//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1: getting aquainted 
// Story: The Value of Trust 
// by Phantomslayer230 
//------------------------------//

	Prism was flying southbound, from Cloudsdale to Ponyville. He had just Finished work, and now he and his Wife Whirlwind were on their way home. As they flew along the same route they always did, Prism allowed his mind to wander. As he flew, he thought about everything that has happened. And even more so, how things had changed.

"What's up Priz?"

The sound of his wife's voice brought Prism back to reality. "Oh, sorry hun. My mind just wandered a bit." Whirlwind was quiet for a moment before she gave a Prism a half-smile.

"Prism what's wrong?"

"What makes you think something's wrong." Prism said with an obviously fake smile plastered on his face.

"Prism we have been married for 5 years. I know by now that when your mind wanders your thinking about something. And your the kind of guy that only puts extensive thought into three things. What you want to eat, something very important with work, or something that's bothering you. And since we're not eating and nothing interesting happened at work, something must be bothering you."

Prism chuckled to himself. Whirlwind always knew what was on his mind. In that past, it made them perfect pranking partners. Now, it made them a great couple and co-workers.

"You always could read me like an open book."

"Hey it's not my fault your so easy to read." The two of them giggled and nuzzled each other before continuing the conversation. "So.....what's on your mind?"

"Well, I guess just how much things have changed. I mean look at us. 6 or 7 years ago, our little group did everything together. We prank together, we hung out together, we got in trouble together. Now.......things are different. We're married. So are T and Annie, as well as Claire and Illusion. I bet star will get married here pretty soon. It's just like, as time went on, we grew apart more and more. I mean I see Candy and Del around town from time to time. But we never really get together anymore. 

"Star is the new Captain of the Canterlot royal guard, T and Annie are always out somewhere, Claire moved to Canterlot to live with Illusion, June lives with Valiant in the Crystal Empire, and Icy and Pixel are out who knows where. I guess I just miss the good old days you know."

Whirlwind was silent and simply nodded her head. While Prism had a tendency to be rather care-free sometimes........well, most of the time. When he wanted to be serious or sincere. He truly was. Whirlwind game her husband a quick kiss on the cheek and nuzzled closely to him. 

"I know baby. I miss them too."


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Prism and Whirlwind were coming op on Ponyville. They had some time to kill before it got to late. So they decided to take a scenic route along the edge of the Everfree Forest. The couple was fairly quiet for the duration of their flight. Whirlwind had her eyes set on the clear, starry sky. While Prism's eyes were locked on the ground. His eyes had adjusted to the darkness, and he was watching the ground go by. In the middle of their flight, Prism spotted something. A small shape, bright orange in color. It looked like a pony, or maybe a young dragon. Prism couldn't tell at this distance. It also didn't help that the creature had it's eyes on the ground as well.

"Hey babe, hold up for a sec."

Prism and Whirlwind came to a stop in midair. "What is it Priz?"

"I see something. I think it's a pony but I don't recognize him. He's coming out of the forest."

Whirlwind turned her gaze to see what Prism was looking at. She thought it looked like a pony, but she couldn't make out a race or wither it was a mare or a stallion. She looked back a Prism, who was already moving in the creatures direction. "Come on. Let's see if he needs help." With that, Prism and Whirlwind flew to the creature. As they got closer more things became clear. It was indeed a pony. It was a Pegasus. And a stallion at that. He was about the size of Prism yet slightly taller and slightly skinnier. He was walking with his head down to the ground. His mane was bright red with yellow highlights, and it was draped over his face. As he walked he look like we was off balance.

One close enough Prism called out to the stallion. "Hello." Prism landed in front of the stallion, who stopped as soon as he did. Whirlwind landed next to Prism shortly after he touched down. When the Pegasus didn't answer, Prism spoke up again.

"I was just wondering what you were up to." Prism said obviously unsure of what to say. "It's just that not many ponies go into the Everfree Forest. Especially this late at night." 

The mysterious stallion remained silent. Getting worried Prism took a few steps closer and spoke again. "Do you need help?" 

With that the stallion looked up, and Prism he part of he face. Most of it was still covered by his mane, but Prism could see his left eye. It was colored golden yellow. The stallion finally spoke. His voice was quiet and weak. And it sounded pained. "Please....." Prism, now filled with worry, allowed his gaze to look over the rest of the stallion. Prism noticed many cuts, scrapes and bruises along the stallions legs and torso. He was holding his right foreleg off the ground as off he was trying to keep his weight off it. Prism also noticed a bird resting on the stallions back. It was a fairly large bird, and it shared the same color scheme as the pony who carried it. However the bird wasn't moving. Prism's gaze snapped back to the stallion when he finished his statement. ".....help.....me." With that the stallion collapsed.

Whirlwind gasped in shock and horror. Prism though sprung into action. His training in the Storm Wardens taking full effect. He rushed to the unconscious stallion's side and first lifted the bird off his back, holding it out to his wife.

"Take this bird to Fluttershy ASAP!" Whirlwinds training began to kick in now as she calmed her self down. She took the bird in her hooves and gave Prism a nod before taking of in the direction they came.

Prism was now hoisting the unknown stallion onto his back. Once he was on, Prism took off as fast as he could toward Ponyville hospital. As he flew, countless questions rushed through his head. "who is this stallion, what happened to him, what was he doing in the forest, why was he here, will he be alright." Prism's thoughts were interrupted when the hospital came into view. He increased his speed and rocketed to the hospital. He just hope it wasn't to late.