//------------------------------// // Part I // Story: Falling from the Sky // by RD-loves-RA //------------------------------// (I own nothing but the plotline and characters. MLP:FiM is property of Hasbro and Lauren Faust. Any attempts to sue me or my affiliates will be met with crying, pleading, and with negotiation, a written apology.) Falling from the Sky By RD-loves-RA Chapter 1: Amnesia         Nothing. I remember… Nothing… Well, nothing much. A bright light, the sound of screeching wind, and the impact…  The purple unicorn insists I have something called “Amnesia.” The inability to recall past events or relationships previously known to me. I don’t know if she is right, but she seems like she knows what she’s talking about. At least she thinks so… The others aren’t so analytical about my situation.  The yellow pegasus with the pink mane is trying to make me comfortable. She’s doing a good job too. I’ve never felt so comfortable, so secure… At least I don’t think I have... Lying under this hand-sewn blanket helps further my unwillingness to move from my shelter, though the jewel-encrusting seems a bit much. The white unicorn says I’m handsome, if not lacking any refinement. I don’t know what that means, but she said it’s easily remedied. She gave me a mirror to judge my looks for myself. White coat, messily laid mane, dark blue with a yellow lightning streak, tail to match, a glorious set of powerful and firm wings, and a curious mark on either flank. It looks as though it’s a white cloud, surrounded by a blue and yellow field of static electricity. The tan earth pony said that it’s called a “Cutie Mark.” It’s supposed to represent your passion, or special skill. Apparently it’s a rite of passage among the younger ponies. With these wings, and that cloud mark, I guess my skill involves flying, or maybe clouds. Buck, maybe I’m a detective… The only other pony in the library is pink. She won’t stop bouncing. I honestly can’t decide if I want to punch her or hug her. Though I can’t help but smile at her. For now, I’ll just let her continue to plan my “Welcome to Ponyville/Hope you remember things soon” party she keeps babbling about. The purple unicorn is starting to ask questions. I guess it’s time to speak… “So tell me exactly what you remember.” The purple unicorn started. “I remember a bright flash, lots of wind, and hitting the ground” I replied. “Anything else? There has to be more than that!” “Settle down there, Sugarcube. He don’t remember much, if anythang” the tan pony stated. “Right, Sorry” “Look, I really have no clue what’s happe”— “MAYBE HE’S A SPY!” The pink one interjected. “Maybe YER a few apples short of a tree, Pinkie Pie. Let the boy talk!” “Oh, maaaybe he’s a prince from a faraway land, and he was banished by mistake! Oh how dreadful that would be!” mused the white unicorn. “You’re both wrong! He’s probably from Fillydelphia or Manehattan, and he just got lost!” The purple unicorn asserted. “Yer probably right Twilight, Now can all y’all let the boy talk already!?” “Applejack, why are you defending him? *GASP* YOU’RE A SPY TOO, AREN’T YOU!?” The pink one shouted. Everypony kept arguing and I just sat there, wondering how this all happened. They seemed intent on determining where I’m from. I just wanted to leave. To get out of this room and see what I could find on my own. Like an angel, the yellow Pegasus with the pink mane delicately whisked me away towards the door of the library, away from the fighting ponies above. “You should probably go while they are caught up with each other. You need to explore a bit, get used to Ponyville on your own… I mean… If you want to, maybe…” she said softly. “That sounds like a great idea! Any ideas on how to start?” I asked. “Oh, well… Uhm… you could give flying a try. Those wings of yours could use some exercise… Oh, not that they don’t look strong! It’s just being in bed for how long you were… and uh… well, I”— I reached over to the blushing yellow pegasus and gave her a hug with both of my hooves. “Thank you… Uh...” “Uh… My name is… Fluttershy…” “Thank you Fluttershy! I’ll see you again soon!” With that, I galloped out the door and into Ponyville. I could have sworn I heard a “Squeee!” on my way out… It must have been my imagination. Chapter 2: Unexpected Meeting         Now I had the task of exploring this town, Ponyville, and it seemed to me that there was a lot to do. Everypony was friendly and happy, not a soul I met was anything less than polite. I just didn’t feel motivated to explore the town, so I headed away from the hustle and bustle of the town to get some fresh air. I was heading towards the outskirts of town when I was knocked off my hooves by what felt like a train. Still being pushed forward, I turned around and saw I was being carried away by a small orange Pegasus. On a scooter. She shot me a nervous smile, right before looking ahead and panicking. I barely had time to notice the change in her expression before we hit the tree. We collapsed in a heap at the base of its trunk, I on the bottom, the small orange filly on top. Then something fell out of the tree and landed on us both. Hard. We got up, and there before us stood a cyan Pegasus with a rainbow mane rubbing her head. She shook it off, and immediately fixed her irritated gaze on the little orange Pegasus. “Ugh… Scootaloo! I told you to be more careful!” said the cyan Pegasus. “I’m so so soooo sorry Rainbow Dash! I didn’t mean to wake you! I know how you like to nap…” Scootaloo said nervously. “Aww, don’t worry about it squirt. I can’t stay mad at my little sis aaaand number one fan now can I?” “Thanks Dash! Hey, when are you gonna teach me how to fly? I’ve been able to get about five feet off the ground so far, but I could use some help…” said Scootaloo hopefully. “Well, I was just napping, so I have a few hours. How about right now? Would you like that half-pint?” “Boy would I! Oh, that’s right! Are you ok mister? I didn’t mean to hit you. I was trying to get my cutie mark by breaking a land speed record, and I couldn’t really stop… heh heh.” “Oh, uh that’s fine. I only broke a few ribs is all.” I said with a laugh. The cyan Pegasus turned her attention to me and just stared. She looked into my eyes, and I looked back. It seemed like an eternity that we became lost in each other’s eyes. Something like… an understanding that bonded us to that moment in time. “Uhh… Are you two ok?” Scootaloo said with a hint of confusion. The rainbow mane Pegasus shook her head back and forth rapidly to break the gaze we had previously shared. She evidently felt the same thing I did. That odd feeling of familiarity… “What? Yea… Yea, I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?” Rainbow Dash said defensively. “I don’t know, you two were just kinda…staring at each other…” “Oh, that was nothing. Who is this Scoots? Who ARE you?” The cyan Pegasus asked me. “I… I don’t know. I can’t remember anything past today. I just woke up and was assaulted with questions. A bunch of ponies were arguing, and a nice yellow Pegasus told me to go out and explore the town. She thought I could use the fresh air. She said her name was Fluttershy. Do either of you know her?” “Yeah, it sounds like my friends got ahold of you. I’m Rainbow Dash, best flyer in ALL of Equestria! This here is my little sis, Scootaloo.” “Hiyah!” said Scootaloo excitedly. “You already seem to know Fluttershy. That just leaves four. The purple one asking you questions was Twilight Sparkle. She’s a bit of an egghead. Pinkie Pie, very hyper, probably trying to plan you a party…” “Yea, she called me a spy too. The tan one with the hat tried to defend me. The white unicorn said I was handsome but lacked ‘refinement’ and then gave me a blanket.” “Applejack and Rarity. Looks like you met the whole group, except spike. He is a baby dragon, and Twilight’s assistant. He is away in Canterlot on royal business. Something about a bachelor party…” “I’m sure he is just as…Interesting as the others.” I said hesitantly. I don’t even know if I ever had friends. I barely know any of these ponies… The only thing on my mind should be figuring out who I am, how I got here, and why. But now I’ve this odd desire to ignore that and make friends with these ponies. And I can’t shake the feeling I know this Rainbow Dash… What should I do…? “Rainbow Dash, I thought you were gonna show me some moves!” Said Scootaloo impatiently. “Fine Squirt. Hey, Mystery Pony! You’re flying next! I wanna see what you’ve got!” “But I”-- *WOOSH* I was cut off, and she was gone. Chapter 3: The Cabin in the Woods Where Rainbow Dash once stood was a small dust cloud with a rainbow trail heading towards the sky. The straight trail quickly zigged and zagged as Rainbow Dash tore through the sky with staggering speed and agility. Scootaloo and I watched in awe as the display went on, filling the sky with beautiful color and a steady sound of whizzing wind. Suddenly, Rainbow Dash disappeared until I saw her streaking towards us at an alarming rate. With a quick flip, she halted her momentum and landed right in front of me, face to face, nose to nose, eyes focused, and blood pumping full of adrenaline. “Beat that!” She said, confident in her performance. “I’m not even sure I can fly yet, let alone do…THAT!” I said defensively, gesturing towards her previous flight path. “Well, give it your best shot! It’s not like you can beat me anyway!” She said smugly “Ugh…fine, I’ll try” I conceded. I stepped past Rainbow Dash into the clearing, and got ready. For what, I didn’t know. I had no experience flying, or at least I didn’t think I did. I took deep breaths and worked up the courage to try and lift off. I heard my audience send their… …support. I extended my wings for the first time that day, and it felt…natural.  Alright, you’ve got this. All you have to do is flap. How hard can that be? Don’t answer that… Just, breathe. Ignore the peanut gallery next to the tree and just focus… *sigh* focus… I took another deep breath, and brought my wings down with all my effort. Before I knew it, I was in the air about twenty feet, and it felt…amazing. It was like I belonged there. I kept pushing, and before I knew it, I was soaring effortlessly. This is amazing! I knew I had these wings for something, but I never thought that they would make me feel so…alive! Maybe I can even give that Rainbow Dash a run for her money! It seemed like second nature to be in the air. I was ascending, going up and up as high as I could. With unbelievable force, I crashed through the clouds and felt something exhilarating. Something I hadn’t felt since… *CRASH* Back in bed...perfect. Alright, let’s do this! Hooves… Check. Wings… Check. Vision… Buck. I’m blind. Wait… Scratch that, it’s just dark. So where in the hay am I? As my eyes adjusted to the dark, the room I was in began to take form. I saw a nightstand to my left, and on it was a mug. Water water water water… Yes! I took a swing of the strange beverage. It was very strong, but smooth, tasting of fresh apples, cinnamon, and a hint of something…rum? It worked well enough to wet my tongue, if not make me a bit woozy. I hopped out of the bed and almost fell, but I regained enough composure to make my way towards a sliver of light coming from what looked to be a window. I opened it carefully, and suddenly moon beams filled the room with a luminescent glow. I turned back into the room and looked around. Simple accommodations, most likely a bedroom. I glanced at the bed, and saw the covers were red, with butterfly patterns hand-stitched into the fabric. No jewels. Good…this means I’m not under house arrest with those crazy ponies. So then where am I? I noticed a door on the other side of the bed on the left wall. I cautiously went through, not knowing quite what to expect. I went down a set of stairs into what appeared to be the living room of a small cottage. This room was already illuminated by a cloudless night, so I had no trouble seeing where I was going. The sound of breathing caught my attention. I turned at the bottom of the stairs and noticed a sight that I did not expect. There, bathed in the moonlight, lay the yellow pegasus with the pink mane. I stood frozen for what seemed like an hour. I couldn’t explain it, but I was…captivated by the sight of her. She looked so peaceful. In contrast to my tumultuous situation, she was a picture of bliss. As she began to stir, my senses came back to me and I started hesitantly climbing the stairs. I hadn’t gone more than a few steps before I was caught. “He-hello? Is anypony there?” she said with a quiet yawn. “Oh… Uh, yes. It’s me… Whoever I am.” I said. “Oh, it’s you!” she said excitedly “I mean, oh… You’re awake. I was beginning to worry.” She got up and moved closer to me. “Worry? About what?” She was now right next to me. “Well, from what Rainbow Dash told me, you had quite a fall” “Oh, I guess I did… I must have overexerted myself…” No you didn’t. You blacked out. You flapped your wings all of two times, hit a small cloud and fainted like a little filly. You’re lucky Fluttershy wasn’t there to see it. It’s bad enough that you’ll have to face that rainbow pony again after this little calamity of a flight. “Rainbow Dash came and got me right after it happened. I put some herbs on your cuts and put you in my bed so you could get some proper rest. You’ve been through quite a bit today.” “So then this is your house?” I asked “Why yes it is. This is where I take care of all the woodland creatures. We’re just outside of Ponyville. Here, you take a seat. I’ll make us some tea, and then tell you all about your little accident” She pranced off towards the kitchen without another word. Chapter 4: Tea Time with Fluttershy Within minutes, Fluttershy had returned with a tray of tea. I didn’t take her for the type, but she seemed to be quite a perfectionist. The tray was meticulously laid out, and I found myself staring at it, contemplating why she invested so many manners into a simple tray of tea. Then I began to question why I was questioning it, and decided to listen to what Fluttershy had to say. “How’s the tea?” Fluttershy asked shyly. “It’s excellent! You brew quite a cup.” I said after taking a sip The flavor of the tea matched its perfect layout on the tray. It seemed to be blended with the utmost care and technique. Drinking it and looking at the tray filled me with glee for some reason. “Oh…It’s just a simple brew. I make it all the time” said Fluttershy, obviously flattered. “Are you sure? The entire tray seems so…perfect.” “Well…I…” Fluttershy started “What? Is something the matter?” I asked the timid pegasus “I actually make this tea when I’m feeling gloomy. I blend the tea with some rare flowers that smell heavenly, and then I put together the tray so it all looks perfect. It always makes me happy. I just made it on an impulse, I’m actually very happy right now” She looked at me with cheerful eyes. “Well, it’s excellent. A nice tray of tea made by a nice pony.” I said with a smile Fluttershy’s heart skipped a beat, and she found herself blushing at the strange pegasus’s compliment. Fluttershy reddened quite frequently being as shy as she is, but this was a different kind of blushing. She felt…warmer. “So you care for the animals out here?” I asked “Why yes. Those poor little creatures can have a hard time, and so I think I owe it to them to help out and make sure they have everything they need to blossom into the cute little things they can be.” She said with a loving expression “Well that’s very kind of you. I don’t remember anypony quite so…caring.” I said “Well… that’s not fair of you. You don’t remember anything. I’m sure you’ve met ponies just as nice as me, and you just forgot is all.” “Oh…yea. You’re probably right…” I couldn’t quite hide the dejection in my voice “Oh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to say that! It’s just… You’re only… Amnesia… and well I…” *Squeeeeeeee* her hooves moved to cover her mortified face. “Fluttershy, don’t! It’s fine! You didn’t mean it. Would you please show me that smile of yours? I’m sure that would cheer me up.” I said optimistically “*Sniff* O-Okay…” She looked up at me, and did her best to smile. “There it is! I feel much better!” I said happily, causing Fluttershy to redden and giggle “Th-thank you. So, do you have any other questions? I’d be happy to answer them for you” “Actually yes. I’d like to know more about you.” I said sheepishly “M-me? Why would you want to know about me? I’m not that interesting…am I?” “I just want to get to know the pony showing me so much kindness is all. Care to share?” “Oh, I guess that sounds reasonable. I’m really nopony special. I just like to take care of all my friends, big and small, and be out in the nice fresh air. Equestria is such a beautiful place; it would be a shame to spend all your time inside. A pretty spring morning with all the birds chirping and the bunnies hopping is enough to make me as happy as can be.” “That sounds…just wonderful. I’d love to experience that someday.” I said hopefully “I’d be delighted if you’d join me one of these days. You know, from what Rainbow told me, you’re quite the flyer. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you have a knack for it. I’ll bet you find joy once you get back into the swing of it.” “I hope so. It felt good to be in the sky. Oh, that reminds me! What exactly happened? I know that I blacked out, and that you brought me here, but I don’t really remember much else.” “Well I wasn’t there to see it, but Rainbow told me you just started falling out of nowhere. She managed to throw a cloud under you before you hit the ground. That softened your fall a bit, though I admit you’re lucky you weren’t hurt more” “I guess I’ll have to thank her the next time I see her” I said begrudgingly “Once you were safely on the ground, she came to me as fast as she could and made sure you got here.” “Why did she come and get you, and not somepony else?” I asked curiously “Oh… Well I… Uhm, I guess that she just thought… that…” Fluttershy stammered, confused at the question “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that you weren’t the right pony to get, I was just curious is all!” Why did I say that!? I think I hurt her feelings… How could I have hurt this sweet ponies feelings? I’m heartless… Wait, why does this bother me so much? I barely know this pony. For all I know, she could be a spy! A SPY!? That pink pony must have gotten to me! Oh, I should apologize. She is so nice, and sweet, and… “Beautiful…” I said softly “E-Excuse me, but… What did you just say?” “What? I didn’t say anything, did I?” “You said… Beautiful…” I-I don’t… Uh… Well you see, I”— “D-Do you think I’m… *gulp* Beautiful?” She turned her head away, blushing and with wide, confused eyes. “Y-Yes, I do…” Buck. “Wh-What? R-Really?” She stammered, face burning bright It was at this point we both went silent. The only sound left in the room was the ticking of her clock on the wall, and our quiet, irregular breathing. I just looked at her, staring at her. My white face was red and warm, my eyes were wide, my heart was beating out of my chest. All the while, Fluttershy just sat there looking confused. She would glance my way, see I was looking back at her, and then blush. This went on for about ten minutes. At this point, Fluttershy had begun to look as though she was deep in thought, still blushing during her philosophical journey towards an unknown decision. My eyes were no longer wide, but my face was still red, and my eyes began to swell with emotions that had previously been hiding beneath my exterior. Fluttershy immediately took notice. “What’s wrong? Oh my, did I hurt your feelings!?” “What? No! It’s just, I…” “What? Are you ok?” I thought for a split second, and then released the floodgates of emotion on the poor, unsuspecting pegasus. “…No. I have no idea who I am, where I’m from, or why I’m here. I’ve been bounced around from place to place all day, locked in thought trying to remember… Well, anything! Even the smallest detail, the smallest shred of my past life would have given me some hope. I’m just so lost. The new ponies I’m meeting everywhere keep asking who I am, and I can’t tell them! I can’t even tell myself… Now, I find myself sitting here, trying to sort this entire situation out while being overwhelmed by feelings for”— I cut myself off and turned my head. “Feelings? Feelings for what?” Fluttershy asked curiously “…Feelings for you.” Fluttershy once again turned her head and blushed, but this time she had a small smirk on her face. After a moment, she looked at me as if she had come to a conclusion that took months of consideration. “Well that settles it!” She said decisively “S-Settles what… exactly?” “You’re spending the night in bed with me. I can’t let somebody who is so lost, and hurt, and confused spend the night alone in the dark wondering what’s going to happen! Especially not a friend! That’s irresponsible and just plain mean!” “I-I”— She cut me off, and just like before, she whisked me towards her bedroom with the grace of an angel. She forced me up onto her bed, and then joined me without hesitation, but with a red face. As I laid down, she snuggled up to me, and I melted in her hooves. “Good night, Sleep tight, and don’t let the parasprites bite.” She said delicately I didn’t respond, as I was too tired to do anything other than bury my head into her chest and sigh. She let out a relaxed and happy breath of her own, and we drifted away together. My last thought before being overcome by sleep caught me by surprise, and left me a warm smile on my rosy face. This small, timid pegasus is probably the most fragile thing I’ve ever met, yet she makes me feel so…safe. Chapter 5: Civil Conversation The end of a perfect night wasn’t welcomed, but the promise of a brand new day full of joy was enough to bring a smile to Fluttershy’s face. The timid mare had fallen asleep last night as she always did, in her bed. The only difference was that this time she had an amazing colt in her arms to keep her warm. She turned her head, and there he was, still wrapped in her arms as he was last night. Unchanged, and undisturbed. He looks so peaceful when he’s sleeping Fluttershy thought, wiping the drool from his face delicately. The situation she had put herself in from the night before began to come into focus, and a concerned look quickly overtook her warm, caring smile. Oh, what were you thinking Fluttershy? You just let this colt sleep in your bed, with YOU in it! Oh, what would the others think? But he is so nice, and he just looked so sad. So just because somepony’s sad, you’ll let them sleep in your bed with you? Well…no… he’s different. I might actually… Might actually what Fluttershy? The now frustrated pegasus rested her head back onto her pillow and let out a sigh. How can I explain this to anypony if I can’t even explain it to myself? *WOOSH* “Fluttershy! How is he? Is he o-WHAT THE HAY!?” Rainbow Dash appeared through the open window. “Rainbow Dash! Oh my, this isn’t, I mean, well I”— “Fluttershy! What are you doing!? When I asked you to take care of him, I didn’t mean… Well… THIS!” She gestured towards the bed. “SHH… I don’t want to wake him. L-lets go for a glide, we can talk outside.” “Fine…” Rainbow Dash grunted as she flew back out the window. Fluttershy looked back at the pony lying in her bed. She didn’t expect a smile under the circumstances, but one escaped when she looked his way. She moved the covers over his shoulder, turned around, and flew out the window to join her agitated friend. “What were you doing in bed with him?!” “Well I”— “How did this happen? I just asked you to help him!” “I know, and I”— “Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy exclaimed angrily, and out of character. Rainbow Dash was stunned. Fluttershy, the most timid pony she knows, just yelled at her. Her face was flushed, and her brow was hardened into a stern look that she hadn’t seen on Fluttershy since she stood up to the dragon endangering her friends. Fluttershy wasn’t budging. It was time to calm down and listen to her. “*Sigh* Ok Fluttershy, talk. I’m all ears.” Fluttershy’s stern look soon receded, but her complexion was still red with emotion. She took a moment to gather herself and ready a response for her best friend, who was still hovering expectantly in front of her. “I-I suppose I should start at the beginning” Fluttershy murmured. “You think?” Rainbow Dash said sarcastically. Fluttershy glared at her and continued. “After he woke up in the library, he was being overwhelmed by our friends. They kept asking him questions, and they wouldn’t let him come to terms with where he was. I turned him loose. He was very kind and polite and when I helped him, he thanked me, and gave me a very nice hug” Rainbow Dash made a vomit sound and Fluttershy irritably continued. “He went off and got himself hurt,” Fluttershy shot a look at Rainbow Dash who then smiled nervously, aware of her mistake. “And he woke up in my room where you left him.” “That doesn’t explain how you het in bed with him” Rainbow stated. “I’m getting to that Rainbow Dash. H-he came downstairs to find out where he was. I happened to wake up and see him. I started to talk to him about his accident, but then…” Fluttershy paused, and then turned her head blushing. “But then… what Fluttershy?” “Then after…after we talked for a while, called me beautiful. Then he told me everything that was wrong, which was a lot. He was lost, and hurt, and…shy. I didn’t have the heart to let him sleep alone. So I snuggled up with him and fell asleep.” “Is that everything?” “Y-yes. I-it is…” “*Phew* I thought it was something worse! I thought you actually”— “Like him…” Fluttershy said softly to herself. “What!? Fluttershy…you actually like him?” “Y-yes…” Fluttershy confessed hesitantly. “Fluttershy! You CAN’T like that colt. He might not be who we think! I mean, what if he’s dangerous? What if he’s a liar?! What if he’s a”— “What if he’s a SPY?” Fluttershy said with sarcasm in her otherwise soft voice. “Okay, so maybe that’s a bit screwy. I just don’t know about that pegasus. He makes me feel weird…” Rainbow Dash looked to the side uncomfortably. “What do you mean weird? What did he do?” Fluttershy asked with concern. “Well, he didn’t DO anything…” “He did…nothing?” Fluttershy was visibly confused. “Well, no… But he looked at me and I felt…weird…” The normally calm pegasus began to grow impatient. “Rainbow Dash, what are you talking about? What happened?” The rainbow pony took a deep breath. “When we first met, the stranger and me, we kinda stared at eachother…” “Stared?” Fluttershy said expectantly. “Well, sorta. I looked in his eyes and just got lost. I couldn’t move or say anything. We both just stood there, staring. I felt something…familiar. I…I…” Rainbow Dash paused. “You what? What did you feel?” Fluttershy was growing anxious. “I felt some kind of connection with him. It feels like I know him… I don’t know what it was, but I know he felt it too. Fluttershy, I just want you to be careful. You don’t know anything about this pony. I don’t want you to get hur”— Fluttershy cut her off, raising her voice from quiet to semi-soft. “Now I get it. You-you’re just jealous!” She sounded hurt and angry. “W-what?! I am not! I just”— “You saw him with me and got upset because you felt some…connection with him!” “Fluttershy, that’s not it at all! Listen to me, I”— “No, you listen to me! I really like that pony, and I want to give him a chance. I’m not going to let you take that away. I’m sorry, but I just can’t believe that he could be anything other than kind.” “Fluttershy, I…” Rainbow Dash said softly. The small yellow pegasus flew away without letting Rainbow Dash complete her sentence. She was left alone on the road with her thoughts. Rainbow Dash wasn’t the emotional type, but being yelled at by a timid pony, the very spirit of kindness, and her best friend shook her resolve. She began to question why she reacted so harshly. Aw man, look at this. You managed to make Fluttershy jealous and angry. I’m pretty sure it’s easier to walk bare-hoofed on the sun than to do that. And to make matters worse, she still likes that pegasus. Who does he think he is, stealing her heart like that? He probably tricked her into liking him, and he probably tricked me with that weird staring too! When I find him, I’m gonna give him a piece of my mind. I can’t wait to get my hooves on him and put a dent in him for what he’s done. Hopefully he’s still at Fluttershy’s, that way I don’t have to go far to find… “YOU!” Rainbow Dash exploded towards the unsuspecting white pegasus that had just appeared from around the bend. Chapter 6: Focus Ahh… So warm, and… ugh, bright. Why sunlight, why? I turned away from the bright light coming into the room from the window. To my dissatisfaction, I was alone in bed. The wonderful yellow pegasus who had joined me in slumber was gone. I turned back towards the window and looked at the light. It was warm, bright and inviting. “Just like her…” I said to nopony in particular Just then, a thought crossed my mind, a very disheartening one. Was all that just a dream? It seemed so real… That couldn’t have been a dream. You told her how you felt. How you feel… She just got up and went somewhere. She seems like somepony who gets up early. Yes, that’s exactly what happened. Now go find her and keep being blissfully ignorant of bad things. Fine, don’t have to tell me twice. Go find her and be happy. Shut up brain, I told you not to tell me twice. But it’s important. SHUT UP! “I’m crazier than that pink one...” I told myself as I began my search for Fluttershy. I floated out of bed and flew towards the stairs. Fluttershy was nowhere upstairs, so I descended towards the living room and went to the kitchen. My smile quickly turned to slight frown when I realized she wasn’t in the house. I decided that she must have stepped out early to take care of the animals. I was determined to find and thank her for last night, and so I left in pursuit. I started down the road leading away from Fluttershy’s cottage, walking at a calm pace. It was such a nice day out; I couldn’t help but enjoy it. I could see why Fluttershy loved being outside so much, caring for animals, warming herself in the sun’s rays. It was surreal. Having been totally distracted by the allure of an Equestrian morning, I was forgetting why I left the cottage in the first place. “YOU!” “Huh?” I turned and barely saw a blue streak heading straight towards me. My eyes focused and in a reflexive motion I reached out. I managed to grab the streak and pin it to the ground by its hoof and its wing. Much to my surprise, it was a less-than-pleased looking Rainbow Dash, a look of shock across her face, one that matched mine, no doubt directed at the display we just partook in. “Get…Off me!” Rainbow Dash yelled. “I’m sorry! I-I don’t know what happened…” My voice trailed off. “You tackled me to the ground! That’s what happened!” “You tried to tackle me! I just pinned you! I didn’t even mean to do that…” “See, this is exactly why I can’t be ok with you and Fluttershy! You’re too weird! There’s something up with you, and I’m gonna find out what!” Rainbow Dash was furious. I froze. She had seen me in bed with Fluttershy and was not ok with it in the least. She was angrier than I had seen anypony get, and it was all directed at me. Why is it always me? “You can’t even speak because even YOU know you’re messed up!” What do I do? “Nothing about you seems right! You freak me out!” Please, Just… Stop… Please… “You shouldn’t be here!” Rainbow Dash was getting even angrier, more desperate sounding. Shut up, shut up, shut up. “I won’t let you come into my home and do this! You’re a danger to everyone in Ponyville! Especially to Fluttershy! “SHUT UP!” Rainbow Dash froze at my outburst. “Just-just shut up! You have no idea what you’re talking about! I know less about myself than you do! I’m lost, confused, hurt and now angry! All I did to you was knock you out of a tree. By mistake! And here you are now, attacking me!” “I won’t l-let you hurt Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash hesitantly proclaimed. “Hurt Fluttershy?” I paused at this foreign concept. “Hurt…Fluttershy!? What makes you think I would hurt her!? All she’s done for me goes beyond what anypony else would ever do. She makes me feel safe, and loved, and as if I actually mean something! Even I don’t believe that myself… Hurting her isn’t anywhere on my list of priorities, and I will NOT let you tell me that I will do otherwise!” “How can you be so sure you won’t hurt her!?” “Because I couldn’t live with myself if I did!” Rainbow Dash was left speechless. She didn’t know how to react to what she had just heard. The stallion she had been so set on driving away from Fluttershy had just shattered her only argument. She tried to keep the stern and confrontational look she wore, but it failed as the concern and hurt clawed its way to the surface. Rainbow Dash scanned his face and tried to find any sign that he may be lying, or unsure of his statement. When she looked at him however she saw honesty, and determination she hadn’t seen on anypony but… “Hey! Rainbow! New Guy!” Both of us turned and saw the source of the call. It was Twilight Sparkle running towards us from Ponyville. At her side was the energetic ball of laughter, Pinkie Pie. Neither of us said anything when they approached. “Hey! Uhh… Is something wrong?” Twilight referred to the looks we wore on our faces from the still fresh encounter. “No, nothing’s wrong,” Rainbow said softly “We were just”— “OOH, I KNOW! We should have a ‘Good News’ Party!” Pinkie yelled over Rainbow Dash’s explanation. “Pinkie, Later!” Twilight said rolling her eyes. “Good news? What good news?” Rainbow asked. “Come with us to the library, I’ll explain everything there.” Twilight smiled. “You come too Mr. Mystery! It wouldn’t be a party without the guest of honor!” Pinkie beamed. Rainbow Dash and I looked skeptically at each other and then followed the two ponies back into town. The short half hour walk led everypony to what they knew as the library. I knew it as my organically grown prison cell, though I suppose I shouldn’t dwell on these events long past. Long past? It was a few days ago! Dwell on it, it’ll be fun! I chuckled a bit at my minds sense of humor, making the bouncing pink pony turn her head and smile. I couldn’t help but smile back, her unnatural level of happiness rubbing off on me. I still had no clue as to why we were gathered here in this library. It seems like Twilight gathers everypony for announcements, so that could be it, but Pinkie Pie called me the guest of honor. What did that mean? They’re going to murder you and bake you into cupcakes. I smiled morbidly and looked around the room at my captors turned acquaintances. They looked at me and smiled back, genuinely beaming. Yum… “Alright, it looks like everypony’s here. Wait…” Twilight said looking around the room. “Where’s Flutter”— “She’s not coming.” Rainbow Dash said curtly. Everypony looked at her with concern. I glared. “Riiiiight… So, shall we begin?” Twilight asked enthusiastically. “Now what would we be beginnin’ with exactly, Sugarcube?” Applejack asked. “Indeed Dahling, why ever did you call us to this musty old library on such a fahbulous day?” Rarity half inquired, half mused. “Well it’s obvious, isn’t it?” Everypony turned towards Pinkie Pie. “She gathered us here for a PARTY!!!” A groan escaped everypony’s mouths. “Well…” Twilight started “…If curing somepony’s amnesia is a party, then Pinkie would be correct.” “Whut!?” “I say!” “No way!” “And I said ‘Oatmeal? Are you crazy?’” The simultaneous outburst came suddenly, and I found everypony turning to look at me, gauging my reaction, or more accurately my lack of one. I grew a firm look, almost doubtful. “How?” I asked suspiciously. “I’ve been looking through some readings I took from the Canterlot Archives, and I came across an old memory spell. I think that I can use this spell to return most, if not all of your memory to you!” Twilight looked proud of her discovery. I thought about it for a moment, taking what she had said into consideration. “I’m in.” I said certain of my choice. “Great, so let’s get to work!” Twilight levitated a book from one of her shelves. It was a tome called Jewels & Gemstones: Properties of Equestrian Geology.” “Uhh, Twi? Shouldn’t y’all be doin’ some magic instead of thinkin ‘bout spikes next meal?” Applejack said uncertainly. “Let me explain AJ,” Twilight flipped open the book and turned to a specific entry. “Positus Lapidem!” “Positus Lapiwhooha!?” Pinkie said confused. “Positus Lapidem. A Focusing Stone!” “Who cares what it’s called, what the hay does it do?” Rainbow Dash said impatiently. “I have no clue. I’m just guessing she’s too buried in that book to go out and find one.” I said to Rainbow Dash who was now snickering. “*Sigh* A focusing stone has the power to amplify magical rays by converging their wavelengths and power through a prism-like pathway composed entirely of”— “English dear, English.” Rarity interrupted. “I can make my memory spell strong enough to cure your amnesia by casting it through the focusing stone!” Twilight said, clearly agitated. “Well why didn’t you just say so craaaazy?” Pinkie said, smiling as always. “So, how do we get this stone? What do I have to do?” I asked. “Well, I don’t know yet. I need to locate one, which is why I have Rarity here!” Twilight said. “Muah?! What do I possibly have to do with this?” Rarity said dramatically. “Well Rarity, You have a talent for finding Jewels!” “Thank you Dahling, but can’t you do that as well?” “Yes, I can copy your spell, but it isn’t the same.” “Whatever do you mean dear?” “Well, your spell comes directly from your special talent. You said you got your cutie mark after putting Jewels on some of your designs, right?” “Well, I can assure you there is more to the story than that, but yes.” “Your jewel finding spell has matured, drawing power and form from your cutie mark. This makes it more advanced than mine. We can both find Jewels, but you can find specific jewels!” “So we’re gonna use Rarity’s spell to find that there focusing stone?” Applejack asked. “Precisely!” Twilight said proudly. “How is she gonna do that, huh? Last I checked Rarity could only find jewels that are close to her!” Rainbow said. “Yes dear, I don’t know how you expect me to”— “Waaay ahead of you guys.” Twilight said. Twilight took the book over to a table she had set up against the wall, and put it down. She levitated a large scroll from the shelf on the same wall, and put it on the table next to the book. She unfurled it, revealing a detailed map of what appeared to be Equestria. “Rarity, come here please.” “Alright Dahling.” Rarity said hesitantly. “Now, I want you to read this section of the book to yourself, and try performing your spell while visualizing the stone.” Twilight instructed. “I’ll give it my all.” Rarity said with dedication. Rarity started reading and her horn began to glow blue. She closed her eyes to concentrate on her task. “Alright, keep that up. I’m going to step in.” Twilight said. Twilight moved towards Rarity and began to concentrate on her own job. Twilight’s horn began to glow a bright pink color, and she leaned towards Rarity. Twilight brought her horn to Rarity’s and their magic began to combine. Twilight’s eyes began to glow white, and the room darkened slightly. I looked around at everypony, and was shocked when I saw them looking so calm. Apparently this kind of thing was normal for Twilight. The spectacle distracted me from the high pitched humming that was growing louder. *BAM* The room lightened up again, and the two unicorns stopped what they were doing. Twilight turned towards the table and a huge smile formed on her face. “It worked? It worked! Ha ha, yes it worked it worked it worked!” Everypony was now looking at Twilight with a cocked eyebrow, save for Rainbow Dash who was trying to suppress a giggle. Twilight took notice and turned red. “He he, uhh it worked.” Twilight said sheepishly. “Hehe, I think we got that, Sugarcube. What worked exactly?” Applejack asked. “My navigation spell!” Twilight beamed. “Navigation spell?” Rainbow Dash and I asked concurrently. We turned and glared at each other. As if sensing the apprehension, Twilight moved in between us and continued. “Look at the map!” She pointed over to the table. Everypony in the room looked at the map and noted a new feature. A small glowing dot had appeared on it, and it was emitting a beep every few seconds like a radar. “Wow Twilight, how the hay did you do that?” Pinkie said excitedly. “Yes, considering I was a part of it, I would like to know what was accomplished.” Rarity said. “I’ll try to keep it simple.” Rainbow Dash and Applejack couldn’t hide their snickering. “Ignoring that,” Twilight glared at the two troublemakers. “I had Rarity focus on the signal the focusing sends out. Every jewel has a frequency, so she was acting like a sort of jewel detecting radar.” “Hmmph, I am much more than just a gem-finder.” Rarity asserted. “We know Sugarcube, we know.” Applejack said, clearly patronizing Rarity. “Now let Twi finish. Go ahead.” “I used a spell that can find things and tell you where you’re located. I bounced it off Rarity’s spell, which basically relayed the closest focusing stones frequency back to me. Then I just concentrated that knowledge into a vision of the map on the table, and marked the spot. It is now tracking the stone in real time!” Twilight was marveling at her own work. “Sweet Apple Acres, look where it’s at!” Everypony moved closer to the map to investigate the tan earth pony’s exclamation. “Oh, that’s…not good.” Twilight almost shuddered. “Not good? Not good!? Gosh darnit Twi, that place is downright terrible!” Applejack asserted. “I’m going to get it.” I said. Everypony turned to look at me, eyes wide. “Oh Dahling, you can’t! How can you subject such a lovely mane to a place that…HORRID!” Rarity pleaded. “Rarity is right! Sort of… You can’t go get the stone. It’s deep in the Everfree Forest, farther than anypony normally goes!” Twilight said. “It’s too dangerous fer trained ponies, let alone the likes ah you. No offense, Sugarcube…” “Hey, has anypony seen Gummy? I can’t find him anywhere.” Pinkie interjected. I heard their concerns and their pleas, but I didn’t listen. I didn’t think of the consequences of going and I didn’t give a flying feather what they had to say. “I’m still going to get it.” I said. “Everyone here said it’s too dangerous to go out there. Everyone except you.” I looked at the cyan pegasus skulking on the edge of the group. “You haven’t said anything. I don’t take you for the kind to keep her mouth shut.” The cheerful rainbow color of her mane did not match the hardened look on her face that culminated in her furrowed brow and subtle frown. Her demeanor didn’t budge when I addressed her. The only change was a sharpening of her pupils, as if she was preparing to dissect me with her furious magenta eyes. “Well?” “Well what!? What do you want me to say? Oh my, don’t go out there! We would just DIE if something happened to youuuu!~” Rainbow Dash jeered. “You really don’t like me, do you?” “What?! Why in Equestria would you EVER think that?!” “If I’m not careful I could literally drown in the ocean of sarcasm you’ve poured into this room. It just flows from your gaping maw now doesn’t it?” “GET OVER HERE!” Rainbow Dash leapt at me furiously I dodged her jump and whipped my head around to look at her. “You know for the best flyer in Equestria you sure are sloppy with your takedowns. That’s twice you’ve missed me!” “AAAHHH!” She was right on top of me this time. She collided with me and we struck the neighboring bookshelf hard. She knocked the breath out of me, and I could barely move. I threw out my hoof and it struck her on the side of her head, giving me just enough time to make my move. I grabbed her recoiling body and threw her off me. She landed on all fours, wings reared, and ready to charge. Both of us began our next attack, speeding towards each other. *BOOM* “STOP!!!” We both stopped in our tracks and looked at the source of the exclamation. Twilight was standing right beside us, her face hardened and her horn glowing. “What do you two think you’re doing!? This is no way to act, and I’m shocked that I had to step in to stop this! We can discuss this courteously!” “But he starte”— “COURTEOUSLY!” Twilight reiterated forcefully. “Fine! You wanna know what I think!?” Rainbow Dash yelled. “Oh yes, we’d all LOVE to hear your thoughts on the matter!” I said “That stone is deep in the Everfree forest, cut off from anypony and everypony that could ever help us. We have no clue what’s lurking in there, or whether or not we’ll even be able to get to this stone. And to top it all off you have no experience with the forest, or anything for that matter. You have no chance of getting there alone.” “What’s your point?” “I’m going in with you!” Rainbow Dash hardened her face and stared directly at me.