, they disowned me. Why? That's beyond me, as I expect it to stay. Oh also, I am 17 years of age, not quite old enough for a nice plunge into an alcoholic life, but hey, a few more weeks and I could have drank my life away if I felt like it. For now, it stayed with me stealing what little I could to force myself asleep. Hangovers every morning, vodka every night. Who knows, maybe one day I can do something with myself? Yeah, funny, right?

Anyway, I know that this is no way to get the girl of my dreams, but I already know that all hopes of me even meeting her are all gone already. So, anyway, now that you know enough, it's time for me to jump. I know, why am I so calm? Because I've waited far too long for the world to kill me, and I recently got the message, that was my job.

So, gracefully I folded my wings back and tipped backwards, falling off of a ledge, plummeting towards the ground. I decided that the last thing I wanted to see was the great big sky, which I flew in far too often. The sun glared in my eyes, causing my vision to whiten. I could only hear the loud rushing of wind as it went past my ears at speeds unbelievable. My vision soon was just whiteness. The loud wind rush faded.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

I groaned in pain, hearing the steady beeping of a heart monitor. Fuck. "You're..... Alive?" I heard a voice, and it sounded like something straight out of a dream. Yup, I did die. "Are..... You okay?" Dammit, go away! Let me be dead in peace you bitch. I know, harsh words, but I wanna be dead, so let me go in peace! "Hey...." THE HELL DO YOU WANT?! Let me die already!

Wait,

Am I really dead? I opened my eyes to see for myself. I saw the bight light, yep dead. Wait, no. That's a pony-made light. I was in a hospital. Dammit I didn't die! "Hey, say something!" I heard that voice again. I looked to the source of the sound and couldn't believe my eyes.

There sat Rainbow Dash, the love of my life. I must be dead if SHE'S here, and TALKING to me. "What...." I said, un-intentionally. "Long story." Rainbow Dash said. Shit. I just tried to end my life infront of my crush. Now I must seem like a poor, un-desirable pony of the streets, that had gotten too drunk and jumped. She blew casually at part of her mane that had fallen over one of her eyes. Amazing. "What.... What happened?" I managed to ask.

"Well, I was just flying about, minding my own business, when I saw you standing at the edge of that cliff. I landed and watched from a distance, considering the worst. I watched you stand there for a while, then fold your wings and fall. I saw this and dove to catch you. I didn't manage to stop you from hitting the floor entirely, but I managed to slow you down enough so you could live, because I barely managed to get underneath you," Rainbow Dash explained.

She saved my life.

I felt my cheeks growing hot. Dammit, not now! 

"Hey, it's no problem, don't worry about it, I understand that we all have our hard times." She said in a comforting tone.

"Thank.... You...." I managed, feeling fatigue overcoming me. Damn pain killers. I blinked and opened my mouth to say something. Nothing came out. "Are you really okay? You're acting like you just met your favorite pony!" Rainbow Dash said jokingly. Great, little did she know that I really DID just meet my favorite pony. "I'm sorry, it's just that..... I, well...."My voice trailed off. 

"Just relax, you're probably still having trouble recalling everything that happened, and it'd probably be best if you just sleep." Rainbow Dash said. "Just, think of being at home, in your own nice bed."

"I..... Don't have.... A home...." I said my cheeks getting raided by heat once more. Great.

"Ohmygosh, are you serious? Do you need a place to stay?" Rainbow Dash asked me, sounding frantic.

"I'm..."

"You need a place to stay. You can stay with me for a little while, if you want." Rainbow Dash interrupted.

Something good for once, I still couldn't believe this was happening.

"Sure...." I said.

"Great! You should be out on your feet in just a few days, so I can tell you now how to get to my house. First, you-"

"I know where you live already..." I said. Dammit, why did I just say that? Not weird, just..... Weird....

"Oh! Well, um, in that case..... You can just come drop by my place when you're out of here and I can take you under my wing for a bit.

Under her wing. A hug from her did sound real nice. I knew what she meant, but I can dream. "Thank you.... Very much..." I said.

"Just sleep for now." Rainbow Dash said.

I did as directed, and let the pain killers overtake my senses, and soon I was in darkness.
> Chapter 2: Starting Anew
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 2: Starting Anew

It was the day after sweet Rainbow Dash offered me a stay in her house, after my release from the hospital. I was actually glad I had decided to make the jump, if I never did, I would still be on the streets, hungry, thirsty, stealing, and waiting for the world to kill me. Now I was waiting for the hospital to kick me out, so I could go on down to Rainbow Dash's, and have a warm place to sleep for once. I tried not to show any excitement, because then I'd probably be classed as insane, and kept in for longer. I can imagine the doctors, "He just tried to kill himself, now he's excited about who knows what, waiting to get out of the hospital.". Funny stuff right there.

I was feeling tortured for the next two and a half days, talking to nopony, waiting to get out of there so I could go and spend some time with Rainbow Dash. I never did expect to meet her, or even get to step inside her house, but after the torturing hospital stay, I was released. I almost sprinted at full speed down to Rainbow Dash's house, and knocked on the door. I felt like I was exploding inside with anxiety, waiting for what felt like ages, when it was only about 10 seconds, probably, for Rainbow Dash to open the door, and let me into her house. "Hey!" She said warmly, stepping aside and opening the door wide. Slowly, I walked in, checking the place out as I entered. It was nice, like, damn nice. "Wow, this really is a nice place." I said.

"Thanks." Rainbow Dash said quietly, swinging the door shut. 

"It feels like I should have bags or some stuff or something to unpack, but I don't..." I said, trying to give us something to laugh at.

"For being without a home, you seem to take it quite lightly, you know?" Rainbow Dash said. 

"Well, I survived trying to kill myself, and not only that, but I met the...." My voice trailed off. Best not tell her yet. "I met the nicest pony of all time." I said slowly.

"I hate to burst your bubble, but I am probably not close to the nicest pony, but thanks for the compliment still." She said. "I guess that you're hungry?"

I tried not to sound like a mess. "A bit, yeah, but I can wait until dinner time if you want to." I said, lying bluntly about the hunger that was basically eating me alive.

"Well, I'll make something up in a few hours, then. For now, we can get you all situated with where you're going to sleep n' all that." Rainbow Dash said. "I don't have two beds, and the floor is not really sleepworthy, but I have a pretty big bed, so we'll be fine."

No. Fucking. Way.

"Uhh.. Sure, I'm good at not taking up much space where I sleep." I said, my mood quickly brightening.

"I call the right side!" She said.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After dinner, I was quickly getting tired. "I think I might turn it in early tonight." I said, stifling a yawn mildly. 

"Okay," Rainbow Dash said. "I'll prolly be up late working on some things."

I walked into the bedroom. Rainbow Dash didn't lie, she had quite the bed. I slid into bed, keeping to the left side, as instructed earlier. I began to think about what had really just happened. I tried to end my sad life, got saved by my crush, met my crush, got invited to stay with my crush, and now I am sharing a bed, with my crush. Damn, tables really do turn violently. Not that I'm complaining or anything. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I woke the next morning, feeling really well rested and happy. I hadn't slept in a bed in ages. I looked to the right side of the bed. Rainbow Dash was already up and about. I heard lots of sounds coming from outside the room, and assumed that it was Rainbow Dash cooking something up. Of course it was! I slid out of bed, letting my hooves drop to the cold wood floor quietly. I started walking to the kitchen, as I did so, I passed by a mirror. I decided that I should check myself out real quick, why not? I stared into the mirror. I looked alright, if I said so myself. My black coat was neat as usual, and my mane matched the color of my coat, except for at the end, where it faded into red. I always let my mane fall downwards over my left eye, it looked pretty good, and I had pretty bad vision in my left eye anyway. My mane was normal, slightly messy, but straight enough to fall over my left eye neatly as I liked it too.

After making sure I looked well, I walked out into the kitchen. 

"Morning, Triv!" Rainbow Dash said, not even looking back.

Did I really smell that bad? No, I was just noisy walking across the floor.

"Mornin'" I said roughly. 

"Sleep well?"

"Indeed I did, thank you." I said. "I'm sure that you did, also?"

"Well enough for me to survive the day, that's for sure." She said.

Wow, ponies with a bed still slept just enough to make it through the day? I assumed that this was a normal morning, with just one extra pony to feed. I thought that if you had a bed, you slept extra well, that's how everypony seemed, anyway.

"Got much to do today?" I asked. "I'd love to have something to do, that didn't involve what I used to do."

"Nothing really, just figured I'd take this day to laze around the house n' things." Rainbow Dash said, sighing deeply.

"Okay, that seems fine, that'll give you some time to sleep some extra for the day." I said, trying to cheer her up, sense she seemed sad about being able to relax.

"Yeah, that'll be pretty nice." She said. "It's gonna be a while before breakfast is ready, so if you wanna, you can just go back to sleep."

Being that I still felt like a morning zombie, I was more then willing to go back to sleep. "Okay, thanks." I said.

"I don't see why're thanking me..." Rainbow Dash said, glancing over her shoulder to look at me.

"It's just that, I'm not used to having a safe place to stay, and I feel like I shouldn't really be using anything here without your permission." I said.

"That's nice, but I really don't care too much if you feel like sleeping extra, I do it sometimes." She said.

Not sure how to respond, I just nodded and went back to the bed, and layed down once more. I let my head sink into the large pillow, laying on my back. I let my eyes drift close, even though I wasn't super tired. I wasn't sure how long it was, but I felt the bed rustle, and I heard Rainbow Dash climbing into bed.

"Just so you know, you're not gonna make me think you're sleepin' when you aren't." She said.

I opened my eyes slowly and looked at her. "I wasn't trying to fool 'nyone, just relaxing, that's all."

"Suuuuuuureee...." She said, smiling playfully.

"No, really, I was ju-"

"Shhhhhh.." Rainbow Dash said, placing her hoof over my mouth, smiling warmly again. I said nothing. She chuckled and let her hoof fall lazily to the bed. "So," She started. "You must have quite the story, huh?"

"Yeah, quite the story indeed."

"Well, I don't want to force you to tell it if it's sad."

"Sometimes, it's just good to have somepony to talk to.." I said, already feeling some relief from telling her that. "I'll tell my story for ya."

"When I was really young, like, 10-11 years, I don't remember too well, I was disowned by my parents, why? Only they know. I was kicked out onto the streets at that age. I tried to stay in school for as long as I could, but I dropped out in high school, trying to find a job. I'm skipping lots of little details and stories here, but I was constantly depressed at that time, and, being that I was always anti-social and sad-looking, I wasn't exactly the thing employers were looking for. No job. I eventually gave up on that too, and began to try to survive on my own entirely. I tried building a house, no such luck, it got destroyed by a storm just a few days after I finished it. I started wandering the allyways of cities, and that made me a single friend. His name was...." My voice trailed off. What the hay was his name?! "His name was Vadorous. We started, "living" together, wandering allies, stealing stuff, begging, but as brothers. Eventually, we decided that it would be more effecient if we started begging in different areas, and split up. We set up a meeting area, where we would go at the end of everyday. We set up a small shelter there and everything. One day, I was laying in the shelter, and I heard Vadorous' hoofsteps, and anothers with them. "Trivium," I heard him say, "I've got somepony for you to meet."." I sighed deeply.

"He had re-united with an old friend, from when he was really young, younger then I was when I got disowned. He decided that he would take Vadorous under his wing, and take care of him, but me? Nope, they decided to let me continue living in that horrible place. I nested a deep hatred for him, I catered it, loved it, I raised hatred inside me, until one day, I saw him. On sight, he smiled warmly. "Dude!" I heard him say. All I remember is lots of blood on my hooves, and lots of swearing breaking free from my mouth. I beat the bucker bloody, almost killed 'im. After I realized what I had done, I retreated, I abandoned my shelter, everything. I flew fast and far, and I decided to start anew at a random city. One day, as I was looking for a nice trash bin to loot, I heard you. Yes, you Rainbow Dash, talking with a few friends. I flew up to the roof of that building and looked down, and when I saw you, I almost fell off the building. Honestly, you were the prettiest thing I'd ever seen, and on sight, I had a crush on you...." I said, feeling my cheeks growing hot.

"I knew that I never had a chance at ever talking to you, but I still tried to be near you. I never directly stalked you, but I would find myself loitering at areas you'd commonly be, and I would just think about having happiness, life, a place to stay, being accepted into society for once. I felt better sometimes thinking about you, but that never lasted long. I went back to a new shelter I had set up one night, to find it completely destroyed, all my belongings destroyed. This drove me off the edge, and I realized then that the world was slowly trying to kill me. Each night, I would sit around, each day, wait. I was waiting for the world to kill me, and one day, I decided to help the world out and kill myself for it. You know the rest as it goes." I said. I tried to keep the story less sad then it actually was, just for Rainbow Dash's sake.

"I'm so sorry." Rainbow Dash said, as she reached across the bed and put her hoof on my shoulder. She turned onto her back, and patted her chest with one hoof. I smiled, somehow knowing what she meant. I slid over to her, and rested my head a little below the center of her chest, stretching one arm out across her, hugging her with one arm, and using her as a replacement pillow. I smiled warmly, feeling safer then I ever had before. Then I realized that my wings had shot out, and I couldn't fold them back.

NOT NOW!!! I thought, trying to relax them.

I felt Rainbow Dash's hoof gently trace down from my mane to the base of my right wing. She slowly messaged my wings, probably trying to ease my mind. A quiet moan escaped from me. Dammit, why did I just let that out?! I thought. Rainbow Dash didn't seem creeped out or anything, she just continued to gently message my wings. I hugged her tightly for a moment, then loosened my grip. I felt her hoof leave my wings and come down to my chin. She lifted my chin, getting me to make eye contact with her. She slid out from under me, and adjusted so she was eye-to-eye with me. She smiled warmly, rubbing behind my ears. I tried to look casual, but I was smiling back at her hugely. I felt another hoof slip under my neck, both her hooves linking behind my neck. I felt her leaning close into me, then our lips met.

My eyes popped open. I was actually kissing Rainbow Dash! I began to wrap my arms around Rainbow Dash's neck, but when I did, she leaned back, looking at me, comfort in her eyes.

"That.... That was.... Amazing...." I said.

She leaned in again, and our lips met once more. I wrapped my arms around her neck, and leaned in a bit more. I didn't know what happened, but both our mouths opened at the same time. I felt her tounge creeping into my mouth, and damn, those rumors were no lie, she was a great bucking kisser. I tried to stifle another moan as she messaged my wings once again, still kissing me. It was almost as if she knew where my sweetspots were. I trembled, trying to return the kiss. She almost forced me back, keeping me almost paralyzed with pleasure. I felt her retreat from my lips, a strand of saliva connecting our lower lips.

I... Just... Made.. Out... With Rainbow Dash....

I smiled happily.

"That was...." Rainbow Dash cut me off with a "Shhhhhh... I know, I know. It was amazing.". She rolled onto her back again, patting her chest. I hugged her once again, soon falling asleep resting on Rainbow Dash.
> Not Real Chapter is Not Real!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Harro everyone, great news.

So my piece of fuc- I mean, great, amazing 2002 windows Xp laptop has broken, and I can't fix it! That means that I will be resorting to my DOWNSTAIRS Windows desktop, which won't break, but that means I won't be able to go on this site as often, and even less be able to continue writing. This means that I will not be able to work on the stories much, and that fucking sucks. I really will continue to try to fix my laptop, but I will be getting a new WIndows 8 great personal laptop in a few weeks, so I might abandon it if it doesn't get working in the next few days.

Again, sorry about the bad news.

-Killakrafter13
> Chapter 3: Going Places
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 3: Going Places.

(The title isn't supposed to be sexual, and I am pressing out one chapter tonight because tomorrow I won't be able to.)

After the awesome less-then-one-minute-long makeout session with Rainbow Dash, I woke up, around 8:00 PM. I wasn't really tired anymore so I decided that I'd just go for a fly. I didn't even know why, I did that almost every day before I fell into this new life. I walked out of the bedroom, and to the door. As I walked past I said, "Going for a fly, leave the door unlocked.".

"Will do."

I stepped out into the outdoors. It was a little chilly, and dark, but I was used to this weather. I took to the skies and flew for awhile, before landing in a random street, and walking. Why I was doing this, was never in my head, I guess I didn't really know what else to do. I didn't want to sit around and take up space back at "home", I now called it. I guess I fell back to my normal time-killer of wandering the streets. I shuffled my feathers for no reason, and looked around. Where was I anyway? I didn't really expect to be able to get lost, because I wandered these streets all day, every day, for almost 4 years. I just kept walking, expecting to find myself again. I wandered, before stumbling on a small crack in the sidewalk. I realized then where I was. The sidewalks were grassy, cracked, and un-kept. There were only a few dark houses, broken, and abandoned looking. Normally, I would have taken this as a new home, but not today. I shivered at the sight of the area, but I carried on. I lowered my vision slightly, so I didn't have to stare at the houses as much. 

Curiosity, it's a horrible, horrible thing. I heard a soft rustling from one of the houses, and of course, I decided that it would be completely 100% harmless to investigate. I creeped up to the house, and pushed open the front door. Crash. The damn thing fell off it's hinges! I jumped at the loud sound, but still crept into the house. I checked a few rooms, except for the ones with the doors, and no easy quick way out. I came across nothing, but I still wanted to know what that sound came from! I walked up to one of the rooms I skipped, being that it was behind a shut door. I slowly opened it, poking my head around. I heard a series of stumbled steps, and felt my head spinning with pain. I collapsed to the floor, my neck throbbing. Somepony'd slammed the door on my neck.

I blinked the blurs away, and saw a ruffled, grey-coated earthpony standing over me. I tried to quickly slide out from underneath him, but he grabbed my chest. I tried to break free but he really was strong. He lifted me off my hooves, bringing me face-to-face with him. Last time I was in this position, I was about to make out with my ultimate crush. Now, I felt like I was about to be ultimately crushed. I trembled nervously. He grinned, his breath smelling horribly. "

"'Nd jus' where you think you is?" He said.

"I-I have no idea! I'm completely lost, and I heard a sound and I was curios and-and-and...." I quickly sputtered out.

"Whell, you've chose a bad time to be los', kid." He said, throwing me against a wall. I quickly stood, my eyes darting for a way out, even though I could probably fight if I needed to. I found no way out, and started backing against the wall, sliding into a corner. He stared down at me as he got closer. I quickly dove under his hooves and found myself behind him.

"Waaaa...?" I heard him choke out, turning drunkenly.

I swung a hoof violently, knocking the homeless square in the jaw. He grabbed my hoof before I could get it back to it's original position, and pulled me close to him. I tried to pull free, and managed to get free, just not how I wanted to. I fell backwards, the homeless having hit me hard in the face as he yanked me into him. That hit really did hurt alot. I tried to get back steady on my hooves, stumbling drunkenly. I tried to swing at my opposer, but he knocked my hoof upwards, sending me off balance. I felt pain surge from my mane. My mane?! Really?!

I muffled a yelp as I kicked at him, pulled with my head, and used my back legs to try to slide free. I felt my hooves loosing traction, sliding uselessly as he pulled me close again. I felt a large rush of adrenaline, and I dove into him, knocking him over. I jumped over him, and started beating him heavily. I felt him kick me hard in the gut, then the chin. Of course, knowing my luck, I bit my tongue also. I dove for the door, managing to grab the doorframe before he grabbed my hind legs. I kicked uselessly, pulled at the doorframe, and pumped my wings, managing to slide free of his grip. I jumped to my hooves and burst out the once-standing door. I took into the air, flying fast and far. Before I knew it, I recognized my location, and soon tracked my way back to Rainbow Dash's house. Still feeling adrenaline, I swung the door open, and slammed it shut, panting heavily.

"Triv, you're bleeding!" Rainbow Dash cried out, running up to me. 

"Long story." I said through heavy breaths.

I felt soft paper pressing against my nose as she cleaned up the nosebleed.

"Nosebleed? Was that all?" I asked after she had taken care of the blood.

"Other then that, quite a few deep bruises. What happened to you out there?"

"I was being a total idiot, wandered where I shouldn't have." I said.

"At least you're okay." She said.

"Yeah, that's always a plus." I said, now calming down.

"You'd best get to bed, you must be tired."

"Quite so, you coming?" I asked, hopefully.

Rainbow Dash blushed, laughing softly. "Don't get your hopes up, we're not making out." She said, "But yes, I'll hit the hay."

I lay somewhat still in the bed, trying to relax.

"Having trouble getting to sleep?" Rainbow Dash asked, rolling over to face me.

"Just a bit, yeah." I said, looking at her.

"You've had a rough day, c'mere." She said, patting her chest.

I smiled, resting my head on her again. I hoped not to get another wingbo-. Gah, dammit.

I felt Rainbow Dash's hooves move from where they were, one on my extended arm, one on my shoulder. I managed to silence a moan this time, Rainbow Dash messaging my wings.

"Just... Sleeeeppp....." she cooed. I smiled again and let my eyes drift shut, letting my mind go of all the commotion of today. Soon, sleep crept up and pounced upon me.
> Chapter 4: Reviving old Memories
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 4: Reviving old Memories

I felt the crisp, cold, dark air rush past my face and sting my eyes as I ran, as fast as I possibly could, trying to escape the thing chasing me. I looked behind me, and there he was, the enourmous, 15-foot tall homeless that I had fought with, chasing me, down an endless, dark road. I looked as I ran for houses, or anything, but all I saw were the dark, heavy woods that worked like walls, only letting me run straight. I heard a loud laugh, and began to attempt to take to the skies, and fly to freedom. I got a few feet in the air, then felt a stab of pain. You kidding me? My wings folded back and let me fall to the ground. I rolled to a stop on the ground, my wings aching beyond painfully believable. I let out a cry, my wings feeling like they were being boiled alive. I then remembered the giant after me, but it was too late for me. I widened my eyes as the large earthpony stood over me. He lifted a hoof, and struck downwards.

"Shhhhh! Shhh, Trivium! Triv!" I felt my mouth get covered by Rainbow Dash's hoof, my eyes adjusting to the darkness. I blinked in confusion. "You're okay, it's safe..." I heard her say, releasing my mouth. "You were screaming in your sleep, are you feeling alright?"

"Wha.... What?" I stammered, my blood still rushing from the nightmare. 

"Just relax, you had a bad dream." Rainbow Dash said, hugging me.

"I.... What?" I was confused. "I... I screamed? In my sleep?"

"You were shaking, then you screamed." She said. "You've been having trouble sleeping."

"What? I've been sleeping fine." I said, my confusion growing.

"You must not know. Every single night, as you sleep, you'll tremble and cry. It's horrible to see you like that, but every night you do." Rainbow Dash said. I could see sadness in her eyes, even with how dark it was.

"I..... I'm sorry... I.... It's just that....." Rainbow Dash hushed me. 

"It's not your fault, you've had a hard life." She said. "You're just not used to being safe and happy, and it must be overwhelming you. Just, relax, get back to sleep." She layed back down on her back, and let me rest my head on her again.
******


When I woke up the next morning, the first thing I noticed was that Rainbow Dash was already up and busying herself with getting ready for work. I slid onto the floor, and stretched. I think that that might've been a bad idea. I let out a small cry in pain as I felt a sharp stab of pain from my neck. 

"What was that? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just a small ache." I said, rubbing the spot on my neck that hurt.

"You know, I don't think we can just let anything go as a "small ache" after how you came home last night." Rainbow Dash said, poking her head into the room.

"I'm fine, I doubt that it's anything serious." I replied, rubbing one of my eyes.

"If it keeps hurting 'till the end of the day let me know and we'll get it checked out."

"Yes, mother." I said, jokingly.

Puff. I felt a pillow hit me, thrown from the doorway. Rainbow Dash smiled at me when I looked at her. Returning the smile, I said, "Don't you have things to do?"

"Shoot!" Rainbow Dash said, dissapearing from the doorway. I sighed, today was the day I was going to start job-hunting. Not that I was looking forwards to it, but I really did have to get going on my own as soon as I could. I stood, not needing much time to get ready and start the day. I walked into the bathroom, standing next to Rainbow Dash, while she blow-dryed her mane in the mirror. I snatched her comb. "Thanks." I said, jokingly. 

"No problem."

I quickly combed my mane, so it looked normal, then shook my head, not liking my mane to look too perfect. Neck pain.

"Ow." I said, rubbing the spot on my neck again. 

"Are you sure you're okay?" Rainbow Dash asked, grabbing her comb back.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I said. "I'm gonna go, have a nice day at work."
******

I walked through the cold, mostly-empty morning streets, walking past many stores, looking for any "Help Wanted" signs. I saw a few, but most of the stores seemed like places that only had a few days left before they were shut down. I spent almost all the day wandering. Then I saw a store, nice, standing, not about to go out-of-business store, with a "Help Wanted" sign.

I walked in quietly, looking around. It was a nice place. I walked up to the counter, and asked, "I'm here about the "Help Wanted" sign... Are you still hiring for wor-" I was cut off.

"Here's the application. Cashier." The pony working at the counter said, staring blankly at me.

"Thank you." I said, taking the job app. Now that I had a way to get a job, I could head back to Rainbow Dash's.
******
I shut the door slowly. "Anypony home?" I called out. No response. I sighed, feeling relieved to be back home, where I could relax finally. I set the job app down, deciding to do it later. I flopped lazilly down onto a couch, and just stared at a wall, thinking about just random thoughts. 

I heard the door slam shut, realizing I had fallen asleep on the couch. 

"Hey Rainbow Dash." I said, poking my head up over the back of the couch.

"Yeah, that." She responded, yawning.

"Rough day?"

"That," She said, walking straight to the bedroom. 

"G'night!" She called.

After a few minutes I entered the bedroom, Rainbow Dash was already sleeping the night away. I slowly slid into bed, and rested my eyes. By that, I mean I fell asleep.
******
I woke up quite late for my normal time, but I was pretty rested, so I basically was ready for the day instantly. I walked out into the kitchen part of the house, and saw that Rainbow Dash was still home. "Hey," I said. "No work today?"

"I got over-worked yesterday, so I get a day off today."

"That explains the whole "Kill me" attitude you had last night." I said.

"I don't even remember getting home, was I being a bitch or anything?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Not really, just not responding really, but you were asleep in less then a minute of being home."

"Well, we've got all today to ourselves, wanna go out for some food?" Rainbow Dash asked.

Did she just ask me on a date?

"Uhhh..... Sure, I'm ready to go whenever you are." I said, still slightly off-set by this offer.

"Awesome, we'll go in a few minutes."
******
I followed Rainbow Dash into the small building, while it was small, it was nice with quite a few customers. "Nice choice," I said lowly as we sat down. "I've got a small amount of money, so I can pay my own load." 

"Don't. I've got more then enough for the both of us." Rainbow Dash said.

"Hey! Rainbow Crash! Who's the new one!?" I heard a loud, annoying sounding voice from behind me.

"For buck's sake..." Rainbow Dash said under her breath. "Why's it concern you? I'm outta your league, so you never had a chance to get with me." She said.

"League? When'd you have a league? Besides, he's just an emo-boy, what's he worth?"

I squinted my eyes for a second, then turned around to face the asshole. "Clearly my worth is more then yours, because you're the one sitting here bucking with others for no reason."

"Who asked you, wrist-slitter?"

"That's what I'm about to ask you, you're the one barging into our day, demanding the center of attention." I said, feeling my temper rise.

"Just get outta here, Dumb-bell!" Rainbow Dash said.

"What're you gonna do, Crasher?"

"D'ya really wanna find out?"

"If I had to guess, it'd be that you'd do nothing."

Rainbow Dash stood, threateningly. 

"Sit down, I'll handle it." I said lowly, looking at Rainbow Dash. She sat, nodding at me.

"Grow up you prick." I said. "Got anything better to do?"

"I've got plenty to do, but don't you have some begging to do?"

That, right there, that's the fucking limit. I stood, quickly advancing at Dumb-bell. "I'm about to fucking kill you." I grumbled.

"Ooooooh, I'm scared! You're so small!" Dumb-bell teased.

I walked up to him, my face a little more then 1 inch from his.

"What're you gonna do?" Dumb-bell said, laughing.

"I'm giving you one last warning. Shut your mouth, or there'll be nothing left to identify your body." I growled.

"You can't do anything! You're too small!" He said, poking my chest.

"I warned you." I said. I charged into Dumb-bell's chest, knocking him onto the ground. I pounced on him, and started smashing his face.

"Ow! Ow! Stoppet!" I heard Dumb-bell's distant voice.

"Trivium!" I heard another distant voice. "Trivium! Leave him alone!"

I picked Dumb-bell up off the floor, and slammed him down, breathing heavily as I realized what I'd done.

"Trivium! Holy shit!" Rainbow Dash's voice pierced my ears. I turned to face her. She looked horrified. "Let's get outta here." She said, grabbing me by the mane and dragging me out the door.

"Get to the house." She said, looking back into the store. "I needa make sure he's okay."

I said nothing, too shocked with myself. I quickly flew back to the house, and washed the blood off my hooves. I sat down on the couch again. What's wrong with me?

I heard the door bust open and slam shut.

"Trivium?" Rainbow Dash called. I buried my face in my hooves. "I'm here." I said, trying to not break down.

"Triv! What happened?" She asked, her voice sounding softer now.

"I didn't tell you...." I started. "I said I didn't know why my parents abandoned me, but I lied. They were always saying that I was a dissapointment, and they hated that I was born with depression. They never shut up about it. Always complaining about how I was always sad or angry, and one day, I lost it. I started screaming at them, talking about how it wasn't my fault and they weren't doing anything to help. At that, they abandoned me. The last thing my father ever said to me was, "I knew you'd be a failure". My dad died a year later. I haven't talked to them sense after my dads death.". I tried to hold back tears. "My depression got worse and worse. I tried to kill myself three times that year. I started hurting myself to get my mind off my life." I felt a single tear break the boundry and roll down my cheek.

I felt Rainbow Dash embrace me. "I'm sorry." She said, sadness in her own voice. "I didn't know."

"It's not your fault." I said, blinking the tears away. I didn't know what more to say. We both just, stared at eachother.

Rainbow Dash leaned in and kissed me again. I closed my eyes, enjoying the kiss. I felt Rainbow Dash's hoof trace through my mane. I opened my eyes after a few seconds as Rainbow Dash leaned out of the kiss.

"You just need a little time to relax." She said, smiling, tears in her eyes.

> Chapter 5: A Spark for a Fire
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 5: A Spark for a Fire

Job application. I need to get it done. Rainbow Dash had gone to sleep and I was just sitting here. I slowly walked over to the table where I'd sat the application. How had I forgotten it? Oh, wait, neck pains, fights, bad memories, etc... I sat down infront of the paper, staring at it, feeling no motivation to get it done. I sighed, my eyes lazilly surfing the paper, searching for the easiest answers to get done first. I guess it was easy enough, ya know, where I lived, where I worked before here, why I left, (If I even did), , references for work.... What? References? I sighed, trying to think of some good references, other then Rainbow Dash, who hadn't even needed any work from me. It really didn't take long to realize Rainbow Dash was the only pony I knew. I then realized what I had to do, (well, not really.). I had to find where Vadorous lived, and possibly see if he would be a reference. Don't ask why I thought that was even an idea, I was tired. I set down the pen I had picked up, and walked to the bedroom. I slowly slipped into bed, trying to stay quieter then Rainbow Dash's low snoring. I lay still, going over what I planned on doing to start the journey. After a while, I wasn't even thinking about anything really, just laying on my side staring at the wall as my mind slowly powered down. My eyes were almost entirely shut, and I was almost asleep, when I felt Rainbow Dash's arms wrap around me from behind. I felt her chin resting on the top of my head, her warm body pressing against mine as she hugged me. "G'night, Triv." I heard her say quietly. "Night." I replied, sudden sleepyness attacking.

***

I woke slowly the next morning, feeling well rested. Rainbow Dash was drying her mane in the bathroom again.

"Morning Trivium!" I heard her call. How did she even? I didn't get up, or make any sound, and she couldn't see me. What?

"Lucky guess!" She called. What?!

"How did you even...." I said, standing up, stretching.

"I'd tell you," I heard Rainbow Dash say. She poked her head in the room, grinning evilly. "But then I'd have to kill you."

I blinked in confusion, staring at Rainbow Dash.

"Relax, I wouldn't kill you." She said, laughing.

"Hey, before you go to work, I've gotta tell you something." I said, walking up next to Rainbow Dash, staring at her in the mirror as she dryed her mane with the blow-dryer.

"Here's the comb." She said, sliding it over to me.

"Thanks," I said, using it to straighten out my mane. "Anyway, I'm gonna be gone for... A long time." I said, trying to estimate how long I'd be gone.

"Why? Where you going?"

"Tracking down an old friend, for.... Stuff..." I said. I didn't even remember where I used to live, nor how to get back there.

"Okay..." Rainbow Dash said slowly. "How do you plan on getting there? You're not flying there, not while I'm around."

"I will.... Fly....?" I said, questioning her.

"Not with your neck." She said, poking where the pain was coming from, causing another flow of pain. "We should just get it checked out tomorrow, just to make sure it's not gonna kill you."

"But Dash!" I said, pretending to whine like a small foal. "I wanna go! I'm a big boy now, you can't tell me what to do!"

Rainbow Dash slapped me with her wing, making me jump into attention.

"You're not flying to another town that you probably don't even know about." She said, her voice growing stern quickly.

"Yes, ma'am." I said, lowering my head sarcastically. 

"Good Trivium." Rainbow Dash said.

I heard the doorbell ring.

"Go get that."

I nodded and walked towards the door and opened it, wondering who could possibly be over at this time of the morning. I opened the door a crack and peeked out, seeing the pony that was at the desk of the shop I went to, looking for a job. 

"Hey." he said blankly. "You got the job."

I opened the door a little more. "But I didn't even apply..." I said, curiously.

"Yeah well I got fired and you were the only one that asked about the job so congratulations." He said. "Your first shift is tomorrow at 7 AM. Be there, as if I care."

"I'm sorry for taking your job, do you want some money or anything?" I asked.

The pony was already walking away, ignoring me. I slowly shut the door, and turned to see Rainbow Dash staring at me.

"You got a job?" She asked.

"I guess so!" I said.

"Good job!" She said, happiness filling her face.

I smiled back, not sure what to really say.

"Well, I've gotta go to work myself. Don't even think about taking off and going wherever you think you're going." Rainbow Dash said as she walked past me, her voice going from happy and light-hearted to dead serious in a matter of seconds.

I nodded stiffly, whenever she spoke in that voice it was pretty intimidating, actually. I remained frozen until I heard the door slam shut, then it was like I was freed from chains. I breathed deeply. Tomorrow was my first shift, so what should I do until then? I decided that it'd be best if I had a good amount of sleep for my first shift, so I went to bed.

***

It was like I was a small orb, a camera orb. I saw myself standing at the edge of, "that cliff", the one I tried to jump from. I couldn't move or talk or anything, just sit there and watch in my invisible form. I saw myself take a deep breath, and lean backwards, into the fall. I felt dread overtake me. Something seemed, not right. I tried to look around, but to no avail. I watched as I began to build momentum. I was about to close my eyes, or try to, before I hit the ground, when I saw a cyan flash, and time seemed to slow. I saw myself get knocked into a spin, slowing down slightly. I felt a huge surge of pain in the back of my head, as I watched my body fall onto the sharp rock I aimed for. I heard a scream, and I saw Rainbow Dash land roughly next to me. She shook my body. She checked my pulse. She tried to stop the bleeding. She breathed heavily, and lifted my body and flew off in a random direction. I assumed it was towards the hospital.

I saw a bright flash, and I found myself in the middle of my hospital room. I saw myself laying on my back, hooked up to all sorts of machines. I heard a frantic Rainbow Dash, and a doctor.

"I... I tried to save him! I... He jumped and..... And I....." I could hear sadness in her voice.

"It's okay... We might be able to save him, and if not, he has no records. Nopony knew him, and he was completely alone." The doctor said, his voice remaining steady.

"But... But he...." Rainbow Dash said slowly, sounding like they were being drowned in tears.

"I'm sure he would be happy if he knew that you were there to try to save him."

"Can I... Say goodbye? Even if I never truely knew him?" I heard Rainbow Dash's voice crack.

"Yes, you may."

I saw Rainbow Dash walk into the room slowly, her face wet with tears. She walked up to the side of the bed, placing one of her hooves on mine. She smiled sheepishly, sniffling.

"Goodbye, mister. I never knew you, but I could tell you were a good pony." She said. "Say hi to my parents, please."

Her parents?! What?! I felt a death grip all around me. Were her parents really dead? Was this just a dream? Was I learning more? WHAT? Confusion overtook me. My mind raced with confusion.

I jumped awake, looking around, breathing heavily. The questions in my head stopped racing, but I still remembered the horrible image burned into my mind. I shook my head, wanting to know about Rainbow Dash's parents.

***

I heard hoofsteps on the porch, and then the door was open. Then closed.

"Trivium." Rainbow Dash said greetingly.

"Welcome home." I said to her, standing from the couch.

"So, how was... Life?" She asked, flopping down on the couch.

I sat down next to her. "Well.. I could say it was, involving..... Death." I said slowly, not sure how to approach this.

"Death? Well that's scary, got a story to tell?" Rainbow Dash asked, leaning her back against the arm of the couch, resting her legs on mine.

"Yes, I've got another story." I said.

"Go on, tell it." She said.

"Well," I started. "Right after you took off for work, I decided to get some sleep so I could have some extra rest for tomorrow. When I did, I had a dream. I was sorta, watching the day I tried to kill myself. I saw myself standing at the edge of that cliff, and watched myself fall. I saw you try to save me, but you didn't catch me. I watched you try to get me back to life for a few seconds, then I was in the hospital. I heard you talking to the doctor, explaining that you tried to save me, and that you wanted to say goodbye, even if you didn't know me. You placed your hoof on mine, and said, "Goodbye, mister. I never knew you but I could tell you were a good pony." I paused. "Then you said, "Say hi to my parents for me."

Rainbow Dash's expression hardened. I moved her legs and hugged her. I could tell that she was feeling sad, when she returned the hug, it was weak. I felt dread and pity overcome me when I felt a tear, then many, wettening my shoulder. I patter her back, still hugging her. She hugged me tightly. "Thank you for being here for me." She said, trying not to continue crying.

"And thank you for being here for me." I said, tracing one of my hooves through her rainbow-colored mane. Rainbow Dash sighed heavily, leaning back. She looked me in the eyes, and I could see the comfort in them

"I'm sorry..." She said, no longer crying.

"What's to be sorry for? You did nothing wrong, we all have our hard times." I said, placing a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. Rainbow Dash smiled again, and hugged me once more.

"Come on," She said, standing up. "I've got somewhere we should go."

***

We walked through the forest, the night air was cold against my eyes. I walked next to Rainbow Dash, as she lead the way to wherever. "We're here." She said, leading the way into a small clearing, with a single large tree in the middle. She sat down, leaning her back against the sturdy tree. "C'mere," She said, beckoning me over. "You look cold.". I stiffly walked over and sat down next to her. She patted her lap. I smiled and lay down on my back, my head resting on her legs. I stared up at her, as she stared down at me.

"You really are a nice pony." She said, tracing her hoof through my mane. "I know you don't feel like you are, but you are. I know that it must be hard to deal with all of... This.... Life-ness, but you still try to make sure I'm happy before anything else."

"I just know my place in the world, and I know yours. You're more important then m-"

"You are just as important as anypony." Rainbow Dash interrupted me. "That's what I mean, you don't know it, but you're a hero." I smiled, not knowing what to say. "You're extremely self-less, and, and.... I can't think of a word for it... But..." Rainbow Dash's voice trailed off. "I..... I love you." She said, smiling warmly.

I smiled back. "I love you, too." I said, my heart secretly exploding inside. Rainbow Dash's smile grew by the second. 

"Will you.... Go out with... Me?" She asked slowly. I assumed she already knew the answer.

"Yes, I will." I said, my heart now beating at the speed of light.

Rainbow Dash slid down the tree a little, now laying down. She patted her chest, her eyes lit up with happiness. I snuggled up against her, hugging her tightly this time.

***

"Trivium!" I slowly opened my eyes, Rainbow Dash shook my violently. "Trivium, wake up!". She looked around frantically, still trying to wake me.

"Wha..." I asked, lifting my head. It was still dark out, why was she waking me up?

"Somepony, or something is here..." She said, slowly dragging me up to a sitting position next to her. I looked around, listening. I could hear some twigs snapping, the sound circling around us. "Rainbow Dash..." I said lowly, leaning my head towards her. "Whatever it is, it's circling around us. We can wait until it is on the other side of the tree, and then we can take off.". Dash looked at me, and nodded. I listened as the sound came from the left, and soon was right infront of us. I held my breath, listening. The breathing of the mystery creature didn't keep circling, it stayed infront of us. "Rainbow Dash," I said. "Get out of here. Now.".

Rainbow Dash looked at me. She was completely calm, at least she looked like it. "I'm not leaving you behind." She said. "We can't leave at the same time, whatever it is, it'll probably attack when we try to take off. I will fight it off until you can get in the sky." I said. Wrong.

A large wolf broke though the tree wall, charging at us. "Rainbow Dash! Go!" I yelled as I jumped infront of Rainbow Dash, in only a second. The wolf was a little bigger then me, but it stopped when I blocked its attack. It snarled angrilly, taking a step back, lowering for an attack. "Rainbow Dash! GO!" I said loudly. I could tell Rainbow had stood, but she wasn't taking off. I lowered my head, getting ready to charge into the wolf. I heard Rainbow Dash's wings straighten out, but she still stayed on the ground with me. I sprung as the wolf did. I lowered my head and bucked it upwards, knocking the wolf off course, causing it to fall to the ground. I turned my head, and saw Rainbow Dash hesitating to take off. "GO!" I yelled. Rainbow Dash lowered her head and took to the sky. I backed up a few steps, getting ready to take off for myself. I started running, stretching out my wings. I felt a sudden rush of adrenaline, and jumped, getting into the air much quicker then expected. "Rainbow Dash!" I called out. "Let's get outta here!"

We flew quickly, flying back to safety

***

"Are you okay?" Rainbow Dash asked as she closed the door. 

"Yeah, fine, you?" I asked.

"Same here." She said, taking a deep breath. "I didn't know there'd be a wolf there, it's been ages sense I went there."

"It's not your fault. Come on, let's get to bed." I said, wrapping a wing around Rainbow Dash as we walked. Soon, we were in bed, in the same position as last time. Slowly, my eyes drifted shut, and sleep took me.
> Chapter 6: Opening old Wounds
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 6: Opening old Wounds


The first thing I felt when I woke up was Rainbow Dash's hoof running through my mane, slowly. I felt Rainbow Dash's warm chest against my face.

"Mornin' Triv." She said, again somehow sensing my awakening.

I opened my eyes slowly. "Morning," I said, rolling onto my back and stretching. "Got the time?"

"6:45" Rainbow Dash said, still relaxed.

"Sh-oooot." I said, jumping out of bed. "I've gotta be to work by 7:00!" I ran to the bathroom, and quickly straightened my mane out, and shot out the door. I flew fast, rushing for the store. There it was, just a little over a block away. I dove downwards, picking up speed as I neared the store. I quickly opened my wings to slow, landing roughly infront of the shop, and rushing through the door.

"Just dying to get to work?" I heard a kind voice from behind the counter.

"Am I late at all?" I asked, panting.

"You're two minutes early."

I sighed in relief.

"Trivium, that's your name, right?"

"Yeah," I said. "Reporting for duty."

"Well, I'm Radeon, I'm the owner of this place." I looked from the floor towards the voice, there stood a brown-coated unicorn,  doing something at the cash register.

"Nice to meet you." I said, nodding.

"Come 'ere, I'll show you what you'll be doing, and when you're working. We have four cashiers, you work every other week, every other day. Eight dollars an hour, from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM. I want you to get here 30 minutes before we open, so you can make sure everything's in check." Radeon said, pushing some buttons on the register.

"Yes, sir." I said, trying to process what he just said.

"Now, how you work this thing, and really, everything, is pretty simple." the suited unicorn said, pressing another button, causing a tray to pop out, with organized piles of money. "You scan the bar code, with this." He said, showing my a small laser-scanner. "And you...."

There were lots of things, buttons, devices, and everythings to learn... Things I don't want to sit here and describe, trust me, you'll be thanking me.

"So you think you can handle it?"

"Yes, sir."

"We open in five minutes, get ready." Radeon said, before walking through a door, disappearing into the back-end of the building.

Well, here it goes. Normal old life.

***

6:30. The last customer exited the store. A bell rang.

"You'll get your paycheck at the end of the day at the end of each week you work." Radeon said, thanking me.

He really did speak in long sentences.

"Thank you, sir." I said as I walked out the door. Fresh air. I could go home, relax, and be with my girlfriend. Yeah, I could say that now, nothing quite like it, really. I really never was a fan of walking, so I flew home.

Slowly, I opened the door, hearing no greeting as I did so. I shut the door, and sighed. I could sit down now, take a break. Work wasn't hard, but it WAS boring, standing there all day. I walked to the bedroom, and lazilly flopped onto it, saying on my side, ontop of the blankets and sheets, not bothering to grab a pillow.

"Enjoying life?" I heard Rainbow Dash's voice, coming from nearby, but where?

"Yeah..." I said, looking around.

"Wondering where I am?"

"Yeah..."

I felt the bed lurch, and saw part of the blankets flip over, then I found myself in Rainbow Dash's arms.

"Bet ya didn't see that one coming!" She said, laughing, her mane a mess.

"Yeah, good one!" I said, feeling joy taking over me.

"Welcome home, how was work?" Rainbow Dash asked, still hugging me for some reason.

"It was... Work." I said.

"Welcome to life." Rainbow Dash said, releasing me.

"Yeah." I wasn't feeling very conservational at the moment.

"You feeling alright?" Rainbow Dash asked. "You're not really being.... You..."

"I think it's just that I'm not used to standing all day long working." I said.

"You needa just, relax." She said, hugging me again.

I loosened my shoulders and returned the hug. "You really know how to do that." I said.

"So... Whats your work schedule? Got a day off?"

"I work every other day of every other week." I said.

"What a schedule, maybe tomorrow we could... Have a day to ourselves?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Sure, that sounds fun." I said.

"About Dumb-bell...." Rainbow Dash started, rubbing the back of her neck.

"Is he okay?" I asked.

"Well, he's getting out of the hospital in a few days," She started. "He said he was sorry, probably out of fear, but still."

"I still wish I could have held myself back."

"He deserves it, honestly, he just sits and picks on everyone with his friend, and he's been at that game for a long time."

"So... Did I do a good thing or a bad thing?" I asked, not really sure what she was trying to say.

"Well," Rainbow Dash started. "It's good that you taught him a lesson, bad that he will probably target you with his friend at any time he can."

"I'll probably be able to control myself better next time." I said, hoping there never was a next time.

***

After a few hours of chatting, games, and some dinner, Rainbow Dash said she was gonna get some sleep.

"I'm with ya on that one." I said, following her to bed.

Soon, I was waiting for a sleep ambush, resting my head on Rainbow Dash. And, as expected, I was soon asleep.

***

I woke slowly, to find Rainbow Dash laying awake in bed, probably waiting for me to wake up.

"G'mornin'" Rainbow Dash said, yawning afterwards.

"Mornin'" I said, rolling onto my back next to her.

Rainbow Dash rolled onto her side, staring at me, smiling warmly. "We have all today, just to ourselves." She said.

"All day." I promised, returning the smile.

Rainbow Dash wrapped her arms around me and kissed me. I sure loved when she did that. I hugged her myself, my heart feeling as if it was about to explode. I opened my eyes slightly, seeing Rainbow Dash had done the same. I ran one of my hooves along Rainbow Dash's side, the other laying on the bed, not doing anything in particular. Rainbow Dash ran her hoof through my mane slowly, I could feel how relaxed she was. After around 45 seconds, Rainbow Dash leaned back, her eyes flashing with happiness.

"Come on, get up, I wanna spend as long as possible with you." She said, standing up herself. I slid out of bed, and stretched. I felt a sudden wave of pain from my neck, and my vision blurred. I let out an unvolentary cry and collapsed.

"Trivium!" I heard Rainbow Dash yell. Everything sounded distant. I heard hoofsteps, and felt myself being shook slightly. "Triv!"

"I'm... Fine..... I'm just.... I needa.... Drink.... My neck.... Auuuughhhhhh....." My voice sounded rough, as far as I could hear. I didn't know what was happening. My vision blurred and span, my hearing getting softer and softer.

***

"Help! We need a doctor! Please!" I felt breathing. I heard voices. I saw a very bright light. I squinted my eyes, and saw myself staring at the street.

"Please! He needs help!"

"W..... Wha......." I stammered out, my voice barely making any sound. I lifted my head slightly, and found myself slumped over Rainbow Dash's back. We were outside somewhere, many were staring, some calling for help. "Rain........"

"Trivium!" I heard a distant voice. The ground began to grow distant. I felt myself being lifted by a stranger's hooves from Rainbow Dash. I let my eyes drift close. I felt the cold ground, and opened my eyes. Rainbow Dash stood over me, staring down, saying something. Her eyes had tears in them. She was crying.

"Rainbow.... Don't... Cry...." I said, weakly lifting a hoof to touch her shoulder.

I saw Rainbow Dash look around, then take a step back. I heard another voice, this one sounding stern and nearby.

"He's going to be alright, please, give him some space."

The center of my vision grew huge, the sides getting smaller. It seemed like my eyesight was being stretched outwards, towards the sky.

"Rain..... Dash...." I saw a large flash of light. I heard a wooshing sound. Then my vision darkened. I felt extremely hot. My vision returned, but everything was mis-colored. The sky was red, the sun was purple. I lifted my head, and saw grey houses, yellow streets. I felt my head gently get pushed back to the floor.

"He's... OverHeATiNG." 

My hearing was fading in and out.

"WE NeED some shADe!"

I felt my hooves get lifted from the ground. I felt dizziness. The ground was moving sideways. I suddenly felt coolness. My vision cleared up, my hearing getting better aswell.

"Get something to carry him on!" I heard Rainbow Dash's voice, echoing, but sounding closer nearby. "His neck, something's wrong with it!"

***

Slowly, my vision returned. No blurs. No pain. No hearing problems. Just the steady beeping of a heart monitor. I took in a deep breath. I wasn't sure what'd happened, but it was damn confusing, that's for sure. I looked out the window that was close to me. It was dark outside. I sighed, not really wanting to just sit here with no idea what happened. I looked out the window longingly. I wanted to be out there, at home, cuddled up with Rainbow Dash after our day we'd reserved for ourselves. I was worried about work, would I get excused absences? Was I going to get fired for missing days? I was stressed about work, far too much. Welcome to reality, I thought to myself. I hated this place. The last time I was here, I had just jumped to end my life, now I'm here again less then a month later! I decided it was the best I could do to try to get some sleep, surely Rainbow Dash would be here first thing in the morning to visit me.

***

Even when the sun is so far away, it still has perfect aim. I squinted my eyes, the sun rays leaking into the room, right onto my eyes. I lifted a hoof to block the sun. It was early in the morning, probably 6:30 AM judging by the sun. I sighed, flicking my head so my mane covered my right eye, the one closest to the window. That helped alot, actually. I could see well now. Not like there was anything to see, though. The high-pitched constantly repeating beeping of the heart monitor was entrancing. I was staring blankly at a wall, listening to my electric heart beat, for a long time. Soon, I heard hoofsteps walking down the hall. I saw Rainbow Dash's cyan head and rainbow mane poke around the corner and peer into the room.

I raised my hoof and waved weakly. She sighed and walked in, sitting down next to the bed, eye-to-eye with me.

"I'm sorry about missing our "us" day, yesterday." I said, my voice slightly drunkened by painkillers.

"Don't be, it was my fault for not getting your neck checked out first thing." She said, tilting her head slightly.

"I was the one that said I would be fine."

"Don't sit here and blame yourself, you're already in bad enough of a condition, and you'd best not hate yourself."

I sighed, not wanting Rainbow Dash to feel at fault. "So what exactly happened yesterday?" I asked suddenly.

"Well, when you first got up from bed and stretched, you yelled and collapsed. You fainted after 30 seconds of falling. I grabbed you and got us outside, and started calling for help. There was not a single medical expert around for a long time. You were slipping in and out of consciousness the entire time. I realized that it would be best for you to lie on the ground, because it would be much more stable on your neck. I had somepony lift you to the ground off my back, and put you on the ground. Long story, I know, but it's important. We managed to get a doctor to you, and then you started having a heat-stroke, and we had to get you into shade. Eventually, we got a large board of wood, and got you flown here." Rainbow Dash took a deep sigh. 

"Lots of story." She added.

"Any idea what the injury was?" I asked, getting ready for the worst.

"Light fracture on the C5 bone in your neck." Rainbow Dash quickly said.

"Any idea how long I'll be in here?" My words slurred slightly.

"Sorry, Triv, no clue." She sighed. "I told your boss what happened, he said you're going to be fine, you're just out of work until you can work again, no penalty."

"I really am sorry about not being able to spend yesterday much with you...." I said, still feeling as if it was my fault.

"You did get to spend the day with me, just, you weren't conscious!" Rainbow Dash said jokingly.

I smiled half-heartedly.

"Well, I'm sorry for not having much time, but I've gotta get to work." She said. She stood and kissed me, before leaving. 

"Have a nice day!" I said as she left.

> Chapter 7: Thrashed and Scattered.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 7: Thrashed and Scattered.

My good friends, misery, hate, sorrow, depression, loneliness. We've all re-united. Let me tell you the story.

It was just another day in the hospital. My neck recovering, my mind wandering. Generally late in the day, right on time, Rainbow Dash walked right into the room and sat next to me. We started the normal, "Hi, how are you? How's life?" talk.

"So, how did you hurt your neck? I want the full story." Rainbow Dash cut in.

"Well..." I started, not exactly sure how to tell her I'd gotten in a fight with a random pony. "I was wandering the streets at night, nothing really more to do. I ended up wandering onto this really creepy street, basically no life sustaining on it. And, there was one house, just like the others. Completely. I don't know what got into me, but I wanted to find out more about it. I heard a noise from inside, but that could've been any rodent. Long story short, I angered a homeless pony, and..."

"Was it another fight?"

"Well, yes."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "I can't believe you!" She said, standing up.

"What? No, I'm sorry!" I said desperately as she went on about something.

"I thought you'd be a nice guy when I first met you. I didn't expect to be letting a random fight-picking thug into my house!"

"Rainbow Dash- please!"

"Please nothing. I thought you had self control."

"I do it's just that-"

"I hope you don't plan on coming back to my house." She said, storming out of the room.

I lay dumbfounded, staring at the doorway with disbelief. The fuck is wrong with me?! How could I fuck that up?! I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, talking under my breath, pushing my head backwards into the pillow. The tears still came, and they came like floods. I was filled with sadness and shock. Refusal to believe this was real. I had one chance, for a perfect, happy life, and I ruined it! I RUINED IT! Luckily for me, I'd left quite a few stolen alcohol bottles back at the sorry excuse of a hut/home/shelter thing I lived in. Maybe she had a bad day. Maybe she's come back and apolagize. Maybe she's let me say sorry, ask for forgiveness. Maybe this never happened. Maybe I could die from that jump this time around. Just maybe....

***

After days, still no Rainbow Dash. Every day was spent of me staring at a wall, tears in my eyes, thinking of her. Missing her. Wanting her. Hating me. Wanting to change me. Killing me. The warm, happy, safe nights I spend, hugging Rainbow Dash as I slept. Kissing her. Being with her. Gone. All of it. 

Well, some say the best way to get something back, is to go where it went.

***

I didn't bother keeping check of all the days I spent in "recovery", when in reality, I was being emotionally crushed every day I was in that hell. I know alcohol is a depressant, but it helps forget. Even if I will never forget her. Normally, I'd sprint, fly, have fun, enjoy the sunlight, as I hurried back to Rainbow Dash's house. Today, I trudged through the well-timed rain. Each step like another inch of a knife in my chest. I heard some laughing, running through the streets, not a worry for them. I withered away from any positivity around me. It felt wrong to be happy. Depression was part of me, and I had to accept it. No losing it. Only living with it, in my own lonely world of hate.

I roughly shoved aside the wooden board I had set against the hut to block the "doorway". All it did was trap what little heat it could. I slid it back into place and collapsed to the wet, leaf covered floor, a pathetic mess of sticks and treetops above me. My "house" was much like a wall, there was no real roof. I lazilly shoved a small area of leaves aside, giving way to a small hole with lots of alcohol in it. I selected a large bottle of vodka and drank a large gulp, not bothering to stand up. I sobbed loudly, hugging the bottle, already feeling tired, but too cold to sleep.

"If only I could have you back..." I said to nothing in particular. "Only if...."

I lay my head down after another large drink, a few tears running down. I buried my face in my hooves, breathing deeply again. I sniffed loudly, trembling slightly.

"I'm... Sorry..." I said, before a swimming drunken darkness overcame me.

***

I woke after a long time, my head ached, my eyes surged with pain at the sight of the sun. My throat burned. My heart still ached with the figurative missing piece. I groaned in pain. My joints were sore from the cold frozen land. I could see my breath in fog all too well. Knowing what to do, I took another drink, and sat up. I wished I could lean against something, but my whole wall "house" would collapse if I leaned against it. I fell on my back, resting one of my arms across my eyes to keep from the bright sun getting in it. I grumbled beneath my breath about typical life and what I should've expected.

Painful hours of lonliness and drunkenness passed, I wasn't even sure what I was waiting for. I lay silently on the ground, accepting life as hellish as it is.

I heard rustling. I lifted my ears, expecting it to be some form of mental distortion from all the drinks. I heard a gentle knock on my "door".

I rolled to my hooves and trudged to the wooden plank. I slid it to the side. I fell forward onto Rainbow Dash's shoulder, hugging her tightly, crying tons within seconds.

"Rainbow Dash- please..... Please don't leave me..... I'm sorry... Just please...." I sobbed. Rainbow Dash didn't move at all for a long time, just letting me sob over her shoulder. She lifted a hoof and pushed my chest, shoving me off gently. 

"Your boss left this in my mailbox. He heard that you're out of the hospital and wanted to give you something."

She handed me an envelope, an un-changed expression on her face.

"Please...." I said, taking the envelope. "Don't leave me like this..... Please....."

Rainbow Dash's expression remained blank. She said nothing, turned, and left.

I weakly slumped back into my house, leaving the wooden plank "open" as I collapsed into a ball, crying heavily.

***

Days passed. Pain grew. Hate grew. Lonliness grew. I lay weakly on the floor. I feel as if my time has come. I haven't eaten. I haven't had a proper drink, and now all I can do is lay here. I can feel my body slowly eating itself in a desperate attempt to survive. My head pounds with pain. My eyes feel as if they're about to explode. There's nothing I can do. If only I could see her one last time...

I love you, Rainbow Dash.
> Chapter 8: Second Heartbreak
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 8: Second Heartbreak

I wasn't sure what was happening. I was awake, yes, but I couldn't move. Only breathe. I heard voices. I felt a soft bed. The bitter taste of alcohol was gone from my mouth, and replaced by the taste of salt. I tried to speak, to open my eyes, to move in any way. No response. Worry filled my mind, had my suicidal actions led to a life of paralyzation?

The voices I heard became more distinct.

"He still won't drink."

"When can we try again?"

"In a few minutes. Here, make sure he doesn't over-heat."

I felt a cold cloth wipe across my forehead and all around my head. I lay silently waiting for a few minutes, still fishing confusion out of my mind. One of the voices was somewhat recognizable... Could it be...? No..... No way....

I suddenly felt my head being pushed upwards, my jaw being gently opened. I could only lay there. I tasted warm salt water in my mouth, then felt my mouth be shut.

"He needs to drink this."

I tried to swallow the drink, but I couldn't. I felt a gentle hoof slowly stroking my throat, letting a small amount of water down. Feeling some water get into my system gave me some form of strength. I gulped down the mouthful of salt water, feeling much better as I did so. I tried to move again, but I could only twitch my limbs occasionally.

"Trivium?"

I tried to speak, but I couldn't.

"He's probably too weak to speak, Dash."

Dash?! Rainbow Dash?!

"Give him some time."

I lay now in anxiety, dying to get to speak to Rainbow Dash. I felt a tear roll down the side of my face, followed by another. I felt a hoof pat me on the thigh.

"You're going to be fine, don't worry."

I felt a heavy wave of exaustion. I tried to lift a hoof in some form of desperate cry for help. I heard the voices fade.

***

Slowly, I opened my eyes. I opened my eyes!

"Good morning...." I heard a soft voice from some part of the room.

I slowly looked around the room, searching for the source of the voice. "Good morning." I choked out, spotting a familiar face.

"Rainbow Dash went home late last night after you went back un-conscious..." Flutter Shy said quietly. "She plans on coming back sometime this morning to check on you."

"Thanks for saving me..." I said, blinking the blurs out of my eyes. "Have any idea exactly what happened?" I really had no reason to know. I passed out and almost died. Now I'm alive. Rainbow Dash probably still doesn't care for me.

"I don't have the full story." She started. "I only have my part, which was Dash pounding on my door, holding you in her arms. She basically knew that you had been heavily intoxicated and starved, probably judging by how skinny you were and how you smelled."

I lowered my head slightly. I'd really just been a passed out drunk? What's wrong with me?

"We got you cleaned fast and I knew that you had to have something good in your body. Warm salt water is normally a good thing to use, and it seems to have worked here. After you drank some salt water it was easier to get you to drink it each time. After a few hours we started trying to get you to eat, but you wouldn't. Rainbow Dash left around 5:00 AM today."

"Thanks again for all you've done. I'd hate to see what would've happened without you two." I drifted my eyes to a clock. It was only 8:00 in the morning. "You must be tired." I started, trying to stand. "I'll move so you can get some rest."

"You might not want to-"

I let out a stifled cry and fell back to the bed.

"Your muscles are heavily contracted from lack of nutrition and movement."

I sighed heavily. "You need to get some sleep."

"I don't need it that bad..."

"Yes, you do. It's the least I could do after all you've done."

"I can't sleep until Rainbow Dash gets here. We need to know if anything happens to you."

"I'll be fine, promise.

"You can't promise how you'll be in such an un-stable condition. I'm sorry,but I'm not sleeping if it's leaving you alone."

"I really wish I wasn't causing this much trouble." I said, feeling embarrased.

"We all need help every once in a while."

Flutter was always the forgiving kind. "It's nice of you to not keep anything against me. I was just being foolish and not trying to live."

"Heartbreaks are hard."

Wait, how'd she found out that....

"Rainbow Dash told me the story."

I sighed. "I was still being dumb. I just need to get over it and move on with life."

"Right now I think sleep should be your worry, Trivium. You've not had really any rest gain for the past week or so."

I layed my head down on the soft pillow, feeling another sleep-wave on-coming. "Thank you..." I mumbled before falling into sleep.

***

I wasn't sure how long it was before I woke again. All I know is that the sleep was peaceful, just what I would've wanted. I opened my eyes slowly, my vision more clear then before. I heard no voices, just quiet breathing. I looked around and saw Rainbow Dash sitting in a chair in the corner of the room, her forehead resting on a hoof, her mane hiding her face. She said nothing, just sat there and stared at the floor. I didn't know what to say, she probably didn't want to have to deal with me anymore.

"Thanks for..... Everything...." I said quietly.

Rainbow Dash stayed silent for a long time. "Yup." She said, still staring at the floor.

"I'm sorry I did this to myself.... I didn't mean trouble...." I just wanted to break down. I wanted to beg for her forgiveness. I wanted to talk to her, without it being awkward and slow.

"Don't blame yourself." Dash still stared at the floor, taking a deep breath. "I was being a bitch. I shouldn't have abandoned you."

"Dash, don't say that. It's not your fault. I should've been able to carry on with life." I still cringed in my mind at the thought of Rainbow Dash blaming herself for all this..... Shit.

"Hey Dash?" I asked. I needed to know. I needed more then anything to know. "Do you still....."

Rainbow Dash looked up at me, pity in her eyes. "I'm sorry. I..... I never did......"

Rip my heart out and rip it to shreds. Kill everyone I've ever liked. Destroy me slowly and painfully. Just never, tell me, that you never loved me, Dash. Please, don't. I knew I had to accept the truth. She never loved me. I never had what I thought I had.

"I'm sorry, Triv...."

I made some sort of nodding movement, dropping my head onto the matress, burying it in pillows. I was nothing. I had nothing. I will never have anything. I broke down, trying to stifle my crying in the endlessly soft pillows. I never heard anything else. No more apologies, no more lies, no more life.

"Triv, please....."

"Please what?!" I snapped, ripping my head out from the pillows. "Please what?! Forgive you for all this bullshit?! Forgive you for faking your love for me!? Just move on like this!? What am I supposed to do!? You lied to me, you crushed me, you killed me, and brought me back to kill me again! I don't fucking want this life! Why can't you just be honest!? Why can't I ever catch a break?!" I collapsed to the bed once more, burying my face in my hooves. "Why do you do this to me? Am I just a game?" I sobbed into my arms, hoping for some sort of release from this. Wake up from a dream. Slip into a coma. Die. Endgame. Why won't it happen? I can't be stuck here! It can't be true!

"I'm..... It's just.... Seeing you happy........"

I took a deep breath, trembling heavily. "I was once happy. Now I know it was all a lie. Now everywhere I turn, more hatred surrounds me. Now, wherever I look, I see the life I could have had. Now, it all........ Ends......" I sniffed heavily. "My life was great once... I was once happy.... Now, I can't go five minutes without thinking of a way to end it all. To make the pain go away. I could just forget you... Forget my parents.... Forget them all! I could lose the pain, the heartache, the hatred, the sadness, I could lose it all, with one. Little. Fall."

"Trivium.... I never meant for it to be like this......"

"I never meant to end up alone on the streets! I never meant to survive that fall! I never meant to get rescued! I never meant to be lied to! I am destined for pain Rainbow Dash, everywhere I go, everything I do, it all leads to the same conclusion. Yet, I'm addicted to it. I can't give up on this life, why? Because I once believed you loved me. Now, I'm stuck in a painful pleasure. It hurts to live, but I was once happy with you, we were once one. Once...." Each word I spoke drew more fury and sadness. "Just do it already! Just kill me! What are you waiting for! End this misery! Do it!"

"Trivuim, please, stop.... You're....."

"I'm what?!" I was furious. Dash should know my pain, yet she doesn't have to. "I'm making you understand just how shitty of a life I drag on living in?! I'm making you feel my pain?! Making you understand my misery?!" I sighed and covered my face. "Why can't I have it back....."

I continued to sob, saying nothing, getting no response from Rainbow Dash. 

"The happiness... The belonging.... The....." I paused for a long time. "Why can't I stop...... Loving you.....?"
> Chapter 9: Somewhere Else
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 9: Somewhere Else.

That's all it was. One big kingdom of falsehood. A throne of lies. A crown of delusion. Everything.

"Shhhh... Trivium, it'll be okay.". A phrase of lies. Repeated, over, and over.

"You say things will be okay, Dash. You can't see it, can you? My world is burning to ashes. Things won't be better. Every second things are getting worse and worse. There's no better side of this. There's no happy ending. There's no anything." My head throbbed as I spoke, my eyes sore. I just wanted something to by some miracle kill me. I didn't care how quick or painless, humiliating, or gruesome it was, I just wanted to die. She always said that things would get better. She didn't understand.

"C'mon Triv, I know you, you're tough, you can make it. You'll be okay."

I lay silently, having nothing to say.

"You can come back from all this."

I cannot.

"You made it all the way to this point, now keep going."

This point is the end of the road.

"I know you."

I closed my eyes. If only she did. If only she knew me. I took a deep breath and said nothing, trying to be nothing. I heard a sigh, followed by a low-volumed swear. I waited for sleep to steal me away. It always did, why would it leave me here? Was the world against me? Why did I have to get the raw-end of life? I always tried to do what was best for others. I tried to do what was best for Rainbow Dash, and this is how I get re-payed? A stab in the chest? A kick in the face? I didn't care anymore. If they needed something, I was no longer there for them. Being self-less and there for others only left me a former shell of life, so what would be to follow?

I heard wind rushing from all around. I felt cold. I felt stiff. I felt dead. I heard a static sound building from all around, taking over the sound of the wind. I felt wind rushing, but I couldn't hear it anymore. I was quite confused. I opened my eyes slowly, looking around. I was surrounded by darkness. I couldn't see to the end of the bed. I looked to my left and gasped.

A large figure stood, cloaked in a torn black robe and hood. What little light I saw emminated red from his eyes. Well, his eye-sockets from what I could see. A skeletal figure. Death had come. His breathing sounded hollow. He made no movements. He raised a large, rugged, bloody scythe. 

"End me..." I whispered, bracing for death.

I heard the sharp and jagged iron blade slice through the air. I felt the air rushing. I felt the cold touch of metal to my throat.

***

What was happening? Was I dead? I was stuck, invisible, floating in the upper corner of the room that I'd been in where Rainbow Dash burned me to the ground. I saw myself on the bed, my mouth gaping open. I wasn't breathing. I was laying in a strange position. I saw Rainbow Dash shaking me, pleading for me to wake up. Checking my pulse time and time again. Crying. Pleading. Begging. Apologizing.

I saw a flash of white, and felt myself being shooken.

"Trivium, please! Wake up!"

I groaned in pain, opening one eye partially. 

"You're alive!"

Unfortunately, rather. Alive I was, stuck I was, broken. I wasn't sure what'd happened, but my facial expression must've been too readable for Dash.

"You let out this.... This horrible.... Scream..... You thrashed violently and froze.... You were..... Gone.... Somewhere else....."

I didn't respond. I almost died.

"Please.... Never leave me like that...."

If I was in control, I wouldn't have come back in the first place.

I felt Rainbow Dash's hoof grip mine. She shook my arm.

"Please...."

I let my eyes drift shut. I was too tired for this. I could just slip into a nap...

***

We won't be here tomorrow. Hold onto me for one last time. As things end, I want to be safe, happy, warm, with you. Our time is precious, and we shouldn't waste it. Don't go to sleep. Don't sleep tonight. This'll be our final day together. I don't want to lose it. Even in this world of misery, there is still light. There is still you. Toss our history over the edge. Please let us forgive eachother. The lies are okay. Just let me be with you for my final hour.

***

I heard wind. I felt wind. I felt.... Warmth.... I felt.... Safe..... I felt......

I felt happy.

I slowly opened my eyes. I blinked in confusion. I was.....

I was high above the clouds. High above worry. High above heartbreak. I was with her. Rainbow Dash cradled me in her arms. My head was resting against her chest. The night sky was clearer then ever. I wrapped my arms around her, smiling.

"We're going home." She said, smiling herself.

I tucked my head back onto Rainbow Dash's chest, remembering what it was like to be happy. 

Soon, I was sitting on the couch again. I was staring at that same wall. I was safe. I was...... I was back in the lie.....

That night I slept alone on the couch, until I was sure Rainbow Dash was asleep. I slowly crept out of the door, and curled up against the wall of the house. I shivered and slept very little. I wasn't going to allow myself to be torn apart anymore. I was going to end this. It would all be over. I could forget about it all.

***

It was early in the morning. The sun was breath-taking for some reason. Something seemed, different. The cliff felt no different. The pain was worse. The fall was more relieving then ever. The hesitation was little. The grief was unbearable. The peace was beyond anything. The peace of mind. I would be gone. The pain would be gone. The heartbreak would be gone.

I took a deep breath of the fresh air I would no longer breathe. My final breath. I closed my eyes and leaned backwards. The same wind rushing built. The same feeling came, the feeling of slowed time. My horrible life flashed.

I heard a cry. It was too real.

"TRIVIUM!"
> Chapter 9: Everything is Alright
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 9: Everything is Alright

"TRIVIUM!"

I gasped, and my eyes shot open. I turned my head to the source of the sound, my wings un-able to regain control as I fell backwards. The shock of the moment returned fear. I let out a cry and swung my hooves in failed attempts to get ahold of something. I was going to die. I didn't want to die yet! I wasn't ready!

I heard a loud explosion. I felt wind swirling everywhere. I saw colors strewn about through the blurs. I heard the wind quiet... Everything was getting softer.

"Trivium....." My name echoed through my head. I opened my mouth to cry out as I felt the jagged rock I'd set to fall on began to make contact with my back. My vision darkened. The wind stopped. Everything stopped.

***

"Wake up.... Wake.... Up...." My vision was blurred, crossed, and doubled. "Please..... I'll never leave your side.... Please...."

I heard the sound becoming more clear.

"I'll never lie. I'll never ever do this to you again."

I opened my eyes slightly more. I saw Rainbow Dash's face. Sunlight leaked through her mane and around it, the rays being painfully bright.

"Don't leave me....."

"I....... Won't......." I slowly spoke, closing my eyes again. "I...... Will.... Always........ Love you....."

"Trivium....." Her voice was partially broke by cheer.

I opened my eyes again, everything adjusting. I saw that tree. She'd brought me... Here.....

"Do you feel hurt?"

"I'm fine..... Just....." I couldn't describe how I felt. "Just.... Recollecting my pieces...."

I realized my head was in Rainbow Dash's lap, just like the first time we came here, but last time, I wasn't fresh out of a suicide jump.

"I'm sorry.... I will make things right again....."

"They already are right." I said, my voice returning.

"The lies.... All of this crap I made...."

"I'm with you. I'm where I've always wanted to be." I smiled half-heartedly.

"You will always be with me, I promise."

I closed my eyes again, feeling safety. It was over. The war of my life was over. My world was shattered, but it would be re-built. The wounds would heal. Everything was going to be alright. I didn't know what more to say. I don't think anything needed to be said. it was.... Strange.... Rainbow Dash and I.... It was..... Okay.... We were together again.... No worlds keeping us apart. The wounds weren't bleeding. The hate stopped existing. All the hate I harbored for her. All the hate I created against myself. It was all, just.... Gone... Poof. The headaches were gone. The coldness was gone. The emptiness was gone. I felt happy again.

"You must be tired. Come on, I gotchya." Rainbow Dash stood, as I followed. She stared at me for a second and.... 

She fell onto my shoulder, crying. Squeezing me hard. I returned the hug. I didn't think I could cry anymore. My tears were gone.

"I forgive you. I know, we've both made mistakes. It's okay..." I spoke softly, trying to comfort Dash. She soon stood back on her own legs, wiping her eyes.

"I'm sorry.... it's just that..."

"It's okay." I said, trying to keep Rainbow Dash as happy as possible. Even if our lives were to end one day, I wanted Rainbow Dash's life to be happy. She didn't deserve any hard times. Her life should be a gift, and I wanted to make sure that's what she lived it as.

***

I lay in bed, staring at Rainbow Dash, as she stared back. We'd kissed a few times, but mostly just lay there, talking about the wrongs we'd done and how sorry we were.

I let out a big yawn, and stretched. Rainbow Dash rolled over onto her back, patting her chest. I snuggled up against her, my feeling of security increasing.

I'm no religious pony or anything, but I believe that something about our past had destined us back together. We were meeting again, just like the first time. We were falling in love again, just like the first time. I was sure that my life was going to be fine, just like the first time. I hoped this time, there would be no more hurt. No more lies. No more Heartbreak. No more.

Rainbow Dash softly ran her hoof through my mane, as she normally did.

"I never loved you, until I realized what life was like without you." She said softly.

"I'm sorry you had to go through all this. You don't deserve any of this pain." I said, rubbing her side.

"I was being selfish and thoughtless. I did deserve that pain."

"You're perfect, Dash. All you did was make a mistake. We've all made them, and they don't deserve punishments. You shouldn't have to have gone through all this." I snuggled against her tighter, trying to signal that I got the last word. This is that part of the movie at the end, where everything is okay. The happy music plays. The peace is restored and everyone lives happily ever after. My story is far from over. I know there is more ahead, and I am ready for it. I will make it through all the world has for me ahead, as long as I have Rainbow Dash by my side. I will make sure she lives happily. I will make sure she never has to feel this pain that I have. I will keep her safe, as she does me.

I am safe.

I am happy.

I am okay.

Everything is alright, because I have her.
> Chapter 10: Pain in Happiness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 10: Pain in Happiness

Weeks went by, of nothing very special. I got my job back on track, along with my relationship with Rainbow Dash. We kissed alot, nothing too special other then that, though.

"Triv, wake up, we need to talk."

I slowly opened my eyes. The clock read 1:17 AM. "What..? Right now?" I questioned, speaking in a hushed voice.

"Yes, right now. C'mere." Rainbow Dash scooted towards the edge of the bed, patting the opposite side of her pillow. I slowly slid up to the end of her pillow, our faces almost touching eachother. She was already massaging my side with one hoof, smiling half-heartedly. 

"What did we need to talk about?" I asked, my voice still hushed. I didn't have work that day so I wasn't very worried about sleep.

"You're having problems sleeping, Triv." She said, her voice not hushed at all. I guess I didn't really have to lower my voice because we were alone in the house, after all.

"I'm not, I've been sleeping fine." I said, wondering what she was getting at.

"You're clearly having nightmares. You'll twitch, tremble, mutter things, cry, yell things, and jump awake randomly. It's been getting worse lately, and it's killing me to watch every night. What's been going on?", She spoke in a soft voice, her eyes reading nothing but kindness, and pity.

I sighed, taking a deep breath.

"I......." I didn't know how to start. "I've been having this..... Dream...."

"What's it about?"

"You... I think...." I paused again. "It starts out..... I'm sitting behind you, and you're staring at... At this.... This.... Street.... Mostly a house... Big, kinda... Shabby.... And.... The walls and windows are covered in...... Blood.... It trails down the steps, out of the walkway, and... It.... It ends in this... Pool.... Of blood...."

Rainbow Dash's expression stayed the same.

"You're saying something.... Police investigating the scene.... A body being hauled away..... You.... Take a deep breath... And you.... You say..... "The house... It's.... It's covered in blood..."... Your voice sounds... Horribly.... Sad...." I took another breath. "You turn to me...... And...." My voice trailed off.

"And... You have to tell me Trivium, otherwise you'll never be able to get helped." Rainbow Dash's voice stayed soft.

"Your eyes are..... Entirely black... Blood runs from your eyes.... Your face is covered in... Scars.... Burns.... Bruises.... A ringing sound takes over my hearing for a minute... My vision it.... It blurs, changing brightness constantly. I began to see less... My field of vision narrows and widens.... Everything turns normal.... Then you... You say.... "Trivium, what have you done?"...." I closed my eyes. "It echoes, sounding like many voices speaking at once. The sadness increases. My vision begins to darken. I open my mouth to say something, and... You.... Pull a knife from nowhere and..... Stab me.... You start to stab me again and again, laughing manically..... "Don't plan on coming back to my house."....."

A tear ran down my face. Rainbow Dash wrapped her arms around me and hugged me tightly.

"I will never cause you pain again... You must know that." She said. "I will never do something as horrible. I'm still here, and always will be for you."

...

I slowly opened my eyes... Rainbow Dash was smiling sheepishly. "Oooops...."

"What? Just happened?" I asked.

"So you have this spot...." Rainbow Dash wrapped her arm around my neck, gently poking a spot. "It.... Um.... It can make you faint in an instant... I think it's the neck injury, but... Yeah... You'll be out cold for like... 30 seconds... It can also... Paralyze you temporarily..."

My face grew hot quickly. "How did you find out about this?"

"Don't be embarrased, it's not your fault." She said. "I was just stroking your mane one day, and you.... Passed out. Right on the spot. I actually... Pet your mane so you relax... Then I.. Ya know..."

"So that's why you're always petting me?" I was pretty confused, my face still hot.

"It also helps you sleep better."

Well, I learned that.

"Speaking of sleep, we should really be there right now." Rainbow Dash slid back down onto her back, and as normal, I snuggled up against her, soon "falling" asleep.

***

I slowly woke in the morning, Finding that I had moved from where I remembered falling asleep. We talked, at like 1 AM, then I went back to sleep. I woke up hugging Rainbow Dash, we were sharing the same pillow like when we talked, but our lips were touching...

"Rainbow... Dash..?" I asked slowly, gently nudging her.

"Wha.... Oh!" Rainbow Dash sat up, rubbing the back of her neck.

"Dash did we.... Well.... Do something...?" I asked, not sure how I wouldn't remember something like that.

"No, no no not at all, just kissing, hugging, and massaging as normal...." She paused. "Sorry...?" She laughed a little. The sunlight leaked through the shades, making her look perfect.

"How do I even respond now?" I asked, trying to break the awkward silence.

Rainbow Dash leaned towards me, wrapping her arms around me, our lips meeting perfectly. We fell onto the bed, kissing and hugging. Rainbow Dash leaned her head back a little.

"Out of every guy I've kissed, you're the best one." She said, leaning back into the kiss. I didn't know entirely what she meant, how many guys has she been with?

I flopped my head down onto my pillow, Rainbow Dash landing on her pillow. That was probably the best make-out we'd done.

"That.... Was... Amazing..." I said slowly, breathing heavier then normal. 

"I know I am." Rainbow Dash said jokingly. She jumped out of bed.

"No work today for either of us... Want to have an... 'Us' day?" She asked.

"I'd love to!" I said.

"Come on then, big day ahead of us."

***

We walked slowly through the streets, one of my wings wrapped around one of Rainbow Dash's. The streets were almost entirely empty, mainly because it was relatively early in the morning.

Rainbow Dash's wing unwrapped from mine. She slowly moved her wing towards my neck. I gave her a glare that was supposed to say "Don't even," but probably read, "I love you,", because I couldn't really be too harsh towards Rainbow Dash. She pressed downwards. I felt my limbs give out. I tried to stiffen them, but nothing happened. I felt Rainbow Dash scoop me up into her arms, taking flight in an instant. I felt my legs recover movement, but it didn't matter anymore, because I was in her arms and she was flying somewhere, so I didn't need them.

"Not cool." I grumbled, my face feeling as if it was melting.

"Ah know." She said, smiling warmly.

I returned the smile. Every damn time she smiled she was finding her way deeper into my heart and feelings, I swear. 

We soon landed back in that clearing, where she'd taken me once on a date, and once after saving me from killing myself. Third time, another date. I hoped that this wasn't going to be a patternistic visiting place. We both were laying against the tree, holding hooves, talking about things.

"When did you first have that.... Dream?" Rainbow Dash asked me.

I felt my face grow colder, out of the sheer suddenness of the question. "I uh.... Well.. Um... It was.... Right after I.... Met you.... I started having that.... Nightmare... Right after I got out of the hospital." I said slowly. 

Rainbow Dash frowned. "Huh..." She said, pausing for a second. "Is there something.... You fear about me?"

"The only fear I have is you... Leaving me...." I said slowly.

"Well you don't have to worry about that, I promise." She said, smiling again.

"Thank you," I said, leaning onto Rainbow Dash's shoulder. She leaned her head against mine, massaging my thigh.

That was one of the best things about Rainbow Dash. She didn't mind that I wasn't.... Dominant... In the relationship. She still loved me anyway.

The sun was in the middle of the sky. We were sitting there, in complete silence.

"Crashie and Emo-boy, sitting in a tree..."

Rainbow Dash and I seemed to sigh in unison. Dumb-bell emerged from the forest, followed by a friend.

"Honestly? Grow up some time." Rainbow Dash said, clear irritation in her voice.

Dumb-bell scoffed over-dramaticly, walking up to me, and pulling me up to my hooves. Rainbow Dash jumped up behind me. I shoved him back a bit, stepping back up to him. 

"How did you even get here?" I questioned angrily.

"We've been following you for a long time now, but you two were too caught up in each other's eyes to notice." The other one spoke in an overly-swayed voice.

"Shut your mouth Hoops." Rainbow Dash said bitterly.

Hoops. That's his name.

"In fact...." Dumb-bell swung a hoof at me. I gritted my teeth and pulled my head back. He hit my neck.

...

I slowly opened my eyes. Rainbow Dash was standing over me, arguing loudly.

"You really have to defend your boyfriend? That's pathetic!" Hoops kicked dirt in my face.

"You leave Trivium alone! He's been through alot recently, he doesn't need your crap!" Rainbow Dash said, aggression in her voice.

"Oh boo-hoo, he should be able to fight for himself if he's a real man."

I quickly pulled myself up, taking by Rainbow Dash's side.

"I beat the shit outta you once Dumb-bell, want me to do it again?" I threatened him, hoping he would back down at that reminder.

"Oh yeah! You mean you caught me off guard, and alone. Guess what bud? I could beat you into the dirt this time."

"Back off!" Rainbow Dash yelled now, shoving Dumb-bell backwards. "Every day we try to enjoy ourselves all you do is come around and fuck it up, I'm sick of it!" She continued shoving Dumb-bell back, ignoring their trash-talking.

"Rainbow Dash, calm down!" I said, grabbing her, pulling her back. "Calm down," I repeated.

"I should just kill them both. I could make them disappear with ease, I'm sure they had no friends." Rainbow Dash growled, still easing her way towards them.

Rainbow Dash jumped at them. "Dash!" I called, grabbing her. 

"I'LL KILL YOU BOTH!" She shouted, struggling to break free from my grip.

"Calm down!" I said, struggling to hold her back. She was gentle normally but she was really, really strong.

"LET ME GO TRIV!" She yelled, turning towards me.

"I can't let you do this!" I said, staring into her eyes, hoping to calm her down. 

Rainbow Dash let out a cry and kicked me in the face, with a hind hoof. I grunted in pain and collapsed, my vision blurred. I felt blood running from my nose.

"Come back here you cowards! I heard Rainbow Dash yell. I stared into the sky, dazed. I saw Rainbow Dash... Flying away... Scanning her head over the forest...

"Dashie!" I cried out, too quiet for her to hear. I closed my eyes, laying in the hot sun. I could get up now, but the pain in my face made me feel like just staying there.

***

"Triv!" I heard Rainbow Dash's voice, hooves landing heavily on the dirt. "Triv, are you okay?"

She shook me, getting me to slowly open my eyes.

"Trivium, I'm so sorry!". Rainbow Dash's ears were flat against her head, her lower lip trembling as she pushed my mane out of my eyes. "Triv..."

"It's okay.... You didn't kill them.... Did you?" I asked slowly.

"No, the bastards got away." She said, pulling me up gently. "Come on, let's just go home."
> Chapter 11: Gone too far
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 11: Gone too far

I stared into the bathroom mirror as Rainbow Dash quickly but gently cleaned the dried blood off my face with a warm wet cloth. 

"One of these days we'll get to have a normal date." She said, sounding disappointed. "I'm sorry, Triv."

"It's neither of our faults." I said, staring into the mirror still. "We'll one day find a place where they won't follow us."

"I just think it's so stupid, they can't just let us be together?" Rainbow Dash paused, examining the bloody cloth.

"It's like they're...." I paused, grinning. "Jealous."

Rainbow Dash laughed. "Yeah, that's probably it, mad they can't have all this." She sarcastically posed. "Dey be so jelly."

I chuckled. "That might just be it, though. They clearly don't get that you can't get the girl by ruining her life."

"Well," Rainbow Dash paused. "They're not ruining my life, because I refuse to let them be a big part of it."

"That's really quite the way to handle them." I said. "With how much they do to take over your life, you just deny them, with an unknown silent victory."

"Sorry for kicking you in the face," Rainbow Dash tossed the reddened cloth into the sink.


"You were just trying to murder two ponies, no big deal." I said. 

***

Another few weeks passed, nothing too special about them.

***

No work this week, I thought as I snuggled up against Rainbow Dash.

She yawned. "G'night, Triv."

"Night."

I soon was overcame by sleepiness.

***

I jumped awake, breathing heavily. My face was sweating, a few tears in my eyes. I looked up to see if I'd woke Rainbow Dash. She stared at me, tears streaming down her face.

"It was horrible, Triv...." She said slowly. "The sound of your voice.... The.... The screams...."

I felt a lump in my throat. I felt tears welling up in my eyes. I tried to speak but nothing came out.

Rainbow Dash slid down next to me, wrapping her arms around me tightly.

"You're safe. Nothing will hurt you as long as I am here."

I weakly returned the hug. 

"I don't know what it is.... I...." My voice trailed off.

"Whatever it is, it can't get you. I'm here. I will protect you."

Rainbow Dash never let go. She held me there in her arms until I'd fallen asleep again.

***

I slowly opened my eyes, the sunlight filling the room. Rainbow Dash was still there, holding me. She had dark bags under her eyes.

"Dash, did you... Sleep at all last night?"

"I couldn't... You were having horrible, horrible nightmares.... You kept me up all night....." Her voice wavered nervously.

"Rainbow... You need some sleep." I slipped from her grip and hugged her instead.

"You're the best... You know that?" Rainbow Dash snuggled into my arms.

I patted her back gently a few times. She soon fell asleep.

***

I opened my eyes, yawning. Rainbow Dash thankfully didn't wake up, meaning I didn't have nightmares violent enough to wake her, which is always good. We lay there for a few more hours, before Dash woke.

"Thank you so much...." Rainbow Dash kissed me on the cheek. "I haven't slept that good in months."

I smiled, my face feeling warm.

"Also, tonight we've got.... A date...." She smiled. "I know we won't have to deal with.... Them..."

"This date will be the date we've wanted for a long time." I said. "You can count on that."

Oh Celestia I hoped it would be a good date.

***

We walked into a very fancy-looking restaurant. We were seating almost instantly. We sat in a booth-like seat. I rested my head on Dash's shoulder as we waited, looking through the menu.

"Awwwwwh! You guys make such a cute couple!" A slender unicorn stood at our table, levitating a notepad and pencil, with stunning ease. That magic always intrigued me, how easy they made it look. I guess that me and Rainbow Dash could make flight look like child's play, without meaning to. 

"Thanks... He's great." Rainbow Dash said.

"He looks like it..." They were talking about me like I wasn't right there. "Let me guess.... He's a........" She paused for a long time.

"Sleeper?"

"Such a sleeper, but he's so adorable when he's sleeping!" I felt my face grow hot. "He also falls asleep at the best times possible!"

Rainbow Dash and the unicorn both let out a sigh of happiness in unison. Rainbow Dash patted my thigh.

"Well, my name's Jewel and I will be your waitress tonight." She paused for a second. "You must be... Rainbow Dash...?"

"Yeah! Can't believe you recognized me!" Rainbow Dash let out a small laugh.

"You're pretty much a celebrity." Jewel said. "If you're Rainbow Dash then you..." Jewel directed her eyes towards me. "Must be... Trivium?"

"That's me..." I said, un-sure how to feel. My face was still feeling as if it was on fire. "How'd you know?"

"You're in love with Rainbow Dash. You're probably as famous as she is!". So, I'm famous and I didn't even know it. I knew Rainbow Dash was really well known, but I didn't expect myself to be.

"Well," Rainbow Dash started, "To him, fame never mattered. He just loves me for who I am..." She looked at me, smiling warmly. I quickly stole a kiss from her.

"Awwwh! How cute!" Jewel was smiling hugely. "I should probably take your orders..."

***

We ordered and ate our food, and it was great. Nothing went wrong, at all.

"It was great getting to talk to you two!" Jewel said as we slowly stood to leave.

"Thanks, great meeting you, too." Rainbow Dash said as she stretched. 

"Well you guys have a good one!" Jewel said before rushing off to take other's orders.

We walked through the dark night. It was probably past midnight, but who knows. The air was chilly.

"Rainbow Dash?" I asked.

"Yes, sweetie?"

"What exactly is a... Sleeper...?"

"It's a term a lot of girls use, it means ponies who fall asleep whenever you cuddle with them. It's not a bad thing, not at all."

I sighed. It wasn't a bad thing.

Luckily enough, we made it home safely. 

"That date was perfect... Thank you, Rainbow Dash." I said, now trembling as I closed the door.

"I knew it'd be."

As expected, we soon were in bed, sleeping.

***

I slowly opened my eyes, hearing the steady snoring of Rainbow Dash. I gently un-wrapped my arm from her and slowly slid up closer to her face.

"YAH!" She screamed, jumping.

I let out a startled scream, jumping so much I landed with a heavy thud on the floor.

I heard Rainbow Dash's laughter. "Ohmigosh, Triv! Are you alright?" She was still laughing and snorting when she poked her head over the edge of the bed.

I let out a long sigh. "You really got me there."

"I noticed." Rainbow Dash said, reaching out a hoof. I grabbed it and stood, her hoof being nothing but an invitation back into bed.

I lay on my back, staring into Rainbow Dash's eyes. 

"I'm sorry, sweetie." She said, smoothly moving into a kiss.

"It was a good one." I said after Rainbow Dash leaned out of the kiss. I brushed her mane out of her eyes with one hoof. 

"You're really beautiful, you know that right, Dash?" I smiled warmly, massaging her side.

Rainbow Dash blushed, lowering her eyes slightly. "You're so sweet..." She said, her voice sounding like silk. She hugged me tightly. 

"I love you." I said, patting her shoulder. "I just want you to know that." I didn't even know why I was being so... Romantic all of a sudden. I felt like I would never see her again.

"I love you, too, Trivium."

We just lay there, holding each other for a long time, before, as predicted, I fell asleep.

***

I woke, but didn't open my eyes. I felt Rainbow Dash gently un-wrapping my arms from herself. She rolled me onto my back, and pulled the blanket up to my chin before exiting the room. I lay there, pretending to be asleep so she didn't feel guilty. I was also still pretty tired. Rainbow Dash came back in the room. I could hear some scratching of a pencil and paper, before she stormed out of the room again. I heard the front door open and slam shut. I waited for a few minutes to make sure she'd left before I got out of bed and checked the note.

"Have to go to work, there's a storm on it's way." It read, with surprising clarity, being that Rainbow Dash'd probably wrote it with her mouth.

I sighed, and sat down on the edge of the bed. She would probably be gone for a while, so I had all day to myself. I slept for a few hours before leaving the house.

***

I sat alone silently, leaning against the tree in the clearance me and Rainbow Dash'd gone on dates before. The sun glared into my eyes. I was just sitting in the complete silence, thinking. I'd learned that doing such a task can drive a pony insane, but it's a little something I've always loved doing. I'd basically grown up in lonely silence, so what more damage could be done?

"What's the matter? Crashie left you?"

I looked around, quickly standing. "Sudden work day, storms." I said, looking for the source of the voice.

"That's what they all say. Then their hearts are "broken" and they cry for weeks before moving on." Dumb-bell emerged from the thick trees. "She's probably off bending over for some random stallion."

"Don't talk about Rainbow Dash that way." I said sternly, slowly walking up to him.

"What're you going to do?" Dumb-bell questioned. He shoved me backwards, stepping forwards. 

I quickly stuck out a hoof and shoved him in return. To my surprise, Dumb-bell swatted my hoof aside, causing me to stumble leftwards. He swung a heavy hoof square into my face, causing me to grunt in pain and stumble backwards. I shook my head and swung at him. Dumb-bell met my hoof with another hit, knocking my punch off. He swung again, causing me to stumble backwards. Dumb-bell kept on advancing, hitting me again and again, causing tons of pain. I braced for a hit and dodged, swinging at his face. Dumb-bell stomped my hoof down, causing me to buck forwards. He swung hard at my jaw from below. I cried out in pain, collapsing backwards, black spots all over my vision.

"You're a weak fighter." Dumb-bell taunted, standing over me. I felt blood running from my nose. I tasted it in my mouth. Dumb-bell pulled me up and shoved me backwards. Still dazed, I clumsily fell, landing into another ponies' arms. The mystery pony behind me folded my arms behind my back and held me there. I squirmed to get free from his grip. Dumb-bell kicked me hard in the stomach. I lurched forwards, getting another hit to the face. I hung limply in the ponies' arms, hoping for release. 

After what felt like hours of beating, I felt the grip behind me release. I collapsed onto my stomach, breathing heavily. I slowly began to push myself up, then I felt a hoof stomp on my back forcing me back onto the ground.

"Pathetic."

I said nothing, trembling slightly. I felt a heavy strike hit my neck.

...

I slowly opened my eyes. Dumb-bell and Hoops stood laughing. I tried to move, but my legs were tied.

"HELP!" I cried out, looking around.

"You're pathetic." Hoops said, kicking me in the gut. I tried to cry out again, but the breath was knocked out of me. I felt a cloth being forced into my mouth. I tried to cry out, but I couldn't. The gag silenced me from any words. I breathed heavily, looking up to the two with pleading eyes. I tried to cry out in protest as my vision was blocked. Hoops tied the blindfold tightly. I felt another strike on my neck. The adrenaline in me was keeping me awake.

"No... Please..." I tried to say. "Don't hurt me....."

***

I felt myself dangling in the cold night air. 

My hind ached for reasons I'd rather not think about. 

I could tell I was hanging upside-down. I tried to cry out, but to no avail. 

From what I could hear I was completely alone.

This is how I'm going to die...

That's all that crossed my mind. Over and over.

I'm going to die here... Beaten and disgraced by my enemies...

I felt a tear escape one of my eyes. My head was throbbing from all the blood in my head. My thoughts weren't clear, or logical. I struggled against the ropes, but nothing changed. I was still here, hanging, going to die.
> Chapter 12: Separation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 12: Separation

I hung upside-down, distorted and helpless. I couldn't keep track of time, because I continually passed out, and couldn't see anything. Several times I broke into tears, in fear that I would be dying there.

I quickly learned that I could move my arms and head in a way to lift my head for a bit. It strained my muscles to do, but it was the only thing keeping me alive. My hind legs were feeling a mixture of numbness, tingling, and pain. On and off, I would do this. It hurt, but like I said, it was keeping me alive.

***

I heard a distant sobbing. Echoing through the forest I must've been in. The voice sounded all to familiar. I heard the sobbing growing slightly closer, then staying.

"MMMMMPHPHHPHPHPH" I cried out into the gag. The sobbing continued, with no pause or acknowledgement of the sound I'd made.

"MMMMMMMMMFFFFF!". I heard a pause. A gasp.

"Trivium! Trivium where are you?!?!"

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMFFFFF!"

I heard a series of branches breaking and twigs snapping, as hoofsteps grew closer and closer to where I was.

"Help..." I tried to say, hearing the steps stopping right below me.

I felt arms wrapping around me, lifting me upright. The blindfold on my eyes got torn off. The sunlight blinded me temporarily. The gag was quickly removed aswell.

"Rainbow... Dash?"

"Sh... You're safe now."

All the blood suddenly leveling, along with a wave of shock and relief, caused a sudden wave of darkness to invade my vision and brain.

***

My body ached all over. I was on a soft bed. I was in a house. I felt a cold bag of... Ice? There was ice over one of my eyes. I felt a hoof resting on mine. Rainbow Dash's. 

I groaned in pain, slowly opening my eyes. Rainbow Dash sat in a chair at the side of the bed.

"Dash....." I started slowly. I paused, seeing tears in her eyes. It was evident she'd been crying.

"You're safe...." She said. "They can't hurt you now..."

I had nothing to say, the pain was overwhelming. I must've been covered in bruises. 

"They've probably skipped over 3 towns by now..."

I sighed. "Thank you....." I slowly said.

"No reason to thank me." Rainbow Dash's voice wavered.

"Please don't cry..."

Rainbow Dash sniffed. "You don't know what they did to you...."

I felt my face heat up, to a point where it felt like it was on fire. "But... I'm okay now..."

Rainbow Dash said nothing. She just massaged my arm gently. 

Judging by all the pain... I must've been beaten worse then I thought. A black eye, no doubt. Bruises, yep. Nothing felt broken, though. Fractions, probably not. I felt another oncoming wave of sleepiness.

***

I slowly woke, but didn't open my eyes. The pain was much less. I was snuggled up against Rainbow Dash's chest, like I'd normally sleep. Rainbow Dash was gently stroking my mane, humming softly. I was comfortable, warm, and happy.

"Dash....?" I asked, my voice sounding higher-pitched then normal. (probably just the fact that I'd just woken up.)

"Yeah?"

"Did I get.... Beaten and tied..... And hung...?" I slowly asked.

Rainbow Dash paused. "I'm so sorry....." She said. "It was no dream."

I sighed sadly, stretching.

"You were out for a good two days after I saved you." Rainbow Dash said, her voice sounding softer then anything I'd ever heard. 

"The pain is nearly gone..." I said, my voice returning to it's normal pitch slowly. 

"That's good. You have work tomorrow."

"Work?!" I gasped, not knowing how many days had passed.

"Work.". Rainbow Dash rolled onto her side, patting her pillow. I slid up next to her, instantly reaching my arms around her into a hug. Rainbow Dash massaged my back slowly. "Get some sleep....." She cooed. It was like she had some sort of power, and almost instantly after she said that, I began to feel drowsy, and soon, was asleep.

***

"Triv... Wake up, sweetie...." Rainbow Dash gently shook me awake. "You have work..."

I groaned, dragging myself into a sitting position in the bed. I rubbed my eyes, stretching at the same time. "Mornin'" I said, after rubbing the sleep out of my eyes.

"Sleep well?" Rainbow Dash asked, already sounding wide-awake. "You didn't tremble or anything last night, so I'm assuming so?"

"Best I've slept in ages." I said, sliding out of bed. I looked in the mirror. I looked completely fine, except for a light black-eye. Rainbow Dash was pretty good at this medical stuff. I drowsily prepared for the day, before kissing Rainbow Dash goodbye and stepping out the door. The cold morning air greeted me, with all too much familiarity. I flew to work, not exactly feeling super-inspired to do anything. I made it there on-time, the boss not questioning anything. The day went as usual.

It was just after we'd closed. The last customer stepped out the door, to go live their story.

"Trivium!" I heard Radeon call my name from the back.

"Yes?" I asked, popping my head in the door. 

"Computer." He pointed at the computer, saying nothing else. This normally meant something'd gone wrong with the hunk of bolts and he didn't know what, or how to fix it. I trotted over and began to pound the keyboard, typing in things I didn't bother keeping track of.

"He's quite good." I heard an un-familiar voice.

"He really is, isn't he?" Radeon replied. "He's got a knack for computers."

I looked up from the monitor. There stood an average, light-brown coated pegasus with a fancy suit. Then it hit me. That was the new business partner Radeon had been looking into working with. I continued typing, saying nothing.

"Aaaaand..... There." I said, pressing the "ENTER" key. "Fixed."

"You work miracles!" Radeon over-dramatically cried out, wheeling his fancy office-chair back to the computer desk.

"Say..." The suited pegasus began. "You really do know your stuff, huh?"

"I guess you could say that, yeah." I said nervously.

"Oh! Trivium! This is Adam, he works for the Canterlot Institution of Technology."

"Nice to meet you," I said, lowering my head slightly, extending a hoof. 

Adam shook my hoof. "Why did you lower your head like that?" He asked. "I'm not superior to you."

I sighed. "I don't know, honestly. I just do it when I greet somepony."

"So, like earlier, you're pretty good with computers, aren't you?"

"Sort of..."

Radeon jumped in. "Sort of?! You blocked and back-hacked that one pony when they tried to crack our security! You hacked a hacker, in less then a minute!"

"Well.." I started slowly. "I guess you could say I'm good, then."

"Seems so, you interested in a degree in computer technology?"

I took a deep breath of shock. "Yes." I replied, trying to sound calm.

"I need some students that can specialize in that. Let's make a deal, I'll pay for your full computer technology education, dorm, and class supplies, and in exchange, you give my college a good review."

I stepped back in shock, gasping. This was the dream I'd always wanted, next to being with Rainbow Dash. Canterlot Institution of Technology, masters degree! "S... Sounds good." I said, my voice wavering slightly.

Little did I know this would change my life.

After lots of exciting, unbelievable dealing, it was arranged. I would be leaving for Canterlot in a week.

***

I burst through the door, panting. "Rainbow... Dash! You won't believe what just happened!" I spoke through heavy breaths.

Rainbow Dash calmly patted the couch. "Tell me all about it." She said, smiling warmly. I flopped down and told her the whole story.

"Trivium....", Rainbow Dash's voice sounded sad. 

"Yes...?"

"I... I can't some with you...."

Trivium.exe has stopped working.

"Y.... You....."

"I can't just leave this house, my job, and all my friends... I can't afford it..."

"But......"

"Don't let this stop you from chasing your dreams."

"But.... You're.... My dream....." I fought tears back.

"I know.... But you can go and live in Canterlot!"

"I can't.... Just leave you....". I fell onto Rainbow Dash's shoulder. I couldn't stand the though of just leaving her. But I didn't want to let my only chance at a computer education go, either.

***

I savored every moment I had with her. I went out and blew my savings on getting her a new computer, so we could be able to contact each-other. It was too soon that my last day came. I told my boss about my situation, and he gave me that day off. 

All my things were packed. Just 30 minutes until I had to leave. 

"You know how to contact me.." Rainbow Dash said. "Please... Get back in touch with me as soon as you can."

We hugged, for what felt like an endless amount of time. One last kiss.

I sniffed loudly.

"It's time for you to go...." 

I hugged her again, closing my eyes.

"You'll be fine..."

Another kiss.

"I'll miss you..."

...

I took into the air, feeling like I was fighting a gravitational pull backwards. I was jumping straight into A New Life. My life has changed, so much. Now, I move onwards, into my next chapter in life.
> News Chapter- Part II
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

News Chapter. Trivium's Story- Part II.

Yes, it will come.

No, it won't be soon. (Maybe another week.)

I've started writing the first chapter, but as normal, I like to have two chapters in a story done before releasing it. I've been really busy with school, my girlfriend (issues), fixing my other laptop, AND getting a new job. Along with that I have lots of chores to do, and YouTube videos to make. Vegas Pro 11 has been repeatedly bugging out and I've been trying to fix it. ALSO the snow is melting where I live, so I have to start working on skateboarding videos again so I can keep my sponsor. I have lots to do, and more, incase you couldn't tell, and I'm sorry for the major dilema. I hope you all understand, and I repeat my apologies for the major lack of Part II.
> News Chapter- Part III
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.fimfiction.net/story/96659/a-college-life-triviums-story-part-ii

If you're not sure what that is, it is the...



SEQUEL TO THIS STORY!


The story may NOT be passed moderation yet when you click that link, so be patient! Any extra info will be in the author's notes  for the two chapters that are there currently.