//------------------------------// // Chapter 8 - Flight lesson // Story: Friendship: Reanimation // by ImaginaryCatnip //------------------------------// Chapter 8 - Flight lesson ***Fluttershy Cottage*** The small cottage, which was situated on the outskirts of Ponyvile, the oasis of peace was in uproar as the sounds of crashing resounded around the place one after another. The whole racket made many smaller animals hide in their homes and those brave enough to look at an unusual sight consisting of familiar yellow pegasus and slightly bigger dragon who slowly got up from the ground. „Um…I think that you have to flap them harder stronger…” Recommended Fluttershy timidly, as she looked at the hopeless purple dragon who once more time tried to ascend even a little but no matter how hard he flapped his own wings, the most he could achieve was to rise a little and soon he landed with a thud back on the solid ground. “Ugh… this is hard! No matter how strong I try to flap them I lose my balance and then I fall to the ground.” Remarked Spike, while displeased frown adorned his face. He knew that something was missing but couldn’t pinpoint what exactly. Seeing his displeasure, the yellow mare took it upon herself to properly apologize “I’m sorry…If I was a better teacher, like Rainbow Dash…” Great, now she thinks it’s her fault. - He bashed himself and began to lift her spirit “It’s not your fault… I just seem to miss something important, that’s all. Let’s rest a little, I’m beat.” That being said, he sat on the grass, refreshing himself in warm rays the sun offered today. Princess Celestia must have been in good mood recently or maybe she was too busy because yesterday was just as sunny. Soon, the pegasus joined him and they both enjoyed the nice weather for some time, neither wishing to disturb this peace. However, after a while, Fluttershy looked at her purple companion and asked “So… did you talk to Twilight?” Her soft voice pulling him out of his relaxed state, as his emerald colored eyes looked at her. Thinking over her question, he sighed heavily“I actually didn’t get a chance…” Replied Spike and upon seeing puzzled expression that adorned the yellow pegasus face, he decided to elaborate about what happened earlier today. “It all started when I woke up…” ***Golden Oak Library – Earlier Today*** And here, I wanted to rest a little but noooo, of course, Twilight is up and making a ruckus and its only sixth in the morning! – Though the annoyed dragon, as he woke up from his slumber and made his way towards the purple alicorn room while stomping angrily. Even before opening the door he suspected what was going on and he was not surprised upon entering to find her trying to get out of the bed. Unfortunately the tight bandages around her nice shaped body made it a real challenge… which resulted in her making a lot of noise. Upon noticing his presence, Twilight looked at him while smiling “Oh Spike…good that you came. Can you help me get those off? I can’t even make one move properly with those.” Said the mare and to emphasize her point she tried to move some more but it resulted in another loud sound, this time from a book that fell from nightstand. A scene like that would amuse him in the past…today however, he would prefer to sleep, seeing as yesterday was pretty tiring. “And where do you think you are going this early?” He eyed her suspiciously. It was true, that her injuries weren’t anything to worry about, but he still felt concerned about her moving around like that. “Uhh…I…” Stuttered Twilight, obviously trying to come up with some kind of excuse but that stuttering was actually enough for Spike to already know what she planed. “Twilight. We already talked about it yesterday. No. research.” He informed her sternly while folding his claws on his chest, staying adamant about the subject. As much as he respected her when it came to gaining knowledge, even she should take a break sometimes, especially after what happened yesterday. “But…” She began but upon seeing the cold look he gave her, she already knew that it would be better not to press the matter further “I understand.” She admitted, ears down and sad look in her own eyes, when she looked down at the floor. Spike had to admit to himself that right now she looked more like scolded filly and not princess Twilight, the element of magic and faithful student of princess Celestia. – If only she listened like that before…guess I’m to blame for not staying consequent… still, I hate to see her like that. “Listen. I’m not angry with you, okay? I just want you to take some time to rest, that’s all.” He said, trying to lighten up the mood a little. Spike decided it would be good thing to hug her and maybe keep his earlier promise, but upon coming closer and moving his claw, she swiftly dodged as if he was a on fire. “Twilight?” He questioned but the lavender alicorn already started trotting towards the exit from the library which was the challenge with all those bandages around her… her limbs were practically stiff because of them! “Y-you are right, I will visit Rarity, see you later!” She said, getting out of the bandages by using her magic, practically shredding them, she left the dumbfounded purple dragon alone in her bedroom. - But…its sixth in the morning! - He thought, unable to comprehend what the lavender mare thought. – She is probably mad at me. Nice going there Spike. – He scolded himself mentally and sighed. It wasn’t like he wanted it to be. No matter how many times he wanted to talk to her, it always ended with them arguing… ***Fluttershy Cottage – Present time*** “…and so, I came here.” Spike concluded his tale, sighing heavily, as the events of today troubled him greatly. He just couldn’t find a sound explanation for Twilight’s odd behavior. “I see… but you have to try no matter what. You two are best friends after all” Finally replied Fluttershy, as rare look of determination adorned her features, but it quickly vanished, replaced bt her usual timid expression. The yellow pegasus might be shy by nature, but the purple dragon knew that she possessed a very strong heart when it was needed. “You are right. Shall we continue?” Asked Spike, as he stood up again and prepared himself for yet another attempt. Just as he was about to start flapping his wings a sharp voice cut through the sky. “Now just wait a minute!” Angrily shouted Rainbow Dash as she came down from behind the cloud and landed before both Spike and Fluttershy, making the latter hide behind the purple dragon. “So? What were you two doing without telling me?” She asked, while looking at Spike, frown on her face. She was obviously as far from being happy as possible. “Uh…w-we were talking… yes, talking!” Said the dragon but the look that Rainbow Dash gave him, convinced him that she didn’t believe a word he uttered, which was confirmed with her next response. “Really? For me, it looked like you were trying to fly! Why didn’t you ask ME, the number one flyer in all of Ponyville and future trainer of wonderbolts?” She asked annoyed beyond belief and Spike could swear that he never saw her this angry before…. Still, he needed to calm her down or not only Twilight but now Rainbow Dash will be mad at him. “I…uh, decided it would be best to get… a few basic pointers, before coming to you… yes, that’s it!” Started to explain himself the purple dragon, but the blue pegasus frown only deepened. No matter what he tried, he seemed to sink in deeper and deeper as this conversation progressed. “Aaand? How much DID you learn?” Inquired Rainbow Dash, which made Spike mirror her expression when he realized that he actually wasted a whole day without learning a thing. “Not…much…” He said, while breathing heavily from exhaustion , admitting his total defeat. Upon saying those words he heard a quiet voice from behind himself as realization dawned on him, who was behind his back. “I-I’m sorry…” Apologized Fluttershy and her scarred voice, which seemed to be on the verge of crying made both the dragon and blue pegasus turn to her, concern for the yellow mare replacing their earlier expressions of displeasure and making them forget their quarrel. “It’s not your fault!” Both Spike and Rainbow Dash said in unison, which only spooked the yellow pegasus more. Grinning sheepishly while rubbing the back of her neck, the cyan mare looked at Spike. “Ahem…so? How much longer do you plan on fooling around?” She asked and flew closer to the purple dragon, wide smirk on her face. It was obvious to Spike that she wanted to divert the topic as far as possible from Fluttershy fruitless help. “I think… I had enough for today” Agreed Spike, who, after half of the day of flapping his wings didn’t manage to even lift himself from the ground for more than five seconds. As much as he hated to admit it, without help from Rainbow Dash who could be considered an expert in this field he wasn’t going to progress. Still, he knew that she won’t help him just like that and that as confirmed with her next response. “Oh, that’s too bad…If you asked me nicely I MIGHT be inclined to give you a few pointers.” Teased the pegasus, as she laid on her back while putting her forelegs behind her head and levitated before him. Swallowing his pride, Spike decided then that sometimes a dragons must do, what dragon must do and so… “Can you please teach me how to fly? You are so awesome at it, in fact there is no better flyer in all of Equestria than you.” he said, while gritting his teeth. He wasn’t mad… only his male pride was hurt and the smug look in Rainbow Dash eyes told him that she was clearly enjoying this moment… she was deliberately adding salt to the injury. “Well… since you ask so nicely for few pointers from THE BEST flyer in Equestria, I suppose I can spare some time.” She added, while stiffing the laughter. The blue pegasus wasn’t being nasty or mean but some payback was in order. Landing before the purple dragon she eyed his wings up and down for some time and, if Spike didn’t knew better, he would have thought that she was actually thinking. – Okay jokes aside – He scolded himself and fidgeted nervously under magenta gaze. He felt like a product on display right now or a model for Rarity’s dress. Thankfully, the mare didn’t let him wait for long. “Okay, I think I know where the problem is.” This response caught both Spike and Fluttershy by surprise, as they looked at her with expecting eyes. “R-really?” Managed to say the yellow pegasus and soon explanation form Rainbow Dash followed. “Yep. First of all, I’m happy that Fluttershy remembers the lessons I gave her… but the two of you made one big mistake. Basically, while we pegasi have feathers and need to flap out wings quickly to ascend, the dragons…” She pointed her hove at Spike, poking him in the chest.”…need to catch the wind and then balance with it under their membranes like… well…” “Hang-glider?” Offered Spike, which made Rainbow Dash nod her head quickly. “Yep, that’s what I meant. Okay, listen up Spike you need to first jump as high as you can and then catch the wind. After that you…” ***Golden Oak Library*** Sitting on oak stool in the library, which housed countless books, was lone, purple mare, her mane a mess since early morning. Sipping the tea, one of few products she managed to make by herself without destroying the kitchen, she looked over the books and photo albums that laid before her while deep in thought, as her eyes scanned letters and photos. Okay, all I need is to look in the books. There must be something… anything, which will give me answers about mine and Spike relationship! – She thought to herself with determination as she browsed through pages in search for solution. Normally, the lavender alicorn wouldn’t bother to search about this subject but the events that played in the morning forced her to do so. Finishing yet another book, she looked at the stockpile to her left and groaned in frustration, as she spent hours and there was nothing of importance. – And I even made a fool of myself before him… seeing Rarity when it was six in the morning? That was the worst excuse ever! – She sighed while feeling like banging her head on the table. Truth be told, as soon as Spike left the library she came back inside to do her research but all she gained was growing tiredness. As she returned to her work, grabbing another book, she noticed how quiet it is in the library. – Just like when he was gone… - She thought to herself, feeling cold shiver run down her spine. She was glad that he came back but now everything seemed to be so complicated, especially her feelings after what she experienced in recent days. – First Pinkie makes those insinuations, then I see…that…in the rift. Everypony would freak out seeing themselves with their life-long best friend! But why do I feel so strange around him now of all times? What changed? While Twilight managed to interpret the little signs about her own behavior in the morning, it still didn’t gave her any clear answers. By reading some theories about beginnings of love the lavender alicorn found out that either she developed a crush for the dragon or her reaction was an effect of over-thinking her relationship with him, due to seeing possibilities of it working out… which still left her with more questions and pretty much uncertain. All of this because I never asked myself about this… was I too naïve by taking Spike for granted and believing that he will never leave me? – She pondered as she relaxed slightly. It was true, that she never thought of life without her purple dragon assistant… after all, he was always there, cooking, cleaning, and helping in any way he could without complaining. They were best friends and now there was possibility of becoming more…of destroying what they have developed through the years. Besides, I’m a pony and he is a dragon… no, that didn’t stop him from having crush on Rarity and dragons can mate with most beings… mate… having kids with Spike… ugh! – She hit her head with her own hoof, as her thoughts began to wander around stupid ideas. Romance was definitely not a field she was good at, it was illogical and no book could tell her what to do. With heavy blush still on her cheeks, she laid her head on the table and looked at a photo of her and Spike in one of open albums. This one was taken when they were departing for Ponyville, both of their mouths smiling with excitement. We were through so much together. What am I supposed to do with all of this…*Sigh* Sooner or later I will have to choose… - She told herself. Her experience already taught her many times that choices like those can’t be avoided. There was something growing in her… some feelings for her dragon assistant and she couldn’t deny that. The question was… what were those feelings? Maybe… I should consult with somepony? – She mused, memories of different scenarios whispering answers to her but every single one had its good and bad consequences. All of her friends could help out, she trusted them, but she can’t tell everypony… What if Spike found out? What would he think of her? Was there anypony who she could consult for help without the risk of him finding out? Thinking over it for some time, finally an idea showed up in her mind. -Okay… she should be the best choice – With her mind set, she trotted to the door slowly, leaving the library while hoping that everything will turn out right in the end. Her feelings were a mess and she knew that the answers will keep eluding her until she makes her final choice… whatever that will be… ***Canterlot Castle*** The dark room, which was placed in the depths of Canterlot Castle was rarely visited by anypony, save for few rats that found the quiet place suitable enough for their home. Today however, the round chamber, with four massive columns, pulsated of strong magic. In the center, there was focus stone, which levitated while silently humming. Two figures stood on either of its sides and they would occasionally probe it with surge of magical energy. “It doesn’t work dear sister. No matter what we do, there is no reaction” Said princess Luna, while looking at her older sister, the white alicorn who wore expression rarely seen by her loyal subjects. With deep frown, princess Celestia shoot yet another spell from her horn but just as before, the magic energy wobbled the stone a little and then it died out. “I know, but we have to find out more about those rifts. We need to close them all as soon as possible or something will happen to all of Equestria.” Replied Celestia, sitting heavily on the stone ground, letting her sister take over for now. “We already know how to close them all…” Quietly began Luna but was quickly stopped by angry look from the white alicorn. “We won’t send Spike back to the void!” She said sharply, her voice not pleading this time but ordering her will as the ruler, while she angrily eyed her younger sister. “Forgive me sister, I didn’t propose we do it… Twilight already went through enough and after what she did to help me I would be the last one to make her go through despair again.” Apologized the princess of the moon, her words echoing through the room and making the white alicorn relax visibly. After a while she continued “Still…we didn’t made any progress… what now?” Getting up, the goddess of the sun began to walk back and forth, her eyes focused on the little stone before her. “We are going to request his help.” Said princess Celestia, while closing her tired eyes. If one were to look closer, the princess of the sun had dark bags under her eyes, an image usually not seen by anypony. “Thou aren’t serious… I know he reformed but… are thou absolutely sure?” Asked Luna but it wasn’t her older sister who answered her, for another one entered the room managing to slip past her acute senses. “Well forgive me, for being you last best-worst option.” Said the draconequus as he entered the room through wooden door in the wall which appeared out of nowhere, accompanied by loud fanfares. “Discord is the only one who ever had anything to do with focus stones… besides we don’t have any more options. Believe in him a little sister” Replied princess Celestia, as she tried to reason with her younger sister, but the younger alicorn only huffed, her stubbornness clearly visible. It wasn’t that she doesn’t trust Discord… okay, she didn’t trust him at all, it was mostly his annoying sense of humor which got on her nerves, still… “A little might be a too much… but let him do his thing. Just remember that he isn’t what he used to be long ago” Sighed the darker mare as she prepared to exit the room, only to hear Discord reply to her remark. “I think I’m more fun now than before, do you agree princess Celestia?” Asked the chimera sweetly which irritated Luna, since he was certainly trying to annoy both of them. She often wondered how Fluttershy managed to even befriend the spirit of disharmony in the first place…