//------------------------------// // Chapter 9 - To Begin // Story: Finding a Place // by Battlecat //------------------------------// I tumbled through the air out of control. Panic ripped through me as I fell towards the ground. Shards of glass were raining down around me as approached the ground. I was tumbling but I couldn’t regain control. My heart was racing as I braced myself for the pain of the impact. I hit the ground but instead of the expected pain, it simply tore away like paper as I dropped straight through it. Behind there was an infinite field of stars floating in a blue void. I tumbled through space where there was no sign of sky or ground. No beginning or end. The only reference point was the receding tear I had fallen through. I was frightened but I also had a strange feeling of déjà vu. I could see what looked like another tear an incredible distance away. A tiny figure was falling out of that hole towards me but I couldn’t make out any details. “I’ve seen this place before. Am I dreaming?” My own voice echoed back in the distance. “I think we are.” Saturday October 1, 2016 Normally waking up was a startling affair, usually triggered by my alarm clock or a nightmare. Often I would be panicked or disoriented as I tried to remember what was real. Today, I simply opened my eyes and found myself wide awake in bed staring at the ceiling with the dream absolutely clear in my mind. I couldn’t remember the last time I had slept without a nightmare and even though the dream had started as one, the ending was far nicer. I was trying to put my finger on why the star-filled void from my dream looked so familiar. My phone alarm started buzzing and I groaned. I had neglected to turn it off so the 5:20 am alarm was going again. I rolled over to try and find it but then gasped with pain. Apparently my body also still hadn’t recovered completely from yesterday’s trauma. Today I could barely move a muscle so I flopped back down on my back and tried to figure out what to do. So do I have a reason to get up today? Not sure. Twilight is gone. Are you back again? I’m going to miss her. Not really the same this time. Anyhow, we’re alone again. Not entirely. I’m supposed to help the girls today. True. We’re pretty sore though. Well, I did have two near death experiences yesterday. We could use more sleep. Not happening with the bloody phone going off. Damn it. Guess we have to get up then. I rolled over off the bed and fell to the floor, trying not to think too hard about the fact that I was still talking to myself like that. My muscles were stiff as a board so it was probably best to get moving. I rolled across the floor to where I had dropped my clothes the night before and pulled out my phone. I swiped the alarm off. I started doing some simple stretches there on the floor to try and get my body responding properly. I was up on my feet about 10 minutes later and continued trying to stretch the pain out of my body before I decided on my actual workout. I am way too screwed up to do sword practice this morning. No kidding. A run will be the best bet for us today. I pulled on a pair of sweatpants, a light t-shirt and strapped on my new bracers. There was a chill in the air when I walked outside. I could see clouds gathering on the horizon and I knew it would probably start raining later in the day. That could make cleanup at the school interesting. The air was clear but I could smell the moisture growing in the air. I was going to have to plan out some new exercise routines for indoors. I slipped on my shoes and started jogging along my usual route around the perimeter of my property. The run was loosening me up quite nicely and I was starting to feel normal again. The world was silent except the sound of the birds waking up. It was shaping up to be a perfectly normal run until I was on my second loop passing the apple orchard. “Silver Spark? Is that you?” I did what any reasonable person who’d had several near death experiences would do when startled. I yelped with fright and dove to the ground. I rolled across the ground and back up to my feet facing towards the voice with my fists ready in a combat stance. Applejack was standing at the end of a nearby row of trees on the other side of the fence watching me with an utterly bemused look on her face. “You ok? Ah didn’t mean to scare you like that.” My heart was beating a mile a minute from the sudden burst of fear. I walked over to the fence and leaned on it while my head started to spin from the surge of adrenaline. I took some deep slow breaths to calm myself while Applejack walked over to join me. I watched her approach out of the corner of my eye. It was the first time I’d really risked taking more than a glance at any of the girls. Instead of the skirt she usually wore at school, she was dressed in blue jeans, a short-sleeved orange collared shirt and work boots. Her tanned freckled face and lightly muscled body gave her a wild, natural beauty. “It’s not your fault Applejack. My reflexes just kicked in before I recognized your voice.” “Ah see you weren’t full of hot air when you said you could have dodged Dash’s punch. That was a pretty fast reaction.” “Yeah. To be honest I’m surprised I still have those reflexes. I haven’t been training properly and I have been suppressing them for months now. What are you doing all the way out here Applejack? It’s the first time I’ve seen anyone out here.” She looked surprised and proud. “You mean you don’t know? This is mah family’s farm, Sweet Apple Acres. Ah was just checking over this part of the orchard to clear my mind before breakfast. What brings you out this way? Do you live here now?” “I do. You know I don't even remember if we talked about where I lived the other day.” Applejack started to laugh. “Ah can't remember either, but apparently ah didn't mention my farm either so fair's fair. Hey Silver, how about you walk with me while I finish checking the orchard? Ah’ve got three more rows ah want to check and then we can go back to my house for breakfast.” She wants my company? Hard to believe. Should we make an excuse? “I wouldn’t want to impose; after all, I’m a bit sweaty from my run.” “Nonsense. A bit of sweat won't bother us; it comes with the farming work. Besides, there’s always extra food and my family will want to meet you. You’re mah friend now and friends are always welcome at the Apple family table. Now come on over. I insist!” We can't argue with that. I held the post in one hand and vaulted over the fence in a single fluid motion. Applejack and I walked quietly through the orderly old trees of the orchard. The ground under the trees was covered in a thick springy layer of grass and clover. Apples were bending some of the branches of the trees and the air was fresh with the scent of the ripe fruit. I took a deep breath and let out a deep sigh as I began to really relax. “Penny for your thoughts there Sugarcube.” “I’m just enjoying the smell of the morning air. I've never smelt anything quite like ripe fruit still on the trees. It was never this nice where I lived in Manhattan.” “Ah know what you mean about Manhatten. I spent a summer there with my aunt and uncle a few years back when I was thinking about changing my lifestyle. Turned out it was way to urban for my taste. Didn’t take long for me to miss the fresh air.” “Funny, that’s almost the exact opposite of what I’ve done, except there's no way I'm ever moving back. How long has your family owned this farm?” "Mah great, great grandparents settled here in the 1870’s. So mah family has been here well over a hundred years now.” “Impressive. My grandparents didn't move to North America until after World War I. So do you just grow anything besides apples?” “We’re farming nearly 200 acres now. There’s a pumpkin patch for Halloween and a fair sized vegetable field but that’s mostly to keep the family fed. We’ve got a couple of horses as well. Our prime focus is apples though. The trees back here are harvested for either sale to stores, pies or cider dependin’ on the variety. We have a set of smaller trees near the front of the property that people can harvest themselves.” “Wow. That’s quite the operation. What varieties are you harvesting next?” “This’ll be the last big harvest of apples for the year. These here are the Granny Smith apples which are great for cooking. The Fuji and Braeburn trees are also ready. They're used in our family cider blend. I’ll be here working every morning and evening around school for the next two weeks, starting tomorrow from the looks of things.” “Wow, sounds like a lot of work. Well if you need an extra pair of hands let me know.” “Ah’ll keep that in mind. So how are you feeling today? You were lookin' pretty wrecked last night.” I had to laugh as I thought back. “I could barely move a muscle when I woke up this morning since I didn't stretch out my aches before sleeping. I wound up having to roll out of bed and over to where I dumped my pants last night. I stretched out a bit and this run has cleared up the worst of it. I’m not going to be 100% for a few days though. I did wind up thrown across the courtyard a couple times which left a few things strained. The magic saved my life but it didn't fix everything.” She laughed but it didn’t sound like a happy laugh. We quietly walked past a few more trees, but then Applejack stopped. When she turned to look at me there was a frown on her face and she was avoiding looking at me. Her voice was nervous and the usual confidence was absent. “Look Silver, ah really wasn’t expected to see you this morning. I thought I’d have more time to think this over but I can’t put this off. Ah felt terrible when I first met you on the roof and realized how much you were hurtin' inside. I decided on that rooftop that I was gonna make things right between us one way or another.” She stood there staring at the ground and clenched her hands into fists. Her voice took on an angry tone, making me take a step back. “Then you disappeared. Twilight was terribly worried about you but I tried to convince her it was for the best. Twilight and Fluttershy were having none of it; they were both convinced something terrible had happened to you. When you showed back up out of nowhere I still had my doubts but then you didn’t even hesitate to jump in and protect us. Takin' that hit for me and mah friends was incredibly brave. I thought we were all going to die but then suddenly you appeared in the path of that fireball. I was so scared you died thinking everyone hated you when we should have been supporting you but by some miracle of magic here you are. You never deserved such awful treatment and I should have said something sooner.” I stepped over and wrapped my arms around her. She leaned her head on my chest and started to shiver. I was struck by how vulnerable she seemed at that moment. Applejack was usually so sure of herself and it bothered me to see such a confident girl in this state over me. I rubbed her back with my hand as I held her, trying to calm her down. It seemed to help but she was still shaking. I thought back to the last chaotic moments as I flew into that fireball. We’re just high school students and we all nearly died. None of us were prepared for this. “Look Applejack. All you had to judge me by was a single day of conversation against a month of nasty rumors that I did nothing to counteract. I can't blame you or any of the girls for having doubts about me. You and your friends showed incredible bravery in the face of certain death. I would be incredibly fortunate to have you as a friend if you think I’m worth it.” She stepped back, wiped her face with her sleeve and looked me in the eye. Her eyes were still wet but her normal fire and strength were back again. “Twilight told us you didn’t think much of yourself, but ah didn’t realize it was that bad. You jumped into a fireball to protect us. Ah' think I'd like to get to know someone who would do that. How could you possibly think you wouldn't be worth it?” I looked away from her. “I honestly don’t know sometimes. I’ve made some incredibly stupid decisions recently. With everything that has happened over the past year, it's like my life is a vase shattered on the floor. I'm still trying to find all the pieces and I’m not sure who I am anymore.” She cracked a wry smile. “All right then, well I guess ah'll just have to help you piece it back together. Hopefully, you’ll stop speakin' in riddles soon though. Ah’m still going to make things up to you though.” I smiled at her and looked at the shadows cast by the morning sun filtering through the apple trees. After a deep breath of the cool, sweet morning air I came up with an appropriate response. “You already have made things up to me. Here I am, walking with a friend through your orchard on a sunny Saturday morning, talking about life. It’s like a dream when compared with my life just a couple days ago. As for the riddles, I’m trying not to think about it. I’d rather only tell this story one more time and if I’m going to be spending time with you and your friends I think I need to tell you all at once.” Her smile was uncertain as she considered my response. “Fair enough Silver. Ah’ll stop worrying as long as you come talk to me when you’re havin’ trouble. I’m pretty much done here so let’s go get some grub.” Applejack's home was a beautiful red two story house. The house and garage both were finished like an old fashioned barn. The yard was beautifully cared for and the whole place just felt inviting. We walked around to the front of the house where I spotted a familiar red pickup truck parked beside the garage. Could it be that simple? We just have to ask to find out. “Applejack, did you happen to stop by my house recently?” “We did actually, just a couple nights ago. Big Mac and I went over to have a word with the new neighbors. There was nobody there at the time though. How did you know?” “I had a massive anxiety attack since I had no idea why someone would be at my house. So I hid behind a chair until heard you leave. Honestly, it's a relief that it was you.” Applejack raised her eyebrow as she looked back at me. “Ah see. Well, hopefully, you'll be feeling better next time we come by. Here we are!” She pushed the front door open and pulled me into her home. The interior was decorated with what could only be described as tidy clutter. There were photos and knick-knacks on every surface. It was mostly family stuff like photos, handmade decorations, and other things that just made the space cozy. It was clean, warm and welcoming. Applejack slammed the door and called out loudly. “Mornin' everyone! Ah ran into our new neighbor while out in the fields and invited him over for breakfast. Hope that’s alright Granny.” A scratchy elderly voice responded from the next room. “Really? Well, bring him in so we can all get an introduction! Bloom, pull out an extra place setting for our guest.” I followed Applejack into the kitchen and was overwhelmed with the scent of sausages, eggs, and toast. My stomach growled as the smell triggered memories of foods I hadn't eaten in ages. In fact, it was the first time I’d felt honestly hungry in a long time. Have I been eating the past year? Not nearly enough. “Silver Spark, this is my Granny Smith, my brother Macintosh and my little sister Applebloom. Everyone, this is our new neighbor Silver Spark. He’s in a couple of my classes at school.” I looked at the faces of the Apple family. Granny Smith was sitting at the head of the table; her elderly appearance contrasted with the spark visible in her eyes. Macintosh was a bit taller than I was. He was looking at me with a raised eyebrow but his expression was otherwise neutral. The biggest worry for me was Applebloom who I immediately recognized as one of Sweetie Belle’s friends. She was staring at me with wide fear-filled eyes. Please don’t freak out. Please. I put the friendliest smile on my face I could manage. “It’s nice to meet you all. I apologize for not coming by sooner.” Granny Smith raised her eyebrow at me. “Well welcome to our home Silver Spark. Are you the same Silver Spark from school that mah daughters have been talkin’ about?” I looked down at the floor; ashamed of the person Mrs. Smith would have been told I was. “I’m the only Silver Spark at the school, ma’am so it’s quite likely. I’m sorry to say my reputation at school is rather terrible.” Applejack put her hand on my shoulder. “Silver, you can’t let those dang rumors define you anymore. Granny, he nearly died trying to protect me and mah friends last night. Anything else you’ve heard is probably garbage. He was a victim of a smear campaign from the day he arrived at Canterlot High and ah'm ashamed to say I listened to them.” Granny Smith looked at me with an even, judging expression. The other Apple family members were watching me and her with worried expressions. It was really hard to tell what they were all thinking as they waiting for Granny Smith’s verdict. A smile appeared on her face. “Ah trust my granddaughter’s judgment; that’s all that needs to be said. Now pull up a stump and have some food.” We weren't thrown out. How? I don’t care right now. I pulled out a chair and sat down. My voice was a bit hoarse when I finally found some words. “Thank you for your kindness ma'am.” “Call me Granny. All Applejacks' friends do. So you and your family own the farm next door do ya?” Why did she have to mention family? We can hold it together. “Yes, that’s right ma’a . . . Granny. I . . . We bought the place during the summer. We couldn’t take living in the city anymore and this area just felt right. Oh thank you Applejack, wow that's a lot of food.” Applejack had just put a plate in front of me heaped with scrambled eggs, sausage, toast and apple slices. She had a similarly loaded plate in front of her. She looked over at me and chuckled when she saw my wide eyes. “Ah have a feeling you haven't been eating enough. Your face looks positively gaunt Silver.” “Yeah. I suppose you’re right. Just another thing I have to start fixing in my life. This smells amazing.” I dug in and savored a few bites of egg and toast. Had it really been a year since my last decent meal? First, it had been hospital food and then the depression. This was by far the nicest meal that I'd had in a long time. I turned to the sausage that appeared to be homemade with some flavors I didn't recognize. I closed my eyes and enjoyed while I tried to figure out what was in them. My eyes widened in surprise and I looked over at Applejack. She was watching me with a smirk on her face. I stared at her. “Are there apples in these?” She laughed out loud. “You got it! We always enjoy trying new recipes with apples. What do you think?” “These are really nice. They remind me of those maple syrup ones I used to buy at the grocery but they aren't as overwhelmingly sweet. Plus it's homemade which is just wonderful.” The conversation drifted around recipes, school, and other mundane things. As we were finishing up eating I realized there was a question I needed to ask. “What were you wanting to talk me about when you dropped by the other day? Earlier it sounded like you intended something more than a simple welcome to the neighborhood.” The family exchanged glances again. Then Applejack sighed. “So way back in the day your property used to be part of Sweet Apple Acres. It was sold to cover the debts from a series of bad harvests a long time ago. That little lake is all part of Sweet Apple Acres except the part on your farm. The fields on the other side of your property don't have access to the main road so we haven't been able to use that land properly. We were hoping we could set up a couple of gates and a dirt track to cross your family's property so we can put the land to proper use.” “Fine by me.” “Just like that? Really?” All four of the Apple family members were staring at me with wide-eyed surprise. “Sure, why not? It's all meadow at the moment and I don't have any plans to farm it myself. I just wanted somewhere quiet and isolated to live.” Applejack had a smile on her face but there was something else other than happiness. The rest of them looked pleased although Applebloom's expression still looked fearful. “Thank you, Silver. You have no idea how much this is going to help. Ah'll sort out the details with you later. We should finish eating and head to the school.” "Good plan. Hey, did you want to drive in with me? I need to get changed into work clothes before we go." "That would be great Silver. It'll save Big Mac the trouble of driving me in." It was amazing how quickly the repair crews got working without any red tape or other issues. I had to wonder if Principal Celestia had comparable influence to her Equestrian counterpart. By the time we had arrived, the hole was already mostly filled in, leaving only the last foot for topsoil and the sidewalks. The building had already been inspected and multiple crews were already on-site installing scaffolding to stabilize the building and to keep the weather out. It was a good thing too since it started raining shortly after we arrived. All seven of us were given various tasks to support the repair work when we arrived. Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie spent most of the day under a tent beside the pile of rubble cleaning the mortar off the intact bricks and stacking them. Sunset, Rainbow, Applejack, and I worked on the pit, flattening out the fill with rakes and bringing in the topsoil from a pile near the road. We spread it out around the wooden forms for the new sidewalks and smoothed it out. It had been difficult work but with all of us helping it went quickly. Principal Celestia told us all to go home in the early afternoon. We had all parted ways to clean up before meeting at Rarity’s boutique before going for dinner. I had considered just staying at my house afterward to let the girls have a nice time without me. After all, I didn't want to impose on what would probably be girl time but Applejack asked me if I could give her a ride again. The Apple family only had one truck which saved money but was sometimes a challenge. I agreed of course. We pulled up in front of the boutique and we could see everyone else inside waiting. I shivered as I remember being all but kicked out yesterday when I picked up the headbands and tails. Applejack stopped me before I could get out of the car. “Silver, before we go inside, we need to talk. Ah' think you need to tell us a bit of your story. This morning at breakfast I could tell you were stumbling around something you didn’t want to share with mah family. I know me and the girls have only been officially friends with you for one day but ah think you need to talk to someone. You stood by us even when we didn't treat you right. Ah' promise we'll stand by you now.” She’s right. We need to tell them. I know. It's still hard. We promised Luna and Twilight. I just wish Twilight was still here. I started shaking as the fear began to eat into me but I nodded at her. “I’m terrified but it’s not fair to leave you all walking on eggshells around me. I hope you’re right about your friends Applejack. I really do.” “Ah know ah am. You're hurtin' but you won't heal right by hiding from your friends. I'll be right beside you the whole time.” In spite of the comforting presence of Applejack, the shivering only got worse as we walked in. The conversation and laughter died down as we opened the door. I did my best to fight the fear but my legs were refusing to move. Applejack took me by the shoulder and gently walked me over to sit on a bench by the shoes. I let out a deep sigh and tried to compose myself while she stood next to me. The other girls had looks of uncertainty and concern on their faces. Fluttershy walked up. “Is everything alright you two?” “We’ve been talkin’ and he needs to get something off his chest before we go for supper. Now you all be gentle and let him finish. Go ahead Silver, we're listening.” Thank you Applejack. Time for some honesty I guess. I looked away from the girls as I rolled up one of my sleeves to reveal the scarring, including the ones on my wrists. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sunset take a step back. The only other sound I heard was a few surprised gasps. Twilight was the only one who had seen my wrists. I knew it was a horror show and I had to get through this fast. I took a deep breath and started as the tears flowed on my face. “There’s really no easy way to tell you this story. A little less than a year ago a gang called the Scorpions in Manhattan broke into my family’s apartment to get revenge I guess. I had a run in with them a few weeks earlier that turned out rather poorly for the gang members. My parents were both shot as they tried to clear a path for me to run. I jumped through the glass of the second-floor window to try and escape. The shattering glass gave me the bulk of the scars on my body. The leader caught up with me outside and stabbed me in the stomach with a dagger before he fled from police.” The tears were flowing down my cheeks now and there was dead silence in the room. I just kept talking since I knew I wouldn’t be able to start again if I stopped. “I was in the hospital for four months recovering. Afterward, I visited my old apartment one last time and then put it up for sale. I started cutting my wrists the evening after the visit. I only stopped because I turned to my martial arts training as an outlet instead. I moved here to get far away from the anxiety and sorrow of the memories. Of course, that dagger turned out to be a magical weapon on top of everything else and it nearly finished killing me yesterday.” I took another deep breath before finishing up. “I’ve been living life alone on the edge of collapse. When I arrived and became an outcast I was convinced it was what I deserved so I didn’t bother trying to fix it. I never wanted to drag anyone else down with me or be a burden. So I just took the isolation, such as it was and tried to live with it. There is more I could say but it’s really all just details. I’m really sorry to ruin the evening but Twilight was right to say you all deserved to know.” I tried to compose myself, but the tears were flowing down my cheeks. I could hear a couple of sniffles but the room was silence otherwise. In spite of the reassurances, I was beginning to feel the urge to run and my leg started to twitch. I prepared to get up and run to get out of the place. Then Applejack sat down next to me and pulled me into a big hug. “Ah wondered if something was goin’ on when family came up during our conversation this morning but I didn’t realize you’d lost them. Ah' know how you feel. My parents died when Applebloom was just a baby.” I looked up at the other girls. Rarity and Fluttershy were dabbing their eyes. Sunset and Rainbow were both avoiding looking at me and Pinkie was standing frozen staring at me. When our eyes met, Pinkie bounced over and wrapped her arms around me as well. She sniffled in my ear. "That's so sad Silvy. You don't have anyone?" “My parents were both only children and my grandparents are gone as well. I’m sorry I upset you all. I’m not worth crying over.” Rarity stopped dabbing her eyes with her hanky and looked over at me. “Nonsense darling, there are things in life that are worth a few tears. Silver, I think I speak for all of us when I say, you don’t have to be alone anymore. You've got us now.” Everyone else nodded and spoke their agreement. Sunset also nodded but she was still avoiding looking at me. Fluttershy came over, took my hand and pulled me to my feet. “You promise to call one of us if you need help or to talk Silver?” “I promise Fluttershy. Thank you for your kindness when we first spoke.” We smiled at each other but then Rainbow Dash then piped up. “Okay then, that’s enough of the emotional stuff for one day. Let’s get going, I’m famished!” That went ok I guess. We had dinner at a family restaurant that was a short walk from Rarity’s place. The menu had a nice mix of foods. The conversation started off a bit tense and mundane but everyone relaxed and just started enjoying the evening. Things took an odd turn when Pinkie asked me a question I wasn’t actually prepared for while I was drinking my water. “What was it like being a pony Silver?” I started coughing as my drink went down the wrong way. Rainbow Dash looked at Pinkie with a raised eyebrow while I tried to recover. “Why would Silver know what it’s like to be a pony Pinkie?” “Twilight and Sunset are both ponies who turned into humans when they came through the portal. Doesn’t that mean Silver would turn into a pony when he went through?” Sunset tapped her chin. “I turned back when I went through the other day but I was a pony before I traveled through. I don’t see why a human wouldn’t transform but the only one who can confirm it is Silver.” For the second time this evening all eyes were on me. I sighed at the unexpected attention but at least it was a more pleasant topic than earlier. “I was only conscious for about 10 minutes before I left Equestria but yes I was a pony. It was a surreal experience when I regained consciousness and realized I didn't have fingers anymore. The face I saw in the mirror was mine and yet totally alien. The ponies around me were your counterparts. I’ll treasure the memory for all my days. “Why is that Silver?” Air rushing under my wings. Cold breeze in my face. I zoned out a bit as I murmured the answer. “I could fly.” “So your counterpart is a Pegasus?” Sunset asked. “Actually Princess Luna said I was a Thestral. When Rainbow’s pony counterpart invited me to fly I was over the balcony before I had a moment to realize we were over 100 feet up in a tower. I’m lucky I figured it out how to use my wings as quickly as I did.” Luck had nothing to do with it. “A Thestral? Seriously? They’re reclusive and their numbers are quite small. According to legend, they were Princess Luna’s most faithful followers but there isn't much information available on their abilities. I never saw one before . . .” Sunset's scholarly thought's trailed off as we all looked at her. She had gone from enthusiastic to melancholy in just a few seconds. She opened her mouth to make an excuse but Applejack stopped her before she could speak. “Sunset, we all know you made mistakes back home. You don’t need to share anything with us until you feel comfortable.” Sunset nodded quietly. Then Rainbow Dash piped up to fill the silence. “Hey Silver, was my pony counterpart as awesome as I am?” I paused for a moment as I considered my interaction with the two individuals. I raised one eyebrow as I looked at Rainbow. “Well, pony Dash is a pegasus who somehow got me out flying around a crystalline skyscraper in a parallel universe. So far you’ve threatened me and punched me in the face. I think your counterpart has an edge so far.” So apparently we still have a bit of wit in us. I can’t believe I just said that. Rainbow sputtered for a moment and turned red while the other girls looked nervous. I had to let Dash off the hook. “You realize I do forgive you, right Rainbow? Your heart was in the right place even though your fist wasn't.” Rainbow tried to glare at me but she broke out into a smile. We all started to laugh. I think that was the first time I'd felt an honest warmth from Dash. “I’ll get you for that Silver. Or maybe I’ll prove I’m cooler than pony Dash. Nah, I think I'm awesome enough to do both.” “Sounds good to me Dash. It's not a competition though.” “Life is a competition Silver. Even if it's just against yourself.” At that moment our food arrived and we sacrificed any further conversation in favor of dinner. We all parted ways after the meal to get a good rest. Before I knew it, I was pulling into the Sweet Apple Acres driveway to drop off Applejack. I leaned over and gave her a hug with one arm before she got out. "Thank you for convincing me to tell them Applejack." "No problem Sugarcube. You take care. Ah'll see you on Monday at school. Remember, give me or one of the girls a call if you need to talk." "Will do. Have a good night." "You too." The rest of the drive back to my house was peaceful and my mind was more relaxed than it had been in ages. I still have a long way to go maybe things can get better. We might be ok. Eventually.