//------------------------------// // Episode 17: His Name Was Headwind... // Story: My Little Pony: The Entities of Emotion // by Michael_Ravencroft //------------------------------// It was today, she hated this day and at the same time, she could never forget it. Fluttershy had made the journey to Cloudsdale several times in her life, but it was on this particular day that she dreaded it. But it was something she had to do, something that her conscious and heart wouldn’t allow her to forget something as sad as this day. But, for some reason, the pilgrimage to her former home was tougher this year, it wasn’t because of storm clouds or illness, there was just something, but Fluttershy didn’t know what it was. That’s why she was relieved when Rainbow Dash was more than happy to accompany Fluttershy to Cloudsdale, she knew what this day meant to her and she knew that her oldest friend needed the company. “Thank you for coming with me Rainbow, and I’m sorry for inconveniencing you.” “Shy, don’t sweat it. I know this isn’t easy for you to do. Anyway, let’s talk about something else for now. How’re you and Derpy doing? I heard about what happened at the BBB from Applejack and Twi, but I didn’t know if that was all pretend. So spill, you and Derpy marefirends now?” As always, Rainbow Dash was being forward with her questioning, but she already knew that. “Well…at first it was pretend, but…we’ve started to date, a little. It’s nice, being around her. Dinky and Sparkler don’t seem to have a problem with it, even Lyte is happy that Derpy and I are dating.” Rainbow Dash groaned at the thought of that pegasus colt, she didn’t know why, but ever since that incident with the thunderbird, she never truly trusted Proselyte. She thought him suspicious, and the fact that Fluttershy took him in so easily and with no fear made her think that there was another reason why she had taken in the colt, but that was another time, deciding that today wasn’t the best time to get into it with Fluttershy about Proselyte. “So, Rainbow Dash, I heard…Well…How are you and Twilight doing after what happened? Are you still angry with her?” Rainbow’s response was grunt. “Oh Dash, please don’t be angry at Twilight. She didn’t know what was happening, and she really loves you! Give her another chance or at least hear her out.” Fluttershy pleaded. Rainbow Dash let out a long sigh. “I’m not mad because of her having a threesome with Trixie and Sunset…” Fluttershy cocked her head quizzically at that statement. “You aren’t, but then, why are you mad?” “I’m mad because I’ve been trying to convince Twilight into having one for the last year and a half now! Then all of a sudden, Trixie and Sunset Shimmer show up out of nowhere, and suddenly, Twilight finds out that she likes it! I mean – UGH – that was supposed our first, not there’s! I mean, I won’t lie, Trixie has a nice flank, despite her being a total pain, and Sunset’s actually kinda hot, but the worst part is that they didn’t even stick around so I could’ve at least had my first foursome with Twi! But nooooooo, apparently they don’t remember a dang thing they did and we have to play dump to preserve their relationship!” Rainbow Dash then crossed her forelegs in front of her chest and huffed in annoyance. “I had it all planned out if I could’ve convinced her, it would’ve been hot and romantic, I even had a pony in mind for our third!” Fluttershy’s cheeks were blushing, but she chuckled despite this. Over the years she had come to expect these kinds of things from Rainbow Dash, so it would make sense that she was angry because she wasn’t the first at something – it equivocated to being slow for her – and right now Rainbow Dash felt like she was way behind in some imaginary race. “Well, as long as that’s all it is, just make sure Twilight knows that. You’re not always good at conveying these kinds of things properly.” Rainbow Dash sighed and then nodded, which made Fluttershy wonder about something. “So, if you did manage to convince Twilight, who were you going to ask to be the third?” “Um…I don’t think you want to know…It might be awkward.” “Rainbow Dash, I’m flying and discussing threesomes with my oldest, and best friend since foalhood, we left awkward behind a while back.” “…You…” “Pardon me?” “…I was thinking of asking…you.” Fluttershy’s body then turned bright red as she stared forward. “Oh my…” “Told ya.” It wasn’t long before the awkward mood became somber as they reached their destination. The two pegasus mares landed at the top of the stairs of a large column structure. There were others around it, at least ten in all, each one a hundred stories tall and as wide as two hoofball fields. The entryway had no doors, just an opening with a plaque resting just above it that read “Cloudsdale Mausoleum III”. Fluttershy took a shaky breath, her body becoming cold upon seeing this place. Rainbow Dash noticed her friend’s discomfort and draped her wing over her back, doing what she could to comfort her friend. Fluttershy smiled at the gesture and proceeded forward. The inside of the Mausoleum was massive, rows upon rows of platforms extended out a bit, going all the way up to the ceiling. Rainbow Dash stepped back a bit and let Fluttershy unfurl her wings so that they may fly up. The two mares ascended the interior, going higher and higher as different numbered plaques passed them by. Finally, the two of them reached a platform that had the number “58” stamped on it. Fluttershy led the way, she didn’t need to read the numbers or the directions…she had come here enough times to navigate by memory alone. It wasn’t long before Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash arrived at their destination. Lying within a carefully sculpted block of diamond hard ice was the body of a young colt, with a white mane and a coat of sky-blue. Pegasi didn’t bury their dead like the unicorns or earth ponies, living in the clouds, your options were limited on how to properly send off your dead. The most popular method was cremation, using high voltage lightning to turn the deceased into ash in an instant, and keep their ashes in a sealed urn. However, for those who did not wish to do that, a second option was made. By incasing the dead in a block of super cooled ice, they found that their body would be preserved and their family could visit them. It was strange for Rainbow Dash, seeing the colt, lying in that block of ice, it almost looked like he was just sleeping, but the tombstone that rested at the head of the ice block was a sobering reminder that he was indeed dead every time she read “Hear rests Headwind Zephyr. A colt with dreams as big as the sky, may you soar in the heavens above with Faust almighty.” It never failed to make Rainbow choke up at the sight of this, even more so when seeing the look on her best friend’s face. A look that was a mixture of sadness, sorrow, and…guilt, a kind of guilt that was, in Rainbow Dash’s opinion, carried for too long, but she didn’t need to lecture her friend right now, all she needed to be was a shoulder to cry on, someone to prop her up, whatever Fluttershy needed. Fluttershy walked up to the ice coffin and rested a hoof on it. She then smiled sadly at the colt. “Hi, Headwind…It’s…It’s your big sister, Fluttershy. A-A lot has happened since the last time I visited you, I…I met somepony, a mare, although, I’m sure you’re not too surprised by that, being around other boys wasn’t exactly easy for me…You’d like her, her name’s Derpy Hooves. She can be a bit clumsy and goofy at times, but she’s sweet, kind, and loving, and…I do care for her. Also, I-I’ve taken in a colt, he almost reminds of you…Kind, willing to help others, fearless…You two would’ve probably been good friends…Of course…that’s my fault…” Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth, biting her tongue to keep from saying the same thing she always did, but she refrained from doing so here. Fluttershy lowered her head as tears began to fall from her eyes. Her body shook as she sat on her haunches, the heartache taking hold. Rainbow Dash walked up beside Fluttershy and draped her wing on her, keeping close to give her strength, and to keep herself from breaking down. “I’m sorry…I’m so sorry…You should be here instead of me…I should’ve been a better big sister! Instead…I was…I was a coward!” Fluttershy took a few shaky breathes, trying to regain her composure, and thankful for having her friend nearby. “I love you, Headwind…even if you hate me, I wouldn’t blame you if you did, but I’ll always love you…I’ll be back, same time, as always.” Fluttershy then removed her hoof from the ice coffin. She then kissed the flat of her hoof and tapped it on the coffin, right above Headwind’s head. The grieving mare then nodded to Rainbow Dash, telling her that she was ready to leave. Rainbow Dash drew back her wing and helped Fluttershy stand up. The two of them then made it to the edge of the platform and spread their wings, preparing to fly down to the ground floor. Fluttershy then glanced over her shoulder at her little brother’s resting place as if to remind her that this was not a bad dream, that this was in fact reality. With that, the two of them took off. (Ponyville) Proselyte was on his way to the school house, by request of Sparkler. Today was Dinky’s birthday and Sparkler was busy helping Pinkie Pie complete the preparations at their house. Her job for him was to pick up the little filly and stall for at least a couple of hours. Proselyte wasn’t sure what he was going to do to stall her for two hours, but he was confident that he could think of something. It wasn’t long before the school came into view. Many of the foals had already left, with the exception of a few who were waiting to be picked up. Among them was Proselyte’s surrogate little sister, Dinky. The unicorn filly immediately spotted the pegasus colt and bounded for him, wearing the same sweet smile she always did. Dinky quickly latched onto his neck, hugging him, and nearly cutting off his oxygen supply. “Hi, Lyte!” “Hello…to you too…Dinky.” The unicorn filly finally let go of Proselyte’s neck, allowing him to breathe in the life giving air. “So why are you here? I thought sis was going to pick me up – not that I’m complaining!” “Relax, I just decided to come and get you, and to see if there was anything special you wanted to do for your birthday?” asked Proselyte. Dinky’s grin grew wide, almost mimicking the Cheshire cat’s. “Can we visit those two Star Beasts again!? You know, Liaetha and Straun!?” Proselyte’s eye visibly twitched. A few days ago, unknown to Fluttershy, Derpy, and Sparkler, Proselyte had made an expedition into the Everfree Forest to check up on the Star Beast inhabitants. Without knowing, Dinky had tagged along, and by the time he had noticed it was already too late, teasing that she would tell Fluttershy and Derpy about him going into Everfree Forest. It was in there that she was introduced to the Ursa and Canis Minors. They hadn’t seen another pony besides Proselyte and were happy to meet another. Luckily, all three seemed to get along quite nicely, and they played together. Of course Proselyte was supervising the playtime, fortunately, Liaetha and Straun were quite gentle and thoughtful while playing with a creature that was three times smaller than they were. Now, however, Dinky wanted to visit them again, and he knew he was pushing it. But then again he did need to stall, and playing with two Star Beasts would easily do that, plus, he could teleport them if they were going to be running late. “Alright, alright, you win; we’ll go see Straun and Liaetha.” “Yay!” Dinky cheered. With that decided, Proselyte and Dinky began walking down the dirt road, along the way Dinky regaled the pegasus colt of her activities from earlier today, and of the things her teacher, Miss Cheerilee, taught. She had also talked about how, for a while now, a filly by the name of Diamond Tiara hadn’t been bullying the other kids which was actually making school a lot more fun for her and them. “Well, I’m glad to hear that you’re having fun,” said Proselyte. “Thanks…By the way, how come I never see you going to school?” Proselyte froze in place, he hadn’t accounted for this. Princess Twilight had been able to keep suspicion off of Adara by “homeschooling” her. In reality they really didn’t need much of an education, being Entities; they’ve been around for a while and learned a lot from the influence of their light. True they did have to learn some things before fully integrating into pony society, but the question of where they received their education had never come up, until now that is. “Well…Dinky…There’s a perfectly good reason why…It’s um…It’s because uh…I’m really, really smart…?” Dinky gave him a deadpan expression. “Not buying it, huh?” “Not a bit.” “Leave me alone Diamond Tiara!” Suddenly the two heard a voice. They looked about until they found the source. A little further down the road, they saw a white unicorn filly, a pink earth pony filly, and a gray earth pony filly. The two seemed to be ganging up on the unicorn, making her retreat from them. “Honestly, I can’t believe how pathetic you are. You’ve been pining over that fillyfooling blank friend for years and you go and blow it! How dumb can you be to let that happen?” Diamond mocked. “Seriously, like, I thought she was the normal one of the group, but apparently not,” added Sliver Spoon. “Dinky, isn’t that the filly you were talking about…” Proselyte turned his head to speak directly to Dinky, but when he did, she was gone. “Dinky…?” “Leave her alone!” Oh no… Proselyte turned in the direction of the confrontation, and just as he thought, Dinky was there, putting herself right between Sweetie and the bullies. “Dinky, what’re you –!?” “Why don’t you just leave Sweetie Belle alone Diamond Tiara, you know if Miss Cheerilee finds out, you’ll get in trouble!” At the mention of this, Diamond Tiara’s face scrunched in anger. Proselyte sensed a change in her, above his forehead appeared the red symbol of Rage. At that moment, Diamond Tiara got right in Dinky’s face, making both her and Sweetie Belle flinch from the sudden anger in her eyes. Proselyte could feel something trying to take control of him, the instincts of his indigo light of Compassion was trying to make him do something he didn’t want to – couldn’t do. Not without showing his true powers. “‘I’ll get in trouble’!? I won’t get in trouble, because you two won’t say a word about this! There’s nopony else here that’ll back you up, it’ll be your word against mine, and everypony knows how much Sweetie Belle and her Cutie Mark Whatever’s don’t like me, they’ll think you’re just trying get me in trouble! Plus, Silver Spoon will back me up, right Silver Spoon?” “Uh, right, DT.” “You see, so…why don’t you two just face it,” Diamond Tiara then pushed Dinky, making her tumble into Sweetie Belle and sending both fillies falling to the ground, “I’m never going to stop, because I can get away with it, and you, and those other blank flanks, should be glad I don’t do any worse!” That did it, Proselyte couldn’t take it anymore, and assaulting Dinky was the final straw. The young colt’s body glowed with indigo light as he teleported in a flash of purple smoke, and just as quickly, reappeared between the four fillies, startling Diamond and Silver. Dinky looked upon her surrogate brother with a happy and awestruck expression, Sweetie Belle, well, Sweetie had a strange feeling inside her. Not fear or panic, but different. Proselyte looked down upon the pink filly and narrowed his gaze. “I sense great rage within you, Diamond Tiara, as well as avarice, and fear. Do you enjoy reveling in these negative lights that you must spread them, and inflict their blight upon others?” Diamond and Silver looked upon the pegasus colt with a mixture of fear and confusion. Diamond Tiara got up and stared the colt dead in the eyes, barely intimidated by his presence. “You think you can scare me!? Go ahead and do something, my Mommy and Daddy will make you wish you hadn’t,” she threatened. To answer her threat, Proselyte’s body flared with indigo light, spreading his wings to make himself look more intimidating, and it was working. “You who show no remorse for your actions, maybe it is time you felt true compassion!” Proselyte raised his right hoof. Indigo energy began to gather around his hoof as he concentrated. Before Diamond Tiara could say or do anything, Proselyte quickly, yet lightly, touched the Diamond’s forehead. Immediately Diamond’s eyes went from their usual blue color to purple, shackles made of indigo light appeared around her hooves, next a collar manifested around her neck, and lastly, the symbol of Compassion appeared on her forehead as if painted on with light. The change in demeanor was immediate, the rebellious, and angered filled expression she had earlier melted away, replaced with a stoic one, and a slight grin upon her lips. “Nok.” “Nok,” she replied. The three fillies looked on in shock at what had occurred. Silver Spoon dared to approach Diamond Tiara, deeply concerned for what had befallen her only friend. “D-Diamond, are…are you okay?” The pink filly turned to her friend, startling her a bit. Diamond Tiara then smiled slightly, resting a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “Silver Spoon, I’m sorry for the way I’ve treated you. I know you don’t feel the same way I do when I do these terrible things to other ponies, I sense compassion within you,” at that moment a violet-pink star symbol appeared over her forehead, “as well as love. You shouldn’t have to keep it locked away for my sake.” “What…What’s wrong with you!? Why are you apologizing!?” “I’ve just finally seen the light,” another symbol appeared, the yellow symbol of Fear, “I know you’re afraid Silver Spoon, but please don’t be, it really is a wonderful thing Proselyte has blessed me with.” Silver Spoon looked back at the pegasus colt, who was still glowing with indigo light. Sweetie Belle and Dinky got up off the ground, not really sure what to make of this situation. Diamond Tiara was angry and aggressive a moment ago, and now, she was docile, and apologetic. Dinky knew of his power, but she didn’t know what else it could do beyond the teleportation and making himself glow, now she was even more curious than ever about her ‘big brother’s’ powers. As for Sweetie Belle, well, she didn’t know what to think. Saying “thank you” felt appropriate, but given what has happened to Diamond Tiara, she wasn’t so sure. The white unicorn filly moved closer to the newest, involuntary, member of the Indigo Tribe, wondering what her reaction to her would be. “D-Diamond Tiara…?” “Yes?” “Um…why…why do you pick on us…my friends and me, and well, all the other blank flanks in our school?” “Don’t answer them Diamond!” Silver Spoon got in between Diamond and Sweetie Belle, anger plain on her face. “Y-You’re not yourself! You don’t have anything to tell them!” Diamond Tiara gently pushed past Silver Spoon, “But I do, Silver Spoon, otherwise it wouldn’t be fair to them, or to you.” Silver Spoon rounded on Diamond again, placing both her forehooves on her friend’s shoulders trying to stop her. “Please Diamond…don’t…we promised!” Proselyte’s eyes flashed for second, Silver Spoon then disappeared and reappeared behind them. The gray filly was about to make a run for Diamond Tiara when Proselyte glanced at her from over his shoulder. “Let her speak.” “It was when we were little, about five or so…during one summer when Silver and I went to this fancy finishing school we –” “WHAT THE HAY!?” All five ponies looked down the road and saw that Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Adara were trotting towards them. Each of them held worried expressions, except for Adara, whose expression was more disbelief and disappointment. When they reached the group, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo gasped seeing what Diamond Tiara looked like now. Silver Spoon, still trying to defend her only friend, rushed past Proselyte, Dinky, and Sweetie, stood on her hind legs, and spread out her forelegs in a vain attempt at hiding Diamond Tiara. “Apple Bloom, Adara, Scootaloo, what are you doing here!?” asked Sweetie. “Well…we were goin’ to Dinky’s party, a-and her big sis wanted us to go and get her and Proselyte…but now…W-What the heck happened to her!?” asked Apple Bloom. “N-Nothing’s wrong with her! She’s fine, just leave, it’s none of your business!” Silver ordered. “Hey, when you two are here, and my friends look like they’ve been pushed in the dirt, it is my problem!” Scootaloo retorted. Diamond Tiara turned towards the new comers, her slightly happy grin became a frown. She then walked around Silver Spoon, much to her own protests, and stood before the three new fillies. The red symbol of Rage now floated above her head as her gaze rested on Scootaloo. The orange pegasus filly saw something on Diamond’s face she thought she’d never, see (besides the glowing symbols and light shackles), remorse. “Scootaloo…I know you are angry at me, and that you hate me, and you have every right to be.” Diamond moved closer, unafraid of Scootaloo’s dangerous gaze. “…I caused you the most pain, out of everypony else in our school and I know you want to hit me again –” “I-I don’t want to hit you, again!” Scootaloo rebuked. “No, you do, I sense it.” “Enough…” Everypony looked to Adara, who had been keeping silent for a bit but could no longer watch and listen. “Proselyte, release her!” “She has a heart filled with the three negative emotions; left unchecked Diamond Tiara could become something worse than she is now. I am insuring that that does not come to pass.” “By forcing Compassion onto her, you know that’s not right! You even swore that you would never do that!” Adara yelled. Adara and Proselyte stared each other down. Scootaloo was starting to get worried, especially when she saw Adara’s cutie mark starting to show slightly. She knew first hand that the appearance of her cutie mark meant that she was going to call upon her power. Scootaloo then looked around nervously, this Proselyte wasn’t afraid to show his mysterious power, and it seemed like they had some similarities, but Adara had been trying to hide her power, and she certainly didn’t want it to come out like this! Oh please, please let something happen to keep Adara from using her powers. “DIAMOND TIARA!” All of the foals saw a new pony coming down the road, except this one was a grown mare, and was Golden Fleece, Diamond Tiara’s mother. Crap, I didn’t mean something like that! Ugh, where’s a natural disaster when you need it! The white mare gasped upon seeing her daughter, she then rushed towards her, pushing Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Adara away. Goldie then scooped up her daughter in her forelegs and looked her over with equal measures of dread and concern. “M-My little Diamond, what’s wrong, what happened to you!?” “Nothing Mother,” she spoke calmly, “I’ve just seen the light.” Golden Fleece shook her head at hearing those words; they were not her Diamond’s words. She wouldn’t speak in such a calm voice, especially with her legs and neck shackled as they were. She then turned her fury filled gaze onto Scootaloo, who was getting back onto her hooves after being bowled over. “YOU! You did this to her didn’t you!? What kind of sick things did you do to break her!? I knew getting the Local Guard was a good idea, and they should be along any minute!” Silver Spoon trotted up to Golden Fleece, shaking her head at her accusation, “No, Mrs. Fleece, it wasn’t her! It was HIM!” Silver Spoon pointed at Proselyte. “He did this to Diamond, he touched her forehead and now she’s all…like this!” At that moment, the orange symbol of Avarice and the violet-pink symbol of Love appeared above Diamond’s forehead. “Mother, I know you are concerned, but you mustn’t take action against Proselyte, he didn’t do anything but show me the error of my ways, and I’m fully prepared to make up for everything I’ve done.” “Silver Spoon…” Golden Fleece put her daughter down next to the gray filly, “watch Diamond.” “Lyte…I don’t know what you did, but maybe you should stop. Mrs. Fleece looks angry, really angry!” Dinky warned. “I’m with her, that’s enough,” said Sweetie Belle. Proselyte walked up to the mare, who was now standing tall, looking down at the colt with a murderous gaze. “I don’t care what they do to me, but nopony hurts my daughter,” Golden Fleece then quickly rose up on her hind legs and brought her forelegs into stomping position, “NOPONY!” The fillies gasped as they watched Golden Fleece bring down her hooves, but before she could make contact, Proselyte disappeared in a puff of purple smoke. The only thing that Golden Fleece struck was the ground, which made her wince from the sudden impact of stomping the ground instead of somepony. Proselyte then reappeared behind her. “I see, you love, and you covet as well.” Proselyte teleported to her right. “But you have little room for compassion.” His next teleportation brought him to her left side. “You must learn as well…” Proselyte teleported once again, but he did not reappear. The mare and fillies searched frantically for him, looking up, down, and to the sides for him. At last he reappeared, but right in front of Golden Fleece with a glowing right hoof. “You too must feel Compassion.” Proselyte touched the mare’s forehead. Golden Fleece let out a small scream before going quiet. Upon her legs and neck appeared shackles of indigo light, similar to Diamond Tiara’s, and like her daughter, she too bore the glowing, painted symbol of Compassion upon her. “Nok.” “Nok,” replied Golden Fleece. “Nok,” responded Diamond Tiara. Adara shook her head in disbelief, her brow then furrowed as she saw the blank stares of the mother and daughter, that same stoic expression and complacent look in their eyes that came from having the light of Compassion forced upon them, instead of freely accepting it. Scootaloo saw that the cerulean filly’s eyes were starting get a slight blue glow to them, and after seeing what Proselyte could do, she was afraid of what might happen to her fillyfriend. Luckily (or unlucky depending on your opinion), Scootaloo’s prayers were once again answered, in the form of a rainbow streak the plowed into Proselyte. The two of them tumbled about in the grass for a few seconds before coming to a dead stop. Rainbow Dash loomed over the pegasus colt, glaring at him with her intense magenta eyes. “I knew you were up to something! What did you do to them, spit it out!?” Rainbow ordered. Proselyte’s answer was to teleport right from under Rainbow Dash and reappear a few feet away from the mare. “I don’t recommend this course of action Miss Dash.” Rainbow snorted and raked her right hoof against the ground as she stared down the Entity of Compassion. Without warning she charged straight for him, ready to deliver a punch right to the colt’s face. Proselyte was also ready, she did not know to whom she raised her hoof against, and now Rainbow Dash would learn. However, before any of them could do anything, a second pegasus landed right between them, holding out her forelegs to stop both Rainbow and Proselyte. “STOP!!!” The prismatic mare came to a skidding halt, tearing up the ground as she did so. Proselyte stayed where he was, his body and eyes still glowing with the power of the indigo light. Fluttershy looked to the colt, returning to all fours, and walked towards him. She then looked into his eyes, for a brief moment everyone held their breath, wondering what might come of this. What happened next both stunned and surprised everyone, even Dash. Fluttershy raised her right hoof and slapped Proselyte across the cheek, it wasn’t a slap meant to hurt, more like one to snap someone out of a daze. “Lyte, that’s enough,” she said sternly, “I don’t know what you’ve done, but you need to snap out of it, right this second mister!” The indigo glow around Proselyte’s body began to fade away, his cute marks no longer shined, and his eyes returned to normal. Proselyte shook his head and then winced when he felt a stinging sensation on his cheek. “What…Fluttershy…? What happened?” “I think that’s something I should be asking, Lyte, look.” Fluttershy pointed to Golden Fleece and Diamond Tiara. Proselyte’s eyes grew wide with distress at the sight of them, immediately recognizing the binding shackles of the Indigo Tribe, and the familiar, stoic expressions they held. And it didn’t really help that they said “Nok” when they looked at him. Proselyte, without another word, pointed his left hoof at the mother and daughter. A flash of indigo light was emitted from his hoof, sending a command that made the shackles break apart and dissolve into particles. The painted light symbol of Compassion faded from their foreheads and both mother and daughter collapsed onto the ground. “What the – he killed them!” Rainbow shouted. Adara quickly went to their side and checked them both. She knew that Proselyte only released them from the indigo light’s influence, and its power did not cause harm to those who released from it, well, physical harm anyway. The cerulean filly mock checked them, since she could already sense that they were perfectly fine, more for show than anything. “They’re alright Rainbow, they’re just knocked out!” Many breathed a sigh of relief, but not Proselyte. He couldn’t believe he allowed himself to slip back into the old ways of his indigo light, and worse, he showed that side of himself to Dinky, a filly who looked up to him and saw him as her big brother. And, even worse than that, Fluttershy saw that side of him. She didn’t look scared or angry, more disappointed and concerned than either of those. “Fluttershy…I…I…” “Go back home, Lyte. I’ll help Rainbow Dash with Mrs. Fleece and Diamond, but I want you to go back home, now. And I expect you to be there when I come back.” Her voice was kind, yet scolding. With a long sigh, Proselyte vanished before them, the only indicator that he was there was the purple smoke left in his wake. (3 Hours Later, Fluttershy’s Cottage) Proselyte had waited diligently and patiently for Fluttershy to return, and when she did, she merely sat on the couch next to him and asked what had happened. It wasn’t a pleasant conversation, especially when the memories of what he did came back to him. It eventually got to where there was no real way to hide what he was, so, reluctantly, Proselyte told Fluttershy what he was. That he was in fact the Entity of Compassion, the source of all kindness and compassion in the universe, and that that power shined from his indigo light. He also explained how he wasn’t really a pony and that he had arrived from another universe. Of course, he kept the identity of Adara, Ion, and Predator to himself, only explaining his own existence. Proselyte also spoke of the Indigo Tribe, which was made up of psychotic sociopaths who knew nothing of remorse. He explained how his indigo light was the key in reforming them, altering their minds, and forcing them to feel Compassion. It was this way that they could better serve others, and help spread Compassion’s light to others. Fluttershy, for her part, had listened intently to the colt’s explanation, absorbing all the information before saying anything. Eventually, Proselyte finished, stopping as to not reveal more than what was needed, and because, well, he felt ashamed. “That is all…Fluttershy.” “Lyte, did anyone in this ‘Indigo Tribe’ ever reform?” “Only one, as far as I can remember. She…She killed the child of a warrior, her enemy. It took many years, but when my light no longer shined on that world, and all those under its influence were set free, she was the only one who had felt true compassion, and was instrumental in reviving it. She now leads the Indigo Tribe, as she always has, but deep down, she has changed, she is the only one to truly accept my light into her heart.” There were a few minutes of silence, and Proselyte didn’t dare look Fluttershy in the eye. It was then that the colt felt Fluttershy bring Proselyte into a hug, surprising him. “I knew you weren’t a bad pony,” whispered Fluttershy. “B-But…I…what I did to them…” “You were just doing what you thought was right to help Sweetie and Dinky. You didn’t mean to hurt them, you wanted to help them.” Fluttershy separated herself a little from Lyte, raising his chin with her hoof so there eyes met. “I’ll admit, it was a little scary seeing them like that, but it’s all you know how to stop ponies like that. Just promise me that you’ll never do that again, if you have to, poof away like you do sometimes.” “You…you forgive me…?” Fluttershy nuzzled the side of his cheek comfortingly, “I do, and I’ll be there for you Lyte, no matter what happens. And I’ll never let anything happen to you.” As if on cue, the front door to Fluttershy’s cottage was assaulted with furious knocks. “Fluttershy, you in there!? Talk to me, let me know you’re alright!” The pink maned mare sighed upon hearing the familiar voice of Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy then told Proselyte to go upstairs and wait until she had diffused the situation. The colt complied and flew upstairs to wait for a, hopefully, peaceful resolution. Steeling herself, Fluttershy walked to her front door and calmly opened it. In one swift motion, Rainbow Dash entered the cottage, creating a gust of wind that almost blew Fluttershy away. The cyan pegasus swiveled her head to and fro, searching. “Where is he,” she asked. Fluttershy closed the door and fixed her mane before answering. “You mean Lyte?” “No, Angel. Of course bucking Lyte!” “I don’t think telling you is such a good idea right now.” Rainbow Dash gave her friend an incredulous look. “Are you kidding me!? I know you saw the same thing I did! He was glowing, glowing and made that filly and mare wear those shackle thingies like they were his prisoners or something!” “Well…yes I did see that, but they weren’t being hurt. Lyte was just trying to help them.” Rainbow scoffed at that. “‘Help them’!? What part of making them go into some kind of hypnotic trance and slapping cuffs on somepony qualify as helping!? I knew he wasn’t normal, that he was hiding something!” Rainbow Dash then moved towards Fluttershy, placing her forelegs on her shoulders. “Fluttershy, you can tell me, did he do anything to you? Anything at all!? Try and remember! I swear if he did anything funny to you I’ll –!” “ENOUGH!” Fluttershy yelled. Rainbow Dash quickly released her, noting the angry look in her eyes. “Lyte didn’t do anything to me. He explained to me what he did, and he’s really sorry that he did that. But I know that neither one of those two were innocent either. Am I wrong?” Rainbow Dash nervously rubbed the back of her head, remembering exactly what she meant. “Well…yeah, I know that that was the filly that was picking on Scoots and her friends…and Twilight told me about her mother…” She then shook her head and put on an angry face. “But still, that doesn’t mean that they deserved that! I went to check on them afterwards, they don’t remember what happened, but now they’re all sad and crying! Are you seriously going to tell me that’s ‘helping them’, well!?” Well, after what Lyte said, that’s probably not unexpected. “I don’t condone what they did or what Lyte did. I made that clear to him. And he promised he wouldn’t do that again.” Rainbow Dash groaned in frustration, she needed Fluttershy to see how dangerous he was, she feared for her safety, Faust knows she can do what is necessary when push comes to shove, but ninety percent of the time Fluttershy can be complacent and passive of situations. Why wouldn’t she be worried about her friend’s wellbeing!? “He’s a dangerous kid Fluttershy! You can’t treat him like he’s Headwind!” Rainbow immediately covered her mouth, she had crossed the line and she knew it. Fluttershy’s expression was one of shock and sadness. Tears started to form in her eyes, her head hung low as her long mane covered most of her face, but that didn’t silence the quiet whimpers that were coming from her. Rainbow Dash felt her heart break. How could she say something like that, especially today of all days!? “Shy…I…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that I –!” “You did mean it…” “What?” “You wouldn’t have said it otherwise! I know he isn’t Headwind, I-I know that! I was too weak before to protect him! But I won’t let that happen, not to Lyte!” Rainbow understood now, it was plain all along, she was just afraid to say it. But now that it was said, she couldn’t dance around it anymore. “This is all because of that accident. You still can’t get over it! You’re still blaming yourself, even when there was nothing you could’ve done!” Rainbow shouted. “I should’ve been braver! I’m supposed to look after him, not the other way around! I was his big sister, but I was a coward! He…Headwind…He should be the one here today, not me!” Rainbow Dash bit her lip and let out a shaky sigh. “You’re right…you are a coward.” Fluttershy looked up at Rainbow in disbelief. “You’re a coward for thinking that you were better off dead than alive. If Headwind was alive, you’d think he could live knowing that his big sister died because he couldn’t do anything to save her!? No! Headwind did what he had to, to save his big sister, the pony who loved and cared about him! You! Every time you say that, wishing that it was you instead of him, makes me want to punch you in the face Fluttershy!” Fluttershy’s saddened expression turned furious, “Then why don’t you!? Since I’m such a damn coward!?” “Like it’d matter…I won’t punish you for something you think you did wrong, when there was nothing you could do in the first place………Screw it, I’m tired, forget him. I don’t care what you do anymore, with him or yourself.” Rainbow Dash walked past Fluttershy, shoving her with her shoulder a little as she did so. When she opened the door, Rainbow paused for a moment. “Stop living in the past Fluttershy, `cause you can’t change it. You’re here, he’s not, if you can’t live for yourself than live for him, Shy. You can’t make up for it by covering for…you-know-who.” Rainbow Dash then closed the door behind her, leaving Fluttershy alone in the living room. Fluttershy’s legs became shaky, eventually, she collapsed onto the floor, crying. Unbeknownst to her, Proselyte was standing at the top of the stairs, listening and watching what had transpired. Proselyte, delved into his indigo light, and unknowingly, probed the memories of Fluttershy’s mind. Proselyte had passed the Mortal Plain and entered the Astral Plain. This was the place where dreams and higher forms of consciousness could be reached, but, to the trained, it could act as a gateway to memories. Lyte had shed his mortal form, taking on instead his true form, that of the giant indigo arthropod. He then focused squarely on Fluttershy, the Astral Plain shifted all around, moving at light speed till he arrived at the sphere of Fluttershy’s mind. The Entity of Compassion then tapped into his light and brought forth the symbols of the Emotional Spectrum. The symbols then shot tiny slivers of their light into Fluttershy’s sphere. The symbols then rippled and wavered, changing to reflect what each of them could find. The first to appear before him was Love. The light told him about this lost loved one. Headwind, Fluttershy’s little brother. Born weak of body, but strong of heart, and despite his frailty, Headwind was quick. Fluttershy loved him dearly, and from what the light showed so too did Headwind. Their family was a happy one, filled with love. The next to appear was his own, Compassion. Fluttershy was often tasked with the responsibility of watching over him. She didn’t mind, being the caring and kind pony she is. Often she would dote on him, even when he protested such treatment. The next was Willpower, mostly stemming from Headwind. Just as was shown, he didn’t let his frail body keep him from soaring into the skies. Memories showed that Fluttershy, Headwind, and even Rainbow Dash would fly together, his courage, giving Fluttershy the confidence and strength to fly despite her fears. “So that is where Rainbow Dash knows of him. They were all once friends.” Next was Hope. Fluttershy would often pray, and wish for her brother to grow up strong and healthy. There was also guilt in his light, thinking it unfair that she was given a healthy body, yet feared to fly and go out like other pegasi. But still, she never lost faith that one day Headwind would soar like the rest of them, and might even give Rainbow Dash a run for money. Fear showed itself. Fear stemming from a fierce storm. Fluttershy had spent her time on the ground, something she had kept secret for a while, but Headwind knew. One day, Headwind went with Fluttershy to see the land below and the creatures that lived in it. Unfortunately, a freak storm, created by the Everfree Forest, blew in as they tried to return to Cloudsdale. The storm raged on, the wind blustering and blowing in every direction. Fluttershy did her best to keep her little brother safe. Proselyte could see it; she was willing to give her life to protect his. But then she got separated from him. Fear was rising, the wind and rain dulled her visibility. Several times did she call out his name, but thunder drowned out any sound her voice made. Suddenly, a microburst struck Fluttershy, forcing the young pegasus filly into a tailspin and knocking her out. She descended faster and faster as the ground got closer. Fluttershy regained consciousness and panicked when she saw the quickly approaching ground. Her wings snapped shut, fear gripping her, keeping the one thing that could save her from opening. At the last second, Headwind swooped in and pushed Fluttershy into the direction of a bush. Fluttershy crash landed into a couple of bushes before stopping, her body achy and scratched, but otherwise okay. Headwind wasn’t so lucky, crashing through a tree and plowing into the earth. Fluttershy ran to her little brother, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. The next to appear, well, it was one that Proselyte hadn’t seen in a long while, the black light of Death. Sadness and sorrow were heavy in this memory, the helplessness of standing at his bedside in a hospital, and the last vestiges of life slipping away and the darkness settling in. The last symbol to appear was Rage. This anger was not directed at anything, not the storm, but herself. She hated her weakness, hated being afraid, and hated that she lived instead of Headwind. The blue symbol of Hope appeared once again, in the form of Proselyte himself. The Entity of Compassion could feel it; he was her new hope, a second chance to make up for the loss of her little brother. “So…that’s why…I never knew I meant that much to her…” Fluttershy was still crying on the floor, although her wails had devolved into whimpers. She then heard the sound of hooves coming towards her; she flinched when she heard them stop right in front of her. Fluttershy dared to look up and saw the saddened face of Proselyte, looking down at her with sympathetic eyes. Fluttershy’s eyes were red and puffy from crying so much, and her throat felt raw from crying so hard. Still, the shy pegasus found enough will to speak to him. “I’m so sorry Lyte…” Fluttershy took a few shaky breathes before speaking again. “I know it isn’t fair to you…Treating you like this…Trying to make up for my mistakes…” Proselyte slowly lowered himself till he was lying on his belly. His body then emitted a soft glow of indigo light. Fluttershy watched wordlessly as Proselyte moved closer to her cheek and nuzzled her comfortingly. The light of Compassion washed over Fluttershy, making her body glow as if being hugged by it. She then moved forward and rested her head on his shoulder, which Proselyte did on her shoulder as well. The two of them just lied there, letting each other’s presence bring them comfort and solace. “Fluttershy…I-I’m not Headwind.” Fluttershy flinched, realizing that he must’ve heard their conversation. “And…I’m not a real pony either…but, if you want, we could be like family. Start anew, if you want to.” Fluttershy felt like she was going to cry again after hearing those words. “I don’t know…I want to but…how can you forgive me…? What Rainbow Dash said was true…I am just trying to make up for Headwind…I’m a-a bad pony…” “No, you’re not. You only think you are. I know what and who you really are deep inside, otherwise, my light wouldn’t be so strong within you. Nor would it resonate with my own aura as it is now.” Proselyte then drew back, prompting Fluttershy to do the same. “You must forgive yourself Fluttershy…” “I don’t think I can…” Proselyte drew back a bit more, standing to his full height. “Then maybe, what you really need, in addition to Compassion, is Hope.” The young colt concentrated, his aura shifting from indigo to a bright, azure blue. The symbol of Hope appeared above his forehead. Proselyte could channel and cycle through the seven lights of the Spectrum, but this time, he wasn’t channeling, he was calling upon it, calling to the greatest source of Hope there was, Adara. The connection was almost instant, his mind connecting with that of his fellow Entity. Within their minds, Proselyte and Adara saw each other; the three-faced blue bird looked particularly miffed. \*****/ “Proselyte, what do you think you’re doing?” “I need your help Adara.” “After you swore to me that you wouldn’t implement your way of forcing Compassion on others, you broke that promise, brother!” “I am sorry, I truly am…I had thought I purged that part of myself before we arrived in Equestria…I make no excuses for my actions. I was in the wrong, but right now, I must ask that you shine your light of Hope upon one who needs it.” “……It’s Fluttershy, isn’t it?” “Yes…” “I do sense it, her hope wavers. But any light of mine you use will only be simulated; the effects won’t be as strong.” “That’s why I want you to shine your light through me.” “WHAT!?” “Shine your blue light of Hope through me, and heal Fluttershy’s grief. Please Adara…!” “…Can you even handle that…? You’ve never attempted that before.” “I will merely act as bridge. I shall become a lantern to shine your light through.” “You’re really serious about this, aren’t you?” “I am!” \*****/ Fluttershy stood up and watched as Proselyte’s body erupted with blue light. Suddenly, giant blue wings shot forth from his body, wrapping around him like a cloak. Fluttershy grew worried upon seeing this, but something about his didn’t feel harmful nor was it scary. The blue wings then dissolved into a cascade of feathers, revealing, a pegasus colt, but it wasn’t Proselyte. Fluttershy nearly broke into another crying fit upon seeing him. “H-H-Headwind!?” The colt nodded his head. “H-How…?” “Hope called to me, and told me that you were sad sis.” Fluttershy slowly approached Headwind. She reached out a hoof to the blue light form of her little brother, but stopped, afraid that he might break apart if she did. Headwind gently grabbed his big sister’s hoof and placed it on his cheek, showing her that he was real and wasn’t a fragile thing. “Oh…my…You’re really here…!” “Only for a little bit Shy, listen. I’ve heard and seen everything, how you blame yourself for not being strong enough to help me, for being afraid and all that. Sis, I don’t blame you, I never did!” “B-But if wasn’t so scared –!” “And you think I wasn’t?” “No, you were, but you were brave enough to overcome it and save my life…You should be the one here!” Headwind shook his head, “Shy, I’m not saying that I wish I wasn’t still alive. After seeing how sad you, Mom, and Dad were, I wanted nothing more than to tell you that I was okay. I mean, I’m dead, but I’m alright. I got to see Faust herself! And I got to see you and your friends save Equestria like a dozen times!” Fluttershy blushed upon hearing Headwind praise her. “You have a good life, Shy. I wish I was there to share it with you, but I wouldn’t change anything. I saved you because I loved you, and had our positions been changed, I know you would’ve done the same thing. I don’t regret what I did, so you shouldn’t either.” Fluttershy didn’t think she could cry anymore, but she did. Instead of tears of sadness, these were tears of happiness. Headwind didn’t hate her or regret saving her life. This whole time he was worried about her, watching over her ever since that day. “So, will you finally let it go, sis?” “Hmm-hmm, I will, I’m sorry for worrying you Windy,” said Fluttershy, using her old nickname for him. “Geez, sis, please think of something better. You make me sound like I’m a filly! At least come up with something better,” he huffed. Fluttershy giggled at his reaction, she could always get a rise out of Headwind with that. “I promise, I’ll think of something better.” “Humph, you’d better.” Headwind grinned playfully. He then looked off into space as if seeing someone there. The colt then nodded solemnly and put on a sad smile. “My time’s up Shy, I have to go back now.” Fluttershy opened her mouth to protest, but whatever she was going to say died in her throat. She knew that she couldn’t hold onto him any longer, it wasn’t fair to Proselyte or herself, Headwind had made that clear to her. “Okay.” Headwind nodded approvingly. “You’re getting stronger than you think sis. Oh, one more thing, take it easy on this Lyte guy. He’s way stronger than you think, though I’m sure you figured that out.” The colt’s body then began to dissolve into particles of blue light. Headwind then moved closer to Fluttershy and hugged her tight. The pegasus mare hugged him as well, this time, there was no sadness or sorrow in this parting, because it really wasn’t a parting, he would always be there whether she saw him or not, and that was all she needed know to move on. “I love you, Headwind.” “I love you too, big sister…” Fluttershy released him and Headwind stepped back a bit. With those final words spoken, his body flashed and the blue light rose into the air in the form of tiny particles. Proselyte now stood where Headwind once did, he wobbled back and forth, stumbling towards Fluttershy. The light-yellow mare quickly caught him. Proselyte’s eyes fluttered open, seeing the content smile on her face. “Did…you get to say what you needed to…?” Fluttershy nodded. “Okay…I’m really tired now…” With those last words, Proselyte nodded off. Fluttershy giggled at his sudden drift into sleep. She decided to not move from this spot, Fluttershy curled up on the floor and brought Proselyte to rest beside her. She then moved some of his bangs away from his face and kissed him on the forehead. “Goodnight, Lyte, and thank you.” At last, for the first time in a long time, Fluttershy could sleep without the burden of guilt. This was a new beginning, a gift from her little brother, and she was going to make sure she didn’t waste it.