//------------------------------// // Growing Fears // Story: Role Reversal // by JaketheGinger //------------------------------// Rainbow Dash relaxed atop her cloud above Ponyville. She basked in the Sun’s midday glow, enjoying it while she could; rain would be needed soon and then she’d have work to do. Her eyes were closed and she was thinking of incredible daredevil feats to perform in the future. She hadn’t seen many of her friends yesterday except Pinkie Pie. So the two decided to do some pranking together. Just harmless fun, nothing more. Nopony got hurt so it was all good. Today though, she just wanted to chill out. Have some downtime to herself. Sadly, it seems she wouldn’t get much of that today. “Um, Rainbow Dash?” came the soft voice of Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash slowly opened her eyes to see Fluttershy hovering in the air to her left. “Hey Fluttershy.” She may have been disturbed but it was only Fluttershy, she could deal with her quietness. In addition, she was her best friend so she rarely declined her company. “Um, can I ask you something? Please?” Fluttershy queried. After yesterday’s talk with Applejack, it became increasingly apparent to the Pegasus that something was terribly wrong with her memories. She slept well last night and woken up peacefully. However, when she thought of her times with Spike her mind still hurt. “Go ahead.” Rainbow Dash said. “Please can you think of memories with Spike?” Fluttershy asked sweetly. Rainbow Dash merely nodded and began to think of the picnic they all had together. It was a nice occasion but that pesky rabbit nearly ate everything... “Okay I’m remembering.” She said casually. “Do you feel any discomfort?” Fluttershy peered carefully at her friend. “Nope.” Rainbow replied bluntly. “Oh um...think before the picnic, please.” Fluttershy was conflicted. On one hand, if Rainbow Dash didn’t feel any pain then she was fine, which was always great. On the other hand, if that was the case then something was clearly wrong with herself. It looked like a lose-lose situation. “Uh...sure.” Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow but did as she was asked. Suddenly, sharp pain attacked her mind and she rubbed her head in an attempt to comfort it. She quickly banished her memories from the forefront of her mind. As she did, peace returned to her brain. “That was weird...” “So you felt it now?” Fluttershy flew a little closer to Rainbow. “Yeah...I don’t get it though. I’m perfectly healthy.” She shrugged. “I don’t understand either...” Fluttershy sighed. This was a serious problem. Were Pinkie Pie and Rarity affected too? What about Spike and Twilight? Did they have some part to play in all this? “Listen Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash yawned and stretched her limbs, “You better ask Spike about this. He might know what’s going on.” “I suppose I should but I’ll have to tell the others first.” “Then you do that. I’ll be sitting here until clouds need moving.” Rainbow wiggled deeper into the softness of her own cloud. “Oh, okay Rainbow. See you later.” Fluttershy then gracefully flew towards the ground. “See ya later.” Rainbow said, waving in Fluttershy’s general direction. ~~~ Something’s different. Princess Celestia lay in her private chambers, alone in her thoughts. Ever since several days ago she felt...different. Different was the only way to describe it. Past memories now felt like nothing more than mere images. And when she thought of them, sparks of pain crossed her mind. It was as if the mind shocks were repeated warnings to stop remembering. Recent memories on the other hand, felt far more real. They seemed like experiences and remembering them was no trouble at all. In fact, it was delightful. She could remember colours, sounds and even smells very vibrantly. More so than ever before. So why the change? The first day it occurred, she paid no mind to it. It didn’t seem like something to loose sleep over. The second day, it occupied more of her thoughts. Now it troubled her. She had kept silent about it all; if anypony were to hear that their ruler was having mind issues then...there would be total chaos. The only pony she could confess to was her own sister. Sighing, she decided to read. She levitated some of Spike’s old letters towards her and spread them out so she could read one at a time with comfort. Reading about Spike’s lessons on friendship would surely give her mind an ease. It was amazing to think that in such a short space of time, her best student had learnt so much. All without her no less. All he needed was her push. She cast her eyes over Spike’s first letter on friendship. She smiled nostalgically as she remembered that that was the day her sister was cleansed of her dark corruption. Yet her smile began to fade as she read more of the words. The words were cold and lacked feeling. When she had first read them, she could feel the emotion radiating off them. That’s the sign that tells you when somepony is writing from their heart and soul. But now...Spike’s words were only that: words. Lines formed to make specific patterns. She glanced at his other letters. The same result. All the sentences seemed dead. Using her magic once more, she stacked the letters up and shoved them to the side of the room. It became all too apparent that this was a problem she couldn’t keep to herself anymore. ~~~ “I really don’t know why you’re asking me to do this...” Rarity eyed Fluttershy with suspicion. “Please, just think.” Fluttershy pleaded. “Very well.” Rarity looked up at the sky. It reminded her of the time that she had those gorgeous wings. She recalled the feeling of flight. It was simply wonderful...apart from the fact she had nearly died that day. Still, that didn’t deter from the experience too much. “Nnrgh.” Rarity groaned as her mind began to suffer from the memory pain. She shook her head and ridded herself of the memory. The pain was lifted from her. “So you felt it too...” Fluttershy concluded. “Yes, I did...how worrying.” Rarity looked at Fluttershy. She was going to eat at Sugarcube Corner but this revelation had sapped the hunger from her. Concern – even a bit of fear – had replaced it. “What about Pinkie?” “She’ll feel it too...it’s affecting all of us.” Fluttershy looked down. “Feel what? Gummy? Nah, he has no teeth remember! Silly billy!” Pinkie had, from out of nowhere, joined in on the conversation. The famous (or infamous for some) alligator was busy chewing on Pinkie’s mane. Apart from that, he didn’t do much other than blink. Rarity was taken aback by the party pony’s entrance, “I wish you didn’t do that Pinkie...” she muttered. Fluttershy let out a little squeak, recoiling in shock. She recovered upon seeing her friend. “Um, Pinkie? Remember the time we went to Appleloosa?” Fluttershy asked. “Duh! Of course I do! They have the best pie fights and-“she stopped mid sentence, putting on a face of discomfort, “Ow! Brain freeze!” she held her head and closed her eyes tightly. “Stop thinking about that, darling.” Rarity said. “Ok!” Pinkie jumped into the air, erasing all evidence of hurt. “Well that was weird. Definitely not Pinkie sense...but I haven’t had any ice cream! Maybe it’s something new!” “It’s new indeed.” Rarity looked at Pinkie. “Listen Pinkie. All of us have these...” she paused, thinking of the words, “...mind spikes. Yes, mind spikes. We feel these when we remember our memories with Spike.” “Maybe Spike spiked our memories!” Pinkie giggled. Gummy blinked. “I’m afraid it’s probably more than that...” Fluttershy mumbled. “It’s about time we confront him about this.” Rarity stated. “Mhm...” “Oki loki doki! I’ll take any excuse to see Spikey Wikey!” Pinkie cheered. “How about tomorrow then, girls? We’ll all see him and ask.” Rarity looked between her friends. “Sounds goody!” “Um sure...” “Then consider it sett-“Rarity frowned, pausing. “Pinkie. Get Gummy out of my mane.” She said with a deadly seriousness.