//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: A Blast from the Past // Story: Drowning in Love // by Silentpegasus //------------------------------// Chapter 5 A Blast from the Past Over the course of the next few weeks Dash’s swimming had gradually improved once she could use her wings. The two decided to keep the little ‘incident’ to themselves. Once in a while Wake would catch himself staring at the mare’s well toned flank and sleek athletic body. He kept his mouth shut about it and continued to coach her. Rainbow had learned the basic stroke, back stroke and the breast stroke fairly easily. It was the late afternoon when Wake trotted into the library to see Twilight at her desk reading a book. “Hey Wake.” She said with a smile. “Hey Twilight. What’s up?” “Just reading a new spell book I got.” She said with a wide grin. “Cool.” He said as he sat down. The mare closed the book and trotted over next to the stallion. “So how are Rainbow’s swimming classes going?” The stallion’s expression shattered and he looked at her with his best poker face. “What swimming classes?” He lied. “C’mon Wake. Rainbow coming home late, smelling like chlorine and dripping wet.” She said as a smile crept across her face. “Since you’re the only lifeguard around here I’m assuming you’re the one teaching her.” “Fine you got me.” He said with a sigh. The two were soon joined by Rainbow, Applejack and the rest of their friends. “Hey guys.” “Sup dude?” Rainbow asked with a smile. “Not much, just chilling. You?” “My shift just got over and I came here.” “Why?” “Twilight is holding a small get together tonight.” Rarity said with a smile. “A slumber party?” “No just a small casual party.” Pinkie said with a smile. “You should totally come!” “One stallion and six mares? Way to out of my element.” He said as he sat back. Rainbow flew up next to him with a pleading look in her eyes. “Please, I need somepony there who isn’t all girly and what not.” “Ahem!” The farmer said in an aggravated tone. “I mean besides you AJ.” “I don’t know Dash.” The mare pushed her lips together and gave him the puppy dog eyes. Damn it! Again with that look. “Fine. I’ll come.” He said with a sigh. The mare suddenly had a wide grin on her face. “When is it?” “Be here at six.” Twilight said with a smile. “Okay I’ll see you later.” He said as he walked out of the tree. As the door closed the mares instantly turned towards Rainbow Dash. “What?” “Don’t ‘what’ us dear. You obviously like him.” Rarity said with a grin. Rainbow’s face instantly went bright red. “N-no. He’s just fun to hang out with.” “Is that why he’s teaching you to swim?” Applejack said with a smug grin on her face. “HE TOLD YOU?” She said in an angry tone. “Nope. I figured it out.” Twilight said with a grin. Rarity face hoofed. “Why didn’t I think of that? It’s the perfect opportunity for some, ‘one on one’ time with a stallion like that. I could’ve asked him to tech me mouth to mouth.” She cooed. Rainbow raced over to the mare and frowned. “Hey back off! He’s mine!” She yelled. “Ah ha! So you do like him!” Rarity exclaimed. The mare’s expression shattered and sat on the floor blushing. “Fine, I admit it I like him. He’s athletic, funny and well.....comfy.” She blushed at the last part. “Comfy?” “Remember that bad storm a week ago?” The mares nodded. “Well, I crashed at his place for the night and I ended up sleeping on his chest.” The white mare giggled to herself. “Please don’t tell anypony okay.” “None one of us are gonna tell him.” The mares all smiled in agreement. “I do suggest you get a move on. You know how the mares act when they’re around him.” The farmer said as she rolled her eyes. “I know...but that’s the problem.” “What are you talking about dear?” Rarity asked. “He’s turned down almost every mare in Ponyville. Ones that are WAY prettier than me. What chance do I have if they all failed?” Rainbow asked in a defeated tone. The orange mare trotted over to her friend and put a hoof on her shoulder. “A better chance then the rest of them.” The farmer said with a grin. “Those mare’s don’t know him. You’ve had the chance to get up close and personal. So you have the advantage.” “True and I’m his only swimming student. Except for the foals in the class he runs.” “Why doesn’t he teach anypony else?” Pinkie asked. “He said that he doesn’t have the patience to deal with them.” She said with a shrug. “So why did he take you then?” The cyan mare shrugged and got to her hooves. As she walked towards the door Rarity trotted up behind her and pulled Rainbow aside once they exited the library. “What do you want?” Rainbow asked in a confused tone. “If you want I may be able to help you get Wake’s attention.” Rarity said with a smile on her face. “How?” “When’s your next swimming lesson with Wake?” “This afternoon. Why?” Rainbow asked in a suspicious tone. The white mare giggled and started walk away from her friend. “Follow me dear.” She said as he horn flared and levitated the mare towards her boutique. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Wake did a few laps in his pool as he waited for the cyan mare to arrive. He floated on his back and stared up at the ceiling. As he felt the water wash over his body his mind drifted to thoughts of the cyan mare. Her flowing Rainbow mane, her sleek and agile wings, her well toned body and deep magenta eyes. Wake felt his face heat up and his wings stop moving as they extended. He quickly made his way over to the edge and hoisted himself out of the pool. It wasn’t just Dash’s looks that caught his attention. Her cocky attitude, unshakable resolve and the loyalty she showed her friends. Something else prodded at the stallion’s mind, something felt familiar about her. He felt the door bell ring and he made his way through his home and opened the door for the cyan mare who had a folded towel positioned on her back. “Hey....ready for todays lesson?”
 “Yup.” She said as she entered his home. The smell coming off the stallion’s body made the mare bite her lip as she took in the scent. “I’m just gonna use the bathroom real quick.” “Fine by me.” He said as the mare went into the restroom. Dash put the folded towel on the toilet bowl and face hoofed. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.” She said with a groan. The blue stallion waited on the edge of the pool for the mare. He trotted over to the hot tub and turned the jets on high. He let out a sigh of pleasure as the warm water relaxed his wings. He felt his eyes become heavy and he drifted off to sleep. The stallion was awoken by something splashing in the hot tub. Wake opened his eyes and looked to his right to see Rainbow’s smiling face. “Hey.” “Twilight knows that I’ve been teaching you how to swim.” He said in a flat tone. “Yeah, all my friends do.” She said as she scratched the back of her head with her hoof. “So long as they don’t tell anypony.” “Are you embarrassed that you taught me?” She asked in a weak tone. “No, it’s just that if word get’s out that I gave you a private lessons then every other mare is going to want one. Truth be told they probably want a different kind of private.” He said in a flat tone. “Oh.....right.” She said with a gulp. “Can I ask you something?” “Sure.” “Why did you agree to teach me?” “You’re a friend and it’s an important skill to have.” He said in a flat tone. Rainbow lowered her ears in disappointment. She looked over to see the ramp devise against the wall. “Hey what’s that thing?’ “That thing?” The stallion then saw the machine. “That is a wave simulator. You wouldn’t be interested in that.” “What does it do?” “It creates a wave like the ones you see in the ocean. It helps with surf practice.” The mare’s eyes lit up. “Can you teach me?” The stallion’s eyes shrank. “Look Rainbow, swimming and surfing are two completely different things.” He said in a flat tone. “So, why can’t I try it?” She whined. Wake let out a sigh and exited the hot tub. “Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” The mare smiled and exited the hot tub. Wake’s jaw dropped as he saw the cyan mare sporting a skin tight red bikini. Wake quickly jabbed himself in the side to stop his wings from rising. “W-why are you wearing that?” “Oh....Rarity is thinking of creating a swim suit line and she asked me to test it out in the water for her.” The mare lied as she blushed. As she walked past the stallion Wake couldn’t help but stare at the mare’s well toned flank that was only accented by the red swimming piece. The stallion regained his composure and walked over to a pair of closed doors on the far end of the building. He pulled out a small red key and stared at it for a moment. The stallion looked over at the mare who was studying the machine. He quickly put the key between his hooves and broke it in half. “Sorry Rainbow, but the key to turn the thing on is broken.” “Awwe. Do you have a spare set?” “Afraid not.” He lied. Wake took a deep breath and tried not to stare at the mare’s well toned body. Rainbow looked to the side and finally saw that Wake was staring at her. Oh my gosh! He likes me in swimsuit! Keep it together Dash. Stay cool. “What are you staring at?” She asked in an innocent tone. “Oh....Just looking at your Cutie Mark.” He lied. “Pretty awesome huh? I got it for performing the Sonic Rainboom.” She said in a cocky tone. “What about yours?” She asked as she looked to see a surfboard with a white circle surrounding a red medical cross in the center. “Oh this? I got it when I saved a pony’s life when I was a foal.” “What happened?” “I was around eight. A filly was close to drowning and I jumped in and saved her.” He said in a flat tone. “Not bad, but it could have been twenty percent cooler.” “Another one of your catch phrases Rainy?” He teased. Rainbow’s cheeks flared and punched him in the side. “OW!” “I hate that nickname!” “I know.” “So why do you call me that?” “It’s worth the pain to see you get flustered.” He said with a smug grin. “Whatever, so what’s todays lesson?” “Just do a few laps and alternate the strokes on each lap.” He said as the mare took off the swim suit and hopped into the water. Wake watched as the mare glided through the pool with ease. The water washed over her coat as she moved her hooves through the water. Wake smiled at his protege as she finished the exercise flawlessly. As she got out she whipped her mane back making water droplets fly into the air. Her deep magenta eyes fell on the stallion with a smile on her face. “How’s that coach?” She asked ina teasing tone. “G-great.” The stallion then looked at the clock. “We’d better get going. Twi’s get together will be starting soon.” He said as he walked towards the door. The mare shook herself dry and followed the stallion through his house and back onto the street. The mare kept looking at the stallion as she flew beside him. “How come I never see you fly?” “I prefer to walk.” He said with a shrug. “What? Every Pegasus loves to fly.” “Look Rainbow I just prefer to walk.” He said in a flat tone. “There has to be a reason!” She protested. “I don’t want to talk about it.” He said as they arrived in front of the library. The two Pegasi entered the library to see the other five mares talking amongst one another. “Hey you two. Glad you could make it.” Twilight said with a smile. The stallion gave her a nod and joined the other ponies at the table. Rainbow sat down next to Rarity who had a coy smile on her face. “So? How did it go? Did he look?” She whispered to her friend. “Yup.” She said in a flat tone. Rarity looked at her in confusion. “Then why aren’t you ecstatic?” “Something about him just bugs me.” She said as she looked over at the blue stallion. The ponies continued to converse with one another. Wake stayed quiet most of the time and listened to the mare’s adventures. He sat back on the couch holding his drink in his hoof. The stallion noticed that the cyan mare kept staring at him. “So Wake.” The blue stallion perked up as the lavender mare turned towards him. “Rainbow told us that you’re from Colt Cod.” “Yup, born and raised.” “Oh that place is simply marvelous!” Rarity said as she flipped her mane. “What’s it like down there?” Applejack asked. “Quaint. Always something to do.” He said with a shrug. “So that’s where you learned to swim?” “Yeah, one of the best places to learn.” “What do your parents do?” Rarity asked. “My mom is a marine biologist and my dad is in the Coast Guard.” He said as he sipped his drink. “What’s a marine biologist?” Pinkie asked. “A scientist that studies the ocean and the wildlife that lives in it.” “Neat! Have you ever seen the sea pony?” The pink mare asked. “Pinkie again with this?” Twilight groaned. “My Father’s, brother’s, nephew’s, cousin’s former roommate told me and my sisters that he saw a sea pony in Colt Cod!” The pink mare said in an excited tone. “What in the hay is a sea pony?” The farmer asked in confusion. “It’s half pony, half fish.” Twilight said with a sigh. “Like I’ve explained to her a hundred times over that they don’t exist.” “Actually....they do.” All heads turned towards the cyan mare. “I....I saw one.” “This is another one of your pranks isn’t it Rainbow?” Twilight said. “I’m telling you the truth!” Dash yelled. “Easy there sugar cube. When did you see it?” Applejack asked. “When I was just a filly. I went down to Colt Cod with my folks for vacation. I was in water I could stand in and I was suddenly pulled away by some invisible arm in the water.” “You probably got caught in a rip tide.” Wake interjected. “A what?” Applejack asked. “Think of the ocean current as a long tree root. There’s the main root and then there’s all these smaller roots that flow out of it.” He explained as he streatched his front hooves out in a straight line. “The smaller roots are notorious for dragging even the best swimmers out to sea. I’ve been caught in a few myself.” “Right, what he said.” Dash let out a sigh as she continued her story. “I was just a filly and I was just starting to learn how to fly. It happened so fast. Before I knew it, I was a long way from shore and I couldn’t get back.” A small tear had formed in her right eye. “I remember the water going over my head and passing out. When I woke back up I was on a beach and I managed to make out the outline of a pony with wings diving back into the water.” “What does that have to do with the Sea Pony?” Pinkie asked. “The pony’s wings were webbed like a fish fin.” Wake felt the gears in his mind click as she finished her story. The mares looked at her in surprise. “You ever seen anything like that Wake?” Pinkie asked. “N-no. Never and you were probably hallucinating." He lied. "Ponies who are put in traumatic experiences like that tend to see strange things.” “I know what I saw!” She yelled. “Look Dash, the ocean does things to you. Ever heard of Mermares?” The ponies nodded. “They were hallucinations made by stallions at sea who hadn’t seen a mare in about six months.” He said with sigh. “Look, I grew up in Colt Cod. I’ve seen twenty foot sharks, Giant Squids and anything else you can imagine. I’m telling you now that there's no such thing as a sea pony.” He said in a flat tone. The blue stallion got to his hooves and made his way towards the door. “Where are you going?” Twilight asked. “Home. I didn’t get much sleep last night and I’m tired.” He said as he yawned. “See you guys tomorrow.” He said in a cold tone as he took flight and flew off towards his house. The mare’s looked at one another in confusion. “Was it something we said?” Fluttershy asked. “I don’t know. Maybe he is just tired.” Applejack said with a shrug. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Wake walked into his home and locked the door behind him. He walked up to his room and looked at himself in the mirror as he removed his medallion. The illusion vanished revealing his webbed wings. It was her. He thought as he set his necklace on the nightstand. I...I can’t tell her. I can’t show them. He said as he trotted over to his bed and laid down.