//------------------------------// // Down the Long Road // Story: Lightning's Bolt // by PaulAsaran //------------------------------// Keen was sitting in the grass outside Fluttershy’s cottage, drawing on a piece of canvas her foalsitter had offered her. It wasn’t a bad drawing, but it was no Moozart. Keen was pretty sure her special talents didn’t involve coloring, but she didn’t mind; it was fun to try now and then. A shadow loomed over her, and the filly had just a second to feel fear… until she looked up. Fine Crime was beaming down at her. “Hey there, little miss.” She stood and offered him a big smile. “You’re back.” “And glad for it.” He knelt down and gave her a playful nuzzle that nearly knocked her over, to which she giggled. “How are things?” “Okay.” She sat and gestured to her drawing. “I wanted to draw Angel Bunny, but he ran off.” “I see.” He eyed the picture. “So that’s… the chickens?” Keen winced with a weak smile. “I wanted it to be Fluttershy’s cottage.” “Oh.” He blushed and rubbed the back of his head. “Erm… right. I knew that.” Keen giggle and stepped forward to rub against him affectionately. “It’s okay, I know it’s no good.” She looked up at him, recalling the last time he’d paid her a visit. “Did you beat the monster?” He sighed and shook his head. “Not really. I’m too far gone, but at least I’m not as scared as I used to be.” Fluttershy poked her head out the window and waved. “Hello, Fine. I thought you’d be at work all day.” “How could I be working now?” He scooped Keen up in one leg and waved majestically at the sky. “I just had to tell Keen all about how I bravely rescued you from the menacing sea serpent!” Keen giggled as he swayed his hoof in her face and made some hissing sounds. It reared back like a snake and batted her muzzle, prompting her to laugh and kick at it in self defense. Fluttershy’s eyes widened in alarm. “H-how much does she know?” He grinned and dropped the filly back to the ground. “Not as much as she’d like to, I promise.” That much was true, and Fluttershy’s worried expression had caught Keen’s interest. “Did something really bad happen?” Fluttershy gave her a comforting smile. “Oh, it’s nothing you need to worry about.” “That’s right.” Fine pressed a hoof to Keen’s forehead, making her tilt her head back and her eyes go cross. “It’s all water under the bridge.” Keen knew she was being left out of the loop… but she didn’t mind. She trusted these two adults. She looked up at Fine and tilted her head. “So why did you come?” He pointed one hoof at her and another at Fluttershy simultaneously. “I just wanted to visit my two favorite ladies.” Fluttershy rolled her eyes with a good-natured sigh. “I don’t know what you do for a living, Fine, but if you keep skipping out on work you’re going to get fired.” “Nonsense; I’m far too valuable.” Something in his tone made Keen think that wasn’t a joke. A chill breeze made them all shiver, prompting him to add, “Why don’t we all go inside? I’d love some hot chocolate.” Keen perked up instantly, but Fluttershy shot Fine an amused, skeptical smile. “I think tea would be more appropriate for now.” He let out an exaggerated sigh and sagged before nudging Keen with his elbow. “Well, I tried.” They went inside to have lunch, Fluttershy kindly offering to make an extra sandwich for Fine. Keen climbed into one of the chairs and watched as she began slicing up tomatoes and pulling apart lettuce. Fine didn’t cook, but he sped things along by getting the tea ready. They worked fairly well together, and Fine knew where everything was in the kitchen. Which was odd, because Keen had never seen him there before. It was then, watching them work together, that the thought struck. It was a simple idea, a common idea… a happy idea. That’s right, happy; she was happy. Fine, who had a curious way of watching out for her, and Fluttershy, just about the nicest pony in Equestria. And Keen. They had their sandwiches and tea. They talked, they laughed, they played silly games, and all along Keen felt warm. It was a wonderful sensation and she didn’t want it to go away. And yet, as Fluttershy was laughing at Fine’s silly expressions, Keen knew that this moment wasn’t going to last. Fine would go back to fight monsters and Keen would go back home, and this would just be a memory. Suddenly she wasn’t so happy anymore… The room went silent. “Keen?” Fluttershy was kneeling beside her chair with a concerned frown. “I’m sorry…” The filly rubbed her eyes, abruptly aware of the tears. “I… I don’t know why…” “Hey, c’mon.” Fine knelt down beside Fluttershy with a weak smile. “My Celestia impersonation wasn’t that bad.” Keen managed a smile, but only barely. “N-no, it was funny. I just…” She just what? She didn’t know how to say it. Fluttershy wrapped her in a warm hug, petting her long white mane. “There, there. It’s okay. Do you want to tell us what’s wrong?” She couldn’t. She just couldn’t, so she clutched at the kind mare and wished she didn’t have to let go. She felt bad that she would have to leave, bad that they couldn’t repeat this moment every day. But the thing that truly made her feel horrible was when she thought of Lightning. If she told them what she was feeling, would she have to tell her too? If she didn’t, would they? What would Lightning say? Keen didn’t know… and that only added to her tears. Fluttershy and Fine remained silent. Keen knew they had no idea why she was crying. Maybe they didn’t know how to react. She didn’t mind; she didn’t want to tell the truth, anyway. The truth was a scary thing. So she held on tight and let the tears flow, wishing to see a different pair of faces, wishing she were clutching an entirely different mare. She was so confused. She hardly registered the knock on the door. Fluttershy was too busy cooing into Keen’s ear, so Fine went to answer. Keen recognized the new voice. She peered around Fluttershy’s coat to spot a familiar green colt in the door, looking just a bit lost. Despite her sadness, she perked her ears to listen… “—said she was watching her today. Is she here?” Fine fidgeted at Green Daze’s hopeful expression. “Well… yes. But I don’t know if now’s a good time.” Keen pushed, and Fluttershy loosened her hold enough to let the filly lean back. “I-it’s okay. I’m h-here.” She rubbed her eyes as Fluttershy set her to the floor. “I’m here.” Anything to get her mind off this topic. “Keen?” Fluttershy knelt next to her with concern in her eyes. “Are you sure?” She nodded and turned to the door, though she didn’t raise her head. “Green’s a friend.” She ignored the adult’s surprised expression and trudged for the door. Fine stepped back to let Green in, his expression unreadable. As the colt entered he got his first good look at the forlorn filly and wilted. “Are you okay?” Keen didn’t know, so she didn’t answer. The bashful colt pawed at the floor and shifted, unable to meet her eyes. “M-maybe this really is a bad time. I can try again later…” “No.” Keen rubbed her eyes a second time and tried to offer him a smile. It didn’t really work. “I’m okay. Honest.” She sat and gestured to him. “D-did you want something?” Green kept shifting, his eyes going to Fine Crime, who walked over to stand beside Fluttershy. The two adults watched the exchange with curious expressions, but Green seemed to find them intimidating. After a while he nodded. “I… I was gonna let you meet my friends. We really should come back later.” He was already turning to go. Keen watched him trudge for the door, then cast a forlorn look at Fluttershy and Fine. They seemed so concerned, so disheartened. But they looked so… good together. She didn’t want to think about that. She caught Green’s tail in her mouth and tugged, making him drop to his haunches. He blinked and looked back with raised eyebrows as she released his tail and sucked in a deep, calming breath. “Let’s go.” He turned back to her, lowering his body so he could study her drooping face. “Are you sure?” No, but suddenly Keen didn’t want to be in the same room as those two. “I wanna meet them. I wanna…” She rubbed her leg with a pout. “I do.” Green hesitated, ears laid back as he shifted from hoof to hoof. He looked over her head, perhaps to see if Fluttershy or Fine would object. They said nothing, so he finally nodded. “If you’re really sure. They’re on the bridge.” “Okay.” Keen followed him out, taking one last anxious glance over her shoulder. Fluttershy and Fine were smiling after her, nodding their encouragement. They didn’t understand, but for now that was okay. “Umm…” Keen turned her attention back to Green, who was studying her out of the corner of his eye. “My friends… They’re a little rough around the edges, but they’re nice when you get to know them.” She paused, eyes drifting to the top of the bridge. There stood the three fillies. They hadn’t noticed the two of them yet, being too busy talking. They were just loud enough to be heard, but not quite loud enough to be understood. Keen wasn’t sure she really wanted to meet them; she had to remind herself over and over again that they weren’t monsters. Probably. Fine Crime was nearby. He was watching. He would be able to tell, wouldn’t he? Green fidgeted as he watched her. “You don’t have to come…” She observed him for a few seconds. He seemed so nervous. She gave him a weak smile. “You’re nice.” He blushed and rubbed the back of his head with a silly grin. “I suppose.” Watching him, Keen realized why she liked him. He wasn’t loud or pushy or mean. Green was likeable, and if he vouched for those fillies then surely they couldn’t be that bad. That didn’t mean they weren’t monsters… but at least it made her feel a little better. “Come on.” He gestured and trotted to the bridge, not losing his crooked smile. “Don’t worry, they don’t bite.” Biting was the least of Keen’s worries, but she followed anyway. They were finally able to make out their words as they reached the foot of the bridge, starting with Dinky: “—ter than Diamond Tiara, and we all know it!” Ani fluffed her small wings and pawed at the bridge. “I dunno. At least she has a cutie mark…” Apple Bytes, who was leaning back on the bridge’s rails, waved a dismissive hoof. “Come off it, getting a cutie mark isn’t everything.” “That’s easy for you to say,” Ani grumped. “You already have one.” Apple grinned and patted the green apple core on her flank. “Well yeah, but that’s because I’m awesome.” “You’re also four years older than her,” Dinky threw in with a roll of her eyes. “And five years older than you.” Apple patted them both on their heads with a smug smile, earning fiery glares from both fillies. “You’re still squirts. Cutie marks come with the wisdom of age.” To this the two younger fillies abruptly broke into laughter, and Keen realized that Green was laughing, too. “Yeah, yeah, rub it in, why don’t ya?” Apple heaved a sigh and chuckled. She glanced down the bridge just as Keen and Green were approaching. “Ah-ha, so he wasn’t lying after all.” They all turned at once, their curious gazes making Keen hesitate. “Of course Green wasn’t lying,” Ani declared with pomp. “He’s Green.” “You must be Keen.” Dinky wasted no time walking up to introduce herself, and Keen hid behind her mane almost instinctually. “I’m Dinky Doo Hooves, and I’m really sorry we scared you the first time we met.” Keen peered through her mane and tried to think of something to say. “I… umm… that’s… it’s okay.” Ani took a step forward, muzzle high as she struck a regal pose. “And I am Princess Animatia Erroria, but you may call me Ani, if you prefer.” Keen tilted her head, not sure what to make of this display. “Um… nice to meet you?” Ani nodded, then threw in a lecturing, “I expect an apology for barreling me over before.” She winced as Dinky elbowed her in the ribs. “What?” Dinky blushed with an apologetic grin. “Ignore her, she has royalty issues.” The posh Ani flicked her mane with and regained her dignified pose. “Well I am a princess.” Apple chuckled and shoved Ani so hard she fell on her side with an unladylike cry. You’re no more a princess than I’m a bale of hay.” She winked at Keen with a grin. “Hey, kid, I’m Apple Bytes. Stick with me, I’m the cool one.” Ani sat up and shot Apple a glower. “D’oh… Just you wait till I get my horn back!” “A horn that doesn’t work? Scaaaaary.” “I just didn’t have a chance to learn magic, that’s all.” “Or maybe you were too dumb.” “Oh, that is rich coming from a simpleton such as you!” “I make it a point not to learn any words that are longer than my full name.” Ani facehooved. “Really, Apple?” “Ah-hem.” They both clamped their mouths shut at Dinky’s raise eyebrow. Once certain they were done, she turned to Keen and shrugged. “Don’t mind them, they’re always fighting. It’s how they get along.” Keen giggled; she couldn’t help it. She glanced at Green, who offered an encouraging smile and nodded his head to his friends. Oh, right. “I-I’m Keen Arrow.” She brushed her mane from her face and offered a smile, ignoring the churning in her stomach. “I’m… not that interesting.” “Don’t be silly.” Green nudged her, making her flinch. “You’re plenty interesting, Keen.” “Yeah!” Dinky took a step forward, eyes shining. “Is it true that you’re learning magic from Twilight Sparkle?” That name brought a smile to Keen’s face, her ears perking as she nodded. “Yes, it’s a lot of fun.” “I bet.” Dinky sat back with hooves to her cheeks. “What I wouldn’t give to be taught magic by her.” Apple rolled her eyes and blew a raspberry. “Pu-lease, learning? Booooring. Hey!” She fell back as Ani’s wing slapped her in the face. “What was that for?” Ani raised her head in another haughty pose. “For being a rube.” Apple rubbed her muzzle with eyes crossed. “I’m not rude. Just honest.” Ani and Dinky facehooved in unison and Keen began to laugh. Apple glowered at them, then turned her attention on Keen. “What are you laughing at, squirt?” She stepped forward and gave her a painful poke in the chest. “I bet I could cream your rump! Come on, you play games, right?” Keen wilted a little at the aggressive motion and rubbed her chest, abruptly reminded of Lightning. She tilted her head and took a few anxious steps back. “Games…?” Green leaned towards her with a bemused expression. “She means video games.” “Oh.” Keen half-hid behind her mane again. “I’ve never tried it.” “What?” Apple reared back with a hoof to her forehead, appearing almost as if she were about to faint. “This is not okay. I’ve got to get you to the arcade and fix this, like, now!” Ani rolled her eyes and whacked the back of one of Apple’s hind legs; Apple promptly fell on her back with a shout. “I think we’d be accused of kidnapping if we took her now.” “But she might like to go, right Keen?” Green turned to her with a hopeful smile. “Maybe? Someday?” She saw the eagerness in his face and fidgeted. With the others watching she knew she had to say something. “Well… perhaps?” Dinky sighed and patted Keen on the shoulder before casting a lecturing look at her friends. “Don’t worry, Keen. We’ll go when you’re ready to, there’s no rush. One step at a time, right?” “Drat.” Apple let herself drop back to the ground and waved her hooves in the air. “Almost scored an extra trip.” Ani stepped on the teenage pony’s stomach, making her flinch, then turned to flash a pretty smile Keen’s way. “I think it’s perfectly fine, but wouldn’t you rather go to Miss Rarity’s? I bet she would love to fashion that mane of yours.” She took an extra moment to flick her mane and strut. “But not as much as she likes to work with mine, of course.” Keen considered this, but wasn’t sure she liked that idea, either. “I haven’t met Rarity yet. I met her sister, though.” “Haven’t met Rarity?” Now it was Ani’s turn to fake a faint. “You poor thing, no wonder your manestyle’s so outdated!” Keen winced, glancing back at her long mane. It was nice and neat. Even so, she wilted just a little. “Fluttershy brushes me some. Octavia, too...” “And it looks great,” Green insisted, though his words were a bit rushed. “Really!” Dinky decided to add her two cents; “Your mane looks fine. Ani just thinks she knows about fashion.” Ani huffed and turned her face away from them. “At least I care about my appearance in the first place. None of you ever bother to make yourselves look pretty.” Now it was Dinky who flinched. “C-come on, Ani, that’s low. You know mom can’t afford to buy mane stuff.” “And I don’t wanna be pretty,” Green added with a crooked smile and a blush. Apple, still lying on her back, waved her hooves in the air once more. “Pretty is for—” she took on a classy accent and patted her face in a dainty fashion, “girly ponies. How do you ever expect to be cool when all you worry about is looks?” Ani rolled her eyes. “Says the pony wallowing in the dirt.” “Hey, the dirt’s fun.” Apple wiggled about on the bridge as if trying to coat herself. She spoke in a sing-song voice, “Dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, gotta love the dirt!” Ani made a disgusted face and sidestepped away from her friend. “You really are a rube.” “What does me being rude have to do with anything?” “Not rude, you moron!” “Yes I am.” “No, you’re… I mean yes, you…” Ani rolled her head back on her shoulders and heaved a frustrated growl. Keen watched the entire exchange with a miffed frown; they really couldn’t help themselves, could they? It was amusing… but it also made it hard to stick to one topic. It was a little overwhelming, and she wasn’t so sure she liked it. Dinky noted her uncertain expression and stomped her hoof. “Girls!” Apple and Ani snapped to attention like soldiers. Dinky set a hoof to her chest and then stretched it out, heaving a deep breath as she did. Then she turned to Keen with a smile. “Sorry, conversations get crazy when we’re together. I should get them out of here so they don’t make you crazy, too.” Ani and Apple shared amused grins, Apple adding, “Yeah, don’t want to doom you to stupidity like we have Dinky and Green.” Ani nodded, turning her head away from Apple as she said, “Yes, I can see how the clash of my class and Apple’s… erm… class can lead to some crazy.” Apple elbowed Ani. Ani shot Apple a glower. There was a tense pause... ...and they both began to laugh hysterically. Green and Dinky shared amused sighs and turned back to Keen, Dinky saying, “Anyway, we just wanted to say hello like ‘normal’ ponies. You don’t have to run away from us, okay?” Green nodded with a grin. “Yeah, and we still want you to join Octavia’s fan club.” Apple’s head cocked at that. “We do?” Ani’s wing slapped her in the face. “I mean, yeah! That’d be cool.” Keen giggled, but couldn’t resist a glance back at the cottage. She could just make out Fluttershy watching from the window; Fine Crime was nowhere to be seen, but somehow Keen knew he was still around. “Thanks, but no. I’m Fluttershy’s fan.” “Fluttershy?” Apple’s face twisted in confusion. “Why do you wanna be her fan? I mean she’s nice and all, but she’s no hero.” “Besides,” Ani added with disdain, “Only boys like Fluttershy.” Dinky shot them another lecturing look. “It’s her decision.” Green set a hoof to Keen’s shoulder, smiling despite his obvious disappointment. “You can join later. Y’know you can be a fan of more than one pony, right?” The thought of Fine Crime brought a smile to Keen’s lips. “Yeah, I know. I’ll think about it… but it still seems a little exciting.” Green chuckled. “Maybe they’ll calm down with age.” “Hey!” Apple pointed at them, which made Keen wince. “We are just the right level of insane, thank you very much.” Another slap of Ani’s wing made her jump. “Hey, now what?” “Princess Animatia Erroria is not insane.” Dinky rubbed her hooves together and stepped into Keens’ line of sight as they began another argument. “I know, why don’t you ask your mom if you can hang out?” Keen thought she might have been kicked in the gut. She lowered her head and felt… shame. “Lightning’s not my mom…” Green had a hoof over her shoulder in an instant. “Sorry, Keen. I forgot to tell them.” “Oh… I’m sorry.” Dinky sat and nudged Keen with her muzzle. “I didn’t mean… If I’d known you were adopted, I’d never…” “I’m not adopted, either.” Keen turned away with a deep sigh; why did admitting that feel so wrong? “What?” Dinky stepped up beside her, face filled with concern. “But… but you’re being raised, aren’t you?” Keen’s throat felt dry. “I l-live with Lightning… but she’s not my mom. She didn’t adopt me.” “Lightning?” Dinky tapped her chin in thought. “You mean Lightning Dust?” “Boy, are there stories going around about her,” Apple declared. “I hear she’s a real troublemaker for the weather team.” Keen wilted. “I’ve heard things, too,” Ani threw in. “They say she’s a total ruffian, never thinking of others.” And some more. “I heard her and Rainbow Dash are enemies because Rainbow became a Wonderbolt and Lightning got expelled from the Academy.” And a little more. “Rainbow had to save her from that cold front, remember? Daddy said she was arrogant and nearly got her wingpony killed.” Keen’s chin touched the ground. “Well I heard she tried to get into a fight with Rainbow last week. Rainbow refused and made her look like an immature foal.” Keen wanted to sink between the cracks in the wood. “And I heard she burned down an apple orchard in the desert and almost caused a whole town to die.” “Stop it!” Green turned on Ani and Apple, waving a hoof at Keen. “Look!” “Huh? Oh! Well… what I mean is…” Apple seemed at a loss. “We’re very sorry,” Ani said hurriedly. “We weren’t thinking about… well…” “Obviously.” Dinky heaved a frustrated sigh. “Come on, girls, we’ve done enough damage.” Keen didn’t move, covering her face with her mane so that they couldn’t see her misery. She listened to their departing hoofsteps, but it was too late for relief. She felt somepony brushing her mane. “I’m real sorry,” Green muttered. “My friends didn’t mean any harm. Sometimes they just… don’t think about what they’re saying.” Keen lay there for several seconds, thinking on what they’d just said. She knew Lightning wasn’t a good pony, but… they were just rumors, right? Lightning did seem to like that Wonderbolt who visited the other day, though, and she vaguely remembered her mentioning an academy... What about the cold front? Miss Dash did save Lightning. Had Lightning really almost hurt her friend, too? But Miss Airheart said it was her fault. Then there was this fight. Lightning had never raised a hoof to Keen… but she was a rough kind of pony. Did she really decide to fight Miss Dash? Why? The academy? Jealousy? Keen didn’t like either of those reasons… She didn’t like anything she’d just heard, but more than anything she disliked that she was hearing about it now. Green heaved a deep sigh. “I shouldn’t have brought them here.” The filly sniffed and climbed to her hooves. “N-no, it’s not your fault.” She sat and rubbed her eyes before clutching at her tail for comfort. “I’m not mad at them, p-promise.” He sat and ducked, unable to hide his worry. “Really?” He really was a nice colt, wasn’t he? Keen did something that surprised even her: she gave him a hug. “Thank you for trying to help.” When she pulled back she found Green’s face as red as a beet and his eyes wide as saucers. His lips worked for a few seconds before he finally managed a feeble “…welcome?” She giggled and tapped him on the muzzle. “I should probably get back. Do you want to come in and play?” He rubbed his muzzle, face still red and ears low. “Umm… I… I should probably check on the girls. Er… don’t want Dinky to… you know, be angry?” “That’s okay.” Keen smiled as she imagined the three fillies having a fight right about now. “Tell them I’m not mad, okay? We can try again later.” Green’s ears perked and his smile came back in a flash. “Really?” She nodded with a beaming smile. “I want to make more friends. I don’t want to be scared anymore.” “Th-that’s great!” He heaved a sigh of relief before turning to run across the bridge. “Don’t worry, they’re really great ponies. I promise next time will be better!” She waved, feeling strangely pleased with herself. But that smile faded as soon as he was gone. Lightning was late again. She claimed that she was kept over at work again. She promised she wouldn’t let it happen again. Keen knew she was lying. Again. Keen didn’t feel like talking on the way home and she didn’t eat much when she got there. Lightning noticed, and she asked what was wrong… but she didn’t try very hard to figure it out. The discoveries of the day remained heavy on Keen’s mind. She pretended to read in the hour before bedtime, but she couldn’t stop brooding. She wanted Lightning to press her, to keep asking until Keen was forced to admit what she’d learned. But Lightning remained indifferent… and that just fueled the unpleasant fire in the filly’s mind. “Time for bed, Keen.” She gazed up to find Lightning looking down at her with a smile that struck the filly as forced. Slowly, her mind trying to process her emotions, Keen closed the book. She said nothing as she shuffled to the pillow, Lightning pushing the covers back for her. There was a strange feeling in her chest like it was going to burst. Keen realized she wanted to say something, but her lips seemed stuck together like glue. Lightning pulled the covers up to Keen’s chin, the movement feeling awkward and rushed. Maybe Keen was just imagining it, maybe these motions were no different from how they always were. So why did she feel so unhappy? She looked up at her guardian, wondering what Lightning was thinking. She wanted the pegasus to say something, to ask something, to show some kind of interest in this moment. Lightning blinked a few times, shifted. She leaned forward a little, reconsidered, stood straight. She raised a hoof and hesitated, averting her eyes. Keen waited, heart pattering in her chest as she found herself hoping for… she didn’t know what. Finally, as if it had just occurred to her, Lightning patted the filly on the forehead. “G’night, kiddo.” She was gone, just like that. Keen stared at the closed door for a few seconds, feeling a strange need to cry… but gradually her sadness shifted to something else. Tiny lips set in a scowl, she shoved the covers away and went to the window to glare at the moon and steam. “Hey there, kid.” She perked her ears to let him know she heard, but didn’t stop staring at the moon. Fine sat on the edge of the bed and observed her for a few seconds with a smug smile. “Why do I get the feeling you were expecting me?” He bent low to nuzzle her, and despite her bubbling anger she smiled and returned the motion. “I am very, very proud of you, Keen.” He wrapped her up in a hug. It felt so warm. “You’re making friends. You faced your fear, didn’t you? I wish I had been so brave at your age.” Her angry thoughts were replaced with concern as she turned to look up at his rosewood eyes. “I remembered what you said. ‘You will scare me no longer’. It helped.” He smiled, sniffing as his eyes moistened a little. “Good. I’m glad, Keen. Very, very glad.” She leaned forward to set a hoof to his leg. “It didn’t help you?” He closed his eyes and sucked in a slow, steadying breath, his smile broadening just a touch. “Like I said, I’m too far gone. I don’t think I’ll ever stop having the nightmares.” He lay on his belly, and despite his sad tone he seemed very calm. “But I’m glad I went. I got to see the real thing, or as close as I could get to seeing it. Compared to that, the nightmares aren’t all that scary.” “Um…” She tilted her head as she considered this. “I guess… that’s good?” His eyes rolled to her, then began to move about the room. “It’s better than the alternative. But enough about me, my brave little filly.” He reached up to pet her long mane, and she leaned against his hoof with a pleased smile. “I want to know about your new friends.” She winced. “Well… Green’s a friend. I’m not sure about the others yet.” He raised an eyebrow. “Why not?” She sat and pondered the question. “I don’t understand them. Ani and Apple are always mean to one another… but they seem to like it.” She drooped a little as she looked to him. “Does that make sense?” Fine raised his head and crossed his forehooves. It was a curiously regal pose, despite the playful smile. “Go on.” She frowned at the response, but went on. “They’re also kind of mean to Green… but he says they’re his friends. He does seem to like them. But how can he like bullies?” Fine chuckled and shook his head. “I don’t think they’re bullying him so much as… picking on him.” She cocked her head. “I don’t understand.” He paused to think on the subject for a few seconds, eyes studying her in the dark. “Keen, you’re a very timid filly, and I know it can be hard to see the distinction. A bully does things that are hurtful, but I don’t think Green’s friends are hurting him. Are they?” Keen rubbed her forehead as she tried to think on this. “He doesn’t seem to think so…” “Because he can tell the difference.” He reached a hoof over to tip her sideways, sending her sprawling over her pillow with a surprised squeak. Her hooves kicked at the air for a moment as she got tangled in the sheets, and when she at last righted herself her mane was over her face. She shoved it aside and glowered at him… then saw his grin. She kept up the glare for a second, and another… ...then started to giggle. Fine pressed the tip of her horn with just enough force that when he moved his hoof her head moved with it. “I just picked on you. Was it mean?” Keen batted his hoof away and ducked her head with a sheepish smile. “Well, no. Not really.” He tapped her chest with a pleased smile. “That’s the difference. Green knows his friends don’t mean any harm. He might even find it funny.” She thought on this and found it actually made a curious sort of sense. She felt as if she’d just learned something important, something that would help her the next time she met those fillies. It felt… good. And suddenly that made her feel bad. “Keen?” He tilted his head as her smile faded to a gloomy frown. “What’s wrong?” She gazed up at him, wondering at the tight feeling in her chest. “You’re not Lightning.” He leaned back, eyelids lowering as he visibly struggled to make sense of this. The filly walked over so that she could lay next to him, pressing against his leg. He was so warm… and her heart felt so heavy. “Will you come by Fluttershy’s again? While I’m there? I like it when you visit us.” His uncertainty was as plain as the muzzle on his face. “Probably. It’s bound to happen at some point.” She bowed her head, ears lowering as she prepared to ask what felt like a very important question. “Do you… like Fluttershy?” He chuckled. “I think we’ve already established that.” Keen didn’t laugh. Or smile. She looked up, her firm eyes meeting his. For several long seconds they gazed at one another, not a sound between them. Then Fine’s eyes widened. “Oh. You mean like.” She leaned forward, ears perking as she awaited an answer. He looked away, his pleasant demeanor gone. “I don’t know. Even if I did… it’s probably not going to happen.” Keen’s tiny heart sank a little. “Why?” A deep sigh. “You’re too young to learn that kind of thing. Let’s just say that Fluttershy and I live in very different worlds, and crossing the boundaries of those worlds can be very dangerous.” She glowered; that didn’t help at all! She bowed her head and fought down the urge to shout. “But I thought… after today…” He patted her on the head and offered a smile that was probably meant to be comforting. It only came out as sad. “Don’t worry. Fluttershy’s got plenty of stallions – and a mare or two – who like her in that way. Surely one of them will be right for her.” The filly pouted and snuggled a little tighter against him. “I don’t want them. I was happy today. It was so nice, so normal. I thought…” She collapsed on her side, and for a second could only lay where she fell in mute surprise. She sat up and brushed her mane from her face a second time to spot Fine standing on the other side of the room, his back turned to her and head low. “Don’t.” His voice was firm… but not so firm she couldn’t detect the crack in it. “Don’t think that, Keen.” Not shouting was very hard. “But why?” He turned to her, and the pain on his face was like a knife in the heart. “You don’t want me in a role like that.” “I do, too.” She walked to the edge of the bed to level him with her most hopeful look. “You’re nice, you protect me… y-you listen. You talk.” Tears were beginning to well up in her eyes. She had to sit and wipe them away. She wished her heart didn’t hurt so much. “I miss Dad… I want a dad…” Fine set a trembling hoof to his lips, which he kept firmly closed. He stared at her, taking long, calming breaths. Keen just sat and stared back, sniffing and wiping at her cheeks every few seconds. She wanted him to change his mind. He wasn’t her father, but he was a good replacement, wasn’t he? Her father would approve, right? At last Fine shook his head. “No, Keen. I can’t do that.” “But wh—” He pressed a hoof to her lips and shook his head once more. “That’s not my job. You’re Lightning’s responsibility now.” She pushed his leg away and turned from him, body shaking as she fought to control herself. She didn’t want to sob, to be loud and wake Lightning up. Lightning was the last pony she wanted to see. “Lightning’s n-not a mom. She’s been l-lying to me.” “Lying to you?” She sniffed and nodded, her hiccups making it harder to speak. “I g-get parents lie. Mom and-d Dad lied, but th-they were always trying t-to make me f-feel better. I think L-Lightning just lies f-for herself.” Fine’s voice grew kind and soothing. “You don’t know that. I’m sure she has a good—” “Did she burn down that orchard?” Keen turned to peer up at him, her anger even stronger now than it had been. “Did she fail at the Wonderbolts Academy? What about Airheart? Did she nearly die because of Lightning?” His jaw dropped and he met her gaze with wide eyes. For several seconds he wouldn’t speak, his surprise slowly fading to solemn contemplation. “It sounds like you and Lightning need to have a talk.” The filly stomped her hoof, but the bed ruined her attempted expression of anger. She glared at the sheets, huffing and fighting back tears. “Lightning doesn’t want to talk. She doesn’t want to help. I’m not sure she even wants me.” Silence filled the room, interrupted only by her occasional sniff. She wanted him to answer the questions, to tell her she was wrong. She wanted… she wanted… Her anger faded as she began to lose control of her emotions. Just at that moment, as if the image were burned into her memory, she saw them. It was the clearest picture she’d had since the rocks took them. Her father’s pearly coat, his mane that was a lighter blue than hers, his short horn. Always with that soothing smile. Her mother, a dark blue with that long, beautiful black mane. Keen used to curl up in it at night… it was so soft. Soft like her own. She felt at it, and the memory knocked the air out of her. She did the only thing she could; she buried herself under the covers and sobbed. She knew she shouldn’t, Lightning might hear… but she couldn’t stop. She curled up into a little ball, engulfed in her own mane and tail, and tried to pretend. But she was gone. They were both gone. Lightning couldn’t be her mother. She didn’t want to be. So Keen wept... ...and longed. The filly woke with a start, sitting up quickly with rapid and shallow breaths. Her eyes searched her surroundings… but there was nothing. It wasn’t like her usual nightmares. This one was older and didn’t involve any monsters. No, it involved a storm and terrible noises… and rocks. She wrapped her sheet about her shoulders for comfort, shivering at the unhappy memories. Then she saw the large lump on her bed. She gazed at it for several seconds before understanding dawned on her. “Mr. Fine?” He stirred, rolling away so that he was on his belly. His head rose from the foot of the bed, sleepy eyes going to her. “Oh… you woke up.” A small fear crept into Keen’s mind, but when she looked to the window she was relieved to see that it was still night. She leaned forward to study his weary face. “Shouldn’t you be at home?” He rubbed the sleep from his eyes with a sheepish smile. “I couldn’t well leave a damsel in distress now could I?” She gaped… then broke into a wide smile. She stood and went to nuzzle his cheek. “Thank you.” “I think you needed it.” He stretched with a long yawn before climbing off the bed. “But you’re right, I probably should go before Lightning finds me here. That would spoil our sneaky fun.” Keen giggled, but sobered quickly. Lightning… She bowed her head with a despondent sigh. “What am I going to do?” He studied her for a couple seconds, then dropped so that he was eye-level with her. “Keen, I know it’s hard to understand, but I promise you that Lightning cares.” The filly glowered with a huff and turned her face away. “I know, she’s not doing a good job of showing it.” Keen’s anger faded as she stared at her hooves. She rubbed her leg with a miserable sigh. “I miss mom and dad.” “I know.” He nuzzled her mane. “It’s hard.” “I…” She turned to stare at him with head low and ears tucked. “I thought… Mom and Dad can’t come back, but you and Fluttershy feel so right.” He tilted his head as he observed her, lips set in a sad frown. “Keen… that’s not a role I can take on. I’m sorry, but I can’t.” She pouted. “But you’re so good at it.” He chuckled, a weak sound. “I appreciate that.” He rubbed his chin in thought, his eyes fading as if he were looking at something else entirely. A few moments of silence passed, and Keen spent them feeling decidedly miserable. Her one good chance to be in a family again… But then Fine grabbed her and lifted her over his head with a smile. “I can’t be your dad, that wouldn’t work well for either of us. So how about an uncle?” She blinked, cocking her head as she studied him. His expression was so warm. It was the kind of warmth that seemed to fill her up. She managed a weak smile as she thought on the idea. “An uncle. I’ve never had an uncle.” “You do now.” He grinned and bumped muzzles with her, and she giggled despite herself. “Don’t you worry, Keen. Things will work out in the end.” He gave her a hug, and it was one of the most pleasant feelings she’d had in a long time. He wasn’t a dad… but at that moment she felt that an uncle was close enough. A thought came to her. “Does this mean you and Lightning are like brother and sister now?” He made a funny sound, as if he were trying not to laugh. “Sweet Luna, I hope not.” He set her on the bed with a grin. “I think having her as a little sister would be a real pain.” Keen’s amusement was short lived, her mouth opening wide in a deep yawn as she once again thought of Lightning. “A pain. That’s Lightning all right.” His chuckled, but it was a weak sound. “Come on, kid; back to bed with you.” She let him tuck her in, a deep sadness coming over her. “I wish I was living with you or Fluttershy.” Fine petted her mane, expression solemn. “Don’t give up yet. Talk to her, Keen. Ask her about Airheart and the orchard.” The filly rolled away from him with a sulking glower. “She’ll just lie to me some more.” Though he sighed his frustration, his voice remained calm. “Just ask, Keen. You’ll see.” She wanted to brood, to think more bad things about Lightning, but as his hoofsteps began to move away she felt a certain urgency, a need to try… something. So she sat up and turned. “Un… Uncle Fine?” He was almost to the corner of her room, head dropping swiftly as if he’d been struck by something. He trembled for a couple of seconds… then turned to her with a beaming smile. “Yeah?” She shifted, rubbing her hooves together in a sheepish display. “Umm… thanks for staying with me. Goodnight.” His grin widened a touch and his chest swelled a little. His horn shined as he offered a flamboyant bow, smoke beginning to billow around him. “Goodnight, little miss.” The smoke faded and he was gone. Keen stared at the corner for several seconds, fighting back her sleepiness as she smiled to herself. She repeated the phrase a few times in her head… Uncle Fine. Uncle Fine. She sank down to her pillow, a wide smile on her lips as sleep began to reclaim her.