//------------------------------// // Anxiety // Story: A Shared Bond (NOT 100% CANON TO FAITHVERSE) // by Faith-Wolff //------------------------------// Celestia's sun began to sink into early evening, all being quiet in the castle. There weren't many changes after the earlier debacle, other than Flash and Flare sitting in a more comfy room and reading together. The pegasus stallion had a children's book resting on his hooves, reading it to Flare to get her accustomed with the natural laws of this universe. “See, the ponies without wings or a horn are called 'Earth Ponies'.” he started, motioning to a picture of said pony. “They are known for their strength, as well as their ties to the Earth itself, with many older families being farmers. Those with wings, much like you and me, are called Pegasi, or Pegasus for a singular one. They have the ability to fly, as well as manipulate the weather.” “I see..” she mumbled, reading the details in the book as he turned the page. “The horned ponies are known as Unicorns, and they can do magic. Much like how you saw with Twilight and... Stella.” he added after a moment of hesitation, looking away for a moment as he motioned to the other page. “Finally, there are Alicorns. Alicorns are gifted with having traits of all three races.” Flare looked on in wonder, shifting her gaze to Flash. “All three?” she asked. “Yep! The strength of an Earth Pony, the wings of a Pegasus, and the horn of a Unicorn.” “Mommy and Miss Twilight are alicorns, right? But the one in the picture has a crown. Are they royalty?” she asked curiously, having started to catch on quickly. “Yes, typically alicorns are crowned royalty. So far there have been about six alicorn princesses, and now there will most likely be seven.” he answered, smiling to Flare. Flare, having put two and two together, gasped quietly. “If mommy's a princess, does that make me one?” Flash chuckled and nodded. “I believe it does! Your Highness~” he replied, bowing his neck and motioning with his hoof in an over the top manner, earning a giggle from the young filly. They both smiled to each other, the awkwardness already beginning to lift between the two. Flare's eyes opened after a moment, a hint of realization on her face. “Wait, if I'm a pegasus...shouldn't I be able to fly?” “You can, once you learn how to.” Flash answered simply, his ears perking as an idea went off in his mind. He contemplated it for a moment, before clearing his throat. “I um...I can teach you, actually. If you're wanting to Flare.” he quipped his offer, smiling sheepishly. Flare looked up in surprise, before worry clouded her gaze. “But, what about..-” she started, only to be cut off by Flash's raised hoof. “She, still needs time.” he admitted, sadly looking to the stairwell. “Besides, a starting lesson won't do any harm.” Meanwhile, up in the higher quarters of the castle, Stella stayed locked in her room, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Her body trembled, both from her sobbing and from the energy she exerted with that mildly successful teleportation. She was trying to calm herself down, mentally chastising herself for reacting like that. “They never said that they didn't want me...I didn't give them a chance to speak...I-I overreacted..” The white unicorn stood, slowly walking over to her window to look outside. What she saw made her stomach twist and her eyes wide, her previous thoughts quieting down as the anxiety flared back up. Her father was flying with that new filly. He was smiling as he held her hooves in his, both pegasi lifting upward slowly. He was speaking, and while Stella couldn't hear his words, she could sense that it was positive and carefree. She bit her lip, fresh tears flowing from her eyes as her mind whirled. She stumbled back from the window, gasping loudly for air as another panic attack came on, seizing her chest and lungs. She hiccupped and wheezed, her chest burning as she cried. “They don't want you..” “You're being replaced.” “You can't fly like that new foal..” “You can't even perform magic as well as your mother.” “There's nothing more you can give them..” “You should leave, make it easier for them..” Stella flopped back on her pillows, trying to calm herself down as she shook. The thoughts whirled faster and faster through her mind, screaming at her to run away from this place and leave. She hyperventilated further, her heart racing as she clung to the soft cushion beneath her, trying to keep herself rooted to the real world. It would take a long moment for her to calm her newest panic attack, her trembling body staying constant despite her regulated breathing. She shakily stood, looking back to the window. The young filly was now flying on her own, albeit very wonkily, and Flash stayed hovering with a proud smile as he clapped his hooves. The golden pegasus flew over to him, much like a baby taking its first steps, and hugged his neck, a big smile visible on her features. This broke Stella's doubts, and fueled her resolve as she turned away, unlocking her door and running out. She hurried down the steps, across the main hall, and out the large castle doors and into Ponyville. She ran, not looking back as tears streamed from her eyes. She passed cottages and businesses alike, a location in mind as she weaved through the crowd. If there was anyone she could talk to, it was him. She soon happened upon a familiar cottage, nearest to Sweet Apple Acres and Carousel Boutique. In the yard was a large scooter, an aged wagon connected to it as well as a shield-like symbol. The symbol itself was multi-toned, with a wing containing a lightning bolt inside. This symbol was also etched into the door, along with a gem shape. Stella sniffed, slowing to a trot as she hurried up to the door. She put her ear to the door before knocking, checking to be sure someone was home as her hoof rapped against it. A voice called from inside. “Come in!”