//------------------------------// // The shadows that linger // Story: Homecoming // by seeker9709 //------------------------------// The spot next to her was cold. Vacant of the strong, smooth body which had expected to find. Instead was only bed sheet and blanket. Twilight sighed longingly to herself. She didn't even know why she expected Octavia there. It must have been late into the afternoon by now seeing as how she hadn't gotten back home until near dawn. She wondered if she should even bother to wake up. A disgusted face took over her features as she realized the only thing for her to do during the daylight hours was another serving of the manafruit. She rolled over and yawning loudly. She could do it later. The house was quiet. 'I must be alone'. She thought briefly as she nudged her pillow softly, a small smile playing across her face. The day started when she got out of bed. It could wait a little longer. Silence played across the room in a beautiful tune. click Twilight shuddered lightly. One ear flattened itself against her head for a moment. Click Her shoulders rolled back. A look of annoyance replacing the delicate smile that had been present only a moment ago. Click Something moved in front of her. A shadow across her eyelids. A flicker. A chill spread across her back. Slowly her eyes fluttered open. Hoping to find Octavia or maybe even it was Vinyl. Slowly her eye adjusted to the brightness to only find a small drawer facing her. Twilight let loose a huge sigh of relief. It was only nothing. She chuckled to herself. Only paranoid. She rolled onto her back, shaking her head. She survived the worst conditions any pony could face, and she got scared of a little shadow. Her head laid back, turning towards the ceiling. She absently rubbed her eyes. She must not be getting enough sleep. Click Her smile faltered once more. Slowly she moved her hooves away, Her eyes slowly cracked open, slowly at first before snapping open. On the ceiling, was her. Floating on the ceiling. Her gaze was met by to solid black orbs and a painfully wide smile. Her hooves laid spread eagle and her neck craned down towards Twilight, head cocking to the side. Her eyes sprang open, a shrill shriek erupting from her mouth. She flailed her hooves, falling off the bed and momentarily breaking her gaze. When she looked to the ceiling again, it was gone. Twilight sat on the floor. Eyes wide. Mouth agape. Body shaking. Starring at the spot on the ceiling, her demon had been only moments ago. The only sound she heard was her own hollow breathing. Her throat grew tighter and she covered her mouth with one hoof. Twilight could only stare at the ceiling. She tried to move away. To avert her gaze. To even BLINK. But she couldn't. She couldn't even bring herself to do so, in fear IT would return. She wasn't aware of anything else in the room. Only what she had seen. She didn't even hear the calming, warm voice calling her name. She didn't notice when the owner moved away from her moving something large to the other side of the room. Moments later the room was filled with sweet music. Rainbow Dash sat at the edge of her bed. Head held in her hooves. Bloodshot eyes staring at the wood floor. She sighed loudly, absently rubbing her eyes. A knock came on her door. “R-Rainbow Dash? Are you okay?” Fluttershy's timid voice called. “Uhh... Yeah. Just give me a few minutes.” She croaked. Fluttershy called back. “Are you sure? You sound sick. Would you like anything to eat? Something to drink?” Rainbow Dash was silent for a few moments. “Yeah... Can you grab me some coffee?” Fluttershy gave a quiet “Okay.” Before her steps receded down the stairs. Rainbow Dash shakily rose from her sitting position and worked her way towards the bathroom door at the far end of the room. Eventually she made her way inside and almost fell down once she saw her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were sunk into her head. Her eyelids sagged. Her mane was tangled and ruffled, even more so than usual. Her eyes almost glowed red from being bloodshot. She had never been one to care for her appearance, but what she saw was horrible. She had seen some bad days, but none like this. This was an entirely new level. Carefully she removed the bandages from her legs and sides and made her way into her shower. She turned the faucet on and nearly collapsed once the warm water hit her. For what felt like hours she stood under the water, trying to cleanse herself of the sick, disgusting, and tired feelings which still lingered from the previous night. Eventually she made her way out feeling and looking much better than before, but was still exhausted and still felt terrible. After grooming herself and replying bandages she left her room, and made her way downstairs. As soon as she entered the kitchen she was aware of Fluttershy's concerned stare. Brushing past her, she grabbed hold of a mug and the pot of coffee. Rainbow was vaguely aware of Fluttershy hovering around her. The quiet flap of her wings the only sound in the house. “R-Rainbow?” “Hmm?” She mumbled back. “Are...Are you okay?” Rainbow Dash was silent. Tipping her mug back, she thought of how to respond. She let loose a large sigh as she set down her coffee mug. “Honestly Flutters. I don't think so.” Fluttershy gave her a concerned look. “Do you want to talk about it?” Rainbow stared out of a small window, frowning to herself. “Yes and no I think, Flutters. I do want to talk to somepony, but.” She turned to her oldest friend. “It's not you I want to talk with.” Fluttershy looked downcast. “Oh... I see.” She whispered before turning away. Rainbow realized her mistake and reached out grabbing one of her friends legs. “Hey hey, that's not what I meant. It just some work stuff. I promise.” Fluttershy turned back, pointing one hoof to Rainbow's bandages. “Just like how those are “work stuff?'” Rainbow's jaw sagged slightly. She took a long, deep breath. “No. Not like these.” She motioned to her bandages and injuries beneath. “Just some nightmares and sleep troubles.” Fluttershy's mood seemed to improve, but her concern still remained. “Why don't you just talk to Luna? She could help, can't she?” A cloud came across Rainbow's features and Fluttershy regretted asking the question. Clearly she brought something up that she shouldn't have. Rainbow grabbed her mug again, bringing it up and draining it of it's contents. She brought it back down, wiping one hoof across her mouth. “I'm going to the palace. Maybe I'll talk to Cadenza or somepony. I don't know yet. I just need to clear my mind.” She began moving towards the door, grabbing a small cloak from coat hanger. She opened the door, preparing to fly off before Fluttershy called out. “Rainbow Dash.” The Pegasus turned and looked to her friend. The buttercup pegasus called out. “Please be careful.” Rainbow flashed her friend a quick salute and a reassuring smile beforetaking off into the winter air.