What started as one pony's mission will blossom to something greater
Static Shock is a freedom loving Pegasus with truly no bonds. But as events cause a new meting with a mare he forms a tie to try and teach her to fly. But will she teach him something greater? (for better visualization of static use my avatar.)
I awoke early in the morning, as was my usual routine, stretching my wings and taking a deep breath of the equestrian air. I unfurled my gray wings and flapped them a time or two to work out any tight muscles left from my bed of clouds (shockingly less comfortable then you might think). I rolled over and stood on my hooves half ready to take off to build my new house until I remembered that I had finished and was living in it. I choose to go for a quick flight before cleaning up, no sense in showering if I just got sweaty again.
As I walked out of the cloud house i couldn't help but be proud that i finally finished working on it. It was nothing really special just a small home but it suited my needs just fine. I spread my wings and jumped over the edge allowing myself a few second of free fall before lifting and truly taking off.
This was my true passion, flying through the sky and soaring above the clouds. I was not concerned about speed or agility, no my passion was to simply feel the wind under my wings and the current of the air tugging my red mane and tail with it’s blue streaks behind me. I was a fast flier don’t get me wrong i could leave a trail of blue lined with red (an odd switch i never truly figured out) and in that wake i could make the water droplets crackle with static from brushing my fur (which lead to the mark on my flank of a blue and red lightning bolt). But that’s not what it was about for me, the freedom from any bonds holding me in place, the open air being my domain of free reign, my only limit being the sky, that’s what it was for me.
Needless to say it’s because of this love for freedom that made it hard for me to really get attached to people or places. I had few friends, none of them close, but i had never really needed them. I didn't have many troubles with others and didn’t bother anyone as i was only in a town for just a few weeks at a time and always living on the outskirts. I made a small house in each city or town I stayed in, giving me plenty of places to stay should i need it. I never needed a job as i made all my houses myself and found myself food off the land, electricity was no problem, heck it was my talent. I lived the dream, no money issues, no drama from others, no worry about where to sleep and plenty of knowledge to no longer worry about food. I was free and bound only by laws of equestria (easy to follow when there was no one who you could offend).
Yet even though I had true freedom I still looked on at the society and wondered what life would be like if i did stay somewhere and made a life for myself. And lately more so than usual, something about this new town, ponyville, seemed to entice these thoughts more than usual. Even now flying freely in the open wind I couldn't help but glance at the town and wonder. But there were six individuals that i found myself....observing.. more so than others. These six could almost always be found together doing one thing or another, they seemed to be very close as friends.
Shaking my head I had to clear these thoughts, I was free, I had no one to answer to or restrict me, so why did i keep wondering what confined life was like? Curiosity was one thing, but these thoughts were something else, they were never out of pity for the ground bound earth ponies and unicorns or town tethered pegasi, these thoughts practically bordered on envy. But why would I be jealous of such a restricted life when I could simply let my wings carry me where I wished? What was wrong with me?
I shook my head again and focused on my flight; the wind rushing around my body and through my fur, the clouds whizzing by as i built speed, the ground so far below as i scouted somewhere for food for the next few weeks. suddenly all thoughts of being tied down were released as I again felt the freedom of flight. I could feel the soft droplets of water around me begin to crackle in my tail as they passed the fur on my body; and shortly after a few beads of sweat began to form along my forehead as one dribbled down my muzzle before making a small crack of static and disappearing.
I had at first thought that the sweat was from sheer effort alone as i had covered much ground until i felt the midday sun beat down on my back. My quick flight had taken several hours from my day and I, being lost in my own mind didn't even notice as i approached the dark treeline of the everfree. I chose to slow my speed so the water no longer crackled and the small amounts of sweat didn't disappear.
My focus began to move back to the ground as i looked for some food and drink. As my focus shifted I didn't notice the other Pegasus lifting in the air on soft wings chasing a large group of butterflies. I kept looking for provisions, she kept going for the butterflies trying to bring them to the ground. I never looked forward, she never looked away. We never saw each other until we collided.
“WOOOAAAHHH!” I shouted as i spiraled out of the air and towards the ground.
“EEEEEEEP” I hear the squeal as she also plummeted down as well.
When I hit the ground I hit hard, nothing that would break bones, but definitely enough to hurt. Of course of any place she could have landed she landed on me sitting on my stomach as her squeal ended.
“Oh my.... I’m so sorry.” She quickly climbed off me and seemed to shrink as she retreated into her long pink mane hiding her face. I felt a slight annoyance at the fact the my freedom flight was hindered by this Pegasus (albeit whoever she was she certainly was cute.)
“No it’s fine wasn't looking, my bad.” Though i was annoyed I was still at fault and would admit it.
“No.... sorry.. I shouldn't have flown so high.. I’m not the best of flyers..sorry.” The last of her soft voice was almost impossible to hear as she squeaked out the last few words being muffled by her mane.
My anger began to fade as i soon realized what she had said, not being the best flyer. It almost ached as I thought of a Pegasus not able to fly well. I made a note to make it a cause to help her.
“Excuse me ma’am but did you just say not the best flyer?” My deep and somewhat gruff voice seemed like a yell after her timid quietness.
“...yes” Again I could barely hear her.
“Say no more. from this point I simply must teach to you to fly; the freedom, the rush it’s invigorating.”
“Oh no that’s quite alright.. no need.. I’ll just be going.” I simply couldn't let her leave. this soft yellow Pegasus with her pink mane was my new goal. I simply had to show her the great gift of wings.
“I insist. simply allow me one shot at showing what flight can really mean. That’s all I ask.”
“..okay.” Her voice reached a very high yet somehow quiet tone and I almost felt guilty for something yet I hadn't done anything. Right?
“Is tomorrow fine? If you want to” I had no idea why I tagged the last part on. Of course she would want to, flight is amazing. But then why did I no longer feel so guilty when I said it?
“Okay.. Sugarcube corner..?” I couldn't tell where or what that was, i had no idea about the town and she still seemed to be trying to hide even stepping away. But the sun had begun setting so I had no time to question her more then one last little thing.
“I’m sorry but I don’t think I've introduced myself, I’m static shock. And you are?”
“I’m...flut...” I couldn't catch the last part as she trailed to a faint mumble.
“I’m sorry what?”
“I’m fluter....” Again the mumble.
“One more time please?”
“I’m Fluttershy.” finally i caught it as she turned her head enough for me to see her face. And the most gorgeous soft cyan eyes glanced at me before she turned and trotted off with the butterflies pursuing her as if she were their mother.
“Fluttershy.” I repeated the name before heading home
I didn't know exactly where Sugarcube corner was (or where any building was for that matter). Luckily everypony turned out to be friendly enough to point to where I was heading tomorrow. And after a quick survey of the area I located the literally candy coated building everypony had described for me. It seemed to be a small restaurant or store of some kind with ponies flowing in in out, entering with nothing then leaving with treats or happy smiles. Seemed a little strange for flying lessons but it was the building Fluttershy said.
I quickly Took to the air and flew home so I could prepare for my next day of flight lessons. It was exciting to get to show another Pegasus freedom and cut the rope holding them done. I had never done something like this before and couldn't wait to try it. I just knew I could break the tether holding her her, not a good flyer was not going to hold back any Pegasus if I could help it. Yet something about her seemed different from most Pegasus, something I just couldn't quite figure out what. But no matters as I walked inside and settled on my bed I let my mind roam free as I dreamed of the Fields of blue with the white puffs dotting the sky. _________________________________________________________________________________________
As I returned to my cottage after a long day I couldn't help but ponder today's events. Everything seemed completely normal, I woke up and fed the animals, went into to town and talked with my friends then when the butterflies flew off I went to go get them. Then I bumped (well more of a crash) into a rather...unique... Pegasus, Static. He was a little strange to be honest, with his insistence on 'teaching me to fly'. He was also very assertive, and it kinda startled me. I felt a little foalish for my reaction, but I did the same thing when I first met twilight.
I was rather tired after the long day and weird turn of events. I was still wondering why I had agreed to met again for these 'lessons', but I had and I couldn't just walk away, Rainbow dash wouldn't.
"I have be more like my friends I can't just back down because I'm scared." To be honest I had no idea why I said that out loud. I guess my nerves got the better off me again, it was getting dark, very very dark. I quickly raced back home.
As soon as i got into my cottage and closed the door I let out a gasp of breath I hadn't realized I had been holding. A few of the animals stirred and looked at the sound I had made before turning back and sleeping again. Angel was the only one who actually came over to me and looked curious at what was wrong. I simply smiled then head upstairs for my bed. If I was to go met this guy for flying lesson I should get some sleep. Angel came over and crossed his arms tapping his foot lightly to not wake anyone but me up and pointed at the fridge when I saw him.
"Oh no angel bunny. Not tonight, it's already late and mommy needs some sleep." Angel looked a little annoyed but went back to his bed. Finally I closed my eyes and fell asleep. _________________________________________________________________________________________
I awoke the next morning rolling in my new cloud bed for a bit before finally rolling to my feet and managing to get my dead flank to the shower. When I got out I decided to do a quick lap around the house to fully wake up and dry off before setting out for town to meet Fluttershy. It wasn't too long a flight before I was by the colorful candy building I saw yesterday, not wanting to draw attention to myself I gathered up a small cloud and rested upon it, waiting for her to show.
A few hours passed and I began to wonder if she had skipped out. Oh well if she couldn't see the chance at freedom before her then who was I to force it upon her. Just as I got up to fly home she came trotting up to the store. I left my cloud behind and floated my way down to her. When I landed she let out a little startled gasp and jumped into the bushes. What was with this pony?
"You'll have to forgive her she scares easy." A new voice spoke up as a pink mare with puffy mane came bouncing over. Wait, bouncing? How was she doing that? as soon as all four of her hooves hit the ground they sprang back up again and she went back into the air. What kinda of a strange pony was she?
"Umm..yeah. Ho-How exactly are you doing that?" I stammered a bit still shocked by the whole bouncing thing.
"Doing what?" she responded as though the fact her legs were springs was normal.
"That bouncing.. thing.?"
"What bouncing thing?" She stopped and looked a bit confused.
"Umm nothing. never mind. I take it your friends with her?"
"Oh yeah Flutters and I are good friends. Can you believe as shy as she is she used to be a model, even though it was only for a little bit. Or that she stood up to a dragon. She also helped save ponyville a few time, and turned meanie discord nice. Oh an-"
"Umm.. Pinkie pie.. could you stop..I think you might be scaring him." Fluttershy emerged from the bushes and timidly hid her face when she spoke.
"Okay. Any who Mr. and Mrs. Cake need me back in the store. Busy day. By Static." Just as I was finally composing my self again from the rush of slightly odd information about the timid mare I was shell shocked at the last part.
"How exactly did she know my name? I never said it. Did you tell her?"
"No.. but that's just pinkie." She still was trying to hid and very timid but at least she was opening up some.
"Well then without distractions, you ready?" I looked at her as I flapped my wings then held them out to show my point.
"I guess.." she timidly flapped her own wings lifting off the ground a bit. "Can we just start slow?"
"Umm sure I guess.How about we fly out to the forest before we really take off?" She simply nodded her head as I began to liftoff and fly at a rather slow pace. My mane wasn't even being tugged at this speed but I'd play along so I could really show her the gift of flight.
As we glided along to a small clearing at the edge of town I decided this would be a good spot to touchdown and rest in case she needed it. Looking back I could see her as she fluttered along not flying fast or anything as some birds flew nearby that seemed to follow her.
"Hey let's take a break here okay?" She simply nodded again as we descended to the ground. We landed and I took a moment to stretch out my wings again before laying down in the grass. She landed and I could tell the birds had definitely followed her as she landed and the birds fluttered around her before taking off.
"Oh I love this place. It's so peaceful. I come here all the time." She smiled and closed her cyan eyes, for once speaking without hiding her face.
"Yes I'll probably be coming here often for the spring. Plenty of food around here to eat as well."
"Well why would the food and spring matter?" She looked puzzled, as though she didn't understand why a pony would need to live off the land.
"Well I need the spring for the water and the food to eat of course. How else would I eat?"
"Buy it from a store like everypony else."
"I don't have any bits or a job" She just looked shocked at this revelation. __________________________________________________________________________________________
I couldn't believe what I had just heard. How could anypony not have job. How did he pay for his house, or electricity, or well anything.
"How do you survive? How do you pay for a house? Or electricity?"
"I build my houses and I can generate my own electricity, it's my talent." He turned and showed me his cutie mark, a bolt of blue lightning with a red outline. "And if something happens to one house I have more set up all over equestria I never stay more then a few weeks at a time."
"What about friends and family? How do you stay in touch."
"Well I don't really have any friends." I gasped out loud at this fact. But what shocked me more was that he seemed to be fine with that fact. How could he be so cool about having no friends.
"And family?"
"I..don't really talk about that." Now he was the one hiding himself.
Without friends and family no wonder he drifted so much. Well if he was going to strive to teach her to fly then she would teach him the magic of friends. (hehe I felt cheesy for quoting twilight).
"Well if you are going to teach me about flying better then I guess you'll have to stick around and I'll be your friend. And if you insisted then so will I!.. If that's okay?" I couldn't believe it, not only did I get through a full conversation with someone I barley knew but I even INSISTED. I was so proud. I was more like my friends now.
"Bu-but I-I.. ok" He looked startled then a little defeated but that would mean that I had a new friend, one I could teach what it was like to have them. "Well I guess we better get going if we are going to beat sunset." He suddenly lifted up into the air picking up the pace. I was afraid to go so fast but I though of rainbow and her sonic rainboom.
"More like my friends." I muttered a pledge and began to follow Static.
Flight lessons took a bit longer then I first thought, Fluttershy proved to be a bit more observant of the animals then the Freedom flight. She constantly got sidetracked on our flight and on some occasions she actually TALKED to the animals. I thought she was crazy at first, but they actually LISTENED to her! I had heard of a few Pegasus having a gift with animals but never one who could talk to them and understand them like her. Though her cutie mark made a bit more sense now with the three butterflies.
But sometimes she would get sidetracked looking lost in thought almost. I wasn't entirely sure what she was thinking of but it was certainly something.
"Well I'd say that's about enough for today. I need to go get some food and grab a little water. Umm good lesson, see you tomorrow?" It was an okay lesson and I did need to go find some provisions for myself. Hopefully she would agree to meet again, she seemed to start to lighten up and grow on the idea of flying. I think I could really get here to realize how much freedom there is in the air, with the whole friend thing aside. I never had one for more then a simple hey and maybe to talk to while I was getting food, so I could try one, to entertain the idea.
"Wait static, I was thinking since you gave me a flying lesson I could buy some food for today. You know... if you don't mind.." The sudden outburst was surprising but the timid ending was not new. Of course the whole thing about someone compensating for something I did was new. Again I decided that I might as well entertain that idea.
"Umm o..kay.. I guess... But I don't really know your town or anything so... yeah" A raised a hoof and rubbed the back of my head admitting my lack of knowledge.
"Oh no it's okay just follow me.." I was still surprised by how open she had become within two days. She no longer hid her face every time she spoke to me (more so just at the end of her sentences). Though she still wasn't as open with me as those animals she finds, It's like she's known them for ever. Then of course there were the other five ponies she was always with, including that pink..pinkie.. Pinkie Pie I think it was..? She was more then happy to hang out with them.
Oh well not my problem.
"Okay then shall we go then?"
"Okay." was all she spoke before walking off. __________________________________________________________________________________________
I Began leading Static through the town. I had to go through the market place for a few supplies for my animals, I was running low on some of my herbs. He was definitely not used to being in an actual town, he kept a distance from everyone only following me from a short ways back, never looked off at any one else just kept his eyes glued three paces in front of him on the ground. Even knowing he had never really made any friends or was in town it was still startling how new the experience was.
I knew I just had to show him what it was like to have friends, even discord just wanted a friend in the end. But what about his family? What exactly had happened to them? I knew I been more open lately but I couldn't ask him something so personal, even if it was something Rainbow and AJ would do.
"So where exactly are we going?" I heard him finally say something from nearby. As I turned around I saw he was no longer behind me and I felt feathers brush my shoulder and immediately squealed and fell over stiff. "Is this a normal occurrence?" He walked back and offered a hoof to help.
"sorry... I.. get scared easy." I couldn't help my self as I tucked my head away from him and standing back on my hooves. Why do I have to be such a scared y cat? Rainbow Dash wouldn't have freaked out, AppleJack wouldn't either. none of my friends would. I have to overcome this obstacle.
"I'm sorry next time I'll say something." He gave me a weak smile as he began walking beside me again. "So where are we going?"
"I need to pick up a few things for my animals then I thought we could see AppleJack. Is that okay?" I still couldn't believe I managed to get him into town with me. Maybe introducing him to my friends will help. After all who knew more about friendship then them, the bearer of the elements of harmony?
"Alright" He looked back to the ground and fell back again. Why did he keep doing that? No matter he was in town and AJ was working the stands today. Things would work out great, I was certain, I hoped things would work. They would, maybe. I needed a distraction, something else to think about other then the meeting.
The flight lesson was the only other thing that happened today. It was nice though, It felt good to finally feel like I was flying right. I hadn't flown so freely since I had to help my friends catch Rainbow Dash when discord had changed her. (I was tied to a balloon but I actually flew, at a fast pace for me.) Having Somepony else Telling me to focus on flying helped. Static was a pretty good flight instructor. He looked like he really enjoy his flight and he was good at flying, yet his feathers I felt a while ago were deceptively soft. __________________________________________________________________________________________
After walking for a little under an hour we were in the market place. I had never really been in the towns I stayed at, except for a few small ones, and ponyville was larger then I first thought, and the crowded markets didn't help.
But Fluttershy seemed to know exactly what she needed, only stopping a a few stops and purchasing a few things from each then moving on. Eventually we came to another small wooden table loaded down with baskets of apples and various apple treats.
"Howdy Fluttershy! What brings ya tah town?" The cowpony looking mare behind the counter Greeted Fluttershy warmly with a smile from one friend to another. I know I had seen them hangout with the others so I wasn't to shocked that the greeted each other, but how friendly they seemed was new to me.
"Oh I was just in town for some supplies and thought I'd stop by." I couldn't believe how open she was with this orange mare
"Alright sugarcube. You want something to eat?" She lifted her stetson a bit with her hoof, brushing a bit of blonde mane aside showing her green eyes and freckles. "Maybe an apple pie for you to take home?"
"Oh no, I'll eat when I get home. What would you like?" Fluttershy turned to me, taking me buy surprise with the question.
"Umm I-I- Umm I don't know."
"Who's this Fluttershy?" Immediately after the question the pink mare from earlier burst her head out of a basket of apples startling everyone and causing Fluttershy to literally leap in the air and lay in the dirt covering her eyes.
"His name is Static Shock. He's new here. HHHWWUUAAHHH." Her Eyes grew wide as she gasped as though an idea hit her. "We should throw a PARTY!"
` Fluttershy composed herself again realizing who it was. "Oh no Pinkie that won't be necessary."
"Really I'll be okay."
"Awwwwwww. party poopers." And just as soon as she appeared she disappeared back into the basket knocking a few apples off.
"Boy that Pinkie sure is sumthing." AppleJack spoke up with her southern draw before turning to me. "New huh? We all been there. So how'dya meet Fluttershy?"
"Oh umm I kinda crashed into her outside of town." I began rubbing the back off my head again.
Fluttershy walked over the the stand and began talking with AppleJack again. "He's going to be here a while and I decided to show him around."
"Wow Fluttershy, Didn't think ya had it in ya tah talk with strangers let alone show 'em 'round" she turned back to me "Well if Fluttershy here talked tah ya first ya can't be bad. Tell ya what first purchase on the house."
"Really? Why? I've not done anything for it?" I was puzzled, from what I understood when someone gives you something it was because you had done something that deserved reward, or were going to do something. Why would she give me something without me doing anything.
"Consider it some ponyville hospitality. Whachya want?"
"Okay. Umm, an apple or two should do." Almost instantly AppleJack swept a pair of apples out and tossed them to me. I caught them by the stems in my mouth then did my best to thank her around the stems. I noticed the sun beginning to sink and knew I had to head home soon so I dropped one apple into my wing and cradled it as I held the other and took a bite. It was by far one of the best apples I had ever tasted with such a juicy sweetness bursting from it that I never wanted to finish the bite. But I swallowed before I spoke.
"Wow this is a delicious apple, where did you find it?'
"Oh I didn't find it. I raised that apple with the rest down home at sweet apple acres. My brother big mac, little sis AppleBloom, and I had a heck of a time during apple buck season. Heck of a harvest though. Probably some of or best apples yet."
"It is very good.Anyways Fluttershy, Applejack I must be going now. Thank you for the apples, and same place tomorrow Fluttershy?"
"Oh um yes that will do." She tucked her head away again, but I didn't have time to question it I grabbed the apples in my mouth and took off. __________________________________________________________________________________________
"So what was that about same time, sugarcube?" AppleJack looked over at me as Static left.
"Static decided he was going to teach me to fly."
"Umm hate to Pluck his feathers but ya know how to fly."
"Yes and that is how I met him was I flew to high."
"Yeah he said he crashed into ya. Did he really Crash into ya?"
I simply nodded and hung my head a bit. "Yes I flew to high and neither one of us were paying attention. While apologizing I might have slipped that I may not be the best flyer. And he kinda made it his goal to show me what flying can mean. He really has a passion for it, not like Rainbow is obsessed with speed and tricks, you can just see it on his face he really likes flying keeps saying it's true freedom."
"Well then sounds like ya found one good flyer. Whats his job? I saw the bolt on his flank but Couldn't figure out what it meant."
"That's just it. He doesn't have one! He never needed one because he would always Make his house in what ever city he stumbled into then leave after a few weeks."
"Really? Sounds like work enough just building 'em, but does he have power in 'em?"
"He said something about making his own."
"And that explains the bolt. But don't he have any friends or family?"
"No he doesn't." My friend looked truly shocked. "He never kept any because he always Lived away and choose not to have any. He seemed like they didn't matter to him. And he didn't say Anything about his family just that he didn't like talking about it. So I chose that I would be his friend and show him what friends are like. It's why I brought him here. I'm thinking if I can show him to you guys he can see what friends are for."
"Not a bad idea sugarcube. But ya gotta be careful with Pinkie. May scare him off."
"Yeah that's what I told her earlier. I still don't know where she learned his name from."
"Just a hunch." I could her Pinkie's muffled voice from the basket.
"Well tell ya what. Bring him back here tomorrow I'll see if I can't get big mac out here and see if they can't pal up. Might help if he finds another stallion instead of just mares."
I couldn't help myself as I reached over and threw my hooves around her neck in a hug. "Thank you AJ." I let go and began to walk away. "See you tomorrow."
"See ya then." __________________________________________________________________________________________
It was quite a day for me as I settled into my bed tossing the second apple core away. I did at least get Fluttershy to agree to another lesson. Maybe then I could Get her to be a bit less sidetracked. Oh well at least she had opened up so I could give her some more lessons. Even if it did come at the price of having to go to town with her. But I did get those apples from the nice cowgirl pony AppleJack I think it was. I settled in and closed my eyes falling into a dreamless sleep.
As I woke the next morning I couldn't help but question weather or not I could get him to go a second time. I had managed to get him to come to town with me yesterday and he met Applejack. But could I get him to come with me again? Static was definitely not a normal pony. He wasn't necessarily weird or creepy, just different. He seemed to be reluctant to every attempt I would make to try and get him to make friends. I was so far the only one and I still wouldn't say I was an actual friend, I more so just wore the title. But hopefully Applejack's plan would work, if he and big mac could get along then there should be no reason why anyone else couldn't.
But it didn't help me to just lay in bed thinking. I knew I could get him back into to town at least one more time and Applejack would handle getting big mac there. And if both of them were to spend a little bit of time then they would have to get along, but that meeting wouldn't happen if I didn't go to the lesson and talk him into going. So I got up, went through my morning routine of taking care the animals and so on, then left to go to sugarcube corner and meet Static. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Flight lessons with Fluttershy had gone by rather smoothly today, but they had to be cut a little short. She had asked me to go back into town with her again today and for some reason I just couldn't bring myself to say no to her. But I told her that I would need some of my own food this time, I wasn't going to take anymore food from the townspeople.
So there I set at the edge of the stream, drinking some water happily while keeping my eye open for just a little more food. My homemade satchel, tucked underneath my wing held in place by strap going over one shoulder, was already filled enough to get me through two days, but snacks never killed anyone. As I sat there drinking another stallion came walking over to the stream. His red coat was wet with sweat as he sat there waiting for me to finish my drink.
I lifted my head having quenched my thirst, guessing why he was here and waited. "Here to wash-up?"
"Eeeyup."
"Somewhere to be?"
"Eeeyup."
"Alright. Streams your's so have at it." With that last remark I spread my wings and prepared to take of to meet Fluttershy at the edge of town. The stallion stepped into the stream and lowered himself so it covered his shoulders, allowing the water to wash away the sweat. I turned away and headed for the town, flying moderately slow. Much like that stallion I had somewhere to be and choose not to work up a sweat. I began my descent as I saw the yellow figure of Fluttershy.
"Hey Fluttershy, I'm here now. Where are we going to today?" I mocked happiness as I was lacking it at the moment. I was still not used to having friends, but the more I though of the benefits the idea grew on my a bit. Don't get me wrong I still would choose my life of freedom over friends any day. But maybe if I made just one or two friends when I visited somewhere would help me to liven things up just a bit.
" Oh hello Static. I thought maybe we could see if Applejack is back in the stand today. Is that okay?" I couldn't understand what we were going back to see the pony we saw yesterday but I might as well just do it, it may ensure another day of flight lesson. (Fluttershy had made some progress.)
"Very well. Shall we go now?" She nodded her head and turned to walk off. I followed.
It didn't take us long to get to the stand, Fluttershy had already stocked yesterday and aside from one or two ponies saying hey she didn't really stop for conversation. She seemed so determined, not at all like yesterday. When we approached the stand I saw the orange mare's familiar face as Applejack smiled at Fluttershy before looking at me.
"Howdy yall! You here for some apples? Liked the first two so much?" She reached over as if to sweep a few more apples to me.
"No no no. I'm quite alright on food. I went and got some food for myself." I lifted my wing to show the pouch tucked underneath it.
"Ya sure? Ya could have a few if you want."
"Oh no that's quite alright." I folded my wing back in place. "I'm just here because Fluttershy asked me to come along. Not shopping."
"Oh well if that's the case then I think I'll just start packing up then, don't look like there'a gonna be no more ponies coming. Big Mac can you give me a hand closing up?"
"Eeeyup." The moment I heard the way the voice spoke and the sound of the voice I heard I knew it was the one from the stream. And when the red stallion with a green eyes and hair, but this time wearing a large wooden collar around him with to metal ball tipped pieces at the top, had a pretty good guess it was him.
"Big Mac? Weren't you down at the stream earlier?" I had to ask, the collar was new and had to make sure it was him, curiosity's sake.
"Eeeyup." Something about that simple phrase coming from him seemed to speak all that he needed to say.
"Yall have met before?" A puzzled look crossed Applejack's face and she looked to Fluttershy who shrugged. What a strange reaction.
"Yeah I saw him done at the stream when I went to get food. He was cleaning up, said he had somewhere to be."
"Eeeyup. Take it you're then one I'm supposed to meet."
"I guess so." I wasn't really upset I wasn't told. Fluttershy seemed determined to have me make friends, but I was just as determined to show her freedom through flight. I could live with minor inconveniences.
"Welllll why don't yall two hang out some. Static here is new, why don't ya show him the farm while I finish closing up?" Big mac simply nodded his head then motioned for me to follow. I was hesitant about going along, I needed to get heading home before to long. But something about this pony just seemed welcoming and like anything would end well in some way.
"Sure." I began walking after Big Mac _________________________________________________________________________________________
As Static began walking off with Big Mac I noticed he pulled the same thing with him as he had done both times with me, walking behind looking down. It was a shame he was so antisocial, he was so well mannered for someone who never was in town.
"Which one ya looking at?" Applejack chimed in, startling me. "If it's my brother I'm afraid he simply ain't looking for any form of relationship. If it's the gray one, well your the friend he made."
"What?! Oh no no. I was simply thinking about how he's so well mannered for someone who is never in town or anything."
"And that's the only thing ya noticed? He is fairly easy on the eyes." She gave me a grin and I knew what she was doing. She was trying to weasel the answer out of me.
"No I'm simply trying to show him friendship. We are just friends." If that was true then why were my cheeks so warm? Applejack simply wore a satisfied grin.
"Look I know ya only known him for a few days but you can't deny he's cute." I simply stayed quite. He was cute but he was still just a friend. ________________________________________________________________________________________
As Big Mac bucked the apple tree I watched as a slew of red and green apples fell into the perfectly placed buckets.
"How exactly do you do that?"
"Really all you have to do is give the trees a shake. The apples fall themselves." He moved to the next tree putting the two baskets into the nearby empty wagon. "Try it." I wasn't sure but I saw no reason not to try.
I walked up to the next tree as he set two large buckets under it. I leaned on my front hooves as I prepared to make the buck. Big Mac stepped away and I picked up my back hooves putting all my weight on my fore hooves and let out a strong kick against the tree. A small portion of the apples fell. I reared and kicked out a few more times knocking all the apples out.
"It's a lot harder then you make it look."
"Eeeyup." The small smirk meant he enjoyed watching me try and fail to replicate his feat. He picked up the buckets and added them to the wagons before moving on.
The rest of the afternoon had gone buy like this. He had already filled one wagon and had to go get another. For the most part the work was accompanied with idle chatter, neither of us really big on talking. A few jokes were cracked and some small conversations where sprinkled throughout the day, but they were few and far between. All in all the rest of the afternoon was uneventful but somehow good.
As the day began coming to a close we started heading back, each of us carrying a full wagon. (Something else he made seem so easy that wasn't.) As we were walking through the orchard we noticed Applejack and Fluttershy walking to the barn
"Let me ask you something Static. I ain't much of a talker so I'll keep things short. How'd ya meet Fluttershy?"
"Oh um.. I was flying and not paying much mind to anything around me and kinda crashed into her... literally." the question had startled me a bit, but it was a simple one.
"Really now? Well for someone who crashed into her two days ago she seems to have opened up quite a bit for someone like her."
"Really? I was beginning to wonder if it was first meeting nerves and she was only a little shy."
"Nope. Fluttershy is really quite, even with all the other ponyville folk. She's normally never this open with anyone other then her animals or the rest of the gang. Pinkie, Rarity, Twilight, Rainbow, and my sis. Though she is much more open with them."
"Well I did notice her openness with the others I've seen that are always together, and I've noticed the animals before to. I don't know I think she has made her goal to get me to make friends."
"Why would that be a goal?" The red stallion looked truly puzzled.
"Well I guess it's when I told her I don't really have any." Once again a pony gave me a startled look after that was mentioned. Though he seemed only a little shocked.
"Well now I get her openness. Why do you not have any friends?"
"I've never needed or really wanted them. They would hold me to one place. That would make a chain and I would no longer be free."
"You don't have to be alone to be free."
"Yeah but it's makes it much easier. You'll never be hooked into one place that way."
"Did you everything think that maybe you have this freedom thing wrong? Freedom isn't about simply going were you want and not staying anywhere."
"How would you know about freedom? With that collar and all?"
"I'mma take that as a you don't know better rather than an insult." Why would that have been an insult? It was a question. "Look this collar is so I can hook to a plow not to put me on a leash. Freedom ain't about wandering. Freedom is when you can be who you are with people who ain't gonna judge you. Freedom is being able to express yourself without worry of what people will think. Just because you go wherever don't mean your free. You have formed a chain Static. But not to a place or to people, your chain is to a lifestyle. Because you refuse to accept that friends are good you have chained yourself to you. You're no longer allowing yourself the freedom to go and meet new people. Friends will show you freedom, true freedom."
For a pony who 'ain't much of a talker' Big Mac seemed to posses wisdom far beyond what his appearance and lifestyle would suggest. This was something I hadn't thought of. It was completely preposterous of course, but a new view. It was something new, even if it as wrong.
But was it really wrong? What if he was right? Could I pass up a chance for the one thing I've always believed to be the best because it was new? Maybe this new view was better. But what if it wasn't? My head was scrambled and I needed time to think. As soon as I got to the barn I told Fluttershy that maybe tomorrow we could take a break from lessons, and the moment she agreed I took off to head home.
Which path was true freedom? Which one was right? Which one?
I had spent two weeks struggling with what Big Mac had said. His words had thrown me into complete mental chaos. What was right anymore? All my previous thoughts were still trying to fight to shine through as the new thoughts swarmed around them. I had tried opening up some more with Fluttershy to try and test what Big Mac had said, but I wouldn't say we were quite friends yet. I needed more time to think everything through and decide which side was right. I needed more time to finally decipher his words.
Unfortunately I didn't really have much time. I needed to figure out if he was right. I couldn't risk missing a chance to find freedom if he was right. But would I be able to give up what I had lived by for so long? Could I just turn my back on my way of life to follow his word? Even if he was right that wouldn't mean I would have to give up everything I know would it? Flying did give me freedom, there was no denying it. The wind through my fur and feathers was a rush of freedom.
I needed time, time that I no longer had as I turned and left my house. Taking to the air, I headed to the clearing from the first flight lessons I had with Fluttershy. I had asked her to meet with me here a few days ago due to the amount of ponies determined to learn who I was and what I was doing. To many had noticed me, and with my mind in the state of war I couldn't handle it.
As I beat my wings moving to the meeting spot I turned my thoughts to the ongoing war within my mind. I had to try and make some sense of it. I needed to determine which of the sides was right, the freedom of flying or this new freedom of friendship. Which one was actual freedom? Was either of the sides freedom? Maybe a mixture of both, or neither. What if there was yet some other foreign philosophy to freedom I had yet encountered. But when I looked down and saw the clearing with the familiar yellow figure sporting her long pink mane and tail I focused on what I had planned for today.
For I had a plan to try and clear my thoughts, and I would need that yellow figure's help. _________________________________________________________________________________________
I was so relieved when Static asked if we could just stay around the clearing today. To be honest I was getting exhausted from the suddenly rigorous lessons he'd been giving me. But there seemed to be something troubling him, I could see it on his face. Whatever it was had been there for two weeks. He'd not been himself lately, with most of his passion for anything seeming to have disappeared.
It was sad to see him this way, especially when he flew. After having seen how much passion he had for flying, looking at him fly now was nothing even close to before. But even though he had lost interest in many things he did seem to gain some amount of interest in becoming an actual friend with me. He had opened up some and shared some his ideas and beliefs. He had, on occasion, tried having friendly conversations with me, but these moments were few and rather awkward. But their was something about the way he acted, doing anything, that just wasn't normal. He was always lost in his thought.
I knew that I should ask him about what has been troubling him, it's just I couldn't find the nerve to do it. Even after having known him for three weeks and managing full conversations with him and my shyness only interrupting me once in a while, I couldn't bring myself to ask about it. But I needed to. What if there something serious troubling him? What if I had done something? He never normally stays in town long he said before. What if he was leaving soon? Who would show him friendship then?
"I'm going to get a drink." His deep voice snapped me out of my thoughts, as he got up and walked to the stream. I began working myself up some. Applejack and Rainbow Dash don't get this psyched out. Twilight may have moments where she panicked, but in the end she would always try to find a rational solution. As he walked back and sat in the grass I readied myself and asked.
"Is....there.. something..umm.. bothering you?" I nearly smacked myself as I tucked my head into my mane on instinct. Why did I have to let my shyness get me now? Of all times.
"Huh?" He turned his head seeming to snap out of a daze. "Oh...no..I..I'm fine." He looked down at his fore hooves then thumped the grass. He shut his eyes keeping his head down. "Actually yes. Something has been bothering me and I need your help."
I almost fell over at the chance. I could be a true friend to him right now This could be my chance to actually show him friendship. I nodded my head for him to go on as he lifted his head, opening his eyes.
He gave me the chance to be a friend and I was going to be one. _________________________________________________________________________________________
When I saw her nod I knew there was no turning back now. But I didn't really won't to, this was a chance to clear my mind. And I planned on taking the opportunity.
"Well lately I've had a lot on my mind. Do you know why I originally started giving you fling lessons?"
"To make me a better flyer, right?" She seemed a little puzzled as she practically asked me if that was the reason.
"Well kinda. See I had the belief that flying was the only way to really reach true freedom. And when you said you weren't the best flyer I thought that maybe if I showed you what it was like you would see things my way."
"I see. But you said you had that belief. did something change?" She seemed so much more in control then I had ever seen her when we talked. It was like she was determined to help me with my problem.
"Well somewhat. That's where the problem is. When I went and spent time with Big Mac he told me something that I would have never thought of on my own. I've always loved freedom, as I've told you before, and I believed that Friends, jobs, and places served as ties that would hold me down and keep me from freedom. But he said that because I refused to allow myself to open up to friends that I was chaining myself to my lifestyle. He said I wouldn't get to experience true freedom until I opened up and made friends." I watched to see anything that might tip me off of what she was thinking. Her face was virtually unreadable. "What do you think?" she took a moment to answer
"I think he has a point. Friendship has something about it that seems to help ponies with their problems. Maybe he's right."
"But does that mean that I was wrong the whole time? I've always believed friendship to be the opposite of freedom. How can I be certain that it will show me freedom?"
"You can't really. You will just have to try. But if I may ask, what made you think of freedom the way you do?"
"Oh..Umm.. I don't know.. just always have thought that way.." I knew it was not true and the look on her face told me she knew it wasn't the truth either. I just wasn't ready to admit yet.
"That can't be all there is to it. something had to make you think this way. what is it?" The way she acted in the situation made her nothing like the shy mare she was. I don't know why she was so determined to try and help me.
"It... it's personal. It has to do with my past." Why was I say these things. I didn't intend to tell her these things.
"Static. What is it?" Her voice was so soft with the question. Finally it clicked why she was acting this way. She wanted to be a friend. A true friend. I knew that she just wanted to be a friend, to show me friendship. I knew I had to finally open up.
"It happened when I was still young. My parents and I were just settling into a new house, sitting on the other side of canterlot's mountain. We had finally moved all of our things into the somewhat secluded house. My dad had always wanted to live near Canterlot but not actually in it. I remember I was playing outside with a friend of mine who lived in Canterlot, his family had been traveling and stopped for a rest. I heard a scream from the house and flew back in to see what it was.
"When I got back inside I saw what had happened and was mortified. My friends parents lied on the ground hoof cuffed as a royal guard stood over them. I had no clue where he had come from, but my mind was anywhere but on the criminals or the guard. My mind was focused on my dad who was weeping over my mom as she laid lifeless on the floor. His parents were killers who had taken the life of my mom." A single tear ran down my face as I recalled that night. I never shared it with anyone, and never spent time thinking about it. I wanted it to have never happened. I wanted to forget all about it.
"After that night my dad was never the same. he wouldn't do anything any more and stopped eating. He wouldn't so much as look at me because I reminded him of my mom. Then one day he told me he just wanted to be free of his torment and flew off. I've never seen him since. Since that day a part of me has always thought that he flew to find his freedom form the pain he felt. And I thought that his leaving was a way to escape everything. Something about the way he left told me the reason why he did. He flew off to escape his pain, to escape me." It wasn't even the fact that my mother was dead that caused my tears to flow. I had learned since that day that death happens, I knew she was flying in better skies. But the fact that my dad had left to try and escape dealing with me had hurt so much. Something must have been wrong with me to drive him away.
"I think I understand now. You fly away and never attach to anything to avoid rejection. You think that if your father left you everything else will to, so you leave first. I understand now." Fluttershy's voice was scarcely above a whisper but her words rang through my thoughts, calming them. "Static not everything or everyone will leave you. I know that your dad's actions are wrong and hard to understand. But I don't think he left to escape you. He left to try and find peace. And I think inside you just want somepony who won't reject you. But you're so afraid that you will be rejected that you leave before anything can happen. Maybe it's time to let go of what your father did. Don't let his action dictate your life."
She walked over to me and rested a hoof on my shoulder as more tears followed the first. I looked up and saw her face filled with sympathy, and couldn't help myself as the tears flowed freely down my face. She drew me into a hug and I rested my head on her shoulder letting the tears fall into her mane as she comforted me.
"Let it go Static. What happened can't be changed, but that doesn't mean you have to let you past haunt you. You could just Let it go. You will find your freedom if you can let go of the shadows of your father." He voice was so tender, her hug was so soft and gentle, and her words spoke volumes to my aching heart. The war in my mind subsided and all I could think about was soft moment before me. Deep inside I knew her words were true as I allowed somepony to finally get close. My tears slowed as I finally let go of my past.
I knew now that I had made a chain. A chain to the fear of rejection, a chain to my father's action. I also knew that finally I could break that chain and find my freedom. But freedom didn't matter anymore. Freedom wasn't what had broken the chain. Friendship was.
And I had a friend now. A shy yellow mare with a long pink mane and tail. A shy Pegasus who helped me realize just what my chain was and helped me brake it. A mare named Fluttershy, my first friend.
"Soooo you're ARE going to let me throw him a party?" The pink pony was literally jumping from one object to the next throughout my cottage as I scrambled catching things as they fell. "Yes finally. You know I've made some tweaks to my party cannon and I think it's got the BANG for the party." Pinkie pie jumped, throwing her hooves in the air when she screamed bang.
"Oh no no no no. That won't be necessary. In fact I think he would prefer it to be quieter. I was thinking maybe some simple decorations and just the girls? To get him started on the friends thing. Oh and Big Mac needs to be there. If that's okay." Pinkie pie seemed to look defeated, puzzled, and lost in thought all at once.
"But why not a big party so he can make tons of friends? Why not have lots of noise and show him what it's like to have a Pinkie Pie party? why Big Mac?" She spat out the questions so fast that I barely caught them. I could feel my thoughts swirling in my mind trying to process the three questions at once. Finally when I sorted it all out I prepared my answers.
"Well he's not quite the type who does well socially." It was true. even though it had been a few weeks since that tender moment in the clearing he was still very socially awkward and shy, but improving. "And I don't think that loud noise and lots of ponies will help him. And Big Mac had a lot to do with him opening up and making him realize he needed friends. he hasn't really talked to him that I know of and I think it would be a good opportunity for him to thank him." Pinkie just sat there thinking. After a while she looked to have solved the puzzle.
"I've got it. I'll make sure the girls and Big Mac come along without anypony else. We can have a small party here with a few streamers, maybe some punch and cake. Yeah definitely cake. Maybe you can have the animals hop around freely and I'll get the girls to bring their pets to make it a bit less social as ponies but still having plenty of other living things running around to be a Party and not a simple event." I looked at her a little shocked that the crazy and spontaneous pink pony of energy had managed such a great plan.
"Oh that would be perfect Pinkie." I threw my hooves around her and squeezed. "Umm sorry." I said letting go. "But that will work out great. Do you think you can do all that in three days?"
"I wouldn't be Pinkie Pie, master party pony pinkness of supreme party powers otherwise now would I silly?" She gave me an inquisitive look then bounded out the door.
Everything went better then I had expected. Static was in for a treat to have a Pinkie Pie, mater party pony pinkness of whatever she had said level of party for his birthday party. _____________________________________________________
I couldn't believe how the past three days had played out. After spending a few weeks with Fluttershy and learning more about friendship I thought that I had come up with a way to repay her for that time in the clearing, I was going to be a ponyville resident. On the first of the three days I had gone and spoke with the mayor about job openings in the town, it was hard having no previous experience with work or really anything related to it. She had in formed me that a opening on the weather patrol had been open for a while after somepony named Derpy Hooves left to be a mail-pony.
On the second day I had gone and spoke with the leader of the ponyville weather patrol, a very sporty light blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail. She had asked me to run a few trials like clearing the sky and cloud manipulation. (All those years with building houses actually played a role in my society life. Who would've guessed?) After running the trials I was told that I had got the job and would start in one weeks time.
Then on the third day, today, Fluttershy had come to me this morning and asked that I come over to her house around dusk. I couldn't think of why she would ask me to go but I didn't really mind that much, it gave me a chance to tell her the news. Hopefully she would be happy to know I was going to stay, after all she had suggested it last week.
And all these things had happened in just three days. I was officially a resident in a town with a friend and job and everything. Something about it all had just seemed so surreal to me. Just a little more then a month ago I was a freedom obsessed Pegasus who refused anyone the right to reach out to his heart. Now I was a tethered town pony and happy. (though I still live away some and take regular flights far from the town line.) But perhaps the biggest change was in that fact that I WAS happy. I had been content before and enjoyed my life but now that I had my change of heart I could say that I was happy, I was free again. And it was all thanks to the pony whose house I was gliding towards now. (Well Big Mac to, but mostly Fluttershy.)
As I touched down a little ways off and thought up exactly how I was going to say that I was staying to her I couldn't help but notice something different about her house this time then the others when I had visited. For starters all the lights were off, everyone of them, as if no one was home. I though that maybe I had heard her wrong and was supposed to meet her elsewhere. But the windows were all shut. She always left a window open in case some animal needed a place to rest. What was going on?
I had time to think it over and forgot about exactly how I would tell her the news. I hovered over to the window and tried to peek inside, to dark to see. I gave a few windows a push to see if maybe the wind had almost closed one, none of them moved. Finally I hovered back to the door and knocked, no answer. Another knock, silence. I was growing worried so I simply opened the door and hovered in to see what was up.
I was assaulted by a blinding flash as the lights came on and a bang as something closed behind me, followed by the soft rustling of animals scurrying around. The sudden light and bang had startled me so much I felt my wings snap close (it's a natural Pegasus reaction okay) And I landed face down on the floor as a small choir of voices shouted surprise.
"Oh Pinkie I think the door slam was to much. We scared him." I heard the soft familiar voice of Fluttershy.
"Hey you said no party cannon so I improvised." I heard that voice again from nearly a month ago. But certain word caught my attention, party.
Finally it clicked. I had been so caught up in trying to become a resident in secret I had forgotten my own birthday. -------------------------------------------------------------------
After I had finally regained my senses I stood up and looked around. The cottage had been decorated with streamers of gray, red, and blue. There were a few small balloons floating around with a few more drifting across the ground. There was also and small cake sitting upon her table. Other then that there weren't many other decorations, but there were all the animals that Fluttershy owned and a few new ones.
As I continued to look around I saw six mares standing in a line with happy expressions on there faces. Fluttershy was in the middle of the line with Pinkie Pie to her left. On her right was Applejack, followed by a familiar mare with a blue coat and seven colored mane, my new boss. On Pinkie's left stood a white unicorn with a very pampered and yet refined grace about her, beside her stood a lavender alicorn, a princess.
"Wh-wha-what do you think Static? Pinkie and I put it together for you." Fluttershy had stepped forward and motioned with a wing around the cottage.
"It's great. When did you get the time for this and how did you know it was my birthday?" I was still just a little in awe of it all, so new to me.
"Well you told me it was today a week ago remember? And I've been doing it for the past three days. And I'm sorry about not seeing you those days." She had started to tuck her head but looked like she had to try and stop herself.
"It's okay I was a little occupied those days." Well this explains why it was so easy to hide from her. "Still all this in three day?"
"Well duh silly. We had three days before you're birthday so it was done in three day." Pinkie Pie chimed in jumping up beside Fluttershy. "And Fluttershy here was a huge help. It's hard to get those high areas without my party cannon." She threw her arms around Fluttershy's neck and drew her into a hug as Fluttershy started blushing a little.
"Yes well you still did all the planning and most everything else." She tucked her head into her mane again trying to take attention off of her.
"Don't sell yer'self sugarcube, none of us knew when his birthday was or how he might react to a party." Applejack stepped up and nudged Pinkie Pie off of Fluttershy. "Anyways why don't we take some time to introduce ya to the gang. Come on girls let's be friendly here."
"I'll start he already knows me." My boss trotted up and struck a pose
"What do you mean he knows you?" Fluttershy looked up a little confused and looked over at my boss.
"Well he came and got interviewed yesterday. He's ponyville's newest weather pony." The Light blue mare also looked a little confused as both turned to me, though Fluttershy's expression looked different. I've never seen that look before, but the first word describing it that I could think of was hopeful.
"Is this true Static?"
"Yes it is. I was hoping for time to explain but I got a job. I'm staying in ponyville." Fluttershy's face lit up as she burst forward and wrapped in a tight hug.
"Oh that's great. I'm so glad you chose to stay." She tightened her hug some more bringing me as close as she could.
"Well that means we have to party twice as hard then." Pinkie Pie cheered. Fluttershy let go and backed off as she blushed again.
"Now Pinkie darling not everyone has been introduced. Static here only knows you, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash."
"So that' your name." I spoke up once I learned my bosses name. "You never mentioned your name at the interview."
"I thought you would have known it." Rainbow Dash looked crestfallen as she deflated. "Come on, you sure you didn't know it? Best young flyer? The rainboom filly? Come on nothing?" She seemed to shrink more as I shook my head. "So news never got around to you about that? didn't see anything?"
"Sorry I never really lived any where where news would reach. I was very distant from society." Rainbow dash seemed to regain some of her pride once I said that.
"Anyways, I am Rarity. Charmed to meet you." The white unicorn stepped forward and made a dramatic show of her introduction.
"And I'm Twilight Sparkle. It's a pleasure to meet you." The princess didn't make any regal moves or bows or anything like I had thought she would. Even her introduction was rather casual.
"Pleased to meet both of you. You're a princess right?" Without all the regal formalities and such I was doubting my guess.
"Yes though I like to keep things more casual. Please don't bow I really don't like it when ponies start bowing to me, I mean I'm no older then anyone here." She seemed very nervous about the entire princess situation. almost like she didn't really want people know to much about it. "Besides today is your party, no reason to lower yourself."
"And now lets get this party started." Pinkie Pie ran over to a table with some strange equipment on it. She moved a small arm onto a black disk as it was spinning, immediately music started playing through the black boxes on the table.
"Yeah let's have sum fun yall." Apple jack moved out from the group as it began shifting about grabbing punch and dancing around. Pinkie let a white pony with hair much like my own only blue with lighter streaks in it at the table and joined the others.
"Am I late?" The door opened and everyone looked as a strong red stallion entered, it was Big Mac. I finally had a chance to thank him for everything. ---------------------------------------------------------------
After allowing the party to continue for some time I decided to go over and thank Big Mac for all he had done. So I walked over and got his attention.
"Hey Big Mac you got a second?"
"Of course." He walked over to the punch bowl to get something to drink. "What on your mind." He looked like he knew what I was going to say somehow.
"I wanted to thank you, and to say you were right. I was holding on to one thing, but I didn't want to realize it. Fluttershy helped me to let it go."
"I thought she would. She's pretty timid normally, but she seemed rather open with you, she was trying to be a friend."
"I know that now. Thanks to you. You opened my eyes to what friendship was and for that thanks."
"Listen, I didn't actually do much, just said a few words. Fluttershy is the one who really opened your eyes. Thank her not me." He drank some of the punch he got. "You've thanked me enough when you helped at the farm. This is your party so go have some fun, just make sure you thank Fluttershy by the end of tonight."
"I will, Thanks again." I turned and began walking to Fluttershy as Big Mac simply shook his head laughing a little.
I got about halfway over to Fluttershy when Rarity stepped up.
"Darling I've been looking for you. I wanted to talk to you a bit. What was it like roughing it all those years?" She spoke the word roughing it as though it were a curse.
"Not bad really. I had a house, several actually. The only rough part about any of it was building them and powering them."
"Still all those years with no one else. and the work of it all seems so uncivilized, so last century."
"Well it was the choice I had made and I didn't mind it at all, chose it in fact."
"I just can't think of any reason to chose that life."
"It was my choice though so you don't really have to." I was getting a little heated as some of my feathers ruffled a bit. Something about the way she spoke of it all made me mad. she acted like I was a savage or something. Luckily Fluttershy had walked over just in time.
"Rarity can I steal Static for a while?" She looked like she had guessed what was happening and came to defuse the situation.
"But of course darling, I've asked my questions. Thank you for your time Static." With that she trotted back to the floor. Her thank you was very honest and I became aware that she had no idea that I had even gotten angry. Maybe she simply wanted to know about it. Was I wrong to have become angry?
"Can we step outside for a moment?" Fluttershy's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Sure." I followed her as we walked out onto a small deck. The cool night air helped to clear any last remnants of the heated second, it was very relaxing.
"You'll have to forgive Rarity, she's not a fan of getting dirty. She also not quite aware of the effect of some of her questions sometimes."
"Yeah. Thanks for stopping that conversation from going to far."
"Oh it was nothing. I wanted to actually talk to you though."
"Okay what's on your mind?"
"Well first off are you enjoying your party?"
"Yes I am. It's the first I've ever had."
"Really? Well I'm glad you're enjoying it. But what I really wanted to talk to you about is you staying."
"Oh that? I wanted to make it a surprise. You know to kinda repay you for the help you gave me a few weeks ago?"
"Oh that's fine. That's what friends are for." I laughed a little at that statement, she joined knowing what I was laughing about. "But I'm really glad you chose to stay. I was hoping you had already made the decision, but wanted to make sure you had something to remember ponyville by if you left."
"Oh well I would definitely remember it after this." I gave a soft laugh as I motioned to the party.
"Well I also wanted to give you this, to remember me by." Her voice lowered a little as she handed me a small box and tucked away her blushing face.
"I'll always remember my first friend." she began blushing more as she tucked her head further into her mane. "But now that I'm staying I won't need something to remember you by."
"But I want you to have it anyways." She didn't raise her voice at all keeping it a small whisper as she held the box out.
I took the box and opened it. There was a small circular pendent resting inside with a fabric band hanging from the small loop at the top. The small pendent was a silver ring with a piece of glass fitting perfectly on either side. Inside it were to feathers, one gray and one yellow, laying over each other so that both were visible on either side. The feathers were intertwined softly overlaying each other as they ran diagonally across the pendant. It took me a moment, but I figured out what they were. The gray feather had come from my wing and the yellow from Fluttershy's, and they were entwined softly, much like she and I were when she held me at the clearing as my tears fell a few weeks ago. she had made this as a reminder of that moment. She had made a perfect gift.
"Do you like it?" She still hid her face when I looked up. "It's a symbol of our friendship." I had already figured that out but hearing her say it carved it in stone.
"It's perfect." I slipped the fabric cord over my neck, it fit perfectly. "Thank you. For everything. The party, the gift, the friendship. Everything."
She looked up as her light blue eyes meet my red ones. I held her stare for a few seconds then on instinct I drew my head closer, slowly closing the gap between us. She brought hers closer as well. The seconds stretched to years as our heads came closer. The world was trapped in slow motion as the gap became smaller and smaller before finally, in a a soft moment, even more tender and gentle then the hug, our lips met. ________________________________________________
The moment had been like a dream. Hearing Static's praise on the gift, him thanking me, all of it. It felt so surreal. Then he brought his head closer and I couldn't stop myself as I to began moving my head towards his. The our lips met in a soft and gentle motion. The connection sent shivers down my side as I felt my wings spread mere centimeters from my body. but even though my hooves were firmly on the ground and my wings still close to my side I felt as though I were flying. The soft touch of his lips on mine and the rush of warmth around me felt amazing, it felt right.
Then his lips left mine all to soon, as he turned his head away and rubbed the back of his head.
"I'm sorry I don't know what came over me." I could see the blush as he began turning his head back. I knew the blush he was feeling, it was the same as the one I wore several times through out the night.
"No don't be it was.. nice." I felt stupid using that word. It was so much more then nice. It was fantastic, marvelous, perfect.
"Yeah... I'll just join the others again." He turned and started walking away.
"Static wait!" He turned around and I met his lips once more in another soft connection and I could fell him melt at the touch. And I knew he had felt the same about the kiss as I had. Our lips parted once more. "It was better then nice it was-"
"Perfect." We both said the word in unison, only confirming my guess. It was perfect. We stayed and talked a brief moment longer.
"Was it a first for you to?" He was the first to speak up.
"Yes." I laughed a little looking at him with a small smile. "First time for everything I guess." He simply smiled back and gave a nod, as we turned to go back to the party.
Little did either of us know at he time but a certain orange mare and red stallion had seen the entire ordeal. Both were wearing small smiles as they bumped hooves.
Everything was going perfect. After the kiss on the deck I was on cloud nine. I had a new necklace that was perfect, I had a friend, (possibly more, I'm not sure on what would happen right now) I had my first kiss and it was perfect, I had a party going on just for me, everything was perfect. That was until I had actually gone back inside. The music was playing but nopony danced. Everypony was standing around staring at the new arrival.
He stood eye level with me and was a bit gaunt, his feature tugging tight over his frame yet not in a malnourished way. His muscles where slim and sleek, only showing in places of common use. He had bright green eyes set in deep but not sunken in. His wings were perhaps where the most of his muscles resided as they hugged close to his side. He had a solid gray coat with a few spots sporting small scars and cuts. He had a mane and tail with the same colors as my own with few streaks of gray. Both mane and tail were cropped short in a militaristic style. The mark he wore on his flank was of a black shield with a single blue and red lightning bolt in the center. It was a mark I was familiar with.
"Hey Static. I'm not sure if you remember me or not bu-"
"I remember you perfectly fine. Dad." I cut him off before he could continue. What was he doing here? He had never wanted to be anywhere near me before, so what changed now? After I had finally let go, why did he have to come back? Everything was going perfectly, until now. _______________________________________________________________________
I couldn't believe my ears. Dad. Static's dad was here, at the party, right now. I couldn't even begin to guess what he felt. Was he happy that he could see his dad? Upset that he had finally let things go for them to resurface? There were several other things he could be feeling, But the look on his face that spoke his feeling better than any words. Anger seethed under his skin as he was visibly gritting his teeth, but the hurt in his eyes betrayed the other emotion that hid under his rage.
I softly placed a wingtip on his back trying to calm him. I don't know why I did it, just sorta seemed like the thing to do. But when he turned back and looked at me I could see the rage breaking away as his eyes began to water. He needed time.
"Why don't you two step out on the deck." I had opened the door I had just walked in from.
"Thank you Fluttershy." Static walked past me giving me just the lightest tap from his wing before walking out.
Once they had walked out I turned to address the girls and Big Mac.
"Thank you everypony for coming out. He really enjoyed himself. But I think now would be the time to go." Pinkie was the only one who looked upset at the turn of events as they walked out. Big Mac hung back some and asked if he could talk to me.
"Listen 'Shy he's gonna need a friend when he gets done on the deck. I saw the hurt in his eyes same as you. Be there for him." And with that the Large red stallion walked away. I knew he would have troubles with this just from looking him in the eyes. I knew he would need a friend and I was the best candidate. But somehow hearing it from the normally so quiet stallion made all of it seem even more important that I was there for him.
He needed somepony he could talk to after this, and I knew that I was the only one who could be the friend he would need right now. ________________________________________________________________
I was so grateful for Fluttershy asking us to go out on the deck. The anger I had felt was so boiling hot under my skin, yet it had vanished all to soon leaving only the pain I felt deep in my soul. My eyes had already began watering by the time she had offered us the private space, and being alone with him wasn't helping. I thought I had let go of it and out the past behind me, but I had forgotten that behind is not the same as gone.
"Why are you here?" I tried to keep a calm and level voice, but my pain was to much as some leaked into my words.
"What do you mean? I'm here to visit my son on his birthday." His words lit the smallest spark of anger in me.
"I know that's not true. you haven't bothered to try and see me for years. You gave up on trying to be a father a long time ago. Or do you not remember taking off all those years ago?" The tiny spark of anger did not take long to burn into a flame, the few escaping tears failing to extinguish it.
"Can a father not visit his son anymore?" The flame erupted inside me, consuming my emotions with anger at his words.
"You lost the right to be my father years ago. As far as I'm concerned you just some retired old guard." I couldn't stop myself as my anger burned into hatred for the man in front of me.
"Look son I-"
"Stop calling me that." I shouted at him as he stepped back from me. "You left me with no one. Alone, abandoned me after mom died. You couldn't stand being my father then so what makes you my dad now?" Every word dripped with the venomous hatred I felt. But no matter how much the hatred filled me, no matter how angry I became, deep down the pain I was feeling was so much worse.
"Look I know I took off and left you alone, but it was not because I couldn't stand to be your father." He had began raising his own voice taking a defensive. "I didn't leave because of you. I left because I couldn't take it and needed time alone."
"You think I haven't learned that by now? You think that I didn't know that you had left to go find your 'peace'? I knew you were running away from the painful memories. And I knew I was a pretty strong center of them. You couldn't even bring yourself to look at me. You just focused on whatever was in front of you and told me I was to much like her. So don't tell me you didn't leave because of me. I've already figured out why you left. Now I just want to know why you're here."
"Look Static it's wasn't like that. I left-"
"It most certainly was like that, so stop denying it. Now why don't you tell me why you're here already."
"I came here to apologize." He said the words a quickly as possible. "I came here to say I'm sorry for leaving."
"It's a little late for that now don't you think?" I couldn't take it anymore. I simply couldn't bare all the pain inside, all the anger erupting outside, it was to much. I quickly spread my wings and took off. I needed to escape. _____________________________________________________________
I had cleaned up a few things while waiting for Static, setting aside a pillow and blanket for him for when whatever happened finished so he could just go to sleep. I had started to head over to the glass door to the deck to see if they were done when I saw Static take off and his dad stay behind with a strange look on his face not one of hurt or anger, but not sorrow. What had happened?
I walked over and opened the door to the deck and stepped out. watching as Static disappeared into the night.
"What happened? where's Static going?" I was more then a little worried and it showed in my voice.
"I don't know where he went, but I can say that things did not go as well as planned." His dad kept a strangely calm demeanor about him.
"What do you mean? What happened?" I was worried for Static and the idea of my new friend flying off after he had said he was going to become a resident and after the kiss we shared had me ready to charge off after him. But I needed to know what happened.
"Well the discussion became rather heated. He was very angry with me for leaving, angry and hurt. I tried telling him it wasn't his fault I left, but it only seemed to make him even angrier. So I told him the reason I sought him out, to say sorry, and he took off." The entire time Static's father had never broke his calm informative tone. And considering the subject of the matter, it only made me move some of the worry for Static to anger for his dad.
"Did you ever think that maybe a simple 'sorry I left' wouldn't cut it? Did it ever occur to you that after years without anyone that maybe he might have been hurt more then you thought? And how exactly did you expect him to believe that he had nothing to do with you leaving? You refused to even look at him. His mother had died and you flew away with nothing more then I can't take it. You more then upset him. You traumatized him. A few weeks ago he finally opened up and told me what all had happened from his mom dying to you leaving. I was the first pony he's ever told since it happened. He has been flying all over equestria staying a town for a few weeks then moving somewhere else, never making friends or even entering the towns on a false sense of freedom. He was so afraid of rejection that he secluded himself and made a false sense of happiness so he wouldn't have to let anyone close to him. I'm the first pony he's let get close to him. He went and got a job yesterday and is finally becoming what he should have been from the start. And the reason it took him so long is because you had left and rejected him your love. So don't think a simple sorry will fix this one." I was very angry with his father at this point. Once I started going off on him I couldn't help but get angrier as I continued. The last time I had felt this way I stood up to a dragon, this man was no dragon. I spread my wings and began flying off to find static when he had turned and started to say something making me stop.
"You are right. when you find him tell him that I'm truly sorry for all I've done. I know it won't be enough to make up for everything I've done. Tell him I want to make it up to him next time I see him." A single tear ran down his check as the calm tone shattered and sorrow showed through his voice.
I turned and took off to find Static. He was hurt and alone right now. I needed to be there with him so he would know he wasn't alone. He was hurt and I knew where to find him. ___________________________________________________________________
I landed in the clearing I had grown so familiar with. I don't know why I chose the clearing, but location didn't really matter at the moment as my tears began falling. My anger was gone now but the deep, aching pain inside me stayed. I began walking towards the center, but stumbled as my legs began giving out. I simply sat and let my tears fall. I was so hurt from what had just happened. My dad, no, not dad. That man had tried to tell me how it wasn't my fault he left. A bold faced lie that only deepened my pain. Then after all those years away he thought a simple sorry would fix everything.
My anger began to return as I thought about it all. I turned and delivered a powerful apple-buck to a nearby tree, throwing everything I had into the kick. The birds inside the tree's branches flew off from the sudden kick, all but one flying up and far away. But the one bird flew down and to me, a small yellow bird. It landed on the ground in front of me and turned it's head, staring at me. Then a single yellow feather floated down between the bird and me. At first I passed it off as the bird's but upon closer inspection I realized the feather was to big.
I looked up to find the source. A familiar yellow figure with pink mane and tail began her descent. I couldn't help but smile a little as the reason why I had flown out to the clearing became obvious to me now. I had flown here because I knew she would find me. _______________________________________________________
I found Static sitting in the small clearing with his head hanging down. I quickly began to descend to where he was and he looked up at me. I could clearly see the tears running down his face. Big Mac and I were right, he did need a friend, he needed one badly. I landed beside him and started things with a simple wing resting on his shoulder.
"Hey. Your dad explained what happened." I wanted to make sure I comforted him, I saw no reason to make him repeat it all.
"So how twisted of a version did he give you?" He was clearly still mad at him.
"I don't think he twisted it, maybe summarized, but not twisted. I'm sorry things turned out the way they did." The line seemed so insufficient in a time like this.
"I just can't believe he had the audacity to come to me after all these years and try to tell me it was not my fault. He just acted like it was an extended vacation or something." He talked with a tinge of anger in his voice but the tears streaming from his face mixed with his heavy sighs let me know he was hurting.
"He told me. I think he was trying to tell himself that more then you." I lifted my wing from his shoulder and used the tip to wipe away some of his tears.
"You know the worst part was that he actually came to apologize. Like a simple sorry would fix everything." The anger had left his words leaving the pain he felt as his sobs grew a bit.
"I know. He told me it was when he tried to say sorry that you flew." He looked me directly in the eye. His tears were still running down his face and his face showed so much anguish and pain that it hurt to just look at him. "You know what I did at that?" I had a small idea to try and cheer him up.
"What?" He still wore his mask of pain.
"I went off on him. I was practically shouting at him, telling him why sorry wouldn't cut it."
"No way? YOU went off?" He had a moment of disbelief in his pain.
"Yup I sure did." I tried to look prideful before dawning a serious look. "I told him how you had lived away from everyone. I told him that you had finally opened up, and he had just came in and rained on everything we've worked on." I gave a small smile at the tiny joke as if our friendship were lessons. He returned it. "I told him that what he did was horrible and a simple sorry would never fix it. And you know what happened after that?" He gave me a look that told me he was clueless. "He shed a tear. He asked me to tell you he was sorry and that he knew that wouldn't be enough. He told me to tell you that the next time you see him he wanted to make things up to you somehow. The whole time he was saying these things I could hear the sorrow in his voice. He was truly sorry for the pain he's caused you Static. He knows now how much he's hurt you and he knows that sorry won't fix it all this time. But he does want to try and make things up with you."
I watched as he seemed to think everything over for a second. Finally his face seemed to ease some as a lot of pain seemed lifted from his soul, not all, but a fair amount. His tears began to slow and his breathing leveled out some.
"Thank you Futtershy. It really means a lot that you're here for me." He looked at me and gave a smile. I used my wing to dry his tears again. "You know what's ironic?" He lifted his necklace pendent with a hoof. "It was the first time out here that inspired you to make this. And now here we are again in the same sort of situation, only with the necklace this time." He looked back up to me and immediately began to blush. It was clear to me that he was trying to find something to distract himself from the situation. I decided to go along with it rather then drag things on.
"Yeah almost the same situation." I rested my hoof next to his.
"Yeah there's just one part missing." He quickly stepped forward and wrapped his wings around me. I could feel the soft feathers shroud around me and lay over my own wings as he put his hoofs around me in a hug. The warmth of his body and wings over me was amazing, making me feel like I had just snuggled into my bed.
I was startled at the sudden motion, but soon melted into the warmth of his hug. I snuggled into the crook between his neck and should, further encasing myself into his warmth. He pulled me in closer to him, resting his head on my own. After sitting in his embrace soaking up the warmth from him I moved my head to look up at him as he looked down at me. Slowly our heads approached each other and our lips meet in the center.
The kiss was so much more special, so much sweeter then the two before. The soft feeling of his gray lips was beyond compare as I tasted the salty remains of a few tears. I could feel the warmth of his hug begin to rise from the feeling of his lips. I could feel his emotions through the kiss, the soft tender care he felt, the strong rush he felt from the kiss we were sharing, the sweet affection he was feeling. I could feel it all upon my lips, but I couldn't feel sorrow in the kiss. We held the kiss longer as I felt the soft warmth of the suns first rays. The ordeal had taken all night.
We broke the kiss and looked at each other blushing softly.
"Why don't we head back. It's been a long night." I spoke softly to him from the surreal moment not seconds ago.
"Yeah." With that we began the walk back to ponyville. "So if you don't mind where does this set our relationship? I've been a little curious on what happens now."
"Well I guess.." I began thinking about it for a second. Where did this set us? "Well I guess it really depends on where we think we are in it."
"Well I still hold you as my first, and closest of friends. Though there is only two at the moment. But I feel as though we are more then that."
"I see no reason why we can't be more and still consider each other friends at the same time. So I guess this sets us at a real relationship rather then just friends. I guess this make me your marefriend." I smiled at the admittance of the situation and blushed with it at the thought. "Yeah that sounds right."
He shared my blush filled smile with me. He nodded his head in agreement, confirming the status of us. As we reached ponyville a thought had struck my mind. With the problem of his dad resolved, somewhat, and the relationship status determined, this was the beginning of a new day, in a way meaning more then just the sun has risen. No this was a new day as in a new chapter of my life, or Static's life, of OUR life. And the future looked bright.
I stretched out my wings and took to the sky again as I had done so many times before. I could feel the wind tugging softly at my feathers, while it forced my fur flat against me. I did a small loop in the sky, causing the basket I carried to rock around, shaking it's contents inside. I leveled out and made a note to not do more stunts so long as I had the basket in tow. I couldn't shake up the contents to much.
Inside the basket was some food, a blanket, and a bottle of sweet apple acres cider. (Not the hard stuff just some cider.) There was also one very special item inside of the basket, tucked into the blanket. It was a small special gift for my special somepony. Today was a very special day and called for the gift. For exactly one year ago today was when I had first bumped into that pony I now hold so close. The first time I saw her, first time I had ever really talked to anyone for that matter. (Besides a simple 'hey nice day bye.') I'll admit back when I first met her I had completely different intentions then what I have now. Back then I wanted to break her out of her normal life and force my onto her.
But back then I also hadn't known what a powerful tool friendship was. Today I know what friendship can do to somepony, and how it can make their lives so much better, and how and bring two ponies together. Today I know what it's like to actually have somepony who you can hold close when they need it and who can hold you close when you need it. I know what it's like to have a best friend who still means more then anything else at the same time.
Albeit my special somepony and I didn't reach this point without a few ups and downs. Some outside forces coming into play, unforeseen events, and sometimes each other. But that was something that made what we had truly special, it's not that we had not battles, but that what we had was worth the battles. Together we had seen good times as well as bad. And that's what made us special.
As I approached the familiar clearing that I knew like the back of my hoof I knew the time to spend with my special pony was here. And I was going to enjoy every minute we had together today. I landed near the beautiful yellow mare and quickly trotted up to her and gave her a soft kiss, it still felt as warm and passionate as the first time. She brushed her pink mane aside as she looked at me with joy.
"Did you bring the stuff?" She questioned my as she tapped the basket clenched in my teeth.
"Well of course." I set the basket down and gave a small smile. "Can't be much of a one year anniversary if I didn't now would it?" I gave a smirk as I nuzzled her check.
She returned the tender motion and stepped back, allowing my to get out the items. I took out the blanket careful to not reveal her gift, then spread it out on the ground inviting her to sit. When she came and sat next to me I pulled out the next items, two simple meals. Nothing over the top, but not as simple as a sandwich either. I placed out the plates with some orzo salad with buttermilk dressing. For the finishing touch I poured some of the cider into the two wine glasses I brought.
"I have a touch of my own." Fluttershy reached into a small shoulder pouch she had brought with her and pulled out two small candles and a fire starter. She lit the candle as the last of the suns light kissed the sky goodnight to let the stars play. "Thought they would help set the mood you know?" She looked at me with a small smile and a hint of blush.
"Perfect." With that we began eating and drinking, sharing small talk, and enjoying each other's company. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Once the sun had set and the candles provided the only real light source left I had pulled out a second blanket. I put the candle to the side so as to not catch fire to anything and ruin the date. Fluttershy had snuggled in close to me as I drew the blanket over us. We lied back and stared at the sky.
"The stars look amazing tonight." She held her transfixed gaze at the stars as their twinkling danced in the reflection of her eyes. She looked like an angel.
"Yeah. Not as beautiful as you though." She turned her head and looked at me with her soft and kind gaze. The stars light still reflected softly in her eyes, though not as clearly. But even without the light reflecting her her light blue eyes, I still found my self getting lost in the two gems before me. Her yellow fur made her eyes seem even more alluring as her muzzle rested inches from my own.
I simply continued to stare at her as she blushed and began to hide her face in her long pink mane. But the moment I saw her eyes disappear behind the lock I leaned my muzzle in and rubbed it against her gently, feeling the soft fur rub my own. When she finally drew her face out of hiding I leaned in and embraced her lips with my own holding the passionate lock. The feelings of the kisses had never dulled over the course of time. Every kiss still held the softness of her lips pressed to mine and the warmth of her emotions flowing through her and into me. I cherished each kiss.
But sadly every kiss ended eventually. And when our lips left each other I felt the slight sadness that it ended return, but their would be more. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We had spent almost an hour in silence just staring at each other and kissing each other. It may have not been much for some, but for me these gentle, tender, heart touching moments were the best of my life. They were moments where our actions spoke all we needed to say and out souls could lay intertwined with each other. They were all i could ask for, they were my freedom. But of course there was still one more thing that needed to happen before the night ended and as I clasped her small present I knew now was the time.
I looked into her eyes again before starting. "I have something for you." I smiled a little knowing her response.
"Oh Static you said not to get anything. I don't have anything." She seemed to get a bit upset and worried, so I chose to stop all those with a short sweet kiss.
"You did get me something." I held up the small pendent she had given me for my birthday a year ago, the pendent that never left my neck. "And now I'm returning the favor." I held her gift up to her.
It wasn't much, but I knew it would be perfect for her. She stared at the small silver chain in my hand. Her eyes traced down until she reached the little pendent at the end. A small silver heart with a single yellow feather design running across it. She took the heart in her hand and hit the small button on the top as the heart opened and greeted her with a picture of two ponies sharing a sweet embrace, one yellow and one gray. It was a picture of us, three months ago on one of our dates where we had a photographer take it. It was the same picture sitting on my stand next to my bed at home
Her eyes began to water a little as she slipped the necklace over her head, the heart resting in the center of her chest. She looked back a me a bit teary eyed.
"It's perfect." A few small tears ran down her check as she smiled, letting my know the tears were of joy. She quickly lunged at me wrapping me in her wings and pulling me tightly to her and embracing me with a kiss. "I love it. I..I" She paused looking deeply into my eyes and kissing me once again, this time even better the the first, with so much passion and overwhelming emotion flowing through her. "I love you." She nuzzled into my shoulder as I hugged her back.
She loved me. It was a truly new thing for me. No pony had ever really loved me before. Even Fluttershy had never said the words before. But somehow, someway, when she had said those words my heart had melted for her. and I knew that I felt the same.
"I love you to Fluttershy." The words flowed so naturally for me, yet they were words never before utter from my lips. But they still felt right. "I love you" I said it again as if not believing I had said it the first time. I loved her and I wanted her to know it. Again she lifted her head and gave me a soft yet passionate kiss with the same emotion as before. But this time it didn't just flow from her it came from me. She loved me, and I loved her. We were just two love struck ponies, sharing a passionate night together. And i knew that finally, after all those years, I had found the my place in life. My place to stay, forever.
I flew back to the small cottage near the edge of the everfree. It wasn't much of a house, nothing to fancy or over the top, but the house had character. The wooden walls of the cottage were dotted with round windows all over, some even inside the leafy foliage of the roof. The area around the house was lush with grass and flowers making up for the lack of decor on the outside.
But it wasn't what the house looked like that really mattered, it was the family inside. Fluttershy, Myself and our newest addition, Morning Dew. We shared the house, and we made memories in the house, That's what made it special.
When I landed a short ways of I took a moment to look around and take it all in. In the yards just below the hill the house sat on I could see my love resting on the grass with some of her animal friends keeping her company as Morning Dew running about in the yard, her red cape with blue square in the corner trailing behind, letting the world know she was a 'cutie mark crusader'.
I couldn't help but gaze at the little filly enjoying herself as she let her soft gray wings unfurl, gliding over a small hole. Her landing wasn't to great though as her mane caught under her hoof and she stumbled. She had a lot in conman with both her mother and me. Her gray coat being similar to mine, only a little bit lighter, and her long pink mane and tail being near perfect matches to her mothers, the one difference being a stripe running through both mane and tail that began red then split halfway into two red and blue streaks near the end. She was our pride and joy, with a soft, adorable side that could melt your heat, and a fun loving side that would get her in a few sticky situations from time to time.
After looking at our daughter my eyes turned to the gorgeous yellow mare who was smiling softly at the filly. Her long pink mane cascading over her where she lay. The butterflies that danced around her were near copies of her cutie mark. The natural essence around her mixed the beauty of the land seemed to make her all the more lovely on days like this.
In the 6 years I had known the filly in the yard she had brought countless smiles to my face and had filled me with a love for her. And in the 18 years I had known the mare nearby she had showed me a different love, a comforting love, the love of a friend as well as a lover. She had been my entire world for those years that I've known her, and do this days those feelings have not waned in the slightest.
Throughout my life I've been filled with happiness and joy thanks to those two. And I hoped I had brought as much joy to them as they brought me, and hoped to continue to bring joy to them. Because I knew they would be bringing me more then enough joy to spread. I was happy and I knew I would continue to be happy.