> Seven Months
>  by Regal-Storm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: Seven Months
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Funny how the snow had only partially melted away from the Crystal Empire. Enough had been cleared for transport and agriculture to grow, but beyond that… the Crystal Mountain Range was a wilderness covered in snow, ice and unforgiving harsh winds.
It was almost unimaginable that there were things out there that could sustain themselves in the wilderness. Ice dragons, wildling ponies, usually thought of as descendants of outcasts from Equestria or those that once preferred Sombra’s rule once for the Crystal Empire, and who knew what else.
Twilight looked out the window from the castle. It’s been how long since he left on his two-week mission?
Steps were heard and Twilight turned her head to see her sister-in-law. “I know what you’re gonna say, I still believe he’s out there alive.”
“I wasn’t gonna say that.” Cadance sounded sympathetic, understanding of why Twilight did what she did. “But believing isn’t always enough. It may work at some points, but there comes a time when belief in an ideal won’t help, no matter how much you want it to.”
“That’s Princess Celestia talking,” Twilight retorted.
“I know. It’s the same thing she said to me when I was anxious like you.” Twilight’s expression must have told Cadance everything. “I was in a relationship with Shining before the wedding, you know. But I do know that you aren’t with Flash Sentry.”
Twilight faltered under her sister-in-law’s smug gaze. “No… no, I’m not.” She turned her attention back out to the wilderness. “That doesn’t mean I want him to be safe.”
“Twily, I have seen that same look on a lot of young mares in love with their stallions. Especially those who date guards and soldiers.” Cadance nuzzled her and Twilight returned it gladly. “There’s just one thing I’d like to know.”
“Why,” Twilight answered and Cadance’s eyes told her everything. Twilight sighed softly. “I don’t know. Ever since I went to that world after Sunset Shimmer and ran into… someone, I’ve been confused.”
“Pinkie said something about you meeting some boy and Flash Sentry reminds you of him?”
“Yes, that’s the confusing thing.” Twilight began pacing back and forth. “Flash back there was a nice guy. Loved to play music, stood up for me when I was in trouble, helped me fix things in time and liked me even when my real nature was revealed. I can’t see him for at least thirty moons after the portal closed, but then, like something ordained by… I don’t know, I ran into Flash here. I can’t tell if it’s just a phase I’m going through, or something like what you have with Shining. I know I can’t convert things back from there to here, but…” She stopped there.
“You don’t want to let go of him, because you believe there is a chance for something bigger,” Cadance said.
This time, Twilight sniffled. “Yes.”
Cadance sighed and hugged Twilight. “I can get behind that,” she said. “But seven months is a long time to be MIA.”
“Nopony gets left behind,” Twilight retorted with Shining’s favorite saying in the Royal Guard.
“True,” Cadance replied. “But even if Flash doesn’t know the land, it shouldn’t be hard to see the light that stems from the castle. Nearly anypony within a hundred miles can see it.”
“I’m not giving up on him.”
“Neither am I, Twilight,” Cadance said. “But this is pushing it. Seven months is way too long for somepony to be out there, and even so, there is little chance that they are still alive. I don’t want to cancel the search on account that it’s high priority, but I’ve been getting complaints that we’re on a wild goose chase.”
“They’re saying we should just abandon him?” Twilight asked. “What happened to nopony gets left behind?”
Cadance didn’t answer immediately. Twilight could read on her face that Cadance wasn’t happy about it, but pressure from outside was starting to show on her. Cadance handled stress very well, but Twilight didn’t know just how long she has been getting said complaints. Who were sending them, anyway?
Twilight groaned loudly. “For the first time in my life, being a princess stinks.”
“It has its ups and downs, like everything,” Cadance told her. “I’m doing what I can, but you need to rein in your own impulses over this. You can’t always be up here in the Empire waiting for him. Celestia must be worried herself.”
Twilight relented. She’s been dogging her own responsibilities for too long with her concern for Flash. “I’m going to bed. And then I’ll head back home tomorrow.”
If there was anypony who noticed that glum look on her face as she left the room and headed for the royal bedroom, nopony showed it.
--------------------
Shining Armor walked into the room finding Cadance there, she smiled when she saw him.
“How was your day, Shiny?” Cadance asked.
“Another patrol came in today,” Shining replied. “They didn’t find anything.”
He hated having to hear that. Everyday since Flash Sentry went missing, he had to listen to soldiers saying they hadn’t found anything. Flash was a good soldier and Shining had been glad to get some pegasi into the Crystal Guard for once. Flash was in the first group to come and he was best overall, with his performance record. It was - would be a big loss if he was gone.
“They’ll find something someday,” Cadance said sadly. “I don’t think I want to hear the details.”
“I’ll spare you,” Shining told her and nuzzled her gently. “I’m just gonna go check on Twily, okay?”
“Okay.”
Shining left the room and walked to the bedroom where Twilight was spending the night. It had been great to have her over and to see her give attempts at being a princess and ruler. Cadance had on occasion, to take Twilight’s mind off-
He stopped himself there. He figured Twilight liked Flash, and ponies talk. Some guards who were buddies with Flash had teased him that Princess Twilight liked Flash. Flash rebuffed them, but Shining saw through it in an instant when he saw it.
Shining had done the same when he had been courting Cadance. And the signs he saw on Flash told him one thing.
Flash Sentry liked his little sister Twily.
Now, most big brothers have a stereotypical reaction to stallions coming a little bit too close to their little sisters. They get overprotective, inspect the guy with calculating eyes using their own - albeit ridiculous - criterias and judging the coltfriend through that. If the guy failed on any of those criterias, they were unsuitable for the little sister and thus thrown a good distance away or down a deep chasm, with their wings tied up if they were pegasi.
Most big brothers don’t have a good reputation like Shining Armor.
Shining may have had a free card at Twilight for past events, but he wasn’t that petty. Things had turned out okay in the end. Shining have seen Flash before and his rank as Captain would in some ponies’ eyes, reflect his criteria on how to judge the pegasus.
Shining steeled himself and said ‘Buck the ranks and the Guard, this colt needs to be seen through a fellow pony’s eyes,’ when he made his criteria.
Shining went on to talk some of Flash’s buddies about him and they went on how he was a nice pony, good with foals, polite whenever possible, gave to charity when he had a surplus of money. Bit of a dork but it didn’t show much. He was fond of reading (Twily would like that), old-fashioned Coltic music and always had a healthy diet to maintain himself. Health food and such.
Shining even went to talk to Flash when they were off duty, getting to know the pony as a pony. Shining wasn’t the best of actors, but Flash was too nervous on speaking to his superior in such a casual manner he had failed to pick up hints of Shining’s real goal. Cadance saw it straight away and had a good laugh.
She even got in on it, too. Cadance arranged for a young mare who didn’t have much faith in dating to go out with Flash. How she got him to agree to the whole thing was still beyond Shining, but he was told that Flash was a great stallion to go on a date with. Word was the mare was now engaged to somepony else down in Vanhoover.
What had convinced him the most, however, was when they had a talk in Shining’s office. The same day that Flash Sentry set out on his mission.
-----------------------------------------
“So that will be your duty,” Shining told the stalwart pegasus. “Simple recon, suspicious activity sighted, no engagement.”
“Yes sir,” Flash responded. He stood still. Shining didn’t give his troops leave without the word “Dismissed”. But after a few moments of silence, Flash fell for the gambit Shining had left. “Um, sir? Is there something else?”
Shining nodded and sat down on his chair. “There is. You’ve no doubt heard those rumors.”
It took a moment for Flash to comprehend, but Shining figured he knew which rumors. “Yes sir. I’ve been teased rather often about it by the others.”
It seemed to be a regular start. “Well, I just want to talk to you about them, and also, about her,” Shining said without showing any expression. Flash gulped so loud, you could have heard it in the hallway outside. “So… what do you think?”
“Are you talking about the rumors, or your sister, sir?”
“Both.”
“Ah.” Flash took a look around and breathed in and out slowly. Good reaction, Shining thought. He was going to choose his words carefully to not make Shining angry, or so he thought. “Well… I must say that I am getting tired of the rumors. They’re somewhat annoying once you stop to think about it. I can barely walk down a hallway on patrol without hearing some snickering about “there goes the Princess’ favorite.” I’d prefer they stop.”
Shining blinked. That wasn’t what he had been expecting. “And… my sister? You’ve heard about her, you’ve even met her. What are your thoughts on her?”
Flash took another deep breath. “Princess Twilight Sparkle is… interesting, if I had to pick one word. A lot of stallions out there admire her, for sure. I can’t really say I’m not among them.”
“But you have a distinct leverage over the others. You know her. You’ve talked with her-”
“Been her target for being bumped into,” Flash added.
“And how many of those stallions can claim that?” Shining pointed out. “So, take aside the Princess status, take aside the fact that you are just one among many who… admire my little sister, Twily. What would you think of her, then?”
Shining had to wait a moment. Flash eventually asked, “You’re not gonna say ‘dismissed’ until I give my honest answer, sir?”
Shining felt dirty using tactics like this, but he was just too curious to find out. “Please answer,” he replied tactfully.
Flash took a final deep breath. “I would say… that any stallion who manages to date her can consider themselves lucky. Your sister, sir, is not only a great hero to Equestria and the Empire, she is also one of the most caring and passionate ponies I’ve seen. She’s more about being there for ponies and working for the good of everypony rather than being like those pompous nobles in Canterlot. Er, no offense.”
“None taken,” Shining said.
“Twilight Sparkle is one of those ponies that everypony should know, not as some prize or an achievement saying ‘I have good relations with Twilight Sparkle,’ but as one whom you can count on as a friend and a good unicorn. And I don’t know if I actually do have a shot with her like you did with Princess Cadance, sir… but I’m glad that at least I got to talk with her.”
Shining slumped down in his chair and exhaled. “Dismissed.” Flash took his leave without any haste and Shining took out a checklist. “Humble… check. Huh, Twily was right, these things do have a good purpose.”

--------------------------
Shining found himself face first into the door to Twilight’s bedroom. Didn’t hurt much, but he was worried he had woken her up. He opened it carefully.
Twilight was asleep, but she tumbled and rolled over in her sleep with a grimaced face. Her wings weren’t helping, either, as they flapped about whenever Twilight was lying on her belly and disrupted the duvet too often for a pony to sleep comfortably. Yet Twilight wasn’t even paying attention to that.
Shining walked slowly to her side and waited for her to get out of that nightmare she was having. He has seen the face before and it was when she always had a nightmare. By the looks of it, this was a nasty one. So far, she didn’t say anything, but not everypony who has nightmares talk in their sleep.
When Twilight was on her back, tossing her head about, Shining found a chance to calm her down. It always calmed her down when he nuzzled her gently right above the horn. At being nuzzled, she almost immediately went into a normal sleep, breathing more slowly and deeply. Shining beamed to see his little sister at ease.
Though when he turned to leave, he couldn’t help but overhear a bit of Twilight’s mumbling. “It’s okay… I’m here, Flash…” The mention of Flash made Shining go stiff. “I’m here…”
Shining Armor left the room quietly, contemplating the fact now that Twilight seemed to like him. Flash seemed a good match for her from what he had seen of him and now she was even dreaming about him. Twily’s growing up, he thought and headed to bed.
----------------------------
The next day the two siblings were at the train station.
“I’ll see you in Ponyville sometime, Twily,” Shining said. “Feels like I need to get away from the snow from time to time.”
“I’ll be glad to show you around,” Twilight replied with a fake smile. He knew it was fake: Nopony who’s sad can make a real smile. Good attempt, though. “I’m sure you and Big McIntosh would get along just fine.”
“That Applejack’s brother? He sounds nice,” Shining said and chastised himself for saying that. Why did I say that? Too soon after Flash!
“Yeah. He is. Great listener.”
“All aboard!”
“Ooh, gotta go! I want reports, Shiny!” Twilight ran to her private car and looked out the window when she got there. The two of them waved at each other as the train took off south. “Love you!” Twilight shouted through the glass.
“Love you!” He shouted back. He didn’t move until the train had left the station and then headed back to the castle. A guard came rushing up to him as he approached the town center. “Something to report?”
The guard took a moment to catch his breath. “Yes… sir… A patrol out there just hailed us. They found something."
--------------------------------
It took about two days for the train to arrive in Ponyville, but Twilight did well with the spare time. Apparently, Celestia had predicted her staying that long and had arranged for a small amount of royal documents, petitions and statistics to help with the petitions being made.
The amount covered half the car and there were a few ponies who walked in to either petition Twilight for something, or help her with the written ones and sort it out for the mail. Twilight spent much of her time sorting it out.
Any reports, if any, would be down in Ponyville waiting for her so she had to wait.
“Princess?” The train conductor approached her on the second day. “We’re about to reach Ponyville soon.”
“Thank you,” she said to him and levitated up all the mail that had been sorted and those she hadn’t finished yet. She was greeted by Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie as soon as she stepped off.
“Twilight,” Rarity said first, trotting up to the princess. “You seem exhausted. And you have been working, I see.”
“Yes, I have.” Twilight dropped the finished mailbag on the ground. “That’s all the finished stuff. I’m gonna take some time with the rest of it. Princess Celestia certainly knows how to make sure one gets back on schedule.”
“Yeah, about that,” Rainbow Dash said and landed next to her. “What were you doing up there, anyway? Three weeks in the Crystal Empire is a bit long even for you.”
Twilight groaned. This next part was gonna stink. “I went up there officially because I still have much to learn about being a princess. While Celestia is a good mentor, she thought that I could also learn from Cadance, as she was new to ruling a kingdom and thus I had a glimpse of what it means to start ruling a kingdom.”
“Uh huh. And the real reason?” Rainbow pressured.
“That’s about it, really.” Judging by the stares she got, Twilight figured they weren’t buying it. She was a really bad liar. She groaned. “Fine. A guard went missing a few months back and I’ve been doing my best to try and find him.”
Rarity’s eyes lit up. “Would this guard happen to be…” Pinkie cut her off.

“That-nice-orange-stallion-with-blue-hair-and-blue-and-really-nice-flanks-that-you-seem-to-have-a-crush-on-because-of-what-happened-with-Sunset-Shimmer-who-stole-your-crown-and-you-ran-into-him-when-you-went-after-it-and-then-ran-into-him-again-when-you-came-back?”

One could practically hear the big squee from the smile Pinkie gave. Twilight tried to replay what she said. “...Did you actually say he had really nice flanks?”
Pinkie blinked and picked up some piece of paper. “I did?” She put it away after reading. “Huh, guess I did.”
Rarity looked smug all of a sudden. “Aww, somepony’s worried about their crush~.”
Twilight wasn’t going to have any of that. “One day, girls. One day, you’re gonna find a guy who’ll rock your worlds and I’ll have all the right in Equestria to be smug and tease you about it.”
“Oh, I’ll hand you the camera when that happens to Rainbow Dash, darling,” Rarity replied.
“Hey!” Rainbow Dash protested.
“But I’m just so thrilled that you have managed to find somepony for you, at least.”
“It’s not confirmed,” Twilight told her. “I’m not head over hooves for Flash Sentry. And it’s not for certain that it’ll happen.” That was when she saw Spike running up to her holding a scroll in hand. “Spike?”
“Hey… Twilight,” Spike said while catching his breath. “This came... about two days ago.” Twilight recognized Cadance’s seal straight away. “I’m just gonna…”
“You do that, you earned it.” With that, Spike plopped down and took a rest. Twilight read through the letter and her eyes lit up quicker than that odd running bird south of Appleloosa on the road going ‘meep, meep!’
Twilight could feel her other friends behind her having a look as well. “Yes. He’s been found. On the very day my train left the station.”
“Aww, you two didn’t get to see each other,” Pinkie said. “This need to be rectified.”
“I just got home, Pinkie. I’m not gonna go north just for his sake and push up my other work down here even further.”
Rainbow took off into the air. “I’ll go. I got off work recently so I got time to head upward.” All four of them looked up at Rainbow Dash in disbelief. “Hey, it’s me, remember? I’ll make it.”
--------------------------
“Has anypony told you that you are one, lucky, hybrid?”
Flash sighed for the third time since he was brought in. “Yes, they have, Flare. Specifically you.”
“And don’t you forget it,” His fellow guard, Flare Warden said. One of his closest friends and patrol partner by choice, Flare was sadly unavailable when Flash was given the assignment. “It’s hard enough that I didn’t get to go out there and look for you. The Commander had to put me on watching his wife during all that time.”
“And something tells me that you didn’t enjoy it?” Flash inquired.
“Are you kidding me? I loved it!” Flare talked with a smile. “Princess Cadance is more than just a princess that everypony says is nice. She was absolutely wonderful during that time. I swear, whenever you were brought up as a subject for counsel, she fought the complainers every single step of the way! She even asked for my opinion in private. It’s no wonder she’s our leader. And-” Flare stopped, seeing Flash’s expression at the moment. “She’s right behind me?”
“Yes indeed.” Cadance’s tone was gentle as always as they remembered. Though Flash could see the big grin on her face whereas Flare couldn’t. “Flare, if you don’t mind, I’d like to talk to Flash in private, if that’s okay.”
Flare looked reluctant to leave her friend, Flash could see that right on her face, but she remembered who she was talking and left without a word. As soon as she left, Cadance abandoned her stature for a moment and glomped Flash for all it was worth. Oh no, Flash thought, please let me be just a target for one princess!
Cadance let go of him. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.”
Flash had to intervene there. “No, I didn’t mind that at all, Princess.”
Cadance sighed. “What happened out there? You were supposed to have a two-week reconnaissance out there and you went missing for seven months. Something happened to you out there.”
Make that the fourth sigh. Flash kept count because the doctors wouldn’t even let him have a ball to play with or a book. A good read would be good about now. “It was… just two days before the assignment was over. I was about a day’s flight away from the Empire so I was gonna take off and head back the next day. I got careless with handling my equipment and looking out for myself. An avalanche happened.”
“Ow,” Cadance said. She remembered the last one that had happened to a patrol. Flash Sentry must have been caught in the upper layers of it.
“I got lucky, anyway. I was stuck there for hours, until a group of…” Flash paused there, mewling over what to say next.
“Go on,” Cadance urged.
“Wildling ponies and caribou,” he continued. “Found me nearly about to be a polar bear’s meal and pulled me out of the snow. I was too hurt to fly and I was having frost nips all over. They brought me back to a camp where I could get warm and get rested. Then I had to go with them to their territory.”
“You went to Wildling land?” Rumors had to start somewhere. Rumors were about that the wildlings had their own country free of Equestria “oppression,” a city built from precious wood and what timber could be raided from down south. It was a harsh life, where ponies were forced to fight to survive. They were still together and they lived with one another as close friends, but they still fought. “I can scarcely imagine they were glad to see you.”
Flash nodded in agreement. “Though at first they thought me as a fellow outcast, stole the armor and flew off just to be safe for a little longer from danger. They got me to their chieftain and welcomed me. When I told them the truth… they weren’t as warming as they first were, but the caribou took my side at least. They would look after me until I got better.”
“Why do I feel like that was easier said than done?” Cadance inquired. “I’m glad you’re alive still, but I have to wonder… what made you come back?”
“My work,” Flash told her. “I couldn’t stay as a continued guest among Caribou, nevermind a hostile in a wildling city. So as soon as I was able and I had enough supplies, I went with a group of the caribou to find the route back to the Crystal Empire.”
“All in the span of seven months,” Cadance said. “I’m impressed, Flash. But I’m getting vibes here that your duty is not the only thing that made you go home.”
Flash blinked. She couldn’t be that potent. Those talks about her able to sense feelings was all humbug, they must be. “Your Highness, that was all to it, really.” Cadance raised her eyebrow with a grin. Uh oh, she can sense them! He sighed. “Okay, ma’am, it wasn’t just that. It was also… the ponies I know.”
“Go on.”
“At first there was Flare, she’d go nuts and break ranks just to track me down,” he first said. “Then there was your husband, Commander Shining Armor. He might just have let Flare go. Then Posey.”
“Posey?”
“A good friend. She’s in the hospital, last I checked. I tend to… go visit her every now and then and talk about things. Random stuff, that’s all. She’s gonna wail into me about how long I’ve been gone. Then my other buddies in the Crystal Guard. No doubt they’re gonna demand I buy them drinks next time we’re off duty.”
Cadance smiled. Flash felt like melting at seeing that smile. “And?”
“What?” Now he was confused.
“I can tell. You’re holding back. There’s one more pony, isn’t there?” Cadance’s smirk was way too devious to fit on her face and yet it fit perfectly with what she had in mind. Flash wasn’t feeling well all of a sudden.
“Urhhh….” was all he could get out of his mouth. Cadance’s stare saw right through him, he could feel that. “Maybe it’s somepony whom you… bumped with, perhaps?”
“Are you a mind reader?” Flash could barely register the words coming out of his mouth at this rate. Cadance blinked at him before bursting out laughing.
“Oh, that’s a good one! ‘Mind reader!’ Where do you guys get that from?” Cadance wheezed out between laughs.
“Hey, what going on in here?” Flare walked in and saw the situation. Flash urgently shook his head and flailed his hooves, an understood signal that meant ‘This isn’t what it looks like.” Flare blinked at him and backed off, closing the door. Flash must have been red in his face.
Cadance cooled down. “Wow. Seven months of worrying about you, five months of complaints, three months of petitions to call off the search and boy, did that feel good.” She rose to her hooves. “But to move on to work, I find it necessary to have you discharged for a minimum period of two months.”
“Your Highness?” Flash was taken aback. Most guards who were discharged were usually given a much shorter time than that.
“Medical reasons,” she told him. “You have been listed MIA for months, and you have been within foreign lines. While given medical treatment, nopony is due to be out there for more than three weeks. You’ve spent more than a few months and thus still have the chance for frost nips or worse. I’m not willing to take the chance that you might be fine. I would like you to take it easy and relax down south. A doctor will still examine you for signs of initial frostbite.”
“And the two months?” Flash asked her.
“Consider that a bonus.” Then there was a knock on the door. “Come in.”
“I just arrived after flying straight from Ponyville,” said the cyan pegasus as she walked in. “Somepony reeeaaally worried down there sent me.”
“Rainbow Dash?” Cadance asked. “What are you doing here?”
Rainbow Dash cleared her throat. “Officially, I’m a liaison from Ponyville by request of Princess Twilight Sparkle to extend congratulations to finding the lost guard Flash Sentry.”
Twilight had inquired after him? Dangit, now he owed somepony five bits. Who was it again?
“Unofficially…” Rainbow Dash smirked and whispered in Cadance’s ear, causing the princess to giggle. Flash didn’t feel comfortable with what was being whispered between the mares.
“I see. Well, don’t suppose I could ask you to…?” Cadance asked while nudging towards him.
“Am I to take it that Ponyville is a recommended place of relaxation?” He asked them.
“Eeyup,” Rainbow said to him with a grin. Then she whispered something about Twilight and a camera. “Well, I’ll rest up and then I’ll fly back south to inform her Highness about this request.”
“Excellent.” 
As soon as Rainbow Dash left Flash looked up to Cadance and a thought came to his mind. 
"Um... Princess, can I ask a small favor of you?" Cadance nodded pushing him to go on.
"Well I have a close friend that I haven't been able to catch up on, and I was wondering, even if it is for a shorter time than my absence, if she could come with me to Ponyville to catch up and to have somepony I know there," Flash looked at the Prncess with a hopeful look.
Cadance thought for a second and said with a small smile, "Would that somepony be Flare Warden?" Flash nodded and waited for an answer.
"Well," she started thinking to herself, "I guess it wouldn't hurt anything, I'll just find a temporary personal guard for the throne room."
Flash smiled and Started to thank the princess, but was interrupted by Cadance, " But I think we should ask Flare what she thinks," she walked over to the door and opened it and Flare lost her balance due to that her ear was placed on the door. Flare stood up quickly and with a blush started to apologize to the princess, but Cadance held her hoof up making her be silent. 
"It's quite understandable you are his friend after all, but I am sure you heard what we were talking about?" Flare nodded and said to Cadance, "And the answer is yes, I would like to accompany Flash to Ponyville, it has been a while since we have been able to talk to him." 
Cadance nodded and said happily, " Then you can leave the day after tomorrow, as for you Flash I have already made arrangements with Rainbow Dash, and if she has done it already there should be tickets waiting for you at the train station for the train ride to Ponyville tomorrow."
Flash nodded, "Thank you Princess Cadance, maybe this break will be good for me." Cadance then said to Flash as he left the room to pack, "Also I think you could become close friend with a certain mare in Ponyville," Flash blushed a deep crimson and left the room.
Flare looked at the princess, "Your not just sending me to keep Flash company are you?" Cadance gave her a knowing smile and left the room making Flare confused.
------------------------------ 
In full, it had taken Rainbow Dash two days to and from the Crystal Empire. A day to fly over there and a day to fly back to Ponyville. Twilight had kept count and whilst it was quick, it didn’t feel quick enough and it had, at least for a day, cost the weather team their best flyer, royal business or no. It was when Applejack had visited to talk about hiring extra ponies for harvest time at Sweet Apple Acres when Rainbow Dash came home with the most disturciting* (Darnit, Pinkie!) piece of news.
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN, HE’S COMING HERE!?”
Rainbow Dash took a deep breath. “After you ‘officially’ gave your congratulations to Princess Cadance for having Flash Sentry found and returned, Cadance saw fit to discharge Sentry for a minimum period of two months and sent him down here for recuperation to ensure he’s free of frost damage from being out in the wilderness.”
Twilight felt incredibly nervicited as Pinkie put it. Flash was coming here? Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no! “Oh no, this place is a mess!” She ran about the library, with Applejack avoiding her rush to clean up the place. “Gotta get everything set, bring out a spare bed-”
“Twilight.” Applejack’s voice cut in, sounding stern. It made Twilight calm down and stop what she was doing. “He ain’t staying here in the library. Rainbow Dash didn’t say anything about that, did she?”
“Nope,” Rainbow said. “I just said he’s gonna come stay in Ponyville. Of course, we could have him stay here in the library with-”
“No!” Twilight made her protest too forceful. “No. I don’t think that’d be necessary. I’m perfectly fine with just me and Spike living here. I guess, I was just excited to hear the news. But I think we can work around this.”
“Oh?” Applejack asked. Twilight gave her a grin, hoping that she’d would get the idea. “Oh! Ah see yer point, Twilight. Ah’ll talk with Big McIntosh and see if we can make room for him at the farm.”
“Thank you.” Twilight turned her attention to Rainbow. “When is he coming?”
“Cadance told me to get tickets ready for him for a train early in the  mourning so he should be here around tomorrow afternoon.”
And that was when Twilight threw another fit.
--------------------------
“Pinkie, Ah keep telling ya to calm down,” Applejack said with an annoyed grimace.
“Sorry, I can’t help it. Twilight’s potential coltfriend is coming here and I’m just so nervicited I can’t stay still longer than usual,” Pinkie said while bouncing all over the platform.
“That’s not a- oh, ya knew what, forget it,” Applejack said. Since she had arranged for a place that Flash could stay at, she had to greet him. Twilight couldn’t, or so she said, because she was stuck at Town Hall with the mayor about royal business being conducted. This did give AJ and Rainbow Dash some time to set up a marvelous prank on their friend.
Pinkie was being there because she had the obligatory duty of greeting everypony who’s new to town. Or so she claimed. Applejack figured that she was excited about getting to know Flash so she could hold a party for him and Twilight. Way too soon and it wasn’t confirmed. Better than Rarity who was probably already working on the wedding dress, just in case.
“I need to figure out what he likes, I need to find his personal tastes, I need to-” Pinkie had rambled on until Applejack put a cupcake in her mouth. “Mm!”
“Pinkie, all that can be figured out over time. Ah don’t think he’d appreciate that you come on that close in just the first meetin’.” Applejack leaned in close to whisper. “Might give off the wrong message.”
“Okie dokie,” Pinkie whispered. “I’m still gonna throw him a party.”
“Not just now, alright?”
As if perfectly on schedule, the train whistle blew as it came into the station. Everything checked, it was the train from the Crystal Empire. Applejack looked up to a cloud a small distance away. Rainbow Dash was perched on it and she signalled that Flash was aboard.
“Okay, here goes,” Applejack told herself and took a deep breath as the passengers stepped off. About six or so from the Empire stepped off before Flash did and Applejack took out a sign with his name on it. “Howdy, Flash Sentry,” she said as he stepped to her.
“I was expected?” He asked her.
“Sorta,” Applejack replied. “Rainbow Dash came home yesterday so we had to arrange for a place where you could stay during your recuperation.”
“Ah,” Flash said. “And you had a place open.”
“Eeyup,” She told him while looking at the corner of her eye to see Rainbow Dash give the prepared signal. “Come along, Flash - err, you don’t mind?”
“I don’t,” Flash said with a smile as they walked off the platform. “I just hope I get to do some exercise while I’m here.” Applejack noticed Rainbow Dash fly overhead.
“Well, we sure do have work to do at the farm,” Applejack told him, picking up the pace. He picked up as well. He was taking the bait, she thought. “Harvest time is just around the bend at Sweet Apple Acres and Ah’m getting extra horsepower where Ah can get them.”
“...haven’t got the time, Rainbow Dash,” She heard Twilight yell, running up to them. If they timed it right, they could meet at the corner. “The train’s arrived and-” Twilight came galloping around the corner and downright slammed into Flash, sending the two to the ground.
“Oooooh,” Applejack grimaced. Maybe they had gone a bit too far with the prank. “Y’all right there, sugarcube?”
Twilight groaned and rose up first. She hadn’t even noticed what she had run into. “Hey, Applejack,” she said as Applejack put a hoof on her shoulder. “What was it I ran into?”
Applejack took a quick look down at Flash. He seemed okay from the collision. And as soon as Twilight took a look down, he seemed to smirk. She got off him quicker than Applejack expected. “Er… hi,” Twilight said as meekly as a little lamb’s bleat as he was getting up on his own.
“Hi,” he replied softly when he looked at Twilight. “We simply got to stop meeting each other like that.”
Twilight squeaked out of embarrassment, Applejack could tell that much. She herself had to hide a grin. This was gonna be a fun two months.
> Chapter 2: Welcome to Ponyville
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Flash and Twilight were quite to each other until Applejack decided to disrupt the silence.
"Well how about we check out Ponyville, you can leave your bags here and we can come back after the tour"
Flash nodded, he had already left his bags at the station. Applejack then broke the silence again talking to Flash.
"While  yer here in Ponyville  yer gonna be staying with my family down at the farm."
He nodded and said to Applejack, "So whats the first stop of my tour?"
Applejack thought about that and said immediately, " The Library should be a good first stop, then we can go to Sugarcube Corner, tomorrow we can go see the Carousel Boutique and Fluttershy's cottage."
"Sounds good to me," Said Flash, "lead on."
The group walked to the library it was a short walk but it was awkward because no one said anything till they got their.
"Here we are," said Applejack happily, "the best and only library in Ponyville."
Flash smiled and said curtly, "Doesn't that also mean its the worse library in Ponyville?"
Applejack frowned and thought about it, "No, its too good to be thought bad of, by the way Twilight get over here tell him about the library."
Twilight slowly walked over and said softly, "Its just a library, " she then got a gleam in her eyes that her friends knew too well, "But it is really much better than most libraries, we have first publications we also have books that are just for the library. For example, Zecora, a friend of ours has made many potion books and remedies books. she also has books that she wrote about plants in the Everfree Forest. That's not all though we also have books n magic, flying, history and so much more," she stopped and blushed.
"Did I Ramble on and on again?" the rest of the ponies nodded and she looked away, "Sorry."
Applejack smiled and said, "Don't worry we all ramble about our own jobs."
"I just have one question," the other ponies looked at him, "Who is Zecora?"
Pinkie Pie jumped up and down and said, "She's a zebra who lives in the Everfree Forest and we thought at first she was evil and we hid from her every time she came to town so one day twilight went outside and I grabbed her and we were arguing and Applebloom went away and-mmmph!"
Pinkie by was stopped by Rainbow Dash sticking a hoof in her mouth, " Pinkie he doesn't need to know the entire story right now he has two months to listen to your stories, you understand?" 
Pinkie had stopped hopping and nodded, Rainbow took her hoof out of Pinkies mouth. Flash understood that most Zebras had a special ability to work with plants to make certain things.
Applejack cleared her throat and said, "Okay now on to Sugarcube Corner." 
Pinkie Pie Was jumping around in silent joy as she disappeared completely.
"How did she do that," asked an amazed Flash
Rarity answered, "Its a Pinkie Pie thing dear, don't worry we don't understand it either,"
They walked to the store and Applejack said to Flash, "Welcome to the best sweet shop in Equestria, the second best is Bon Bon's down the street, but she sells mostly candy."
Pinkie Pie then appeared about of nowhere and somehow grabbed them all and put them at a table in the shop. 
Everyone was confused until they saw Pinkie bouncing off the walls and ceiling (literally) she than calmed down enough to ask Flash what he wanted.
"Oh, well I didn't bring many bits with me.." He was stopped by Pinkie, "No, this is all free this is your first time here so everyone's snacks are on me."
"Ok then I'll have a cherry cake with a dollop if whip cream, "he said looking at the menu.
"Okie Dokie Lokie!!! "she said all enthusiastic, " what about you girls?"
Fluttershy was the one to answer this, "I think we will get our regulars... if its okay with you guys I mean," she looked around and the rest of the mane six were nodding so Pinkie went to the back to start getting everything.
"So if I'm going to live here I have to know what you all do for a living," said Flash to the mares.
Applejack responded first, "Ah work at the family farm and we have to sell our apples to make a profit, but its not hard we do have the best apples in Equestria."
Fluttershy said in a timid voice, "I work with animals and woodland creatures and make them feel better sometimes people bring me their pets to make them fell better or to have them groomed like I do Rarity's cat, Opal,"
Rainbow Dash smiled at Flash and said, "I Work the weather team, for now. I'm waiting for my big break to make it into the Wonderbolts."
Rarity then told her part, " I run and operate a boutique that makes the best dresses in Equestria, or so I'm told anyway."
Pinkie Pie then Came in saying loudly, " My job is to bake and sometimes run Sugarcube Corner, I Get extra money by babysitting Mr. and Mrs. Cakes Twins. I also live here so I have to pay rent."
"Cool," said Flash, "but Rainbow I think you would like my older brothers job, he is a Wonderbolt after all."
That made Rainbow jump from her seat, "your brother is a Wonderbolt?! Which one?"
Flash said lazily, "No one important his name is Soarin."
Rainbows jaw dropped, "N-No on important! He is part of the main team, he is super fast super agile, and super cute um... I mean awesome," she tried to cover up her embarrassment with a smile.
Flash smiled back and said to her. "Would you like to meet him , he is coming down to the train station tomorrow to spend alittle time with me," Rainbow just smiled an nodded.
The train station reminded Flash of something, " Oh no, I forgot!" He said panicky!
"What did you forget Flash," said a worried Twilight.
"I have a friend who is coming to keep me company over the leave, I told her I would meet her at the train station 30 minutes ago," he trotted out, quickly followed by everyone but Pinkie since she had to work.
"Is this friend your marefriend by any chance?" asked Twilight her sadness deepening.
"No, just one of my best friends, why do you ask?" he said surprised 
"No reason," she answered her spirits back up.
"Oh no, I just remembered another thing," Flash said groaning.
"What's that sugarcube," asked Applejack
"She doesn't have a place to stay while she is here," he said facehooving himself.
"Don't worry I have an extra bedroom she can use at my house," said Twilight 
Flash sighed, " Thanks Twilight," she replied,"No problem."
They got to the train station only one mare was left, she smiled when she saw Flash.
"About freakin time you got here I've been waiting at least 30 minutes," she said jokingly.
"Well I met some new friends and I lost track of time," he replied.
"No harm done," Flare said, "So who's your new friends?"
Flash introduced Flared to the mane six and the mane six introduced themselves to Flare.
He also said where she was staying she said she was cool with it.
Twilight and Flare then had to leave because Spike was cooking, and Twilight would never say it to him, but he was a great cook.
Rarity then had to leave to finish up some dresses and to start on new ones, and Fluttershy had to feed her animals.
Flash was very tired when he picked up his bags at the train station. Applejack and Flash went to her house and he met her family. Big Macintosh looked at him sternly until he knew that Flash wasn't interested  for his sister. Applebloom just wanted to hear his cutie mark which he told at the dinner table. Granny Smith was make comments that made Applejack and Flash Blush. She kept asking about courtin' and what Flash sees in Applejack though they made it clear to her that they were not interested in each other. She then started to bug Bic Mac into courtin' Fluttershy, that made him choke in his soup.
After Dinner Applejack showed him his bedroom, he closed the door and went straight to the bed. He crawled under the covers and thought to himself how life would be for he stay. The last thing he thought before he went unconscious was why Twilight was acting weird towards him. He would be lying if he said he had no feelings for the princess, he just didn't know what those feelings were yet. He then fell into a troubled Sleep.   

> Chapter 3: Meeting the Ponyfolk 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Flash looked around the big rectangular room trying to remember he was in there. He was confused, 'How did I get here, I was sleeping in Ponyville just a couple of minutes ago.' 
He walked down to the other side of the room and saw a long hallway, he saw at the end of it a wooden door with strange pictures chipped into the wood. He got to the door and he heard faint crying. His royal guard training kicked in and he liked open the door and ran into the room. 
What he saw scared him so bad that he looked upon the beast that was laughing and promptly screamed at what he had in his hands.
It was all the heads of his new Ponyville friends.
"Your next Flash," said the beast as Flash dissolved in a swirl of pain, misery, and fear.

-------------------------
Flash jumped from his bed gasping for air, his mane we stuck to his sweaty skin and he had bags under his eyes. The early mourning sun was streaming through the windows straight at his eyes. He winced and moved to the side so it wasn't and he looked around the room he was staying in. He really didn't get. Good look at it the night before and he saw that he had a good sized dresser and a small desk. He also had a medium sized closet and a small bathroom with the basic shower, toilet, and sink combo.
He went to the bathroom to relieve himself and he took a hick shower. 
Usually during this time he was working out in the Crystal Empire, but he realized that he hadn't been there for a long time and wondered if they still did mourning workout. He decided to give himself a break and started to think about the nightmare.
It worse one he has had yet. They started after he got rescued from the avalanche and the beast kept saying that Flash should of died and not doing so ruined his plans. So the beast decided that he should be tortured in his dreams.
Flash didn't know who the beast was he just knew that it was scaring him immensely. Flash shook it off and thought, ' Its just a nightmare its not real.'
---------------------------------------------------
Flash then went downstairs to find the smell of apple pancakes floating in the air. He got to the bottom and took a deep breath, he then heard a chuckle behind him.
" Yer gonna love those pancakes, there really good!" said Applebloom as she hopped down the stairs," they are made from the best apples ever."
"Now Bloom, don't start braggin, it ain't nice," said Applejack as she entered through the front door carrying a basket of apples on her back.
"But its true sis,everypony says it," said Applebloom happily. 
"Ah don't think everypony says it," started Applejack before Flash interrupted.
" Actually I do think your apples are the best. I know that Princess Cadance and Captain Shining Armor orders them from here for their meals at the Crystal Empire."
Applejack eyes bugged out for a second and then said," Well that explains them big orders we've been gettin from that area."
She shrugged and then beckoned Flash to the kitchen/dining room. As soon as they entered Flash's jaw hit the ground with force. There was too much food just for the Apples who lived in the house and himself.
" There's only one extra person, how are we going to eat all that?" Flash asked still staring at the amount of food on the groaning table.
"We have a couple of friends coming over fer breakfast," said Applejack laughing at his expression, " Vinyl Scratch and Octavia Melody."
Flash looked at her with a questioning look, "Vinyl Scratch as in DJ Pon-3 and Octavia melody as in THE Octavia?"
When Applejack nodded Flash smiled and said overexcited, " They are my favorite musicians ever!  It will be so awesome to finally meet them!"
Flash stopped suddenly and said quietly, " I just showed off my fanboy side didn't I?"
Applejack and Applebloom nodded while giggling as Granny Smith snored loudly from her rocking chair in the corner of the kitchen. Applejack turned towards her and yelled loudly, "Up an' at em' Granny, its time fer breakfast"
"Wha'?" said Granny Smith, she looked around for a second then smiled and said,"Oh, time fer breakfast, Bloom get yer brother."
"No need," said Big Macintosh as he walked in through the front door followed by two mares.
One of the mares had a grey coat and an ink black mane that was well kept, her cutie mark was a light purple treble cleft. She was an earth pony and had a little pink bow tie around her neck. 
The other mare had a pure white coat withe a two toned electric blue mane that was cut excitingly cool. Her cutie mark was a black eighth note sign. She also had purple visors that covered her eyes. 
Flash just stare at them in awe until Applejack poked him in the side... hard.
"OW!" Flash said glaring at the orange pony, "Don't do that."
"Hehe, don't worry," said Vinyl, "I always have that effect on stallions, especially cute ones." She walked by and snapped her tail playfully at his nose.
"It's just not you Miss Scratch," said Flash, " I'm also a fan of Miss Melody's work."
Octavia blinked, surprised,"You know my work?" When Flash nodded she then said, " You're one of the first pony's to actually know the compositions I wrote personally. Its nice to know that someone other than Vinyl appreciates my music."
"I told you, pony's do know your work tavi," said Vinyl, " and Flash call us by our first names. We are all friends here, and maybe become more," she said seductively and wiggled her rump at him as she left the room, laughing at his amused face.
Flash stood there flabbergasted until Octavia walked up to him.
"Don't worry," she said,"Vinyl isn't really into you, she just likes messing with people."
Flash looked at her with a confused look, "What do you mean? I'm not ugly.'
Octavia looked at him and said, "No, your quite handsome, but Vinyl is my.... partner if you like terms like that."
Flash stood there thinking finally coming to a conclusion.
"Okay, seems reasonably expected," said Flash shrugging.
"What do you mean,' Octavia implored.
"Well," started Flash, "You two on the papers are never separated and you go to each others performances a lot, according to the tabloids. I would expect a friendship or even more if I stayed with a mare long enough. Besides it doesn't bother me that you two are together. I think its great that you have finally found your special somepony, no matter your genders."
Octavia smiled at Flash and then Applejack called from the kitchen saying it was ready.
-----------------------------------------
After the breakfast everypony was stuffed, all slumped in their chairs, even Octavia.
"I can't eat another bite," said Vinyl groaning.
"Eeyup," said Big Mac.
Flash looked around and saw what time it was.
"Hey Applejack shouldn't we....."Flash started before he was interrupted by a big bang and some thing hitting the ground hard. They all jumped up and looked out the window. They saw a big cloud of dust and dirt rising up out of the south orchard.
"Come on, lets see what happened!" said Applejack as she ran out the door towards the plume. The others followed with Granny Smith on Big Mac's back. 


> Chapter 4 Part 1: Seeing Colors
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applejack and her family and friends stood looking out the window for a few seconds until Applejack jumped up and ran out the door. It shook the rest of the ponies out of their daze and followed.  Sweetie Belle was sitting on Flash's back and Granny Smith and Octavia was getting on a cart that Ma had hitched himself to. Vinyl started running to catch up with Applejack. The rest followed hoping that no pony was hurt. 
--------------------
Flare was having a breakfast made by Spike and she had to say it was one of the best meals she had ever had. She finished her plate and stood up to get her plate to the sink but Spike had already rushed up and took the plate. She nodded her thanks and went into the library. 
Twilight was sleeping on a big book on the floor and was cuddling it like it was a stuffed toy. Flare nudged Twilight awake and helped her to the couch. 
"Thanks Flare. You know I don't need help, I just studied all last night about the upcoming lunar celebration that Luna wants me to help her on," said Twilight groggily as she stood up again to get breakfast. 
Flare followed her to the kitchen, "Don't you mean the Summer Sun Celebration"
Twilight shook her head as Spike laid a plate of food in front of her. 
"It's a new celebration that Luna thought would be good to have. Celestia agreed too. She thought it would give ponies a night to see what Luna's night really is," said Twilight as she started eating. 
Flare nodded and said,"I always thought that the night was my favorite time of the entire day. It's just so relaxing to not have lots of ponies to watch so they don't get hurt. It also calms me because I have always liked the dark."
Twilight smiled and asked Spike to get her book about magic for young unicorns. 
"Why do you need that?" asked Spike scratching his head, "Your past that beginning stuff." 
Twilight answered swiftly, "It's for Sweetie Belle, she's starting to use magic and I am giving her that so she can learn faster and safer." 
Spike nodded and was about to speak.....
*BOOM*
"What the hay was that!" said Flare as they rushed out the door to see smoke in the distance.
"I think it came from Applejacks's farm," said Spike.
Twilight then picked up Spike and placed him on her back and started runnung for the farm. Flare was quick to catch up and was about to speak when Spike let out an almighty burp and a letter appeared from the flames.
"A letter from the princess?" said Twilight seeing the royal red emergenvy ribbon, "Read it to me on the way to the farm Spike"
Spike unraveled the scroll and took a deep breath...
-------------------------------------------
"No Luna. You can't have meteorite shower the entiretiy of your Lunar Celebration. You have to show ponies what your night really is not what it is like every 200 years," said Celestia as she sat down on a long pillow.
"Come on sis," said Luna pouting slightly," This is my first celevration of the night, i want it to be special.At least can i have it when it becomes midnight?"
Celestia thought it over for a few moments and then nodded
"Only for a few minutes though, we don't want to throw of the balance too much."
They then heard a chuckle above them.
"Oh please, balance is overrated. You should have me planning your celebration not Twilight," said Discord stiing on a throne on the ceiling.
"Discord," said Celestia looking up at him," what are you doing in our sitting room?"
"Because I dont hace one and I wanted to see what was going on with Lunnie's night party," said Discord floating down from te ceiling sitting next to Luna.
"Besides its not everyday you have a party," Discord thought of something for a second," Well at least if your not Pinkie Pie."
Luna laughed," Its true. I remember coming to Cadance's wedding reception and Pinkie really outdo herself. Thats why i made Pinkie my decorator for my celebration." 
Then as if it was planned to happen they hear the unmistakable blow of a certain pony's party cannon going off in the street below.
"I quess she decided to practice in her room again," said Celestia,"I still don't know why she had to com eup a week early for the celebration though."
'She said that she needed to get a head start," said Luna," but knowing her it should be a blas.."
*BOOM*
All of the heads of the tree godly beings snapped up at the sound.
"I don't thi nk that was pinkie's party cannon," said Luna 
This theory was proven right when Pinkie appeared somehow right next to Discord scaring him.
"WOWEEE, did you haer that huge explosion it sound lik 10000000000 party cannons going off at once!" said Pinkie
"I don't think that was a party cannon," said Celestia going to the window seeing the smoke rising out side of Ponyville.
"I'm going to send a letter to Twilight saying that all of us are coming, " she paused for a moment and then said," that also means that your coming too Discord."
"Why do I have to go?" said the dragonaquis (sorry for the spelling).
"Because your magic might come in handy, and you are our personal guard now," said Celestia smugly.
"Fine," said Discord with a huff knowing he was defeated,"i still don't know what tempted me to take up that offer."
Celestia hid a smile from him and started writing the letter:
Dear Twilight,

I have seen the disturbamce at Ponyvillle and my sister, Discord, Pimkie, and myself will down there shortly. Please help anypony that is hurt and to sort out any small problems.

Sinerely,
Celestia

She then curled the scroll with her magic put the emergency ribbon on it and sent it.
"Okay," said Celestia," Pinkie you ride on Discord's back and we'll fly to Ponyville."
Pinkie nodded and jumped high in the air and landed on Discord's back.
Discord looked at Celestia with a mean look. Celestia just smiled and they all flew out the window towards Ponyville.

 
 
> Chapter 5:Seeing Colors Part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike finished reading the letter just as Twilight decided to teleport them to the clearing. the first thing she noticed was Flash in the crater with the thing that had hit the ground. it was a big smooth metal ball. And if that wasn't strange enough it was colored yellow with multi-colored balloons. She started to go towards it when Pinkie dropped from the sky.
"HHHHIIIIIIIII EVERYPONY!!!!!!! WHATS THAT THING!!!!" she said hopping around.
Twilight fell back when Pinkie was now occupying the place that she was standing in, She was going to tell Pinkie to cut it out but then she noticed something, 
"Hey, Pinkie?" Twilight said getting up from the ground, " Why is your leg stretched out towords the sky?"
Pinkie looked and sure enough her leg was a mile in the sky.
"Oh thats easy Twilight!" She then yanked her hoof hard to the ground, bringing a startled dragoniquis speeding to the ground.
*SMASH*
"Pinkie," said Discord as he dusted himself off from the fall he had taken seconds earlier,"Don't do that you could of hurt yourself. And then I would have to listen to sunbutt give me a lecture about being more safe."
"Sorry," said Pinkie giggling as Celestia and Luna landed next to Discord.
"We came as quickly as we could." said Luna as she landed.
"It hasn't been here long," said Twilight,"But I'm pretty sure that thing didn't get here on accident."
"Why would you say that?" said Octavia.
"Because..." Twilight started to answer, but then the ball started to shake and rumble.
"Watch out is going to blow!" said Flash as everyone rushed to cover.
*BOOM* 
The top popped off and a pony went with it. the pony went high in the air and then began to fall. About a couple seconds before hitting the ground a big bag of foam party favors appeared out of nowhere and stopped the pony's fall. The pony got out and Twilight found out who was in the ball. It was none other than....
"CHEESE!!!!!" said Pinkie as she rocketed herself toward him that would make Rainbow green with envy.
Cheese's face lit up as he took the hug from Pinkie.
"Why are you here Cheese, did you decide to take a day off?"
Cheese nodded his head so hard it looked like it was going to break.
"Yup, oh I also brought a friend with me

Everypony looked at the ball again and saw a yellow unicorn, almost golden, mane same color. His eyes were a dark blue color, almost like the night sky. He wore a red saddlebag and a red cape. He shook his body as he jumped to the ground, and they briefly saw a blue exploding firework cutie mark. And on each leg he had a gold ring with an emerald centered on them. 

"Did you have to shoot us all the way from Detrot, Cheese?" said the mystery pony in a slightly rough but pleasantly deep voice. 

"No," said Cheese, " but it was a lot faster than taking the train." 

The stallion shook his head. 

"Cheese I'll never understand you. So who are these ponies?" 

"Oh sorry," said Cheese as he turned to the mane 6. 

"Everypony this is Solar Flare, he owns and works in a firework workshop outside of Detrot." said the party stallion pointing towards the yellow pony, "And these are my friends, Pinkie Pie , Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Celestia and Luna, you know them from working with them on the gala fireworks." 

Solar nodded, "Nice to meet you all," he looked towards Discord, " So who's this funny looking one?" 

Discord stared at him for a moment, "I am Discord, lord of chaos and somehow personal guard for Luna," Discord replied sitting on a throne that wasn't there before. 

"Oh you're the one that tried to take over Equestria about a year ago," said Solar to the lounging dragonaquis. 

Discord sighed, "Yes, I thought we were over that. Anyway, why did you come here?" 

Cheese then butted in, "He wants to meet Zecora." 

"Who's Zecora?" asked Flash racking his brain to see if he had met her before. 

"She's a zebra mare who lives in the Everfree forest. You haven't met her," said Twilight directing her next question to Cheese, " Why?"

"I heard from Cheese that she was a zebra shaman, she must know a lot of mixtures and how to mix certain things together to make them better. I'm hoping she will teach me so I can make better and brighter fireworks for my business," said Solar, his eyes lighting up. 

“Yes she does,” said Twilight 

“Cool,” said Solar, “So when can I meet her?”

Twilight thought for a second and replied. “I guess now is a perfect time than ever, Flash hasn’t met her either.”

Solar and Flash nodded and followed Twilight as Pinkie hopped to Cheese, “So are you here just to drop off Solar or are you here to visit?”

“Oh, I’m actually here to visit, I didn't get to stay last time and it was a sad time to leave.” said the yellow party pony.

“OOOHHH I can show you the shop now! Come on!” and in a pink and yellow smoke trail they were gone.

Dash stared at the spot at they were and was stammering,”W-What how….What?! I'm done I'm taking a nap see you later guys,” she then flew off and Discord started to go back to the castle, but Celestia grabbed him.

“Where do you think your going?”

“I’m going back to the castle,” said Discord looking at Celestia strangely.

“No,” said Celestia, “WE are going back to the castle, you are off today so you stay here and make friends and I’ll see you tonight for night watch,”

“Fine,” said Discord as he flew over to Fluttershy, “So do you want some help with the animals Flutter?” 

Fluttershy nodded, “Yes the animals have been missing your shows,” she and Discord then walked away as Luna watched somewhat gloomy. 

“Something wrong Lu,” ask Celestia, “You have seemed rather down lately.”

Luna shook her head, “Nothing wrong at all,” she then said good-bye and flew off. 

Celestia looked after her, “It’s strange,” she said to the remaining ponies as Apple Bloom, Granny Smith, and Big Mac left, “She has seemed sad and been with Discord more and more, I wonder… Nah that wouldn't happen in a million years. I’ll see you all at the Grand Galloping Gala.” she then took off as Applejack left to do her farm work.

Octavia and Vinyl looked at each other knowingly.
“You saw it didn't you Vinyl?” ask Octavia. 

Vinyl laughed, “I sure did. Now come on I booked us a night at that restaurant you like so much, and I know how you like to get all pretty for it,” she then whipped her tail at a blushing grey mares face and walked away.

Octavia followed, ‘That mare really is something, but why would she book that place she doesn’t even like their food?”

Vinyl thought over her plans as she walked back to the house she shared with Octavia. 

> Zecora's Curse
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight, followed by Flash and Solar, started walking on the trail on the edge of the Everfree forest. 

Flash shuddered, remembering the rumors and myths he had heard about the animals that lived in the foiliage, hidden. 

Solar was not nervous at all, he had traveled through the forest many times and knew how the animals acted. He could sense if they were near or farther away. That skill took some time to hone and he had the scars to prove it.  

Twilight turned her head to the two stallions, "Before you meet Zecora, I must warn you that she talks in rhyme, so it's sometimes hard to talk to her. 

Solar smiled, " I guess it's a good thing that I'm good at riddles."

"I'm alright, I guess. I can sometimes figure out Discords riddles," Flash said as a small hut became visible. 

Twilight knocked on the door and it was opened by a young zebra. Twilight looked confused.

"Umm. Do you know where Zecora is?" 

The young zebra mare nodded and waved them inside. The inside looked like an museum filled with items that suited Zecoras culture. 

Solar was busy looking around that he didn't realize a different zebra mare until they collided. 

"I'm sorry wasn't looking where I was going," said Solar as he picked himself off the ground. 

He turned to help the pony he hit when he stopped, his eyes widening. 

Another zebra mare had joined them and Solar could see that she was a few years older than the other. She was black and white (duh) and had gold rings around her neck and legs. She also had a cutie mark that resembled the sun, but it was swirled, showing her talent was brewing. She might of not been the first zebra he met, but she was drop-dead gorgeous. 

He helped her up, all while slightly blushing, but everypony took that as embarrassment. 

Twilight walked up to the older mare and hugged her, "Hi Zecora. Who is this friend of yours?" 

"This is my younger sister from my land,she is come to visit with certain plans. " Zecora said with a air of firmness directed to the younger zebra. 

"You must excuse my older sister. She means well but she is overprotective," said the unnamed mare," My name is Lisera, my special talent is magic." 

Twilight looked at the mare, puzzled, "How can you do magic? You don't have a horn that I can see". 

Lisera smiled, "Zebras magic comes from our eyes. They glow when we use magic. Zecora has magic since her talent is potions and brewing. She just is very picky when she uses it."

Twilights eyes widened, "So that's how you knew so much about magic. I was wondering the whole time you were training me against Trixie." 

Zecora nodded, "It is true that have magic, but when I use it during brewing, the result is quite tragic."

"Not to be rude or anything," said Flash to Zecora, "But why do you speak in ryhme while your sister doesn't?"   

Twilight aimed a hoove at the back of Flash's head but Zecoras answer stopped her.  

Zecora sighed, "The story of why I speak in ryhme is the worst, it was done to me by an ancient curse." 
--------------------------------------------------------------
Zebrican Country 10 years in past

The small village was quiet, all that could be heard is the Everfree Forest surrounding it. 

The village was made up of many huts. It had fires crackling surrounded by zebra stallions talking quietly. 

A young zebra mare in a cloak was going around the outside of the village, hoping to not be seen by the village guard. When she made it to the edge of the forest she ran the rest of the way to not be seen. 

Zecora decided after a while to stop and catch her breath. She sat down and took a drink of water from her saddle bag. She looked around and saw that she was going the right way. 

She was only about 11 years of age, she had already gotten her cutie mark that said she was supposed to be the next shaman in the village. but that had changed when another filly in the village had gotten a shaman cutie mark. The village decided that the spirits knew what would happen and that they would sort it out. 

Zecora was determined to be the next shaman so she decided when the opportunity showed up she would take it to prove to others she was the rightful mare to take the role. 

The opportunity came soon as the tribe leader’s wife became sick, they had tried everything to make her better but nothing worked. Everypony knew of a cure, but were scared to get it. 

A couple miles out of the village there sat an old house where an evil sorceress lived. She was said to have a plant that she created that could heal any ailment and illness. But the price was more than anyone would choose. It was directed to their worst nightmare. 

Zecora was determined to steal some of the plant and plant it in the village to prove that she was a worthy mare. 

Zecora turned a corner and saw the house. She ducked and moved slowly towards the back, where it was known to have the sorceress’s garden. When Zecora got their she saw a variety of weird plants but saw one that looked like the plant described by the townsfolk. It was a purple flower that glowed gold and had blue spots. Zecora went closer to the plant mesmerized by its beauty. 

She started to put her hoove towards it when she heard a great bang. 

“WHO DARES STEAL FROM THE GREAT SORCERESS?!?!?"

Zecora froze and backed into a plant that grabbed her hooves and held her tight as she struggled. She stopped struggling when she heard hooves walking across the hard uneven ground. 

"So we have a thief trying to steal my precious herbs," said a scratchy female voice,"so tell me thief, why?" 

A mare was now visible and she was a zebra as well but with changes. She had a long scar on the side and she wore a robe of emerald cloth that glittered when she moved. 

Zecora was so scared at first she didn't say anything. The witch got impatient and slammed her hoove down creating sparks. Zecora quickly told of her village chiefs wife and how she was trying to help and she was only going to take enough to prove her worth to the village. 

The witch listened quietly and intently at Zecoras story. When Zecora was done the witch nodded and waved her hoove at the plants, causing them to retreat. 

"I see no lies here. Your intentions were pure but your way of getting ingredients was not. Yes. I will give you the ingredient you desire but a curse will plague you till you complete a task."

Zecora nodded, "Thank you, but what of the curse?"

"Once you return to your village, you must brew your potion and save the mare. When that is done you must leave your village and when you leave you will be forced to talk in rhyme."

Zecora was horrified, leaving the village? Being forced not to talk normally? There must be some way to break this. 

"Is there a way to break the curse?" Zecora asked the sorceress. 

"Yes, but it includes your greatest fear," Zecoras eyes widened, she knew what that was. 

"Please don't take that away, it's what I have dreamed of."

"I won't take it away, it will only happen when you meet them and try to talk normally. When you do, then you'll know what to do."

"Thank you," said Zecora, "you are wise and you have your reasons."

"Now make your leave and don't return unless you come to me friendly and ask for herbs instead of taking them," said the sorceress as she disappeared. 

Zecora looked around and saw no sign of the witch except a small basket that had the ingredients she desired. 

She ran back to her village and made the brew. She saved the chief's wife and proved herself. But she had a promise to fulfill. She left her village, never to return unless the curse was broken. 

She traveled many weeks to find her new home. At one point she found a tree. It was old and hollowed out, but she knew a spell to make it healthy and strong. She cast her spell as her eyes glowed and the tree mended and corrected itself.

When she was done, Zecora left a space for her door and went inside. It was a new start for her. She knew of a town named Ponyville not far from her new home. She would go there tomorrow. She laid down on a simple mat of grass and slept. 
------------------------------
"You know how the rest goes, the town would flee every time I tried to get a stove," said Zecora with a small bit of sarcasm. 

"Well we are glad to be your friends now," said Twilight, " I'm sorry but we must be going. The day has gone so fast and it's already dinner time. Would you like to join us Zecora?"

Zecora shook her head, "No I have matters to deal with here, just make sure he is back when the sun is clear." 

"Ok, let's go guys," Twilight said to the stallions.  

They got up and Lisera showed them out, "Have a good day," she said to Twilight. She then looked back to Flash and said, "You can come back any time you want".

Flash blushed and Twilight's eyes shone wth anger, Lisera saw this and sighed. 

"Ah, he is spoken for. My luck, well have a good day to you all".  

Solar just looked at the two as they walked backed to Ponyville. 

"What just happened? Did she say I could train with her and what was Lisera talking about?"

"Uhhh she did say that you could work with her after the rain storms stop tomorrow, and I don't know what Lisera meant" said Twilight, " let's get to town before the rain starts". 
----------------------------------

Zecora excused herself for the night and thought about the stallion she saw. She would have to teach him many things, but that wasn't the case going through her head. 

She was actually thinking about him. He could be the one to break her curse. He could be the one she dreamed of. She swore she would never try again but the temptation was to strong. 

She took a deep breath and tried to speak,"I am looking for someone I love, and I need to break the curse".

Zecoras eyes shot open and teared up. He was the one. 
> Chapter 7: Soarin's Day Off Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

When Flash, Twilight, and Solar came out of the Everfree, Flash looked at the clock tower on City Hall  and saw that it was already 11:00 AM.

“Oh shoot,” said Flash panicking a bit, “Hey Twilight, where is the train station again?”

Twilight pointed to her left, “About a quarter of a mile that way. Why?”

Flash started to trot quickly in that direction, “Its almost time for Soarin's train to come in”.

“Do you want me to come with you,” asked Solar, “or should I go find Cheese and see if the local inn has any vacancies?”

“Yeah, you should do that,” said Twilight, “The inn is over there, next to Bon-Bon's candy store, and you'll find Cheese with Pinkie at Sugarcube Corner. You'll pass it on your way to the inn. We will meet you there.”

“Thanks,” said Solar, “I'll see you guys later”. He then walked away to the direction Twilight told him.

When Twilight and Flash had gotten to the train station, the train had just stopped and ponies were getting of. Flash looked around and saw a dark blue mane walking in his direction. Soarin saw Flash and ran up to Flash with a relived expression on his face.

“Your finally home!” said Soarin ecstatically, “I thought you where dead, I'm glad that's not the case. So what are you doing here in Ponyville, I thought you would come back to Cloudsdale. Is there a mare that is keeping you here?” Soarin said the last part with his eyebrows wagging, making Flash blush.

“N...No! Princess Cadence said that this would be a good place to relax. Nothing more,” said Flash   stuttering and looking a rock with a new interest. 

Soarin laughed at Flash's expense,”It's alright bro, I know there is a couple nice mares around here. Oh, hey Princess Twilight, I didn't see you there,” said Soarin bowing.

“Just call be Twilight please,” said Twilight gesturing to Soarin to get up,”You only have to do that when your on duty”.

“Well then hello Twilight,” said Soarin with a chuckle, “So Flash where are we going first, I've already got a room set up for the inn so I have the whole day off. I don't have to leave until tomorrow evening to be on time for duty”.

Twilight started walking while Flash and his brother followed.

“We are going to a sweets shop run by Twilight's friend Pinkie Pie, you remember her from the gala experience,” said Flash 

“I remember her,” said Soarin laughing, “She was the one that made the gala even bearable, I swear me and Spitfire were about to die of boredom if nothing was going to happen.”

“Wait,” said Twilight pointing at Flash, “You were at the gala? I don't remember you there.”

“You wouldn't remember me,” Flash replied, “I was part of the security, I wasn't invited. And thank Celestia I wasn't. Sounded like a train-wreck from the outside.”

Twilight blushed, “Well we all make mistakes right?”

Soarin laughed, “Yeah, but usually those mistakes don't involve crazed animals, pop music, cake flying everywhere, and a crying prince.”

“Blueblood was crying?” asked Twilight incredulously.

Soarin nodded, “Oh yeah, he was mad he got cake on his silk suit or some weird thing.”

The group got to the sweets shop. When they entered they saw that Flare and Solar were with the group. Soarin waved to Flare and gave her a hug. 

“Wow Flare I haven't seen you in nearly year, where did you go after you finished your training?” asked Soarin.

“I decided I wanted to go to the Crystal Empire,” said Flare sitting, “I wanted to see the sights and I wanted to see where my family line started before they moved to Equestria before Sombra went bat-crazy. I was also asked to go there by the Princess Cadance because I was top of my regiment during training.”

Flash laughed, “Hey, I was right behind you. Well I was before we split because of the specialized training.”

“Specialized training,” asked Solar.

“Yes,” said Flash, “You see Flare being a unicorn, was part of the unicorn section of the guard. Me being a pegasus and having high endurance with heavy loads was sent to Security and Messaging. The reason I was in the avalanche, I stopped when delivering an update to the empire. Soarin here, became part of the select few to be a choice for the new Wonderbolt open positions.”

Rainbow perked up, “You mean there was a opening on the Wonderbolt's and I missed it? Come on!!!”

Soarin smiled, “It was before you signed up for the Wonderbolt Academy. About two years.”

“How do you know when I applied to the Wonderbolt's Academy?” asked Rainbow.

“Who do you think signed his name to let you into the academy in the first place?” said Soarin winking at Rainbow.

Rainbow starred at Soarin for a few seconds before slamming into him.

“THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!!!!!!!”

“Your welcome,” said Soarin with a wince, “now can you remove your knee from my gut?”
Rainbow blushed and backed away with the speed of a scared cat.

“It's fine,” said Soarin with a small chuckle, “I had almost the same reaction when Spitfire let me in.”

Rainbow giggled as Flash asked Solar if he was all set up at the inn. 

“No unfortunately,” said Solar sighing into his dessert, “Apparently the last vacancy was taken yesterday.”

“Yeah that was probably me,” said Soarin, “If you want to, you can have it. I can sleep in a cloud or something.”

Solar shook his head, “I can't take something from you, I'll just have to find somewhere else to sleep.”

Dash listening in to the discussion spoke up, “If you need a place to stay Soarin, I have an extra bedroom connected to my house. I'll just have to grab some clouds to repair the room.”

Soarin smiled, “That's a great idea. I can stay with Rainbow and you get to have the room, heck you even get a free day out of it.”

“As long as you got a place to stay I'm ok with it, I'm not one to say no to a free room.” said Solar as he shifted his cape on his back.

Flash noticed this and asked why he wore it. 

Solar smiled softly and took it off, making the room gasp. '

All along his back were scars and stitches of old injuries. 

“I work all over Equestria,” said Solar, “Sometimes I have to go through the Everfree or the dragon lands to get to a place on time. These are from a day in the Everfree about four or five years ago when I was just starting to travel with my talent.”

“What animal did that,” asked Twilight studying his back, “They are too big to be a manicore..”

Solar nodded, “It wasn't done by a manicore, It was actually a group of timber wolves.”

“How did you get them to go away?” asked Flare. 

“I didn't. A mare came to my help and nursed my wounds till we made it to the next town, “ said Solar shrugging. 

“Do you know the name of the mare that helped you?” asked Twilight curiously. 

“Yeah, she was a blue unicorn named Trixie,” said Solar chuckling, “Or should I Say the Great And Powerful Trixie.”

“How is she doing,” asked Twilight worried.

“She's fine, She's still doing shows, though she did say she wanted to come back here to Ponyville to apologize for something,” Solar looked to Twilight for an explanation. 

Twilight's ears went down, “She kinda enslaved the town and then threw me out and put a glass barrier around the city when I  failed to beat her In a magic duel.”

“How did she beat you?” asked Solar, “I know she's powerful but not enough to beat you in magic.”

“She was using the alicorn amulet. It amplified her magic, but it started to corrupt her. We had to trick her to take it off and she ran off before we could do anything,” said Twilight. 

Flash nodded, “Yeah I knew she couldn't beat you. I've seen you use magic. Amazing stuff.”

Twilight's face flushed while she tried to do a remarkably good impression of Fluttershy. 

“Thank's,” she said softly.

“Your welcome,” said Flash also blushing slightly.

“Smooth,” said Soarin leaning towards his brother. 

Flash sent a glare his way as Flare tried to not giggle like a madmare. 

“Anyway what do you want to do while your here?” asked Flash to Soarin's smug smile.

“What about we have a race for old times sake?” said Soarin with a competitive grin, “I wanna see if I can still beat your flank”.

“Your so on,” said Flash as they rushed out the door to find the perfect starting point for their race. 

Twilight stood up and sighed, “Stallions”.

Flare nodded, “Yup”.

“Hey, whats that supposed to mean?” asked a confused Solar as he followed the mares out of the confectionery cottage.