//------------------------------// // Chapter 26 // Story: A Little Visit // by Annabelle RTH //------------------------------// Flash’s POV I smiled and took a few deep breaths as I walked with Twilight. I was still getting over the feeling of needing to vomit. My head hurt and my chest was heavy. I can smile and try to change the mood all I want but this time was going to be a little different. I focused my sights on a tree in the distance. I wanted to calm down. I’m okay, I’m fine. It was a moment of destruction that has passed. I may or may not be completely over it but I’m not there anymore. I am here with Twilight. A pony who actually cares about me and I care about her. I’m in Ponyville at the fair and we’re about to walk into the petting zoo. “You sure you’re okay?” Twilight asked. “Hm,” I looked at her not fully processing what she said before, “oof,” I bumped into the fence. “Umm. Yeah? Yes.” I cleared my throat and looked at her for a moment. “I’m okay.” I nodded. She smiled at me unsure. I stepped towards her and placed my hoof on hers. I pressed my forehead on hers careful with her horn. I spoke quietly. “Listen, I don’t know what this means or what’s going to happen, but I do know this.” I pulled away just so I can look her in the eye. “You’re my girlfriend now and I want to have a good time with you at the fair.” I pulled my hoof up asking for hers. “Do you want to pet some goats with me?” She giggled. That’s all I need. Even, if she’s still worried, a giggle means she won’t completely let this… occurrence, get in the way of our day. We only get two or three when we can actually be a couple. I know I’ll have a deep think about all this later… and maybe a lot of letters and or conversation about this with her and possibly my sisters… but not now. Right now, I’m on a mini vacation with Twilight. “And maybe some flamingos?” We laughed. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” We walked into the petting zoo and the first thing I saw was Angel. He was trying to get Fluttershy’s attention who I believe was showing off a flying squirrel to a family. Twilight did mention this was also an opportunity to adopt animals. Hmm… “Hey Angel.” I called out to him and he seemed happy to see me. It’s a little hard to tell on such a small face. He hopped over and I hoof bumped his paw. “What’s been happening?” He pantomimed something that at first, didn’t make any sense. “Uh-huh… Sure… Oh right…” “What’s he saying?” Twilight asked. “He’s talking about the Breezies and how they overran Fluttershy’s home.” “Oh that’s right. They were so adorable, although they did overstay their welcome.” Angel went on and on about how they ran Fluttershy ragged and how annoying they were. “Sorry about that Angel. At least they’re home now and you have your bed back.” I picked him up and hugged him. Hmm… maybe I should think about adopting a pet. It does get kind of lonely in the apartment… but I’m always aching to come to Ponyville. I could go for a bording situation or even pet sitting. “Something on your mind?” “Hmm.” I looked over. “You seem really affectionate towards Angel. Enough so, he’s been trying to break free for about 30 seconds now.” “Hmm.” I looked down for a split second seeing Angel struggling. “Oh.” I let go. “Sorry little buddy. I’ll uh, I’ll just put you down now.” I let him go and he pantomimed again, asking if I was trying to kill him or something. “Sorry, just lost in thought.” “What were you thinking about?” “All the animals and hugging Angel got me thinking about adopting an animal companion.” “That’s a wonderful idea. I’m sure Fluttershy would love to help.” “I know she would, but I think I’ll just pick her brain for now. I think I’d like to adopt closer to home.” When Fluttershy was free to talk we walked up to her. I told her, “I’m thinking about adopting an animal companion. Any ideas on where I should start.” I was not expecting her sing. Oh no. She started to fly and she brought around all kinds of creatures. “Uh, Fluttershy, just to be clear, I am not adopting today. I just need some ideas.” She giggled. “Oh of course.” And then… she continued to sing… although this time, she sang a lecture about general care of all kinds of creatures. She pulled out an isle with pictures to go through for each one. I was entranced. “Was that enough to get you started on your search?” She asked me as soon as she was done singing. “Um,” Twilight patted me back. “Definitely. You were very thorough.” I responded. “Thank you. It is very important for any potential adopter to know exactly what they are getting into. Taking care of animals is wonderful but also hard work. Not everypony has the love and patience to care for them.” I nodded. “I agree. You gave me a lot to think about.” “I’m glad I could help. So, have you met up with the others?” “Everypony except Rainbow Dash.” Twilight answered. “Oh yes, she’s very excited about the obstacle course she and Applejack built.” “Sorry to interrupt, but I think I see sparks between that colt and hummingbird.” Flutterhsy turned around to see a little green colt with a brown mane talking with a hummingbird in his hoof. “You’re right. Gotta go but I’ll see you two later.” “Bye.” “See ya.” “Feeling up for some rides?” I asked. Twilight felt her stomach. “Yes, I’m not completely stuffed anymore.” “Let’s go!” We wasted no time. We got on everything that wasn’t a foal’s ride and of course had more snacks. This time, though, we paced ourselves a little better. At the end of the fairgrounds, we finally met up with Rainbow Dash and the rest of the gang. Looking over at the course, I noticed Rainbow was racing Pinkie Pie while the others cheered them on. They waved us over. “Hey everypony, is it close?” Twilight asked. “Definitely.” Rarity responded. “Pinkie really is full of surprises.” I said as we walked closer to them. “She sure is.” Applejack replied. They were nearing the end, jumping through hoops. They scaled a wall… well Pinkie galloped over. Then, it was a race to the finish. While Rainbow Dash looked determined, ultimately, Pinkie would be the victor in this race by a hair. Still surprises me how much ground she covers with a single bounce. We all cheered when they crossed the finish line before walking towards them. Pinkie hopped a small lap around us while Rainbow Dash caught her breath. “You both were wonderful.” Fluttershy said. “A wonderful spectacle indeed.” Rarity went on. Rainbow watched Pinkie and I could see her wanting to be angry but before she could, Pinkie said, “Great race, right?” Rainbow Dash looked confused at first but looking at Pinkie’s genuine smile she softened. “Well, yeah… thanks for the challenge Pinkie.” She held out her hoof. Pinkie, had another idea. She grabbed Rainbow Dash and squeezed her. “Thank you so much for a fun obstacle course. It was great to really stretch out my limbs.” “Heh, sure thing Pinks.” And that was our que to say “Aww….” And join in a group hug. Afterwards, I took a chance and asked, “So, is anypony up for a race or am I going to have to beat the clock?” “Ah’d be up for a race.” Applejack responded. Not the pony I was expecting but this’ll be fun. “So long as ya can lose gracefully.” She teased. “I grew up with five sisters. Believe me, I know something about losing with grace.” “Then, you’ve got yerself a race.” She nodded. I nodded back. Twilight, of course, officiated. She cleared her throat. “Competitors, your task is to go through and complete this obstacle course. Stay in your perspective lanes. The first to cross the finish line wins. On your marks, get set, go!” She did a little hop and we were off. We jumped through hoops, crossed planks… even the guard crawl… I immediately had flashbacks to the academy going through drills over and over again. I could almost hear the yelling, the grunting, the demands placed on me and my comrades. For a split second, I felt myself transitioning into the part of me that is a guard, but I caught something in the corner of my eye. Ruby? I slowed down to take a scan around me. Nothing. Now that’s… weird. I hardly ever just see things. And I don’t have that great of an imagination. I shook my head a bit and refocused. Applejack was just a few paces ahead of me, just need to close the gap. Then I heard a familiar laugh. Okay, I’m not crazy. I slowed down again and looked around trying to find her. I got nothing. I know there are other fillies here but there’s no way I’d mistake another laugh for hers. When I got to the rock wall, I looked at it a few seconds trying to think. All right. I started to climb. Ruby couldn’t be here on her own. There’s no way Mom and Dad would let her go to Ponyville by herself. Is Princess Cadence meddling again? No, she promised me she wouldn’t. Could my parents be here with Ruby? If so, I’d have quite a bit of explaining to do. Oh boy. How am I supposed to tell them I’m dating a princess? That’s when I spotted her. She waved to me from the stands and trotted towards the finish line. I smiled as I recognized her face. I just wanted to hug her. All right, one thing at a time. I assessed my position in the race. Applejack was ahead of me and we were close to the finish line. She was looking out towards Twilight and the others, starting to slow down. I sprinted. As soon as she noticed me close in next her, she sped up too. But it was too late. I gained a few steps and crossed the finish line expecting to see Ruby nearby, but I couldn’t find her. I flew up hoping to spot her but she just… disappeared. What the? “Flash, is something wrong?” Twilight flew up after me. “Iiiiii don’t think so. I mean, uh I thought I saw Ruby in the stands.” I looked at Twilight. “Really?” Twilight looked over at the stands. “I didn’t see her.” “She was behind you guys and now she’s gone.” I tried scanning for any of my other sisters and my parents. I couldn’t see them. I don’t like this. I don’t just see things. “A little confused are we?” I felt a furry arm around me and looked up. Discord! My instincts took over and I punched him in the face.