Blazing a Trail to the Past.

by Daylight_Dreamer


50- Candy is dandy, but it's the thought that's so sweet.

"We're going to have to go home for a clean shirt," I huffed, "I can’t believe you gave it to Slag to blow his nose."

"The poor guy looked pathetic," She laughed, "What else was I supposed to do?"

"Give him this," I pulled a black handkerchief from my pocket, "like I thought you did." I crossed my arms trying to keep warm, "If it wasn't so cold I wouldn't mind, but like I said. I don't have fur in this form."

"I guess you have a point," she admitted, "I didn't know about the hankie. I'm sorry."

"Wow," I said, "are you getting soft on me? I feel like you should have had a couple more comebacks." I laughed.

"I was just thinking about what just happened," She said, "I'm never going to run off like that, but I don't ever want to let you down. Yet, I just did,"

"No, you didn't," I said, "I'm sure you would have gone for the hankie if you knew I carried one. You don't need to apologize."

"We're still a long way from town," she said, "we'll make it a lot faster if I carry you."

"Fine," I held my arms out, "but only because I want to get a shirt and catch up with the others in time for dessert."

She wrapped her arms around my chest and we took off. The air was cold on my stomach but my back felt amazing against her soft, warm feathers."

We got to the cabin within minutes. I threw a clean shirt on and grabbed a coat while I was at it.

"We may as well take the Jeep from here," Gilda said.

"I don't know," I said, "They are probably at the sweet shop already. We better stick to the fast way. Unless your wings are tired."

"I'm good," She said, "I just didn't want you to be embarrassed about it."

"I may feel a little ridiculous being carried like a child," I said, "but it's nice that flying is still an option."

She just smiled and we went on our way.

Everypony was well into their own dessert when we walked into Sugarcube Corner. Scootaloo saw us and flew up. She had ice cream and sprinkles all over her face. I instinctively grabbed my handkerchief as she approached.

"Mom! Dad!" She said as she flew in for a hug. I managed to wipe her face off before she nuzzled either of us.

"Hey, Kid," I said, "sorry to run off."

"It's ok," she said, "I would have done the same if one of the other crusaders ran off like that. Is your friend ok?"

"He's fine," I said, "I better order something. I kinda missed out on eating lunch."

"I grabbed you both sandwiches," Scootaloo held out two take out boxes, "I know you two don't eat many sweets. They're egg and cheese because everything else had daisies on it. Who knew a fancy place like that did all day breakfast? The one with the mark is dads. I got him extra peppers and onions. I got Mom extra cheese."

Gilda and I looked at each other. I could tell we were having the same thought. Scootaloo is awesome!

"Thank you!" Gilda and I said in unison each taking our box.

"Rarity paid for it," Scootaloo pointed out, "With everything you have done for me the least I could do is make sure she got something you would like. Come sit down. Everypony is waiting."

Several tables had been pushed together to fit the crowd. We were invited to sit in two empty seats at the end. Two more empty seats confirmed that we had beat Slag and Fluttershy. I really didn't think Fluttershy was about to carry Slag. So I expected that. Even with the pit stop.

"So is everything alright?" Rarity asked, "I guess I should just assume so. You wouldn't have left them if it wasn't."

"Yea," I said, "It's all good. Not sure if they'll make it back in time. He made it a long way before I found him. He would have to sprint, and I think he wore himself out.

"I should probably go give him a lift," Sawdust said, "he always wears himself out. I wouldn't be surprised if you had to tackle him either."

"Well..." I said rolling my eyes.

"Don't worry about it I'd a done the same. Only we would both be walking back," Sawdust laughed, "This way I have my truck outside. This tantrum will be resolved in record time. Thanks to you."

"You really love your brother, huh? You know him so well," Pinkie squeed, "Can I ride along?"

"Somepony would have to ride in the back," Sawdust pointed out, "There is at least a bit of a side on it now."

"Oooh," Pinkie said, "that sounds like fun!" She jumped up and flew out the door.

"I better go," Sawdust laughed, "Shes probably already in the bed making engine noises."

Pinkies voice could be heard from outside, "Grrrrrrrrrrrrr. Uh oh. Bumpy road." Hooves could be heard against wood.

"Later guys," Sawdust galloped out the door. He could be heard saying, "Now lay still while I drive! I don't want you falling out!"

"Well," Twilight said, "That was interesting. So... Does that potion work on ponies?"

"Only if your not your true self at the moment," I said, "I'm a pony soul reincarnated as a human. The pony you saw is my true self."

"I know a spell that would make it permanent," Twilight offered.

"No, thank you," I said, "I like being a human. My human life is a part of me too. This just isn't my original body."

"Yea," Rainbow said, "This guy used to be friends with Commander Easy Glider. Too bad he wasn't around when I had to take that history test."

"Oh, my," Rarity said, "such prestigious friends. You really were somepony everypony should know."

"I was," I said, "but only because those who found me tended to live longer. Many even went on to save others. Easy Glider and I never wanted fame. Back then fame was more like a target on your head. Not good when your dodging bullets."

"What's a bullet?" Twilight asked.

"The projectile from a gun," I answered. I had expected her to know that considering I had seen Zecora with a gun.

"Soooo..." Twilight got more confused, "what's a gun?"

"A weapon we used back then," I said, "humans also have them. I guess they must have been fazed out as useless here."

I knew where I wanted to go after this.

"Mom, Dad," Scootaloo spoke up, "As long as you don't mind the Crusaders and I are going to spend the night at Rarity's so we can help set up and practice our routine for the party."

"Routine?" I asked, "I didn't need your help with anything. Go ahead."

"You'll see tomorrow," She said, "We're gonna get going. I love you, Mom and Dad."

"I love you, too," I was the only one to say it but Gilda gladly returned the hug. I wasn't going to fault her for it. Saying 'I love you' twice in one day would be a lot to ask from a griffin who had already come so far.

As soon as the Crusaders were gone we realized the remaining four ponies and spike were all staring at us.

"What?" we asked in unison.

"It's just so amazing," Rarity said, "She's totally bonded with you in such a short time. We have been trying to help her for so long, Rainbow Dash was even looking at apartments on the ground! Now, look at her fly away."

"It's true," Rainbow said, "I was pretty sure she would move in with me if I could convince her I was gonna move down there anyway, but she knows how much I love my place, so it was probably a lost cause."

"Ah barely even managed ta convince her we wouldn't mind her lookin' around the farm for shelter," Apple Jack said, "girls got a stubborn streak a mile wide."

"That kinda sounds like a couple of other creatures I know," Twilight giggled looking at Gilda and me.

"Aww, come on," Spike joked, "Owlysius and I aren't that stubborn." The whole table laughed.

"This has been lovely," Rarity said, "But I must be off. I still have loads to do to prepare for the party. Ta ta."

"I better get going too," Twilight said, "I'd like to check the restricted section for any mentioning of these guns. I'll be in the library later tonight if anypony needs me."

"I should get my wing stretches in for the day, then rest up," Rainbow said, "I'm in the Wonderbolts show tomorrow. Later guys."

"Ah'm gonna get an early start on tomorrows chores," Applejack said, "so Ah don't fall behind. See Y'all tomorrow."

"Later guys," Spike said as he followed Twilight leaving Gilda and myself alone at the party table.

"So what do you wanna do?" Gilda asked, "It's only one o'clock."

"I would like to have another talk with Zecora," I said, "I missed a pretty big detail last time. Let's go home for the Jeep first, I like having it close when I enter the woods."