//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 ~ History Repeats // Story: That Winter in Ponyville // by Sapphire Harmony //------------------------------// Soarin watched Dash as she jumped from one cloud to the next to begin the snowfall. She definitely picked up any and all slack that was created by the other pegasi. This didn't stop Soarin's worry for her. She was still sick and he wanted her to get better as soon as possible, but that didn't work with Dash. If she thought she can handle something, she will do it. She was the most stubborn pony in all of Equestria. But of course, he loved it. And he loved her. He wanted to protect her forever. So why wouldn't the dang mare listen to him?! Speaking about protection, there was something else on the young Wonderbolt's mind. I don't understand. That weather pony didn't look anything like Blaze, so why did I hear her? Why now? Why me? I- "Come on, Soarin," Dash called out to him from behind, "we're almost done." "Oh, right," Soarin shook his head before getting back to work. Dash rolled her eyes, "and he thinks I'm the one who's gonna work slow..." Dash looked around as she jumped onto another snow-filled cloud. The majority of Ponyville was covered in the new snow, but there was still work to be done. I really hope we stay at this pace, I think that fever is getting the best of me... Dash watched from the cloud to see Soarin talking to another pony while moving more clouds into their positions. She smiled at the scene, knowing that Soarin will eventually make friends with the residents of Ponyville. She looked at the pony he was talking to, and it happened to be none other than Derpy Hooves. Although Derpy could be a little clumsy, Dash had always liked her. Everything she did was for good intentions, and Dash respected that. She smiled as she watched the Wonderbolt talking to Derpy. From what she could see, Derpy seemed to have made a joke, and Soarin laughed along. Dash turned away from the scene to look for the next cloud to jump on. "You're not that special..." Dash shot her head around at the surprising voice but saw no one nearby. She shook her head and continued on. "I don't see how you thought he'd be into you..." Dash looked around once again but had the same result. No one. "Okay, who said that?" Dash asked while searching for this mysterious voice. "I can ruin your life..." Dash froze as the mysterious voice said those five words. She remembered them, but not the voice. She didn't know what to make of it. She then flew away from the cloud, hoping that work would keep her mind off of the memory. "That was weird..." "Alright, everypony," Mayor Mare began, "I am pleased to announce that all of Ponyville is officially in winter!" The citizens of Ponyville cheered, for their day of hard work was over. Mayor Mare began her speech as everyone listened closely. All except Dash, who's mind flooded with thoughts about her strange experience. Soarin looked over at his marefriend, who had a focused expression but was staring at the ground. "You okay?" He asked, quiet enough for her to hear but not the rest of Ponyville. "Huh? Oh yeah. I'm fine," Dash assured once she snapped out of her gaze. "You sure? You seemed to be thinking of something just now. What's up?" Dash shook her head and shrugged, "I don't know." "What? What does that mean?" "Something weird happened earlier. I'll tell you after we get back to the castle," Dash said. Soarin nodded slowly as he watched Dash try to focus on the speech. He didn't understand what she meant by "weird". Dash was friends with Pinkie Pie AND Discord so her standard for weirdness had to be somewhat high. What could've possibly passed that level? I'm sure it's nothing. At Twilight's castle. "Huh?" Soarin asked in confusion. Dash had explained the strange event to her closest friends and coltfriend. They all had about the same amount of confusion as Soarin written across their faces. "I don't understand, you're saying there was this mysterious random voice that tried to insult you?" Applejack tried to clarify. "No, it was more than just that," Dash explained, "Everything it said was what Blaze said to me that day at The Tasty Treat, but it wasn't close to her voice at all." Soarin thought for a moment before an idea entered his mind. "Maybe Discord just tried to play a prank on you. He's known for that kind of stuff anyway." The girls in the room nodded in agreement except for Fluttershy. "Oh, I don't know. Discord can be a prankster when he wants to be, but that would take it too far. That would be something the old Discord would do." "Too far? You, Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie and the rest of Ponyville made me think you all died because of one of my pranks! I wouldn't be shocked if Discord pulled a prank just as bad, if not worse, as yours!" "Woah, why haven't I heard about that?" Soarin asked, shocked to think a town like Ponyville can pull off something like that. "Not important," Dash quickly responded, not wanting to relive that night ever again. "Oh come on, Rainbow! That was to teach you a lesson, not for fun," Twilight defended. "Twilight is right. Although, I do have to admit. I now don't believe that Discord pulled this off. He wouldn't do such a thing for no reason," Rarity stated. "Well then, what was it?" Dash asked. "I think it was just your mind playing tricks on you. You should take it easy until your fever is gone. The cold weather may have gotten to you," Twilight explained. Soarin looked at Dash and mouthed "I told you so", to which Dash stuck her tongue out. Back at Rainbow's home later that night Dash laid in her bed, Luna's moonlight shining through her bedroom window. Dash stared at the ceiling, thinking about the voice. I don't get it. I've had worse illnesses than this. What's wrong with me? She thought long and hard about each possible answer she could muster up, but none seemed to match up. She turned over to face Soarin, who was fast asleep. She smiled warmly before turning back over to face the window before she got up slowly to avoid waking up her coltfriend. Maybe a small flight will help me sleep She quietly flew out of her home and glanced at the silent town from the air. All lights were off, only the ponies who worked night shifts were awake. Dash landed on a cloud and gave her attention the bright full moon. Dash had always loved Luna's nights. It felt as if there was a special type of magic gliding throughout the sky, a magic that not even Twilight could create. It was beautiful. She began to feel at ease for the first time that night. After a few more minutes of relaxing on the cloud, she flew back home and looked at her town before going inside. She quietly flew back into her room and bed, where Soarin was still deep in his slumber. Dash smiled once again at the Wonderbolt before situating herself back into a comfortable position. She could feel the dreamland approaching just before someone woke her. "Hello there, Rainbow Crash."