//------------------------------// // Adventure Calls // Story: The Mask of Despair and the Face of Hope // by Wings of Black Glass //------------------------------// Pinkie Pie, naturally, had no trouble finding one of her party cannons. She invited the lot of us over to Sugarcube Corner anyways, to throw a proper party. Within moments the shop was filled with balloons, streamers, confetti, bouncy music, and enough cupcakes and punch to more than satisfy everypony. At first, Sable was quiet, but at Rainbow Dash’s prodding told everpony the story of his wings. Not much to say, but it was a way to break the ice. Soon ponies from outside were drawn in by the noise, and slowly the shop filled to the brim. After a while I found myself at the edge of the party, merely enjoying watching Sable as he interacted with others. I recalled how Luna was so uncertain when she came to Ponyville for that first Nightmare Night after she was freed from being Nightmare Moon. Sable was similar, very unsure and hesitant, but willing to try. Still, even seeing him with a will to thrive, something bothered me. “Twilight, why are you over here all alone?” Fluttershy stepped up beside me. “Is something bothering you?” “Is it that obvious?” “So there is something bothering you. You just looked apprehensive for some reason.” Fluttershy looked over at what I was watching. Sable was by the punch bowl, chatting with a pair of ponies who seem enraptured by his wings. “Is there something wrong with Sable?” “No. Not at all. I was thinking about what he said.” “It is a remarkable thing he has decided to do. So why do you seem worried?” “It’s… well, it’s sort of hard to say.” I paused, forcing myself to face my friend instead of staring at Sable. “Do you remember what he was like, before?” “We only spoke that first time in the castle. I didn’t get a chance to really talk with him after that.” “Well yes, but what did you think of him?” Fluttershy thought about the question, her eyes darting from side to side as she considered her response. “I think I would have to say, determined? Evasive? A little defensive and shy maybe?” “And does this.” I pointed to Sable, across the room. “Feel anything like that.” “Not at all. Now he’s friendly; he’s trying to be very open. It’s almost like he’s a whole new pony.” “That's what worries me.” I invited Fluttershy to consider the meaning of my words. “Is he still the same Sable we met that day? Was his old life honestly so sad that he’s better off without it?” I snapped my mouth shut, suddenly ashamed to have said that. An image of Sable flashed in my mind, the night we spoke in the park, and I understood now what he was feeling. “Twilight!” Fluttershy gasped, astonished I would suggest it. Secretly I was glad I wasn’t talking to Pinkie or Dash, no pony nearby made a note of our conversation. “Look at him, Fluttershy.” I pointed to Sable again, showing those same ponies an illusion detailing how some magic spell was constructed. The other two ponies seemed hopelessly out of their depth; neither one was a Unicorn. “He’s resilient, curious, thoughtful, insightful even on occasion. When I look at him now, I see a better pony than I ever did before the accident. Is that wrong of me?” My yellow Pegasus friend did not answer, at a loss for words. In a sense I was saved from having to explain when Sable himself wandered over, the ponies he was talking to thoroughly confused and wandering off. “Do you mind if I join you for a while?” “No, no, not at all. Why would we mind? It's not like we were talking about you or anything.” I spoke a little too quickly and laughed nervously. He narrowed his eyes suspiciously for an instant, before shaking his head. It was clear to me he had chosen not to press further, he obviously caught on to my discomfort. “To be honest, I think I’ve had enough partying for today.” Fluttershy and I shared a glance. “Is your injury bothering you?” “Are you tired?” Up close I could see he was trembling slightly. I gave him a concerning glance; he caught me looking. “I’m alright. I’m not used to so much attention. At least, not this kind.” His meaning was clear to me, Fluttershy nodded as well. “You can take it at your own speed, no need to rush these things.” “Your patience is appreciated.” He took a place beside us, allowing others to take center stage. The trembling I saw in him before stilled as he took several deep breaths. “Frankly, I’m surprised anyone can keep up with Pinkie Pie. She has absolutely boundless energy.” “Even we have troubles sometimes. You get used to it eventually.” Fluttershy giggled softly. “Actually, Sable, I was wondering what it was that convinced you to do what you did today.” “I knew this would have to come up eventually.” He sighed. “In truth… I think it was what you gave me last night.” I nodded, Fluttershy looked from one to the other, confused and curious. Sable’s eyes swerved to the Pegasus's face. “My history.” “You did say Twilight gave you your history back. That was only last night?” Fluttershy looked my way, and I nodded in answer. “Although the details are gone, the broad strokes remain. I couldn’t sleep last night, so I went for a walk.” “During the middle of the night?” “There is something calming about the solitude of the night. It’s… familiar, quiet, devoid of inquisitive ponies.” This time it was my turn to giggle softly. “Well, it gave me time to think, free of distractions.” He stopped here; I could see him sorting his thoughts, having seen the expression often in recent days. He shifted uncomfortably. “The answer really is simple enough. I cannot dwell on what might have been, not if I want…” He glanced around, something distracting him. “Does anypony else feel that?” I did, and looked back at my cutie-mark, glowing. What incredible timing the map had. “Mr. Stardust! Your wings!” Fluttershy pointed, and he unfolded one wing. The spaces between each glass panel pulsed with a soft golden light. “Twilight, what’s going on? I’m not doing this!” He locked eyes with me, borderline panicking. “It’s the map, calling to us.”