//------------------------------// // Vita Aeterna // Story: Opus // by Ninjeneer //------------------------------// Vita Aeterna By: Travis Kingsley Twilight Sparkle was just walking up the path toward Fluttershy’s cottage when she saw Rainbow Dash and Dee lying on the grass. But she stopped dead in her tracks, jaw hanging open. “Did....did Dash just kiss Dee?” Thought the astounded mare, her eyes wide with astonishment. “I.... ummm....ok then.” She thought as she continued toward the house, brushing away the momentary panic that comes from walking into an unexpected situation. “Hey there girls” she said nonchalantly as she walked up to them “how are you two feeling today?” “I’m feeling pretty good!” Said Dash “Maybe in a few days I’ll see if I can still fly, haha!” “That’s great! I’m glad you’re making such a quick recovery” Twilight said with a smile “and what about you Dee?” “I’m doing very well, thank you. Dash and Fluttershy have taken really good care of me. And I’m happy to call them my friends now.” Dee said, grinning at Dash. “Especially Dash here.” “Well that’s great! I’m really happy for you!” Said Twilight with a smile. She still wasn’t sure what she thought about this whole thing unfolding before her, but she was happy for Dee and Dash. It was great to see Dee smiling so soon after such a tragic attempt, and she knew for a while that Dash had been getting a little depressed without someone special in her life. Twilight sighed. She herself was content to wait for her own stallion, but still there was that little nagging in the back of her mind, making her want that special love with somepony. She sighed again to herself “So where’s Fluttershy?” She asked with a smile, forcing herself out of her pondering. “I think she over there by the garden” said Dash, pointing in the general direction. “Thanks! I’ll catch you two girls later. Be sure to take it easy!” Said Twilight as she trotted toward the garden looking for Fluttershy. She arrived at the garden a few moments later and found Fluttershy there, just like Dash had thought. “Hey Fluttershy!” She said. “Oh hi there Twilight. How are you today?” Said Fluttershy softly. “I’m fine. Thanks for asking. What about you and your two patients?” Twilight asked, secretly hoping for more information about Dash and Dee, and what was going on there. “Oh I’m just fine, thank you. The two of them seem to be getting along really well too” said Fluttershy, gesturing toward Rainbow Dash and Dee. “Yeah, I’d noticed” said Twilight, a hint of sarcasm showing in her voice. “I’m not sure what I think of it yet. I’m happy them, but I don’t know.” “What do you mean?” Asked Fluttershy “everypony needs friends!” She said smiling. “Well yeah, but....wait. You didn’t know?” Said a puzzled Twilight. “Know what?” asked Fluttershy, just as puzzled as Twilight, but for different reasons. She really had no idea what Twilight was talking about. “Well Fluttershy...I think... I think I saw them kissing a few minutes ago.” Twilight finally spit out. “What? Are you sure Twilight” asked Fluttershy in disbelief “I’ve never taken Rainbow Dash for a ‘filly fooler,’ have you?” “Well no. I even remember her saying something a while back about thinking it was weird. But what I saw was pretty...convincing otherwise. I think I’ll talk to her” Twilight continued “sometime when I get the chance. It’s not my place really, but I don’t want to assume things about her without knowing the whole story.” “I’ve learned better than to assume things” Fluttershy commented “so that would probably be best.” “I’ll just ask her sometime when it’s convenient. It’s really not that big of a deal. Well...I really need to get going, but I’m glad you three are doing okay! You let me know if you need anything Fluttershy!” Said Twilight, turning to head back toward town with Fluttershy following by her. They continued talking about the nice weather, Fluttershy’s animals, and just small talk in general until they got to the gate. They stood there for a few more minutes chatting until Fluttershy finally said “well, It was great to see you Twilight, but I really should finish up my gardening.” “And I have to get the library, Spike is expecting me back soon and I need to stop by Sugarcube Corner too.” Said Twilight, turning to walk off. “By Dee! By Dash” She said to the two, still cuddling together, wings spread out in the sunlight and a look of contentment on their faces. “Bye Twilight!” The two responded almost perfectly in sync before breaking out in laughter over how funny that was. The two lay their giggling as Twilight trotted back to town. Fluttershy lingered a moment longer, asking the two if they needed anything. She also returned to her gardening when they both said they were fine. The rest of that day and the evening went very similar as the day before. The three pegasi had a light lunch, and then went down to a nearby stream for some relaxation and fun. Even Fluttershy enjoyed playing in the water, and it was really a well needed treat for all three of them. Later that evening they had a nice dinner. Fluttershy made a different soup than before, but just as delicious. The conversation was light, and the mood was pleasant. They were all very much enjoying the conversation, but Fluttershy knew her two patients needed their rest. She managed to wrap up the conversation and convince the two that they should go to bed. Then she was off to her own room getting herself into bed, while Dee and Dash were left alone. Dash jumped right into her own bed, quickly getting comfortable, but Dee lingered a moment, looking nervously as Dash.
 “What’s the matter Dee?” Asked Dash. “Well, it’s just that I...ummm...” was all that she could get out. Her eyes sank to the floor with sadness. “Hey, spit it out!” Dash said chuckling “no use getting upset about it.” “Well...I was wondering if you could sleep with me again? It was so nice last night with you beside me, and I haven’t slept that well in...well...I don’t think I’ve ever slept that well...” She said, hope in her voice but doubt in her eyes.
 “Of course Dee” said Dash with a smile. “I thought it was pretty nice myself” she said as she got out of her own bed and walked over to Dee. The two climbed into bed together and snuggled up, much like the last time, only without Dee’s nightmares prior. The two slept soundly throughout the night, only waking once when Dash accidentally put her hoof in Dee’s mouth. Other than that minor incident, they slept soundly for the entire night. The next morning came very much like the last. Fluttershy made muffins again, blueberry and cherry this time. And the conversation over breakfast was light and pleasant once more. They were just wrapping up breakfast when there was a knock on the door. Fluttershy opened it to reveal Twilight standing there. She had come back today to check on her friends once more. “Hey Dee, I should probably change your bandages and check on how you’re healing up.” Said Fluttershy, winking at Twilight. “Hey Dash, come outside with me and let’s give them some privacy for that” said Twilight smiling. She had gotten the hint that Fluttershy was getting at. Dash agreed without any hesitation and followed Twilight outside. Once there Twilight started digging for more information. “So ummm...you and Dee seem to be getting along really well!” Commented Twilight, not wanting to be too upfront, but not wanting to be too subtle either. “Yeah, we really are, I never even knew who she was before, but she’s really great” said Dash “Look Twilight, I’m pretty sure I know what you’re thinking, so just ask it already! You know I don’t like messing around” “Okay...” said Twilight hesitantly “well...I saw what looked like you kissing Dee yesterday when I was coming out to visit. I’m not judging you, but I never took you for a filly-fooler and didn’t want to jump to conclusions. So, I want you to tell me what’s going on if that’s alright with you.” “I thought that’s what this was about. No, you’re right Twilight. All of it! But I really don’t know what’s going on either. I really like her...but I never saw myself as a filly-fooler either. I did kiss her on the cheek yesterday, she was really down and needed it. I really don’t know Twilight...I just don’t!” “It’s okay Dash, don’t get upset!” Said Twilight, calming Dash before she got significantly agitated. “I’m not asking you to decide or anything I just wanted to know the truth. Thank you for telling me” she smiled, giving Dash a hug. Just then the door opened and Fluttershy poked her head out. “Your turn Rainbow Dash!” She said sweetly. “It won’t take but a few minutes. Dee? Perhaps you can talk to Twilight out here while I change Dash’s bandages.” Dee trots out happily, giving Dash a playful smile as she passes her before reaching Twilight further out in the yard. “Hey Twilight, what’s up? I want to let you know that you’re friends, my friends, are amazing! I’m so thankful to have them.” “That’s great Dee, I’m so glad you’ve made friends, and I’m so sorry we didn’t get to know you sooner! But...about that, do you mind if I ask you something a little...personal?” Said a cautious Twilight. “Yeah, ummm...I guess that’d be fine” said Dee with a smile. “Well, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want. But... what do you think of Rainbow Dash? You two seem to have grown close” said Twilight, being a little more delicate with Dee than she had been with Dash. “I like her a lot. She’s been really nice to me. I mean, besides saving my life and all. I owe here everything for that, but she’s really nice to me besides.” Responded Dee, not quite understanding what Twilight was hinting at.
 “Forgive me for being so bold...but...do you like her? Like a friend, or more than a friend?” Twilight pressed. “Oh!” Dee exclaimed, then after a brief pause continued “I don’t know! I ummm...I DO like her like that, but I’ve never thought of myself as that kind of mare, you know? I’ve always wanted a nice strong stallion to hold me at night, so I really don’t know how I feel about it all...” “Well...I can tell you two care about each other a lot, so perhaps you should talk to her about it? I had my suspicions, but I’ve learned before that jumping to conclusions is not a good idea. So I wanted to find out from both of you before I formed much of an opinion” Twilight said with a cautious smile. “I hope you understand.” “Oh, it’s alright! It’s not like I was trying to hide it or anything. When you get as much...attention as I do, you stop bothering with silly things like your self image” said Dee. “But I think I do need to talk about it with Dash...I need to know how she feels too, and I mean...it’s all so new and confusing...” “I think talking to her would be best. Thanks for letting me into your life Dee. I’m happy to have a friend like you” Twilight said just as Fluttershy and Dash were coming out. Dee smiled at Twilight as she said that, she had another friend to add to her growing list of companions. And they were rapidly brightening up her life in ways she could not have imagined before. As Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash ran from the house to join them she realized just how perfect her life was now. She had friends and maybe even love... “This is definitely worth living for” she thought happily, as her face lit up like the sun. “This is an amazing life.” ---A note from the author (me): Life is a gift. Each day we are given is precious. Our friends are more precious than diamonds, and love is literally priceless. If you're going through a hard time in your life, remember there's at least one person somewhere that loves you, and values you so very much. If you do nothing else today. Tell someone that you love them.--- ---I may continue this story though it seems to have reached to end of this chapter. We may yet visit these friends again. Let me know if you would like me to pursue this setting further. Thank you so very much for reading.--- ~Travis Kingsley~