//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: Confessions. // Story: A Second Chance // by Bolt Magnet //------------------------------// “Can you at least tell me where we’re going?” “I’m afraid not, it’s a surprise!” Fluttershy replied happily. Gilda rolled her eyes, “Yeah, right.” The Griffin sighed, she and her companion continued along the quiet dirt path towards their destination. After spending another three days in bed recovering, Gilda was eventually deemed competent enough to earn a discharge from the hospital. Not that she was fully healed; she still needed to keep her stitches in for the next week or so. And maintain a light workload. However, walking was well within the small list of activates she could easily facilitate. Her wings fluttered with agitation, “How much longer till we get there?” “We’re almost there,” Fluttershy chirped. With another sigh, Gilda frowned as she trudged along. Clearing a small alleyway lined with houses, the duo emerged onto a large open area. Before then stood a giant oak tree; in the evening dusk, the lights from within shone brightly through the windows, which could be seen elevating to various heights of the tree. Gilda furrowed her brow with confusion, “A tree. You brought me to a tree?” Fluttershy giggled, “No silly, this is the Golden Oak Library.” Gilda glanced between the Pegasus at her side, and the tree before her, “That’s a library?” Fluttershy nodded, “Twilight used to work here before she moved away.” “Really? Who runs the place now?” “Spike.” “Spike… who was that again?” “He was the dragon… you met him last time you were here, at your party…?” “Spike… oh! You mean the little dude?” Fluttershy nodded, “He's away in Canterlot at the moment. “Huh." Fluttershy quickened her pace, Gilda followed suit. Reaching the door, Fluttershy stepped aside. She beckoned Gilda to enter the building, “After you.” Gilda frowned, she eyed the Pegasus suspiciously as she pushed the door open. “So, how is a tree supposed to be a-” Gilda reflexively covered her face as a shower of bright light, and confetti bombarded her. “SURPRISE!” A parade of voices screamed. Lowering her claws, Gilda blinked several times, returning her vision to her. Before her stood five ponies, all eagerly beaming at her with anticipation. “Uh…” Gilda scanned the room around her. The local Ponyville library – in which she currently stood – had been decorated with streamers, balloons and all other manor of party décor. The most predominant of which was a giant white banner, which hung lowly across the center the rotunda-like room. Scribbled in red crayon across the banner read: Happy ‘Gilda Got Out Of Hospital’ Party. Gilda glanced back at the Ponies in front of her. She quirked an eyebrow, “Really?” Pinkie hopped forward, “Yup! You didn’t really think that I wasn’t going to throw you a party, did you?” Gilda chuckled, shaking her head, “Yeah, I guess not.” Pinkie turned back to her friends, “Now come on everypony, let’s par-tay!” A chorus of cheers replied to her, as the sound of music kicked off the evening’s celebration. Gilda shuffled her way around the edge of the room, and stood idly by what appeared to be the refreshments table; all manner of sweets, treats, drinks and snacks lined the small rectangular fold-away table. Gilda couldn’t help but chuckle at the ponies around her as they danced – at least, she thought that was considered dancing – She shook her head; enjoying spending time with ponies, she never thought that would ever happen. Twilight trotted up to her during a lull in the music, “Hello Gilda, how are you doing?” “Just peachy, Princess.” Twilight smiled, “There is no need for such formalities here, I’m off-duty.” Gilda eyed her, “Really? You’re not here to check up on me, and make sure I do what I’m told.” Twilight chuckled, “Of course not. Besides, we both know that you are going to behave yourself.” Gilda narrowed her eyes. Twilight sighed, “Let’s not spoil the mood, try to enjoy yourself. Okay?” Gilda glanced away, “Sure, if you answer me one question.” Twilight tilted her head. Gilda spoke in a low voice, “How bad are things with Grifforia?” “Gilda…” “How bad?” Twilight sighed, “Honestly? I don’t know. I’d like to think Celestia is making some head-way on the matter, but that’s just wishful thinking.” The Griffin frowned, “What does that mean?” “It means, things could become very bad, for all of us.” “What, like ‘staring a war’ bad?” Twilight grimaced, and glanced down. Gildas face fell, “Holy crap, seriously?” “It may be a possibility, yes.” “Maker… do you really think it’ll come to that?” Twilight frowned, “I sincerely hope not. However that hasn’t stopped Cadence from adding a regiment of Crystal Guards to the Canterlot garrison; or Luna from trying to enact mandatory conscription.” Gilda glanced back to the other ponies at her party. She couldn’t help the smile across her face as she gazed at them; they all looked so carefree, in spite of the current situation. “Do they know?” “No.” “Then why are you telling me?” Twilight thought for a moment, “Because, I thought you might like to have a fair warning.” Gilda furrowed her brow as she glanced back at Twilight. “If things were to escalate…” Gilda glanced at Fluttershy, “Yeah, I kinda figured as much.” “We need to know where you stand.” Gilda cocked her head, "Wait, what?” Twilight scanned for potential eavesdroppers, “If things did explode, and we were faced with the Nightmare scenario. Who would you stand with: Equestria or Grifforia?” Gilda frowned, “I-I don’t know, I hadn’t put much thought into it.” She glanced away from Twilight, “Can I think about it?” Twilight frowned with a huff, “Of course, but I urge you to come to a verdict quickly. The sooner we know where you stand, the better.” “Yeah, right.” Rainbow Dash strode up to the pair with a grin, “Hey guys, whatcha doing?” “I was just leaving,” Twilight declared. Slowly, she stood and made her way over towards Applejack and Rarity; on the opposite side of the room. She called over her shoulder as she walked, “If you stood with us, you would be protected. Just something to consider.” Gilda gave her a short nod, and looked away. Rainbow looked confused, “What was that about?” “Nothing.” Gilda turned back to the Pegasus, “Something I can do for you, Dash?” Rainbow lowered her head, and glanced around, “Yeah, actually. You said we could talk in private?” Gilda swallowed, “Yeah, right. Follow me.” Checking that nopony was looking her way, Gilda swiftly and quietly led Dash out the front door of the library. The sky above them was heavily overcast, with dozens of clouds listing lazily across the town. It was a good place for the privacy they needed. Flaring her wings, Gilda took to the sky; with Rainbow following close behind her. The pair set down on a small cumulus cloud; just above the library, yet still high enough so they wouldn’t be disturbed. Gilda couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of the brightly illuminated town. Her mood slowly fell as the realisation began to sink in; she was going to tell Dash. She sighed, “So…” “So what the hay happened?” Rainbow blurted out, she never was one for subtlety. Gilda shook her head, “So much, Dash. So much.” Rainbow shot her an annoyed look, “Well?” Gilda grimaced, her heart was pounding within her chest, “I don’t like talking about it. But you need to know.” Gilda took a shuddered breath before she continued. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fluttershy trotted up to Rarity and Applejack, “Um, girls? Have either of you seen Gilda or Rainbow Dash?” Applejack shook her head, “Nope, can’t say Ah have.” “They probably slipped out for a minute. As I understand it, Rainbow Dash was meaning to talk with Gilda privately.” “Oh, okay.” “Why, is sumthin’ the matter?” “N-no, I was just curious.” Rarity smirked, “Are you sure about that?” Fluttershy took a step back, “W-what do you mean?” The Unicorn smiled, “I simply find it interesting how much time you and Gilda have been spending together.” Fluttershy blushed, “I-I just want to make sure she was alright, that’s all.” “Come on, Rare. This ain’t like one-uh-ya romance novels, just cause they spend time together, don’t mean they are together. Fluttershy lowered her head. Rarity shot Applejack a sly look, “Oh really? Just like you and Rainbow Dash?” “Exactly! Wait, what?” Rarity giggled, “Nothing dear, just a casual observation I’ve made.” Applejack squinted at her, “An what is that supposed ta mean?” Rarity feigned shock, “You don’t know?! You mean you never wondered why she touches your cutie mark with her wingtips?!” Fluttershy perked up, “W-what?! Rainbow Dash has been tip-touching you?” Applejack glanced between her two friends, confusion evident on the farmers face. She turned to Fluttershy, “She may have done that… wing thing a couple uh times.” Applejack faced Rarity, “Ah thought it was a normal gesture, ya know. Kinda like a hoof bump.” Fluttershy and Rarity looked at each other. Fluttershy blushing profusely, Rarity failing to contain her hysterical giggling. Applejack frowned, glaring at her friends, “Will one o’ ya tell me just what the hay is goin’ on here!?” Rarity wiped a tear from her eye, “I think you should ask Rainbow Dash about it when she gets back.” “Yeah? Well, maybe Ah will!” Applejack blew a gust of air through her nose, “Where is she anyway?” Rarity rolled her eyes, “As I said before, she stepped out to have a word with Gilda.” Applejack glanced over her shoulder. She shot Rarity and Fluttershy a look, “Hey, don’t ya think they been gone fer a while now?” “Do you think we should check on them?” Fluttershy asked. “I’m sure they’re fine.” Fluttershy frowned, she couldn’t shake the oppressive feeling on unease that slowly seeped through her, “I hope so…” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rainbow Dash hung her head, with her ears folded back. She didn’t know how to react, or what to do. It was one of the few moments in her life where she was at a complete loss. Her mind swam with dozens of different thoughts and feelings. She shook her head, “Goddess’s, I didn’t know… the way I acted… G, I’m so sorr-” “Shut up.” Dash winced, and snapped her attention to her companion. Gilda glared at her pleadingly, tears streaming down her face, “Don’t you dare pity me.” Rainbow lunged forward, and wrapped her arms around Gildas midsection, “I’m sorry G! I’m so sorry!” Gilda gritted her teeth as she clenched her eyes shut, “I-it’s okay…” “No it isn’t, I didn’t know!” Dash wailed. Gilda smiled through her tears, “It’s okay Dash, really. It’s fine.” Rainbow pushed herself away, and gazed up at her friend, stunned, “H-how can you say that?” She shrugged, “Well, someone had to take me down a few pegs.” Dash took a step back, she now looked horrified, “You’re making jokes?!” Gilda shook her head, “What do you want me to do? Sit on my ass and bitch about how hard my life had been?” “Well-” “I can’t do that. Besides, it’s not all bad. I mean, look at us. Three years ago, would you have pictured us here, Talking? After the way I left?” Rainbow sighed, “No.” Gilda smirked, and wiped her face, “See? It’s not all bad.” Rainbow furrowed her brow, “Doesn’t mean that you deserved what happened.” Gilda nodded solemnly, “Yeah. But life don’t work like that, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.” She shrugged, “Nothing you can really do about it. Except learn from it, move on and try to make the most of it.” Rainbow gave Gilda a curious look, “Huh, that’s an… interesting way of looking at it.” Gilda smiled slightly, “I’m just being realistic.” Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but beam at her friend, “You really have changed, haven’t you?” Gilda puffed her chest out with a grin, “Yeah, I guess I have. Better late than never, right?” Rainbow laughed, “Yeah, right.” Rainbow glanced up at the moon, despite the fact that she couldn’t tell what the time was, she was fairly certain that it had moved a dramatic distance since they began their conversation. “Goddess’s how long have we been here? We should get back, before the others start looking for us.” Gilda nodded, “Yeah.” Sliding of the cloud, the pair gently glided back to earth; and landed just outside the library door. Stepping back inside the tree, the pair was greeted by the questioning stares of everypony in the library; and a very cross looking farmer. “Rainbow Dash! Ah need ta speak with ya, now.” Rainbows eyes widened, “O-okay, but I swear I didn’t do it! Whatever it is…” Applejack dragged Rainbow Dash to the other side of the library. Twilight Sparkle was nowhere to be seen, as Rarity stepped up to Gildas right, and Fluttershy her left. They joined the very confused looking Griffin by the entrance of the library. “Uh, what the heck was that about?” Gilda asked. Rarity grinned slyly, “I’m afraid Rainbow Dash has a bit of explaining to do.” Gilda glanced to Rarity, questioningly, then over to Fluttershy, prompting her to explain. “O-oh, um. Apparently Rainbow Dash has been tip-touching Applejack.” She glanced between the two ponies beside her, “And that is…?” “It is a symbolic gesture among the Pegasai. Most Ponies think of it as flirtatious in nature; however it is more accurately a way of conveying attraction on a deeply personal level.” Fluttershy and Gilda both looked at Rarity. The Fashionista glanced at the pair and rolled her eyes, “Yes, I do know things outside of fashion.” Gilda glanced back at Fluttershy, “So, what is it exactly?” “Well, if you like somepony, you touch their cuite mark with the tip of your wing.” Gilda quirked an eyebrow, “Like this?” She extended her wing, and draped it over Fluttershy’s back; gently brushing her wing tips over the Pegasus’ cuite mark as she retracted her wing. Fluttershy stiffened at the contact, and blushed furiously, “Y-yes, l-like that…” “Huh,” Gilda shifted slightly. “Sorry about that,” “I-it’s fine…” Gilda opened her beak to press the matter further. Clearly her action had upset the Pegasus, or startled/confused her at the very least. She decided against it when the sound of somepony clearing their throat caught her attention, her and Fluttershy glanced back at Rarity. “If you two love birds are quit done?” She gestured across the room. Following her gaze, the Griffin and Ponies observed a very interesting conversation taking place. Form their position, the trio couldn’t make out the contents of their conversation, although that didn’t stop them from reading their facial expressions Applejack looked as if she was about to murder Rainbow Dash, said Pegasus was flailing her arms about shaking her head. Applejack narrowed her eyes as she leaned towards Dash and muttered something. Rainbow Dash shrugged and rubbed the back of her neck nervously as she answered. Applejack seemed to relax a little as she nodded. Rainbow rolled her hoof aimlessly as she explained herself. Applejack’s glare faded slowly. She blinked and fell onto her haunches, tilting her head. Rainbow grinned sheepishly as she continued. Applejacks eyes flew wide as her mouth fell open. Rainbows Dashes wings fidgeted as she shrugged again. A look of deep contemplation crossed Applejacks face. “I think we should give those two a little more privacy,” Rarity said. “Yeah, that’s probably a good idea,” Gilda commented, “Besides, it’s getting kinda late. We should go.” “Very well then, until we meet again take care of yourselves,” Rarity bowed her head, and departed ways with Fluttershy and Gilda. Gilda glanced back at Fluttershy, “You wanna lead the way? I don’t know if I’d be able to find your house at night.” “Of course,” Fluttershy smiled, and left the library. Gilda in tow. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gilda sighed as she entered Fluttershy’s small cottage, the afore mentioned Pegasus had stepped into a side room once they entered the cottage. Gilda had previously only set foot inside her home once before, although back then, Gilda was in too much of a hurry to make amends. Now that she had time to stop, and examine, she found that the cottage held a pleasant air about it. She would even go so far as to describe it as cosy. The front door of the tree gave way to a spacious living room, where a large crimson rug struggled to cover the timber floorboards in the center of the room. To her left, beside a doorway that led into another room, was a simple timber staircase that led up to an unknown destination. To her right, along the far wall, was a simple stone fireplace; judging by the pans that hung from the rack above it, it was where the Pegasus cooked her meals. Gilda walked over to the couch directly opposite her, and sat down. The couch ran parallel with the wall, and mirrored another chair across form it, with a small side table between them. Fluttershy emerged from the side room she had ducked into, a small smile on her face, “Well, that was an interesting evening.” “Yeah, ya don’t say.” Gilda frowned as she glanced away, “Fluttershy, can we talk?” Fluttershy sat down beside Gilda, on the other chair, “Of course. What did you want to talk about?” Gilda glanced away and frowned again, “Us.” Fluttershy blinked, “Excuse me?” Gilda shot her a blank look, “What are we, Fluttershy?” “N-nothing, I don’t know wh-” “I’m not stupid, Fluttershy. I’ve seen the way you look at me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me, and there’s no way I could ever repay you, but what does that make us?” Fluttershy drooped her head, and glanced away, “I don’t know. What do you think we are?” Gilda shook her head, “I don’t know. But I don’t think ‘us’ would be a good idea,” “Why?” Gilda shot her a flat look, “Seriously? You heard Twilight; if things go to hell, who do you think those Ponies will come for?” She shook her head, “I don’t want to put you in the firing line.” “And if there was no danger?” “Huh?” Fluttershy shifted, “If there was no danger, or threat, would that change things?” Gilda sighed, “Probably not.” “Why not?” Gilda sighed, “Because. I don’t have a clue about ‘romance’ or anything like that. And, I don’t want to build your hopes up, just to smash them.” Fluttershy hunched over, “I see.” “That being said, I’d be willing to give it a try.” Fluttershy snapped her head up, “What?!” “Look, I meant what I said earlier; I don’t want to get your hopes up.” She slid off the couch, “But I do owe you, and I can’t think of anything else that would cut it.” She offered a claw to Fluttershy, “So, what do ya say?” Still dumbfounded, Fluttershy took her claw and allowed Gilda to pull her to her hooves. She stared at Gilda, still not sure how to respond. Gilda looked at her with a smug smile, “Ya know, you’re going to have to close your mouth eventually.” Fluttershy shook herself back to reality, “S-sorry. Um, I would like that, Gilda. Giving it a shot, I mean.” Gilda grinned, “Well alright then.” The pair stared at each other, awkwardly. “So, what happens now?” Fluttershy asked. “Uh, yeah. I hadn’t though that far ahead,” She grinned sheepishly, “Not really much of a forward planner.” “Well…”Fluttershy pawed the floorboards beneath her, “Would you like to go to bed now?” Gilda recoiled with a surprised look, “Whoa, that was quick; I’m pretty sure we have to go on a date first.” “Wha-!? N-no! I didn’t mean-” Fluttershy fell onto her rump, wide-eyed and blushing. Gilda chuckled, “Got ya.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gilda blinked. With a sigh, she concluded her intense staring contest with the timber roof of Fluttershy’s cottage, and instead, occupied herself with staring out one of the two windows on the right side of her bed. The clear night sky bustled with millions of stars, burning like far-off candles. When she was just an eaglet, one of her caregivers had told her that ‘the stars were the windows of Ciel, so the souls of those past could watch over us’. She didn’t know if she still believed that, but it was a nice sentiment. Turning away from the window, she glanced down at her side. She couldn’t help but smile at the sight; Fluttershy had wrapped one of her hooves around Gilda’s midsection, while the Pegasus’s face was buried in her chest. Gilda could easily outweigh how strange and weird it felt, with the fact that Fluttershy looked adorable hugging her like some kind of stuffed animal. Her brief moment of tenderness was cut short when she noticed something in the corner of her eye; Luna smiled at her from beside the staircase that lead to Fluttershy’s room. “Well, this a refreshing change of pace.” “Figures that this would be a dream,” Gilda gently slipped out of Fluttershy's grasp. “I have missed our conversations, Old One.” Gilda furrowed her brows as she walked towards the staircase, “Why do you keep calling me that? I‘m only sixty three.” Strolling past the Princess, Gilda crept downstairs. Luna was waiting for her; sitting on the crimson rug in the center of the main room, she held a surprised look. “Only sixty three? You say it so nonchalantly.” Gilda tilted her head in confusion, Luna rolled her eyes and rephrased, “You say it like it isn’t a big deal.” Gilda scoffed, “It isn’t. Hell, back in Grifforia? I’d barely pass as an adult.” Luna’s mouth pressed into a thin line, “Interesting,” She murmured. Gilda sighed, “I’m assuming you’re not here to talk about our age differences.” Luna shook her head, “Unfortunately not, though I would like nothing more. I came to check on you, how are you doing?” “I’m good, I guess. Why?” “I understand you told Rainbow Dash.” Gilda blinked, taken aback, “Yeah, how did-” “Everything that transpires during the night, falls under my jurisdiction,” She smirked briefly, before concern overwhelmed her features, “So, how are you?” Gilda took a long, calming breath, “Y-yeah, I’m good. I mean, it was hard, but I’m glad I finally got it all out, you know?” Luna smiled, “Indeed, and I see you took my other piece of advice.” Gilda nodded half-heartedly, “Yeah, that just kinda… happened. I’m still not sure what to make of it.” Luna frowned, “You doubt your relationship will last?” “In the long run, yeah. I mean, Fluttershy is cool and all, and she seems like a really nice Pony; but I feel like she deserves better. But the way she looks at me? She’s got it bad, and well…” Luna smiled wistfully, “Nopony ever said love was without complication.” “Yeah, love…” Luna’s smile fell again, “You don’t return her feelings?” Gilda looked away, “Not really.” “Hmm, surely you could tell her?” Gilda shot Luna a heated look, “And what, break her heart? After everything she’s done for me?” Luna gazed down at Gilda with deep concern, “How is leading her on any better?” “I never said it was better, but it sure beats hurting her.” Luna shook her head disappointingly, “So you would continue with this ruse?” “What the hell am I supposed to do!?” Gilda shot back. “Tell her the truth.” Gilda hung her head, “I-I can’t.” Luna cupped her hoof under the Griffins chin, and lifted her head, “I understand, child. But know this; the longer you prolong this charade, the deeper it will hurt her when it falls through.” Gilda blinked, and nodded, “I know, but maybe it doesn’t have to.” Luna dropped her hoof to the ground, and prompted Gilda to continue. “Maybe, maybe I can develop feelings for her. That’s possible, right?” Luna frowned, “Typically there needs to be some kind of residual attraction for the flame of love to spark.” “So it is possible?” “Well, yes. But-” “Then that’s what I’ll do.” “You cannot force yourself to fall in love, it doesn’t work that way,” Luna chided. “I know, but I gotta try. I owe Fluttershy that much.” Luna sighed curtly, "You know, I could lecture you about all of the different ways your plan would fail." "You could." "But you wouldn't listen, would you? "Probably not." Luna shook her head with a smile, "Then I wish you luck, Old One." "Yeah, thanks." Luna stood and began making her way towards the entrance of Fluttershy's small cottage. "Hey Princess?" Luna turned, "Yes?" "The next time you see Twilight, can you tell I said Equestria? She'll know what it means." Luna smiled, "Of course child." A blue aura surrounded Luna's horn, causing a blinding flash of light. When Gilda opened her eyes, she was laying down, in Flutterhsy's bed. The Pegasus is question was snuggled against her chest, sleeping soundly. She grinned, and whispered to herself, "One year to work off my debt. Things should be pretty interesting."